bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Information Acquisition, Decision Making, and Implementation in Organizations
Authors: Itoh Hideshi , Morita Kimiyuki 
Published: March 2022

We study the value of divergence in values and preferences in organizations by combining three stages of a decision process—ex ante information acquisition, interim project choice, and ex post project execution—into a tractable model. A key insight is that our unified model provides predictions different from models without the execution decision stage. We consider an organization that consists of a decision maker who selects a project and an implementer who acquires costly information before project choice and executes the selected project. They have intrinsic and possibly divergent preferences over projects. We show that, although the implementer’s dual role generates a disadvantage of designing conflicts in terms of the implementation motivation, it simultaneously boosts the implementer’s motivation for information acquisition to influence the decision maker’s project choice more under divergent preferences. Our results provide managerial insights that designing conflicts is beneficial only in environments where additional information is sufficiently precise and must be accompanied by a manager who is balanced and incorporating feedback. This paper was accepted by Joshua Gans, business strategy. Funding: This work was financially supported by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKENHI [Grants 25245031 and 18H03640] toH. Itoh and the JSPS Fellows [Grant 26.5608] to K.Morita. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4373 .
A Hard Look at SPAC Projections
Authors: Blankespoor Elizabeth , Hendricks Bradley E. , Miller Gregory S. , Stockbridge Douglas R. 
Published: March 2022

Firms’ use of special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) to go public has increased dramatically, leading to market and regulatory debate about their use of projections. Examining SPAC mergers from 2004 through 2021, we find that 80% of firms provide projections for four years ahead on average, with approximately one-quarter of recent projections extending more than five years. For the sample of SPAC mergers with observable postmerger revenue, we find that only 35% of firms meet or beat their projections. This proportion declines for forecasts that are longer horizon, and nonserial SPAC sponsors miss forecasts by greater percentages. When we compare SPAC projected revenue growth with benchmark samples of firms completing an initial public offering (IPO) and matched firms, the SPAC projections are approximately three times larger on average than benchmark firms’ actual revenue growth, with even greater differences for long-term projections. After the merger, firms reduce their use of projections, providing them at statistically similar rates as benchmark firms. Overall, the evidence supports concerns that the SPAC merger includes highly optimistic projections. This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting.
Survival and the Ergodicity of Corporate Profitability
Authors: Mundt Philipp , Alfarano Simone , Milaković Mishael 
Published: March 2022

The cross-sectional variation in corporate profitability has occupied research across fields as diverse as strategic management, industrial organization, finance, and accounting. Prior work suggests that corporate idiosyncrasies are important determinants of profitability, but it disagrees on the quantitative importance of particular effects. This paper shows that corporate specificities become irrelevant in the long run because profitability is ergodic conditional on survival, leading to a uniform, time-invariant regularity in profitability that applies across firms. Conditional on survival, we cannot reject the hypothesis that corporations are on average equally profitable and also experience equally volatile fluctuations in their profitability, irrespective of their individual characteristics. Because the same is not true for shorter-lived firms, even for more than 20 years after entry, we can reconcile our findings with an extensive literature that studies profitability in heterogeneous samples of surviving and shorter-lived firms. Our findings provide a new benchmark for long-term performance in competitive environments and offer a novel perspective by highlighting a robust commonality instead of specificities. This paper was accepted by Alfonso Gambardella, business strategy.
High-performance distributed feedback quantum dot lasers with laterally coupled dielectric gratings
Authors: Yang Zhuohui , Ding Zhengqing , Liu Lin , Zhong Hancheng , Cao Sheng , Zhang Xinzhong , Lin Shizhe , Huang Xiaoying , Deng Huadi , Yu Ying , Yu Siyuan 
Published: March 2022

The combination of grating-based frequency-selective optical feedback mechanisms, such as distributed feedback (DFB) or distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) structures, with quantum dot (QD) gain materials is a main approach towards ultrahigh-performance semiconductor lasers for many key novel applications, as either stand-alone sources or on-chip sources in photonic integrated circuits. However, the fabrication of conventional buried Bragg grating structures on GaAs, GaAs/Si, GaSb, and other material platforms has been met with major material regrowth difficulties. We report a novel and universal approach of introducing laterally coupled dielectric Bragg gratings to semiconductor lasers that allows highly controllable, reliable, and strong coupling between the grating and the optical mode. We implement such a grating structure in a low-loss amorphous silicon material alongside GaAs lasers with InAs/GaAs QD gain layers. The resulting DFB laser arrays emit at pre-designed 0.8 THz local area network wavelength division multiplexing frequency intervals in the 1300 nm band with record performance parameters, including sidemode suppression ratios as high as 52.7 dB, continuous-wave output power of 26.6 mW (room temperature) and 6 mW (at 55°C), and ultralow relative intensity noise (RIN) of

<
−
165

dB
/
Hz

(2.5–20 GHz). The devices are also capable of isolator-free operating under very high external reflection levels of up to

−
12.3

dB

while maintaining high spectral purity and ultralow RIN qualities. These results validate the novel laterally coupled dielectric grating as a technologically superior and potentially cost-effective approach for fabricating DFB and DBR lasers free of their semiconductor material constraints, which are thus universally applicable across different material platforms and wavelength bands.
Graph Theory – A Survey on the Occasion of the Abel Prize for László Lovász
Authors: Carmesin Johannes 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this survey, we explain a few key ideas of the theory of graphs, and how these ideas have grown to form the foundation of entire research areas. Graph Theory is a fairly young mathematical discipline; here we explain some of its major challenges for the 21st century.László Lovász was recently awarded the Abel Prize. He made important contributions to all the areas discussed in this survey, and we close by summarising his main achievements.
Clinical manifestations of Rift Valley fever in humans: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Anywaine Zacchaeus , Lule Swaib Abubaker , Hansen Christian , Warimwe George , Elliott Alison 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundRift Valley fever (RVF) is an emerging, neglected, mosquito-borne viral zoonosis associated with significant morbidity, mortality and expanding geographical scope. The clinical signs and symptoms in humans are non-specific and case definitions vary. We reviewed and analysed the clinical manifestations of RVF in humans.MethodsIn this systematic review and meta-analysis we searched on different dates, the Embase (from 1947 to 13thOctober 2019), Medline (1946 to 14thOctober 2019), Global Health (1910 to 15thOctober 2019), and Web of Science (1970 to 15thOctober 2019) databases. Studies published in English, reporting frequency of symptoms in humans, and laboratory confirmed RVF were included. Animal studies, studies among asymptomatic volunteers, and single case reports for which a proportion could not be estimated, were excluded. Quality assessment was done using a modified Hoy and Brooks et al tool, data was extracted, and pooled frequency estimates calculated using random effects meta-analysis.ResultsOf the 3765 articles retrieved, less than 1% (32 articles) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Nine RVF clinical syndromes were reported including the general febrile, renal, gastrointestinal, hepatic, haemorrhagic, visual, neurological, cardio-pulmonary, and obstetric syndromes. The most common clinical manifestations included fever (81%; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 69–91; [26 studies, 1286 patients]), renal failure (41%; 23–59; [4, 327]), nausea (38%; 12–67; [6, 325]), jaundice (26%; 16–36; [15, 393]), haemorrhagic disease (26%; 17–36; [16, 277]), partial blindness (24%; 7–45; [11, 225]), encephalitis (21%; 11–33; [4, 327]), cough (4%; 0–17; [4, 11]), and miscarriage (54%) respectively. Death occurred in 21% (95% CI 14–29; [16 studies, 328 patients]) of cases, most of whom were hospitalised.DiscussionThis study delineates the complex symptomatology of human RVF disease into syndromes. This approach is likely to improve case definitions and detection rates, impact outbreak control, increase public awareness about RVF, and subsequently inform ‘one-health’ policies. This study provides a pooled estimate of the proportion of RVF clinical manifestations alongside a narrative description of clinical syndromes. However, most studies reviewed were case series with small sample sizes and enrolled mostly in-patients and out-patients, and captured symptoms either sparsely or using broad category terms.
Prevalence and predictors of anemia among adults on highly active antiretroviral therapy in Northeast Ethiopia: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fentie Wendie Teklehaimanot , Mengistu Getnet 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundAlthough antiretroviral therapy has significantly altered the natural history of human immunodeficiency virus infection and improved the quality of life of patients, there are conflicting reports regarding its impact on hematological outcomes. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the prevalence and predictors of anemia among adults on antiretroviral therapy in Northeast Ethiopia.Materials and methodsA retrospective cohort study was carried out among adults who began antiretroviral treatment between September 2005 and January 2019 at two governmental hospitals in Dessie town. Data were collected from patients’ medical records using a pretested data extraction instrument. Anemia was the primary outcome variable of the study. It was defined based on WHO criteria after adjustment for altitude and smoking status of measured values. Data were entered and validated using EpiData Version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS Version 20.0 for analysis. Descriptive analysis was done for prevalence and binary logistic regression was carried out to assess whether covariates were associated with experiencing anemia. Statistical significance has been considered at p-value <0.05.ResultsMedical records of 392 patients (mean age: 35.58 ± 9.46 years) were reviewed. Of the total 392 patients, 218 (55.6%) were females, 261 (66.6%) were categorized under WHO clinical stage III/IV and 134 (34.2%) had a baseline CD4 cell count of <100 cells/mm3. The mean baseline CD4 cell count was 179 cells/mm3(range: 2 to 853 cells) and 230 (58.7%) of the participants were on zidovudine-based regimen. Anemia was diagnosed among 162 (41.3%) patients. After adjustment for other confounding factors, risk of anemia was significantly associated with low baseline CD4 cell count (AOR 1.80, 95% CI 1.05–3.06) and tenofovir based regimen (AOR 2.05, 95% CI 1.31–3.21). On the other hand, being educated was found to be protective (AOR 0.40, 95% CI 0.21–0.78).ConclusionIn this research, the prevalence of anemia was relatively high. Low baseline CD4 cell count and tenofovir based regimen were independent predictors of anemia; while being educated was protective. Treatment programs should focus on early diagnosis and treatment of HIV as well as routine screening and proper treatment of anemia.
Pathologist workload, work distribution and significant absences or departures at a regional hospital laboratory
Authors: Bonert Michael , Zafar Uzma , Maung Raymond , El-Shinnawy Ihab , Naqvi Asghar , Finley Christian , Cutz Jean-Claude , Major Pierre , Kapoor Anil 
Published: March 2022

Objective
Assess the work environment of salaried pathologists via (1) the national workload system (L4E), (2) work distribution among/in three hospital groups, and (3) the frequency of significant absences or departures (SADs).

Methods
Automated analysis of pathology reports from a regional laboratory (accessioned 2011–2019) using validated computer code.

Results
The study set contained 574,099 pathology reports, reported by 63 pathologists. The average yearly L4E workload units/full-time equivalent for three hospital groups were 8,101.6, 6,906.5 and 4,215.8. The average Gini coefficient for full-time pathologists in the three hospital groups were respectively 0.05, 0.16 and 0.23. The average yearly SADs rates were respectively 13%, 16% and 9%. The group with the highest SADs rate had the intermediate Gini coefficient and intermediate workload.

Conclusions
High individual workload and work maldistribution appear to be associated with SADs. Individual workload maximums and greater transparency may be essential for limiting staff turnover, maintaining high morale, and efficient laboratory function with a high quality of care.
Protocol for the unclassified primary antibody deficiency (unPAD) study: Characterization and classification of patients using the ESID online Registry
Authors: Janssen Lisanne M. A. , Reijnen Ineke C. G. M. , Milito Cinzia , Edgar David , Chapel Helen , de Vries Esther ,   the unPAD consortium
Published: March 2022

Background
Primary antibody deficiencies (PADs) without an identified monogenetic origin form the largest and most heterogeneous group of primary immunodeficiencies. These patients often remain undiagnosed for years and many present to medical attention in adulthood after several infections risking structural complications. Not much is known about their treatment, comorbidities, or prognosis, nor whether the various immunological forms (decreased total IgG, IgG subclass(es), IgM, IgA, specific antibody responses, alone or in combination(s)) should be considered as separate, clearly definable subgroups. The unclassified primary antibody deficiency (unPAD) study aims to describe in detail all PAD patients without an identified specific monogenetic defect regarding their demographical, clinical, and immunological characteristics at presentation and during follow-up. In constructing these patterns, the unPAD study aims to reduce the number of missed and unidentified PAD patients in the future. In addition, this study will focus on subclassifying unPAD to support the identification of patients at higher risk for infection or immune dysregulation related complications, enabling the development of personalized follow-up and treatment plans.

Methods and analysis
We present a protocol for a multicenter observational cohort study using the ESID online Registry. Patients of all ages who have given informed consent for participation in the ESID online Registry and fulfill the ESID Clinical Working Definitions for ‘unclassified antibody deficiency’, ‘deficiency of specific IgG’, ‘IgA with IgG subclass deficiency’, ‘isolated IgG subclass deficiency’, ‘selective IgM deficiency’, ‘selective IgA deficiency’ or ‘common variable immunodeficiency’ will be included. For all patients, basic characteristics can be registered at first registration and yearly thereafter in level 1 forms. Detailed characteristics of the patients can be registered in level 2 forms. Consecutive follow-up forms can be added indefinitely. To ensure the quality of the collected data, all data will be fully monitored before they are exported from the ESID online Registry for analysis. Outcomes will be the clinical and immunological characteristics of unPAD at presentation and during follow-up. Subgroup analyses will be made based on demographical, clinical and immunological characteristics.
Imaging of the Pancreas (IMAP) in New-Onset Diabetes (NOD): A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: BU Wu , E Lustigova , Q Chen , EY Dong , A Maitra , ST Chari , Z Feng , JA Rinaudo , LM Matrisian , RA Parker 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background:
The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of cross-sectional imaging for detection of pancreatic cancer in patients with NOD.

Methods:
We conducted a prospective pilot study from 11/2018-3/2020 within an integrated health system. Patients 50-85 years with newly elevated glycemic parameters without prior history of diabetes were invited to complete a three-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography pancreas-protocol scan while participating in the Prospective Study to Establish a New-Onset Hyperglycemia and Diabetes (NOD) Cohort. Abnormal pancreatic findings, incidental extra-pancreatic findings, as well as subsequent clinical evaluation were identified. Variability in clinical reporting between medical centers based on descriptors of pancreatic duct and parenchyma was assessed.

Results:
A total of 130 of 147 (88.4%) participants consented to imaging; 93 scans were completed (prior to COVID-19 stay-at-home order). Median age was 62.4 years (IQR 56.3, 68.8), 37.6% female; Hispanic (39.8%), White (29.0%), Black (14.0%), and Asian (13.3%). One (1.1%) case of pancreatic cancer (stage IV) was diagnosed, 12/93 (12.9%) participants had additional pancreatic findings: 5 fatty infiltration, 3 cysts, 2 atrophy, 1 divisum, 1 calcification. There were 57 extra-pancreatic findings among 52/93 (56%) unique patients, 12/57 (21.1%) prompted clinical evaluation with 2 additional malignancies diagnosed (non-small cell lung, renal oncocytoma). Reports from one participating medical center more frequently provided description of pancreatic parenchyma and ducts (92.9% vs. 18.4%), P<0.0001.

Conclusion:
High proportion of incidental findings as well as variability in clinical reports are challenges to be addressed for a successful NOD-based early detection strategy for pancreatic cancer.
On the Spectrum of an Operator Associated with Least-Squares Finite Elements for Linear Elasticity
Authors: Alzaben Linda , Bertrand Fleurianne , Boffi Daniele 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In this paper we provide some more details on the numerical analysis and we
present some enlightening numerical results related to the spectrum of a
finite element least-squares approximation of the linear elasticity
formulation introduced recently. We show that, although the formulation is
robust in the incompressible limit for the source problem, its spectrum is
strongly dependent on the Lamé parameters and on the underlying mesh.
Experimental study of the behaviour and failure modes of tapered castellated steel beams
Authors: Al-Thabhawee Hayder Wafi , Al-Kannoon Muslim Abdul-Ameer 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis article discusses the experimental testing of tapered castellated beams (TCBs) under mid-span concentrated load. These beams are created by cutting the webs of standard I-sections in a particular zigzag pattern and rejoining the two parts by placing variable expansion plates between web posts and welding them together. Generally, the depth of the mid-span will be increased. A standard I-section (IPE140) was selected as a parent beam to fabricate three TCB specimens and one prismatic castellated beam. The experimental results showed that the ultimate load capacity of the TCBs could be increased up to 140% of the ultimate load capacity of the parent section. Fabricating a TCB is an effective way of increasing the allowable load of a long-span member while remaining within International Building Code-defined deflection limits. The experimental results showed that the allowable load at deflection (L/360) increased up to 183% of the allowable load for the control specimen at the same deflection. Finally, the experimental results showed that web-post buckling and joint-weld rupture failure modes occurred in TCBs due to the formation of high shear forces that tried to twist the web posts.
The combined effects of ripening degree and fermentation process on biochemical properties of table olives and oils of Ayvalık and Gemlik varieties
Authors: Uslu Nurhan , Özcan M. Musa 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of variety, ripening degree, and also fermentation process on the bioactive compounds of olives, and on the fatty acid compositions of olive oils. The highest oil content was determined in fermented green olives (70.02% in Gemlik variety; 66.87% in Ayvalık variety). The fermentation process caused a notable reduction in both total phenolic content (from 2558.30–2894.40 to 699.10–1087.00 mg/kg), and antioxidant activity values (from 81.46–81.20 to 26.00–63.75%) of green olives in brine. Verbascoside was identified as the main phenolic compound (1150.95–1311.25 mg/kg). It was observed that oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and rutin contents of olives decreased after fermentation process. Concerning the fatty acid compositions of olive oils, oleic (70.13–75.47% for Gemlik; 67.36–70.22% for Ayvalık) and linoleic acid (6.18–11.13% for Gemlik; 10.13–12.94% for Ayvalık) contents showed differences regarding variety and maturation degree. However, there are minor variations in fatty acid composition according to fermentation.
Quantum transport and microwave scattering on fractal lattices
Authors: Subramaniam Krishnasamy , Zschornak Matthias , Gemming Sibylle 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Studying the wave-particle nature of electrons in different ways has lead to many fundamental discoveries. Particularly, the dimensionality dependent electronic behavior in the Luttinger Liquid (1D), Quantum Hall (2D) and non-interacting Fermi Liquid (3D) regimes have already revolutionized our understanding of the mechanisms behind quantum electronics. In this work, the theoretical and experimental studies focus on the non-integer dimension represented by an sp2-carbon-based Sierpinski triangular structure with a 1.58D space occupancy. In the tight-binding approach, the spectral distribution of electronic states of such a structure exhibits distinct peak patterns, which are well-separated by gaps. Through quantum transport simulation, the conductance of electrons in 1.58D was studied. Both delocalized, conducting and localized, non-conducting states identified, which differ from the established features of both the fully 2D graphene sheet and 1D carbon nanotubes. In microwave scattering measurements on an adequate experimental setting and the respective simulations on the Sierpinski triangle, the obtained diffraction patterns showed interesting peculiarities such as a reduced number of minima and magic angle, next to diffraction regions of high and low intensity, as well as forbidden regions. The fractal geometry of the structure affects the propagation of waves by manipulating the way they interact with each other which results in structural metamaterial-like interference characteristics, decreasing or amplifying the transmitted or reflected signals, or blocking the transport completely.
Innovative Räumtechnik
Authors: Krazer Manfred 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Obwohl die Entwicklung der Räumtechnik als technisch abgeschlossen gilt, gibt es auch in dieser Branche immer wieder Techniker und Ingenieure, die innovative Weiterentwicklungen betreiben. Neben den hohen Anforderungen an Produktqualität, der Verfügbarkeit und den reduzierten Aufstellflächen für Maschinen und Anlagen steht dabei die Orientierung an den Bedürfnissen und Wünschen des Kunden im Vordergrund. Die nachfolgenden Betrachtungen geben zunächst grundsätzliche Ausführungen zu diesem Verfahren, zeigen aber auch den Trend zu anwenderorientierten Lösungen.