bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergent mobility edges and intermediate phases in one-dimensional quasiperiodic plasmonic chains
Authors: Hu Yizhi , Yan Kun , Chen Xiaobin
Published: March 2024

Anderson localization has been widely studied in low-dimensional aperiodic electronic, photonic, and acoustic systems. However, the disorder effect in the plasmonic system, where retardation and long-range couplings interact in complex ways, remains an open question. In this work, we investigate the localization properties of one-dimensional quasiperiodic plasmonic chains using the coupled dipole method and linearized Green's function. Our models, which incorporate nearest-neighbor or long-range dipole interactions, reveal localization transitions, mobility edges, and intermediate phases. It is found that long-range dipole interactions and non-Hermiticity due to retardation both play crucial roles in Anderson localization, yielding the emergence of intermediate phases with varying widths. A link between non-Hermiticity and Anderson transition is established by the mean phase rigidity, revealing strong non-Hermiticity along the phase boundary. The plasmonic model involving long-range interplay and retarded effect presents richer localization phenomena than the electronic counterpart that usually includes only nearest-neighbor coupling, laying a foundation for experimental observations of Anderson localization on plasmonic platforms.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Infant multinationals venturing into distant markets: How do Polish firms enact opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Authors: Wąsowska Aleksandra , Obłój Krzysztof
Published: March 2024

Purpose

We wanted to find out how infant multinationals originating from Poland enact opportunities in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a comparative case study of four Polish firms operating in SSA.

Findings

We found that when entering SSA, studied firms employed effectual decision-making logic. Thus, their internationalization was means-driven, serendipitous, partnership-oriented, based on the “affordable loss” principle and focused on shaping opportunities in SSA, rather than predicting, analyzing and planning any firm-specific assets or capabilities.

Originality/value

We illuminated the nature of the means employed in effectual internationalization and the role of partners (“effectual stakeholders”) in this process. Thus, we contribute to a deeper understanding of how infant multinationals navigate extreme uncertainty in the emerging SSA markets.
Automatic lift path planning of prefabricated building components using semantic BIM, improved A* and GA
Authors: Chen Keyu , You Beiyu , Zhang Yanbo , Chen Zhengyi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Prefabricated building has been widely applied in the construction industry all over the world, which can significantly reduce labor consumption and improve construction efficiency compared with conventional approaches. During the construction of prefabricated buildings, the overall efficiency largely depends on the lifting sequence and path of each prefabricated component. To improve the efficiency and safety of the lifting process, this study proposes a framework for automatically optimizing the lifting path of prefabricated building components using building information modeling (BIM), improved 3D-A* and a physic-informed genetic algorithm (GA).

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the industry foundation class (IFC) schema for prefabricated buildings is established to enrich the semantic information of BIM. After extracting corresponding component attributes from BIM, the models of typical prefabricated components and their slings are simplified. Further, the slings and elements’ rotations are considered to build a safety bounding box. Secondly, an efficient 3D-A* is proposed for element path planning by integrating both safety factors and variable step size. Finally, an efficient GA is designed to obtain the optimal lifting sequence that satisfies physical constraints.

Findings

The proposed optimization framework is validated in a physics engine with a pilot project, which enables better understanding. The results show that the framework can intuitively and automatically generate the optimal lifting path for each type of prefabricated building component. Compared with traditional algorithms, the improved path planning algorithm significantly reduces the number of nodes computed by 91.48%, resulting in a notable decrease in search time by 75.68%.

Originality/value

In this study, a prefabricated component path planning framework based on the improved A* algorithm and GA is proposed for the first time. In addition, this study proposes a safety-bounding box that considers the effects of torsion and slinging of components during lifting. The semantic information of IFC for component lifting is enriched by taking into account lifting data such as binding positions, lifting methods, lifting angles and lifting offsets.
Bridging return to work after diagnosis of chronic disease with social dialogue: a conceptual and analytical framework
Authors: Popa Adela Elena , Kahancová Marta , Akgüç Mehtap
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper makes a conceptual contribution by intersecting two strands of literature (return to work following health issues and industrial relations) to facilitate our understanding of the potential role of social dialogue in supporting return to work (RTW) following the diagnosis of a chronic illness. It conceptualises the levels and channels through which various actors and their interactions may play a role in RTW facilitation within the actor-centred institutional framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an exploratory design based mainly on desk research but is also informed by roundtable discussions done in six countries as part of a larger project.

Findings

The conceptual and analytical framework (CAF) is developed to explain how various actors interact together in ways shaped by the RTW policy framework and the industrial relations systems, resulting in a continuum of RTW facilitation situations.

Originality/value

There is limited research on return-to-work policies following diagnosis of chronic illness from a comprehensive actor-oriented perspective. The existing literature usually focusses on just one stakeholder, overlooking the role of social dialogue actors. By bridging the two streams of literature and incorporating all potential actors and their interactions in a unitary model, the proposed framework provides a valuable tool to further discuss how successful RTW after a diagnosis of chronic illness can be facilitated.
Job satisfaction among university graduates in Chile
Authors: Espinoza Oscar , González Luis , Miranda Catalina , Sandoval Luis , Corradi Bruno , McGinn Noel , Larrondo Yahira
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The job satisfaction of university graduates can serve as an indicator of success in their professional development. At the same time, it can be a measure of higher education systems’ effectiveness. The purpose is to assess the relationship of university graduates’ socio-demographic characteristics, aspects of their degree program, experiences in the labor market and current working conditions and their job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from a survey conducted at 11 Chilean universities with 534 graduates. An ordinal logistic regression model was fit to calculate job satisfaction probabilities for different graduate profiles.

Findings

The results show that sex, field of study, gross salary and horizontal match are related to graduates’ job satisfaction. Men and graduates in education and humanities are more likely to report being satisfied with their current job. Those graduates receiving higher salaries and those who are horizontally well-matched report higher levels of job satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study contributes to expanding knowledge about the job satisfaction of university graduates. Specifically, based on the results obtained, it introduces the idea of aspiration fulfillment as a possible determinant of job satisfaction in different fields of study. This can serve as a starting point for research that delves into differentiated expectations for graduates from different disciplines.
Does leverage influence the impact of pay gaps on performance in listed retail and mining firms? Evidence from South Africa
Authors: Mnyaka-Rulwa Nomanyano Primrose , Akande Joseph Olorunfemi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Agency theory motivated this study, posing that leverage mitigates the agency problem. The aim was to examine whether leverage influences the relationship between executive-employee pay gaps (EEPGs) and firm performance. The study was conducted in the mining and retail sectors between 2012 and 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

Two EEPGs were featured based on their executive fixed pay and variable incentives accumulation. Proxies of firm performance were headline earnings per share; return on assets; earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation; and return on stock price. Data were collected from 76 JSE-listed firms in the retail and mining sectors and analysed using the two-step generalised method of moments.

Findings

The results revealed the hybrid implication of the pay gap for firm performance in the retail and mining sectors of South Africa, depending on the performance measures emphasised. More importantly, the study shows that with the moderating effects of leverage, firms can improve their performance while shrinking the pay gap.

Practical implications

The results have implications for policy addressing income inequality, debt management, executive compensation and regulatory reforms in South Africa concerning productivity and remuneration decisions.

Originality/value

The article provides specific literature for retail and mining industries on pay gaps, shows that it is possible to reduce the pay gap without compromising performance and suggests a new measure of performance that is more attuned to pay gap effect measurement.
A multicriteria model for assessing item importance and risk using operational data from military supply chains
Authors: Rossetti Manuel , Bright Juliana , Freeman Andrew , Lee Anna , Parrish Anthony
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper is motivated by the need to assess the risk profiles associated with the substantial number of items within military supply chains. The scale of supply chain management processes creates difficulties in both the complexity of the analysis and in performing risk assessments that are based on the manual (human analyst) assessment methods. Thus, analysts require methods that can be automated and that can incorporate on-going operational data on a regular basis.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken to address the identification of supply chain risk within an operational setting is based on aspects of multiobjective decision analysis (MODA). The approach constructs a risk and importance index for supply chain elements based on operational data. These indices are commensurate in value, leading to interpretable measures for decision-making.

Findings

Risk and importance indices were developed for the analysis of items within an example supply chain. Using the data on items, individual MODA models were formed and demonstrated using a prototype tool.

Originality/value

To better prepare risk mitigation strategies, analysts require the ability to identify potential sources of risk, especially in times of disruption such as natural disasters.
Impact of the initial COVID-19 response in the UK on speech and language therapy services: a nationwide survey of practice
Authors: Chadd Katie , Chalmers Sophie , Harrall Kate , Heelan Amelia , Kulkarni Amit , Lambert Sarah , Moyse Kathryn , Clunie Gemma
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Globally “non-urgent” health care services were ceased in response to the 2020 outbreak of COVID-19, until 2021, when restrictions were lifted. In the UK, this included speech and language therapy services. The implications of COVID-19 restrictions have not been explored. This study aimed to examine the impact of the UK’s COVID-19 response on speech and language therapy services.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of the practice of speech and language therapists (SLTs) in the UK was undertaken. This explored SLTs’ perceptions of the demand for their services at a time when COVID-19 restrictions had been lifted, compared with before the onset of the pandemic. The analysis was completed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.

Findings

Respondents were mostly employed by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) or the private sector. Many participants reported that demands on their service had increased compared with before the onset of the pandemic. The need to address the backlog of cases arising from shutdowns was the main reason for this. Contributing factors included staffing issues and redeployment. Service users were consequently waiting longer for NHS therapy. Private therapy providers reported increased demand, which they directly attributed to these NHS challenges.

Originality/value

This presents the only focused account of the impact of the national response to COVID-19 on speech and language therapy services in the UK. It has been identified that services continue to face significant challenges, which indicate a two-tier system is emerging. Healthcare system leaders must work with service managers and clinicians to create solutions and prevent the system from being overwhelmed.
A model to support the development of professional capital in trainee teachers: a constructivist grounded theory
Authors: Cole Sophie , Duffy Richelle
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper shares findings from a constructivist grounded theory study, exploring Trainee Teachers’ perceptions of their teaching and learning experienced during university-based teacher education programmes, specifically the theoretical components. Findings led to the development of a model of program design, pedagogy and teaching strategies that were successful in creating opportunities to build Professional Capital. This paper aims to share this model, highlighting the significance of Professional Capital amidst challenges in English Teacher Education, and to suggest implications for application of the model within broader workforce development.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 trainee teachers from four English universities. To support the development of the theoretical framework, researchers employed inductive and iterative constant comparative methods aligned with constructivist grounded theory to sensitise concepts and codes, which were verified using theoretical sampling.

Findings

Informed by the findings of this study, a model is presented which highlights that participants developed human, social and decisional capital during their academic programs helping them to widen their perceptions of what counts as educationally important, beyond narrow performativity measures that are pervasive in a school system. By actively adopting a transformative pedagogy and employing constructivist approaches to curriculum design and delivery, optimal learning environments for learners to build their professional capital can be provided.

Practical implications

These findings may prove valuable to Higher Education academics as a model when designing and delivering professional, student-centred programmes. There are also implications for policymakers seeking to redesign initial teacher education towards schools-led and practice-oriented approaches, who wish to consider the perceptions, values and motivations of trainee teachers.

Originality/value

The findings highlight the significance of teacher trainees’ active engagement with academic literature and theory, in terms of contributing to the development of their professional capital, resilience and professional commitment.
An investigation of the dimensions of decisional capital for novice teachers
Authors: Kehinde Olasunkanmi James , Walls Jeff , Mayeaux Amanda , Comeaux Allison
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose and explore a conceptualization of decisional capital that is suitable for early career teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses exploratory factor analysis on a sample of early career teachers to examine a literature-derived conceptualization of decisional capital.

Findings

The factors that emerged support the literature-derived conceptualization. A subsequent confirmatory factor analysis on a second sample of early career teachers offers additional evidence for the proposed conceptualization. An exploration of the underlying factor structure comparing results across four competing models (i.e. unidimensional, correlated factors, second order, and bifactor) suggests that a second order factor explains the variance across the three proposed factors well. We conclude that this second order factor is decisional capital.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines the discrete elements of decisional capital. Understanding these discrete elements is an avenue for investigation into the development of decisional capital beyond the acknowledgment that it takes time to develop.
Fuzzy best–worst method–based approach for warehouse location selection and a case study in Izmir
Authors: Cergibozan Çağla , Gölcük İlker
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The study aims to propose a decision-support system to determine the location of a regional disaster logistics warehouse. Emphasizing the importance of disaster logistics, it considers the criteria to be evaluated for warehouse location selection. It is aimed to determine a warehouse location that will serve the disaster victims most efficiently in case of a disaster by making an application for the province of Izmir, where a massive earthquake hit in 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a fuzzy best–worst method to evaluate the alternative locations for the warehouse. The method considers the linguistic evaluations of the decision-makers and provides an advantage in terms of comparison consistency. The alternatives were identified through interviews and discussions with a group of experts in the fields of humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations. The group consists of academics and a vice-governor, who had worked in Izmir. The results of a previously conducted questionnaire were also used in determining these locations.

Findings

It is shown how the method will be applied to this problem, and the most effective location for the disaster logistics warehouse in Izmir has been determined.

Originality/value

This study contributes to disaster preparedness and brings a solution to the organization of the logistics services in Izmir.
Incorporating digital scholarship content in South African library and information science schools
Authors: Sibiya Philangani Thembinkosi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The library and information science (LIS) profession experienced drastic changes in its job requirements due to emerging digital scholarship trends, especially the growth of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). As a result, there is a discrepancy between the job market and the LIS curriculum. This study addresses this gap by looking into incorporating digital scholarship into the LIS school curricula in South Africa. This may have implications for other contexts as well, because digital scholarship is becoming pervasive.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a constructivist paradigm using a qualitative approach and a multiple case study design. Primary data using semi-structured interviews were collected from 10 academics at LIS schools and 10 librarians from both academic and special research council libraries in South Africa.

Findings

The study revealed that LIS schools did not have content on digital scholarship such as research data management (RDM), digitisation, metadata standards, open access, institutional repositories and other related content. Stakeholders who needed to be consulted included librarians, information technology (IT) and information and communication technology (ICT) specialists, computer scientists, humanists, the South Africa Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and LIS professional bodies. There were gaps and redundancies in the curriculum as far as digital scholarship was concerned. Digital scholarship presented opportunities for librarians and academics to acquire emerging jobs and to collaborate more in the digital space.

Originality/value

The article advances knowledge on the importance of incorporating digital scholarship in the LIS curriculum in South Africa. Furthermore, it provides guidance regarding stakeholders to be consulted when incorporating content into the LIS curriculum with the intention of closing the gaps and curbing or removing discrepancies between job requirements and graduates’ skills and competencies.
Sport, migration and diaspora: the case of Ivorian track and field athletes
Authors: Butler B. Nalani , Aicher Thomas J. , Vahoua Georgio , Hartzell Allyson C.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study focused on Ivorian track and field athletes who were current or former members of the Ivorian national team to understand athletes’ experiences with migration, diaspora and sport.

Design/methodology/approach

Participatory action research (PAR) methodology was used in this research study (Lenette and Nesvaderani, 2021). According to Schinke and Blodgett (2016), PAR is a type of qualitative research used to engage the researcher and researched. The researcher and researched work together to understand the issues of a situation and communicate a plan to work toward resolving those issues (Kemmis et al., 2014). Using PAR helped to engage multiple people in the study, and as more research studies explore forced migration and sport, more scholars are starting to lean on the methodology to create a more diverse perspective and to include marginalized populations in the world of scholarly research (Stone, 2018; Robinson et al., 2019).

Findings

Key findings illustrate Ivorian athletes’ ability to forge a bond that transcended tribal and political differences through geographical proximity and sport opportunity, allowing them to (re)connect with their Ivorian diaspora by representing the national team.

Originality/value

This research paper expands on past studies in sport and migration by showcasing the fluid nature of how diaspora constructs an athlete’s national identity once they are forced to leave their homeland.
Heterogeneity in the recovery of local real estate markets after extreme events: The case of Hurricane Sandy
Authors: Ellen Ingrid Gould , Meltzer Rachel
Published: March 2024

Natural disasters can cause physical damage and provide information about flood risk. We find that the prices of one to three family homes in New York City hit by high storm surges during Hurricane Sandy dropped by 16% and remained 12% lower than pre‐storm levels 6 years after the storm. Effects were concentrated in areas outside of pre‐existing flood zones, where risks were less salient, and they were more persistent in lower income areas. Finally, flooding may have changed neighborhood demographic trends, as post‐Sandy homebuyers in hard‐hit areas had lower incomes and were less likely to be white.
Screening for depression and anxiety in lung cancer patients: A real‐world study using GAD‐7 and HADS
Authors: Chau Yi Fung , Zhou Huixia , Chen Bolu , Ren Hengqin , Ma Zixiao , Zhang Xiangyang , Duan Jianchun
Published: March 2024

Background

The psychological well‐being of lung cancer patients is critical in‐patient care but frequently overlooked.

Methods

This study, employing a cross‐sectional, questionnaire‐based design, aimed to elucidate the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among lung cancer patients and identify associated risk factors. Participants' demographic, medical history, disease stage, and pathology were systematically collected. Psychological assessment was conducted using the general anxiety disorder‐7 (GAD‐7), patient health questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 25.0).

Results

Out of 294 distributed questionnaires, 247 lung cancer patients were included in the final analysis, with an average completion time of 9.08 min. Notably, 32.4% exhibited depressive symptoms, while 30% displayed signs of anxiety. A significant correlation was found between both depressive and anxiety symptoms and a history of tobacco and alcohol consumption. Specifically, increased nicotine dependence and greater cumulative tobacco use were linked to higher rates of depressive symptoms, whereas cumulative alcohol consumption was associated with increased risks of anxiety symptoms.

Conclusion

The study affirms the feasibility of GAD‐7, PHQ‐9, and HADS as screening tools for depressive and anxiety symptoms in lung cancer patients. It further highlights tobacco and alcohol consumption as significant risk factors for poor psychological health in this population.
Who should benefit from environmental policies? Social preferences and nonmarket values for the distribution of environmental improvements
Authors: Faccioli Michela , Tingley Diana M. , Mancini Mattia C. , Bateman Ian J.
Published: March 2024

The literature is replete with valuations of the costs and benefits of environmental change, yet the issue of where those impacts fall across society is rarely considered. This is a significant knowledge gap given clear evidence of social preferences regarding distributional effects reflected in both policy and protest. As an initial contribution, we examine preferences regarding projects designed to more than offset the biodiversity impacts of housing developments in England, as mandated under the UK's Net Gain legislation. Employing a nationally representative sample, a Discrete Choice Experiment values options for alternative characteristics and location of both development and offset sites, including their situation relative to both the respondent's home and neighborhoods of different socio‐economic status. This defines sets of “winners” and “losers” varying across wealth levels. Results show that respondents did not necessarily prefer that the communities losing biodiversity due to development must also be the beneficiaries of the biodiversity enhancement under Net Gain rules. This is particularly the case where the communities losing biodiversity are located far from the respondent and are high wealth. Instead, our findings show that respondents are willing to pay more for Net Gain policies delivering biodiversity improvements to low or average (rather than high) wealth communities. These results highlight the importance of considering distributional concerns when measuring the welfare impacts of environmental policies and the potential role of such policies as redistributive tools to reduce social inequalities.
High but decreasing rates of reconstruction after total proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis, and evidence of a direct volume outcome relationship
Authors: Giddings Hugh L. , Ng Kheng‐Seong , Solomon Michael J. , Steffens Daniel , Van Buskirk Joe , Young Jane
Published: March 2024

Background

Total (procto)colectomy is indicated in 15%–20% of ulcerative colitis(UC) patients during their disease course. Reconstruction options to avoid a permanent ileostomy include an ileoanal pouch anastomosis (IPAA) or ileorectal anastomosis (IRA). This study aimed to investigate reconstruction rates using Australian‐based population‐level data, and factors influencing reconstruction.

Methods

A retrospective data linkage study of the NSW population over a 19‐year period was performed. Patients with UC who underwent total (procto)colectomy with a minimum of 1‐year follow up were included. The main outcome was reconstruction with either IPAA or IRA. The influence of hospital and patient factors on reconstruction rates was assessed by Cox regression.

Results

Overall, 1047 patients underwent a (procto)colectomy for UC (mean age 45.9 years [SD ± 18.3], 640 [61.1%] male). The 5‐year reconstruction rate was 55% (IPAA 89%). Advanced age, emergent colectomy, higher comorbidity burden, and geographical remoteness were significantly associated with lower reconstruction rates. A lower reconstruction rate was also observed in the most recent time‐period (2014–2019) (aHR 0.68[95% CI 0.54–0.86]), and where index (procto)colectomy was performed in low‐volume (<1 pouch/year) pouch hospitals (aHR 0.60 [95% CI 0.43–0.82]).

Conclusions

NSW Australia has the highest reported rate of reconstruction following UC (procto)colectomy globally. However, rates reduced in the most recent time‐period. There was variation in reconstruction rates across centres, with primary and overall reconstruction rates proportionate to hospital pouch volume. Reconstruction rates were also lower for patients living outside major cities. To ensure equitable opportunities for reconstruction, patients being considered for IBD pouch surgery should be centralized to a limited number of specialist pouch centres.
Age‐related nonparalytic hypertropia: Clinical features
Authors: Oohira Akihiko
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Age‐related nonparalytic hypertropia (ARNH) is reported to be involved in sagging eye syndrome, where excyclotorsion is large and the lower eye is more extorted. The primary aim of this study was to describe the clinical profiles of patients with ARNH. The secondary aim was to compare cyclotorsion in patients with ARNH with that in normal individuals.

Methods

Inclusion criteria for ARNH were insidious onset of diplopia at distance after 50 years of age, nonparalytic hyperdeviation and follow‐up >6 months. Objective cyclotorsion was measured as the disc‐to‐fovea angle (DFA) on fundus photographs obtained from two groups: 75 patients with ARNH (age, 74.1 ± 7.9 years) and 75 sex‐ and age‐matched normal controls (73.9 ± 8.1 years).

Results

The hypertropia angle was 4.6 ± 2.8 prism dioptres. One patient also experienced diplopia at near‐gaze. DFA in ARNH (right/left eye; 11.0 ± 4.8°/11.6 ± 3.9°) was larger than that of the control (6.6 ± 3.7°/9.2 ± 3.5°) (p < 0.0001). The DFA in the non‐dominant eye (12.5 ± 4.1°) was larger than that in the dominant eye (10.2 ± 4.3°) (p = 0.0003). The lower eye did not have the larger DFA in 29 patients.

Conclusion

The angle of hyperdeviation in patients with ARNH was small. The DFA in the ARNH group was larger than that in the normal group. The lower eye was not the eye with a larger DFA in 39% of ARNH, inconsistent with sagging eye syndrome. Decreased phoria adaptation (fusional ability) may trigger diplopia in patients with ARNH.
Letter: Modifying the Mayo endoscopic subscore for improved prognostic insights
Authors: Asonuma Kunio , Sagami Shintaro , Kobayashi Taku
Published: March 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Lenfant et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17753 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17935
Editorial: Muscles at the expense of liver injury. Is it worth it?
Authors: Stephens C.
Published: March 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Nash et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17906
Letter: Impact of antiviral treatment on renal function in patients with chronic hepatitis B—Author's reply
Authors: Hong Hyeyeon , Choi Jonggi
Published: March 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Hong et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17819 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17922
Letter: Thioguanine, an under‐utilised option in inflammatory bowel disease? Authors' reply
Authors: Vasudevan Abhinav , Con Danny , van Langenberg Daniel R.
Published: March 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Vasudevan et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17831 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17920
Family planning and fertility inequality: Evidence from the abolition of China's one‐child policy
Authors: Chen Nana , Xu Hangtian , Xu Yang
Published: March 2024

This study takes China's one‐child policy (OCP)—a widely known policy intervention for family planning—as an example to illustrate that an income‐based penalty scheme for above‐quota births may cause fertility inequality. A couple can legally have only one child under the OCP, and those who exceed the quota are subject to fines. To ensure that this penalty scheme does not biasedly affect only low‐income people who are relatively more sensitive to fines of a certain amount, it was designed to be income‐based, which makes the perceived cost of the rich equal to that of the poor. However, we find that due to the limited liability nature of the financial penalty, it unintentionally created fertility inequality that favors the poor. Relying on city‐year‐level panel data, we find that this mechanism partly explains the lower birth rates in rich cities in the OCP era; the gap narrowed rapidly after the OCP abolition.
Natural history of clonal haematopoiesis seen in real‐world haematology settings
Authors: Patel Shyam A. , Gerber William K. , Zheng Rena , Khanna Shrinkhala , Hutchinson Lloyd , Abel Gregory A. , Cerny Jan , DaSilva Brandon A. , Zhang Tian Y. , Ramanathan Muthalagu , Khedr Salwa , Selove William , Woda Bruce , Miron Patricia M. , Higgins Anne W. , Gerber Jonathan M.
Published: March 2024

Recursive partitioning of healthy consortia led to the development of the Clonal Hematopoiesis Risk Score (CHRS) for clonal haematopoiesis (CH); however, in the practical setting, most cases of CH are diagnosed after patients present with cytopenias or related symptoms. To address this real‐world population, we characterize the clinical trajectories of 94 patients with CH and distinguish CH harbouring canonical DNMT3A/TET2/ASXL1 mutations alone (‘sole DTA’) versus all other groups (‘non‐sole DTA’). TET2, rather than DNMT3A, was the most prevalent mutation in the real‐world setting. Sole DTA patients did not progress to myeloid neoplasm (MN) in the absence of acquisition of other mutations. Contrastingly, 14 (20.1%) of 67 non‐sole DTA patients progressed to MN. CHRS assessment showed a higher frequency of high‐risk CH in non‐sole DTA (vs. sole DTA) patients and in progressors (vs. non‐progressors). RUNX1 mutation conferred the strongest risk for progression to MN (odds ratio [OR] 10.27, 95% CI 2.00–52.69, p = 0.0053). The mean variant allele frequency across all genes was higher in progressors than in non‐progressors (36.9% ± 4.62% vs. 24.1% ± 1.67%, p = 0.0064). This analysis in the post‐CHRS era underscores the natural history of CH, providing insight into patterns of progression to MN.
NAB2::STAT6 fusions and genome‐wide DNA methylation profiling: Predictors of patient outcomes in meningeal solitary fibrous tumors
Authors: Eschbacher Kathryn L. , Tran Quynh T. , Moskalev Evgeny A. , Jenkins Sarah , Fritchie Karen , Stoehr Robert , Caron Alissa , Link Michael J. , Brown Paul D. , Guajardo Andrew , Brat Daniel J. , Wu Ashley , Santagata Sandro , Louis David N. , Brastianos Priscilla K. , Kaplan Alexander B. , Alexander Brian , Rossi Sabrina , Ferrarese Fabio , Raleigh David R. , Nguyen Minh P. , Gross John , Velazquez Vega Jose , Rodriguez Fausto , Perry Arie , Martinez‐Lage Maria , Orr Brent A. , Haller Florian , Giannini Caterina
Published: March 2024

Meningeal solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) are rare and have a high frequency of local recurrence and distant metastasis. In a cohort of 126 patients (57 female, 69 male; mean age at surgery 53.0 years) with pathologically confirmed meningeal SFTs with extended clinical follow‐up (median 9.9 years; range 15 days–43 years), we performed extensive molecular characterization including genome‐wide DNA methylation profiling (n = 80) and targeted TERT promoter mutation testing (n = 98). Associations were examined with NAB2::STAT6 fusion status (n = 101 cases; 51 = ex5‐7::ex16‐17, 26 = ex4::ex2‐3; 12 = ex2‐3::exANY/other and 12 = no fusion) and placed in the context of 2021 Central Nervous System (CNS) WHO grade. NAB2::STAT6 fusion breakpoints (fusion type) were significantly associated with metastasis‐free survival (MFS) (p = 0.03) and, on multivariate analysis, disease‐specific survival (DSS) when adjusting for CNS WHO grade (p = 0.03). DNA methylation profiling revealed three distinct clusters: Cluster 1 (n = 38), Cluster 2 (n = 22), and Cluster 3 (n = 20). Methylation clusters were significantly associated with fusion type (p < 0.001), with Cluster 2 harboring ex4::ex2‐3 fusion in 16 (of 20; 80.0%), nearly all TERT promoter mutations (7 of 8; 87.5%), and predominantly an “SFT” histologic phenotype (15 of 22; 68.2%). Clusters 1 and 3 were less distinct, both dominated by tumors having ex5‐7::ex16‐17 fusion (respectively, 25 of 33; 75.8%, and 12 of 18; 66.7%) and with variable histological phenotypes. Methylation clusters were significantly associated with MFS (p = 0.027), but not overall survival (OS). In summary, NAB2::STAT6 fusion type was significantly associated with MFS and DSS, suggesting that tumors with an ex5::ex16‐17 fusion may have inferior patient outcomes. Methylation clusters were significantly associated with fusion type, TERT promoter mutation status, histologic phenotype, and MFS.
Predictive value of the General Movements Assessment and Standardized Infant NeuroDevelopmental Assessment in infants at high risk of neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Hadders‐Algra Mijna , Tacke Uta , Pietz Joachim , Rupp André , Philippi Heike
Published: March 2024

Aim

To compare the predictive values of the General Movements Assessment (GMA) and the Standardized Infant NeuroDevelopmental Assessment (SINDA) neurological scale for atypical neurodevelopmental outcome in 3‐month‐old at‐risk infants.

Method

A total of 109 infants (gestational age 30 weeks; range: 24–41; 52 males) attending a non‐academic outpatient clinic were assessed with the GMA and the SINDA at 3 (2–4) months corrected age. The GMA pays attention to the complexity of general movements and presence of fidgety movements. Atypical neurodevelopmental outcome at 24 months corrected age (and older) implied cerebral palsy (CP) or a Bayley Mental Development Index or Bayley Psychomotor Development Index lower than 70.

Results

At 24 months corrected (and older) age, 16 children had an atypical outcome, including 14 children with CP. Regarding markedly reduced general movement complexity in combination with absent or sporadic fidgety movements, the GMA predicted an atypical outcome with specificity, positive, and negative predictive values greater than 0.900, and sensitivity of 0.687 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.460–0.915). SINDA predicted an atypical outcome with sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value greater than 0.900 and a positive predictive value of 0.652 (95% CI = 0.457–0.847). Regarding absent fidgety movements only or markedly reduced general movement complexity, the GMA predicted the outcome less well than both general movement criteria.

Interpretation

The SINDA and GMA both predict neurodevelopmental outcome well, but SINDA is easier to learn than the GMA; being a non‐video‐based assessment, it allows caregiver feedback during the consultation whereas the GMA usually does not.

What this paper adds

The General Movements Assessment (GMA) and Standardized Infant NeuroDevelopmental Assessment (SINDA) neurological scale predict atypical neurodevelopmental outcome equally well.

The GMA and SINDA neurological scale predict CP and atypical neurodevelopmental outcome well.

The GMA works best to predict neurodevelopmental outcome when based on both general movement complexity and fidgety movements.
Debt, deficits and interest rates
Authors: Cotton Christopher D.
Published: March 2024

This paper identifies how a rise in the deficit/debt impacts interest rates by looking at the high‐frequency response of interest rates to fiscal surprises. The fiscal surprises are the unexpected components of deficit releases and the changes in official forecasts by the Congressional Budget Office and by the Office of Management and Budget. The paper estimates that a rise in the deficit‐to‐GDP ratio of 1 percentage point raises the 10‐year nominal interest rate by 8.1 basis points. The response is similar quantitatively for other Treasury maturities and for corporate debt interest rates. The paper also investigates which theoretical channel drives this relationship, and whether surprises affect interest rate expectations or the term premium. These results are used to estimate how recent spending may have affected interest rates.
The usefulness of speckle tracking echocardiography for the prediction of cardiac involvement in patients with biopsy‐proven sarcoidosis
Authors: Jankowska Hanna , Dorniak Karolina , Dudziak Maria , Glińska Anna , Sienkiewicz Katarzyna , Kulawiak‐Gałąska Dorota , Fijałkowska Jadwiga , Dubaniewicz Anna , Hellmann Marcin
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is commonly diagnosed based on clinical criteria and abnormalities in noninvasive imaging reported in patients with biopsy‐proven extracardiac sarcoidosis. Electrocardiogram and two‐dimensional echocardiography have a low sensitivity for CS detection. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and positron emission tomography (PET) have limitations in terms of cost and availability.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the usefulness of left ventricular longitudinal strain, measured using two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), for the prediction of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) presence in CMR in patients with biopsy‐proven sarcoidosis.

Patients and Methods

A total of 119 patients with biopsy‐proven extracardiac sarcoidosis were divided, according to the clinical criteria proposed by the 2014 Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement (HRS 2014), into two groups: 43 individuals with “probable cardiac sarcoidosis”, CS(+) and 76 individuals without cardiac sarcoidosis, CS (−). Data from echocardiography, CMR, 12‐lead ECG and 24 h Holter monitoring were analyzed.

Results

Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV‐GLS) was slightly reduced in the entire sarcoidosis group (−18.61± 2.96), no difference between the CS (+) and CS (−) subgroups was found (−18.0% ± 3.2% and −18.9% ± 2.8%, respectively; p = .223). No cut‐off value for LV‐GLS was identified that could predict the presence of LGE. Segmental longitudinal strain impairment partially correlated with the presence of LGE on CMR.

Conclusions

In our cohort of sarcoidosis patients, segmental longitudinal strain proved more helpful in the diagnostic process than LV‐GLS. The ultimate role of STE in the diagnosis of CS remains to be established.
Effects of feature reduction on emotion recognition using EEG signals and machine learning
Authors: Trujillo Leonardo , Hernandez Daniel E. , Rodriguez Adrian , Monroy Omar , Villanueva Omar
Published: March 2024

Electroencephalography is a core technology of brain computer interfaces. Even a few number of electrodes can produce complex signals that are difficult to interpret. This is particularly true when trying to detect complex mental states, such as the identification of human emotions. This work analyzes the impact of feature reduction using the SJTU Emotion EEG data set, considering inter‐subject and inter‐session EEG classification. It is well established that EEG data tends to be subject dependent, and that the brain patterns produced by a person in response to a specific stimuli will tend to change over their lifetime, we can say that the above classification task is one of the most challenging test scenarios. We extract 1068 time and frequency domain features, single and multiple channels. Feature reduction was analyzed using both filter and wrapper based approaches. In the first group we use principal component analysis, Kernel PCA and Locally Linear Embedding, and in the second three meta‐heuristic algorithms are employed. For classification, we apply multi‐layer perceptron, quadratic discriminant analysis, random forest and support vector machines. Results show up to 100% accuracy on the median test error for some splits in the 10‐fold cross‐validation process. Best results were achieved by filter‐based selection, with the best average accuracy reached by Random Forest (93.20%) and Multi‐Layer Perceptron (92.71%), using components found with Kernel PCA. To the best of our knowledge, these classification results are the best ever achieved for the SEED data set on the subject‐independent and session‐independent problem. Comparisons using a Leave‐One‐Subject‐Out cross‐validation setting shows that the proposed methodology achieves state‐of‐the‐art results using only 12 electrodes. These off‐the‐shelf ML techniques, coupled with filter based feature reduction, achieve the best results, outperforming complex classification models and wrapper based meta‐heuristics.
A model for modifying the S‐N curve considering the effect of boundary conditions on the fatigue crack growth of welded components
Authors: Shakeri Iman , Wu Weijian , Michel Alexander , Eder Martin A.
Published: March 2024

The present study proposes a novel model to modify master S‐N curves of components according to their load redistribution capability reflected in different boundary conditions (BCs) based on the fracture mechanics analysis. To that end, a comprehensive numerical study was conducted on a Single Edge Notch Bend (SENB) specimen constrained with different kinematic BCs using discrete fatigue crack growth (FCG) simulation. It was observed that BCs indeed can have a significant effect on the crack growth behavior and consequently on the resulting fatigue life under the same nominal loading conditions. The proposed model was applied to the S‐N curve of a T‐welded joint, and the predicted fatigue life was validated against 3D FCG simulations. Finally, FCG tests were conducted on SENB specimens to experimentally corroborate the effect of BCs on the FCG rate.
Fatigue life prediction of notched components under size effect based on strain energy density gradient
Authors: Lu Jumei , Liu Jianhui , Li Youtang , Zhou Fei , Pan Xuemei
Published: March 2024

In practical mechanical components, the characteristic of geometric discontinuous generates non‐uniform energy field near the notch, which affects the local damage evolution process of the notched specimens. Therefore, it is particularly crucial to formulate a parameter that can characterize such inhomogeneous state distribution. First, a strain energy density gradient factor is introduced to describe the complexity of strain energy density distribution near the notch. Meanwhile, a size effect factor is given considering the strain energy gradient factor and notch geometry parameter. Then, taking into account the impact of phase difference, a direct damage parameter considering non‐proportionality of different multiaxial load levels is developed. Furtherly, the modified strain energy density parameter is determined. Finally, the comparison between the proposed model and the other three models emphasizes the advantages of the model.