bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison between the impact of dynamic envelope control strategies on the buildings’ smart readiness indicator and modelled performance
Authors: Paydar Meysam Akbari , Robertson Craig , Burman Esfandiar , Mumovic Dejan 
Published: December 2024

The Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) was introduced in the revised EPBD (2018) to indicate how suitable a building is for smart operation. This study evaluates how varying functionality levels of dynamic envelope smart services, including movable shading control and window opening/closing control, impact the buildings’ SRI score and building performance. An office building located in London underwent both SRI assessment and performance simulation. Results revealed that changing the functionality levels of dynamic envelope services from the lowest to the highest resulted in only a 4.1% increase in the SRI score. Overall, the findings suggest a lack of significant correlation between the SRI score and the building’s projected performance. The variation in energy performance can be notably more pronounced than the alteration in the SRI score, or the adjustment in the SRI score may not necessarily induce a change in the building’s performance. Therefore, when undertaking the building design process, it is advisable to concurrently consider the SRI alongside the evaluation of building performance as well as the interaction between smart services and building design. This holistic approach is crucial for achieving an optimal design outcome. Practical application Significant efforts have been made to develop smart building assessment schemes, which can be highly beneficial in promoting the integration of smart services into buildings, and comparing the smartness levels of different buildings. Typically, these assessment schemes use a qualitative approach, evaluating buildings based on the presence of various smart services and their corresponding control strategies. However, to achieve optimal performance, it is essential to coordinate both building design and smart services by considering the building’s quantitative performance in addition to the qualitative assessment methods. This holistic approach enables a better understanding of the mutual impact between building design and smart services, facilitating well-informed decision-making.
Readiness for the Next Pandemic: A Nurse Practitioner-Driven COVID-19 Management Model for Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Yoo Jongwon , Patel Sima , Clevy-Schneller Ted , Akkina Sanjeev , Desai Amishi 
Published: December 2024

Background: With the rise of virulent pathogens, the transplant community faces unprecedented challenges in caring for immunocompromised patients. Effective diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up are essential, with prompt immunosuppression adjustment and hospitalization for decompensated patients being critical for survival. Objective: Our study aimed to determine if a nurse practitioner-driven care model improves outcomes for kidney transplant recipients who contracted COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of kidney transplant patients who contracted COVID-19 (N = 101) from April 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021. Patients were classified into 2 groups: those presenting to the emergency department with COVID-19 symptoms and those diagnosed with COVID-19 and followed by nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioners monitored this second group daily via telephone and/or video call. They provided symptom assessment, immunosuppression adjustment, health counseling, and emotional support. Results: Patients who were identified as decompensating had admissions arranged to the nearest hospital or our transplant center. In the intervention group (n = 66), immunosuppression was adjusted more rapidly (4.5 days vs 7 days), leading to shorter illness duration (17 days vs 26 days), fewer acute kidney injuries (50.0% vs 68.6%), lower readmission rates (5.0% vs 20%), and better survival (97.0% vs 77.1%). Conclusion: As we have more preventive and treatment options for COVID-19, prompt interventions and close monitoring as demonstrated in our model may be key to achieving health outcomes including graft and patient survival. Our strategies can be applicable in instances of future outbreaks of virulent pathogens and help protect and save lives within our kidney transplant patient population.
Communicational and demographic influences on M&A abandonments: Informal institutional perspective and evidences from US cross-border M&A deals
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Sengupta Keya , Bhattacharya Mousumi 
Published: December 2024

This study analyses the impact of bilateral differences in institutions on M&A abandonments. Cross-border M&As involve firms headquartered in two different countries, and the institutions of both countries impact the negotiations. The study uses an institutional framework focusing upon informal institutions (communicational and demographic) and analyzing their impact on country-level M&A abandonment rates. Counterintuitively, the results reveal a proportional decrease in M&A abandonments for greater communicational distance. Cultural differences and social openness should cause difficulties in communicating during negotiations. The results suggest otherwise, higher cultural and connectedness distances lead to lower abandonment ratio. Acquirers may accept greater autonomy of the target in case of higher communication differences making the negotiations more friendly and acceptable to the target firms. The results remain robust when the analysis is done for inbound M&As. Concerns regarding misuse and theft of innovations contribute to increased M&A inbound abandonments, with countries having weaker knowledge institutions. Demographic institutions affect the strategic decision regarding labor and markets, and larger age demographic distances cause increased abandonments of outbound M&As. Informal institutions play a vital role in M&A outcomes and may have different impacts on pre-completion negotiation and post-completion integration phases. The study draws attention to the role of familiarity between acquirer and target country and the tussle during negotiations. The findings imply that potential issues of conflict may go unnoticed in the presence of large communication distances and may lead to future problems. Communication differences may lead to deal completion of potential bad deals. The study suggests greater involvement of internal negotiators along with advisors during the negotiation period. JEL Classification: F21, G34, O43
Development of an active-control foot press trainer and comparison of lower limb muscle activity by exercise type and intensity
Authors: Ko Byung-Woo , Bae Young-Hyeon , Yoon BumChul , Yoon Hyun-Soo , Shin Joon-Ho 
Published: December 2024

Background Addressing lower limb disabilities in stroke survivors is crucial for enhancing gait patterns and overall mobility. Objective This study aimed to develop an active-control foot press trainer (AFPT) to strengthen lower extremity muscles to improve rehabilitation outcomes. Methods This study utilized AFPT to examine the effects of different exercise types (forefoot exercise, FFE; Rearfoot Exercise, RFE) and intensities (30 and 15 repetition maxima) on lower limb muscle activity. Ten healthy women participated in the evaluation of muscle activation during ankle exercises in the standing position. Results The FFE primarily activated the Tibialis Anterior (TA), Gastrocnemius Medialis (GM), and Gastrocnemius Lateralis (GL), whereas the RFE engaged the Rectus Femoris (RF). Increased exercise intensity led to higher activity in the GM and GL in the FFE and TA in the RFE, indicating the potential for tailored exercise protocols. Conclusions AFPT is a valuable tool for personalized rehabilitation, allowing variable exercise methods and intensities. Further research is needed to assess the efficacy of AFPT in a broader population, including stroke survivors. Moreover, enhancing AFPT technology and developing diverse training programs are crucial as these advancements will significantly support the rehabilitation of individuals requiring lower limb and gait training, including stroke survivors.
Enhancement of structural and dielectric properties of PVC/CNC nanocomposites as electrical insulation materials
Authors: Badi Nurul Shafiqah Amirah , Makmud Mohamad Zul Hilmey , Jamain Zuhair , Mohd Amin Khairatun Najwa , Illias Hazlee Azil 
Published: December 2024

This work aims to introduce bio-based nanocomposite as high voltage electrical insulation material by using cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) isolated from filter paper as a filler of polymer matrix, in this case, polyvinyl chloride (PVC). CNC is obtained via acid hydrolysis treatment and incorporated into PVC by using the casting method at different concentrations. The structural and thermal characterization have been investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The dielectric properties as a function of the alternating current (AC) sinusoidal frequency of PVC/CNC were examined by the electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) test method. Breakdown voltage tests according to the ASTM D149 standard were conducted to determine the dielectric strength of nanocomposites. Hence, the results indicate that the addition of CNC by 1 wt% is the best formulation to improve the base polymer structure, in this case PVC, as well as its dielectric insulation properties.
The Experiences of Midwives in the Management of Obstetric Emergencies: A Phenomenological Study in the Kwahu West Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Dartey Anita Fafa , Konlan Kennedy Diema , Johnson Beatrice Bella , Klutsey Ellen Eyi , Ofori John Yesuohene , Dede Wayo Naomi , Sandra Amoah , Charlotte Agbenyo 
Published: December 2024

Introduction Obstetric emergencies are sudden, unexpected life-threatening medical conditions that occur during pregnancy, labour, delivery or puerperium and are challenging moments because of frightening and traumatic experiences. Obstetric emergencies, which threaten the well-being of the woman and the unborn child, account for the majority of causes of maternal death. Objective The study sought to explore Midwives’ experiences in obstetric emergencies in the Kwahu West Municipality of Ghana Methods A phenomenological study design with a qualitative approach was employed to explore the midwives’ experiences in the management of obstetrics. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. The sample size of 13 was reached upon data saturation. A semi-structured interview guide was used to interview midwives who have experienced and managed obstetric emergencies. The obtained data was transcribed and analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Results Overall, five themes and 13 subthemes emerged. The emerging themes encompass factors influencing midwives’ experiences in managing obstetric emergencies, Reactions of midwives during obstetric emergencies, Challenges of midwives in managing obstetric emergencies, Healthcare challenging factors, and Client-centred limitations. Conclusion It is evident that midwives play a critical role in addressing obstetric emergencies, often being the frontline healthcare providers in such situations. Their experiences shed light on both the challenges they face and the strategies they employ to provide effective care under demanding circumstances. The findings highlight the need for further investment in training and resources for midwives, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare services may be limited.
Recent Trends in Regional Disparity in India: A State-level Club Convergence Study Using Night-time Light Data
Authors: Saha Jeet , Iqubal Zafar 
Published: December 2024

It is a consensus in academic discourse that regional disparity in India is not converging. Nonetheless, some studies argue that conclusions regarding regional convergence are sensitive to the measures employed to define regional disparities. In this study, we use night-time light radiance data from 2012 to 2021 to illustrate the converging pattern of regional disparity in India, specifically employing state-level VIIRS night-time light data for this purpose. Our analysis concludes that there is no regional convergence among all sample states in India. However, the club convergence hypothesis is relevant here, as 12 states form two clubs and exhibit convergence properties. In contrast, 13 major states in India show no signs of convergence. Furthermore, we identify three states that are diverging. Thus, based on night-time light data, we conclude that Indian states have not shown a convergence pattern recently, and regional disparity remains a significant issue in the Indian economy. This finding supports the existing literature in the Indian context, where regional convergence is absent among Indian states. JEL: O40, O47, R11, R12
Psychometric validation of the Motivation To Use Digital Tools At Work Scale in a sample of state vocational rehabilitation counselors
Authors: Wu Jia Rung , Iwanaga Kanako , Qisti Dewi A , Bezyak Jill , Chan Fong , Tansey Timothy N 
Published: December 2024

Background Digital tools can be important in the state vocational rehabilitation (VR) system. These tools can help rehabilitation counselors improve productivity and customer experience, make it possible for counselors to work from home or across multiple devices, improve communication, help make the VR process more straightforward, and improve work-life balance leading to high level of job satisfaction. However, there are factors that influence rehabilitation counselors’ motivation to use digital tools in their clinical practice, and as a result, there is a need to develop and validate a clinical assessment instrument to assess rehabilitation counselors’ motivation to use digital tools in the workplace. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Motivation to Use Digital Tools at Work Scale in a sample of VR counselors. Methods This study included 416 state VR counselors as participants. The sample was randomly split into two samples, with 197 participants used for the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and 219 participants used for the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Zero-order correlations were utilized to examine the relationships between the Motivation to Use Digital Tools at Work Scale constructs and related constructs in the nomological model. Results EFA identified a two-factor measurement structure that was confirmed by CFA: Intrinsic motivation and external motivation to use digital tools at work with strong internal consistency reliability for both subscales. Conclusion The Motivation to Use Digital Tools at Work Scale is a valid and reliable scale for assessing motivation among VR counselors and confirms the impact of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation on technology interaction.
Cathepsin L in Lung Adenocarcinoma: Prognostic Significance and Immunotherapy Response Through a Multi Omics Perspective
Authors: Lu Jianming , Liang Jiaqi , Xiao Gang , He Zitao , Yu Guifang , Zhang Le , Cai Chao , Yi Gao , Xie Jianjiang 
Published: December 2024

Objectives: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), a predominant form of lung cancer, is characterized by a high rate of metastasis and recurrence, leading to a poor prognosis for LUAD patients. This study aimed to identify and rigorously validate a highly precise biomarker, Cathepsin L (CTSL), for the prognostic prediction of lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: We employed a multicenter and omics-based approach, analyzing RNA sequencing data and mutation information from public databases such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The DepMap portal with Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR/Cas9) technology was used to assess the functional impact of CTSL. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was conducted on a local cohort to validate the prognostic significance of CTSL at the protein expression level. Results: Our findings revealed a significant correlation between elevated CTSL expression and advanced disease stage in LUAD patients. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox regression modeling revealed that high CTSL expression is associated with poor overall survival. The in vitro studies corroborated these findings, revealing notable suppression of tumor proliferation following CTSL knockout in cell lines, particularly in LUAD. Functional enrichment revealed that CTSL activated pathways associated with tumor progression, such as angiogenesis and Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling, and inhibited pathways such as apoptosis and DNA repair. Mutation analysis revealed distinct variations in the CTSL expression groups. Conclusion: This study highlights the crucial role of CTSL as a prognostic biomarker in LUAD. This combined multicenter and omics-based analysis provides comprehensive insights into the biological role of CTSL, supporting its potential as a target for therapeutic intervention and a marker for prognosis in patients with LUAD.
Cost-effectiveness of nivolumab combined with chemotherapy as a first-line therapy for patients with unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Lin Jingwen , Song Xiaobing , Fu Wu , You Caicong , Li Na , Liu Maobai , Cai Hongfu 
Published: December 2024

Background: Urothelial carcinoma is a significant health concern in the United States (US), with high mortality and economic burdens. The CheckMate-901 trial showed promising survival benefits for nivolumab combined with gemcitabine and cisplatin followed by nivolumab maintenance therapy (nivolumab-combination) as first-line treatment of unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC), but its cost-effectiveness is unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the nivolumab-combination versus standard chemotherapy (gemcitabine–cisplatin) for advanced UC from the perspective of healthcare payers in the US. Design: A model-based pharmacoeconomic evaluation. Methods: Based on the CheckMate-901 study, a three-state Markov model (progression-free, progression, and death) was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of nivolumab-combination versus gemcitabine–cisplatin as a first-line treatment for unresectable or metastatic UC. The model’s outputs included quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs and were used to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Costs included drug prices, adverse event management, and healthcare resource utilization from a US healthcare payer’s perspective. State utilities were derived from published literature. One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were used to test model robustness. Scenario analyses for drug costs in the UK and Australian health systems were performed. Results: Compared with gemcitabine–cisplatin, the nivolumab-combination resulted in an additional 0.416 QALYs at an incremental cost of $90,523, yielding an ICER of $217,527 per QALY. Sensitivity analyses indicated significant impacts from the cost of nivolumab maintenance therapy. Conclusion: Compared with gemcitabine–cisplatin, nivolumab-combination therapy is not cost-effective for unresectable or metastatic UC at a $100,000 per QALY threshold. High drug prices in the US significantly impact cost-effectiveness, highlighting the need for price negotiations and healthcare policy adjustments to balance innovation incentives and patient affordability.
Large language models outperform general practitioners in identifying complex cases of childhood anxiety
Authors: Levkovich Inbar , Rabin Eyal , Brann Michal , Elyoseph Zohar 
Published: December 2024

Objective Anxiety is prevalent in childhood but often remains undiagnosed due to its physical manifestations and significant comorbidity. Despite the availability of effective treatments, including medication and psychotherapy, research indicates that physicians struggle to identify childhood anxiety, particularly in complex and challenging cases. This study aims to explore the potential effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI) language models in diagnosing childhood anxiety compared to general practitioners (GPs). Methods During February 2024, we evaluated the ability of several large language models (LLMs; ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4, Claude.AI, Gemini) to identify cases childhood anxiety disorder, compared with reports of GPs. Results AI tools exhibited significantly higher rates of identifying anxiety than GPs. Each AI tool accurately identified anxiety in at least one case: Claude.AI and Gemini identified at least four cases, ChatGPT-3 identified three cases, and ChatGPT-4 identified one or two cases. Additionally, 40% of GPs preferred to manage the cases within their practice, often with the help of a practice nurse, whereas AI tools generally recommended referral to specialized mental or somatic health services. Conclusion Preliminary findings indicate that LLMs, specifically Claude.AI and Gemini, exhibit notable diagnostic capabilities in identifying child anxiety, demonstrating a comparative advantage over GPs.
Assessing the Determinants of Bank Interest Rate Spread: Evidence From Western Balkan Countries
Authors: Nuhiu Artor , Aliu Florin , Hoti Arbër 
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the effect of macroeconomic and bank-specific factors on the bank interest rate spread (IRS) of six Western Balkan countries (referred to as WB6). We applied the Panel Vector Autoregression (Panel VAR) model to separately analyze the impact of these two sets of factors for 2005 to 2022 using two-panel datasets from 110 banks. The results from the two models show that the IRS is significantly influenced by GDP per capita and the unemployment rate, while other factors, such as bank concentration, performance indicators, and non-performing loans, show limited direct effects. The study identifies a notable gap in the existing literature by emphasizing how macroeconomic and bank-specific variables, particularly in transition economies, can simultaneously affect the IRS. The research highlights the distinctive financial dynamics within the WB6 countries and the relevance of comprehending the region’s banking sector characteristics. It contributes to academic and policy discussions on the significance of financial stability and market competitiveness in determining the bank IRS. The findings can be helpful for banking regulators and policymakers in the Western Balkans seeking to foster an efficient and competitive banking environment. JEL Classification: C33, E43, G21.