bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cost implications of Wilson disease among hospitalized patients: analysis of USA hospitals
Authors: Lee David Uihwan , Harmacinski Ashton , Bahadur Aneesh , Lee Ki Jung , Chou Hannah , Shaik Mohammed Rifat , Chou Harrison , Fan Gregory Hongyuan , Kwon Jean , Ponder Reid , Chang Kevin , Lee KeeSeok , Lominadze Zurabi
Published: April 2024

Background and aim

In this study, we used a national cohort of patients with Wilson’s disease (WD) to investigate the admissions, mortality rates, and costs over the captured period to assess specific subpopulations at higher burden.

Methods

Patients with WD were selected using 2016–2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS). The weighted estimates and patient data were stratified using demographics and medical characteristics. Regression curves were graphed to derive goodness-of-fit for each trend from which R
2 and P values were calculated.

Results

Annual total admissions per 100 000 hospitalizations due to WD were 1075, 1180, 1140, and 1330 (R
2 = 0.75; P = 0.13) from 2016 to 2019. Within the demographics, there was an increase in admissions among patients greater than 65 years of age (R
2 = 0.90; P = 0.05) and White patients (R
2 = 0.97; P = 0.02). Assessing WD-related mortality rates, there was an increase in the mortality rate among those in the first quartile of income (R
2 = 1.00; P < 0.001). The total cost for WD-related hospitalizations was $20.90, $27.23, $24.20, and $27.25 million US dollars for the years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively (R
2 = 0.47; P = 0.32). There was an increasing total cost trend for Asian or Pacific Islander patients (R
2 = 0.90; P = 0.05). Interestingly, patients with cirrhosis demonstrated a decreased trend in the total costs (R
2 = 0.97; P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that certain ethnicity groups, income classes and comorbidities had increased admissions or costs among patients admitted with WD.
Association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and gallstone risk in nonobese and lean individuals
Authors: Kim Nam Hee , Kang Ji Hun , Kim Hong Joo
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The association between nonobese/lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and gallstone formation remains unclear. We aimed to assess whether NAFLD is an independent risk factor for gallstones, even in nonobese or lean individuals.

Methods

We analyzed 265 353 asymptomatic adults who underwent abdominal ultrasonography. The risk of gallstone was assessed on the basis of obesity and NAFLD status.

Results

The overall prevalence rates of NAFLD and gallstones were 27.1% and 2.6%, respectively. The prevalence rates of NAFLD among the 195 204 nonobese and 136 194 lean participants were 14.7% and 7.4%, respectively. Individuals with NAFLD had a significantly increased risk of gallstones (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–1.32). Moreover, NAFLD significantly increased the risk of gallstone (adjusted OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.17–1.41) among nonobese individuals. Lean individuals with NAFLD also exhibited a significantly increased risk of gallstones (adjusted OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.03–1.40). Furthermore, these findings remained consistent even in nonobese and lean individuals without insulin resistance.

Conclusion

Nonobese/lean NAFLD is an independent risk factor for gallstone formation, suggesting its role in gallstone pathogenesis, regardless of obesity status. Therefore, when hepatic steatosis is detected on abdominal ultrasonography, a more thorough evaluation of the gallstones may be necessary, even in nonobese or lean individuals.
Bilateral Multiple Fractures Obstruct Quantitation of 99mTc-Pyrophosphate Imaging for Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Zhou Qin , Zuo Jiahong , Xiao Liu , Jiang Lisha , Zhao Zhen
Published: April 2024

A 57-year-old woman who had persistent symptoms of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis underwent 99mTc-pyrophosphate (99mTc-PYP) scintigraphy. The 99mTc-PYP planar and SPECT/CT fusion image showed diffuse myocardial uptake and multiple fractures of the sternum and ribs. These fractures interfered with semiquantitative scores of 99mTc-PYP uptake, leading to false positive in 99mTc-PYP imaging.
The Monocle Sign on 18F-FDG PET Indicates Contralateral Peripheral Facial Nerve Palsy
Authors: Dana Fatemeh , Maurer Alexander , Muehlematter Urs J. , Husmann Lars , Schaab Jan , Mader Cäcilia E. , Beintner-Skawran Stephan , Messerli Michael , Sah Bert-Ram , Dana Masih , Dana Mohsen , Duhnsen Sjunne H. , Mueller Simon A. , Stadler Thomas , Morand Grégoire B. , Meerwein Christian , Orita Erika , Kaufmann Philipp A. , Huellner Martin W.
Published: April 2024

Background

The aim of our study was to retrospectively analyze FDG PET/CT data in patients with facial nerve palsy (FNP) for the presence of the monocle sign.

Patients and Methods

A total of 85 patients with unilateral FNP were included into our study, thereof 73 with peripheral FNP and 12 with central FNP. FDG uptake (SUVmax, SUVmean, total lesion glycolysis) was measured in both orbicularis oculi muscles (OOMs). FDG uptake of paretic and nonparetic muscles was compared in patients with FNP (Wilcoxon test and Mann-Whitney U test) and was also compared with FDG uptake in 33 patients without FNP (Mann-Whitney U test). SUVmax ratios of OOM were compared. A receiver operating characteristic curve and Youden Index were used to determine the optimal cutoff SUVmax ratio for the prevalence of contralateral peripheral FNP.

Results

The SUVmax ratio of OOM was significantly higher in patients with peripheral FNP compared with patients with central FNP and those without FNP (1.70 ± 0.94 vs 1.16 ± 0.09 vs 1.18 ± 0.21, respectively; P < 0.001). The SUVmax ratio of OOM yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.719 (95% confidence interval, 0.630–0.809), with an optimal cutoff of 1.41, yielding a specificity of 94.4% and a sensitivity of 44.1% for identifying contralateral peripheral FNP. One hundred percent specificity is achieved using a cutoff of 1.91 (sensitivity, 29.4%).

Conclusions

Asymmetrically increased FDG uptake of the OOM (the “monocle sign”) indicates contralateral peripheral FNP. A nearly 2-fold higher SUVmax represents a practically useful cutoff.
Consideration of Hyoid Variability in the Diagnostic Workup of Fishbone Foreign Body Aspiration
Authors: Corman Benjamin Harris Peterson , Bjorling Alexander , Isildak Huseyin
Published: April 2024

Fishbone foreign body (FFB) can lodge in the upper respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts and frequently cause discomfort. While FFBs are common, variations in the hyoid may present radiographically similarly. The authors present a case in which a 32-year-old woman presented with pain in the right neck with a globus sensation after eating fish. Examination, including flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy, did not reveal a foreign body. Given the patients’ persistent symptoms, a noncontrast computed tomography was performed, demonstrating a radiopaque body superior to the right lateral hyoid bone, consistent with FFB. Direct examination under anesthesia was performed, and no FFB was noted. A reassessment of the imaging suggested a likely aberrant hyoid bone. The authors report this case to remind clinicians that while rare, aberrant hyoid variants may mimic FFB. The authors also review the imaging findings of aberrant hyoid variants in this report, as recognition of hyoid variability can mitigate unnecessary intervention.
Outcomes after Surgical Microwave Ablation for the Treatment of Colorectal Liver Metastasis
Authors: Wells Alexandra B , Butano Vincent W , Phillips Michael C , Mckillop Iain H , Martinie John B , Baker Erin H , Iannitti David A
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Of these, approximately 25% will have liver metastasis. We performed 394 microwave ablations (MWAs) and analyzed outcomes for survival and ablation failure.

STUDY DESIGN:

We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent a surgical MWA at a single-center high-volume institution from October 2006 to September 2022 using a prospectively maintained database. The primary outcome was overall survival.

RESULTS:

A total of 394 operations were performed on 328 patients with 842 tumors undergoing MWA. Median tumor size was 1.5 cm (range 0.4 to 7.0 cm), with the median number of tumors ablated per operation being 1 (range 1 to 11). A laparoscopic approach was used 77.9% of the time. Concomitant procedures were performed 63% of the time, most commonly hepatectomy (22.3%), cholecystectomy (17.5%), and colectomy (6.6%). Clavien-Dindo grade III or IV complication occurred in 12 patients (3.6%), and all of these patients had undergone concomitant procedures. Mortality within 30 days occurred in 4 patients (1.2%). The rate of incomplete ablation was 1.5% per tumor. Local recurrence occurred at a rate of 6.3% per tumor. Black patients were found to have a higher incidence of incomplete ablation and local recurrence. One-year survival probability was 91% (95% CI 87.9 to 94.3), with a mean overall survival of 57.6 months (95% CI 49.9 to 65.4 months).

CONCLUSIONS:

Surgical MWA offers a low-morbidity approach to treatment of colorectal liver metastasis, with low rate of failure. This large series reviews the outcomes of MWA as definitive treatment for colorectal liver metastasis.
On integral theorems and their statistical properties
Authors: Ho Nhat , Walker Stephen G.
Published: April 2024

We introduce a class of integral theorems based on cyclic functions and Riemann sums approximating integrals. The Fourier integral theorem, derived as a combination of a transform and inverse transform, arises as a special case. The integral theorems provide natural estimators of density functions via Monte Carlo methods. Assessment of the quality of the density estimators can be used to obtain optimal cyclic functions, alternatives to the sin function, which minimize square integrals. Our proof techniques rely on a variational approach in ordinary differential equations and the Cauchy residue theorem in complex analysis.
A bispecific antibody-drug conjugate targeting pCAD and CDH17 has antitumor activity and improved tumor specificity
Authors: Synan Alyssa , Wu Nila C , Velazquez Roberto , Logel Claude , Mueller Kathrin , Green Andrew , Barzaghi-Rinaudo Patrizia , Simmons Quincey , Mercan Samuele , Shi Xingyi , Korn Joshua , McLaughlin Margaret , Tschantz William R , Hainzl Dominik , Malamas Anthony , Cebe Regis , Xie Kathleen T , D’Alessio Joseph A
Published: April 2024

P-cadherin (pCAD) and LI-cadherin (CDH17) are cell surface proteins belonging to the cadherin superfamily that are both highly expressed in colorectal cancer. This co-expression profile presents a novel and attractive opportunity for a dual targeting approach using an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). In this study, we used a unique avidity-drivenin vitroscreening approach to generate pCAD x CDH17 bispecific antibodies that selectively targets cells expressing both antigens over cells expressing only pCAD or only CDH17. Based off thein vitroresults we selected a lead bispecific antibody to link to the cytotoxic payload MMAE to generate a pCAD x CDH17 bispecific MMAE ADC. Inin vivodual flank mouse models, we demonstrated antitumor activity of the bispecific ADC in tumors expressing both antigens, but not in tumors expressing only pCAD or only CDH17. Overall, the preclinical data presented here suggests that a pCAD x CDH17 bispecific MMAE ADC has the potential to provide clinical benefit to colorectal cancer patients.
Functions of Direct and Indirect Pathways for Action Selection Are Quantitatively Analyzed in A Spiking Neural Network of The Basal Ganglia
Authors: Kim Sang-Yoon , Lim Woochang
Published: April 2024

We are concerned about action selection in the basal ganglia (BG). We quantitatively analyze functions of direct pathway (DP) and indirect pathway (IP) for action selection in a spiking neural network with 3 competing channels. For such quantitative analysis, in each channel, we obtain the competition degree 𝒞d, given by the ratio of strength of DP (𝒮DP) to strength of IP (𝒮IP) (i.e., 𝒞d= 𝒮DP/𝒮IP). Then, a desired action is selected in the channel with the largest 𝒞d. Desired action selection is made mainly due to strong focused inhibitory projection to the output nucleus, SNr (substantia nigra pars reticulata) via the DP in the corresponding channel. Unlike the case of DP, there are two types of IPs; intra-channel IP and inter-channel IP, due to widespread diffusive excitation from the STN (subthalamic nucleus). The intra-channel IP serves a function of brake to suppress the desired action selection. In contrast, the inter-channel IP to the SNr in the neighboring channels suppresses competing actions, leading to highlight the desired action selection. In this way, function of the inter-channel IP is opposite to that of the intra-channel IP. However, to the best of our knowledge, no quantitative analysis for such functions of the DP and the two IPs was made. Here, through direct calculations of the DP and the intra- and the inter-channel IP presynaptic currents into the SNr in each channel, we obtain the competition degree of each channel to determine a desired action, and then functions of the DP and the intra- and inter-channel IPs are quantitatively made clear.

PACS numbers

87.19.lj, 87.19.lu, 87.19.rs
Triglyceride- glucose index as simple marker associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan
Authors: Zubairy Maliha Akhtar , Nizamuddin Muhammad
Published: April 2024

Identification of patients at early risk for CVD improves risk stratification and patient management. Triglyceride glucose index can be used as a marker of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

This study was approved by IRB of the institute and conducted in the period of July 2020 to June 2022 in the Chemical Pathology laboratory of Indus Hospital. All patients whose cardiac intervention (PCI/LHC) performed were included. Fasting lipid profile was analyzed on Alinity C analyzer, and FBS was measured on glucometer.

TyG index was calculated, 54% have TyG index more than 9.04. Male predominance was observed, with 68.6% falling within the <9.04 range and 60.4% within the >9.04 range. Patients aged over 50, constituting 51 (59.3%) in the <9.04 TG index group and 60 (59.4%) in the >9.04 TG index group.

Patients with TyG index <9.04, majority FBS is in pre-diabetic range 45.3% while TyG index >9.04 group, majority FBS is in diabetic range with a p-value of <0.001.

Our study demonstrated that the TyG index was independently associated with atherosclerosis in our population and this marker can be used for the prediction of disease for healthy individuals.
Contrasting genomic epidemiology between sympatricPlasmodium falciparumandPlasmodium vivaxpopulations
Authors: Schwabl Philipp , Camponovo Flavia , Clementson Collette , Early Angela M. , Laws Margaret , Forero-Peña David A. , Noya Oscar , Grillet María Eugenia , Vanhove Mathieu , Anthony Frank , James Kashana , Singh Narine , Cox Horace , Niles-Robin Reza , Buckee Caroline O. , Neafsey Daniel E.
Published: April 2024

The malaria parasitesPlasmodium falciparumandPlasmodium vivaxdiffer in key biological processes and associated clinical effects, but consequences on population-level transmission dynamics are difficult to predict. This co-endemic malaria study from Guyana details important epidemiological contrasts between the species by coupling population genomics (1,396 spatiotemporally-matched parasite genomes) with sociodemographic analysis (nationwide patient census). We describe howP. falciparumforms large, interrelated subpopulations that sporadically expand but generally exhibit restrained dispersal, whereby spatial distance and patient travel statistics predict parasite identity-by-descent (IBD). Case bias towards working-age adults is also strongly pronounced.P. vivaxexhibits 46% higher average diversity (π) and 6.5x lower average IBD. It occupies a wider geographic range, without evidence for outbreak-like expansions, only microgeographic patterns of isolation-by-distance, and weaker case bias towards adults. Possible latency-relapse effects also manifest in various analyses. For example, 11.0% of patients diagnosed withP. vivaxin Greater Georgetown report no recent travel to endemic zones, andP. vivaxclones recur in 11/46 patients incidentally sampled twice during the study. Polyclonality rate is also 2.1x higher than inP. falciparum,does not trend positively with estimated incidence, and correlates uniquely to selected demographics. We discuss possible underlying mechanisms and implications for malaria control.
Distributed and convergent representations of tools in human parietal and anterior temporal regions revealed by fMRI-RSA
Authors: Ishibashi Ryo , Humphreys Gina , Halai Ajay , Tanabe-Ishibashi Azumi , Hagura Nobuhiro , Ralph Matthew A. Lambon
Published: April 2024

Classical models of tool knowledge and use are centred on dorsal and ventral parietal pathways. Theories of semantic cognition implicate a “hub-and-spoke” network, centred on the anterior temporal lobe (ATL), that underpins all concepts including tools. Despite their prominence, the two theoretical frameworks have never been brought together and the large discrepancy in the functional neuroanatomy addressed. We undertook a multiple-regression Representational Similarity Analysis (RSA) of task fMRI data with four (motor action, broad function, mechanical function, object structure) feature-based models. The motor action model correlated with the activation patterns in bilateral superior parietal lobules (SPL), while the models of broad function and mechanical effect aligned with the activation patterns in bilateral ATLs. The object-structure model correlated with activation patterns in bilateral middle occipital gyri. The results also showed that the ventral ATL activation patterns corresponded simultaneously with all RDM models except object structure. Furthermore, a standard univariate analysis using tool-familiarity ratings for parametric modulation revealed that the classical tool-network regions (frontal, inferior parietal, and posterior middle temporal cortices) were increasingly active as the tool familiarity reduced. These results demonstrate that parietal and ATL regions are both crucial, and motivate a major extension and revision of the neuroanatomical framework for tool use.
Assessing Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Among US College Students after School Reopening
Authors: Feeder Scott E. , Ratishvili Tamar , Carlson Beth L. , Grill Diane E. , Goergen Krista M. , Kennedy Richard B. , Ovsyannikova Inna G. , Poland Gregory A.
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study assessed the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at two timepoints to evaluate the effectiveness of COVID-19 precautions in two colleges.

Participants

The study enrolled students, faculty, and staff from Covenant and Geneva Colleges.

Methods

During the fall of 2020 the Mayo Clinic Vaccine Research Group partnered with Vibrant America to hand out self-administered finger stick antibody tests at the start of the fall semester and again two months later.

Results

The study enrolled 305 participants from Covenant and 671 from Geneva College at timepoint 1 and 198 participants from Covenant and 554 from Geneva College at timepoint 2. Seroprevalence rates were 2.3% and 1.6% at timepoint 1, and 0.5% and 3.97% at timepoint 2 at Covenant and Geneva Colleges, respectively.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that implementation of strict preventive measures may have kept the spread of COVID-19 low at these colleges during the study period.
Treatment Attrition, Concomitant Pharmaceutical Use, Temporal Claims-Based Utilization, and Real-World Characteristics Among Esketamine New Initiators in the United States, 2019-2022
Authors: Truax Brandon G.
Published: April 2024

Aims

To investigate real-world treatment attrition, concomitant use of pharmaceuticals with known drug-interactions, total cost of care, claims-based outcomes, and health disparities for individuals initiated on esketamine therapy in the United States.

Methods

Individuals aged 18-64 with >=1 adjudicated claim for esketamine intranasal spray from 2019 to 2022 in the Optum Labs Data Warehouse (OLDW) were included. Continuous health plan enrollment was required for 6 months prior and 6 months post-esketamine start date. Medical claims, pharmacy claims data, and socioeconomic data were descriptively analyzed to investigate characteristics of the real-world esketamine cohort.

Results

There were 833 individuals in the esketamine analysis cohort. 33% had <8 treatment sessions and did not finish the first stage of treatment (induction phase). Use of pharmaceuticals with drug interactions was high-60.2% had at least one prescription fill for a drug with a known esketamine interaction in the 90-day window after esketamine initiation. Total costs of care went from $2,905 per patient per month (PPPM) in the baseline period to $5,734 PPPM in the follow-up period. Emergency department utilization with mental-health related diagnoses reduced by 42.5% in the follow-up period. PPPM utilization for office visits, excluding all claims on esketamine treatment days, went up 45% in the follow-up period. The esketamine cohort was pharmaceutically complex, and many of them had fractured care: 20% had prescription fills for >=11 drugs in the follow-up period. 18.6% percent of the cohort had >=7 drug-prescribing providers, and over 35% of the cohort had encounters with more than 10 healthcare practitioners in the follow-up period. The esketamine cohort had 26.6% more individuals in the highest socioeconomic status quintile (least socially deprived), compared to individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), not initiated on esketamine.

Limitations

This was a retrospective cohort descriptive analysis with small sample sizes. Additional statistical analysis was not performed.

Conclusions

The esketamine cohort was characterized by considerable complexity from both a polypharmacy and lifestyle perspective. These contextual factors likely had significant bearing on adoption, access, and eventual claims-based outcomes. Understanding the interplay of these factors with the treatment dynamics of consciousness-altering compounds will be important to obtain the best real-world results from therapeutic classes with psychedelic compounds.
Iso-entangled bases and joint measurements
Authors: Del Santo Flavio , Czartowski Jakub , Życzkowski Karol , Gisin Nicolas
Published: April 2024

While entanglement between distant parties has been extensively studied, entangled measurements have received relatively little attention despite their significance in understanding nonlocality and their central role in quantum computation and networks. We present a systematic study of entangled measurements, providing a complete classification of all equivalence classes of iso-entangled bases for projective joint measurements on two qubits. The application of this classification to the triangular network reveals that the elegant joint measurement, along with white noise, is the only measurement resulting in output permutation invariant probability distributions when the nodes are connected by Werner states. The paper concludes with a discussion of partial results in higher dimensions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Entangling excitons with microcavity photons
Authors: Zuo Xuan , Fan Zhi-Yuan , Qian Hang , Li Jie
Published: April 2024

We provide a systemic theory to entangle excitons with microcavity photons. This is realized by adopting an exciton-optomechanics system and introducing a nonlinear dispersive interaction with a mechanical oscillator. We show that when either the exciton and cavity modes in the weak-coupling regime, or the two exciton-polariton modes in the strong-coupling regime are, respectively, resonant with the optomechanical Stokes and anti-Stokes sidebands, entanglement between excitons and cavity photons, or between two exciton polaritons, can be established. The entanglement is in the steady state and can potentially be achievable at room temperature. In both cases, genuine tripartite entanglement is shown to be present.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Physical condition survey of a rare book collection: a case study of “X” Museum Library in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Hanan Adinda , Rachman Yeni Budi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Rare book collections are special, not only in terms of their physical appearance but also because of their historical significance and the information they contain. The purpose of this study is twofold: to identify the physical condition of rare book collections and to determine the main causes of damage to rare books collection that belongs to a museum library in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This research involved conducting a survey of the physical condition of the collection of rare books owned by a museum library in Indonesia. Supporting data was also obtained through interviews with one of the staff who served as the museum collection conservator. This study used random sampling to take samples from the collection, which consisted of 950 rare books, with total sample of 91.

Findings

The results obtained state that the condition of the existing rare book collection is classified as severely damaged. One of the causes of damage that can be addressed immediately is the cleaning regime: the collection and library space should be cleaned thoroughly and regularly so that dust and dirt in and around the rare book collection can be reduced.

Research limitations/implications

This research was limited to physical identification, which can be done easily because it does not require various kinds of laboratory tests. It was a case study examining a single collection in a single museum library. The pool of books from which the samples were taken was therefore relatively homogenous. Therefore, it is hoped that further research can identify other factors and types of damage in more detail so that all damage to rare book collections can be identified and mitigated.

Originality/value

Research discussing the condition of rare book collections, especially for special libraries in museums in Indonesia, is still very limited. Detailed surveys of the physical condition of collections, especially rare book collections in museums, have rarely been discussed by previous research. The work will contribute to assessing the physical condition of rare book collections.
Quantification of sectoral impact of COVID-19 on Indian economy: an application of economy-wide accounting framework
Authors: Arora Rahul , Arora Nitin , Bhattacharjee Sidhartha
Published: April 2024

Purpose

COVID-19 has affected the economies adversely from all sides. The sudden halt in production has impacted both the supply and demand sides. It calls for analysis to quantify the impact of the reduction in economic activity on the economy-wide variables so that appropriate steps can be taken. This study aims to evaluate the sensitivity of various sectors of the Indian economy to this dual shock.

Design/methodology/approach

The eight-sector open economy general equilibrium Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model has been simulated to evaluate the sector-specific effects of a fall in economic activity due to COVID-19. This model uses an economy-wide accounting framework to quantify the impact of a shock on the given equilibrium economy and report the post-simulation new equilibrium values.

Findings

The empirical results state that welfare for the Indian economy falls to the tune of 7.70% due to output shock. Because of demand–supply linkages, it also impacts the inter- and intra-industry flows, demand for factors of production and imports. There is a momentous fall in the demand for factor endowments from all sectors. Among those, the trade-hotel-transport and manufacturing sectors are in the first two positions from the top. The study recommends an immediate revival of the manufacturing and trade-hotel-transport sectors to get the Indian economy back on track.

Originality/value

The present study has modified the existing GTAP model accounting framework through unemployment and output closures to account for the impact of change in sectoral output due to COVID-19 on the level of employment and other macroeconomic variables.
The interrelationship between Lean 4.0 and value co-creation: an empirical study in the dairy sector
Authors: Bonamigo Andrei , Nunes Andrezza , Mendes Lucas Ferreira , Martelotte Marcela Cohen , Andrade Herlandí De Souza
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of Lean 4.0 practices on value co-creation in the dairy ecosystem.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection were carried out through a questionary application with 126 professionals linked to the dairy ecosystem, including milk producers, milk cooperatives and milk transporters. The data were analyzed using Cluster Analysis, Mann-Whitney test and Chi-Square test.

Findings

A strong relation was found between the use of Lean 4.0 tools and the increase in operational performance, in addition to milk quality. Moreover, it can be noted that the use of digital technologies from Industry 4.0 has a strong relation with dairy production optimization, in other words, it is possible to be more efficient in the dairy process via Lean 4.0 adoption.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to analyzing the Brazilian dairy ecosystem. The results presented may not reflect the characteristics of the other countries.

Practical implications

Once the potential empirical impacts of the relation between Lean 4.0 and value co-creation are elucidated, it is possible to direct strategies for decision-making and guide efforts by researchers and professionals to deal with the waste mitigation present in the dairy sector.

Social implications

Lean 4.0 proves to be a potential solution to improve the operational performance of the dairy production system. Lean 4.0, linked to value co-creation, allows the integration of the production sector with consumers, through smart technologies, so new services and experiences can be provided to the consumer market. Additionally, the consumer experience can be stimulated based on Lean 4.0, once the quality specification is highlighted based on data science and smart management control.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that analyzes the interrelationship between the Lean 4.0 philosophy and the value co-creation in the dairy ecosystem. In this sense, the study reveals the main contributions of this interrelation to the dairy sector via value co-creation, which demonstrates a new perspective on the complementarity of resources, elimination of process losses and new experiences for the user through digital technologies integrated with the Lean Thinking approach.
The possibility of a theory of change to tackle the climate crisis in a UK university
Authors: Bookbinder Ruth , Mdee Anna , Roelich Katy
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the practical dilemmas of institutional change to tackle the climate crisis in a UK university, identifying key assumptions and issues that block meaningful change. The research was part of an initiative to define a theory of change (ToC) to meet the university’s institutional climate commitments.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings are based on interviews with members of an inter-disciplinary ToC working group, a staff–student climate coalition and student representatives at the university. Interviewees were purposively selected to gain insights into assumptions about the nature of the university and its role in tackling the climate crisis, which must be addressed for the university to effectively implement its climate plan.

Findings

This paper identified tensions between the university’s role as a public and commercial institution, a lack of clarity over decision-making processes and the difficulties in balancing (and being transparent about) actions with commitments to tackle the climate crisis. A democratic and flexible approach to change is essential to mitigate these issues, providing an opportunity to reflect on the diversity of the university community and openly debate goals and commitments.

Originality/value

In setting out the initial steps of a ToC in a UK university, this paper offers practical insights for higher education institutions looking to change practices. By highlighting assumptions at a particular institution, this paper also contributes a level of granularity to a growing field of research on efforts in higher education institutions to tackle the climate crisis.
Two-way relationship between inequality and growth within the fiscal policy channel: an empirical assessment for European countries
Authors: Alves José , Coelho José
Published: April 2024

Purpose

We investigate the role of fiscal policy, through several measures of government revenues and expenditures and redistribution, on disposable and market income inequality and economic growth as well as the interaction between inequality and growth for 31 European countries from 1995 to 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

We use a simultaneous equations model to assess the linkage between economic growth, inequalities and fiscal policy variables.

Findings

(1) While disposable income inequality has a negative effect on all fiscal policy variables, market income inequality has a mixed effects; (2) for Eastern European countries, public consumption and direct taxation positively influence economic growth; conversely, for Western European countries, the effects are negative; (3) disposable and market income inequality have a positive effect on growth for Eastern European countries, and a negative influence on growth for Western European countries; (4) growth contributes to the increase of disposable and market income inequality for Eastern European countries; for Western European countries, the effects are opposite; and (5) fiscal policy allows for the attenuation of disposable income inequality.

Originality/value

The different results between the role of market and disposable income inequality levels lead us to suggest tax progressivity as an important feature to consider when analyse the trivariate relationship between inequalities, fiscal policy and growth. Furthermore, there are different dynamics between inequality and growth, and the role of fiscal policy, on both Eastern and Western European countries.
Factors influencing the organisational homeostasis in healthcare organisations
Authors: Thomas Albi , Suresh M.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify organisational homeostasis factors in the context of healthcare organisations and to develop a conceptual model for green transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

The organisational homeostasis factors were determined by review of literature study and the opinions of healthcare experts. Scheduled interviews and closed-ended questionnaires are employed to collect data for this research. This study employed “TISM methodology” and “MICMAC analysis” to better comprehend how the components interact with one another and prioritise them based on their driving and dependence power.

Findings

This study identified 10 factors of organisational homeostasis in healthcare organisation. Recognition of interdependence, hormesis, strategic coalignment, consciousness on dependence of healthcare resources and cybernetic principle of regulations are the driving or key factors of this study.

Research limitations/implications

The study's primary focus was on the organisational homeostasis factors in healthcare organisations. The methodological approach and structural model are used in a healthcare organisation; in the future, these approaches can be applied to other industries as well.

Practical implications

The key drivers of organisational homeostasis and the identified factors will be better comprehended and understood by academic and important stakeholders in healthcare organisations. Prioritizing the factors helps the policymakers to comprehend the organisational homeostasis for green transformation in healthcare.

Originality/value

In this study, the TISM and MICMAC analysis for healthcare is proposed as an innovative approach to address the organisational homeostasis concept in the context of green transformation in healthcare organisations.
Perceived overqualification, counterproductive work behaviors and withdrawal: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Zhang Wen , Xia Bohang , Derks Daantje , Pletzer Jan Luca , Breevaart Kimberley , Zhang Xichao
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Integrating person-job fit theory with the stressor-emotion model of counterproductive work behavior (CWB), the current study aims to examine which behavioral pattern (fight: CWB vs flight: withdrawal) employees are more likely to adopt when they experience perceived overqualification (POQ). We further investigate anger as the underlying emotional mechanism for these relations because anger can be expressed and thus reflected in CWB, or constrained and thus reflected in withdrawal behavior. Furthermore, different stressor-attenuating strategies including relaxation during work breaks and mastery experiences at work are examined as mitigating factors of these relations.

Design/methodology/approach

Time-lagged data were collected from 176 full-time employees in China using a field survey research design.

Findings

We found that employees who experience POQ are more likely to engage in withdrawal than in CWB. Anger mediated the relations of POQ with both CWB and withdrawal. Relaxation moderated the relation between POQ and anger, as well as the indirect relations of POQ with CWB and withdrawal through anger.

Research limitations/implications

This study enhances understanding of employees’ affective and behavioral reactions to POQ. However, the survey design was not longitudinal and causality cannot be established.

Practical implications

POQ is associated with undesirable employee behaviors and should therefore be avoided by organizations. If POQ is unavoidable, organizations can use job design and offer training to foster relaxation in between tasks among employees.

Originality/value

In the framework of person-job fit theory, our study provides insight about employees’ “fight” or “flight” responses to POQ, and further illustrates the mechanism and the attenuating factors in this processes.
Systematicity of receiving mental health care predicts better subjective well-being of Ukrainians during the second year of the Russian invasion
Authors: Velykodna Mariana , Tkachenko Oksana , Shylo Oksana , Mitchenko Kateryna , Miroshnyk Zoia , Kvitka Natalia , Charyieva Olha
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to develop and test a multivariable psychosocial prediction model of subjective well-being in Ukrainian adults (n = 1,248) 1.5 years after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design followed the “Transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis” checklist. The online survey combined a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and specifics of living in wartime, as well as validated self-reported inventories: The Modified BBC Subjective Well-being Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire – Version 2 and Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale-10.

Findings

The initially developed model was tested through regression analysis, which revealed nine variables as predictors of the subjective well-being scores within the sample, explaining 49.3% of its variance. Among them, the strongest were living with a friend and receiving mental health care systematically. They were almost twice as influential as forced displacement abroad and trauma exposure, which predicted lower well-being, and living with a spouse, which forecasted higher well-being scores. Two resilience subscales – adjustment and restoring and resistance – as predictors of better well-being and perceived unsuccess in life and age as predictors of lower well-being were relatively weaker but statistically significant.

Originality/value

The obtained results support the previous evidence on the essential role of accessible mental health services and social support in times of war, as well as the deteriorative effect of trauma exposure and forcible taking refuge on subjective well-being.
Expanding horizons for the future with an open educational model for complex thinking: external and internal validation
Authors: Ramírez-Montoya María-Soledad , Portuguez-Castro May
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The challenges facing 21st-century society are becoming increasingly complex, requiring the development of new citizen competencies. This study aims to validate an educational model focused on developing complex thinking in higher education students. Current educational models lack future-ready competencies, necessitating the emergence of new models to guide future generations toward the common good.

Design/methodology/approach

This was an adaptation of the causal-layered analysis (CLA) applied to 415 participants from higher education institutions in Mexico, Panama and Spain. Sessions were designed to present the proposed educational model and explore participants’ perceptions of its significance and contributions to future education.

Findings

Key findings include the following: participants perceived complexity as difficult and challenging; causes of problems were linked to outdated educational models requiring replacement by those that develop students’ competencies; participants envisioned changes that would develop individuals capable of understanding and transforming society; and participants recognized the model’s transformative potential, offering a novel proposal for 21st-century education.

Originality/value

This research sought to gather opinions from different stakeholders using the CLA methodology, providing a deep understanding of participants’ perspectives on the proposed solution.
Are some species more sensitive to environmental change than others? It may all depend on the context
Authors: Touzot Laura , Paniw Maria
Published: April 2024

Research Highlight: Rademaker, M., van Leeuwen, A., & Smallegange, I. M. (2024). Why we cannot always expect life history strategies to directly inform on sensitivity to environmental change. Journal of Animal Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2656.14050. Ecological studies have long delved into how organisms allocate energy between reproduction and somatic maintenance to maximize fitness. This allocation gives rise to various life‐history strategies, and these strategies have been shown to predict how populations respond to environmental change, allowing us to generalize potential responses to increasing human pressures. Such predictions have, however, been made for a limited set of terrestrial taxa and typically do not explore how individual differences in life‐history responses to environmental change scale to affect population‐level responses. Using novel data on diverse fish species, Rademaker et al. (2024) construct models that link individual‐level trade‐offs in energy allocation under environmental change to population‐level life‐history strategies. A key finding in their study is that short‐lived species are not more sensitive to environmental change—unlike results of previous studies. This study represents a new generation of work that underscores the complexity of predicting population responses to environmental shifts and suggests a need for a broader understanding of individual‐level mechanisms. The results of Rademaker et al. (2024) encourage further mechanistic life‐history analyses across a wider range of species and populations to validate the exciting findings and explore their implications across diverse ecological contexts.
New evidence on the impacts of cross‐market hospital mergers on commercial prices and measures of quality
Authors: Arnold Daniel R. , King Jaime S. , Fulton Brent D. , Montague Alexandra D. , Gudiksen Katherine L. , Greaney Thomas L. , Scheffler Richard M.
Published: April 2024

Objective

To examine the impact of “cross‐market” hospital mergers on prices and quality and the extent to which serial acquisitions contribute to any measured effects.

Data Sources

2009–2017 commercial claims from the Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI) and quality measures from Hospital Compare.

Study Design

Event study models in which the treated group consisted of hospitals that acquired hospitals further than 50 miles, and the control group was hospitals that were not part of any merger activity (as a target or acquirer) during the study period.

Data Extraction Methods

We extracted data for 214 treated hospitals and 955 control hospitals.

Principal Findings

Six years after acquisition, cross‐market hospital mergers had increased acquirer prices by 12.9% (CI: 0.6%–26.6%) relative to control hospitals, but had no discernible impact on mortality and readmission rates for heart failure, heart attacks and pneumonia.

For serial acquirers, the price effect increased to 16.3% (CI: 4.8%–29.1%). For all acquisitions, the price effect was 21.8% (CI: 4.6%–41.7%) when the target's market share was greater than the acquirer's market share versus 9.7% (CI: −0.5% to 20.9%) when the opposite was true. The magnitude of the price effect was similar for out‐of‐state and in‐state cross‐market mergers.

Conclusions

Additional evidence on the price and quality effects of cross‐market mergers is needed at a time when over half of recent hospital mergers have been cross‐market. To date, no hospital mergers have been challenged by the Federal Trade Commission on cross‐market grounds. Our study is the third to find a positive price effect associated with cross‐market mergers and the first to show no quality effect and how serial acquisitions contribute to the price effect. More research is needed to identify the mechanism behind the price effects we observe and analyze price effect heterogeneity.
Review article: Abdominal pain and diabetes mellitus in the emergency department
Authors: Krishna Sneha , Prins Alex , Morton Adam
Published: April 2024

This manuscript seeks to describe diagnostic considerations in individuals with diabetes mellitus presenting to the ED with abdominal pain. It highlights the importance of early investigation with computerised tomography to differentiate aetiologies that compel early surgical intervention from those which may be treated conservatively.
Isolation, characterisation and description of the roseoflavin producerStreptomyces berlinensissp. nov.
Authors: Liunardo Jimmy Jonathan , Messerli Sebastien , Gregotsch Ann‐Kathrin , Lang Sonja , Schlosser Kerstin , Rückert‐Reed Christian , Busche Tobias , Kalinowski Jörn , Zischka Martin , Weller Philipp , Nouioui Imen , Neumann‐Schaal Meina , Risdian Chandra , Wink Joachim , Mack Matthias
Published: April 2024

The Gram‐positive bacteriaStreptomyces davaonensisandStreptomyces cinnabarinushave been the only organisms known to produce roseoflavin, a riboflavin (vitamin B2) derived red antibiotic. Using a selective growth medium and a phenotypic screening, we were able to isolate a novel roseoflavin producer from a German soil sample. The isolation procedure was repeated twice, that is, the same strain could be isolated from the same location in Berlin 6 months and 12 months after its first isolation. Whole genome sequencing of the novel roseoflavin producer revealed an unusual chromosomal arrangement and the deposited genome sequence of the new isolate (G + C content of 71.47%) contains 897 genes per inverted terminal repeat, 6190 genes in the core and 107 genes located on an illegitimate terminal end. We identified the roseoflavin biosynthetic genesrosA,rosBandrosCand an unusually high number of riboflavin biosynthetic genes. Overexpression ofrosA,rosBandrosCinEscherichia coliand enzyme assays confirmed their predicted functions in roseoflavin biosynthesis. A full taxonomic analysis revealed that the isolate represents a previously unknownStreptomycesspecies and we propose the nameStreptomyces berlinensissp. nov. for this roseoflavin producer.