bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cancer and sepsis: future challenges for long-term outcome
Authors: Bianchi Antoine , Mokart Djamel , Leone Marc 
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review
The purpose of this review is to investigate the long-term outcomes of cancer patients who experience sepsis or septic shock.

Recent findings
Sepsis is a frequent cause of ICU admission in cancer patients, accounting for approximately 15% of such cases. Short-term mortality rates among these patients vary widely across studies, but they are consistently found to be slightly higher than those of noncancer patients. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the long-term outcomes of cancer patients who have experienced sepsis or septic shock. The few available studies have reported relatively high mortality rates, reaching around 80% in a few cohort studies. Although several observational studies have noted a decrease in 1-year mortality rates over time, observational data also suggest that sepsis may increase the risk of cancer in the long run.

Summary
As cancer is becoming a chronic disease, there is an urgent need for studies on the quality of life of cancer patients who have experienced sepsis. The relationship between sepsis and cancer extends beyond its impact on the progression of cancer, as sepsis might also contribute to the development of cancer.
Virtual Reality Facilitated Exercise Increases Sympathetic Activity and Reduces Pain Perception
Authors: Rodriguez Samuel T. , Makarewicz Nathan , Wang Ellen Y. , Zuniga-Hernandez Michelle , Titzler Janet , Jackson Christian , Suen Man Yee , Rosales Oswaldo , Caruso Thomas J. 
Published: June 2024

Objective
Both virtual reality and exercise reduce pain while avoiding the risks of traditional pharmacotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess how virtual reality-facilitated exercise modulates sympathetic activity and pain perception.

Design
Healthy adult volunteers were randomized by hand dominance and then subjected to a standardized cold pressor test while experiencing a virtual reality application. After a 5-min washout, participants were crossed-over and repeated the test on their other hand while undergoing a virtual reality-facilitated exercise application. Sympathetic activation, pain sensation, and pain tolerance data were collected identically during both conditions.

Results
One hundred ten participants were analyzed. Sympathetic activity increased in both conditions but was higher in the virtual reality-facilitated exercise condition (P < 0.0001). Pain sensation scores were initially higher with virtual reality-facilitated exercise but dropped below the virtual reality-only condition by the end of the intervention (P = 0.0175). There were no differences in pain tolerance between conditions (P = 0.18).

Conclusions
The decrease in pain perception with virtual reality-facilitated exercise condition compared to virtual reality alone indicates virtual reality-facilitated exercise can be a useful tool for managing pain. Though this effect did not translate into higher pain tolerance, virtual reality-facilitated exercise may be a useful intervention in the setting of physical therapy or for patients with chronic pain.
Play it by Ear: A perceptual algorithm for autonomous melodious piano playing with a bio-inspired robotic hand
Authors: Azadjou Hesam , Marjaninejad Ali , Valero-Cuevas Francisco J 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTPerception shapes the learning and performance of motor behavior in animals. In contrast to this inherent biological and psychological connection between perception and action, traditional artificial intelligence methods for robotics emphasize reward-driven extensive trial-and-error or error-driven control techniques.Our study goes back to the perceptual roots of biological learning and behavior, and demonstrates a novel end-to-end perceptual experience-driven approach for autonomous piano playing. Our ‘Play it by Ear’ perceptual learning algorithm, coupled to a bio-inspired 4-finger robotic hand, can replicate melodies on a keyboard after hearing them once—without explicit or prior knowledge of notes, the hand, or the keyboard. Our key innovation is an end-to-end pipeline that, after a brief period of ‘motor babbling’ by the hand, converts the sound of a melody into native musical percepts (note sequences and intensities) that it replays as sequences of key presses.In this way, any new melody consisting of notes experienced during babbling can be reproduced by the robotic musician hand on the basis of its percepts. This playback includes capturing the qualitative and quantitative musical dynamics and tempo with a nuance comparable with that of four human pianists performing the same melody. These compelling results emphasize the perceptual underpinnings of artistic performance as an alternative to traditional control-theoretical emphasis on state estimation and error correction. Our approach opens avenues for the development of simple machines that can still execute artistic and physical tasks that approach the nuance inherent in human behavior.
Post-Eocene Rhinocerotid Dispersal via the North Atlantic
Authors: Fraser Danielle , Rybczynski Natalia , Gilbert Marisa , Dawson Mary R. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe North Atlantic Land Bridge (NALB), which connected Europe to North America, enabled high latitude dispersal, particularly during globally warm periods such as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, a period of dramatic faunal reorganization. It has been generally accepted that the NALB was submerged by the early Eocene. Herein, we describe a new rhinocerotid species from the early Miocene of the Canadian High Arctic with proximity to the NALB and present a novel phylogenetic hypothesis for rhinocerotids. We model a high number of dispersals between Europe and North America, some of which occurred in the Oligo-Miocene, suggesting that the NALB may have been crossable for mammals millions of years longer than previously considered. Moreover, recent geological and palaeoclimatological evidence suggest that, until the Miocene, portions of the NALB may have been separated only by narrow and shallow waterways and, potentially, bridged by seasonal sea ice as early as the late Eocene, enabling rhinocerotid dispersal. We thus provide insight into the importance of the Arctic as a persistent connector of otherwise geographically disparate faunas that played a pivotal role in mammalian evolution.
Assessing equitable use of large language models for clinical decision support in real-world settings: fine-tuning and internal-external validation using electronic health records from South Asia
Authors: Hasheminasab Seyed Alireza , Jamil Faisal , Afzal Muhammad Usman , Khan Ali Haider , Ilyas Sehrish , Noor Ali , Abbas Salma , Cheema Hajira Nisar , Shabbir Muhammad Usman , Hameed Iqra , Ayub Maleeha , Masood Hamayal , Jafar Amina , Khan Amir Mukhtar , Nazir Muhammad Abid , Jamil Muhammad Asaad , Sultan Faisal , Khalid Sara 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveFair and safe Large Language Models (LLMs) hold the potential for clinical task-shifting which, if done reliably, can benefit over-burdened healthcare systems, particularly for resource-limited settings and traditionally overlooked populations. However, this powerful technology remains largely understudied in real-world contexts, particularly in the global South. This study aims to assess if openly available LLMs can be used equitably and reliably for processing medical notes in real-world settings in South Asia.MethodsWe used publicly available medical LLMs to parse clinical notes from a large electronic health records (EHR) database in Pakistan. ChatGPT, GatorTron, BioMegatron, BioBert and ClinicalBERT were tested for bias when applied to these data, after fine-tuning them to a) publicly available clinical datasets I2B2 and N2C2 for medical concept extraction (MCE) and emrQA for medical question answering (MQA), and b) the local EHR dataset. For MCE models were applied to clinical notes with 3-label and 9-label formats and for MQA were applied to medical questions. Internal and external validation performance was measured for a) and b) using F1, precision, recall, and accuracy for MCE and BLEU and ROUGE-L for MQA.ResultsLLMs not fine-tuned to the local EHR dataset performed poorly, suggesting bias, when externally validated on it. Fine-tuning the LLMs to the local EHR data improved model performance. Specifically, the 3-label precision, recall, F1 score, and accuracy for the dataset improved by 21-31%, 11-21%, 16-27%, and 6-10% amongst GatorTron, BioMegatron, BioBert and ClinicalBERT. As an exception, ChatGPT performed better on the local EHR dataset by 10% for precision and 13% for each of recall, F1 score, and accuracy. 9-label performance trends were similar.ConclusionsPublicly available LLMs, predominantly trained in global north settings, were found to be biased when used in a real-world clinical setting. Fine-tuning them to local data and clinical contexts can help improve their reliable and equitable use in resource-limited settings. Close collaboration between clinical and technical experts can ensure responsible and unbiased powerful tech accessible to resource-limited, overburdened settings used in ways that are safe, fair, and beneficial for all.
Heterogenous social mechanisms drive the intention to purchase organic food
Authors: Lopez-Sintas Jordi , Lamberti Giuseppe , Lopez-Belbeze Pilar 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThis article explores the heterogenous social mechanisms that drive responsible environmental behaviours by investigating differences in the mean effect of the psychosocial determinants of the intention to buy organic foods.Design/methodology/approachUsing data for a representative sample of the Spanish population, we estimated the mean effect of the constructs represented in the responsible environmental behaviour (REB) theory that affect sustainable food consumption, and examined the social mechanisms that may explain heterogeneity in the mean effect of those constructs. Confirmatory factor analysis, linear regression, and latent class regression were used in the analysis.FindingsWe found that the effect of REB’s psychosocial constructs varied significantly, demonstrating social heterogeneity in the estimated average effect. We identified different social mechanisms that explain variations in organic food purchase intentions: environmental attitudes and social norms shape these intentions among socioeconomically privileged consumers, whereas personal norms shape these intentions among less socially advantaged consumers.Originality/valueOur research contributes to the literature by highlighting the existence of differing social mechanisms explaining organic food purchase intentions. The uncovering of three social mechanisms explaining differences in the mean effect of factors driving those intentions provides valuable insights with regard to both further developing a holistic framework for responsible environmental behaviours and developing new public policies and marketing strategies aimed at improving sustainable food consumption.
Unravelling the effects of burnout on mental health nurses: a qualitative approach
Authors: Tsolakidou Asimina , Fouskas Theodoros , Koulierakis George , Liarigkovinou Angeliki 
Published: June 2024

PurposeBurnout is defined as the syndrome that causes emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and reduction in personal achievement, and concerns people-oriented professions. This study explores the impact of burnout on the health, social and family life of mental health nurses.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative method with face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews was implemented with 16 mental health nurses working in Athens, Greece.FindingsNursing staff experience emotional exhaustion intensely due to stress since psychiatric patients require constant contact and communication and increased needs that workers have to meet. Regarding the feeling of personal achievement, they evaluated their performance positively and were satisfied with the effectiveness of the care provided. Regarding depersonalisation, the interviewees stated that they do experience it; however, in their majority they express that they do not wish to distance themselves from their duties. Their social and family life is not significantly affected and communication and support from family members is highly rated.Originality/valueThe research has focused on samples of nurses without mentioning their specialisation, while few studies in Greece have focused on the phenomenon in mental health nurses using qualitative research methods. This study aimed to fill this gap in the literature by examining burnout syndrome using a qualitative methodology.
Accounting practitioners’ perspectives on small- and medium-sized enterprises’ environmental sustainability reporting
Authors: O'Reilly Seán , Mac An Bhaird Ciarán , Gorman Louise , Brennan Niamh M. 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThis research investigates the feasibility, benefits and challenges of environmental sustainability reporting by Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThe authors develop an abridged SME environmental sustainability reporting framework based on the environmental aspects of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards for Sustainability Reporting. The authors collect the views of 203 SME accounting practitioners on our proposed reporting framework using a survey questionnaire.FindingsThe authors find that the greatest perceived benefit for firms adopting environmental sustainability reporting is that it leads to an improvement in company image. Lack of knowledge, resources and data capturing tools impede implementation of environmental sustainability reporting for both SMEs and accounting practitioners. While SMEs are not yet required to implement environmental sustainability reporting, the research discusses implications for policy makers and practitioners for adopting environmental sustainability reporting in the SME context.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this study is that environmental sustainability reporting for SMEs is in its infancy. A longitudinal survey, or re-examining this survey over time, could be beneficial to assess the long-term benefits and costs of implementing sustainability reporting.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study have practical implications for the future development of SME environmental sustainability reporting in the EU and for regulators considering sustainability reporting regulations with a specific focus on SMEs.Originality/valueThe study reconstructs the GRI environmental guidelines into a framework for SMEs and provides empirical evidence on the accountant’s sustainability reporting role.
Emotional intelligence at the heart of customer orientation: the front-office bank employee perspective
Authors: Elbirou Hiba 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThis study aims to discern and refine the role of emotional intelligence (EI) in the development of customer orientation among banking employees in Morocco. This analysis seeks to enhance understanding about the significance of this emotional skill within the Moroccan banking sector.Design/methodology/approachThe research embraces an interpretivist philosophical perspective to gain insight into the subjective meanings and experiences of study participants. The methodology employed is qualitative, involving data collected from semi-structured interviews conducted with 21 front-office bank employees. The analysis of the data was conducted through employing thematic analysis.FindingsThe findings of this study conclude that emotional intelligence fosters and stimulates customer orientation for bank employees. The perception, understanding and effective management of emotions – both those of the contact personnel and their customers – enable employees to better comprehend customer reactions. They experience heightened empathy through the impact of accumulated professional experience, adapt their behaviors according to the emotional state of the customer, maintain a positive relationship with them and ultimately gain their confidence.Originality/valueThis study offers clear theoretical explanations and conceptualizations that have identified and linked pertinent literature on the topic. It focuses on a salient subject, investigating how emotional intelligence influences the customer-oriented behavior of front-office bank employees. Notably, this study represents one of the first attempts to explore this relationship within the Moroccan context. As a result, it contributes to the enhancement of managerial practices and human resource policies, thereby fostering a more productive and harmonious working environment.
From intentions to action: how behavioural intentions shape employee performance through digital learning?
Authors: Gajendragadkar Sandeep , Arora Rachna , Trivedi Rushabh , Neelam Netra 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This study aims to explore the impact of “Performance Expectancy” (PE) on the performance of Indian automotive manufacturing employees through their “Behavioural Intention” (BI) in the context of digital learning within the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world.

Design/methodology/approach
A descriptive research design was adopted to gather data from 211 employees of Indian automotive manufacturing companies. Structural equation modelling was applied for data analysis and obtaining results.

Findings
Largely, the findings indicate that BI does mediate the relationship between PE and employee performance (EP) in the context of the Indian automotive manufacturing sector. The findings would help in boosting digital learning initiatives, improving EP and fostering organizational success in the VUCA world.

Research limitations/implications
The current study focused on the Indian manufacturing industry. Extending the research beyond the manufacturing sector to other industries in India could possibly help in generalizing the findings, and thereby enhance knowledge of the broader consequences of digital learning on EP.

Practical implications
Digital learning platforms can enhance sustainable industrialization in the manufacturing sector by providing employees with access to digital learning opportunities. Managers must provide employees with access to digital learning opportunities for making them more creative and innovative, so that they can become real change agents, and can handle real-world problems more efficiently, leading the organization to deal with the complexities and unpredictability in this VUCA world.

Originality/value
Within the ambits of Indian automotive manufacturing organizations, there have been limited research studies that have used two constructs of the UTAUT2 framework to see their impact on EP in terms of digital learning. Thus, based on the limited information available, this research stands as a pioneering effort in the realm of digital learning within the Indian automotive manufacturing industry, where the relationship between PE and EP is examined through the mediational role of BI of employees. Moreover, this research possibly would pave the way for further research studies on exploring the role of potential factors influencing the strength and direction of the relationships between these variables (PE and EP).
Diplomacy and MNE strategy: how international relations can influence international business
Authors: Hartwell Christopher Andrew , Ursprung Dominique 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This study, a perspective piece, aims to argue that one particular slice of political institutional operations – the conduct of international relations – offers a clue to the possible risks that businesses face from geopolitics.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors examine the various facets of international relations and diplomacy, including the processes and arenas, to show the relevance of statecraft for firms looking to minimize political risk.

Findings
By understanding the role of diplomacy and statecraft as a process, firms can better prepare themselves for events that have far-reaching ramifications. This is very different than minimizing risk from inherent geopolitical tensions and allows for a more flexible approach to understanding risk levels in the global arena.

Originality/value
International business scholarship has focused on institutions and their effects on firms and has recently begun to re-examine the role of geopolitics and political risk on firm performance and decisions. However, the current literature continues to have a superficial understanding of institutional processes and their impact on business, especially when it comes to the daily workings of political institutions.
Assessing the evidence for treating developmental plasticity and phenotypic flexibility as different phenomena
Authors: Stager Maria , Velotta Jonathan P. , Cheviron Zachary A. , Senner Nathan R. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Phenotypic plasticity has long played a central role in eco‐evolutionary theory, but it was not until 20 years ago that it was proposed that the term encompasses two distinct phenomena—developmental plasticity and phenotypic flexibility. While this terminology has since been adopted by some, the question of whether they are distinct phenomena remains contentious and they are both frequently lumped under the umbrella of ‘plasticity.’

Here, we treat the dichotomy between developmental plasticity and phenotypic flexibility as a hypothesis, put forth a set of predictions that follow from this hypothesis, and review the support for this hypothesis in the literature. We predict that, if they result from separate phenomena, developmentally plastic and phenotypically flexible traits should differ in: (1) the environmental context under which they evolve, (2) their mechanisms of regulation, (3) their costs of production, (4) how selection acts on them and (5) their influence on a population's evolutionary trajectory.

In general, most evidence supports treating developmental plasticity and phenotypic flexibility as separate phenomena, but much remains to be learned, and few studies have specifically investigated their potential differences. In particular, explorations of their regulation, as well as the costs of trait production and reversal are needed.

Given the hypothesized link between developmental plasticity, phenotypic flexibility and resiliency in the face of rapid environmental change, this is an urgent topic that will further our understanding of phenotypic evolution across environmental contexts.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.