bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why some Patients Benefit from Participating in a Sham Surgery Trial
Authors: Abbasi Ali , Cifu Adam S. 
Published: October 2023

Objective:
We analyze the ethics of sham surgical trials from a utilitarian perspective and explore whether patients can benefit from participating in these trials.

Summary Background Data:
Sham-controlled randomized trials are an essential tool to evaluate the risks and benefits of some surgical procedures. However, sham trials are controversial because they expose patients to the harms of a sham procedure without the possibility of benefit. We argue that ethical analyses of sham trials have focused only on the harms of sham surgery, and neglected to account for the harms of the procedure being studied.

Methods:
We develop a theoretical model to estimate the harms and benefits experienced by patients who enter a sham surgery trial, taking into accounts the harms and benefits of the sham and intervention.

Results:
When the procedure in question is found to be ineffective, sham trials typically result in net benefit to participants because some participants are only exposed to the harms of the sham procedure, which are much lower than the harms of the full procedure. When the procedure is found to be beneficial, the primary harm to patients who underwent the sham is not due to the sham itself, but because they suffer a delay in receiving an effective intervention.

Conclusions:
Patients often benefit from participating in sham surgery trials, because the harms of the sham procedure are lower than the harms of the full procedure, which may turn out to be ineffective. Our results call for re-thinking the ethics of sham surgery trials.
CHALF Score: A Novel Tool to Rapidly Risk Stratify Children in Need of Liver Transplant Evaluation During Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Ascher-Bartlett Johanna M. , Bangerth Sarah , Jordan Shannon , Weaver Carly , Barhouma Sarah , Etesami Kambiz , Kohli Rohit , Emamaullee Juliet 
Published: October 2023

Background.
Pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) can require emergent liver transplantation (LT, >25%) or lead to death (~15%). Existing models cannot predict clinical trajectory or survival with native liver (SNL). We aimed to create a predictive model for PALF clinical outcomes based on admission variables.

Methods.
A retrospective, single-center PALF cohort (April 2003 to January 2022) was identified using International Classification of Disease codes, selected using National Institutes of Health PALF Study Group (PALFSG) criteria, and grouped by clinical outcome (SNL, LT, or death). Significant admission variables were advanced for feature selection using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression with bootstrapping (5000×). A predictive model of SNL versus LT or death was created using logistic regression and validated using PALFSG data.

Results.
Our single-center cohort included 147 patients (58% SNL, 32% LT, 10% expired), while the PALFSG validation cohort included 492 patients (50% SNL, 35% LT, 15% expired). Admission variables associated with SNL included albumin (odds ratio [OR], 16; P < 0.01), ammonia (OR, 2.37; P < 0.01), and total bilirubin (OR, 2.25; P < 0.001). A model using these variables predicted SNL versus LT or death with high accuracy (accuracy [0.75 training, 0.70 validation], area under the curve [0.83 training, 0.78 validation]). A scaled score (CHLA-acute liver failure score) was created that predicted SNL versus LT or death with greater accuracy (C statistic 0.83) than Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease (C statistic 0.76) and admission liver injury unit (C statistic 0.76) scores.

Conclusions.
The CHLA-acute liver failure score predicts SNL versus LT or mortality in PALF using admission laboratories with high accuracy. This novel, externally validated model offers an objective guide for urgent referral to a pediatric LT center.
Optimizing Mass Casualty Triage: Using Discrete Event Simulation to Minimize Time to Resuscitation
Authors: Igra Noah M , Schmulevich Daniela , Geng Zhi , Guzman Jessica , Biddinger Paul D , Gates Jonathan D , Spinella Philip C , Yazer Mark H , Cannon Jeremy W ,   the THOR-AABB Workgroup
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:Urban areas in the US are increasingly focused on mass casualty incident (MCI) response. We simulated prehospital triage scenarios and hypothesized that using hospital-based blood product inventories for on-scene triage decisions would minimize time to treatment.STUDY DESIGN:Discrete event simulations modeled MCI casualty injury and patient flow after a simulated blast event in Boston, MA. Casualties were divided into moderate (Injury Severity Score 9 to 15) and severe (Injury Severity Score >15) based on injury patterns. Blood product inventories were collected from all hospitals (n = 6). The primary endpoint was the proportion of casualties managed with 1:1:1 balanced resuscitation in a target timeframe (moderate, 3.5 U red blood cells in 6 hours; severe, 10 U red blood cells in 1 hour). Three triage scenarios were compared, including unimpeded casualty movement to proximate hospitals (Nearest), equal distribution among hospitals (Equal), and blood product inventory–based triage (Supply-Guided).RESULTS:Simulated MCIs generated a mean ± SD of 302 ± 7 casualties, including 57 ± 2 moderate and 15 ± 2 severe casualties. Nearest triage resulted in significantly fewer overall casualties treated in the target time (55% vs Equal 86% vs Supply-Guided 91%, p < 0.001). These differences were principally due to fewer moderate casualties treated, but there was no difference among strategies for severe casualties.CONCLUSIONS:In this simulation study comparing different triage strategies, including one based on actual blood product inventories, nearest hospital triage was inferior to equal distribution or a Supply-Guided strategy. Disaster response leaders in US urban areas should consider modeling different MCI scenarios and casualty numbers to determine optimal triage strategies for their area given hospital numbers and blood product availability.
Deciphering the tissue-specific functional effect of Alzheimer risk SNPs with deep genome annotation
Authors: Varathan Pradeep , Xie Linhui , He Bing , Saykin Andrew J. , Nho Kwangsik , Yan Jingwen 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a highly heritable brain dementia, along with substantial failure of cognitive function. Large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have led to a significant set of SNPs associated with AD and related traits. GWAS hits usually emerge as clusters where a lead SNP with the highest significance is surrounded by other less significant neighboring SNPs. Although functionality is not guaranteed with even the strongest associations in the GWAS, the lead SNPs have been historically the focus of the field, with the remaining associations inferred as redundant. Recent deep genome annotation tools enable the prediction of function from a segment of DNA sequence with significantly improved precision, which allows in-silico mutagenesis to interrogate the functional effect of SNP alleles. In this project, we explored the impact of top AD GWAS hits on the chromatin functions, and whether it will be altered by the genomic context (i.e., alleles of neighborhood SNPs). Our results showed that highly correlated SNPs in the same LD block could have distinct impact on the downstream functions. Although some GWAS lead SNPs showed dominating functional effect regardless of the neighborhood SNP alleles, several other ones do get enhanced loss or gain of function under certain genomic context, suggesting potential extra information hidden in the LD blocks.
Systematic Review of risk score prediction models using maternal characteristics with and without biomarkers for the prediction of GDM
Authors: Parkhi Durga , Sampathkumar Swetha , Weldeselassie Yonas , Sukumar Nithya , Saravanan Ponnusamy 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundGDM is associated with adverse maternal and fetal complications. By the time GDM is diagnosed, continuous exposure to the hyperglycaemic intrauterine environment can adversely affect the fetus. Hence, early pregnancy prediction of GDM is important.AimTo systematically evaluate whether composite risk score prediction models can accurately predict GDM in early pregnancy.MethodSystematic review of observational studies involving pregnant women of <20 weeks of gestation was carried out. The search involved various databases, grey literature, and reference lists till August 2022. The primary outcome was the predictive performance of the models in terms of the AUC, for <14 weeks and 14-20 weeks of gestation.ResultsSixty-seven articles for <14 weeks and 22 for 14-20 weeks of gestation were included (initial search - 4542). The sample size ranged from 42 to 1,160,933. The studies were from Canada, USA, UK, Europe, Israel, Iran, China, Taiwan, South Korea, South Africa, Australia, Singapore, and Thailand. For <14 weeks, the AUC ranges were 0.59-0.88 and 0.53-0.95, respectively for models that used only maternal characteristics and for those that included biomarkers. For 14-20 weeks these AUCs were 0.68-0.71 and 0.65-0.92. Age, ethnicity, BMI, family history of diabetes, and prior GDM were the 5 most commonly used risk factors. The addition of systolic BP improved performance in some models. Triglycerides, PAPP-A, and lipocalin- 2, combined with maternal characteristics, have the highest predictive performance. AUC varied according to the population studied. Pooled analyses were not done due to high heterogeneity.ConclusionAccurate GDM risk prediction may be possible if common risk factors are combined with biomarkers. However, more research is needed in populations of high GDM risk. Artificial Intelligence-based risk prediction models that incorporate fetal biometry data may improve accuracy.
Analysis of rare coding variants in 470,000 exome-sequenced subjects characterises contributions to risk of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Curtis David 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAimsTo follow up results from an earlier study using an extended sample of 470,000 exome-sequenced subjects to identify genes associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and to characterise the distribution of rare variants in these genes.Materials and methodsExome sequence data for 470,000 UK Biobank participants was analysed using a combined phenotype for T2D obtained from diagnostic and prescription data. Gene-wise weighted burden analysis of rare coding variants in the new cohort of 270,000 samples was carried out for the 32 genes previously significant with uncorrected p < 0.001 along with 7 other genes previously implicated in T2D. Follow-up studies ofGCK, GIGYF1, HNF1AandHNF4Aused the full sample of 470,000 to investigate the effects of different categories of variant.ResultsNo novel genes were identified as exome wide significant. Rare loss of function (LOF) variants inGCKexerted a very large effect on T2D risk but more common (though still very rare) nonsynonymous variants classified as probably damaging by PolyPhen on average approximately doubled risk. Rare variants in the other three genes also had large effects on risk.ConclusionsIn spite of the very large sample size, no novel genes are implicated. Coding variants with an identifiable effect are collectively too rare be generally useful for guiding treatment choices for most patients. The finding that some nonsynonymous variants inGCKaffect T2D risk is novel but not unexpected and does not have obvious practical implications.This research has been conducted using the UK Biobank Resource.
Investor attention during soccer World Cups
Authors: Lobato Manuel , Maura Mario Jordi , Rodriguez Javier , Romero-Perez Herminio 
Published: October 2023

PurposeThis study aims to examine investor attention by exploring the trading behavior of investors in US-based exchange traded funds (ETFs) of countries active in the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cups.Design/methodology/approachThe present study employs event study methodology to measure abnormal returns and excess trading volume of country-specific ETFs during six FIFA World Cups. The sample of ETFs includes 19 participating countries.FindingsConsistent with investor behavior that might be explained by attention effect, the study finds that country-specific ETFs from participating countries do indeed behave differently during FIFA World Cups events. The authors find significant evidence of abnormal trading volume and, albeit weaker, abnormal returns during cups.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on investor behavior, linking investor attention with salient sports events.
The mediation role of perceived brand trustworthiness in brand social responsibility and brand positioning: evidence from the Tanzanian beverage industry
Authors: Amani David 
Published: October 2023

PurposeThe current study was developed in response to the profound impact of ethical practices on the beverage industry. It aims to examine the mediating role of perceived brand trustworthiness in the relationship between brand social responsibility and brand positioning in the Tanzanian beverage industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a post-positivist approach, as it encompasses a deterministic perspective where causes are believed to determine outcomes or effects. The study focused on customers of two major beverage companies in Tanzania, namely Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Data were collected from 458 customers and analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe findings indicate that brand social responsibility serves as a valuable intangible asset, capable of establishing a competitive edge when integrated into the value proposition. Additionally, the results reveal that brand trustworthiness plays a mediating role in the connection between brand social responsibility and brand positioning.Research limitations/implicationsThe study employed a convenience sampling technique; hence, generalization of the findings should be approached with caution.Originality/valueThis study represents one of the few scholarly endeavors that explore the role of social responsibility at the product brand level in establishing brand positioning. By doing so, it contributes to the advancement of knowledge concerning the impact of brand social responsibility on building competitiveness within the context of today's competitive business environment.
Rebel group legitimacy, ideology and durable peace
Authors: Druckman Daniel , Vuković Siniša , Verbeek Nicolas 
Published: October 2023

Purpose
This study aims to explore the role of rebel group legitimacy and ideology in durable peace (DP) following peace agreements to end civil wars. It builds on earlier research showing that justice and civil society involvement are critical in achieving DP. This study adds the impacts of rebel group activities and support on DP. Activities include service delivery and mobilization. Support is gauged with outcomes of presidential and parliamentary elections held following peace agreements.

Design/methodology/approach
Five data sets were used to measure the key variables: DP, inclusive commissions (IC), legitimacy symmetry (electoral outcomes), service delivery and ideological mobilization. A measure of rebel group integration in the political system was also constructed. Impacts of the integration, legitimacy and ideology variables were assessed with a hierarchical regression model (HRM). This study begins with a base model drawn from earlier research showing the key predictors were procedural justice (PJ) and IC. The authors ask about the extent to which the rebel group variables contribute additional variance to the prediction of DP.

Findings
The main contributors to the prediction of DP were PJ, IC and integration in the political system. None of the legitimacy or mobilization variables added significant variance to the prediction. Only one of the mobilization variables, forced recruitment, was significant. The decision to integrate into the political system following the agreement did not mediate the relationship between PJ in the negotiation process and DP. Results of a factor analysis showed that DP, PJ, IC and integration formed a cluster with strong loadings on the first factor.

Research limitations/implications
The negative results for the legitimacy and mobilization variables may not be the last word on rebel group influences. Lack of support for the key hypotheses spurs attempts to discover other sources that contribute to the survival of rebel group actors in the political system and, in turn, to DP.

Practical implications
The issues raised by this study contribute to debates about ways to attain peaceful relations among competing groups following a civil war. It appears that attention to factors inside and around the negotiation process (PJ, ICs and conversion) may be more important than rebel group activities outside of these processes. The results call attention, in particular, to the important role played by political integration. From a policy perspective, it would be useful to develop levers for encouraging rebel groups to emerge as political actors in the post-agreement environment.

Originality/value
Developing measures of the symmetry of rebel group legitimacy and integration in the context of a comparative case study are the primary original contributions of this study. Furthermore, the mode of analysis (HRM) is novel in this literature. This approach builds on and extends the earlier research on factors influencing DP.
Audit committee characteristics as determinants of non-audit fees in UK FTSE 350 companies
Authors: Wigglesworth Mandy Jayne , Shubita Moade , Combs Alan 
Published: October 2023

Purpose
This study aims to examine trends in audit committee characteristics of companies and associates characteristics subject to major change with a fee-based proxy for audit committee effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach
The research adopts an empirical approach. Using descriptive and inferential statistics, observations for 253 Financial Times Stock Exchange 350 companies’ audit committee characteristics gathered from annual reports at the beginning and end of a five-year period are evaluated against averaged non-audit fees (NAF) as a proportion of total audit fees.

Findings
Audit committee composition shows an increased incidence of female membership and of members with previous audit experience. The increase in members with previous audit experience is more marked where this is gained with the incumbent auditor. An increase is also shown in chief financial officers with previous audit experience. Previous audit experience is associated with reduced NAF as a proportion of total fees. This is marked where audit experience has been gained with the incumbent auditor. These results suggest that the benefits of financial expertise gained from audit experience outweigh impairments to independence due to social ties. Nevertheless, other studies indicate concerns about independence are still well-founded.

Originality/value
This paper’s original contribution is to evaluate the potential effect of previous audit experience on those involved in audit committees in light of concerns raised in the literature and by regulators that external auditor independence should be maintained. The innovative fee-based proxy for audit committee effectiveness facilitates an evaluation as to which influence prevails.
The role of attributes of cycling tourism and enduring involvement in developing tourists’ place attachment
Authors: Wang Junfeng 
Published: October 2023

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the advancement of place attachment within the bicycle tourism context. Specifically, this study seeks to ascertain whether the four attributes of bicycle tourism (tourism attractions, accessibility, amenities and complementary services) and enduring involvement can serve as predictors of tourists’ place attachment. Also, the research endeavors to examine the positive effects generated by the four attributes of bicycle tourism on enduring involvement. Additionally, the mediating role that enduring involvement plays in attribute–place attachment relationships will be clarified.

Design/methodology/approach
The final 547 samples are collected from five WeChat cycling groups in Shanghai, and the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach is used to analyze the data.

Findings
The results show that each of the four attributes has a positive impact on place attachment. Moreover, tourism attractions, accessibility and amenities can be the drivers of enduring involvement. Enduring involvement mediates the tourism attractions–place attachment relationship, the accessibility–place attachment relationship, as well as the amenities–place attachment relationship.

Research limitations/implications
This paper, to the best of the author’s knowledge, pioneeringly introduces the concept of enduring involvement and place attachment into bicycle tourism research, and the findings contribute to providing practical implications for destination managers and government policymakers.

Originality/value
This is innovative work with a comprehensive and creative research framework for place attachment.
Drivers of financial stability gap: evidence from sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kulu Evans , Osei Bismark 
Published: October 2023

Purpose
As an effort to support the quest for a stable financial sector, this study aims to determine the factors that contribute to the financial stability gap in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Design/methodology/approach
The estimation techniques used include the fixed and random effect, system general methods of moments and dominance analysis. The data used is annual data for 33 SSA countries, covering the period 2007 to 2018.

Findings
Key findings from the analyses indicate that nonperforming loans increase gaps in financial stability while regulatory quality, control of corruption, political stability and appreciation of the local currency reduce the financial stability gap in SSA.

Research limitations/implications
The absence of a specific metric for measuring the financial stability gap appears to be the limitation of this study. Its existence could improve the discussion and also make replicability easier. However, this study relies on a measure introduced by Kulu et al. (2022b), which is also acceptable and quite popular in the literature.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first in the finance literature to estimate the determinants of the financial stability gap in SSA.