bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complications Following Gender-Affirming Phalloplasty: A NSQIP Review
Authors: Hassan Bashar , Brown Madyson , Guo Lily , Ascha Mona , Jedrzejewski Breanna , Cohen Andrew , Corral Gabriel Del , Liang Fan
Published: January 2024

Background Gender-affirming phalloplasty has a complication rate as high as 76.5%. This is the first study to determine the predictors of 30-day complications following phalloplasty using a national registry.

Methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2012–2021) was queried for transgender men and Current Procedural Terminology codes pertaining to flap or microsurgery procedures to select for single- and first-stage phalloplasty cases. Included were patients with a length of total hospital stay ≥ 5 days and operating time > 4 hours to select for primary phalloplasty cases. The primary outcome was incidence of major and minor complications, and the secondary outcome was indication for unplanned reoperation. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to determine significant predictors of complications.

Results Of 90 patients, 18 (20.0%) patients developed at least one complication. The most common complication was unplanned reoperation (n = 10, 11.1%) due to hematoma evacuation (n = 3, 30.0% of reoperations, 3.3% of all patients). A total of 43 (47.8%) underwent single-stage phalloplasty, and 47 (52.2%) underwent first-stage phalloplasty. Compared with patients without complications, those with minor complications are more likely to have had single-stage phalloplasty (n = 37 [45.1%], n = 6 [75.0%]; p = 0.145), but the association was not statistically significant. Longer operating time was associated with greater odds of major complications (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 [1.002–1.018]). Patients who smoked within 1 year of surgery had 123 times the odds of 30-day minor complications (surgical site infection, urinary tract infection, wound dehiscence, pneumonia) compared with nonsmokers (aOR [CI] 123.3 [1.4– > 100.0]).

Conclusion There were no significant differences in complication rates between single- and first-stage phalloplasties. Patients should be counseled about the overall risk of 30-day complications following phalloplasty. Reducing operating time, smoking cessation, and strict preoperative nicotine testing may assist in mitigating odds of 30-day complications following phalloplasty.
Techniques and Outcomes in Microsurgical Treatment of Posttraumatic Lymphedema: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dahl Victoria A. , Tadisina Kashyap K. , Hale Eva , Fullerton Natalia , Mella-Catinchi Juan , Xu Kyle Y.
Published: January 2024

Background The microsurgical treatment of lymphedema has been well-studied and has been shown to be effective, especially in cancer-related lymphedema. Posttraumatic lymphedema (PTL) is a debilitating condition that remains understudied and underreported, and surgical techniques for PTL treatment are not well-represented in the literature. The purpose of this study was to systematically review all published reports of physiologic surgical interventions for PTL.

Methods A search was conducted on PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science, from January 1, 2000 to December 6, 2022, using keywords “PTL,” “lymphedema,” and “surgery” to identify reports of PTL treated with microsurgical lymphatic reconstruction techniques. PTL cases treated with ablation, debulking, or decongestive therapy were excluded.

Results A total of 18 records that met the inclusion criteria were identified, representing 112 patients who underwent microsurgical operations for PTL. This included 60 cases of lymph flow restoration (LFR) via lymph axiality and interpositional flap transfer, 29 vascularized lymph node transfers, 11 lymphatic vessel free flaps, 10 lymphovenous anastomoses (LVAs), and 2 autologous lymphovenous transfers. Outcomes were primarily reported as clinical improvement or LFR by lymphatic imaging. All studies showed qualitative improvement of symptoms and reports with quantitative data showed statistically significant improvements.

Conclusion PTL is currently underrepresented in lymphedema treatment literature, however, our results show that microsurgical techniques are successful in treating lymphedema in PTL patients. Increasing awareness of PTL and establishing standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment options will help clinicians better understand how to diagnose and treat this condition. Prospective and comparative studies are needed to determine true prevalence of PTL and optimal treatment strategies.
Global environmental impacts of food system from regional shock: Russia-Ukraine war as an example
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Jiao Limin , Li Cai , Deng Zhongci , Wang Zhen , Jia Qiqi , Lian Xihong , Liu Yaolin , Hu Yuanchao
Published: January 2024

Different responses to external interference, such as regional conflict, could have distinct sustainability outcomes. Here, we developed a novel framework to examine global food shortages from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and quantify the embodied environmental impacts of disturbed and alternative food supply chains. The conflict could soon bring a 50–120 Mt shortage of nine dominant food products and cause temporal global cropland abandonment and greenhouse gas emissions decline. By contrast, the partial agricultural recovery in the next cultivation season will raise global cropland use and greenhouse gas emissions by 9–10% and 2–4% (mainly in China and Europe). However, optimized food supply networks with prioritized agricultural expansion in higher-efficiency countries could minimize food shortages and food-mile expenses, offsetting the postwar environmental increments from agricultural recovery by 45–89%. These results validate a framework to simulate the global social-ecological system, and underline the resistance opportunities and tele-connected consequences of regional disturbance.
Three-dimensional network of graphene for electrochemical capacitors and capacitive deionization
Authors: Zhu Hongda , Deng Dingfei , Xu Chiwei , Wang Xuebin , Jiang Xiangfen
Published: January 2024

Supercapacitors, as high-performance energy storage devices, have garnered extensive research interest. Furthermore, capacitive deionization technology based on a supercapacitor has emerged as a crucial solution to tackling issues of freshwater scarcity and seawater pollution. However, their power density and cycling lifespan remain constrained by electrode materials. In recent years, 3D network graphene materials have gained prominence as an ideal choice due to their unique porous structure, high specific surface area, and excellent conductivity. This review summarizes the preparation methods of 3D network graphene materials, including techniques like chemical vapor deposition, graphene oxide reduction, and foaming methods. It also discusses their applications and the ongoing research advancements in supercapacitor energy storage and capacitive deionization. Ultimately, this review offers researchers an understanding and outlook on the application of 3D network graphene materials in supercapacitor energy storage and capacitive deionization.
Manipulating ionic conductivity through chemical modifications in solid-state electrolytes prepared with binderless laser powder bed fusion processing
Authors: Acord Katherine A , Dupuy Alexander D , Chen Qian Nataly , Schoenung Julie M
Published: January 2024

Additive manufacturing of solid-state batteries is advantageous for improving the power density by increasing the geometric complexity of battery components, such as electrodes and electrolytes. In the present study, bulk three-dimensional Li1+x
Al
x
Ti2−x
(PO4)3 (LATP) electrolyte samples were prepared using the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing method. Li3PO4 (LPO) was added to LATP to compensate for lithium vaporization during processing. Chemical compositions included 0, 1, 3, and 5 wt. % LPO. Resulting ionic conductivity values ranged from 1.4 × 10−6–6.4 × 10−8 S cm−1, with the highest value for the sample with a chemical composition of 3 wt. % LPO. Microstructural features were carefully measured for each chemical composition and correlated with each other and with ionic conductivity. These features and their corresponding ranges include: porosity (ranging from 5% to 19%), crack density (0.09–0.15 mm mm−2), concentration of residual LPO (0%–16%), and concentration and Feret diameter of secondary phases, AlPO4 (11%–18%, 0.40–0.61 µm) and TiO2 (9%–11%, 0.50–0.78). Correlations between the microstructural features and ionic conductivity ranged from −0.88 to 0.99. The strongest negative correlation was between crack density and ionic conductivity (−0.88), confirming the important role that processing defects play in limiting the performance of bulk solid-state electrolytes. The strongest positive correlation was between the concentration of AlPO4 and ionic conductivity (0.99), which is attributed to AlPO4 acting as a sintering aid and the role it plays in reducing the crack density. Our results indicate that additions of LPO can be used to balance competing microstructural features to design bulk three-dimensional LATP samples with improved ionic conductivity. As such, refinement of the chemical composition offers a promising approach to improving the processability and performance of functional ceramics prepared using binderless, laser-based additive manufacturing for solid-state battery applications.
ML-based regionalization of climate variables to forecast seasonal precipitation for water resources management
Authors: Lee Taesam , Won Chang-Hee , Singh Vijay P
Published: January 2024

Numerous dams and reservoirs have been constructed in South Korea, considering the distribution of seasonal precipitation which highly deviates from the actual one with high precipitation amount in summer and very low amount in other seasons. These water-related structures should be properly managed in order to meet seasonal demands of water resources wherein the forecasting of seasonal precipitation plays a critical role. However, owing to the impact of diverse complex weather systems, seasonal precipitation forecasting has been a challenging task. The current study proposes a novel procedure for forecasting seasonal precipitation by: (1) regionalizing the influential climate variables to the seasonal precipitation with k-means clustering; (2) extracting the features from the regionalized climate variables with machine learning-based algorithms such as principal component analysis (PCA), independent component analysis (ICA), and Autoencoder; and (3) finally regressing the extracted features with one linear model of generalized linear model (GLM) and another nonlinear model of support vector machine (SVM). Two globally gridded climate variables-mean sea level pressure (MSLP) and sea surface temperature (SST)-were teleconnected with the seasonal precipitation of South Korea, denoted as accumulated seasonal precipitation (ASP). Results indicated that k-means clustering successfully regionalized the highly correlated climate variables with the ASP, and all three extraction algorithms-PCA, ICA, and Autoencoder-combined with the GLM and SVM models presented their superiority in different seasons. In particular, the PCA combined with the linear GLM model performed better, and the Autoencoder combined with the nonlinear SVM model did better. It can be concluded that the proposed forecasting procedure of the seasonal precipitation, combined with several ML-based algorithms, can be a good alternative.
Mathematical Adams and the battle for Neptune
Authors: Oxley Alan
Published: January 2024

He was called the greatest mathematical astronomer since Newton. Planet discoverer, particle mapper, champion of women in academia … Alan Oxley makes the case for John Couch Adams
PERFUMES: pipeline to extract RNA functional motifs and exposed structures
Authors: Chol Arnaud , Sarrazin-Gendron Roman , Lécuyer Éric , Blanchette Mathieu , Waldispühl Jérôme
Published: January 2024

Motivation

Up to 75% of the human genome encodes RNAs. The function of many non-coding RNAs relies on their ability to fold into 3D structures. Specifically, nucleotides inside secondary structure loops form non-canonical base pairs that help stabilize complex local 3D structures. These RNA 3D motifs can promote specific interactions with other molecules or serve as catalytic sites.

Results

We introduce PERFUMES, a computational pipeline to identify 3D motifs that can be associated with observable features. Given a set of RNA sequences with associated binary experimental measurements, PERFUMES searches for RNA 3D motifs using BayesPairing2 and extracts those that are over-represented in the set of positive sequences. It also conducts a thermodynamics analysis of the structural context that can support the interpretation of the predictions. We illustrate PERFUMES’ usage on the SNRPA protein binding site, for which the tool retrieved both previously known binder motifs and new ones.

Availability and implementation

PERFUMES is an open-source Python package (https://jwgitlab.cs.mcgill.ca/arnaud_chol/perfumes).
Energy and exergy analysis of a 20-MW grid-connected PV plant operating under harsh climatic conditions
Authors: Aoun Nouar
Published: January 2024

Large grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) plants are increasingly being installed around the world, including in harsh desert climates. Evaluating their performance can help improve the design and operation of PV systems. This study performed an energy and exergy analysis of a 20-MW grid-connected PV plant under desert climatic conditions in southern Algeria over a period of 1 year. The PV plant was divided into two 10-MW subsystems. Energy analysis was performed using actual irradiation, power output, wind speed and ambient temperature data. The annual average energy efficiency of the plant and subsystems was 10.82%, 10.95% and 10.69%, respectively. Solar radiation had the most significant impact (80% determination coefficient) on thermal exergy loss. The exergy efficiency of the plant was lower than the literature values, likely due to the harsh desert conditions. The comprehensive energy and exergy analysis provides insights into the performance of large-scale PV plants in desert climates. The results can help guide the system design and operation improvements for such conditions. Regular cleaning and cooling could improve performance.
14. The United States in the Middle East
Authors: Payne Andrew , Hudson Michael C.
Published: January 2024

This chapter contributes to the in-depth study of the evolution of US policy towards the Middle East. It reviews the origins and development of US policy over the past century, stressing the crucial and interdependent relationship between different domestic constituencies in the US and the conduct of US foreign policy. It also gives an implicit critique of realist approaches and analyses the neo-conservative revolution under George W. Bush. The chapter offers assessments of the records of the most recent administrations, such as President Barack Obama’s attempt to reset relations with the region included an agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear program. It talks about how President Donald Trump upended US Middle East policy in several significant ways, while his successor President Joe Biden, sought to undo parts of his predecessor’s legacy.
Target flow deviations on the cardiopulmonary bypass cause postoperative delirium in cardiothoracic surgery—a retrospective study evaluating temporal fluctuations of perfusion data
Authors: Krefting Johannes , Gorki Hagen , Hoenicka Markus , Albrecht Günter , Kraft Robert , Liebold Andreas
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative delirium (POD) is common, costly and associated with long-term morbidity and increased mortality. We conducted a cohort study to assess the contribution of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to the development of POD by means of algorithm-based data processing.

METHODS

A database was compiled from 3 datasets of patients who underwent cardiac surgery between 2014 and 2019: intensive care unit discharge files, CPB protocols and medical quality management records. Following data extraction and structuring using novel algorithms, missing data were imputed. Ten independent imputations were analysed by multiple logistic regression with stepwise deletion of factors to arrive at a minimal adequate model.

RESULTS

POD was diagnosed in 456/3163 patients (14.4%). In addition to known demographic risk factors and comorbidities like male sex, age, carotid disease, acute kidney failure and diabetes mellitus, cardiopulmonary parameters like total blood volume at the CPB [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.001; confidence interval (CI) 1.1001–1.002] were independent predictors of POD. Higher values of the minimal blood flow were associated with a lower risk of POD (AOR 0.993; CI 0.988–0.997). Flow rates at least 30% above target did emerge in the minimal adequate model as a potential risk factor, but the confidence interval suggested a lack of statistical significance (AOR 1.819; 95% CI: 0.955–3.463).

CONCLUSIONS

CPB data processing proved to be a useful tool for obtaining compact information to better identify the roles of individual operational states. Strict adherence to perfusion limits along with tighter control of blood flow and acid–base balance during CPB may help to further decrease the risk of POD.
Differential Abundances of Bdellovibrio and Rheinheimera in the Oral Microbiota of Neonates With and Without Clinical Sepsis
Authors: Thatrimontrichai Anucha , Surachat Komwit , Singkhamanan Kamonnut , Thongsuksai Paramee
Published: January 2024

Background:

Neonatal sepsis is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, long hospital stays and high cost of care, thereby inflicting a burden on health care systems. Oral care with breast milk has been shown to modify the intestinal tract microbiota and immune system. Herein, we attempted to identify probiotics that may be beneficial to prevent or treat neonatal sepsis.

Methods:

This was a secondary analysis comparing the microbiota during oropharyngeal care in very-low-birth-weight infants with and without clinical sepsis. Oral samples were collected before oral feeding was initiated. The primary outcome was oral microbiota composition including diversity, relative abundance and linear discriminant analysis effect size.

Results:

Sixty-three neonates, including 39 and 24 with and without clinical sepsis, respectively, were enrolled. The medians gestational age and birth weight were 29 (27–30) weeks and 1010 (808–1263) g. Neonates with clinical sepsis had lower gestational age, birth weight (both P < 0.001) and lower rate of oral care with breast milk (P = 0.03), but higher doses and days of antibiotic exposure (both P < 0.001) compared to neonates without clinical sepsis. No differences in alpha and beta diversities were found between groups and Streptococcus agalactiae was the most common bacteria in both groups. Linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis revealed that neonates without clinical sepsis had significantly higher abundances of order Bdellovibrionales, family Bdellovibrionaceae, genus Bdellovibrio and genus Rheinheimera.

Conclusions:

Neonates without clinical sepsis had a significantly greater abundance of the Bdellovibrio and Rheinheimera genera.
Advanced Respiratory Support Days as a Novel Marker of Mortality in COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Grotberg John C. , Kraft Bryan D. , Sullivan Mary , Pawale Amit A. , Kotkar Kunal D. , Masood Muhammad F.
Published: January 2024

Emerging evidence suggests prolonged use of noninvasive respiratory support may increase mortality of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome who require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Using a database of adults receiving ECMO for COVID-19, we calculated survival curves and multivariable Cox regression to determine the risk of death associated with pre-ECMO use of high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO), noninvasive ventilation (NIV), and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) days. We investigated the performance of a novel variable, advanced respiratory support days (composite of HFNO, NIV, and IMV days), on Respiratory ECMO Survival Prediction (RESP) score. Subjects (N = 146) with increasing advanced respiratory support days (<5, 5-9, and ≥10) had a stepwise increase in 90 day mortality (32.2%, 57.7%, and 75.4%, respectively; p = 0.002). Ninety-day mortality was significantly higher in subjects (N = 121) receiving NIV >4 days (81.8% vs. 52.4%, p < 0.001). Each additional pre-ECMO advanced respiratory support day increased the odds of right ventricular failure (odds ratio [OR]: 1.066, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.002–1.135) and in-hospital mortality (1.17, 95% CI: 1.08–1.27). Substituting advanced respiratory support days for IMV days improved RESP score mortality prediction (area under the curve (AUC) or: 0.64 vs. 0.71). Pre-ECMO advanced respiratory support days were associated with increased 90 day mortality compared with IMV days alone. Adjusting the RESP score for advanced respiratory support days improved mortality prediction.
Caveats in Interpretation of Molecular Diagnostics in Heart Allografts
Authors: Randhawa Parmjeet S.
Published: January 2024

Histologic separation of injury, T cell–mediated rejection, or antibody-mediated rejection in allograft heart biopsies is difficult. A critical review of publications was performed to evaluate the caveats of using molecular diagnostics (MDX) to distinguish between these entities. Typically, only 1 to 2 fragments of unknown histologic appearance are evaluated. Archetype and molecular classifier analyses use gene lists derived from histologic labels and associated reproducibility issues influence the accuracy of the derived MDX classes. Archetypes A1, A2, and A3 archetypes created by bioinformatics were renamed no rejection, T cell–mediated rejection, and antibody-mediated rejection despite as little as 40% concordance with histologic diagnoses and overlapping archetype scores. Additional archetypes S4 and minor injury were created using arbitrary cutoffs based on visual examination of principal component analysis plots. Therapeutic implications of the numerous discrepancies with histology remain unexplored. Many MDX-derived observations are ambiguous and open to alternate logical explanations. Better molecular methods and more rigorous validation studies are needed to advance the field. Ideally, these methods should analyze all available biopsy fragments to minimize sampling issues. It is also desirable to incorporate spatial transcriptomics into the workflow, so that gene expression data can be directly compared with the underlying histology lesions.
RNA-sequencing of Human Kidney Allografts and Delineation of T-Cell Genes, Gene Sets, and Pathways Associated With Acute T Cell–mediated Rejection
Authors: Mueller Franco B. , Yang Hua , Li Carol , Dadhania Darshana M. , Xiang Jenny Z. , Salvatore Steven P. , Seshan Surya V. , Sharma Vijay K. , Suthanthiran Manikkam , Muthukumar Thangamani
Published: January 2024

Background.

Delineation of T-cell genes, gene sets, pathways, and T-cell subtypes associated with acute T cell–mediated rejection (TCMR) may improve its management.

Methods.

We performed bulk RNA-sequencing of 34 kidney allograft biopsies (16 Banff TCMR and 18 no rejection [NR] biopsies) from 34 adult recipients of human kidneys. Computational analysis was performed to determine the differential intragraft expression of T-cell genes at the level of single-gene, gene set, and pathways.

Results.

T-cell signaling pathway gene sets for plenary T-cell activation were overrepresented in TCMR biopsies compared with NR biopsies. Heightened expression of T-cell signaling genes was validated using external TCMR biopsies. Pro- and anti-inflammatory immune gene sets were enriched, and metabolism gene sets were depleted in TCMR biopsies compared with NR biopsies. Gene signatures of regulatory T cells, Th1 cells, Th2 cells, Th17 cells, T follicular helper cells, CD4 tissue-resident memory T cells, and CD8 tissue-resident memory T cells were enriched in TCMR biopsies compared with NR biopsies. T-cell exhaustion and anergy were also molecular attributes of TCMR. Gene sets associated with antigen processing and presentation, and leukocyte transendothelial migration were overexpressed in TCMR biopsies compared with NR biopsies. Cellular deconvolution of graft infiltrating cells by gene expression patterns identified CD8 T cell to be the most abundant T-cell subtype infiltrating the allograft during TCMR.

Conclusions.

Our delineation of intragraft T-cell gene expression patterns, in addition to yielding new biological insights, may help prioritize T-cell genes and T-cell subtypes for therapeutic targeting.
Thermal convection with a Cattaneo heat flux model
Authors: Gentile M. , Straughan B.
Published: January 2024

The problem of thermal convection in a layer of viscous incompressible fluid is analysed. The heat flux law is taken to be one of Cattaneo type. The time derivative of the heat flux is allowed to be a material derivative, or a general objective derivative. It is shown that only one objective derivative leads to results consistent with what one expects in real life. This objective derivative leads to a Cattaneo–Christov theory, and the results for linear instability theory are in agreement with those for a material derivative. It is further shown that none of the theories allow a standard nonlinear, energy stability analysis. A further heat flux due to P.M. Mariano is added and then an analysis is performed for stationary convection, oscillatory convection, and fully nonlinear theory. For the material derivative case, the analysis proceeds and global nonlinear stability is achieved. For Cattaneo–Christov theory, it appears necessary to add a regularization term in the equation for the heat flux, and even then the analysis only works in two space dimensions, and is conditional upon the size of the initial data. For the three-dimensional situation, it is shown how a nonlinear stability analysis may be achieved with a Navier–Stokes–Voigt fluid rather than a Navier–Stokes one.
Rare edges and abundant cores: range-wide variation in abundance in North American birds
Authors: Martin Paul R. , Robinson Orin J. , Bonier Frances
Published: January 2024

Understanding how the abundance of species varies across geographical ranges is central to ecology; however, few studies test hypotheses using detailed abundance estimates across the full ranges of species on a continental scale. Here, we use unprecedented, detailed estimates of breeding abundance for North American birds (eBird) to test two hypotheses for how abundance varies across species' ranges. We find widespread support for the rare-edge hypothesis—where the abundance of species declines near the range edge—reflecting both reduced occurrence and lower local abundance near range edges. By contrast, we find mixed support for the abundant-centre hypothesis—where the abundance of species peaks in the centre of the range and declines towards the edges—with limited support in conservative tests within species, but general support in among-species tests that control for unbalanced sampling and consider a broader definition of the range centre. Overall, results are consistent with a gradual decline in suitable conditions and increase in challenge towards the range edge that eventually limit the ability of populations to persist.
BOLDsωimsuite: A new software suite for forward modeling of the BOLD fMRI signal
Authors: Chausse Jacob , Berman Avery J. L. , Chen J. Jean
Published: January 2024

In trying to elucidate the mechanisms of the blood-oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) functional MRI (fMRI) techniques and to expand on the potential of the transverse relaxation time (T2*) in quantitative MRI, many methods for the forward modelling of the BOLD effect have been created and analyzed. Simulations of this nature can be difficult to implement without prior experience, and differences made by methodological choices can be unclear, which provides a significant barrier of entry into the field. In this paper, we present BOLDswimsuite, a toolbox for forward modeling of the BOLD effect, which collects many of the principal methods used in the literature into a single coherent package. Implemented as a Python package, simulations are built-in scripts by combining various simulation components, while providing flexibility in methodological choices. The goal of this toolbox is to provide an open-source, reproducible software suite that is adaptable for simulations in different MRI applications, and to which additional features can be added by the user with relative ease. This paper first provides an overview of the methods available in the package and how these methods can be constructed from the toolbox’s modular code components. Then, a brief theoretical explanation of each simulation component is given, supported by the relevant contributors. Next, sample simulations and analyses that can be created using the package are presented to display its features. Finally, recommendations regarding computational requirements are included to help users choose the best simulation methods to fit their needs. This package has many use cases and significantly reduces methodological barriers to forward modeling. It can also be a good learning tool for MR physics as well as a powerful tool to promote reproducible science.
Anticorruption practices in construction projects: looking through two theoretical lenses
Authors: Zarghami Seyed Ashkan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Available studies on anticorruption practices in the construction industry are exploratory with a very limited theoretical basis. This paper aims to provide a solid theoretical foundation to examine situational factors that influence the corruption intentions of individuals and organizations in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a systematic literature review to synthesize construction management literature that suggests anticorruption practices. The identified practices are then examined using two theoretical frameworks: the fraud diamond theory and Lange’s corruption control framework.

Findings

The results of this research demonstrate how the four elements of the fraud diamond theory may trigger corrupt behavior in construction projects. The results also highlight conceptual distinctions among different means of corruption controls based on Lange’s corruption control framework. In addition, the findings of this research suggest that anticorruption practices should address (1) the incentives to act corruptly, (2) the normative means of corruption control, (3) the internal means of preventing corruption and (4) the shift in organizational culture.

Originality/value

This paper departs from prior research on corruption in construction projects by (1) identifying a large spectrum of anticorruption practices, (2) presenting a detailed theoretical interpretation of these practices and (3) viewing anticorruption practices as multidimensional constructs, which, in turn, leads to novel ways of examining these practices in construction projects.
A perceived usefulness of entrepreneurship education as a marketing model for students’ choice of universities: Does the electronic word of mouth matter?
Authors: Ismail Ismail Juma
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The current research aims at investigating the mediating effect of electronic word of mouth (eWOM) on the link between entrepreneurial education and choice of the university among students. The main focus of this paper is that when entrepreneurial education is properly-implemented at universities, it leads to several positive outcomes such as positive eWOM. Therefore, if the entrepreneurial education is used as a marketing model, it can be considered as the innovative model for attracting more students. By implementing this model, the university can enhance its approach to cultivating a positive image, potentially leading to increased student enrollments.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a sample of 483 undergraduate students in different universities. As well, it used a structured questionnaire during the data collection. Additionally, the study used partial least squares (PLS-SEM) in analyzing direct and indirect relationships.

Findings

The findings of this study suggest that entrepreneurial education and eWOM are critical factors for student selection to the universities. This is because eWOM significant mediates the link between entrepreneurial education and university choice.

Research limitations/implications

This study used cross-sectional design. Therefore, future research can use a longitudinal design in examining the link between independent and dependent variables so as to look into the changes over time.

Practical implications

The study presents potential strategies that universities can employ to market their programs more effectively. By strengthening their entrepreneurial education initiatives, universities can enhance their reputation and create positive eWOM, which can lead to higher enrollments.

Originality/value

This study offers innovative marketing approaches for universities and their programs. Instead of heavily investing in advertising, the study suggests that strengthening entrepreneurial education initiatives can be a more effective marketing strategy. The findings suggest that a positive reputation generated by strong entrepreneurial education initiatives can lead to positive eWOM, which, in turn, influences university selection. Therefore, universities can consider enhancing their entrepreneurial education offerings to attract more prospective students. The study also highlights the notion that quality speaks for itself, while a lack of quality requires advertising.
Transforming sport consumption: exploring motivated sport fans innovativeness in the context of AR live sport streaming
Authors: Kim Sungkyung , Manoli Argyro Elisavet
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study delves into the psychological processes underlying sport fans' post-purchase innovativeness behaviour. This exploratory research aims to establish a theoretical framework that elucidates the formation of sport fans' word-of-mouth (WOM) behaviours, particularly emphasising the structural relationship between motivated consumer innovativeness and satisfaction in using AR live-streaming services.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilising an online survey and convenience sampling, the study garnered a total of 243 usable responses from three online baseball fan communities in South Korea. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to assess the psychometric properties of the constructs. Subsequently, a structural equation model was used to probe the influence of motivated consumer innovativeness on WOM, with a particular focus on the mediating role of satisfaction.

Findings

Three dimensions of motivated sport fans innovativeness – functional, hedonic and cognitive – showed a positive association with WOM, partly mediated by satisfaction. In contrast, socially motivated sport fans innovativeness did not directly lead to WOM but influenced it solely through satisfaction. The full mediating role of satisfaction in the relationship between socially motivated fans innovativeness and WOM was found.

Originality/value

This research stands out as one of the scant studies exploring motivated sport fans innovativeness in the context of AR live sport streaming. The findings not only corroborate but also augment the extant literature by empirically confirming that three dimensions of motivated fans innovativeness, coupled with satisfaction, are pivotal antecedents to WOM intention.
Digital transformation and integration of artificial intelligence in financial institutions
Authors: Mohsen Sara Ebrahim , Hamdan Allam , Shoaib Haneen Mohammad
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into various industries, including the financial sector, has transformed them. This paper aims to examine the influence of integrating AI, including machine learning, process automation, predictive analytics and chatbots, on financial institutions and explores its various aspects and areas. The study aims to determine the impact of AI integration on financial services, products and customer experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The research study uses quantitative and qualitative methods, as well as secondary data analysis. It investigates four AI subfields: machine learning, process automation, predictive analytics and chatbots.

Findings

The research findings indicate that integrating AI, particularly in machine learning and chatbot subfields, holds promise and high strategic potential for financial institutions. These subfields can contribute significantly to enhancing financial services and customer experience. However, the significance of predictive analytics integration and process automation is relatively lower. Although these subfields retain their usefulness, they might necessitate alternative workflows and tools that incorporate human involvement. Overall, AI integration minimizes human interactions and errors in financial institutions.

Originality/value

The research study contributes original insights by exploring the specific subfields of AI within the financial industry and assessing their strategic significance. It provides recommendations for financial institutions to adopt AI integration partially in multiple phases, measure and evaluate the impact of the transformation and structure internal units and expertise to strategize adoption and change.
Beyond the surface: understanding the mechanism between green HR practices and employees’ green creative behavior through mixed-methods exploration
Authors: Farrukh Muhammad , Rafiq Muhammad , Raza Ali , Iqbal Sahar
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Many studies have explored the relationship between green human resource management practices (GHRM) and employees’ green creative behavior (EGCB) within the hospitality industry. However, most prior studies have relied primarily on mono-method approaches, thereby limiting the depth of understanding about the underlying mechanism through which GHRM impacts employee behavior. The authors, in this paper, aim to argue that the connection between GHRM cannot be universal, and some individual factors will act as boundary conditions between these relationships. The authors employ a mixed-methods research design to address this gap to identify potential boundary conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted a two-phase approach, integrating qualitative (study 1) and quantitative (study 2) methodologies. Through qualitative research, the authors uncover valuable insights and construct a framework that is subsequently tested in the quantitative phase.

Findings

The findings suggest that the strength of the GHRM-EGCB relationship is contingent on the level of Environmental Specific Psychological Empowerment (ESPE) among employees. Employees with a higher degree of ESPE exhibit a stronger connection between GHRM perceptions and EGCB. Furthermore, the authors identify employees’ altruistic values (EAV) as an important moderator, indicating that the intervening effect of ESPE on the GHRM-EGCB relationship is particularly pronounced among employees with high levels of altruism.

Originality/value

By unmasking the complexity through a mixed-methods design, this study contributes to the existing literature by providing a more nuanced understanding of the mechanism between GHRM and green creative behavior.
Linking social servicescape and restoration in dining settings: the moderating role of substantive servicescape
Authors: Lin Zhiwei (CJ) , Xiao Wenjie , Deng Baolin , Tao Changjiang (Bruce) , Wong IpKin Anthony
Published: January 2024

Purpose

While the rise of chain restaurants has attracted increasing research interest, few studies have taken servicescape into consideration to examine its effects on transformative service outcomes. This study aims to assess how social service elements can provide customers with restorative qualities, though social components are considered vital in constituting a dining locale's servicescape (AKA Social Servicescape).

Design/methodology/approach

The study fills the void above by undertaking a survey-based quantitative research method. Using online surveys with a sample of 306 diners, the study employed structural equation modeling to explore a proposed moderated mediation model. A post-hoc interview followed to provide qualitative data to complement the findings developed from surveys.

Findings

Results first point to a positive relationship between social servicescape and attention restoration. Moreover, the authors unveil that substantive servicescape has a moderating effect on the relationship of interest, suggesting the interplay of social and built servicescape in promoting restorative experiences.

Research limitations/implications

Social and built stimuli can be intertwined to offer restorative qualities for customers. Through such an intertwined network of relationships, one may derive better mental health resources from hospitality settings.

Originality/value

This research presents new nuances to the existing field of inquiry by linking social servicescape and restoration through an intertwined network of attentional recovery.
How a particular STEAM model is developing primary education: lessons from the Teach-Make project (England)
Authors: Trowsdale Jo , Davies Richard
Published: January 2024

Purpose

There is a lack of clarity about what constitutes Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education and what the arts contribute. In this paper the authors discuss a distinct model, theorised from a five-year study of a particular, innovative STEAM education project (The Imagineerium), and developed by the researchers through working with primary school teachers in England within a second project (Teach-Make). The paper examines how teachers implemented this model, the Trowsdale art-making model for education (the TAME), and reflected on its value and positive impact on their planning and pedagogy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on two studies: firstly, a five-year, mixed methods, participative study of The Imagineerium and secondly a participative and collaborative qualitative study of Teach-Make.

Findings

Study of The Imagineerium showed strong positive educational outcomes for pupils and an appetite from teachers to translate the approach to the classroom. The Teach-Make project showed that with a clear curriculum model (the TAME) and professional development to improve teachers' planning and active pedagogical skills, they could design and deliver “imagineerium-like” schemes of work in their classrooms. Teachers reported a positive impact on both their own approach to supporting learning, as well as pupil progression and enjoyment.

Originality/value

The paper argues that the TAME, a consolidation of research evidence from The Imagineerium and developed through Teach-Make, offers both a distinctive and effective model for STEAM and broader education, one that is accessible to, valued by and manageable for teachers.
Eclipta thermalis, a previously common weed, threatened by the expansion of the exotic congener E. alba in Japanese rice paddies
Authors: Kameyama Yoshiaki , Moriwaki Hiroki , Suzuki Yuto , Fujiyoshi Masaaki
Published: January 2024

Rice paddies are wetland ecosystems recognized as important habitats for many organisms; however, the hybridization‐related extinction risk of native plant species has not been investigated in this system so far. Eclipta L. (Compositae) is a common paddy weed in Japan; however, its genetic composition might be altered due to the hybridization between the native E. thermalis and the closely related exotic E. alba. We examined Eclipta's genetic composition using 12 microsatellite markers (612 samples collected from 109 populations) and found (i) widespread geographical distribution of E. alba in Japan, (ii) hybridization with E. thermalis, and a large number of later‐generation hybrids, and (iii) widely varying situations among regions and populations. Eclipta alba appears to have invaded an open niche in northern Japan but has not yet reached southern Japan. Both E. alba and E. thermalis were found in central Japan; however, the latter had become rare due to hybridization‐mediated processes such as competition, and demographic and genetic swamping. Notably, endogenous and exogenous selection plays an important role in the invasion of E. alba, but to varying degrees among different areas. In summary, considering the genetic variability in E. thermalis, the genetic cluster of mainland Japan is in a highly critical situation due to the invasion of E. alba.
The difference in extracellular matrix metabolism in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tian Zhao , Li Qiutong , Wang Xiuqi , Sun Zhijing
Published: January 2024

Background

Studies on the changes of extracellular matrix (ECM) in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) are still controversial.

Objective

To identify the changes in the ECM in POP patients.

Search strategy

Comprehensive searching in Embase, PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library was carried out until 23 February 2023.

Selection criteria

Studies comparing the protein levels of ECM‐related components between women with and without POP.

Data collection and analysis

Quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality assessment. Indicators were pooled with random or fixed effect meta‐analysis based on heterogeneity and sub‐grouped analysed by the biopsy site.

Main results

Thirty cross‐sectional studies were included, comprising 840 POP cases and 755 controls. Overall results showed that the expression of type III collagen (COLIII) and several matrix metalloproteinases (MMP‐1, ‐2 and ‐9) were increased, whereas those of type I collagen (COLI), and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) were decreased in patients with POP. Subgroup analysis showed that the expression of COLIII in the anterior vaginal wall (AVW) and COLIII, MMP‐2 and ‐9 in the uterosacral ligament (USL) were consistent with the overall results. However, the expression of COLI and MMP‐1 in the AVW showed no difference and the expression of COLI and MMP‐1 in the USL is still controversial based on current studies.

Conclusions

Patients with POP have lower expression of COLI and TIMP‐1 and higher expression of COLIII and MMPs compared with non‐POP cases, but further studies are required to investigate in specified anatomical sites.