bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of ASC Injection in the Inflammatory Reaction in Silicone Implant Capsule: Animal Model
Authors: Camargo Cristina Pires , Santos Deborah Luisa de Sousa , Cerqueira Dantas Viviane Abreu Nunes , Furuya Tatiane Katsue , Freitas-Marchi Bruna Leticia , Alves Maria José Ferreira , Uno Miyuki , Gemperli Rolf
Published: July 2024

Background:

Capsular contracture is a common complication affecting about 80% of patients who receive radiotherapy after breast reconstruction with silicone prostheses. This study examines the use of adipocyte stem cells (ASCs) to treat capsular contracture.

Methods:

Thirty rats were operated on to implant a minisilicone prosthesis in the dorsal region. The rats were divided into three groups: control (saline solution injection), radiotherapy (RDT), and RDT + ASC. After 3 months, the capsules were collected and submitted to histological analysis for inflammatory cell presence, vascular density, and collagen fibers, and gene expression of Tnf, Il1rap, Il10, Cd68, Mmp3, and Mmp9 by qPCR.

Results:

In macroscopic analysis, the RTGO score showed a two-point reduction in RDT + ASC compared with the RDT (P = 0.003). In histological analysis, ASC exhibited less than 50% of inflammatory cells compared with RDT (P = 0.004), which was similar to control. This study demonstrated that Il1rap gene expression was identical in both RDT and RTD + ASC. Compared with control, treatment with ASC reduced Il1rap expression by 30%. Cd68 and Mmp3 expression levels were similar in both the control and RTD + ASC.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that ASC treatment decreases silicone prosthesis capsule inflammation.
Complications after Oncoplastic Breast Reduction and Impact on Time to Adjuvant Therapy
Authors: Moen Micaela , Holton Tripp , Phung Angelina , Badve Shivani , Mylander Charles , Sanders Thomas , Pauliukonis Margaret , Jackson Rubie Sue
Published: July 2024

Background:

Although lumpectomy with oncoplastic breast reduction (OBR) improves cosmetic results and ameliorates symptomatic macromastia, associated complications may delay adjuvant therapy.

Methods:

This was a single-institution, retrospective study of OBRs (2015–2021). A major complication was defined as need for IV antibiotics, and/or operation under general anesthesia. Association of complications with delay to adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy, radiation) was assessed.

Results:

In total, 282 patients were included. The major complication rate was 3.9%, and overall complication rate was 31.2%. The most common complication was incisional dehiscence (23.4%). Body mass index [BMI >35 (P < 0.0001)], diabetes (P = 0.02), and HgbA1c [>6.5 (P = 0.0002)] were significantly associated with having a major complication. The occurrence of any complication was associated with a delay in time to radiation (median 7 versus 8 weeks, P < 0.001). The occurrence of a major complication was associated with a more meaningful delay to radiation (median 7 versus 15 weeks, P = 0.002). Occurrence of any complication, or a major complication, was not associated with delay to chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

The overall complication rate observed after OBR falls within the range reported in the literature. Patients with a BMI more than 35, diabetes, and/or HgbA1c more than 6.5 were at increased risk for a major complication, which was associated with a meaningful delay to radiation. Consideration may be given to partial mastectomy alone without oncoplastic reduction in patients with small tumors when the priority to avoid radiation delay is high (eg, high-risk tumors), or the risk of delay is high (eg, diabetic or BMI >35).
Improvement of Tamoxifen Induced Foveal Cavitation with Topical Dorzolamide Therapy
Authors: Falavarjani Khalil Ghasemi , Sarraf David
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

To present a case of severe foveal cavitation and near complete macular hole secondary to tamoxifen toxicity that improved after tamoxifen cessation and topical dorzolamide therapy.

Methods:

A 45-year-old female referred with bilateral tamoxifen maculopathy. Bilateral foveal cavitation, worse in the right eye (OD) with draping of the internal limiting membrane, was noted with baseline optical coherence tomography.

Results:

After discontinuing tamoxifen therapy and administering topical acetazolamide drops, cavitation remarkably improved OD with near resolution of the macular hole, and without recurrence 4 months after discontinuation of the topical drops.

Conclusion:

A short course of topical dorzolamide drop therapy may be beneficial in cases with severe foveal cavitation due to tamoxifen toxicity.
Nephrotoxicity of Intravenous Ganciclovir in Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients
Authors: Inagaki Kengo , Vander Lugt Mark T. , Riggsbee Daniel , Weinberg Jason B.
Published: July 2024

Background:

Associations between ganciclovir and severe nephrotoxicity are incompletely defined. Studies incorporating the time-varying nature of medication exposures and those that address confounding by indication are particularly scarce in children undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Methods:

We identified children undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation in the Pediatric Health Information System database and tracked them for 1 year following transplantation. The primary exposure of interest was the use of ganciclovir, which was treated as a time-varying variable. Secondary exposures of interest included cidofovir, foscarnet, amphotericin B, aminoglycosides, vancomycin and calcineurin inhibitors. The primary outcome of interest was renal replacement therapy, which was assessed using marginal structural Cox proportional hazards regression model incorporating time-varying variables and inverse-probability-of-treatment weight.

Results:

Of 17,924 children who underwent hematopoietic cell transplantation during the study period, 3078 (17.2%) had exposure to ganciclovir. In marginal structural Cox proportional hazards regression model incorporating time-varying variables and inverse-probability-of-treatment weight, ganciclovir was associated with an increased hazard of renal replacement therapy (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.84, 95% confidence interval: 1.22–2.76). Some of secondary exposures of interest, including cidofovir, amphotericin B and vancomycin, also were associated with renal replacement therapy.

Conclusions:

Intravenously administered ganciclovir is associated with renal dysfunction severe enough to require renal replacement therapy in pediatric hematopoietic cell transplant recipients. Ganciclovir should be used with caution and close monitoring. Approaches to mitigate the risks of nephrotoxicity should be investigated.
[64Cu]Copper chloride PET-CT: a comparative evaluation of fasting and non-fasting states in patients of prostate carcinoma
Authors: Kalshetty Ashwini , Nazar Aamir , Vimalnath KV , Chakravarty Rubel , Chakraborty Sudipta , Basu Sandip
Published: July 2024

Altered copper metabolism in cancer has been linked to increased intracellular copper uptake mediated by human copper transporter 1, with [64Cu]Cu2+ as a potential biomarker for cancer theranostics. [64Cu]CuCl2 PET-CT though explored in various malignancies, a lack of standardized protocol exists, particularly regarding fasting status before imaging. This analysis aimed to evaluate the requirement of fasting for [64Cu]CuCl2 PET-CT along with temporal changes in physiological organ uptake in delayed scans. A total of 26 patients of prostate carcinoma who underwent [64Cu]CuCl2 PET-CT imaging were divided into two groups: (1) nonfasting (n = 12) and (2) fasting (n = 14). The nonfasting group received an average dose of 350 MBq, while the fasting group received 300 MBq of [64Cu]CuCl2, and PET-CT images acquired approximately 60–90 min (1 h image) and 3–3.5 h (delayed image) after intravenous injection of the tracer. An experienced nuclear medicine physician evaluated the images for qualitative assessment between the groups. Multiple spherical regions of interest were placed at sites of physiological organ uptake of the tracer and over the diseased lesions to measure the mean SUVmax. No significant difference was observed in the qualitative assessment of the images between the two groups (except for a slight predilection towards more hepatic tracer retention observed in the fasting group), including in the delayed images. The liver demonstrated the highest tracer uptake in all patients, with a mean SUVmax of 21.5 in the fasting group and 19.7 in the nonfasting group, showing no significant difference (P = 0.32). The kidneys, intestines, and salivary glands also showed similar trends of tracer uptake in both groups. The study illustrated that the fasting or nonfasting status did not affect image quality or semiquantitative measurements significantly in physiological organs and diseased lesions in patients with carcinoma prostate.
Universal versus targeted treatment of neonatal herpes simplex virus among neonates presenting for sepsis evaluations
Authors: Dantuluri Keerti L. , Ahmed Amina
Published: July 2024

Purpose of review

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently published guidance for the evaluation and management of febrile infants. However, guidance on testing and empiric treatment for neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) remains less standardized and subject to clinical practice variation.

Recent findings

Recent reports reveal that high numbers of infants presenting for sepsis evaluations need to be treated empirically with acyclovir to capture one case of neonatal HSV. Clinical and laboratory risk factors for neonatal HSV identified in the literature can be used for a targeted approach to testing and treating infants for HSV to optimize resource utilization.

The literature supports a targeted approach to evaluation and empiric acyclovir treatment for neonatal HSV, but additional studies are needed to validate this approach given the rarity of disease.
Artificial Intelligence to Predict the Risk of Lymph Node Metastasis in T2 Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ichimasa Katsuro , Foppa Caterina , Kudo Shin-ei , Misawa Masashi , Takashina Yuki , Miyachi Hideyuki , Ishida Fumio , Nemoto Tetsuo , Lee Jonathan Wei Jie , Yeoh Khay Guan , Paoluzzi Tomada Elisa , Maselli Roberta , Repici Alessandro , Terracciano Luigi Maria , Spaggiari Paola , Mori Yuichi , Hassan Cesare , Spinelli Antonino ,   early CRC group
Published: July 2024

Objective:

To develop and externally validate an updated artificial intelligence (AI) prediction system for stratifying the risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in T2 colorectal cancer (CRC).

Background:

Recent technical advances allow complete local excision of T2 CRC, traditionally treated with surgical resection. Yet, the widespread adoption of this approach is hampered by the inability to stratify the risk of LNM.

Methods:

Data from patients with pT2 CRC undergoing surgical resection between April 2000 and May 2022 at one Japanese and one Italian center were analyzed. Primary goal was AI system development for accurate LNM prediction. Predictors encompassed 7 variables: age, sex, tumor size, tumor location, lymphovascular invasion, histologic differentiation, and carcinoembryonic antigen level. The tool’s discriminating power was assessed through area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity.

Results:

Out of 735 initial patients, 692 were eligible. Training and validation cohorts comprised of 492 and 200 patients, respectively. The AI model displayed an area under the curve of 0.75 in the combined validation data set. Sensitivity for LNM prediction was 97.8%, and specificity was 15.6%. The positive and the negative predictive value were 25.7% and 96%, respectively. The false negative rate was 2.2%, and the false positive was 84.4%.

Conclusions:

Our AI model, based on easily accessible clinical and pathologic variables, moderately predicts LNM in T2 CRC. However, the risk of false negative needs to be considered. The training of the model including more patients across western and eastern centers – differentiating between colon and rectal cancers – may improve its performance and accuracy.
The flashy escape: support for dynamic flash coloration as anti-predator defence
Authors: Silvasti Sanni , Kemp Darrell J. , White Thomas E. , Nokelainen Ossi , Valkonen Janne , Mappes Johanna
Published: July 2024

Dynamic flash coloration is a type of antipredator coloration where intermittently appearing colour patterns in moving animals misdirect predator attacks by obscuring the precise location and trajectory of the moving prey. Birds and butterflies with differing dorsoventral wing coloration or iridescent surface structures may potentially benefit from such effects. However, we lack an understanding of what makes for an effective dynamic flash colour design and how much it benefits the carrier. Here, we test the effect of colour flashing using small passerine birds preying upon colourful, moving, virtual ‘prey’ stimuli on a touchscreen. We show that at fast speeds, green-to-blue flashing colour patterns can reduce the likelihood of pecks hitting the target, induce greater error in targeting accuracy and increase the number of pecks at a stimulus relative to similarly coloured non-flashing targets. Our results support the idea that dynamic flash coloration can deflect predatory attacks at fast speeds, but the effect may be the opposite when moving slowly.
Harnessing genome prediction inBrassica napusthrough a nested association mapping population
Authors: Perumal Sampath , Higgins Erin , Sra Simarjeet , Khedikar Yogendra , Moore Jessica , Chaudary Raju , Haile Teketel , Koh Kevin , Vail Sally , Robinson Stephen J. , Horner Kyla , Hope Brad , Klein-Gebbinck Henry , Herrmann David , Navabi Katy , Sharpe Andrew G. , Parkin Isobel A. P.
Published: July 2024

Genome prediction (GP) significantly enhances genetic gain by improving selection efficiency and shortening crop breeding cycles. Using a nested association mapping (NAM) population a set of diverse scenarios were assessed to evaluate GP for vital agronomic traits inB. napus. GP accuracy was examined by employing different models, marker sets, population sizes, marker densities, and incorporating genome-wide association (GWAS) markers. Eight models, including linear and semi-parametric approaches, were tested. The choice of model minimally impacted GP accuracy across traits. Notably, two models, rrBLUP and RKHS, consistently yielded the highest prediction accuracies. Employing a training population of 1500 lines or more resulted in increased prediction accuracies. Inclusion of single nucleotide absence polymorphism (SNaP) markers significantly improved prediction accuracy, with gains of up to 15%. Utilizing the Brassica 60K Illumina SNP array, our study effectively revealed the genetic potential of theB. napusNAM panel. It provided estimates of genomic predictions for crucial agronomic traits through varied prediction scenarios, shedding light on achievable genetic gains. These insights, coupled with marker application, can advance the breeding cycle acceleration inB. napus.

Core ideas

Genome prediction (GP) enhances genetic gains by improving selection efficiency and shortening breeding cycles.

Factors influencing GP accuracy include model choice, marker types, and population size.

Inclusion of SNaP markers and highly significant GWAS markers improves prediction accuracy, shedding light on achievable genetic gains.

Plain Summary

Genome prediction (GP) is a powerful tool that helps us improve crops more efficiently. In this study, we assessed how well GP works for predicting important traits inBrassica napusplants. We tested different models and marker sets to see which ones were most accurate. We found that two models, rrBLUP and RKHS, were consistently the best. Also, including certain types of genetic markers, like SNaP markers and highly significant GWAS markers, improved the predictions. Overall, our study shows that GP can help us understand the genetic potential ofB. napusplants and improve breeding strategies, which can be exploited to develop better varieties more quickly, which is good news for farmers and the food supply.
Arc controls organ architecture through modulation of Crb and MyoII
Authors: Kim Ji Hoon , Maruyama Rika , Kim Kwon , Vertrees Devin A. , Paul Parama , Britson Kyla , Andrew Deborah J.
Published: July 2024

Precise orchestration of morphogenetic processes is required to generate organs that are optimally situated within the organism, and that are of the right size and shape to fit and maximize functionality. Here, we describe the role of Arc, a large apical membrane-associated PDZ domain-containing protein, that works through the apical determinant Crumb (Crb) to limit MyoII activity during tissue invagination in the forming Drosophila salivary gland (SG). We show that loss of Arc, attenuation of Crb function, as well as increased activation of non-muscle Myosin II (MyoII) leads to the simultaneous internalization of more precursor cells than normal. Consequently, mature SGs are significantly shorter with more cells surrounding the lumen at all positions along the tube. Correspondingly, overexpression of Arc or SG-specific knockdown of MyoII leads to the formation of longer SGs with fewer cells surrounding the lumen. We show that both Arc PDZ domains are required for Arc function and that they have distinct activities. Finally, we show that Arc facilitates Crb plasma membrane (PM) localization and suggests a model wherein PM-associated Crb stabilizes cellular junctions countering the destabilizing effects of apical medial and junctional pools of activated MyoII, thus limiting the number of primordial cells internalizing at any given time.
DNA damage response signatures are associated with frontline chemotherapy response and routes of tumor evolution in extensive stage small cell lung cancer
Authors: Morris Benjamin B. , Heeke Simon , Xi Yuanxin , Diao Lixia , Wang Qi , Rocha Pedro , Arriola Edurne , Lee Myung Chang , Tyson Darren R. , Concannon Kyle , Ramkumar Kavya , Stewart C. Allison , Cardnell Robert J. , Wang Runsheng , Quaranta Vito , Wang Jing , Heymach John V. , Nabet Barzin Y. , Shames David S. , Gay Carl M. , Byers Lauren A.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

A hallmark of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is its recalcitrance to therapy. While most SCLCs respond to frontline therapy, resistance inevitably develops. Identifying phenotypes potentiating chemoresistance and immune evasion is a crucial unmet need. Previous reports have linked upregulation of the DNA damage response (DDR) machinery to chemoresistance and immune evasion across cancers. However, it is unknown if SCLCs exhibit distinct DDR phenotypes.

Methods

To study SCLC DDR phenotypes, we developed a new DDR gene analysis method and applied it to SCLC clinical samples,in vitro, andin vivomodel systems. We then investigated how DDR regulation is associated with SCLC biology, chemotherapy response, and tumor evolution following therapy.

Results

Using multi-omic profiling, we demonstrate that SCLC tumors cluster into three DDR phenotypes with unique molecular features. Hallmarks of these DDR clusters include differential expression of DNA repair genes, increased replication stress, and heightened G2/M cell cycle arrest. SCLCs with elevated DDR phenotypes exhibit increased neuroendocrine features and decreased “inflamed” biomarkers, both within and across SCLC subtypes. Treatment naive DDR status identified SCLC patients with different responses to frontline chemotherapy. Tumors with initial DDR Intermediate and DDR High phenotypes demonstrated greater tendency for subtype switching and emergence of heterogeneous phenotypes following treatment.

Conclusions

We establish that SCLC can be classified into one of three distinct, clinically relevant DDR clusters. Our data demonstrates that DDR status plays a key role in shaping SCLC phenotypes, chemotherapy response, and patterns of tumor evolution. Future work targeting DDR specific phenotypes will be instrumental in improving patient outcomes.
The antifungal capacity of a 681-membered collection of environmental yeast isolates
Authors: Maciá Valero Alicia , Tabatabaeifar Fatemehalsadat , Billerbeck Sonja
Published: July 2024

Fungal pathogens threaten human health and food security, with resistance reported across limited antifungal classes. Novel strategies to control these pathogens and food spoilers are urgently needed.

Environmental yeasts provide a functionally diverse, yet underexploited potential for fungal control based on their natural competition via the secretion of iron siderophores, killer toxins (proteins) or other small molecules like volatile organic compounds or biosurfactants. However, there is a lack of standardized workflows to systematically access application- relevant yeast-based compounds and understand their molecular functioning.

Towards this goal, we developed a workflow to identify and characterize yeast isolates that are active against relevant human and plant pathogens and spoilage yeasts, herein focusing on discovering yeasts that produce potential killer toxins. The workflow includes the classification of the secreted molecules and cross-comparison of their antifungal capacity using an independent calibrant.

Our workflow delivered a collection of 681 yeasts of which 212 isolates (31%) displayed antagonism against at least one of our target strains. While 50% of the active yeasts showed iron-depended antagonism, likely due to siderophore production, more than 25% are potentially secreting a toxic protein. Those killer yeast candidates clustered within ten species, showed target profiles from narrow- to broad spectrum, and several showed a broad pH and temperature activity profile.

Given the tools for yeast biotechnology and protein engineering available, our collection offers a foundation for genetic and molecular characterization of antifungal phenotypes, with potential for future exploitation. The scalable workflow can screen other yeast collections or adjust for different antifungal compounds.
Fastandlong-term super-resolution imaging of ER nano-structural dynamics in living cells using a neural network
Authors: Rahm Johanna V. , Balakrishnan Ashwin , Wehrheim Maren , Kaminer Alexandra , Glogger Marius , Kessler Laurell F. , Kaschube Matthias , Barth Hans-Dieter , Heilemann Mike
Published: July 2024

Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy is a super-resolution technique that surpasses the diffraction limit and has contributed to the study of dynamic processes in living cells. However, high laser intensities induce fluorophore photobleaching and sample phototoxicity, limiting the number of fluorescence images obtainable from a living cell. Here, we address these challenges by using ultra-low irradiation intensities and a neural network for image restoration, enabling extensive imaging of single living cells. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was chosen as the target structure due to its dynamic nature over short and long timescales. The reduced irradiation intensity combined with denoising permitted continuous ER dynamics observation in living cells for up to 7 hours with a temporal resolution of seconds. This allowed for quantitative analysis of ER structural features over short (seconds) and long (hours) timescales within the same cell, and enabled fast 3D live-cell STED microscopy. Overall, the combination of ultra-low irradiation with image restoration enables comprehensive analysis of organelle dynamics over extended periods in living cells.
A novel central bank digital currency framework design for offline and foreign transactions based on blockchain
Authors: Attarde Khush , Jaiswal Charvi , Khatwani Ritesh , Pinto Geetanjali , Kumar Vinod
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Fiat money production necessitates physical commodities, increasing costs and its flow is challenging to monitor, making it vulnerable to criminal exploitation. Cryptocurrencies offer decentralized solutions, but their decentralization has led to illegal activities. Current cross-border transactions face high costs, resource intensity and lack of instant currency transfers. Offline transactions are essential in unreliable networks.

Design/methodology/approach

Here, the authors proposed the methodology to perform offline transactions based on card, quick response (QR) code and a foreign transaction framework with universal identification (UID) to perform cross-border transactions using blockchain-dependent central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Implications for the financial system are also analyzed.

Findings

The proposed CBDC framework reduces illegal transactions, corruption and the cost of producing fiat money; eases overseas transactions; and eventually increases international tourism, trade and business between countries. It also reduces the processing fees. Offline framework found useful for performing retail-level transactions.

Research limitations/implications

The research methodology may face limitations due to diplomatic relations, political instability, sanctions and the need for robust offline transaction infrastructure.

Practical implications

The proposed CBDC framework simplifies debt and insurance management, tax collection, international trade, tourism and global stock market participation. However, implementing CBDCs in low-income countries presents challenges like extensive training, infrastructure and user acceptance issues.

Social implications

The adoption of CBDCs can enhance financial stability by reducing corruption and illegal transactions through improved traceability and monitoring, thereby curbing activities like terrorism.

Originality/value

Common framework for foreign transactions is based on the UID, and offline transaction framework is based on the sender’s QR code for multiple user applications.
Developing a game design framework to embed student-centred learning
Authors: Coleman Thomas , Money Arthur G.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper presents the student-centred experience (SCE) game design framework, which aims to guide the design of holistic student-centred digital game-based learning (SCDGBL) experiences, which fully integrate all seven tenets of student-centred learning (SCL). The paper also rationalises the need for the framework and presents the steps taken in its development.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, the background areas of SCDGBL and digital game-based learning (DGBL) are examined, and the need for a framework in digital educational game design that has a focus on SCL is then established. The rigorous and systematic design thinking process through which the framework was developed is then stepped through. The completed framework is then presented, and each section is detailed to explain its utilisation within the process of digital game design.

Findings

The paper presents the completed student-centred experience (SCE) framework alongside a worked example of how it can be deployed in practice. Also included is guidance on the roles of the game designer and education practitioner at all stages of design, development and deployment and how they may contribute their experience during the game design process to create high-quality tools for learning.

Research limitations/implications

While the SCE framework presented is complete, it is presented as a first version and will benefit from wider deployment and testing.

Originality/value

This paper presents a new game design framework integrating existing knowledge on SCL and DGBL, which guides practitioners in the design of experiences that fully deliver the techniques of both areas.
Student engagement on climate learning: what does the academic community say about it?
Authors: Brandli Luciana Londero , Reginatto Giovana , Lange Salvia Amanda , Carretta Diniz Pedro Henrique
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the academic community’s perspectives about climate change learning and engagement opportunities by means of a case study at the University of Passo Fundo, Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of interviews and focus groups were conducted, and data collection focused on three main groups, namely, university students, professors and managers. The analysis was developed through content analysis of the individual interviews and focus groups.

Findings

The results showed that the academic community is trying to change their attitudes and behaviours, and students would like to learn more about climate change.

Originality/value

This investigation combines the views of different academic groups and indicates initiatives that could boost the university initiatives towards climate action and learning.
The effect of athlete endorsement on employees' organizational identification: a case study utilizing an Olympic athlete
Authors: Bizen Yoshifumi , Tsuji Yosuke
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of sponsorship on organizational identification among employees of companies that sponsor individual athletes from the perspective of internal marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted in July 2021 targeting employees of Company A. Specifically, employees were invited to participate via email notifications sent through the company's intranet. To clarify the impact of company sponsorships for individual athletes on employee organizational identification, this study focused on the relationship between Company A and an athlete they support. Psychometric scales were used to measure the factors of the hypothetical model, such as sponsor fit and attitudes toward sponsorship. The analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS 28.0 and AMOS 25 Graphics, and the hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

We collected a total of 365 survey responses in two weeks. All the hypotheses in this study were supported, indicating that athlete identification and brand knowledge had a significant positive effect on perceived sponsor fit. In addition, attitudes toward the employer significantly have positive relationships with brand commitment and organizational identification. This study showed that perceived sponsor fit plays an important role in employee perceptions of sponsorship. Athlete endorsement is effective from an internal marketing perspective.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study is the selection of the research subject. Conducting the same survey targeting individual athletes with different characteristics may lead to discoveries about the impact of corporate sponsorship on employee organizational identification.

Practical implications

The practical implication of this study is that business executives should also use sponsorship for individual athletes as a means to unify and motivate their employees. In selecting athletes for sponsorship, it is necessary to select individuals who fit the company image. In this process, listening to employees' opinions may help select the most suitable athlete who matches the company's image.

Originality/value

Many studies conducted on sports sponsorship have focused on the impact on potential customers, from external marketing. Even in studies examining the effects of sports sponsorship on employees, the sponsored subjects are typically teams or events. Therefore, the originality of this study lies in examining the impact of athlete endorsement on the company's employees from the perspective of internal marketing.
Exploring how South African handicraft entrepreneurs can use self-schema and brand love to foster positive word-of-mouth from customers
Authors: Kuhn Stefanie Wilhelmina , van der Westhuizen Liezl-Marié
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Handicraft entrepreneurs often lack the marketing funding needed to achieve brand awareness and, ultimately, sales. While positive word-of-mouth (WOM) from customers can bridge the funding gap, handicraft entrepreneurs may not have knowledge of how to generate WOM effectively. The purpose of this study is to examine role of self-schema and brand love in generating positive WOM in a developing country research context, namely, South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative approach. A survey was completed by 250 South African respondents who purchase handmade home décor items. The interrelationships between constructs were analysed using covariance-based structural equation modelling.

Findings

Self-schema and brand love are instrumental in generating positive WOM, albeit via different underlying mechanisms. Brand love mediates the relationships between self-schema (inner- and social self) and positive WOM.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the entrepreneurial marketing (EM) field theoretically by providing a needed customer perspective for EM strategies from a developing country. Moreover, by considering underlying cognitive and emotional processes that underpin WOM, the authors demonstrate how handicraft entrepreneurs can use customers as a resource in their marketing strategy. Practical recommendations for handicraft entrepreneurs and policymakers are also offered.
Knowledge sharing decision-making under stochastic factors in platform ecosystems: the diversified participants' perspective
Authors: Xu Hongdan , Wang Jiuhe
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Knowledge sharing is critical to creating value in platform ecosystems. However, participants refrain from sharing knowledge and even engage in free-riding behavior, thereby causing the value co-destruction of the platform ecosystems. To encourage knowledge sharing among participants, it is essential to analyze the influencing factors and decision-making mechanisms of knowledge sharing in the platform ecosystems.

Design/methodology/approach

The study investigated the issue of knowledge sharing among participants in platform ecosystems, based on the stochastic differential game model. Considering the uncertain factors, the Nash non-cooperative game, Stackelberg leader-follower game, and cooperative game models were proposed. By utilizing system dynamics and numerical simulations, the key influencing factors and mechanisms of knowledge sharing were deeply explored, consequently providing game solutions to achieve the Pareto optimality of the ecosystem.

Findings

Participants' innovation capability and the marginal benefits of knowledge-sharing positively impact knowledge-sharing decisions, while the environmental knowledge decay rate has a negative influence. The platform subsidy mode enhances the knowledge-sharing effect, and the collaborative cooperation mode can realize the Pareto optimization of the system.

Practical implications

The research findings will provide theoretical support for fostering knowledge innovation and sustainable development of platform ecosystems. Managers should cultivate an innovative environment, establish fair reward mechanisms, and utilize subsidies to promote knowledge sharing, leading to higher value creation.

Originality/value

Utilizing the stochastic differential game model, the study proposed various game-theoretic frameworks to analyze participants' knowledge-sharing strategies. The integration of system dynamics and numerical simulations provides a practical approach to understanding the key influencing factors and decision-making processes.
Digital economy empowered entrepreneurship
Authors: Huang Malan , Hua Minghui , Li Jin , Han Yanqi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

As an important engine of economic growth, the digital economy is bringing new opportunities for the promotion of entrepreneurship. However, key questions regarding the extent of the effect of the digital economy on entrepreneurship remain unanswered. This study examines how the digital economy influences entrepreneurship in China using provincial data from 2011–2020, applying convergence tests and spatial econometric models.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on theoretical analysis and using macro provincial data covering the period of 2011–2020, we adopt a diversified empirical analytical method and apply a combination of the convergence trend test, spatial auto correlation test, and spatial Durbin model to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

First, there is spatial correlation between the digital economy and entrepreneurship. Second, the overall trend of China’s digital economy shows s convergence, with the whole country and the eastern region showing absolute β convergence and the whole country as well as the central and western regions showing β conditional convergence. Third, the digital economy can significantly promote entrepreneurship and has spatial spillover effects. Moreover, higher education has a negative moderating effect on the process of digital economy empowering entrepreneurship.

Research limitations/implications

Studying the spatially correlated impacts of the digital economy on entrepreneurship enhances our understanding of its contribution to economic growth. Policy-makers can use these findings to develop targeted digital infrastructure investments in lagging provinces, guide entrepreneurs to better grasp the opportunities of the digital economy, and provide support for innovation and entrepreneurship. The findings also could offer Chinese experience that can be used to guide developing countries in utilizing the digital economy to enable entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

This paper expands and enriches the analytical focus on digital economy-empowered entrepreneurship and complements the current theoretical research on the moderating effect of the digital economy in empowering entrepreneurship.
Modelling bridge deterioration using long short-term memory neural networks: a deep learning-based approach
Authors: Abu Dabous Saleh , Ibrahim Fakhariya , Alzghoul Ahmad
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Bridge deterioration is a critical risk to public safety, which mandates regular inspection and maintenance to ensure sustainable transport services. Many models have been developed to aid in understanding deterioration patterns and in planning maintenance actions and fund allocation. This study aims at developing a deep-learning model to predict the deterioration of concrete bridge decks.

Design/methodology/approach

Three long short-term memory (LSTM) models are formulated to predict the condition rating of bridge decks, namely vanilla LSTM (vLSTM), stacked LSTM (sLSTM), and convolutional neural networks combined with LSTM (CNN-LSTM). The models are developed by utilising the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) datasets spanning from 2001 to 2019 to predict the deck condition ratings in 2021.

Findings

Results reveal that all three models have accuracies of 90% and above, with mean squared errors (MSE) between 0.81 and 0.103. Moreover, CNN-LSTM has the best performance, achieving an accuracy of 93%, coefficient of correlation of 0.91, R2 value of 0.83, and MSE of 0.081.

Research limitations/implications

The study used the NBI bridge inventory databases to develop the bridge deterioration models. Future studies can extend the model to other bridge databases and other applications in the construction industry.

Originality/value

This study provides a detailed and extensive data cleansing process to address the shortcomings in the NBI database. This research presents a framework for implementing artificial intelligence-based models to enhance maintenance planning and a guideline for utilising the NBI or other bridge inventory databases to develop accurate bridge deterioration models. Future studies can extend the model to other bridge databases and other applications in the construction industry.
Density dependence only affects increase rates in baleen whale populations at high abundance levels
Authors: Kanaji Yu , Williams Rob , Zerbini Alexandre N. , Branch Trevor A.
Published: July 2024

Most baleen whale populations are increasing after the end of industrial whaling, but their recovery patterns challenge long‐standing assumptions about density dependence.

It has long been assumed that population growth rates will decline with recovery, until reaching equilibrium (‘carrying capacity’, K). Indeed, the International Whaling Commission assumes that growth rates will slow long before K is reached, with maximum productivity at 0.6K. This 0.6K population level is used as an international benchmark that forms the basis of whaling regulations and decisions about whether baleen whale populations are declared depleted.

We fit models to four long‐term data sets for baleen whales with multiple abundance estimates that span the range from low to high abundance, finding strong evidence that increase rates remain at near‐maximal levels across a wide range of abundance levels, and only decline as the population nears K. As a result, maximum productivity occurs at 0.69–0.87 of K across these populations, which predicts more rapid recovery for baleen whale populations than currently assumed. The overall mean of these values (0.8K) would be a more sensible default choice than the 0.6K currently assumed.

Synthesis and applications. Estimated recovery rates imply that management thresholds currently used are lower than actual maximum productivity and that populations can increase rapidly even at high abundance. However, if population models continue to assume that maximum productivity is at 0.6K, they will estimate abundance relative to K to be lower than it is, providing conservative assessment results. Our results should stimulate further discussion about the role of maximum sustainable yield as a fundamental concept in fisheries and wildlife management.
NGO Activism and Anti‐Corruption Disclosures: An Empirical Study of Emerging Economy Multinational Companies
Authors: Islam Shah Md Taha , Islam Muhammad Azizul , Khan Zaheer
Published: July 2024

Building on social movement theory, we investigate particular stakeholder contexts, including non‐governmental organization (NGO) activism, within which emerging economy multinational companies (EMNCs) are more likely to disclose anti‐corruption information. By leveraging Transparency International's unique dataset on anti‐corruption disclosures by EMNCs, we find that EMNCs disclose more anti‐corruption information in countries with a lower level of government oppression of NGOs, greater transparency of NGOs, as well as a greater number of anti‐corruption NGOs operating in such markets. EMNCs with a higher level of internationalization exhibit more anti‐corruption disclosures when they are based in countries with a higher level of NGO transparency and a lower level of government oppression of NGOs. Anti‐corruption disclosures of EMNCs are more responsive to corruption scandals when they are headquartered in less repressive countries and countries with a higher level of NGO transparency. This study provides original insights into whether and how the NGO‐driven social movement process in institutional environments plays a role in influencing the anti‐corruption disclosure and transparency practices of EMNCs. We argue that, within the context of emerging economies, unless we consider the interactions of NGO activism with internationalization and corruption scandals, we will be unable to fully understand anti‐corruption disclosure practices by EMNCs.
Radiotherapy protocol compliance in routine clinical practice for patients with stages I–III non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Huang Xiaoshui , Field Matthew , Vinod Shalini , Ball Helen , Batumalai Vikneswary , Keall Paul , Holloway Lois
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Despite the availability of radiotherapy treatment protocols for lung cancer, considerable treatment variation occurs in clinical practice. This study assessed compliance with a radiotherapy protocol for the treatment of patients with stages I–III non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in routine clinical practice and to identify factors that were associated with compliance.

Methods

The Cancer Institute New South Wales eviQ treatment protocol for external beam radiotherapy of stages I–III NSCLC was taken as the reference to measure compliance. All inoperable patients with stages I–III NSCLC and documented ECOG performance status treated with radiotherapy between 2007 and 2019 at two radiotherapy facilities were available for analysis. Protocol compliance rates were calculated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models with 23 input factors were used to determine factors significantly associated with compliance. Survival analysis was conducted for both compliant and non‐compliant treatments.

Results

Overall, 656 patients met the inclusion criteria. Protocol compliance was 16%. Alternative dose/fractionation was responsible for 49% of non‐compliant treatments with 30% receiving an alternative curative fractionation. Five of 23 factors (age at the start of radiotherapy, stage group, ECOG performance status, tumour location and alcoholism history) showed significant associations with protocol compliance on multivariate analysis. There was no significant difference in median survival between patients receiving protocol compliant treatment (15.1 months) and non‐compliant treatment (15.6 months).

Conclusion

Adherence to the eviQ curative radiotherapy protocol for stages I–III NSCLC was low. Alternative dose/fractionation schemes were the main reason for non‐compliance. Protocol compliance was not associated with outcome.
Exploring the relationship between anorexia and therapeutic efficacy in advanced lung cancer treatment: a retrospective study
Authors: Doshita Kosei , Naito Tateaki , Matsuda Suguru , Morita Meiko , Sekikawa Motoki , Miura Keita , Kodama Hiroaki , Yabe Michitoshi , Morikawa Noboru , Iida Yuko , Mamesaya Nobuaki , Kobayashi Haruki , Ko Ryo , Wakuda Kazushige , Ono Akira , Murakami Haruyasu , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Takahashi Toshiaki
Published: July 2024

Background

Chemotherapy‐induced anorexia is a common occurrence in patients undergoing treatment for advanced lung cancer. However, the relationship between chemotherapy‐induced anorexia and weight loss during platinum‐based chemotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors is unclear. This study explored the relationship between chemotherapy‐induced anorexia and therapeutic outcomes in patients with stage IV non‐small‐cell lung cancer undergoing platinum‐based chemotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Methods

The study retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 106 patients with stage IV non‐small‐cell lung cancer treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors between January 2019 and October 2022. The incidence of weight loss and its association with treatment efficacy was assessed in the chemotherapy‐induced anorexia group. Chemotherapy‐induced anorexia, nausea, and vomiting were evaluated using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v 5.0. Progression‐free and overall survival were used to measure treatment efficacy.

Results

Chemotherapy‐induced anorexia was observed in 13.2% of patients. These patients exhibited significant weight loss at 6 and 9 weeks after treatment initiation compared to those in the non‐chemotherapy‐induced anorexia group. Progression‐free and overall survival were shorter in the chemotherapy‐induced anorexia group than in the non‐chemotherapy‐induced anorexia group, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Chemotherapy‐induced anorexia was associated with significant weight loss and reduced treatment efficacy in patients with stage IV non‐small‐cell lung cancer. These results highlight the importance of implementing robust supportive care for chemotherapy‐induced anorexia to mitigate weight loss and uphold treatment effectiveness during platinum‐based chemotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors.