bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shifting ethical priorities and the architectural profession: a systematic review of recent research and its alignment with contemporary professional codes of conduct
Authors: Gillon Charles , Ostwald Michael J. , Easthope Hazel
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The architectural profession faces an increasingly complex ethical landscape. In recent decades, the ethical foundations for architecture – formally defined in professional codes of conduct and reflected in regulatory frameworks – have expanded to incorporate imperatives derived from environmental and social responsibilities. The present research examines how these expanding ethical expectations are reflected in, and supported by, recent research about architectural ethics.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis is based on a systematic review of recent research (2002–2023) focussing on ethical values and associated behaviours in the architectural profession. The review identifies 37 research articles (from a starting set of 2,483 articles), which are analysed empirically and then qualitatively to draw out views around three types of ethical behaviour. The paper then discusses how these findings align thematically with the evolving ethical needs of architectural practitioners (as defined in the professional codes of ethics and conduct of the RIBA in the UK, AIA in Australia and the AIA in the USA).

Findings

While business ethics remains the focus of past research, there has been a rise in research about ethics and social and environmental factors. The content of professional codes reflects this shift, setting the conditions for architects to aspire to increased expectations of environmental and social responsibility.

Originality/value

This article undertakes the first systematic review of recent research about architectural ethics and its alignment with the content of contemporary professional codes. Organised thematically, recent research about ethical values and associated behaviours can offer guidance for the evolving ethical needs of architects.
Toward unique electrical ladder network model synthesis of a transformer winding high-frequency modeling using K-means and metaheuristic-based method
Authors: Chanane Abdallah , Houassine Hamza
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Although, numerous optimization algorithms have been devoted to construct an electrical ladder network model (ELNM), they suffer from some frail points such as insufficient accuracy as well as the majority of them are unconstrained, which result in optimal solutions that violate certain security operational constraints. For this purpose, this paper aims to propose a flexible-constraint coyote optimization algorithm; the novelty lies in these points: penalty function is introduced in the objective function to discard any unfeasible solution, an advanced constraint handling technique and empirical relationship between the physical estimated parameters and their natural frequencies.

Design/methodology/approach

Frequency response analysis (FRA) is very significant for transformer winding diagnosis. Interpreting results of a transformer winding FRA is quite challenging. This paper proposes a new methodology to synthesize a nearly unique ELNM physically and electrically coupled for power transformer winding, basing on K-means and metaheuristic algorithm. To this end, the K-means method is used to cluster the setting of control variables, including the self-mutual inductances/capacitances, and the resistances parameters. Afterward, metaheuristic algorithm is applied to determine the cluster centers with high precision and efficiency.

Findings

FRA is performed on a power transformer winding model. Basing on the proposed methodology, the prior knowledge in selecting the initial guess and search space is avoided and the global solution is ensured. The performance of the abovementioned methodology is compared using evaluation expressions to verify its feasibility and accuracy.

Originality/value

The proposed method could be generalized for diagnosis of faults in power transformer winding.
The quest for an optimal capital structure: an empirical analysis of European firms using GMM regression analysis
Authors: Demiraj Rezart , Labadze Lasha , Dsouza Suzan , Demiraj Enida , Grigolia Maya
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper explores the connection between capital structure and financial performance within European listed firms. The primary objective is to demonstrate an inverse U-shaped relationship between these two variables and pinpoint an optimal debt-equity mix.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, we adopt a dynamic modeling approach to investigate the relationship between a firm’s capital structure and financial performance. Drawing on well-established theories and prior empirical studies, our model examines 3,121 dividend-paying firms from 41 European countries over 14 years, from 2008 to 2021. To enhance the reliability of our findings, we employ two distinct estimation techniques: the fixed effect model (FE) and the system generalized method of moments (System-GMM).

Findings

This study reveals an inverse U-shaped relationship between the firm’s financial performance, measured by the return on equity (ROE) and its capital structure (total liability to total assets ratio). Furthermore, an optimal capital structure of about 29% is determined for all firms in the sample, and about 21%, 28% and 41% industry-specific capital structure for manufacturing, real estate and wholesale trade, respectively.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to existing knowledge by empirically determining an optimal capital structure for listed firms across various industries in Europe, which very few studies have attempted to do in the past. An optimal capital structure is an invaluable benchmark for managers and other stakeholders, informing their decision-making.
Does the market value energy efficiency within EPC-labels? An analysis of the residential real estate market in Flanders
Authors: Gerassimenko Alesia , De Moor Lieven , Defau Laurens
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The current literature has not investigated the perceived value of energy efficiency by households, regardless of financial benefits. Furthermore, there is a severe lack of research that investigates the effectiveness of the current format of EPC-labels. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is twofold: to study how households value energy efficiency in the housing market, regardless of price effects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses multiple hedonic regression models to analyse 706,778 Flemish properties for sale or rent between 2019 and 2023. The data is provided by Immoweb – the largest online real estate platform in Belgium. Given that the selling market is driven by different mechanisms than the rental market, the data set was divided in sold (522,164 listings) and rented properties (184,614 listings).

Findings

The ambiguous results of the A-label in the selling market indicate that the “class evaluation effect” found in related markets which use labels (e.g. household appliances) is also present in the housing market. However, the results of the other (lower) labels clearly show that owners do value energy improvements within labels, and this effect becomes stronger as the EPC-label becomes better. The rental market shows the opposite results. Energy improvements are only valued if they translate into a financial benefit. Taking these findings into account, the second part of this research shows that rescaling the EPC-label creates an incentive for improvements within labels.

Originality/value

This paper provides novel insights by studying the perceived value of energy efficiency in the absence of financial benefits and critically studying the effectiveness of the EPC-labels in their current shape. By investigating both the sales and rental market, the authors are able to make a comparison which creates valuable insights for academia, governments and real estate professionals.
Drama and organisational culture: an exploration of Aristotle’s “Poetics” as a conceptual dramatic framework in the design of organisational culture
Authors: D’souza Anil
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The paper draws extensively from Aristotle’s Poetics, a classical work on the aesthetics of drama. Drawing from symbolic and thematic elements from folklore and mythology, this paper aims to illustrate how the Poetics can be referenced as an allegorical device in the design of culture-building strategies and interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory paper examines Aristotle’s “Poetics” and the range of creative expression this literature provides as a conceptual design framework for the development of a culture map in creating a distinctive organisational mythology. The Poetics articulates an Aristotelian perspective on theatre which infuses itself as a new language in offering structural and archetypical plot devices in the development of an organisational narrative.

Findings

Findings from this explorative study can provide a creative roadmap to culture practitioners and leaders, to be used as a determining reference point in developing culture maps and change management interventions.

Practical implications

Poetics has its detractors, notably Bertolt Brecht and Augusto Boal. Boal examines how Poetics promotes a narrative that suppresses free thinking and encourages a cult of feudal personality, therefore encouraging industrial and cultural oppression, which he rebelled against through the development of his “Theatre of the Oppressed”. This new kind of theatre discarded the Aristotelian model of thinking. Ideas proposed in the Poetics may also lend verisimilitude to the propagation of obsessive consumerism through the definitive symbolism it offers in the development of institutionalised personality cults.

Originality/value

The Poetics as a creatively driven reflexive study provides a forward movement in the study of culture design templates. Its definitive allegorical devices and metaphors act as action principles through which an enterprise culture and its value system can be examined and developed.
Why should we trust our public leaders in Africa? A comparative analysis between 2019 and 2021
Authors: Dzordzormenyoh Michael K.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the factors that influence citizens trust in public leaders [i.e. presidents, members of parliament (MPs) and local government leaders (LGs)] in 34 countries in Africa between 2019 and 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

Individual-level data with a sample size of 48,084 was obtained from the Afro-Barometer round 8 survey only and analyzed using multivariate binary logistic regression.

Findings

Several important and intriguing observations were made from this analysis: (1) the performance of public leaders influences citizens trust in their leaders; (2) the perceived corruption of public leaders and civil servants and the level of corruption influence citizens trust in public leaders; (3) perceived neighborhood problems (i.e. fear of violence, fear of terrorism and service delivery) influence citizens trust in their public leaders and (4) the socio-demographic characteristics of citizens (i.e. age, religion, education, location, employment and political party affiliation) influence citizens trust in their public leaders.

Originality/value

This study is exceptional in two ways: (1) it examines and compares citizens trust in public leaders across different levels, i.e. presidents, MPs and LGs in Africa and (2) it examines and compares the factors influencing citizens trust in public leaders in Africa comparatively.
Testing the effects of moral intensity news frames on consumer boycott intention
Authors: Bravo Olivia Stacie-Ann Cleopatra , Chapa Sindy
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This exploratory research examined how emphasizing a brand’s unethical behaviour through high moral intensity news framing influences consumer boycott intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were tested and validated using two experimental studies that expose customers of real retail and personal care product brands to news articles that have high and low moral intensity news frames.

Findings

The results showed high moral intensity news framing’s positive effect on consumer boycott intention. The frame’s influence is moderated by moral awareness and partially mediated by perceived moral intensity and moral judgement. The findings suggest that consumers’ perception of the frame and their attitude towards the brand will have a substantial role in boycott intention.

Practical implications

These research outcomes aid in the understanding of news framing effects on boycott intention, providing both insights for consumer activists and managerial implications for stewards of brands.

Originality/value

While previous research have examined the impact of news frames on the typical audience, there has been relatively little focus on news framing’s impact on consumers and their decision to boycott brands. This study addresses this gap by applying the work on emphasis framing to a consumer decision-making context. It also introduces moral intensity framing to the news frame classification. In addition, this study expands current conceptualizations of individual ethical decision-making to help explain consumer boycott intent.
Role of information processing and digital supply chain in supply chain resilience through supply chain risk management
Authors: Rashid Aamir , Rasheed Rizwana , Ngah Abdul Hafaz , Pradeepa Jayaratne Mahawattage Dona Ranmali , Rahi Samar , Tunio Muhammad Nawaz
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Supply chain (SC) management is more challenging than ever. Significantly, the pandemic has provoked global and economic destruction that appeared in the manufacturing industry as a “black swan.” Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the role of information processing and digital supply chain in supply chain resilience through supply chain risk management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines SC risk management and resilience from an information processing theory perspective. The authors used data collected from 251 SC professionals in the manufacturing industry, and the authors used a quantitative method to analyze the data. The data was analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling. To confirm the higher-order measurement model, the authors used SmartPLS version 4 software.

Findings

This study found that information processing capability (disruptive orientation and visibility in high-order) and digital SC significantly and positively affect SC risk management and resilience. Similarly, SC risk management positively mediates the relationship between information processing capability and digital SC. However, information processing capability was found to have a more substantial effect on SC risk management than the digital SC.

Research limitations/implications

This study has both academic and practical contributions. It contributed to existing information processing theory, and manufacturing firms can improve their performance by proactively responding to SC disruptions by recognizing the pivotal role of study variables in risk management for a resilient SC.

Originality/value

The conceptual model of this study is based on information processing theory, which asserts that synchronizing information processing capabilities and digital SCs allows a firm to deal with unplanned events. SC disruption orientation and visibility are considered risk controllers as they allow the firms to be more proactive. An integrated model of conceptualizing the disruption orientation, visibility (higher-order) and digital SC with information processing theory makes this research novel.
Empowering green minds: the role of job embeddedness, environmental commitment and job autonomy in promoting pro-environmental behavior
Authors: Rafiq Muhammad , Xiuqing Duan
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Grounded in social identity theory (SIT), this study aims to explore the relationships between job embeddedness (JE), environmental commitment (EC), job autonomy (JA) and pro-environmental behavior (PEB) in the hotel industry. It specifically investigates the mediating role of EC in the JE-PEB relationship and the moderating effect of JA on the JE-EC relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a quantitative methods approach, this study evaluates the interrelationships among the variables using the SPSS macro-PROCESS Model 4 and 7.

Findings

The study uncovers a significant positive relationship between JE and PEB, mediated by EC. It also identifies JA as a moderator in the JE-EC relationship, which in turn influences PEB.

Practical implications

These insights can guide organizations, especially in the hotel industry, on how job design and organizational culture can be optimized to promote PEB among employees. By enhancing JE and autonomy, organizations can foster greater EC, thereby catalyzing increased PEB.

Originality/value

This study uniquely integrates the constructs of JE, EC, JA and PEB under the lens of SIT, offering fresh perspectives into the dynamics of workplace behavior and its impact on the environment.
Digital technology in tourism: a bibliometric analysis of transformative trends and emerging research patterns
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Fazel Hesham
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper employs bibliometric analysis to explore transformative trends and emerging research patterns in the intersection of digital technology and tourism. The goal is to provide insights into the evolving landscape, identify key themes, influential authors and prominent journals, contributing to a nuanced understanding of this dynamic field.

Design/methodology/approach

This study rigorously employs bibliometric analysis from 2002 to 2023, using Scopus and Web of Science databases, yielding 2,040 Scopus and 1,389 Web of Science documents. After meticulous data selection, 575 articles were refined. Utilising VOSviewer and Biblioshiny, the analyses focus on publication trends, citations, authorship, collaborations and thematic clusters, addressing four research questions.

Findings

This bibliometric analysis reveals a significant growth in annual scientific production on digital technology and tourism, peaking at 100 articles in 2023. Key contributors include LAW R., CHUNG N. and KOO C. China leads in research output, and influential journals include “Current Issues in Tourism” and “Information Technology and Tourism.” Noteworthy trends emphasise the centrality of “smart tourism” and the interconnectedness of technology, hospitality and management in shaping future research directions.

Practical implications

Stakeholders should focus on integrating emerging technologies in tourism, emphasising areas with high research activity. Professionals must stay updated on evolving trends, adopt innovative digital solutions and collaborate to navigate the dynamic landscape.

Originality/value

This study pioneers the first bibliometric analysis on digital technology in the tourism industry, providing a unique and comprehensive exploration of the scholarly landscape from 1998 to 2023, shedding light on key contributors, influential journals and emerging trends.
Sustainable development and First Nations values: a multidimensional accounting approach for mining proposals
Authors: Pupovac Sanja , Nikidehaghani Mona
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which using accounting as a multidimensional practice that encompasses technical, social and moral dimensions facilitates the instigation and advancement of a culture of sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was used to analyse the case of Waratah Coal Pty Ltd vs Youth Verdict Ltd – a dispute over a lease to establish a coal mine. The study draws on Carnegie et al.’s (2021a, 2021b) multidimensional definition of accounting and the Carnegie et al.’s (2023) framework for analysis to explore how different parties drew on accounting concepts to support their position over the sustainability of the mining lease proposal.

Findings

A multidimensional perspective on accounting appears to have clear transformative potential and can be used to champion a culture of sustainable development. This approach also has broad societal, environmental and moral implications that transcend Western financial metrics. This study shows that relying solely on accounting as a technical practice to pursue economic benefits can result in contested arguments. Overall, this analysis illustrates how the wider public, and notably First Nations communities, might challenge accounting methodologies that marginalise cultural and social narratives.

Originality/value

This paper expands accounting research by demonstrating how fully embracing accounting’s capacities can create a space for hearing multiple voices, including those silenced by Western accounting practices. Specifically, this study presents a unique case in which the authors incorporate the voices and views of those affected by accounting-based decisions.
Sound absorption advancements: exploring 3D printing in the development of tetrakaidecahedron cell-based acoustic metamaterials
Authors: Shah Saliq Shamim , Singh Daljeet , Saini Jaswinder Singh , Garg Naveen
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to study the design and characterization of a 3D printed tetrakaidecahedron cell-based acoustic metamaterial. At present, the mitigation of low-frequency noise involves the utilization of spatially demanding materials for the absorption of sound. These materials lack the ability for targeted frequency control adjustments. Hence, there is a requirement for an approach that can effectively manage low-frequency noise using lightweight and durable materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The CAD model was created in SolidWorks and was manufactured using the Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printing technique. Experimental study and numerical simulations examined the metamaterial’s acoustic absorption. An impedance tube with two microphones was used to determine the absorption coefficient of the metamaterial. The simulations were run in a thermoviscous module.

Findings

The testing of acoustic samples highlighted the effects of geometric parameters on acoustic performance. Increment of the strut length by 0.4 mm led to a shift in response to a lower frequency by 500 Hz. Peak absorption rose from 0.461 to 0.690 as the strut diameter was increased from 0.6 to 1.0 mm. Increasing the number of cells from 8 to 20 increased the absorption coefficient and lowered the response frequency.

Originality/value

DLP 3D printing technique was used to successfully manufacture tetrakaidecahedron-based acoustic metamaterial samples. A novel study on the effects of geometric parameters of tetrakaidecahedron cell-based acoustic metamaterial on the acoustic absorption coefficient was conducted, which seemed to be missing in the literature.
Asymmetrical effect of total quality management on organisational citizenship behaviour for the environment: mediated by environmental corporate social responsibility
Authors: Noor-E-Sahar  , Zawawi Dahlia , Jaharuddin Nor Siah , Abbasi Munir A.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The current study used the social exchange theory to examine the dimensional impact of total quality management (TQM) on the organisational citizenship behaviour for the environment (OCBE) of employees through the mediatory role of environmental corporate social responsibility (ECSR).

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 311 employees of ISO-14001-certified manufacturing firms in Pakistan. Both symmetrical partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and asymmetrical fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) methods were applied to test the proposed hypotheses to enhance the robustness of the results.

Findings

PLS-SEM results discovered that all dimensions of TQM, like process management, leadership, human resource management, customer focus, information and analysis and strategic planning, foster the OCBE through the mediation role of ECSR. The robustness of the findings was manifold when fsQCA results complemented the results by discovering that all six dimensions have been identified as sufficient conditions and some as necessary conditions to drive the OCBE.

Originality/value

The theoretical contribution of this study sheds light on TQM's function in boosting OCBE through the mediation of ECSR. Practically, the business managers may utilise TQM as a strategy to foster the OCBE in order to mitigate environmental damages of their organisations’ operations by instilling OCBE among the employees.
Contact allergens responsible for eyelid dermatitis in adults
Authors: Yazdanparast T. , Nassiri Kashani M. , Shamsipour M. , Izadi Heidari F. , Amiri F. , Firooz A.
Published: February 2024

Allergic contact dermatitis has been established as the most frequent cause of eyelid dermatitis, but it is often misdiagnosed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of patients with eyelid dermatitis who were referred for patch testing. The patients were divided into three subgroups in this retrospective study: patients with only eyelid involvement, patients with involvement of eyelids and other areas, and patients without eyelid involvement. Data was collected on diagnoses, medical history, personal care products and make‐up use, occupational dermatitis, and positive allergens. An independent t‐test, one‐way ANOVA, and chi‐squared test were used to analyze the data. A total of 427 patients who referred for patch tests were included in the study. Of these, 139 patients had eyelid dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) was the most common diagnosis in all three groups referred for patch tests. Use of shaving cream and hair conditioner was significantly higher in patients with only eyelid involvement and nickel sulfate was the most common allergen among them. Patch testing is the gold standard tool in the evaluation of eyelid contact dermatitis, and it is a necessity in the treatment of eyelid dermatitis, for the accurate identification of responsible allergens.
Empirically tuned theory reveals why symbiont abundance ‘mite’ vary across hosts
Authors: Matthews Alix E.
Published: February 2024

Research Highlight: del Mar Labrador, M., Serrano, D., Doña, J., Aguilera, E., Arroyo, J. L., Atiénzar, F., Barba, E., Bermejo, A., Blanco, G., Borràs, A., Calleja, J. A., Cantó, J. L., Cortés, V., de la Puente, J., de Palacio, D., Fernández‐González, S., Figuerola, J., Frías, Ó., Fuertes‐Marcos, B. Garamszegi, L. Z., Gordo, Ó., Gurpegui, M., Kovács, I., Martínez, J. L., Meléndez, L., Mestre, A., Møller, A. P., Monrós, J. S., Moreno‐Opo, R., Navarro, C., Pap, P. L., Pérez‐Tris, J., Piculo, R., Ponce, C., Proctor, H., Rodríguez, R., Sallent, Á., Senar, J., Tella, J. L., Vágási, C. I., Vögeli, M., & Jovani, R. (2023). Host space, not energy or symbiont size, constrains feather mite abundance across passerine bird species. Journal of Animal Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2656.14032. Symbionts represent crucial links between species in ecosystems. Consequently, understanding their patterns of abundance is a major goal in the study of symbioses. However, multiple biotic and abiotic factors may regulate symbionts, and disentangling the mechanisms that drive variation in their abundance across host species is challenging. One promising strategy to approach this challenge is to incorporate biologically relevant data into theoretical models. In a recent study, Labrador et al. (2023) used this strategy to investigate the poorly understood symbiosis between feather mites and their avian hosts. They integrate a remarkable amount of empirical data with models based on the metabolic theory of ecology to determine what factors limit feather mite abundance across European passerines. Their quantitative analyses indicate that the number of feather barbs limits mite abundance across host species, suggesting that mite populations are spatially, but not energetically, constrained. These findings not only reveal mechanisms that may drive the variation in feather mite abundances across hosts, but also advance our understanding of the ecology of interspecific interactions more generally.
Local adaptation in parapatric and sympatric mosaic coastal habitats through trait divergence of Setaria viridis
Authors: Itoh Matsuo , Fukunaga Kenji , Osako Takanori
Published: February 2024

Maritime plants contain dwarf ecotypes that are adapted to exposure to strong winds transporting salt spray. When variants differentiated from local populations are well‐adapted and reproductively isolated, they become forerunners of ecotypes. This study aimed to determine how coastal variants arise from local populations under natural selection by studying phenotypic variations and survival of self‐fertilising Setaria viridis populations inhabiting pebble and sandy seashores in Japan.

To identify adaptive traits characterising variants, common garden experiments were performed for determining the variation in morphology, salt spray tolerance and flowering time among populations in four adjacent habitats at two localities. To determine selective agents and their adaptation, field transplant experiments were performed, flowering phenology was monitored, and artificial crossing was conducted for F2 segregation.

S. viridis populations comprised five coastal variants showing significantly higher salt spray tolerance than the inland variant. The most common of these was a short and tolerant variant adapted to cliff and pebble shore under intensive salt spray from the Pacific ocean. Three others were a tall and mid‐tolerant variant that endured mild breezes off the Seto inland sea, a tall and tolerant variant that survived sea splash from sporadic storms, and a prostrate and tolerant variant specialised for rock cracks exposed to strong sea winds. These variants imply that maritime plants first acquired salt spray tolerance for survival, after which compact plants evolved in habitats where strong winds caused damage from salt spray. Flowering in a fifth variant was delayed to avoid the fatal risk of reproducing during the mid‐summer drought. Although salt spray tolerance and late‐flowering were partially recessive, self‐fertilisation of S. viridis may have increased the homozygosity of recessive genes to generate novel variants.

Synthesis. Diverse intensities of salt spray and wind as well as summer drought generated various coastal variants in parapatry and sympatry. This was partially attributable to self‐fertilisation. Among these, a compact variant adapted to common local seashores may become the forerunner of an ecotype. This study on the local adaptation in mosaic habitats will assist in determining adaptation modes of plants and the beginning of ecotype formation.
GRADE pearls and pitfalls—Part 1: Systematic reviews and meta‐analyses
Authors: Al Duhailib Zainab , Granholm Anders , Alhazzani Waleed , Oczkowski Simon , Belley‐Cote Emilie , Møller Morten Hylander
Published: February 2024

Background

The Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach is used to assess the certainty of evidence in systematic reviews and meta‐analyses.

Methods

We describe how the GRADE approach is used in systematic reviews and meta‐analyses, including key points and examples. This overview is aimed at clinicians and researchers who are, or plan to be, involved in the development or assessment of systematic reviews with meta‐analyses using GRADE.

Results

We outline how the certainty of evidence is assessed, how the evidence is summarized using GRADE evidence profiles or summary of findings tables, how the results are communicated, and we discuss challenges, advantages, and disadvantages with using GRADE.

Conclusions

This overview aims to provide an overview of how GRADE is used in systematic reviews and meta‐analyses, and may be used by systematic review developers, methodologists, and evidence end‐users.
The effect of a bundle intervention for ambulatory otorhinolaryngology procedures on same‐day case cancellation rate and associated costs
Authors: Wongtangman K. , Semczuk P. , Freda J. , Smith R. V. , Pushparaj V. , Beckham D. , Aasman B. , Rudolph M. I. , Salloum E. , Kiyatkin M. , Anand P. , Ganz‐Lord F. A. , Himes C. , Fassbender P. , Eikermann M.
Published: February 2024

Cancellations within 24 h of planned elective surgical procedures reduce operating theatre efficiency, add unnecessary costs and negatively affect patient experience. We implemented a bundle intervention that aimed to reduce same‐day case cancellations. This consisted of communication tools to improve patient engagement and new screening instruments (automated estimation of ASA physical status and case cancellation risk score plus four screening questions) to identify patients in advance (ideally before case booking) who needed comprehensive pre‐operative risk stratification. We studied patients scheduled for ambulatory surgery with the otorhinolaryngology service at a single centre from April 2021 to December 2022. Multivariable logistic regression and interrupted time‐series analyses were used to analyse the effects of this intervention on case cancellations within 24 h and costs. We analysed 1548 consecutive scheduled cases. Cancellation within 24 h occurred in 114 of 929 (12.3%) cases pre‐intervention and 52 of 619 (8.4%) cases post‐intervention. The cancellation rate decreased by 2.7% (95%CI 1.6–3.7%, p < 0.01) during the first month, followed by a monthly decrease of 0.2% (95%CI 0.1–0.4%, p < 0.01). This resulted in an estimated $150,200 (£118,755; €138,370) or 35.3% cost saving (p < 0.01). Median (IQR [range]) number of days between case scheduling and day of surgery decreased from 34 (21–61 [0–288]) pre‐intervention to 31 (20–51 [1–250]) post‐intervention (p < 0.01). Patient engagement via the electronic health record patient portal or text messaging increased from 75.9% at baseline to 90.8% (p < 0.01) post‐intervention. The primary reason for case cancellation was patients' missed appointment on the day of surgery, which decreased from 7.2% pre‐intervention to 4.5% post‐intervention (p = 0.03). An anaesthetist‐driven, clinical informatics‐based bundle intervention decreases same‐day case cancellation rate and associated costs in patients scheduled for ambulatory otorhinolaryngology surgery.
The global genetic diversity of planktonic foraminifera reveals the structure of cryptic speciation in plankton
Authors: Morard Raphaël , Darling Kate F. , Weiner Agnes K. M. , Hassenrück Christiane , Vanni Chiara , Cordier Tristan , Henry Nicolas , Greco Mattia , Vollmar Nele M. , Milivojevic Tamara , Rahman Shirin Nurshan , Siccha Michael , Meilland Julie , Jonkers Lukas , Quillévéré Frédéric , Escarguel Gilles , Douady Christophe J. , de Garidel‐Thoron Thibault , de Vargas Colomban , Kucera Michal
Published: February 2024

The nature and extent of diversity in the plankton has fascinated scientists for over a century. Initially, the discovery of many new species in the remarkably uniform and unstructured pelagic environment appeared to challenge the concept of ecological niches. Later, it became obvious that only a fraction of plankton diversity had been formally described, because plankton assemblages are dominated by understudied eukaryotic lineages with small size that lack clearly distinguishable morphological features. The high diversity of the plankton has been confirmed by comprehensive metabarcoding surveys, but interpretation of the underlying molecular taxonomies is hindered by insufficient integration of genetic diversity with morphological taxonomy and ecological observations. Here we use planktonic foraminifera as a study model and reveal the full extent of their genetic diversity and investigate geographical and ecological patterns in their distribution. To this end, we assembled a global data set of ~7600 ribosomal DNA sequences obtained from morphologically characterised individual foraminifera, established a robust molecular taxonomic framework for the observed diversity, and used it to query a global metabarcoding data set covering ~1700 samples with ~2.48 billion reads. This allowed us to extract and assign 1 million reads, enabling characterisation of the structure of the genetic diversity of the group across ~1100 oceanic stations worldwide. Our sampling revealed the existence of, at most, 94 distinct molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) at a level of divergence indicative of biological species. The genetic diversity only doubles the number of formally described species identified by morphological features. Furthermore, we observed that the allocation of genetic diversity to morphospecies is uneven. Only 16 morphospecies disguise evolutionarily significant genetic diversity, and the proportion of morphospecies that show genetic diversity increases poleward. Finally, we observe that MOTUs have a narrower geographic distribution than morphospecies and that in some cases the MOTUs belonging to the same morphospecies (cryptic species) have different environmental preferences. Overall, our analysis reveals that even in the light of global genetic sampling, planktonic foraminifera diversity is modest and finite. However, the extent and structure of the cryptic diversity reveals that genetic diversification is decoupled from morphological diversification, hinting at different mechanisms acting at different levels of divergence.
A recent update on huprine and its hybrids as a potential multifunctional agent for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Singh Yash Pal , Kumar Harish
Published: February 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common age‐related neurodegenerative brain disorder characterized by the impairment in memory and other cognitive functions. Although there is currently no successful pharmacotherapy for AD, researchers are continuously exploring the various pathogenesis of AD to develop potential therapeutic drugs. Of the multiple hypotheses for AD, the cholinergic and amyloid‐β (Aβ) hypothesis are the main targeting hypothesis for AD. Some researchers proposed that the symptoms involved in AD (loss of memory, cognitive impairment, and amnesia) are the main event linked to the cholinergic neurotransmitter (acetylcholine). Therefore, the development of AChE inhibitors to increase the level of ACh in the synaptic cleft can improve learning and memory in AD patients. Huprine X is a synthetic ChE inhibitor developed by the hybridization of Huperzine A and the synthetic drug tacrine. This review focuses on the last 10 year's literature search on huprine and its analogues for the treatment of AD. We expect that this review can be helpful for medicinal chemists, and neuro‐chemists to provide new ideas for the development of new drugs therapy for AD.
Persistent infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis increases the tumorigenic potential of human immortalised oral epithelial cells through ZFP36 inhibition
Authors: Lu Ze , Cao Ruoyan , Geng Fengxue , Pan Yaping
Published: February 2024

The association between Porphyromonas gingivalis infection and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been established by numerous epidemiological studies. However, the underlying mechanism specific to this connection remains unclear. By bioinformatical analysis, we identified ZFP36 as a potentially significant co‐expressed gene in both the OSCC gene database and the persistent infection model of P. gingivalis. To further investigate the role of ZFP36, we established a cell model that human immortalized oral epithelial cells (HIOECs) that were sustainedly infected by P. gingivalis (MOI = 1) for a duration of 30 weeks. Our findings indicated that sustained infection with P. gingivalis inhibited the expression of ZFP36 protein and induced changes in the biological behaviour of HIOECs. The mechanism investigation demonstrated the potential role of ZFP36 in regulating the cancer‐related biological behaviour of HIOECs. Subsequent studies revealed that highly expressed CCAT1 could serve as a molecular scaffold in the formation of the ZFP36/CCAT1/MK2 complex. This complex formation enhanced the binding abundance of MK2 and ZFP36, thereby promoting the inhibition of ZFP36 protein phosphorylation. To summarize, low expression of ZFP36 protein under persistent P. gingivalis infection enhances the cancer‐related biological behaviour of HIOECs.
Le cadre de raisonnement clinique Bobath: un modèle de science des systèmes pour aborder la complexité des troubles neurodéveloppementaux, y compris la paralysie cérébrale
Authors: Mayston Margaret J. , Saloojee Gillian M. , Foley Sarah E.
Published: February 2024

La pratique Bobath actuelle telle qu'elle est recommandée dans le cadre du Bobath Clinical Reasoning Framework (BCRF) se base sur une application clinique de la science des systèmes. Elle offre une perspective holistique des relations entre les variables qui sont associées à l'apparition d'un handicap chez l'enfant. Le BCRF est un cadre de raisonnement clinique qui peut aider à comprendre les relations entre les domaines de la Classification Internationale du Fonctionnement, du Handicap et de la Santé. C'est un système d'observation transdisciplinaire de raisonnement pratique qui vise à proposer un plan d'intervention. Plus généralement, le BCRF permet une compréhension holistique de la complexité des situations associées à des troubles tels que la paralysie cérébrale et indique des choix d'adaptation et de prise en charge tout au long de la vie des personnes vivant avec des troubles neurologiques. Ce raisonnement clinique se base sur les facteurs contextuels importants de l'individu et de son environnement social, principalement la cellule familiale, et sur une compréhension des relations entre le développement typique et atypique, la physiopathologie (sensorimotrice, cognitive, comportementale) et les neurosciences, ainsi que sur l'impact des fonctions et des structures corporelles sur les activités et la participation. Le modèle de la science des systèmes du BCRF permet d'aborder la complexité de la paralysie cérébrale, avec l'objectif global d'optimiser l'expérience vécue par chaque individu dans chaque contexte.
Teaching location planning with the center‐of‐gravity method using real cities and distances
Authors: Riley Jason M. , Sweeney Kevin
Published: February 2024

Facility placement is of strategic importance to most organizations as a well‐placed distribution center minimizes delivery costs and reduces fulfillment lead times, thus improving customer service levels. Because organizations value the location planning process, this teaching brief offers an exercise that analyzes the planning process using the center‐of‐gravity algorithm, a service area map, and real‐world constraints. The objective of the exercise is to identify two locations within a service area that minimize total network distribution costs. Our exercise is intended to complement standard course content and support instructors developing curricula for undergraduate operations management and supply chain management courses. Student‐based survey results indicate that the assignment enhanced classroom engagement and helped students better understand the complexities of location planning.
Echocardiographic assessment of pediatric heart transplantation: A single‐center experience in China
Authors: Xie Yuji , Sun Wei , Zhu Shuangshuang , Zhang Linyue , Zhang Yanting , Zhang Yiwei , Yang Yun , Wang Lufang , Zhao Yang , Xiao Sushan , Li Yuman , Xie Mingxing , Zhang Li
Published: February 2024

Background

Pediatric heart transplant (HT) has become the standard of care for end‐stage heart failure in children worldwide. Serial echocardiographic evaluations of graft anatomy and function during follow‐up are crucial for post‐HT management. However, evolution of cardiac structure and function after pediatric HT has not been well described, especially during first year post‐HT. This study aimed to characterize the evolution of cardiac structure and function after pediatric HT and investigate the correlation between biventricular function with adverse clinical outcomes.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective study of echocardiographic data obtained among 99 pediatric HT patients was conducted. Comprehensive echocardiographic examination was performed in all patients at 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, 9‐ and 12‐months post‐HT. We obtained structural, functional and hemodynamic parameters from both left‐ and right‐side heart, such as left ventricular stroke volume (LVSV), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC), etc. The cardiac evolution of pediatric HT patients during first post‐HT year was described and compared between different time points. We also explored the correlation between cardiac function and major adverse transplant events (MATEs).

Results

1) Evolution of left heart parameters: left atrial length, mitral E velocity, E/A ratio, LVSV and LVEF significantly increased while mitral A velocity significantly decreased over the first year after HT (P < .05). Compared with 1 month after HT, interventricular septum (IVS) and left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW) decreased at 3 months but increased afterwards. (2) Evolution of right heart parameters: right ventricular base diameter and mid‐diameter; right ventricular length diameter, tricuspid E velocity, E/A ratio, tricuspid annular velocity e’ at free wall, and RVFAC increased, while tricuspid A velocity decreased over the first year after HT (P < .05). (3) Univariate logistic regression model suggests that biventricular function parameters at 1‐year post‐HT (LVEF, RVFAC, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity) were associated with MATEs.

Conclusion

Gradual improvement of LV and RV function was seen in pediatric HT patients within the first year. Biventricular function parameters associated with MATEs. The results of this study pave way for designing larger and longer follow‐up of this population, potentially aiming at using multiparameter echocardiographic prediction of adverse events.
The relationship between coronary artery calcium and layer‐specific global longitudinal strain in patients with suspected coronary artery disease
Authors: Frimodt‐Møller Emilie Katrine , Olsen Flemming Javier , Lassen Mats Christian Højbjerg , Skaarup Kristoffer Grundtvig , Brainin Philip , Bech Jan , Folke Frederik , Fritz‐Hansen Thomas , Gislason Gunnar , Biering‐Sørensen Tor
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Layer‐specific global longitudinal strain (GLS) may provide important insights in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to investigate the association between layer‐specific GLS and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) in patients suspected of CAD.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of patients suspected of CAD who underwent both an echocardiogram and cardiac computed tomography (median 42 days between). Layer‐specific (endocardial‐, whole‐layer‐, and epicardial‐) GLS was measured using speckle tracking echocardiography. We assessed the continuous association between layer‐specific GLS and CACS by negative binomial regression, and the association with high CACS (≥400) using logistic regression.

Results

Of the 496 patients included (mean age 59 years, 56% male), 64 (13%) had a high CACS. Those with high CACS had reduced GLS in all layers compared to those with CACS < 400 (endocardial GLS: −20.5 vs. −22.7%, whole‐layer GLS: −17.7 vs. −19.4%, epicardial GLS: −15.3 vs. −16.9%, p < .001 for all). Negative binomial regression revealed a significant continuous association showing increasing CACS with worsening GLS in all layers, which remained significant after multivariable adjustment including SCORE chart risk factors. All layers of GLS were associated with high CACS in univariable analyses, which was consistent after multivariable adjustment (endocardial GLS: OR = 1.11 (1.03–1.20); whole‐layer GLS: OR = 1.14 (1.04–1.24); epicardial GLS: OR = 1.16 (1.05–1.29), per 1% absolute decrease).

Conclusion

In this study population with patients suspected of CAD and normal systolic function, impaired layer‐specific GLS was continuously associated with increasing CACS, and decreasing GLS in all layers were associated with presence of high CACS.