bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ankle fracture surgery in patients experiencing homelessness: a national evaluation of one-year rates of reoperation
Authors: Fischer Fielding S. , Shahzad Hania , Khan Safdar N. , Quatman Carmen E.
Published: May 2024

Objectives:

To evaluate the impact of homelessness on surgical outcomes following ankle fracture surgery.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Mariner claims database.

Patients/Participants:

Patients older than 18 years who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ankle fractures between 2010 and 2021. A total of 345,759 patients were included in the study.

Intervention:

Study patients were divided into two cohorts (homeless and nonhomeless) based on whether their patient record contained International Classification of Disease (ICD)-9 or ICD-10 codes for homelessness/inadequate housing.

Main Outcome Measures:

One-year rates of reoperation for amputation, irrigation and debridement, repeat ORIF, repair of nonunion/malunion, and implant removal in isolation.

Results:

Homeless patients had significantly higher odds of undergoing amputation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–2.27, P = 0.014), irrigation and debridement (aOR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08–1.37, P < 0.001), and repeat ORIF (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.00–1.35, P = 0.045). Implant removal was less common in homeless patients (aOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.59–0.72, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between homeless and nonhomeless patients in the rate of nonunion/malunion repair (aOR 0.87, 95% CI 0.63–1.18, P = 0.41).

Conclusions:

Homelessness is a significant risk factor for worse surgical outcomes following ankle fracture surgery. The findings of this study warrant future research to identify gaps in surgical fracture care for patients with housing insecurity and underscore the importance of developing interventions to advance health equity for this vulnerable patient population.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III.
Cell Cycle Checkpoints p16 and p21—Strong Predictors of Clinicopathologic Outcomes in High-Grade Osteosarcoma
Authors: Nasri Elham , Torrence Dianne E. , Vasilopoulos Terrie , Knapik Jacquelyn A. , Lagmay Joanne P. , Reith John D. , Gibbs Charles Parker
Published: May 2024

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant neoplasm of bone. Despite recent advances in the management of the disease, the overall survival of patients has failed to improve in the past 30 years due to the biological and genetic complexities of the disease and the lack of reliable prognostic and predictive markers to guide the treatments. Histologic tumor necrosis in response to chemotherapy has served as the most reliable predictor of disease outcome for years. Patients with a good histologic response (greater than 90% tumor necrosis) to chemotherapy had better disease outcomes compared with patients with a poor histologic response (less than 90% tumor necrosis). With the changes in the intensity of chemotherapeutic regimens, the prognostic value of histologic measurement of tumor necrosis has been questioned in recent studies.

Purpose

In this study, we used a series of immunohistochemical measurements of 2 cell cycle regulators, p16 and p21, to evaluate their prognostic value, separately and in combination, for the disease outcomes.

Method

A total of 101 patients with high-grade osteosarcoma were included in this study. Clinicopathologic data were collected, and immunohistochemistry for p16 and p21 was performed and interpreted by 3 independent pathologists. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the strength of each of these markers relative to disease outcome.

Results

Our results indicate that more than 90% expression (high) of p16 by immunohistochemistry on the initial biopsy has a strong predictive value for good histologic response to chemotherapy. The patients are also more likely to survive the past 5 years and less likely to develop metastasis than patients with less than 90% p16 (low) expression. The results for p21, on the other hand, show a unique pattern of relationship to the clinicopathologic outcomes of the disease. Patients with less than 1% (low) or more than 50% (high) expression of p21 by immunohistochemistry show a higher chance of metastasis, poor necrotic response to chemotherapy, and an overall decreased survival rate when compared with p21 expression between 1% and 50% (moderate). Our results also showed that the expression of p16 and combined p16 and p21 demonstrates a stronger predictive relationship to 5-year survival than tumor histologic necrosis and p21 alone.

Discussion

The results of this study, once proven to be reproducible by a larger number of patients, will be valuable in the initial assessment and risk stratification of the patients for treatment and possibly the clinical trials.
PET Imaging of Metabolism, Perfusion, and Hypoxia
Authors: Pantel Austin R. , Bae Seong-Woo , Li Elizabeth J. , O'Brien Sophia R. , Manning H. Charles
Published: May 2024

Imaging glucose metabolism with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography has transformed the diagnostic and treatment algorithms of numerous malignancies in clinical practice. The cancer phenotype, though, extends beyond dysregulation of this single pathway. Reprogramming of other pathways of metabolism, as well as altered perfusion and hypoxia, also typifies malignancy. These features provide other opportunities for imaging that have been developed and advanced into humans. In this review, we discuss imaging metabolism, perfusion, and hypoxia in cancer, focusing on the underlying biology to provide context. We conclude by highlighting the ability to image multiple facets of biology to better characterize cancer and guide targeted treatment.
Radiopharmaceuticals for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Taunk Neil K. , Escorcia Freddy E. , Lewis Jason S. , Bodei Lisa
Published: May 2024

Radiopharmaceutical therapy has emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of various cancers. The exploration of novel targets such as tumor-specific antigens, overexpressed receptors, and intracellular biomolecules using antibodies, peptides, or small molecules has expanded the scope of radiopharmaceutical therapy, enabling precise and effective cancer treatment for an increasing number of tumor types. Alpha emitters, characterized by their high linear energy transfer and short path length, offer unique advantages in targeted therapy due to their potent cytotoxicity against cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. This article reviews recent advancements in identifying novel targets for radiopharmaceutical therapy and applications in utilizing α-emitters for targeted treatment.
Missing in action: A bibliometric analysis of military research in the medical literature since 1950
Authors: Lile Deacon J. , Bergman Alon , Rolfing James , Allard Rhonda J. , Davis Thomas A. , Gross Kirby R. , Elster Eric A. , Schwab C. William , Cannon Jeremy W.
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Top-tier general and specialty scientific journals serve as a bellwether for national research priorities. We hypothesize that military-relevant publications are underrepresented in the scientific literature and that such publications decrease significantly during peacetime.

METHODS

We identified high impact journals in the fields of Medicine, Surgery and Critical Care and developed Boolean searches for military-focused topics using National Library of Medicine Subject Headings terms. A PubMed search from 1950 to 2020 returned the number of research publications in relevant journals and the rate of military-focused publications by year. Rates of military publications were compared between peacetime and wartime. Publication rate trends were modeled with a quadratic function controlling for the start of active conflict and total casualty numbers. Baseline proportions of military physicians relative to the civilian sector served to estimate expected publication rates. Comparisons were performed using Pearson's χ2 and Mann-Whitney U test, with p < 0.05 considered a significant difference.

RESULTS

From 1950 to 2020, a total of 716,340 manuscripts were published in the journals queried. Of these, military-relevant manuscripts totaled 4,052 (0.57%). We found a significant difference in the rate of publication during times of peace and times of war (0.40% vs. 0.69%, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis found significantly reduced rates of publication in medical and critical care journals during peacetime. For each conflict, the percentage of military-focused publications peaked during periods of war but then receded below baseline levels within a median of 2.5 years (interquartile range, 1.5–3.8 years) during peacetime. The proportion of military-focused publications never reached the current proportion of military physicians in the workforce.

CONCLUSION

There is marked reduction in rates of publication for military-focused articles in high impact journals during peacetime. Military-focused articles are underrepresented in high-impact journals. Investigators of military-relevant topics and editors of high-impact journals should seek to close this gap.
Evidence of Pericyte Damage in a Cognitively Normal Cohort
Authors: Haghdel Arsalan , Smith Natasha , Glodzik Lidia , Li Yi , Wang Xiuyuan , Crowder Tamara , Zhu Yuan-Shan , Butler Tracy , Blennow Kaj , McIntire Laura Beth , Pahlajani Silky , Osborne Joseph , Chiang Gloria , de Leon Mony , Ivanidze Jana
Published: May 2024

Background:

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction is emerging as an important pathophysiologic factor in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFRβ) is a biomarker of BBB pericyte injury and has been implicated in cognitive impairment and AD.

Methods:

We aimed to study CSF PDGFRβ protein levels, along with CSF biomarkers of brain amyloidosis and tau pathology in a well-characterized population of cognitively unimpaired individuals and correlated CSF findings with amyloid-PET positivity. We performed an institutional review board (IRB)-approved cross-sectional analysis of a prospectively enrolled cohort of 36 cognitively normal volunteers with available CSF, Pittsburgh compound B PET/CT, Mini-Mental State Exam score, Global Deterioration Scale, and known apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 status.

Results:

Thirty-six subjects were included. Mean age was 63.3 years; 31 of 36 were female, 6 of 36 were amyloid-PET-positive and 12 of 36 were APOE ε4 carriers. We found a moderate positive correlation between CSF PDGFRβ and both total Tau (r=0.45, P=0.006) and phosphorylated Tau 181 (r=0.51, P=0.002). CSF PDGFRβ levels were not associated with either the CSF Aβ42 or the amyloid-PET.

Conclusions:

We demonstrated a moderate positive correlation between PDGFRβ and both total Tau and phosphorylated Tau 181 in cognitively normal individuals. Our data support the hypothesis that BBB dysfunction represents an important early pathophysiologic step in AD, warranting larger prospective studies.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00094939.
Measurement of Allostatic Load in Caregivers of Older Hispanic People With Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders
Authors: Teresi Jeanne A. , Ocepek-Welikson Katja , Eimicke Joseph P. , Ramirez Mildred , Liu Shelley , Silver Stephanie , Luchsinger Jose A.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Allostatic load (AL) has been studied in the context of biomarkers that may be affected by environmental and contextual stressors, including social determinants of health. The specific stressor studied here is the provision of caregiving to older persons with Alzheimer disease and related disorders. The aims were to examine the factor structure of stress and nonstress biomarkers, different methods for calculating AL, and the relationship of AL with other variables.

Methods:

Latent variable models were used to examine biomarkers. Regression analyses were performed with the outcomes: AL calculated as percentile-based and clinically-based for both stress and nonstress components. The sample was 187 Hispanic caregivers to individuals with dementia.

Results:

The results of the confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) suggested defining 2 factors: nonstress and stress-related. Performance was better for the CFA results and the associations with covariates when stress and nonstress components were examined separately. Despite some limitations, this is one of the first studies of biomarkers in Hispanic caregivers to patients with dementia. It was possible to explain almost 30% of the variance in the nonstress AL component.

Conclusion:

It may be important to differentiate among biomarkers indicative of cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune response as contrasted with the more stress-related biomarkers.
Paenarthrobacter aromaticivorans sp. nov., a paraoxon-degrading bacterium isolated from red pepper cultivation soil
Authors: Oh Eun Tak , Jeong Ji Won , Kim Seung Bum
Published: May 2024

A bacterial strain designated MMS21-TAE1-1T, capable of degrading paraoxon, was isolated from red pepper soil (36° 25′ 26.0″ N, 126° 25′ 47.0″ E) and subjected to polyphasic taxonomic characterisation. MMS21-TAE1-1T was an aerobic, non-motile and Gram-stain-positive bacterium. MMS21-TAE1-1T showed growth at 10–37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 4–10 (optimum, pH 7) and in the presence of 0–6 % NaCl (optimum, 0 %). On the basis of the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, MMS21-TAE1-1T could be assigned to the genus Paenarthrobacter and shared the highest sequence similarities with Paenarthrobacter aurescens NBRC 12136T (99.72 %), then with Paenarthrobacter nitroguajacolicus G2-1T (99.65 %) and Paenarthrobacter ilicis DSM 20138T (99.17 %). However, the results of genome-based comparison using orthologous average nucleotide identity (orthoANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridisation indicated that MMS21-TAE1-1T could be readily distinguished from all species of the genus with validly published names. The predominant menaquinone of MMS21-TAE1-1T was MK-9(H2). The diagnostic polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol, and unidentified glycolipids were also present. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The chemotaxonomic properties of MMS21-TAE1-1T were generally consistent with those of members of the genus Paenarthrobacter. The genome of MMS21-TAE1-1T contained genes related to degradation of aromatic compounds. It is evident from the results of this study that strain MMS21-TAE1-1T merits recognition as representing a novel species of the genus Paenarthrobacter, for which the name Paenarthrobacter aromaticivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MMS21-TAE1-1T (=KCTC 49652T = LMG 32368T).
Engineered 3D Hydrogel Matrices to Modulate Trophoblast Stem Cell-Derived Placental Organoid Phenotype
Authors: Slaby Emily M. , Hansen Nathaniel , Sharma Ritin , Pirrotte Patrick , Weaver Jessica D.
Published: May 2024

Placental organoid models are a promising platform to study human placental development and function. Organoid systems typically use naturally derived hydrogel extracellular matrices (ECM), resulting in batch-to-batch variability that limits experimental reproducibility. As an alternative, synthetic ECM-mimicking hydrogel matrices offer greater consistency and control over environmental cues. Here, we generated trophoblast stem cell-derived placental organoids using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels with tunable degradability and placenta-derived ECM cues to evaluate trophoblast differentiation relative to Matrigel and two-dimensional (2D) culture controls. Our data demonstrate that PEG hydrogels support trophoblast viability and metabolic function comparable to gold standard Matrigel. Additionally, phenotypic characterization via proteomic analysis revealed that PEG and Matrigel matrices drive syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast-dominant placental organoid phenotypes, respectively. Further, three-dimensional (3D) environments promoted greater integrin expression and ECM production than 2D culture. This study demonstrates that engineered 3D culture environments can be used to reliably generate placental organoids and guide trophoblast differentiation.
Bivariate multilevel meta-analysis of log response ratio and standardized mean difference for robust and reproducible environmental and biological sciences
Authors: Yang Yefeng , Williams Coralie , Senior Alistair M. , Morrison Kyle , Ricolfi Lorenzo , Pan Jinming , Lagisz Malgorzata , Nakagawa Shinichi
Published: May 2024

Meta-analytic modelling plays a pivotal role in synthesizing research and informing relevant policies. Yet researchers face many analytical challenges. In environmental and biological sciences, one of the most common yet unrecognised issues is the selection between two common effect size metrics, log response ratio (lnRR) and standardized mean difference (SMD); these two are the most popular and alternative effect sizes. Having to choose between them creates room for analytical flexibility, which is susceptible to researcher degrees of freedom. Another common issue is failure to deal with statistical dependence between effect sizes, resulting in invalid inferences on evidence. We propose addressing these two issues through the joint synthesis (dual use) of lnRR and SMD. Using 75 meta-analyses, including 3,887 environmental/biological primary studies (∼20,000 effect sizes), we show a high false positive rate (40%) in conventional meta-analytic practices (random-effects model) compared to the proposed bivariate multilevel meta-analysis of lnRR and SMD along with robust variance estimation. Relying solely on either lnRR or SMD results in non-trivial discrepancies in detecting statistically significant effects (18%) and occasional inconsistencies in sign (9%). Discrepancies in interpreting effect size, heterogeneity, and publication bias are prevalent between models using lnRR and SMD (e.g., 52% for publication bias). In contrast, bivariate synthesis of lnRR and SMD yields substantial information gain, reducing standard error in effect size estimates by 29%, equivalent to adding 40 additional effect sizes. We present a user-friendly website with a step-by-step implementation guide. Our proposed robust approach aspires to improve meta-analytic modelling using lnRR and SMD in environmental and biological evidence synthesis, amplifying their reproducibility and credibility.
Is an active hospital microbiology laboratory cost-effective in a resource-limited setting? - a case study from Timor-Leste
Authors: Lim Cherry , Swe Myo Maung Maung , Devine Angela , Oakley Tessa , Champlin Karen , Oo Pyae Sone , Sarmento Nevio , Barreto Ismael Da Costa , Givney Rodney C , Yan Jennifer , Francis Joshua R , Cooper Ben S
Published: May 2024

Maintaining an active hospital microbiology laboratory allows definitive antibiotic treatment for bacterial infections to be given in a timely manner. This would be expected to improve patient outcomes and shorten length of hospital stay. However, many hospitals in low- and middle-income countries lack access to microbiology services, and the cost-effectiveness of an active microbiology service is unknown. We constructed a decision tree and performed a cost-effectiveness model analysis to determine whether maintaining an active microbiology laboratory service would be cost-effective in Timor-Leste, a lower middle-income country. The analysis was informed by local microbiology data, local patient treatment costs, results of an expert elicitation exercise and data from literature reviews. The results indicate that there is a high probability that maintaining an active microbiology laboratory is a cost-effective intervention that would both improve patient outcomes and reduce net costs (due to reduced intensive care admissions and potential costs of resistant infections) compared to no microbiological testing, especially for the hospitalised paediatric patients with suspected primary bacteraemia. This remained true under various one-way sensitivity analyses, including when accuracy of microbiological testing is low, prevalence of bacterial infection among patients with suspected bloodstream infection was high, and prevalence of antibiotic resistance was high.
PathoGD: an integrative genomics approach for CRISPR-based target design of rapid pathogen diagnostics
Authors: Low Soo Jen , O’Neill Matthew , Kerry William J. , Wild Natasha , Krysiak Marcelina , Nong Yi , Azzato Francesca , Hor Eileen , Williams Lewis , Taiaroa George , Steinig Eike , Pasricha Shivani , Williamson Deborah A.
Published: May 2024

The design of highly specific primers and guide RNAs (gRNA) for CRISPR-based diagnostics is often a laborious process. Several tools exist for gRNA design, but most are tailored for genome editing applications. Here, we present PathoGD, an end-to-end bioinformatic pipeline comprising pangenome andk-mer modules for rapid and high-throughput design of primers and gRNAs for CRISPR-Cas12a-based pathogen detection. We validated and demonstrated high specificity of a subset of PathoGD-designed primers and gRNAs for the detection ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaeandStreptococcus pyogenes.PathoGD will serve as an important resource for designing CRISPR-based diagnostic assays for current and emerging pathogens.
Novel Anti-virulence Compounds Disrupt Exotoxin Expression in MRSA
Authors: Balogh Halie , Anthony Amaiya , Stempel Robin , Vossen Lauren , Federico Victoria A. , Valenzano Gabriel Z. , Blackledge Meghan S. , Miller Heather B.
Published: May 2024

Hemolysins are lytic exotoxins expressed in most strains ofS. aureus, but hemolytic activity varies between strains. We have previously reported several novel anti-virulence compounds that disrupt theS. aureustranscriptome, including hemolysin gene expression. This report delves further into our two lead compounds, loratadine and a structurally related brominated carbazole, and their effects on hemolysin production in MRSA. To gain understanding into how these compounds affect hemolysis, we analyzed these exotoxins at the DNA, RNA, and protein level after in vitro treatment. While lysis of red blood cells varied between strains, DNA sequence variation did not account for it. We hypothesized that our compounds would modulate gene expression of multiple hemolysins in a laboratory strain and a clinically relevant hospital-acquired strain of MRSA, both with SCCmectype II. RNA-seq analysis of differential gene expression in untreated and compound-treated cultures revealed hundreds of differentially expressed genes, with a significant enrichment in genes involved in hemolysis. The brominated carbazole and loratadine both displayed the ability to reduce hemolysis in the laboratory strain, but displayed differential activity in a hospital-acquired strain. These results corroborate gene expression studies as well as western blots of alpha hemolysin. Together, this work suggests that small molecules may alter exotoxin production in MRSA, but that the directionality and/or magnitude of the difference is likely strain-dependent.
Molecular mechanisms driving divergent development of the human frontal and visual cortex during prenatal development
Authors: Epihova Gabriela , Epihov Dimitar Z. , Akarca Danyal , Astle Duncan E.
Published: May 2024

Key principles of structural brain organization are established very early in fetal development. The frontal cortex is an important hub for integration and control of information, and its integrity and connectivity within the wider neural system are linked to individual differences across multiple cognitive domains and neurodevelopmental conditions. Here we leveraged fetal brain transcriptomics to investigate molecular mechanisms during prenatal development that drive early differences between the two regions at the opposite poles of the physical and representational gradient of the brain - the frontal and visual cortex. We show that the frontal cortex exhibits significantly higher cumulative gene expression for pathways involved in the continued growth and maintenance of larger neurons. These pathways include the gene ontology terms of neuron development and neuronal cell body as well as glucose metabolism important in trophically supporting larger cell sizes. Whole pathways for axonal growth (axonal growth cone, microtubules, filopodia, lamellipodia) and single genes involved in circuit connectivity exhibited increased expression in the frontal cortex. In contrast, in line with the established earlier completion of neurogenesis and lower number of neurons in the anterior cortex, expression of genes involved in DNA replication was significantly lower relative to the visual cortex. We further demonstrate differential cellular composition with higher expression of marker genes for inhibitory neurons in the prenatal frontal cortex. Together, these results suggest that the cellular architecture and composition facilitates earlier connectivity in the frontal cortex which may determine its role as an integrative hub in the global brain organization.
Exploring environmental microfungal diversity through serial single cell screening
Authors: Mariz Joana , Nawaz Ali , Bösch Yvonne , Wurzbacher Christian
Published: May 2024

Known for its remarkable diversity and ecological importance, the fungal kingdom remains largely unexplored. In fact, the number of unknown and undescribed fungi is predicted to exceed the number of known fungal species by far. Despite efforts to uncover these dark fungal taxa, we still face inherent sampling biases and methodological limitations. Here, we present a framework that combines taxonomic knowledge, molecular biology, and data processing to explore the fungal biodiversity of enigmatic aquatic fungal lineages. Our work is based on serial screening of environmental fungal cells to approach unknown fungal taxa. Microscopic documentation is followed by DNA analysis of laser micro-dissected cells, coupled with a ribosomal operon barcoding step realized by long-read sequencing, followed by an optional whole genome sequencing step. We tested this approach on a range of aquatic fungal cells mostly belonging to the group of aquatic hyphomycetes derived from environmental samples. From this initial screening, we were able to identify thirty-two potentially new fungal taxa in the target dataset. By extending this methodology to other fungal lineages associated with different habitats, we expect to increasingly characterize the molecular barcodes of dark fungal taxa in diverse environmental samples. This work offers a promising solution to the challenges posed by unknown and unculturable fungi and holds the potential to be applied to the diverse lineages of undescribed microeukaryotes.
Fluctuating entropy production on the coarse-grained level: Inference and localization of irreversibility
Authors: Degünther Julius , van der Meer Jann , Seifert Udo
Published: May 2024

Stochastic thermodynamics provides the framework to analyze thermodynamic laws and quantities along individual trajectories of small but fully observable systems. If the observable level fails to capture all relevant degrees of freedom, some form of effective, coarse-grained dynamics naturally emerges for which the principles of stochastic thermodynamics generally cease to be applicable straightforwardly. Our work unifies the notion of entropy production along an individual trajectory with that of a coarse-grained dynamics by establishing a framework based on snippets and Markovian events as fundamental building blocks. A key asset of a trajectory-based fluctuating entropy production is the ability to localize individual contributions to the total entropy production in time and space. As an illustration and potential application for inference we introduce a method for the detection of hidden driving. The framework applies equally to even and odd variables and, therefore, includes the peculiar case of entropy production in underdamped Langevin dynamics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Consumers’ willingness to pay in socially sustainable restaurants: an application of the decent work scale
Authors: Mejia Cynthia
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Restaurant and foodservice workers who were formally “essential” throughout the global pandemic were disproportionately subjected to layoffs and furloughs, and are now slowly returning to the industry with expectations of equitable pay and benefits. Given the recent acceleration of the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals and its focus on decent work, the purpose of this study was to determine if restaurant consumers would be willing to pay for decent work that supported the social sustainability of restaurant workers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 317 restaurant consumers during August 2023. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate the Decent Work Scale adapted for consumers. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the full behavioral model of decent work predicting willingness to pay, while bootstrapping was used to test the mediation.

Findings

The adapted Decent Work Scale for consumers strongly predicted their willingness to pay through a full mediation of Theory of Planned Behavior constructs (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control).

Originality/value

This study demonstrated that restaurant consumers were willing to pay for the decent work and social sustainability of restaurant workers. This study validated an adapted Decent Work Scale in the consumer context, whereas prior research utilizing the scale was of worker self-reports of decent work.
Packaging customization in the Italian food industry. When is it really worth it?
Authors: Ottolenghi Chiara , D'Amico Simona , Iasevoli Gennaro
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The objective of this study is to investigate consumer motivations and purchase behaviors with respect to cookies with customized packaging and consumer interest in different types of customization in the Italian food industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted by performing a quantitative analysis of 642 surveys collected via Google Forms. A repeated-measures ANOVA, univariate ANOVA, chi-squared test, correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were conducted using SPSS.

Findings

Customers buy cookies with customized packaging as personal gifts to someone they care about. The ability to insert their initials or a personalized phrase appears to increase customers’ positive attitudes toward buying cookies with customized packaging. Those interested in this type of customization are willing to pay more, regardless of the type of customization.

Research limitations/implications

In the survey, only some types of customization not previously extracted from a focus group are explored, and the analysis covers only the food industry and does not take a cross-sectional approach. In addition, we specifically refer to the Italian market, which means that results cannot be generalized.

Practical implications

From a managerial perspective, our results highlight that food industry companies should take advantage of the opportunity to segment the demand for customized packaging with respect to consumers’ attitudes and their motivation toward food products.

Originality/value

From a theoretical perspective, this study analyzes consumer attitudes and behaviors toward purchasing cookies with customized packaging. From a managerial perspective, the results of the study highlight interesting courses of action for companies in the food industry that would like to use the tool of customization by intervening in terms of the packaging rather than the product itself.
Does the presence of invitees in the audit committee impact firm value? Evidence from India
Authors: Mishra Geeti , Raithatha Mehul
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Section 177 of the Company Act 2013 and Regulation 18 of the Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements 2015 allow the audit committee to invite firm executives to participate in the audit committee meetings. In this study, we investigate the negative impact of the presence of invitees in the audit committee on firm value.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the Propensity Score Matching and Difference-In-Difference methodology (henceforth, PSM-DID) to establish a causal relationship between the presence of invitees and firm value. The final sample consists of 24,232 firm-year observations representing 4,493 distinct firms from 2016 to 2021. We also address the endogeneity and autocorrelation issues using the system-generalized method of moments (henceforth, GMM) as a robustness test.

Findings

We find that the presence of invitees in the audit committee decreases the firm value because investors consider this an alarming signal. We further find that the firms, audited by the Big 4, do not experience a decrease in firm value due to higher audit quality, whereas the firms with high promoter ownership experience a decrease due to the presence of agency cost.

Originality/value

We contribute to the literature on firm value and strengthen the literature on the importance of good governance in a developing nation using the signalling theory. This study adds to the understanding of firm value. The findings have implications for management literature and are valuable for policymakers and standard setters in evaluating the impact of disclosures in the capital market. The managerial implications emphasize the need for careful consideration of invitees in audit committees, considering industry, regulatory environment, and firm goals. Firms are advised to assess the benefits and costs, monitor the impact regularly, and strengthen internal controls.
Risk identification of public opinion on social media: a new approach based on cross-spatial network analysis
Authors: Li Yiming , Xu Xukan , Riaz Muhammad , Su Yifan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to use geographical information on social media for public opinion risk identification during a crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study constructs a double-layer network that associates the online public opinion with geographical information. In the double-layer network, Gaussian process regression is used to train the prediction model for geographical locations. Second, cross-space information flow is described using local government data availability and regional internet development indicators. Finally, the structural characteristics and information flow of the double-layer network are explored to capture public opinion risks in a fine-grained manner. This study used the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak for validation analyses, and it collected more than 90,000 pieces of public opinion data from microblogs.

Findings

In the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, the double-layer network exhibited a radiating state, and the information dissemination was more dependent on the nodes with higher in-degree. Moreover, the double-layer network structure showed geographical differences. The risk contagion was more significant in areas where information flow was prominent, but the influence of nodes was reduced.

Originality/value

Public opinion risk identification that incorporates geographical scenarios contributes to enhanced situational awareness. This study not only effectively extends geographical information on social media, but also provides valuable insights for accurately responding to public opinion.
Development of a dedicated process simulator for the digital twin in apparel manufacturing: a case study
Authors: Kim Minsuk , Kim Sungmin
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to introduce a dedicated simulator to automatically generate and simulate a balanced apparel assembly line, which is critical to the digital twin concept in apparel manufacturing. Given the low automation level in apparel manufacturing, this is a first step toward the implementation of a smart factory based on cyber-physical systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The mixed task assignment algorithm was implemented to automatically generate a module-based apparel assembly line in the developed simulator. To validate the developed simulator, a case study was conducted using process analysis data of technical jackets obtained from an apparel manufacturer. The case study included three scenarios: calculating the number of workers, selecting orders based on factory capacity and managing unexpected worker absences.

Findings

The developed simulator is approximately 97.2% accurate in assigning appropriate tasks to workstations using the mixed task assignment algorithm. The simulator was also found to be effective in supporting decision-making for production planning, order selection and apparel assembly line management. In addition, the module-based line generation algorithm made it easy to modify the assembly line.

Originality/value

This study contributes a novel approach to address the challenge of low automation levels in apparel manufacturing by introducing a dedicated simulator. This dedicated simulator improves the efficiency of virtual apparel assembly line generation and simulation, which distinguishes it from existing commercial simulation software.
Design heuristics for cut order planning problems in the apparel industry
Authors: Tsao Yu-Chung , Liu Chia-Chen , Chen Pin-Ru , Vu Thuy-Linh
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In recent years, the demand for garments has significantly increased, requiring manufacturers to speed up their production to attract customers. Cut order planning (COP) is one of the most important processes in the apparel manufacturing industry. The appropriate stencil arrangement can reduce costs and fabric waste. The COP problem focuses on determining the size combination for a pattern, which is determined by the length of the cutting table, width, demand order, and height of the cutting equipment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes new heuristics: genetic algorithm (GA), symbiotic organism search, and divide-and-search-based Lite heuristic and a One-by-One (ObO) heuristic to address the COP problem. The objective of the COP problem is to determine the optimal combination of stencils to meet demand requirements and minimize the total fabric length.

Findings

A comparison between our proposed heuristics and other simulated annealing and GA-based heuristics, and a hybrid approach (conventional algorithm + GA) was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed heuristics. The test results show that the ObO heuristic can significantly improve the solution efficiency and find the near optimal solution for extreme demands.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a new heuristic, the One-by-One (ObO) heuristic, to solve the COP problem. The results show that the proposed approaches overcome the long operation time required to determine the fitting arrangement of stencils. In particular, our proposed ObO heuristic can significantly improve the solution efficiency, i.e. finding the near optimal solution for extreme demands within a very short time.
Prolonged organizational citizenship behavior and its impact on nurses' mental health: a time to rethink
Authors: Chattopadhyay Rachana
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The primary objective of this study is to understand the motivational process of the nurses who were engaged in COVID care and performed organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) without caring about their own lives. This study also aims to investigate the consequences of such OCB on life satisfaction when the situation continues for a longer period.

Design/methodology/approach

For the study’s first objective, an online cross-sectional survey was conducted on 236 critical care nurses from 18 states of India extending over the period from March 2021 to November 2021, when the country passed through the second wave of COVID-19 infection. For the second objective, a longitudinal study compared the life satisfaction level during and post-COVID by giving a one-year gap (November 2022).

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that during this COVID period, nurses were strongly performing OCB through their organizational and professional commitment, but one year later, they were identified with a low level of life satisfaction.

Originality/value

Research on nurses has already categorized the profession under high emotional labor. Research also reveals that an individual’s emotional labor strategy (deep acting or surface acting) determines job satisfaction. However, under the COVID situation, nurses have displayed an extraordinary level of OCB by placing their own life at risk. Analysis of this study indicates that the OCB within the nurses during the COVID period originated from their commitment, not from the emotional labor strategy, which they used to select as a coping mechanism. However, one year later, it has affected their mental health and lowered their life satisfaction.
Behavioral dedication, constraint or obligation? A tripartite model of active participation in multiplayer online battle arena game community
Authors: Gong Xiang , Xiao Zhenxin , Liu Xiaoxiao , Lee Matthew K.O.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Active participation is critical to the survival and development of the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game community. However, this issue has not received much attention in the information systems literature. To address this issue, we develop a tripartite model that accounts for the roles of behavioral dedication, constraint, obligation mechanisms on active participation in the MOBA community.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model is empirically validated by online survey data among 971 users of a popular MOBA community.

Findings

The results show that perceived enjoyment, perceived escapism, and affective commitment are key behavioral dedication factors, which further promote active participation in the MOBA community. In addition, past investment, self-efficacy for change, and calculative commitment are important behavioral constraint factors, which ultimately influence active participation in the MOBA community. Finally, subjective norm, group norm, social identity, and normative commitment are influential behavioral obligation factors, which in turn facilitate active participation in the MOBA community.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of active participation in the MOBA community and offers practical guidance for promoting active participation in the community.
The student as stakeholder: how the altruism of university social responsibility (USR) campaigns impacts student relationships
Authors: Harrison Virginia , Morehouse Jordan , Boatwright Brandon
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to expand corporate social responsibility research in communication management by understanding the dynamics of university social responsibility (USR). The COVID-19 pandemic and social justice protests of 2020 provide a context to study communication about universities’ dual roles as economic engines and social activists. Messaging from a university about its social responsibility goals can impact student perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted of 493 students enrolled at a major university in 2020. Students were asked about two real campaigns at their university, one about healthy behavior and one about racial justice on campus.

Findings

Altruism positively predicted reputation, trust and donation intent, while distrust was inversely predicted. Message credibility and believability were mediators of these relationships, but only source credibility mediated altruism for the social justice campaign. For universities, this study demonstrates the importance of communicating social responsibility messages with students. As an important and overlooked stakeholder group in USR, students may respond positively to these messages, which have implications for their potential willingness to donate after graduation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by merging variables from public relations and marketing with theory development in higher education management to provide a new perspective on ethical organizational communication.
Risk and desistance factors for female acquisitive offending: a systematic review
Authors: Ihsan-Ghafoor Faiza , Worthington Rachel , Coughlin Louise
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This systematic review sought to examine the research body on acquisitive offending among female offenders, specifically exploring what factors may take females closer towards engaging in acquisitive offending and what factors may support desistance from this behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review was conducted, using the recommended guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A total of 8,129 initial articles were identified from the search terms, 77 articles were deemed suitable to meet the inclusion criteria and are explored in the results section. Papers were screened for quality appraisal and risk of bias.

Findings

Ten factors were identified that took females closer towards offending. Five factors were identified that took females away from offending. Based on the findings, four typologies of female acquisitive offenders were identified: short-term orientation (adolescent); mental health orientation; life-course persistent (theft); and acquisitive diversity (including robbery and burglary).

Research limitations/implications

Future research would benefit from exploring a more rich understanding of the mechanisms that underpin why females engage in acquisitive offending and what factors contribute towards their desistance. A wider range of bio-psycho-social factors, which may increase the risk of acquisitive offending, should also be considered in future research alongside ways in which interventions may be gender-responsive.

Originality/value

This review provides insight into the differing functions and typologies of female acquisitive offending. Interventions for each of these typologies are considered within the review.
Human capital and Islamic banking: a systematic literature review
Authors: Zafar Muhammad Bilal , Jafar Ahmad
Published: May 2024

Purpose

There are many areas of research that are untapped in Islamic banking, and human capital is one of them. This paper aims to systematical review the relevant literature on human capital and Islamic banking.

Design/methodology/approach

The review process involved a structured search using well-established academic databases, Scopus and Web of Science, resulting in the selection of relevant articles. The paper has been divided into three major themes, besides other discussions on the literature, including methods of measuring human capital, determinants of human capital and human capital and performance of Islamic banks.

Findings

A few pioneering studies have explicitly examined human capital in the Islamic banking domain, while others have encompassed it under the broader umbrella of intellectual capital. The most common method of measuring human capital is accounting based, while few have adopted disclosure and survey methods as well. There are few studies that explored the determinants of human capital having focus on corporate governance, while many of the studies have explored the nexus of human capital and financial performance.

Practical implications

This review strongly highlights the need for more focused research on human capital within the Islamic banking sector. As Islamic banking necessitates unique human capital characteristics, it is essential to delve deeper into this aspect. Furthermore, there is a call to expand the human capital index by incorporating comprehensive aspects relevant to Islamic banking. An important area that requires further exploration is the role of Shariah governance in shaping human capital development within Islamic finance, understanding the reasons behind the observed negative correlation.

Originality/value

Despite its significance, the relationship between human capital and Islamic banking has received limited attention. This review paper not only addresses this gap but also lays the groundwork for future studies in this important and emerging field.