143174 research outputs found
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Branding in new ventures: a systematic review of extant research and future research directions
No full textBranding is a critical driver of new venture success, yet existing research remains fragmented and often overlooks the unique realities these firms face: severe resource constraints, the liability of newness, founder influence, and the challenge of building legitimacy with customers and investors. The current study presents a systematic literature review of branding in new ventures, mapping research trends and employing a grounded theory approach to integrate prior work. Specifically, we consolidate dispersed findings into an integrative framework comprising three dimensions: Brand Microfoundations and Identity Configuration (what the brand is), Market Enactment and Co-creation (how the brand is realized with stakeholders), and Contextual Logics and Constraints (when and why specific branding choices are made). For each dimension, we examine key sub-topics, propose a targeted agenda for future research, and derive actionable managerial recommendations, such as approaches to Minimum Viable Brand development and effective digital activation. Our synthesis offers both conceptual clarity for scholars and practical guidance for managing brands in resource-constrained, early-stage ventures
HPV genotype trends in Iran: necessity for a reevaluation of prevention strategies
No full textIntroduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping is critical for preventing and managing HPV-related health issues, including cancers. This study re-evaluates HPV genotype trends in Iran to inform prevention strategies. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of HPV genotyping data from individuals tested at the ACECR Khorasan Razavi molecular laboratory in Iran (2016–2022) was conducted, with a forecast of genotype trends through 2027. Results: Among 5009 female patients, 40.4% tested positive for HPV (mean age: 32 ± 8.77 years), with a significant upward trend in positivity over time (tau = 0.905, p = 0.0069). HPV 6, 11, 16, 31, 53, and 54 showed significant increases (p < 0.01), while HPV 66, 84, 67, and 35 exhibited notable trends (p < 0.05). HPV 18 and 33 had marginal trends (p = 0.065, p = 0.052), and HPV 68, 70, and 82 remained stable. Linear regression indicated a non-significant decline in low-risk HPV cases (R = 0.703, p = 0.078) and negligible change in high-risk cases (R = 0.052, p = 0.912). Forecasts predicted increases in HPV 84, 54, 43, 42, and 26, with HPV 6 projected to decrease significantly. HPV 44, 73, and 33 were expected to remain stable. Conclusion: While low-risk HPV cases may decline, the trend lacks statistical significance, and high-risk HPV cases show no change. These findings underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies in Iran, particularly for high-risk genotypes, to reduce the burden of HPV-related cancers. Further research is essential to validate these trends and refine public health interventions
Graded SiC reinforced magnesium wires: towards high throughput composite alloy discovery
No full textHigh-throughput methods can accelerate the development of metal alloys and (nano)composites, both empirically and as input to computational methods. This study introduces a new route to fabricating composite wires with longitudinally varying composition using the byproduct of stationary-shoulder friction stir channelling (SS-FSC); this sample format is attractive for a variety of rapid read-out options in the future. The concept is illustrated by preparing Mg composite wires with a longitudinally graded concentration of SiC-particles. Spark plasma sintering (SPS) was used to encode a step-change in SiC concentration within a feedstock billet. Subsequent SS-FSC transformed this discrete compositional step into a continuous, graded extruded wire. Microstructural analysis revealed significant grain refinement from the SPS billet (44.3 ± 2.3 µm) to the SS-FSC wire (7.4 ± 0.5 µm), with even finer grains in SiC-loaded regions (5.1 ± 0.5 µm), attributed to particle-stimulated nucleation. Mechanical characterisation confirmed a hardness increase, from 65.8 ± 1.2 HV3 to 68.9 ± 2.7 HV3 (high SiC-content). This proof-of-concept study confirms the effectiveness of SS-FSC in producing high-quality wires with tailored microstructural and mechanical gradients. Additional compositions could be readily multiplexed in the original billet, providing a robust high-throughput technique for comprehensive structure–property investigations of advanced alloys and composites
A machine learning approach to modelling temperature-dependent cyclic behaviour
No full textThis study presents a methodology for developing a temperature-dependent cyclic plasticity surrogate model as an efficient alternative to phenomenological temperature-dependent constitutive models. The titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V, known for its widespread use in various engineering applications, was selected for this investigation. The surrogate model, based on a feedforward neural network, was trained using random amplitude stress-strain histories at various temperatures. To generate the training dataset, constitutive models were calibrated at specific temperatures using both experimental and available literature data, enabling the simulation of virtual temperature-dependent experiments. Cyclic loading simulations were performed at random axial strains within the range [-4 %, 4 %] and temperatures of 20℃, 400℃, 500℃, and 600℃. The predictive accuracy of the surrogate model was evaluated using unseen random stress-strain histories and temperature conditions, demonstrating high accuracy and computational efficiency
Odontogenic carcinosarcoma: a comprehensive review of clinical and therapeutic insights
No full textMalignant odontogenic tumors are rare, accounting for only 1%–6.1% of all odontogenic tumors. Among them, odontogenic carcinosarcoma (OCS) is an exceptionally rare and aggressive malignant neoplasm originating from dental tissues. First recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1992, OCS is characterized by high-grade biphasic malignant epithelial and mesenchymal components, contributing to its aggressive clinical behavior. OCS often presents with nonspecific symptoms such as pain, swelling, and loosening of teeth, which complicate early diagnosis. Its rarity adds to the diagnostic challenges, frequently leading to delays in identification. Histopathological evaluation remains the cornerstone for accurate diagnosis, distinguishing OCS from other odontogenic tumors through features like epithelial nuclear pleomorphism, mitotic activity, and mesenchymal sarcomatous differentiation. Management typically involves surgical resection with clear margins, while adjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation are considered in select cases. Recent advancements in molecular oncology and surgical techniques, including robotic-assisted procedures and 3D-printed reconstructive aids, offer promising avenues for improving patient outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach and ongoing research are essential to enhance diagnostic accuracy, refine treatment protocols, and improve the prognosis for patients affected by this rare malignancy. The primary objective of this review is to consolidate current knowledge on OCS, focusing on its diagnostic complexities, treatment strategies, and potential emerging therapies
Positivity rate of PD-L1 expression and its clinical significance in vulvar cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textThe prevalence and prognostic value of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, as a potential biomarker in vulvar squamous cell carcinomas (VSCCs), remain underexplored. We searched the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases until July 2024 for articles examining PD-L1 expression in VSCCs. Random-effects meta-analyses summarized PD-L1 expression overall and in subgroups by immunohistochemistry antibody type, positivity cutoff, tumor stage, and HPV positivity. Additionally, random-effects meta-analyses summarized the association between PD-L1 positivity and cancer prognosis. We included 26 studies comprising 1912 VSCC cases. The summary PD-L1 positivity rate in tumor cells was 59.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 47.7–71.4%; I2 = 96%, n = 26), influenced by the different cutoff thresholds utilized to define PD-L1 positivity. Compared to tumor cells, positivity rates were higher in intratumoral immune cells (75.6%; 95%CI: 52.9–92.5; I2 = 95.4%, n = 6) and peritumoral cells (78.9%; 95%CI: 54.4–95.5%; I2 = 91%, n = 3) but with overlapping 95%CIs. No heterogeneity was observed in the rates by tumor stage or HPV status. Positive PD-L1 expression was associated with worse overall (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.06–1.93; I2 = 28.9%, n = 7) and progression-free survival (HR = 1.57; 95%CI: 1.07–2.3; I2 = 38.3%, n = 5). The PD-L1 expression rate in VSCC tumor cells varied across studies, was influenced by differences in immunohistochemical evaluation, and was identified as an unfavorable prognostic factor. Large, prospective, multicenter studies with standardized protocols are crucial to further elucidate the clinical significance of PD-L1 expression in VSCCs
Prevalence of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis among male and female general populations in sub-Saharan Africa from 2000-2024: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis
No full textBackground:
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has the highest sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence globally, but information about trends and geographic variation is limited by sparse aetiologic studies, particularly among men. This systematic review assessed chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis prevalence by sex, sub-region, and year, and estimated male-to-female prevalence ratios in SSA.
Methods:
We searched Embase, MEDLINE, Global Health, PubMed, and African Index Medicus for studies measuring STI prevalence among general populations from 1 January 2000, to 17 September 2024. We adjusted observations for diagnostic test performance and used log-binomial mixed-effects meta-regressions to estimate prevalence trends and sex-prevalence ratios. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023420384).
Findings:
Of 5202 records identified, we included 211 studies from 28 countries. In 2020, estimated prevalence among 15–49-year-olds in SSA for chlamydia was 6.9% (95% CI: 5.2–8.7%, n = 169 observations) among females and 4.2% (3.0–5.5%, n = 33) among males, gonorrhoea was 1.8% (1.1–2.5%, n = 171) and 1.5% (0.8–2.2%, n = 31), and trichomoniasis was 7.6% (5.1–10.2%, n = 188) and 1.7% (1.1–2.4%, n = 19). Male-to-female ratios were 0.61 (0.53–0.71) for chlamydia, 0.81 (0.61–1.09) for gonorrhoea, and 0.23 (0.18–0.28) for trichomoniasis. From 2010 to 2020, chlamydia prevalence increased by 34.5% (11.1–62.9%) in SSA, while gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis trends were not statistically significant. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalence were highest in Southern and Eastern Africa, whereas trichomoniasis was similar across sub-regions.
Interpretation:
SSA has a high, geographically varied STI burden, with increasing prevalence of chlamydia. Region-specific sex-prevalence ratios differed from existing global ratios and should be considered in future burden estimates. Enhanced sex-stratified surveillance is crucial to guide national programmes and reduce STI prevalence in SSA.
Funding:
Gates Foundation, Imperial College London, NIH, UKRI
Towards the next generation of in silico modelling of dynamic host-microbiota interactions in the skin
No full textUnderstanding how the skin microbiota contributes to skin health and disease requires knowledge of the dynamic interactions between the skin and its resident microbes. In silico modelling complements in vivo and in vitro experiments by enabling a systems-level understanding of dynamic skin-microbiota interactions. However, the number of published in silico skin microbiota models remains limited. This paper provides the first comprehensive exploration of in silico skin microbiota modelling. We identify current challenges, learn from leading experimental validation approaches adopted in in silico gut microbiota research, and propose ways to enhance the predictive power of in silico skin microbiota models
Co-production in HIV research: a case study from the COVID-19 pandemic
No full textBackground
Co-produced research is an approach where people with lived experience voluntarily engage as collaborators throughout the entire research process. In this study, academic researchers aimed to recruit and train people living with HIV, in partnership with a community-based organisation (Positively UK), with the objective of enhancing research skills and capabilities of the HIV community to lead and/or facilitate forthcoming research initiatives and projects.
Main body
Our collaborative endeavour involved a group of academic researchers, a public involvement practitioner and people living with HIV (comprising two co-researchers and three advisory group members) to design and conduct a participatory, qualitative enquiry from January to September 2021. Our study aimed to explore the experiences of people living with HIV within the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic. All co-researchers underwent rigorous and essential research training that encompassed ethics, conducting qualitative interviews, analysing transcripts and considerations pertaining to emotional well-being. Communication was conducted exclusively by phone or online throughout the project. The unpredictability associated with the pandemic necessitated an adaptive and flexible approach that encompassed personal circumstances and the intricacies of conducting research during a global health crisis. Based on our reflections, we map out our collaborative experiences and provide recommendations for the advancement of future co-produced research endeavours involving people living with HIV at each stage of the research cycle. We identify four areas of focus: (1) building relationships inclusive of trust and rapport and managing stakeholders’ expectations; (2) reciprocal learning and ensuring the amplification of all voices; (3) the necessity for flexibility and the integration of continuous reflection; and (4) the pursuit of impact that transcends traditional academic outputs.
Conclusion
Participatory research and co-production are increasingly common approaches to research. These approaches have impacts on all stakeholders involved including co-researchers, public involvement practitioners, academic researchers and the wider community. In the context of this study, we demonstrate that undertaking co-production remotely and building meaningful partnerships remains possible where teams build good rapport challenging traditional power structures. The team members affirmative experiences could potentially positively affect their future participation in research, whether as participants and/or as co-researchers, as well as informing the future research strategies and decisions of researcher investigators