bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When time drives search effort: the effect of assortment variety on visual attention to SKU pricing
Authors: Junior Ladeira Wagner , Nardi Vinicius , Dalmoro Marlon , de Oliveira Santini Fernando , Jardim William Carvalho , Choudhury Debdutta
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Understanding the effect of assortment composition on attentional levels is an essential topic for academic researchers and practitioners. This work has important implications when analyzing the influence of shopping frame time and search effort on the relationship between the reaction to assortment composition and visual attention to stock-keeping units (SKUs) pricing.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experimental studies through gauze behavior analysis technology (using eye-tracking equipment) analyze the variable's large assortment, visual attention to SKU pricing, search effort and shopping frame time.

Findings

The results suggest that, although it increases the search effort, a large assortment decreases the visual attention to SKU pricing. Further, our results indicate a moderating effect associated with mitigating the negative effect by medium-low levels of search effort and a moderating impact of time in this relation.

Practical implications

Marketing professionals can carefully optimize the in-store experience by managing the assortment and variety and by influencing consumers' visual attention to SKU pricing along the journey as part of the experience. Assortment and SKU pricing strategies need to be aligned with consumer journey design.

Originality/value

Our findings contribute to assortment theory and management by detailing the relationship between consumers' reactions to assortment perception and visual attention to SKU pricing in time flow. We reinforce the importance of considering assortment strategies from the consumer perspective and giving reliable information about in-store behavior.
Harnessing the potential of translanguaging in Tanzanian secondary education
Authors: Fussy Daniel Sidney , Iddy Hassan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore motives behind teachers' and students' use of translanguaging and how they use it in Tanzanian public secondary school classrooms.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using interviews and non-participant observations.

Findings

The findings indicate that translanguaging was used to facilitate content comprehension, promote classroom interaction and increase students' motivation to learn. Translanguaging was implemented using three strategies: paraphrasing an English text into Kiswahili, translating an English text into its Kiswahili equivalent and word-level translanguaging.

Practical implications

By highlighting the motivations for translanguaging and corresponding strategies associated with translanguaging pedagogy in the Tanzanian context, this study has significant practical implications for teachers and students to showcase their linguistic and multimodal knowledge, while fostering a safe learning space that relates to students' daily experiences.

Originality/value

The study offers new insights into previous research on the role of language-supportive pedagogy appropriate for teachers and students working within bi-/multilingual education settings.
Study on the pattern of train arrival headway time in high-speed railway
Authors: Tian Changhai , Zhang Shoushuai
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The design goal for the tracking interval of high-speed railway trains in China is 3 min, but it is difficult to achieve, and it is widely believed that it is mainly limited by the tracking interval of train arrivals. If the train arrival tracking interval can be compressed, it will be beneficial for China's high-speed railway to achieve a 3-min train tracking interval. The goal of this article is to study how to compress the train arrival tracking interval.

Design/methodology/approach

By simulating the process of dense train groups arriving at the station and stopping, the headway between train arrivals at the station was calculated, and the pattern of train arrival headway was obtained, changing the traditional understanding that the train arrival headway is considered the main factor limiting the headway of trains.

Findings

When the running speed of trains is high, the headway between trains is short, the length of the station approach throat area is considerable and frequent train arrivals at the station, the arrival headway for the first group or several groups of trains will exceed the headway, but the subsequent sets of trains will have a headway equal to the arrival headway. This convergence characteristic is obtained by appropriately increasing the running time.

Originality/value

According to this pattern, there is no need to overly emphasize the impact of train arrival headway on the headway. This plays an important role in compressing train headway and improving high-speed railway capacity.
Bridging the policy-practice gap: a dual challenge of organizational learning
Authors: Martin Jason , Ellström Per-Erik , Wallo Andreas , Elg Mattias
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to further our understanding of policy–practice gaps in organizations from an organizational learning perspective. The authors conceptualize and analyze policy–practice gaps in terms of what they label the dual challenge of organizational learning, i.e. the organizational tasks of both adapting ongoing practices to prescribed policy demands and adapting the policy itself to the needs of practice. Specifically, the authors address how this dual challenge can be understood in terms of organizational learning and how an organization can be managed to successfully resolve the dual learning challenge and, thereby, bridge policy–practice gaps in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on existing literature to explore the gap between policy and practice. Through a synthesis of theories and an illustrative practical example, this paper highlights key conceptual underpinnings.

Findings

In the analysis of the dual challenge of organizational learning, this study provides a conceptual framework that emphasizes the important role of tensions and contradictions between policy and practice and their role as drivers of organizational learning. To bridge policy–practice gaps in organizations, this paper proposes five key principles that aim to resolve the dual challenge and accommodate both deployment and discovery in organizations.

Research limitations/implications

Because this is a conceptual study, empirical research is called for to explore further and test the findings and conclusions of the study. Several avenues of possible future research are proposed.

Originality/value

This paper primarily contributes by introducing and elaborating on a conceptual framework that offers novel perspectives on the dual challenges of facilitating both discovery and deployment processes within organizations.
Will return‐to‐office mandates prevent proximity bias for employees working from home?
Authors: Williamson Sue , Jogulu Uma , Lundy Judy , Taylor Helen
Published: April 2024

This Practice and Policy article examines return‐to‐office mandates, the latest human resource controversy. These mandates are an organisational directive for employees who have been working from home to return to working in their employer's premise. Drawing on the literature and our research on working from home and hybrid working, we consider whether mandates may prevent proximity bias. We conclude that mandates requiring employees to return to the office or caps which limit working from home are not only unnecessary, but may have negative consequences. In particular, mandates may cause employee resentment, while caps limit flexibility and autonomy. We therefore do not advocate the use of these mechanisms, and recommend that managers and teams negotiate the appropriate balance of home and office working arrangements.

Points for practitioners

Mechanisms which force employees into the office can be seen as an easy and effective way to mitigate proximity bias. However, they can lead to employee resentment.

Similarly, capping the number of days employees can work from home can also result in negative consequences, including reduced flexibility and employee autonomy.

Enabling managers and teams to collaboratively determine their own in office/working from home arrangements will maintain flexibility and prevent employee resentment.

Preventing proximity bias can be achieved through increasing awareness about this emerging form of bias; harnessing communication technologies to moderate visibility regardless of where work is performed; and ensuring performance management systems are based on quantifiable and objective metrics.
Application of surface‐modified functional packaging in food storage: A comprehensive review
Authors: Liu Zhuolin , Zhang Mengmeng , Hao Yi , Hu Wenqing , Zhu Weizhong , Wang He , Li Li
Published: April 2024

Innovations in food packaging systems could meet the evolving needs of the market; emerging concepts of non‐migrating technologies reduce the negative migration of preservatives from packaging materials, extend shelf life, and improve food quality and safety. Non‐migratory packaging activates the surface of inert materials through pretreatment to generate different active groups. The preservative is covalently grafted with the resin of the pretreated packaging substrate through the graft polymerization of the monomer and the coupling reaction of the polymer chain. The covalent link not only provides the required surface properties of the material for a long time but also retains the inherent properties of the polymer. This technique is applied to the processing for durable, stable, and easily controllable packaging widely. This article reviews the principles of various techniques for packaging materials, surface graft modification, and performance characterization of materials after grafting modification. Potential applications in the food industry and future research trends are also discussed.
Circulating SMRP and CA‐125 before and after pleurectomy decortication for pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Paajanen Juuso , Sadek Ahmed , Richards William G. , Xie Yue , Mazzola Emanuele , Sidopoulos Kristina , Kuckelman John , Gill Ritu R. , Bueno Raphael
Published: April 2024

Background

Tumor recurrence remains the main barrier to survival after surgery for pleural mesothelioma (PM). Soluble mesothelin‐related protein (SMRP) and cancer antigen 125 (CA‐125) are established blood‐based biomarkers for monitoring PM. We prospectively studied the utility of these biomarkers after pleurectomy decortication (PD).

Methods

Patients who underwent PD and achieved complete macroscopic resection with available preoperative SMRP levels were included. Tumor marker levels were determined within 60 days of three timepoints: (1) preoperation, (2) post‐operation, and (3) recurrence.

Results

Of 356 evaluable patients, 276 (78%) had recurrence by the end of follow‐up interval. Elevated preoperative SMRP levels were associated with epithelioid histology (p < 0.013), advanced TNM (p < 0.001) stage, and clinical stage (p < 0.001). Preoperative CA‐125 levels were not significantly associated with clinical covariates. Neither biomarker was associated with survival or disease‐free survival. With respect to nonpleural and nonlymphatic recurrences, mean SMRP levels were elevated in patients with pleural (p = 0.021) and lymph node (p = 0.042) recurrences. CA‐125 levels were significantly higher in patients with abdominal (p < 0.001) and lymph node (p = 0.004) recurrences. Among patients with all three timepoints available, we observed an average decrease in SMRP levels by 1.93 nmol/L (p < 0.001) postoperatively and again an average increase at recurrence by 0.79 nmol/L (p < 0.001). There were no significant changes in levels of CA‐125 across the study timepoints (p = 0.47).

Conclusions

Longitudinal changes in SMRP levels corresponded with a radiographic presence of disease in a subset of patients. SMRP surveillance could aid in detection of local recurrences, whereas CA‐125 could be helpful in recognizing abdominal recurrences.
Risks of serious adverse events with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in gastrointestinal surgery: A systematic review with meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Bukhari Shaheer , Leth Morten F. , Laursen Christina C. W. , Larsen Mia E. , Tornøe Anders S. , Eriksen Vibeke R. , Hovmand Alfred E. K. , Jakobsen Janus C. , Maagaard Mathias , Mathiesen Ole
Published: April 2024

Background

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly recommended for perioperative opioid‐sparing multimodal analgesic treatments. Concerns regarding the potential for serious adverse events (SAEs) associated with perioperative NSAID treatment are especially relevant following gastrointestinal surgery. We assessed the risks of SAEs with perioperative NSAID treatment in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of randomised clinical trials assessing the harmful effects of NSAIDs versus placebo, usual care or no intervention in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. The primary outcome was an incidence of SAEs. We systematically searched for eligible trials in five major databases up to January 2024. We performed risk of bias assessments to account for systematic errors, trial sequential analysis (TSA) to account for the risks of random errors, performed meta‐analyses using R and used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework to describe the certainty of evidence.

Results

We included 22 trials enrolling 1622 patients for our primary analyses. Most trials were at high risk of bias. Meta‐analyses (risk ratio 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51–1.19; I2 = 4%; p = .24; very low certainty of evidence) and TSA indicated a lack of information on the effects of NSAIDs compared to placebo on the risks of SAEs. Post‐hoc beta‐binomial regression sensitivity analyses including trials with zero events showed a reduction in SAEs with NSAIDs versus placebo (odds ratio 0.73; CI 0.54–0.99; p = .042).

Conclusion

In adult patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, there was insufficient information to draw firm conclusions on the effects of NSAIDs on SAEs. The certainty of the evidence was very low.
Should contingency management protocols and dissemination practices be modified to accommodate rising stimulant use and harm reduction frameworks?
Authors: Khazanov Gabriela Kattan , McKay James R. , Rawson Richard
Published: April 2024

Background

Stimulant‐related overdoses have increased dramatically, with almost 50% of overdoses in the United States now involving stimulants. Additionally, harm‐reduction approaches are increasingly seen as key to reducing the negative impact of substance use. Contingency management (CM), the provision of financial incentives for abstinence, is the most effective treatment for stimulant use disorder, but historically has not been widely implemented. Many recent, large‐scale implementation efforts have relied upon foundational CM protocols that may not sufficiently account for recent increases in the prevalence and lethality of stimulant use nor the growing preference for harm reduction versus abstinence‐only frameworks.

Argument

We argue the need to (1) consider whether and how CM protocols might be modified to address rising stimulant use and harm reduction frameworks and (2) make CM widely accessible so that it can reduce population‐level stimulant use while ensuring that it is delivered with fidelity to its basic principles. Proposed changes include changing CM reinforcement schedules to emphasize treatment engagement and reductions in use in addition to abstinence, changing guidelines on the duration of and re‐engagement in CM, investing in research on virtual CM, incentivizing providers and health systems to deliver CM, making it easier to purchase and use point‐of‐care drug screens, using direct‐to‐consumer marketing to increase demand for CM and adapting CM to the community in which it is being implemented.

Conclusions

Our proposed modifications to contingency management (CM) protocols and accessibility may more effectively address rising stimulant use and align CM more closely with harm‐reduction frameworks. Given the urgent need to reduce overdose deaths, developing and testing modified CM protocols may need to rely upon methods other than randomized controlled trials. Efforts to disseminate CM widely to reduce population‐level stimulant use must be balanced with the need to maintain fidelity to CM’s basic principles.
Management of advanced prostate cancer in the Asia‐Pacific region: Summary of the Asia‐Pacific Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference 2023
Authors: Chiong Edmund , Murphy Declan G. , Buchan Nicholas , Chen Kenneth , Chen Sarah S. , Chua Melvin L. K. , Hamid Agus Rizal , Kanesvaran Ravindran , Khochikar Makarand , Letran Jason , Lojanapiwat Bannakij , Mallik Indranil , Ng Chee Fai , Ong Teng Aik , Poon Darren M. C. , Pu Yeong‐Shiau , Saad Marniza , Schubach Kathryn , Takahara Kiyoshi , Tey Jeremy , Thang Sue‐Ping , Toh Poh Choo , Türkeri Levent , Vinh Nguyễn Tuấn , Williams Scott , Ye Dingwei ,   ANZUP Cancer Trials Group, Davis Ian D.
Published: April 2024

Aim

The aim of the third Asia‐Pacific Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference (APAC APCCC 2023) was to discuss the application in the Asia‐Pacific (APAC) region of consensus statements from the 4th Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference (APCCC 2022).

Methods

The one‐day meeting in July 2023 brought together 27 experts from 14 APAC countries. The meeting covered five topics: (1) Intermediate‐ and high‐risk and locally advanced prostate cancer; (2) Management of newly diagnosed metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer; (3) Management of non‐metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer; (4) Homologous recombination repair mutation testing; (5) Management of metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer. Pre‐ and post‐symposium polling gathered APAC‐specific responses to APCCC consensus questions and insights on current practices and challenges in the APAC region.

Results

APAC APCCC highlights APAC‐specific considerations in an evolving landscape of diagnostic technologies and treatment innovations for advanced prostate cancer. While new technologies are available in the region, cost and reimbursement continue to influence practice significantly. Individual patient considerations, including the impact of chemophobia on Asian patients, also influence decision‐making.

Conclusion

The use of next‐generation imaging, genetic testing, and new treatment combinations is increasing the complexity and duration of prostate cancer management. Familiarity with new diagnostic and treatment options is growing in the APAC region. Insights highlight the continued importance of a multidisciplinary approach that includes nuclear medicine, genetic counseling, and quality‐of‐life expertise. The APAC APCCC meeting provides an important opportunity to share practice and identify APAC‐specific issues and considerations in areas of low evidence where clinical experience is growing.
eviQ Cancer Treatments Online: Providing evidence‐based information to improve cancer patient outcomes
Authors: Shingleton Julia V. , Stapleton Brooke W. , Kelly Aisling P. , Ward Robyn L. , Lean Cynthia L. , Rushton Shelley A. , O'Brien Tracey A.
Published: April 2024

Aim

To understand the current usage of eviQ Cancer Treatments Online (www.eviQ.org.au), an Australian, open‐access website providing evidence‐based and consensus‐driven cancer treatment protocols and information, and the extent to which it is meeting its intended outcomes and providing value to its users.

Methods

A mixed‐method evaluation was conducted in 2020−2022 which included a review of key program documentation and website usage data, and delivery of a focused online survey to its users.

Results

In 2022, 329 clinicians representing all Australian states and territories contributed to eviQ content development and review. eviQ content continues to grow with a 15.2% increase in total content from 2019 to 2022.

 eviQ website users continue to grow with 90,000 total monthly users in 2022, representing a 166% increase from 2018. The proportion of international users compared to Australian users continues to grow with 57% of total users in Australia and 43% international in 2022.

Of 466 survey responses, the most cited reason for eviQ use was for information on side effects/toxicity (67%). Ninety‐three percent (93%) of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that eviQ contributed to both health professionals providing the best evidence‐based treatment and care and improving the standardization of treatment and care provided.

Conclusion

 eviQ is embedded in Australian clinical practice, highly valued, and relied upon by users. Users agree that eviQ has a positive impact on patients by supporting the delivery of evidence‐based treatment and that eviQ contributed to patients’ improved health outcomes and quality of life. eviQ's increasing international usage should be explored.
The Voice of Risk: Wall Street CEOs' Voice Pitch and the 2008 Financial Crisis*
Authors: Kim Andy , Kang Min Jung , Cao Sijia , Park Soohyun
Published: April 2024

The pitch of a male voice is an honest signal of his threat potential coming from testosterone. Recognizing endogenous matches between firms and CEOs, we propose to use voice pitch of the CEO as a proxy for the unobservable risk‐taking strategy of the firm. Using digitally analyzed male CEO voice pitch in 167 CNBC interviews during the 2008 global financial crisis, we find that deep‐voiced Wall Street CEOs (i) managed riskier firms, (ii) received more equity‐based compensation before the crisis and (iii) were more likely to be fired after the crisis, controlling for economic incentives, overconfidence, and narcissism.
Implication of viruses in the etiology of preeclampsia
Authors: Motomura Kenichiro , Morita Hideaki , Naruse Katsuhiko , Saito Hirohisa , Matsumoto Kenji
Published: April 2024

Preeclampsia is one of the most common disorders that poses threat to both mothers and neonates and a major contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Viral infection during pregnancy is not typically considered to cause preeclampsia; however, syndromic nature of preeclampsia etiology and the immunomodulatory effects of viral infections suggest that microbes could trigger a subset of preeclampsia. Notably, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. Herein, we review the potential role of viral infections in this great obstetrical syndrome. According to in vitro and in vivo experimental studies, viral infections can cause preeclampsia by introducing poor placentation, syncytiotrophoblast stress, and/or maternal systemic inflammation, which are all known to play a critical role in the development of preeclampsia. Moreover, clinical and experimental investigations have suggested a link between several viruses and the onset of preeclampsia via multiple pathways. However, the results of experimental and clinical research are not always consistent. Therefore, future studies should investigate the causal link between viral infections and preeclampsia to elucidate the mechanism behind this relationship and the etiology of preeclampsia itself.
Decentralised clinical trials in rural Australia: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Walsh Sandra , Dettwiller Pascale , Puah Lee , Beks Hannah , Versace Vincent , Jones Martin
Published: April 2024

Aims

To present opportunities and a model to redress the under‐representation of rural communities and people in Australian clinical trials.

Context

Clinical trials are essential for building and understanding the health evidence base. The lack of representation of rural people in clinical trials is evident in other countries. Examining the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ANZCTR) suggests this is also the case in Australia.

Approach

We propose an approach that empowers rurally based academics and clinicians to co‐design clinical trials and increase rural Australians' participation in clinical trials to address this inequality of access. A case study of a decentralised, co‐designed clinical trial is presented to support this approach.

Conclusion

Decentralising clinical trials could improve access to clinical trials, strengthen the social capital of rural communities and help address the health inequalities that exist between rural and metropolitan communities.
Regional practice variation in hysterectomy and the implementation of less invasive surgical procedures: A register‐based study in the Netherlands
Authors: Vink Maarten D. H. , Portrait France R. M. , Hehenkamp Wouter J. K. , van Wezep Tim , Koolman Xander , Bongers Marlies Y. , van der Hijden Eric J. E.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Many women experience bleeding disorders that may have an anatomical or unexplained origin. Although hysterectomy is the most definitive and common treatment, it is highly invasive and resource‐intensive. Less invasive therapies are therefore advised before hysterectomy for women with fibroids or bleeding disorders. This study has two aims related to treating bleeding disorders and uterine fibroids in the Netherlands: (1) to evaluate the regional variations in prevalence and surgical approaches; and (2) to assess the associations between regional rates of hysterectomies and less invasive surgical techniques to analyze whether hysterectomy can be replaced in routine practice.

Material and methods

We completed a register‐based study of claims data for bleeding disorders and fibroids in women between 2016 and 2020 using data from Statistics Netherlands for case‐mix adjustment. Crude and case‐mix adjusted regional hysterectomy rates were examined overall and by surgical approach. Coefficients of variation were used to measure regional variation and regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between hysterectomy and less invasive procedure rates across regions.

Results

Overall, 14 186 and 8821 hysterectomies were performed for bleeding disorders and fibroids, respectively. Laparoscopic approaches predominated (bleeding disorders 65%, fibroids 49%), followed by vaginal (bleeding disorders 24%, fibroids 5%) and abdominal (bleeding disorders 11%, fibroids 46%) approaches. Substantial regional differences were noted in both hysterectomy rates and the surgical approaches. For bleeding disorders, regional hysterectomy rates were positively associated with endometrial ablation rates (β = 0.11; P = 0.21) and therapeutic hysteroscopy rates (β = 0.14; P = 0.31). For fibroids, regional hysterectomy rates were positively associated with therapeutic hysteroscopy rates (β = 0.10; P = 0.34) and negatively associated with both embolization rates (β = −0.08; P = 0.08) and myomectomy rates (β = −0.03; P = 0.82).

Conclusions

Regional variation exists in the rates of hysterectomy and minimally invasive techniques. The absence of a significant substitution effect provides no clear evidence that minimally invasive techniques have replaced hysterectomy in clinical practice. However, although the result was not significant, embolization could be an exception based on its stronger negative association.
Prospective evaluation of patients with non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension: A single centre study
Authors: Mironova Maria , Gopalakrishna Harish , Viana Rodriguez Gracia Maria , Abdul Majeed Nehna , Hitawala Asif A. , Fuss Ivan J. , Bergerson Jenna R. E. , Faust Alison J. , Laurin Jacqueline M. , Norman‐Wheeler Jaha , Scott Shani , Hercun Julian , Redd Bernadette , Kleiner David E. , Koh Christopher , Heller Theo
Published: April 2024

Background

Non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is a spectrum of liver diseases, including porto‐sinusoidal vascular disorder, with portal hypertension (PH) in the absence of cirrhosis. The natural history and diagnostic approach to NCPH are not well understood.

Aim

We aimed to evaluate disease progression and outcomes in NCPH.

Methods

Patients with or at risk for NCPH were enrolled in a single centre prospective study; two groups were formed based on the presence of specific features of PH, such as varices, collaterals, portal hypertensive gastropathy or portal hypertensive bleeding. All participants underwent a baseline liver biopsy. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM), and imaging were repeated every 6–12 months.

Results

Fifteen patients without specific features of PH (Group I), and 35 patients with specific features (Group II) were enrolled. The median follow‐up time was 50 months. Group II had higher hepatic venous pressure gradients, non‐invasive measures of PH and a lower platelet count (PLT) when compared to Group I. Rates of survival and decompensation were similar in both groups. Patients with PLT ≤100 K/mcL had lower survival compared to those with PLT >100 K/mcL. Patients with LSM ≥10 kPa had lower survival and survival without decompensation when compared to patients with LSM <10 kPa.

Conclusions

Patients irrespective of specific features of PH had similar survival or survival without decompensation. Patients without specific features are at risk for disease progression and should be monitored closely. Thrombocytopenia and increased LSM are associated with severe forms of liver disease, which are strongly associated with outcomes.
Adjuvant intravesical therapy in intermediate‐risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Laukhtina Ekaterina , Gontero Paolo , Babjuk Marko , Moschini Marco , Teoh Jeremy Yuen‐Chun , Rouprêt Morgan , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Chlosta Piotr , Nyirády Péter , Abufaraj Mohammad , Soria Francesco , Klemm Jakob , Bekku Kensuke , Matsukawa Akihiro , Shariat Shahrokh F.
Published: April 2024

Objective

To evaluate the impact of adjuvant therapy on oncological outcomes in patients with intermediate‐risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), as due to the poorly‐defined and overlapping diagnostic criteria optimal decision‐making remains challenging in these patients.

Patients and Methods

In this multicentre study, patients treated with transurethral resection of bladder tumour for Ta disease were retrospectively analysed. All patients with low‐ or high‐risk NMIBC were excluded from the analysis. Associations between adjuvant therapy administration with recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) rates were assessed in Cox regression models.

Results

A total of 2206 patients with intermediate‐risk NMIBC were included in the analysis. Among them, 1427 patients underwent adjuvant therapy, such as bacille Calmette–Guérin (n = 168), or chemotherapeutic agents, such as mitomycin C or epirubicin (n = 1259), in different regimens up to 1 year. The median (interquartile range) follow‐up was 73.3 (38.4–106.9) months. The RFS at 1 and 5 years in patients treated with adjuvant therapy and those without were 72.6% vs 69.5% and 50.8% vs 41.3%, respectively. Adjuvant therapy was associated with better RFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70–0.89, P < 0.001), but not with PFS (P = 0.09). In the subgroup of patients aged ≤70 years with primary, single Ta Grade 2 <3 cm tumours (n = 328), adjuvant therapy was not associated with RFS (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.50–1.02, P = 0.06). While in the subgroup of patients with at least one risk factor including patient age >70 years, tumour multiplicity, recurrent tumour and tumour size ≥3 cm (n = 1878), adjuvant intravesical therapy was associated with improved RFS (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.68–0.88, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In our study, patients with intermediate‐risk NMIBC benefit from adjuvant intravesical therapy in terms of RFS. However, in patients without risk factors, adjuvant intravesical therapy did not result in a clear reduction in the recurrence rate.
Environmental changes on the northern Taymyr Peninsula (Russian Arctic) during the last 62 ka inferred from the lacustrine pollen record
Authors: Andreev Andrei A. , Tarasov Pavel E. , Lenz Matthias , Lenz Marlene M. , Scheidt Stephanie , Fedorov Grigory B. , Wagner Bernd , Melles Martin
Published: April 2024

Environmental changes on the northern Taymyr Peninsula were reconstructed based on a new pollen record from a 46‐m‐long sediment core recovered from Lake Levinson‐Lessing (latitude 74°27′54″N, longitude 98°39′58″E). The record is continuous and has a relatively good age control and high temporal resolution. Reaching a basal age of 62 cal. ka BP, it provides a unique environmental archive for the central Russian Arctic. The results reveal that open landscapes dominated 62.0–50.8 cal. ka BP, but presence of shrubs reflects a relatively warm summer climate. Numerous Pediastrum colonies in the sediments point to a rather low lake stand. A decrease in algae remains in the pollen spectra reflects a higher lake level after c. 50.8 cal. ka BP. From c. 47.8 to 25.5 cal. ka BP, lower contents of Betula and higher percentages of herb pollen point to colder and drier conditions. Besides, larger amounts of Pre‐Quaternary palynomorphs and Pediastrum colonies point to increased erosion processes and a lower lake stand. After c. 25.5 cal. ka BP, herb communities further increased. Poaceae and Artemisia show the highest contents between c. 20.3 and 19.2 cal. ka BP, suggesting the coldest and driest climatic conditions during the studied time interval coincident with the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Pollen spectra dated c. 19.20–16.05 cal. ka BP reflect a slightly warmer and wetter climate in comparison to the LGM. Increased amounts of coprophilous fungi spores indirectly indicate that grazing animals were abundant around the lake. After с. 16.05 cal. ka BP, increases in shrubs and sedges reflect somewhat warmer and/or wetter conditions. The pollen data also well document the Allerød warming and Younger Dryas cooling events, reflecting an Atlantic influence on the regional climate development during these times. The transition from the Lateglacial to the Holocene at c. 11.63 cal. ka BP is characterized by drastic increases in pollen of shrubs, which document a significant warming. The Early Holocene (c. 11.63–8.30 cal. ka BP) pollen spectra reflect the Holocene Thermal Maximum in the study region. After c. 8.3 cal. ka BP, gradual cooling prevailed and led to climate conditions similar to modern ones at c. 2 cal. ka BP.
Fungal endophytes can modulate plant invasion
Authors: Bard Nicholas W. , Cronk Quentin C. B. , Davies T. Jonathan
Published: April 2024

Symbiotic organisms may contribute to a host plant's success or failure to grow, its ability to maintain viable populations, and potentially, its probability of establishment and spread outside its native range. Intercellular and intracellular microbial symbionts that are asymptomatic in their plant host during some or all of their life cycle – endophytes – can form mutualistic, commensal, or pathogenic relationships, and sometimes novel associations with alien plants. Fungal endophytes are likely the most common endosymbiont infecting plants, with life‐history, morphological, physiological, and plant‐symbiotic traits that are distinct from other endophytic guilds. Here, we review the community dynamics of fungal endophytes during the process of plant invasion, and how their functional role may shift during the different stages of invasion: transport, introduction (colonisation), establishment, and spread. Each invasion stage presents distinct ecological filters that an alien plant must overcome to advance to the subsequent stage of invasion. Endophytes can alternately aid the host in overcoming stage‐specific filters, or contribute to the barriers imposed by filters (e.g. biotic resistance), thereby affecting invasion pathways. A few fungi can be transported as seed endophytes from their native range and be vertically transmitted to future generations in the non‐native range, especially in graminoids. In other plant groups, alien plants mostly acquire endophytes via horizontal transmission from the invaded plant community, and the host endophyte community is shaped by host filtering and biogeographic factors (e.g. dispersal limitation, environmental filtering). Endophytes infecting alien plants (both those transported with their host and those accumulated in the non‐native range) may influence invasion success by affecting plant growth, reproduction, environmental tolerance, and pathogen and herbivory defences; however, the direction and magnitude of these effects can be contingent upon the host identity, life stage, ecological conditions, and invasion stage. This context dependence may cause endophytic fungi to shift to a non‐endophytic (e.g. pathogenic) functional life stage in the same or different hosts, which can modify alien–native plant community dynamics. We conclude by identifying paths in which alien hosts can exploit the context dependency of endophyte function in novel abiotic and biotic conditions and at the different stages of invasion.
Live archives: Freedom of information requests as political methodology
Authors: Schmidt Jeremy J.
Published: April 2024

Freedom of information requests are an important research tool yet receive comparably little methodological scrutiny relative to other methods commonly used by geographers. This article considers two methodological aspects to freedom of information requests. The first is how they operate as “live archives” that take shape as batches of files are compiled in ways that reflect search terms, negotiations over the scope of requests, bureaucratic processes, and considered judgments of researchers in response to variables both within and beyond their control. The second considers how freedom of information requests operate as a political methodology through the encounter they produce with state bureaucracies. Using examples that cut across these concerns and illuminate some of the ways that methodological scrutiny matters, the article discusses how freedom of information requests present overlapping yet distinct concerns for qualitative research on issues of reflexivity, ethics, and positionality. The methodological concerns that arise are not frequently discussed but, as with other methods, are important to understanding the limits and reach of data collection, analysis, and accessibility both for researchers and for the communities who may have interest in, or be impacted by, geographic research.
Inter and intra‐operator reliability of Lekholm and Zarb classification and proposal of a novel radiomic data‐driven clustering for qualitative assessment of edentulous alveolar ridges
Authors: Troiano Giuseppe , Rapani Antonio , Fanelli Francesco , Berton Federico , Caroprese Marino , Lombardi Teresa , Zhurakivska Khrystyna , Stacchi Claudio
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The present study was conducted to evaluate the reproducibility of Lekholm and Zarb classification system (L&Z) for bone quality assessment of edentulous alveolar ridges and to investigate the potential of a data‐driven approach for bone quality classification.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐six expert clinicians were asked to classify 110 CBCT cross‐sections according to L&Z classification (T0). The same evaluation was repeated after one month with the images put in a different order (T1). Intra‐ and inter‐examiner agreement analyses were performed using Cohen's kappa coefficient (CK) and Fleiss' kappa coefficient (FK), respectively. Additionally, radiomic features extraction was performed from 3D edentulous ridge blocks derived from the same 110 CBCTs, and unsupervised clustering using 3 different clustering methods was used to identify patterns in the obtained data.

Results

Intra‐examiner agreement between T0 and T1 was weak (CK 0.515). Inter‐examiner agreement at both time points was minimal (FK at T0: 0.273; FK at T1: 0.243). The three different unsupervised clustering methods based on radiomic features aggregated the 110 CBCTs in three groups in the same way.

Conclusions

The results showed low agreement among clinicians when using L&Z classification, indicating that the system may not be as reliable as previously thought. The present study suggests the possible application of a reproducible data‐driven approach based on radiomics for the classification of edentulous alveolar ridges, with potential implications for improving clinical outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the clinical significance of these findings and to develop more standardized and accurate methods for assessing bone quality of edentulous alveolar ridges.
Expert survey on real‐world data utilization and real‐world evidence generation for regulatory decision‐making in drug lifecycle in Korea
Authors: Lee Hankil , Ahn Hyeon‐Soo , Kwon Sol , Kang Hye‐Young , Han Euna
Published: April 2024

As the importance of utilizing real‐world data (RWD)/real‐world evidence (RWE) for supporting regulatory scientific decision‐making continues to grow, experiences and inputs from experts become crucial for developing a systematic and practice‐oriented plan for the use of fit‐for‐purpose RWD/RWE. This study aimed to survey relevant experts from government agencies, industries, and academia to identify prerequisites for the drug life cycle in Korea. The questionnaire comprised the following: (A) the definition and categories of RWD/RWE, (B) the suitability and feasibility of using RWD/RWE at each authorization stage by the types of RWD, and (C) the challenges and solutions for the use of RWD/RWE. A total of 46 respondents completed the online survey, with 89.1% of them having prior experience with RWD/RWE usage. A majority of respondents agreed that RWD can be obtained from various sources. Among these sources, the registry was the most suitable source. It is suitable to compensate for the limitations of randomized control trials and ensure quality in data collection. Though there was consensus among the respondents for the use of RWD/RWE in post‐marketing surveillance, the use of such data in new drug application (NDA) was disagreeable. Respondents considered it necessary to write a protocol in advance for RWD collection and RWE generation, for all RWD types. In conclusion, this study examined the perceptions of experts for RWD/RWE use at each approval stage of drugs. The results suggest that guidelines for the fit‐for‐purpose use of RWD/RWE should be developed via careful deliberation among experts in the future.
Neglecting the poor and marginalized: Participatory village governance in Indonesia's New Developmentalist state
Authors: Syukri Muhammad
Published: April 2024

Motivations

Participatory governance is commonly implemented as an ad hoc programme to empower the citizen. In limited cases, such as Indonesia, it is institutionalized into the state bureaucracy and implemented nationwide. However, implemented by a New Developmentalist regime that is nationalistic and centralistic in its governance approach, the effectiveness of participatory institutions for overcoming issues of poverty and marginality is under question.

Purposes

Drawing from case studies on the implementation of the New Village Law in Indonesia, this article critically examines how the Participatory Village Governance policy has been designed and implemented by the New Developmentalist regime to address issues of poverty and marginality.

Methods

This article is based on a field monitoring study of the implementation of the Village Law at the village level, and supplemented by qualitative interviews at the village, district, and national levels with the implementing agencies of the participatory institutions and the broader community.

Finding

The research findings show that the new policy of Participatory Village Governance has a narrow focus on the village economy and infrastructure to serve the interests of the New Developmentalist regime of Joko Widodo rather than the interests of the people of the village. The centralistic approach in the implementation of the new policy has also overlooked the issues of poverty and marginality, dampening the true potentials of the participatory approach.

Policy implication

The participatory approach in development and governance has huge potential, including the addressing of poverty and marginality issues. However, a centralistic approach in design and implementation, removing the political dimension of participatory approach, can jeopardize the possible outcomes. It is advised that participatory governance must be equipped with its very fundamental components, namely, political empowerment.
Forecasting hotel cancellations through machine learning
Authors: Herrera Anita , Arroyo Ángel , Jiménez Alfredo , Herrero Álvaro
Published: April 2024

Accurate and reliable forecasting of cancellations is important for successful revenue management in the tourism industry. The objective of this study is to develop classification models to predict hotel booking cancellations. The work involves a number of key steps, such as data preprocessing to properly prepare the data; feature engineering to identify relevant attributes to help improve the predictive ability of the models; hyperparameter settings of the models, including choice of optimizers and incorporation of dropout layers to avoid overfitting in the neural networks; potential overfitting is evaluated using K‐fold cross‐validation; and performance is analysed using the confusion matrix and various performance metrics. The algorithms used are Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network, Radial Basis Function Neural Network, Deep Neural Network, Decision Tree Classifier, Random Forest Classifier, Ada Boost Classifier and XgBoost Classifier. Finally, the results of all models are compared, visualizing Deep Neural Network and XgBoost as the most suitable models for predicting hotel reservation cancellations.
In the same storm but not the same boat: Intimate relationship changes across the pandemic
Authors: Eubanks Fleming CJ , Rose Abbey , Barba Kerry , Siciliano Marli
Published: April 2024

Objective

The current study asked U.S.‐based participants to describe how the pandemic had changed their relationship with their intimate partner during the initial lockdown in March–May 2020, and then again in February–March 2021.

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has been a major stressor for couples and families.

Method

The study includes 592 partnered individuals drawn from a larger study evaluating the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on life at home. Participants were 84.5% women, and 89.8% were White. Responses were coded by a four‐person team using a pragmatic coding approach with good reliability.

Results

Codes were grouped together into five categories: stated emotion words, positive changes, negative changes, changes described with mixed emotional descriptors by different participants, and changes in parenting (that did not always have a specific valence). At Time 1, 52% of respondents noted positive changes and 60% of respondents described negative changes. At Time 3, 68% indicated positive changes and 65% indicated negative changes.

Conclusion

Findings suggest great variability in experiences that couples and families have had over the past few years.

Implications

This combination of open‐ended inquiry and longitudinal study offers a unique perspective on the effects of the pandemic on family life.