bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severe Impairment of T-cell Immunity and Pulmonary GvHD Are Major Risk Factors for Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection After Pediatric Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Ascunce Marina , Coccolo Alejandra , Mozo Yasmina , Baquero-Artigao Fernando , Rodriguez-Molino Paula , Toro-Rueda Carlos , García-Clemente Paloma , Sánchez-Zapardiel Elena , López-Granados Eduardo , Corral-Sánchez Dolores , Bueno David , Sisinni Luisa , Pérez-Martínez Antonio , Calvo Cristina , del Rosal Teresa
Published: May 2024

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients are prone to infectious complications. Infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria have increased in adults but literature in children is scarce. We report 6 episodes of disseminated or pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria infection among 5 pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. All but one were caused by Mycobacterium avium complex. Four patients died, 2 related to nontuberculous mycobacteria infection.
Recent developments and challenges in positron emission tomography imaging of gliosis in chronic neuropathic pain
Authors: Emvalomenos Gaelle M. , Kang James W.M. , Jupp Bianca , Mychasiuk Richelle , Keay Kevin A. , Henderson Luke A.
Published: May 2024

Understanding the mechanisms that underpin the transition from acute to chronic pain is critical for the development of more effective and targeted treatments. There is growing interest in the contribution of glial cells to this process, with cross-sectional preclinical studies demonstrating specific changes in these cell types capturing targeted timepoints from the acute phase and the chronic phase. In vivo longitudinal assessment of the development and evolution of these changes in experimental animals and humans has presented a significant challenge. Recent technological advances in preclinical and clinical positron emission tomography, including the development of specific radiotracers for gliosis, offer great promise for the field. These advances now permit tracking of glial changes over time and provide the ability to relate these changes to pain-relevant symptomology, comorbid psychiatric conditions, and treatment outcomes at both a group and an individual level. In this article, we summarize evidence for gliosis in the transition from acute to chronic pain and provide an overview of the specific radiotracers available to measure this process, highlighting their potential, particularly when combined with ex vivo/in vitro techniques, to understand the pathophysiology of chronic neuropathic pain. These complementary investigations can be used to bridge the existing gap in the field concerning the contribution of gliosis to neuropathic pain and identify potential targets for interventions.
A Guide to Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography in Adult Patients Supported With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Diehl Arne , Coughlin Benjamin , Moriarty Heather , Joseph Timothy , Kavnoudias Helen , Udy Andrew
Published: May 2024

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) fundamentally alters patient physiology and blood flow relevant to contrast delivery for computed tomography (CT) imaging. Here, we present a comprehensive guide to contrast-enhanced CT scanning in adult ECMO patients, addressing common questions related to contrast delivery via the ECMO circuit, and modifications to ECMO settings and scanning techniques, to avoid non-diagnostic CT scans. The approach is described in detail for patients supported on VA ECMO, with the return cannula sited in the femoral artery. Lesser modifications required for veno-venous ECMO (VV ECMO) are included in the supplemental material. Establishing a common understanding between the intensive care clinician, the CT radiographer, and the radiologist, concerning the patient’s blood-flow-physiology, is the overarching goal. Our stepwise approach facilitates clear communication around modifications to the ECMO pump settings, contrast route and rate, as well as the scanning technique, for each individual scenario.
Integrated management of stage III in nonsmall cell lung cancer: where do perioperative chemotherapy and immunotherapy fit?
Authors: Collazo-Lorduy Ana , Blanco Mariola , Calvo Virginia , Provencio Mariano
Published: May 2024

Purpose of review

Early-stage nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 30% of the total NSCLC, being the stage III a heterogeneous disease that represents a challenge in the management of these patients. Multidisciplinary approach is essential for an adequate treatment strategy, with surgery being the only curative treatment. Neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy has been the standard of care for a long period, with modest results.

Recent findings

Combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy has revolutionized the neoadjuvant setting of resectable NSCLC, improving pathologic complete responses and survival outcomes in this scenario. Furthermore, perioperative treatment with immunotherapy has also recently shown promising results in several phase III trials.

The landscape of early-stage resectable NSCLC has evolved in recent years, with an improvement in the survival of these patients since the incorporation of immunotherapy in this scenario.
A case report of ansa cervicalis to spinal accessory transposition graft: a new surgical technique to prevent shoulder dysfunction
Authors: Noel Leon M. , Medford Steve C. , Juman Solaiman
Published: May 2024

Introduction and importance:

The spinal accessory nerve is at risk when performing neck dissections for head and neck cancers. Injury to this nerve can result in shoulder syndrome, which can be challenging to manage. Various nerve repair or grafting methods are available to prevent this condition. A safe, simple, and cost-effective option is the ansa cervicalis to spinal accessory transposition graft.

Case presentation:

A 60-year-old Afro-Trinidadian female presented to the Outpatient clinic for evaluation of a scalp lesion and a large neck mass for a duration of one year. Preoperative tissue biopsies confirmed she had squamous cell cancer with metastatic spread to the cervical nodes. The patient underwent surgical excision of the scalp lesion and left neck dissection with the sacrifice of the sternocleidomastoid and the left spinal accessory nerve due to tumour involvement. During the procedure, the ansa cervicalis was successfully joined to the distal remainder of the spinal accessory nerve. After the surgery, the patient fully recovered and achieved a good quality of life during the 24-month follow-up.

Clinical discussion:

This is the first reported case of using the ansa cervicalis to reinnervate the trapezius muscle through the spinal accessory nerve. This procedure aims to prevent pain, muscle wasting, and adhesive capsulitis. A quality-of-life questionnaire and adequate range of motion proved the success of this procedure, demonstrating that this option provides practical, functional, and aesthetic benefits for patients.

Conclusion

The ansa cervicalis to spinal accessory transposition nerve graft is a valuable option for reinnervation. This case report highlights the effectiveness of this single-stage procedure in preventing shoulder syndrome.
Eosinophilic dialogues: a molecular exploration of sickle cell anemia severity
Authors: Ifeanyi Obeagu Emmanuel
Published: May 2024

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetically inherited hemoglobinopathy characterized by the abnormal morphology of red blood cells, resulting in vaso-occlusive events and diverse clinical complications. Recent investigations have unveiled a novel dimension in understanding SCA severity through the lens of eosinophilic dialogues. This review article synthesizes current knowledge on the molecular intricacies of eosinophils in the context of SCA, exploring their biology, molecular markers, and interactions with other cellular components. Eosinophil-mediated inflammation and oxidative stress are dissected to elucidate their impact on the disease course. Furthermore, the review evaluates potential therapeutic interventions and outlines future directions in this burgeoning field. The term “Eosinophilic Dialogues” encapsulates the multifaceted molecular exchanges that influence SCA severity, presenting a promising avenue for targeted interventions and improved clinical outcomes. This review serves as a comprehensive resource for researchers, clinicians, and healthcare practitioners engaged in unraveling the complex pathophysiology of SCA and exploring novel therapeutic avenues.
Interleukin-6-Positive Immune Cells as a Possible New Immunologic Marker Associated With the Colorectal Cancer Prognosis
Authors: Gulubova Maya , Chonov Dimitur , Aleksandrova Elina , Ivanova Koni , Ignatova M. Magdalena , Vlaykova Tatyana
Published: May 2024

Chronic inflammation creates tumor microenvironment (TME) that facilitates colorectal cancer (CRC) cell proliferation, migration, metastasis, and tumor progression. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a proinflammatory cytokine with a pleiotropic effect on CRC development. We aimed to evaluate IL-6 expression in tumor cells and in immune cells in TME, to assess the serum level and IL6 -174 G/C genotype distribution and to correlate the results with selected morphologic and clinical parameters that may add useful information in understanding the mechanisms of human CRC progression. A total of 153 patients with CRC were recruited in the current study. We assessed the IL-6 serum concentration through the ELISA method, the expression of IL-6 in tumor and in immune cells by immunohistochemical and double immunofluorescence staining, the MSI status by immunоhistochemistry for 4 mismatch repair (MMR) proteins, and the genotype distributions for IL6 -174G/C (rs1800795) single-nucleotide polymorphism through PCR-RFLP method. Our results showed that serum IL-6 level were increased in CRC patients as compared with healthy controls (P<0.0001), and in patients with cancers with advanced histologic type (type IV). However, the higher concentration (above the median of 55.71 pg/mL) was with borderline association with longer survival of the patients after surgical therapy (P=0.055, Log rank test). We also found that IL-6+ immune cells prevailed in the invasive front (IF) of tumors compared with the tumor stroma (TS) (P<0.0001). More IL-6+ cells were recruited in the tumors with less advanced histologic type (I+II), with stronger inflammatory infiltrate in the IF, in early pTNM stages (I+II), without lymph node and distant metastases and the higher levels of IL-6+ cells, especially in the IF, were associated with longer survival (P=0.012). The results of our study suggest that although the serum levels of IL-6 are higher in CRC, the increased IL-6+ cells in tumor microenvironment, both in the invasive front and in tumor stroma, as well as the higher serum levels are associated with good prognostic variables and longer survival of the patients mainly in the early stages of CRC.
Validation and Evaluation of 5 Scoring Systems for Predicting Metastatic Risk in Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
Authors: Li Qin , Lan Zhigang , Jiang Yong , Wang Rui , Li Ziyao , Jiang Xiaolin
Published: May 2024

Currently, 5 scoring systems have been proposed in the literature for predicting metastatic risk in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL): Pheochromocytoma of the Adrenal Gland Scaled Score (PASS), Grading System for Adrenal Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma (GAPP), Composite Pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma Prognostic Score (COPPS), Age, Size, Extra-adrenal location, Secretion type (ASES) score, and Size, Genetic, Age, and PASS (SGAP) model. To validate and evaluate these 5 scoring systems, we conducted a retrospective review of cases diagnosed as PPGL at the Department of Pathology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, between January 2012 and December 2019. A total of 185 PPGL cases were included, comprising 35 cases with metastasis and 150 cases remained metastasis-free for over 8 years after surgery. The criteria of the 5 scoring systems were used for scoring and risk classification. The predictive performance of the 5 scoring systems was validated, compared, and evaluated using concordance index (C-index) and decision curve analysis (DCA). The C-indices for PASS, GAPP, and SGAP were 0.600, 0.547, and 0.547, respectively, indicating low discriminative ability. In contrast, COPPS and ASES had C-indices of 0.740 and 0.706, respectively, indicating better discriminative performance. DCA also showed that the predictive capability of COPPS was superior to that of ASES, with both outperformed PASS, while PASS had better predictive ability than GAPP and SGAP. Our analysis indicated that pathology-based scoring systems cannot accurately predict metastatic risk of PPGL. Establishing a precise prediction system requires integrating clinical, pathologic, and molecular information, using a scientific methodology for predictive factor selection and weight assessment.
Implementation of a Suicide Risk Screening Clinical Pathway in a Children's Hospital
Authors: Brahmbhatt Khyati , Devlin Gabriel , Atigapramoj Nisa , Bekmezian Arpi , Park Chan , Han Tina , Dentoni-Lasofsky Brian , Mangurian Christina , Grupp-Phelan Jacqueline
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Youth suicide is a pressing global concern. Prior research has developed evidence-driven clinical pathways to screen and identify suicide risk among pediatric patients in outpatient clinics, emergency departments (ED) and inpatient hospital units. However, the feasibility of implementing these pathways remains to be established. Here, we share the results of a hospital-wide “youth suicide risk screening pathway” implementation trial at an urban academic pediatric hospital to address this gap.

Methods

A 3-tier “youth suicide risk screening pathway” using The Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) was implemented for patients aged 10 to 26 years who received care at an urban academic pediatric hospital's emergency department or inpatient units. We retrospectively reviewed implementation outcomes of this pathway from January 1 to August 31, 2019. The feasibility of this implementation was measured by assessing the pathway's degree of execution, fidelity, resource utilization, and acceptability.

Results

Of 4108 eligible patient encounters, 3424 (83%) completed the screen. Forty-eight (1%) screened acute positive, 263 (8%) screened nonacute positive and 3113 (91%) screened negative. Patients reporting positive suicide risk were more likely to be older and female, although more males required specialty mental health evaluations. Pathway fidelity was 83% among all positive screens and 94% among acute positive screens. The clinical pathway implementation required 16 hours of provider training time and was associated with slightly longer length of stay for inpatients that screened positive (4 vs 3 days). Sixty-five percent of nurses and 78% of social work providers surveyed supported participation in this effort.

Conclusions

It is feasible to implement a youth suicide risk screening pathway without overburdening the system at an urban academic pediatric hospital.
Ultrasound Investigation of the Fifth Intercostal Space Landmark for Chest Tube Thoracostomy Site Selection in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Ruthford Mason R. , Shah Aalap , Wolf Bethany J. , Kane Ian D. , Borg Keith , Moake Matthew M.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Chest tube thoracostomy site selection is typically chosen through landmark identification of the fifth intercostal space (ICS). Using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), studies have shown this site to be potentially unsafe in many adults; however, no study has evaluated this in children. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of the fifth ICS for pediatric chest tube placement, with the secondary aim to identify patient factors that correlate with an unsafe fifth ICS.

Methods

This was an observational study using POCUS to evaluate the safety of the fifth ICS for chest tube thoracostomy placement using a convenience sample of pediatric emergency department patients. Safety was defined as the absence of the diaphragm appearing within or above the fifth ICS during either tidal or maximal respiration. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to identify patient factors that correlated with an unsafe fifth ICS.

Results

Among all patients, 10.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.45–16.1) of diaphragm measurements crossed into or above the fifth ICS during tidal respiration and 27.2% (95% CI 19.0–37.3) during maximal respiration. The diaphragm crossed the fifth ICS more frequently on the right when compared with the left, with an overall rate of 45.0% (95% CI 36.1–54.3) of right diaphragms crossing during maximal respiration. In both univariate and multivariate analyses, a 1-kg/m2 increase in body mass index was associated with an increase of 10% or more in the odds of crossing during both tidal and maximal respiration (P = 0.003 or less).

Conclusions

A significant number of pediatric patients have diaphragms that cross into or above the fifth ICS, suggesting that placement of a chest tube thoracostomy at this site would pose a significant complication risk. POCUS can quickly and accurately identify these unsafe sites, and we recommend it be used before pediatric chest tube thoracostomy.
Quantitative Musculoskeletal Imaging of the Pediatric Shoulder
Authors: Cordes Caleb M.A. , Leonardis Joshua M. , Samet Jonathan , Mukherjee Shubhra , Seitz Amee L. , Slavens Brooke A.
Published: May 2024

Pediatric acquired and congenital conditions leading to shoulder pain and dysfunction are common. Objective, quantitative musculoskeletal imaging-based measures of shoulder health in children lag recent developments in adults. We review promising applications of quantitative imaging that tend to be available for common pediatric shoulder pathologies, especially brachial plexus birth palsy and recurrent shoulder instability, and imaging-related considerations of musculoskeletal growth and development of the shoulder. We highlight the status of quantitative imaging practices for the pediatric shoulder and highlight gaps where better care may be provided with advances in imaging technique and/or technology.
EFFECT OF GENDER ON 28-DAY SURVIVAL RATES AND TRANSFUSION VOLUME IN SEVERE TRAUMA PATIENTS: A MULTICENTER OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Authors: Tsuchida Takumi , Mizugaki Asumi , Tanaka Shohei , Semba Akiko , Nakajima Takuma , Wada Takeshi
Published: May 2024

Background: This study clarified the relationship between sex with survival and transfusion volume in severe trauma cases. Methods: A multicenter, collaborative post hoc analysis of patients with trauma in Japan was conducted. Patients aged ≥18 years with severe trauma indicated by an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 16 or higher were enrolled. Patients were matched and analyzed by gender based on propensity score with factors determined at the time of injury. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients younger than 50 years and older than 50 years. The significance level was defined as P < 0.05. Results: The 1,189 patients included in this registry were divided into adjusted groups of 226 male and female patients each. In the main analysis, 28-day survival rates in females were significantly higher than those in males (P = 0.046). In the subgroup analyses, there was no statistically significant prognostic effect of gender. Secondary outcomes, including transfusion volume, showed no significant gender-based variations. Logistic regression analyses consistently demonstrated that female sex was a significant favorable prognostic factor in all ages. This was true for the over-50 group on subgroup analysis, but no significant gender-prognosis relationship was identified in the under-50 age group. High ISSs were associated with poorer outcomes across all age groups. Conclusion: In severe trauma, survival at 28 days was significantly lower in males. However, this trend was not observed in patients aged <50 years. Factors other than sex hormones may be responsible for differences in posttraumatic outcomes by gender.
TRANSCRIPTOMIC DIFFERENCES IN PERIPHERAL MONOCYTE POPULATIONS IN SEPTIC PATIENTS BASED ON OUTCOME
Authors: Barrios Evan L. , Rincon Jaimar C. , Willis Micah , Polcz Valerie E. , Leary Jack R. , Darden Dijoia B. , Balch Jeremy A. , Larson Shawn D. , Loftus Tyler J. , Mohr Alicia M. , Wallet Shannon , Brusko Maigan A. , Balzano-Nogueira Leandro , Cai Guoshuai , Sharma Ashish , Upchurch Gilbert R. , Kladde Michael P. , Mathews Clayton E. , Maile Robert , Moldawer Lyle L. , Bacher Rhonda , Efron Philip A.
Published: May 2024

Postsepsis early mortality is being replaced by survivors who experience either a rapid recovery and favorable hospital discharge or the development of chronic critical illness with suboptimal outcomes. The underlying immunological response that determines these clinical trajectories remains poorly defined at the transcriptomic level. As classical and nonclassical monocytes are key leukocytes in both the innate and adaptive immune systems, we sought to delineate the transcriptomic response of these cell types. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and pathway analyses, we identified gene expression patterns between these two groups that are consistent with differences in TNF-α production based on clinical outcome. This may provide therapeutic targets for those at risk for chronic critical illness in order to improve their phenotype/endotype, morbidity, and long-term mortality.
Siwalik sabrecats: review and revised diagnosis of
Megantereon
fossils from the foothills of the Himalaya
Authors: Stimpson Christopher M.
Published: May 2024

The diagnosis of different fossil taxa in small collections from disparate geographical and temporal contexts is a common challenge in palaeontology. The likely number of morphospecies of the extinct sabretooth cat
Megantereon
is a classic example and subject of long-standing debate. While analyses of global fossil collections have provided insights and hypotheses, specimens from the foothills of the Himalaya—the Siwaliks—have been overlooked in recent treatments due to poor characterization and a confused taxonomic history. Here, this oversight is addressed. Craniodental fossils from the Siwaliks are revisited and their taxonomic status is reviewed. Morphological and metric characteristics are described, and qualitative and quantitative comparisons with congenerics are performed with published descriptions and datasets. The Lower Pleistocene Siwalik
Megantereon
are among the largest known forms in the genus. Advanced characteristics include reduced upper third premolars and long but comparatively narrow carnassial teeth. While dietary specialism can constrain morphological diversity, statistical analyses, including controls for body size effects, detected significant metric differences in the mandibles in comparison with congenerics. Within current paradigms, the status of
Megantereon falconeri
as a distinct morphospecies is upheld. A revised diagnosis is provided and the taxonomic affinities of
M. falconeri
are considered.
Wickerhamiella lachancei f.a. sp. nov., a novel ascomycetous yeast species isolated from flowers of Lantana camara in India
Authors: Avchar Rameshwar , Giri Gargi , Thakkar Lucky , Sharma Avinash , Paulo Sampaio José
Published: May 2024

Two isolates representing a novel species of the genus Wickerhamiella were obtained in India from nectar of flowers of Lantana camara, an ornamental exotic species native to Central and South America. Phylogenetic analyses of the D1/D2 domain of the 26S large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and physiological characteristics, supported the recognition of the novel species, that we designate Wickerhamiella lachancei sp. nov (MycoBank no. MB851709), with MCC 9929T as the holotype and PYCC 10003T as the isotype. Considering pairwise sequence similarity, the type strain of the novel species differs from the type strain of the most closely related species, Wickerhamiella drosophilae CBS 8459T, by 16 nucleotide substitutions and two gaps (3.9 % sequence variation) in the D1/D2 region (560 bp compared) and 28 nucleotide substitutions and five gaps (7.22 % sequence variation) in the ITS region (444 bp compared).
Altered blood microbiome in patients with HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Brochado-Kith Oscar , Rava Marta , Berenguer Juan , González-García Juan , Rojo David , Díez Cristina , HontaÑon Victor , Virseda-Berdices Ana , Ibañez-Samaniego Luis , Llop-Herrera Elba , Olveira Antonio , Perez-Latorre Leire , Barbas Coral , Fernández-Rodríguez Amanda , Resino Salvador , Jiménez-Sousa María Angeles ,   ESCORIAL Study Group
Published: May 2024

Background

Altered bacterial translocation is associated with transitioning from compensated to decompensated cirrhosis. Thus, we aimed to study differences in the blood microbiome of HCV-infected patients with and without hepatic decompensation.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in patients with advanced HCV-related cirrhosis with or without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (n=88). MiSeq Illumina technology for bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing was used. Non-targeted metabolomics was performed by GC-MS and LC-MS ESI+ and ESI-.

Results

Patients with decompensated cirrhosis had lower levels of richness (Chao1), and alpha diversity (Shannon and Simpson indexes) at phylum level, than patients without decompensation. Likewise, we observed significant differences in beta diversity between groups at phylum, class and order levels, being lower in decompensated cirrhotic patients. Higher relative abundance of Proteobacteria (Fold Change (FC)=1.54, p=0.012), Alphaproteobacteria (FC=1.57, p=0.016) and Sphingomonadales (FC=1.61, p=0.050) were significantly associated with hepatic decompensation. The phylum Proteobacteria was positively correlated with ethanolamine and oleic acid (p=0.005 and p=0.004, respectively) and negatively with p-cresol (p=0.006). In addition, the order Sphingomonadales was also negatively correlated with p-cresol (p=0.001).

Conclusions

Blood microbial diversity was significantly decreased in patients with decompensated cirrhosis, who presented an enrichment of Proteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, and Sphingomonadales, compared to patients with compensated cirrhosis.
Valence study of
Li(Ni0.5Mn0.5)1−xCoxO2
and
LiNi1−xCoxO2
: The role of charge transfer and charge disproportionation
Authors: Takegami Daisuke , Kawai Kosuke , Ferreira-Carvalho Miguel , Rößler Sahana , Liu Cheng-En , Kuo Chang-Yang , Chang Chun-Fu , Minamida Atsusa , Miyazaki Tatsuya , Okubo Masashi , Tjeng Liu Hao , Mizokawa Takashi
Published: May 2024

The series of LiMO2 (M: transition metal) materials are highly relevant as cathode materials of Li-ion batteries. The stability of such systems remains an important factor for their usability in batteries, and depends strongly on the electronic configuration of the transition-metal ions. In particular, the promising class of multi-transition-metal systems exhibits complicated valence states due to intermetallic charge transfer and charge disproportionation. Here we perform a systematic study on the valence of the transition-metal ions using x-ray absorption spectroscopy on the M−L2,3 edges and O-K edges. In Li(Ni0.5Mn0.5)1−xCoxO2 we established that the valence is Co3+ and Ni0.52+Mn0.54+ throughout the whole series. Meanwhile, in LiNi1−xCoxO2 we found that the Ni displays a behavior consistent with a charge disproportionated negative charge transfer system, and that with increased concentration of Co3+, the disproportionation signal decreases. Since the number of O 2p holes also gets reduced, we infer that the material will also become more unstable.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
High-angular-momentum Rydberg states in a room-temperature vapor cell for dc electric-field sensing
Authors: Duspayev Alisher , Cardman Ryan , Anderson David A. , Raithel Georg
Published: May 2024

We prepare and analyze Rydberg states with orbital quantum numbers ℓ≤6 using three-optical-photon electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) and radio frequency (rf) dressing, and employ the high-ℓ states in electric-field sensing. Rubidium-85 atoms in a room-temperature vapor cell are first promoted into the 25F5/2 state via Rydberg-EIT with three infrared laser beams. Two rf dressing fields then (near-)resonantly couple the 25F, 25H(ℓ=5), and 25I(ℓ=6) Rydberg states. The dependence of the rf-dressed Rydberg-state level structure on rf powers, rf and laser frequencies is characterized using EIT. Furthermore, we discuss the principles of dc-electric-field sensing using high-ℓ Rydberg states and experimentally demonstrate the method using test electric fields of ≲50 V/m induced via photo-illumination of the vapor-cell wall. We measure the highly nonlinear dependence of the dc-electric-field strength on the power of the photo-illumination laser. Numerical calculations, which reproduce our experimental observations well, elucidate the underlying physics. Our paper is relevant to high-precision spectroscopy of high-ℓ Rydberg states, Rydberg-atom-based electric-field sensing, and plasma electric-field diagnostics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Adopting smart retrofits: a decision-making model and benchmarking criteria
Authors: Jayarathne Tharindu Dulshani , De Silva Nayanthara , Samarakoon W. K. U. R. M. K. P. K.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Energy consumption in existing office buildings has been growing in parallel with the rise in occupant energy demand. As a result, many building owners have given smart retrofits (SRs) a higher priority. However, the utilisation of suitable SRs from a range of SRs has become a challenging task. The purpose of this paper is to develop a decision-making model to select the most suitable SRs for conventional office buildings and form a set of benchmarks for assessing the performance of SRs.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach with six case studies was used. Content analysis was carried out using NVivo to explore the factors considered for the selection of SR techniques. A decision-making model for selecting SRs in Sri Lankan office buildings was proposed. SR performance benchmarks were developed by referring to established standards and studies done in tropical office buildings.

Findings

Out of 18 identified SRs from literature, fan cycling, ventilation control and LED luminaires have been recognised as commonly used SRs in Sri Lankan office buildings. Analysis showed that HVAC retrofits saved more energy, while lighting retrofits could be easily implemented in existing buildings. The proposed decision-making model can explore further improvements to enhance the performance of SRs.

Originality/value

The selection of SRs is a comprehensive decision-making process. Metrics were established to benchmark the performance of SRs. The proposed model offers a tool for building owners and facility managers to optimise facility operations.
Can you credit it? Towards a process for ascribing credit to apprenticeships in England
Authors: Bravenboer Darryll Willem , Crawford-Lee Mandy , Dunn Clare
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Apprenticeships in England, while defined by level and typical duration, are not quantified regarding the number of learning hours required to achieve the outcomes specified, as with other regulated qualifications and accredited programmes. This paper proposes an approach to ascribe credit to apprenticeships recognising both on-and-off-the-job learning to remove some of the existing barriers to accessing higher education (HE) and the professions.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methodological approach resulting in a total learning hours/credit value was proposed.

Findings

There is significant HE-wide confusion regarding the amount of learning/training that is required to complete apprenticeships in England. Whilst sector guidance made it clear that there was no prescribed method to ascribe credit to qualifications, programmes, modules, units or apprenticeships by drawing out the core principles within current practice, a key outcome of this project was the development of a method to ascribe a credit value to apprenticeships.

Research limitations/implications

There is potential to support further research into the recognition of prior learning as a specialised pedagogy and for reflecting on apprenticeship practice in other roles and sectors.

Practical implications

Whilst the project underpinning this paper focused on the healthcare sector, the method used to ascribe credit to the level-3 healthcare support worker apprenticeship was not sector specific and can therefore be applied to apprenticeships within other contexts providing more widespread benefits to workforce development.

Social implications

Policy makers must ensure that employers and providers are clear that the minimum statutory off-the-job hours constitute an apprentice employment entitlement, which must not be conflated with total apprenticeship learning hours requirements. This recommended policy clarification could assist in simplifying the process required for ascribing credit to apprenticeships and at the same time support a move towards better and more consistent recognition of the value of apprenticeship learning.

Originality/value

It is a first attempt to ascribe a credit value to an apprenticeship in England for the specific purpose of facilitating progression to HE.
Mud brick houses as a suitable alternative to emergency shelters for internally displaced persons (IDPs): evidence from Northern Syria
Authors: Elkahlout Ghassan , Milton Sansom , Hawa Ruba
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the feasibility of mud brick houses as an alternative to the more widely adopted emergency shelters used in war-torn Syria. It focuses on the mud houses’ sustainability, cost effectiveness, cultural preference, income generation and security.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative research approach to a single case study. Interviews were conducted with field experts from the Qatar Red Crescent Society and members of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) community living in mud brick houses.

Findings

The findings reveal that the utilisation of mud houses is a good alternative in relief efforts. The houses are sustainable and cost-effective, take into consideration cultural dynamics and provide economic empowerment to IDPs. However, the maintenance of mud brick houses turns out to be the largest flaw, and this problem requires further research.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the inefficiency of current emergency sheltering practices in Syria and reveals that tents are not a preferred mode of shelter. It further sheds light on a unique case study in which mud houses were used by an aid and development organisation, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. This paper contributes to practical discussion and ideation on more appropriate housing for IDPs.
Procedure for describing traffic situation scene development
Authors: Korotysheva Anna , Zhukov Sergey
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to comprehensively address the challenge of delineating traffic scenarios in video footage captured by an embedded camera within an autonomous vehicle.

Design/methodology/approach

This methodology involves systematically elucidating the traffic context by leveraging data from the object recognition subsystem embedded in vehicular road infrastructure. A knowledge base containing production rules and logical inference mechanism was developed. These components enable real-time procedures for describing traffic situations.

Findings

The production rule system focuses on semantically modeling entities that are categorized as traffic lights and road signs. The effectiveness of the methodology was tested experimentally using diverse image datasets representing various meteorological conditions. A thorough analysis of the results was conducted, which opens avenues for future research.

Originality/value

Originality lies in the potential integration of the developed methodology into an autonomous vehicle’s control system, working alongside other procedures that analyze the current situation. These applications extend to driver assistance systems, harmonized with augmented reality technology, and enhance human decision-making processes.
How does innovation moderate the CSR impact on financial performance? An exploratory study and an empirical validation in the Tunisian context
Authors: Ben Flah Ines , Lajmi Azhaar , Hlioui Zaineb
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on firm performance (FP) of companies listed on the Tunis Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports on two empirical studies. The first was an exploratory qualitative study carried out on a sample of 30 Tunisian companies operating in different sectors. The second empirical study used a panel data regression analysis, to examine data from 46 companies listed on the Tunis Stock Exchange during the 2017 to 2021 period.

Findings

The results of the exploratory qualitative study pointed out the specificities of the Tunisian context as to the importance of CSR. The results highlighted also the importance of the 2018 CSR law in Tunisia, yet it drew attention to the non-implementation of its applying texts, meaning that CSR is not always enforced in the Tunisian context. Moreover, in this qualitative study, most companies confirmed that CSR is a key factor behind good governance practices. By studying the impact of CSR on various FP proxies, the results highlight that CSR has a positive and significant impact on FP measured by ROA as an accounting variable and stock returns as a market-measure variable. In addition, the authors confirm the moderating effect of innovation on the CSR and FP relationship. Indeed, innovation affects corporate FP differently. It hinders accounting-based FP while fostering the market-based one.

Practical implications

The study provides insights for managers into how CSR approaches can be used to maximize profits, improve its FP and reputation, while considering the corporate innovative capacities. CSR is a real performance lever for companies, a means of improving their economic, environmental and social efficiency. It enables companies to anticipate constraints and prevent risks, reduce certain operational costs, optimize resources, communicate a good image and stand out from the competition, gain easier access to innovation, strengthen their competitive edge, gain easier access to financing and strengthen their territorial and social roots.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is the adoption of two empirical approaches. These two methods are complementary. The first is an exploratory qualitative approach aimed at better understanding the current state of CSR implementation by Tunisian companies. The second one is quantitative, a panel data regression analysis. Furthermore, the authors test the moderating effect of innovation on the studied link. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that investigates the moderating effect of innovation on CSR FP in the Tunisian context. Finally, robustness tests were conducted to test the reliability of this study’s results.
Estimating restaurants’ unconstrained demand: a systematic approach to reducing structural bias in forecast accuracy measures
Authors: Ma Jing
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The diffusion of technologies from other sectors, and innovations in kitchen equipment, fueled structural changes within the foodservice industry. However, this change comes at a price of disrupting the critical step of assessing the demand forecast accuracy. This study aims to explore a surprisingly unique and elevated complexity when assessing the critically important demand forecast accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a mathematical model to describe and explore the nature of the problem in structural biased demand forecast accuracy assessment. It then uses numerical simulation to construct a market example to gain better insights on the bias characteristics. Finally, the forecast accuracy measurement’s inherent bias is contrasted with that of other typical hospitality forecasting setups.

Findings

This paper outlines the theoretical underpinnings of how demand forecasts in the central kitchen setup are dynamic and thus produce a structural bias. More specifically, this paper discovers how, in this context of orders from a central location, the forecasts set the capacity constraints, and, consequently, generate a considerably more biased forecast accuracy measure. Relying on such forecast accuracy measures can lead to serious negative business outcomes.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to show that in the unique new technology enabled environment of central kitchen operation, where daily dish demand forecasts set the daily constrained capacity levels, the accuracy measure is severely biased, and consequently accuracy is likely to deteriorate, which in turn, could lead to suboptimal decisions. The major theoretical contribution of this study is a novel analytical model which explains and describes the bias in the accuracy measurement.
Influence of halal marketing on intention towards halal cosmetics: halal awareness and attitude as mediators
Authors: Hasan Shahedul , Faruk Mohammad , Naher Kamron , Hossain Shazzad
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how halal marketing affects intention and to assess the mediating effects of halal awareness and halal attitude on the relationship between halal marketing and intention towards halal cosmetics.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quantitative methodology and used a convenience sampling approach to acquire data from 266 respondents from different regions of Bangladesh. The survey was conducted from December 2022 to February 2023. The data were analysed and hypotheses were tested using partial least square structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings suggested that all the formulated hypotheses were significant, indicating that halal marketing positively influenced intention towards halal cosmetics. Moreover, the relationship between halal marketing and consumers’ intentions to buy halal cosmetics was mediated by halal awareness and attitude.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this study are pertinent for Bangladeshi marketers of halal cosmetics. The results of this study will enable the manufacturers and marketers in the halal cosmetics industry to better target their respective customer base. The findings suggest that marketers of halal cosmetics should focus on creating awareness and fostering positive attitudes towards halal products among consumers.

Originality/value

This research has incorporated and tested the impact of halal awareness and halal attitudes as mediating constructs on intention towards halal cosmetics and found both constructs exert a statistically significant impact. Moreover, this paper investigated the halal marketing construct as a higher-order construct consisting of different components of marketing, while previous studies have been found to consider halal marketing as a first-order construct.
Advancing the consumer behaviour theory in halal food: review literature and directions for future research
Authors: Maminirina Fenitra Rakotoarisoa , Balqiah Tengku Ezni , Astuti Rifelly Dewi , Prabowo Hendro , Hati Sri Rahayu Hijrah
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine existing literature on halal food consumption from the perspective of consumer behaviour research. It identifies progress, current state and gaps and provides direction for future research to advance the field.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviewed papers from 2007 to 2023 using Scopus and WOS databases. The review used the Theories–Context–Characteristics–Methods (TCCM) framework and followed the scientific procedures and rationales for systematic literature reviews (SPAR-4-SLR) protocol.

Findings

The review summarises the methods, theory and approaches used in the topic and presents key findings and a proposed framework. It can guide future researchers in developing their models, making it a valuable starting point for future research. Despite the existence of SRL in halal food to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is the first review that proposes a model for halal food in consumer behaviour.

Originality/value

This review provides a twofold contribution. First, this review's theoretical contribution is advancing consumer behaviour literature on halal food. Second, this work's practical contribution is to enrich practitioners' understanding of the antecedents of consumer behaviour regarding halal food. This is the first review proposing a consumer behaviour model for Halal food. It makes a theoretical contribution to understanding consumer behaviour on Halal food and provides practical insights for practitioners.
Participation and satisfaction with thee-learning course “Mental health promotion in school health care”: a mixed-method study
Authors: Putkuri Tiina , Sarvasmaa Anna S. , Lahti Mari , Laaksonen Camilla , Axelin Anna
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the participation and satisfaction of learners with the brief “Mental health promotion in school health care” e-learning course, and to describe factors related to their participation and satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A convergent mixed-method study with a descriptive, posttest-only design was conducted in Finland. Quantitative data was collected from the learning portal data and via an electronic feedback questionnaire and qualitative data in four focus group discussions.

Findings

The three modules of the course were opened altogether 12,922 times during the 21 months period. The identified factors influencing participation within the course were: favorite methods attracting attention, the relevance of additional information and postprocessing boosting diligence. The learners’ satisfaction with the course was high. The factors identified for improving satisfaction were: filling gaps in earlier education, clear and concise structure and content, inspiring and interesting design and suitability for clinical use. In addition to the primary target group (school nurses), the course was well-participated and evaluated as satisfying among other health and social care professionals as well as undergraduate students.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates demand for brief, fully online mental health trainings among school nurses, but also among other health and social care professionals and students. The results indicate that learners perceive such training as beneficial. This paper also presents a novel training intervention and its pedagogical base.