bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peritoneal dialysis in the Arabian Gulf countries: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Al Sahlawi Muthana , AlRukhaimi Mona , Al-Ghamdi Saeed MG , Al Salmi Issa , Al-Aradi Ali H , Hamad Abdullah , AlSahow Ali
Published: October 2023

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional organisation, consisting of six Arab countries that share common objectives and cultural identities, with a total population of 57.3 million. The prevalence of patients requiring dialysis in GCC countries is increasing, with a current mean prevalence of 551 per million population. Despite the several patient-level and healthcare system benefits of peritoneal dialysis (PD) compared to in-centre haemodialysis, the growth in PD utilisation has been limited. This is related to several factors, including deficiencies in modality education for chronic kidney disease patients, nephrology training and governmental policies advocating for this dialysis modality. Establishing a detailed PD registry in GCC countries is an important step towards understanding our patients’ characteristics, outcomes, current PD practices and challenges in order to increase the use of PD and to facilitate future initiatives aimed at optimising the management of PD patients in this part of the world. This article reviews common challenges around PD practices and utilisation in GCC countries and provides possible solutions to overcome these challenges. It should be noted that the literature on PD patients, outcomes and treatment practices in GCC countries is limited, and as a result, many of our recommendations and discussion are based on clinical observations, experience and data when available.
Occupational Stress and Professional Quality of Life Among Community Health Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Diannita Catharina Guinda , Permatasari Henny , Mulyono Sigit
Published: October 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the correlation between occupational stress and professional quality of life (Pro-QOL) among community nurses during the pandemic COVID-19. Design: This study was conducted with a correlational design of 120 community health nurses. The research sample was obtained using a nonprobability purposive sampling technique following the research inclusion criteria. Expanded Nursing Stress Scale and Pro-QOL were used in this study. The research hypothesis: there is a correlation between occupational stress and the Pro-QOL of community health nurses. Methods: Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between occupational stress and Pro-QOL. Findings: The results of correlation analysis showed that there was a statistically significant positive correlation between occupational stress and Pro-QOL. Despite being in a difficult situation due to the pandemic and vulnerable to occupational stress, nurses significantly had high compassion satisfaction. Conclusions: Occupational stress affects nurses’ Pro-QOL, it can be considered for public healthcare organizations to promote healthcare workers’ well-being. Mobilizing the existing workforce, changing work patterns, support from colleagues and supervisors, clear communication of directives, and precautionary measures can reduce psychiatric symptoms.
Mechanical and microstructural characteristics of AA6082 using thermal equal channel angular pressing for structural applications
Authors: Kadiyan Sunil , Kumar Parveen , Goyat Vikas , Ghangas Gyander , Dehiya BS , Prakash Chander
Published: October 2023

Equal channel angular pressing is a well-known technique to improve ductile materials’ mechanical and microstructural properties even without changing their physical dimensions. A method of intermediate annealing between the passes has previously been introduced to prevent early failure and increase the permissible number of passes. The research work aims to study the effect of intermediate heating on the equal channel angular pressing of the aluminum alloy (AA6082) for application in structural components from ambient to moderate temperatures. A modified equal channel angular pressing die of standard C-type route with a 100 degree channel angle was manufactured to process the alloy. Samples were processed at room temperature with intermediate heating and cooling at 0–250 °C with 25 min of heat soak between passes, and intermediate heating and cooling at 0–300 °C with 25 min of heat soak between passes. The specimens were mechanically characterized by tensile and Vicker hardness tests. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, electron back scattered diffraction techniques were utilized for microstructural analyses for unprocessed and equal channel angular pressing-processed specimens. The results of the study revealed that the intermediate heating (250 °C) is better at reducing the internal stresses generated during the equal channel angular pressing deformation, which permits a greater number of passes and thus significantly improves the resultant mechanical and microstructural properties for structural applications.
Effect of addition of diethyl ether with custard apple seed oil + hydrogen enrichment on dual-fuel compression ignition engine
Authors: Srinivasan Panneerselvam , Vijayaragavan Mathanraj
Published: October 2023

Due to the inert chemical properties of custard apple seed oil (CASO), one standard method for overcoming the challenges with its combustion is to use hydrogen as a supplemental fuel in dual-fuel mode. This is a technique that has developed in prominence in recent years. This investigation aims to examine the combustion characteristics of a DI engine that has been fuelled with CASO-blended di-ethyl ether (DEE), as well as hydrogen used as a secondary fuel. The experiment was conducted in atmospheric air with hydrogen enrichment (8 and 10 LPM) using CASO and CASO + 20% DEE as fuel for load condition varying from (25–100%). When compared to diesel at full load, the brake thermal efficiency of CASO was lower by 16%; however, it was improved by 9% with direct hydrogen induction at a knock limit of 10 LPM; and it was improved by 23% with CASO + H2 + 20% DEE when operating at maximum load. NOx emissions for CASO + 10 LPM H2 + 20% DEE at maximum load is 926 ppm, which is around 45.46% less than the emission value for diesel. When more hydrogen was added to the combination, the presence of DEE in the fuel caused a reduction in the emissions of both hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide around 21.70% opacity and 0.711%vol, respectively, which leading to a cleaner environment.
Influence of coconut husk on mechanical properties as a filler with polyurethane foam in the sandwich panel—an experimental study
Authors: Sharma Prerna , Prasath Kumar VR
Published: October 2023

To reduce the environmental impact of construction, use of waste materials has become popular in building applications. In this study, waste coconut husks (CHs) and calcium silicate boards (CSB) are incorporated into a sandwich panel using polyurethane foam (PU) as binding material. PU is made up of A (isocyanate) and B (polyol), which are mixed at a ratio of 1:1.2. To determine the optimum replacement level, PU was replaced with CH at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%. A sandwich panel with an outer dimension of 30 × 30 cm and a core thickness of 2 and 3 cm was prepared and tested for its mechanical properties, thermal properties, durability properties and characterization study. The microscopic image showed that the replacement of PU with CH at 50% showed maximum reduction in porous size, but its composite has achieved higher compressive strength at 20%. Hence the optimum percentage of replacing PU with CH is found to be 20%. Further, analytical work was carried out to validate the experimental results through regression analysis and suitable threshold with an accuracy of R2 > 0.90 was obtained.
Characterization of mechanical and wear properties of Prosopis juliflora thorn powder-filled epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Balakrishnan S , Kannan M , Raj Kumar SM , Vinukumar K
Published: October 2023

The mechanical and wear behavior of agro waste thorn ( Prosopis juliflora [PJ]) derived as a nanoparticle with different weight compositions (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 wt.%) reinforced in an epoxy matrix is investigated in this study. First, the effect of thorn nano epoxy composite is studied under ASTM standards. The results indicated that the nanocomposites with 2.5 wt.% filler have the maximum tensile strength, flexural strength and hardness of the epoxy composite, while those with 10 wt.% filler exhibit a noticeable increase in impact strength and compressive strength. Furthermore, the incorporation of thorn nanoparticles improved the wear resistance. 2.5 wt.% nano PJ thorn composites improved wear resistance by 9.03%. Additionally, the size of the nanoparticles, the fracture surfaces, the crystalline nature, the elements and the compounds in the thorn nanofillers are examined using transmission electron microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Genitourinary medicine consultant workforce in England 2023 – establishing the true numbers
Authors: Sherrard Jackie , Shanks Clare , Foley Elzabeth
Published: October 2023

Workforce planning of future requirements depends on accurate data and the GUM consultant and trainee workforce is reviewed annually by Health Education England (HEE) and the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) to make recommendations for specialty training numbers. A deep dive exercise in 2017 undertaken with HEE revealed that the headcount was reasonably accurate but there was much less certainty around the whole-time equivalent (WTE). The aim of this study was to triangulate the multiple sources of data regarding Consultants in the specialty, to identify and complete the gaps in data.
The impact of political competition on low-carbon technology innovation: From the perspective of officials’ personal characteristics
Authors: Deng Yaling , Wang Jingjing , Xia De , Xu Lulu
Published: October 2023

Political competition is reflected in the strategic interaction of regional government's behavioral motivation driven by “official tournament.” Especially since environmental protection was officially included in the official performance appraisal system in 2005, the interactive trend of local governments’ economic development and environmental protection is more obvious. The policy uncertainty caused by this interaction is a major challenge for the government to promote regional sustainable development. Different from previous studies that only focus on the impact of political competition on environmental governance, this paper studies the impact of political competition on the low-carbon technology innovation from the perspective of sustainable development. Combined with the characteristics of Provincial Party Secretaries and Provincial Governors, the influence mechanism of political competition on low-carbon technology innovation is analyzed based on the method of spatial dubin model. Firstly, it finds that political competition has a significant negative impact on low-carbon technology innovation in the region and its adjacent regions, which is mainly caused by the political competition of Provincial Governors, while the political competition of Provincial Party Secretaries has no significant impact on low-carbon technology innovation. Secondly, the results of the mediation effect test show that reducing the intensity of environmental regulation in exchange for economic growth and political promotion opportunities is one of the reasons why the political competition of Provincial Governors inhibits low-carbon technology innovation. Thirdly, the results of the heterogeneity test of official characteristics show that the age of Provincial Governors is less and the tenure is longer, the stronger the inhibiting effect of Provincial Governors’ political competition on low-carbon technology innovation is. These conclusions provide policy suggestions for enterprises to make environmental investment decisions under different political environments.
Energy, exergy, environment and techno-economic analysis of parabolic trough collector: A comprehensive review
Authors: Chakraborty Oveepsa , Roy Sujit , Debnath Biplab K. , Negi Sushant , Rosen Marc A. , Safari Sadegh , Assad Mamdouh El Haj , Gupta Rajat , Das Biplab
Published: October 2023

Inexhaustible energy sources are the focus of the energy industry for meeting the increased need for energy and reducing carbon emissions. Among various alternatives, harnessing solar energy has become a promising choice around the world. Parabolic trough collectors (PTCs) are an effective way to transform radiant energy into thermal energy, as well as electricity. However, these collectors can be improved by refining their design and tweaking the parameters related to thermal behavior. This may be done either by enhancing the surface area or improving the heat transfer coefficient of the heat carrying medium. These kinds of improvements could be achieved by making the use of nanofluids and by using inserts or fins within the collector tube. The current study provides an extensive review of PTCs from the points of view of their design, along with their thermal characteristics. Different types of nanofluids as the working liquid are investigated and discussed to achieve better PTC performance. Inserts within the collector tube and various design approaches, including fins, twisted tubes, U-shaped tubes, coiled wire inserts, and porous twisted tape inserts, are reviewed and discussed in detail. Finally, based on this review, challenges of PTC applications are described and future research recommendations are proposed.
Human-beaver cohabitation in the Early and Mid-Holocene of Northern Europe: Re-visiting Mesolithic material culture and ecology through a multispecies lens
Authors: Hussain Shumon T. , Brusgaard Nathalie Ø.
Published: October 2023

The Eurasian beaver ( Castor fiber) was an important member of Early and Mid-Holocene landscapes and animal communities in Northern Europe. Previous zooarchaeological research has established the alimentary roles of beavers for Mesolithic societies and their importance for fur procurement. In this paper, we develop an integrated biocultural approach to human-beaver interactions, examining the position of humans and beavers in Mesolithic and Early Neolithic multispecies systems. We contextualize beaver landscape agency in hydroactive environments with human behaviour, synthesizing currently available data on mammalian assemblages, ichtyofauna and beaver-related material culture across Northern Europe. This cross-cultural, diachronic analysis reveals previously overlooked facilitations of human behaviour by beaver practices and ecological legacies. We show that long-term trajectories of human-beaver cohabitation differed between northern European regions. While in Southern Scandinavia, human-beaver intersections witnessed major re-organizations during the Mid-Holocene, beavers retained a key role for human societies across Northeastern Europe throughout much of the Holocene and played an important part at the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition in the Dutch wetlands. Divergent pathways are also evidenced by Mesolithic beaver-related material culture, highlighting the cultural keystone status of Castor fiber in higher latitude European landscapes. We argue that this keystone status is grounded in the supply of human hunting, fishing, and gathering affordances by the animals, pointing to the generative commensality between Mesolithic foragers and their beaver neighbours. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the importance of the beaver in the making of Early and Mid-Holocene forager societies in Northern Europe and illustrate the fruitfulness of deploying an integrated multispecies approach.
Outcomes of Second Anti-CD19 CAR T-Cell Therapy (CART2) in Acute B Lymphoblastic Leukemia and the Impact of Allo-HSCT on Efficacy
Authors: Xu Qianwen , Shi Yi , Xue Lei , An Furun , Xu Hui , Liu Xin , Zhu Xiaoyu , Sun Zimin , Zhai Zhimin , Wang Xingbing
Published: October 2023

For patients exhibiting a suboptimal response to the first chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy (CART1) or relapse after remission, secondary CAR T-cell therapy (CART2) for the same target may be an option. We retrospectively analyzed patients with acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) receiving CD19 CART1 at our center (n = 84) to report the clinical outcomes of CART2 and to identify the factors that may influence the outcomes. Twenty-six patients received CART2 for suboptimal response or relapse post-CART1. The incidence of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) after CART2 was 65.4% (17/26), with 11 cases classified as grade 1 (42.3%), four cases as grade 2 (15.4%), and two cases as grade 3 (7.7%). Neurotoxicity was observed in one patient (3.8%) after CART2 infusion. Fourteen patients (53.8%) achieved complete remission (CR) after CART2. CART2 exhibited an inferior response rate (CART2: 53.8%, 14/26; CART1: 81.0%, 64/79; P = 0.006) and a lower incidence of severe CRS (CART2: 7.7%, 2/26; CART1: 30.4%, 24/79; P = 0.020) compared with CART1, with a median progression-free survival (PFS) and a median overall survival (OS) of 6.2 months and 11.2 months, respectively. In particular, patients who progressed after consolidative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) following CART1 and then received CART2 demonstrated promising outcomes with a response rate of 80.0% (8/10), a median PFS of 7.9 months, and a median OS of 25.1 months. After adjusting for the confounding factors, the response rate (85.7%, 6/7) of CART2 administered to this cohort was better than those who did not bridge to allo-HSCT receiving CART2 (28.6%, 2/7) or non-CART2 treatments (13.3%, 2/15). The median OS after CART2, which was not reached, was significantly better than the median OS after CART2 (3.9 months, P = 0.014) and non-CART2 treatments (6.0 months, P = 0.012) administered in patients who did not undergo consolidative allo-HSCT post-CART1. Our results indicated that, although less effective than CART1, a subset of patients can still benefit from CART2 with mild adverse effects. For patients who relapsed after consolidative allo-HSCT post-CART1, treatment with CART2 is a viable option.
Understanding Contextual Factors Influencing Chinese Students to Study at a Hong Kong Institution's Intra-Country Branch Campus
Authors: Dai Kun , Wilkins Stephen , Zhang Xiaofan
Published: October 2023

International branch campuses (IBCs) are commonly used by nations and universities to achieve internationalization. Although existing research has examined students’ attitudes and behaviors toward IBCs, few studies have investigated these issues in an intra-country context. Hong Kong institutions’ IBCs in the Greater Bay Area of Mainland China are examples of cross-border education that is offered under China's ‘one country, two systems’ policy. Using the concept of global-national-local imbrication as the theoretical lens, this qualitative study explores contextual factors influencing students’ motivations to enroll at a Hong Kong instituion's intra-country IBC. The findings suggest that students are drawn by global (e.g., high level of internationalization), national (e.g., shared culture), and local (e.g., high function-price ratio) factors to enroll at IBCs. These findings have generated new insights into students’ motivations within a unique environmental context, and the global-national-local imbrication paradigm provides a new attempt to explain the destination and institutional choices of students in transnational education.
Concurrent Hospice Healthcare Utilization in the Hematology/Oncology Veteran’s Affairs Patient Population
Authors: Hemrajani Anshu , Lo Shelly , Vahlkamp Alexi , Silva Abigail , Limaye Seema
Published: October 2023

Objectives: Concurrent care is a unique care delivery system that allows patients to receive disease modifying treatments and other supportive interventions while also receiving the traditional benefits of hospice care. The objectives of our observational study were to examine health care utilization, use of cancer-directed therapies and palliative interventions, and location of death in patients enrolled in concurrent care. Methods: 72 hematology-oncology patients at the Hines Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) who enrolled in concurrent care from 12/2018-4/2021 were reviewed. Data were summarized with descriptive statistics including medians and percentages. Results: A minority of patients received cytotoxic chemotherapy (27.8%), immunotherapy (20.8%), palliative radiation (20.9%), blood products (11.1%), or invasive pain procedures (4.2%). Patients also used fewer cancer-directed treatments as they approached end of life (24.4% within 30 days of death compared to 13.3% within 14 days of death). Most patients died at home (62.9%) or in inpatient hospice (12.9%) as opposed to the hospital (2.9%). Conclusions: A minority of concurrent care patients received cancer-directed therapies or additional types of health care interventions despite the option to do so. Cancer-directed treatment utilization also decreased as patients approached end of life. Patients enrolled in concurrent care were able to appreciate its benefits for longer, as the average length of stay on concurrent care was nearly 3 months.
An approximate formula for the Rayleigh wave velocity in the machined surface with residual stress
Authors: Liu Zaiwei , Lin Bin , Liang Xiaohu , Ma Xiaokang , Wan Yangfan
Published: October 2023

The present paper is concerned with the Rayleigh wave propagation in the machined surface with a thin damaged layer with residual stress. We assume that the layer and the half-space are bonded perfectly to each other. Biot’s theory of small deformations influenced by initial stress forms the basis for this study. With the help of the effective boundary condition method, a third-order approximate secular equation of Rayleigh waves is established for the case that the layer and half-space are both orthotropic. In addition, an explicit third-order approximate formula for the Rayleigh wave velocity is derived from the secular equation. By considering a sample of silicon wafer by fine grinding with fine abrasive grains, the accuracy of the approximate formula has been verified. This study is meant to serve as the mathematical foundation for non-destructive testing of residual stress in the practical applications.
Rationalizing prescription via deprescribing in oncology practice
Authors: Raju Burnis , Chaudhary Raushan Kumar , L Ananthesh , Babu Anjana , Sandeep Ail , Mateti Uday Venkat
Published: October 2023

Objective

To provide an integrated approach for deprescribing practice in oncology setting.

Data sources

The data on deprescribing in oncology settings has been retrieved from the PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. We used “deprescribing,” “potentially inappropriate medication” and “cancer” as a keyword for the conducting general search. The articles relevant to guidelines or tools used to deprescribe in cancer care were included.

Data summary

The nature of cancer, its treatment strategies, adverse effects of therapy and multimorbidity impact negatively on quality of life (QoL). Further, they invite polypharmacy which puts the patient at higher risk of drug-related problems like drug interactions, adverse drug reactions and addition of potentially improper medications, etc. In older adults with cancer, the incidence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) was between 41% and 52%. Over the decades, multiple strategies have been developed to assess the appropriateness of therapy. One such approach is deprescribing. OncPal and oncoSTRIP (Systematic Tool to Reduce Inappropriate Prescribing) are the cancer specific guidelines whereas BEERs criteria, Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment/Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions criteria (START/STOPP criteria), medication appropriateness index (MAI) are the cancer nonspecific tools to identify PIM among cancer patients. Here, we provided an integrative approach and algorithm for deprescribing in oncology setting which includes patient and caregiver goals, life expectancy (LE), review of medications, determining medication appropriateness, assessment of time to benefit (TTB), symptomatic and asymptomatic care, identifying medications to cease, implementation of the plan, monitoring and reviewing.

Conclusion

Deprescribing in oncology setting is a novel and effective patient-centric approach to counteract the use of PIM, which helps to mitigate polypharmacy, drug–drug interactions, and adverse effects.
Assessment of adherence to routine vaccination schedules in oncology patients
Authors: Sabatino David C. , Campbell Peter , Santamala Jennifer
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Patients diagnosed with cancer are at an increased risk of infection. Vaccines remain one of the most critical public health strategies in limiting infectious diseases, with a heightened importance in cancer patients. Data across the general US population indicates that vaccine adherence rates are suboptimal across all adult vaccine schedules. This study aims to define vaccine adherence rates within the oncology population.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study includes adult patients with a new cancer diagnosis. Vaccine administrations for COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza, pneumococcal, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (TDaP), herpes zoster (RZV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and hepatitis B (hepB) were assessed. The primary outcome was complete vaccine adherence.

Results

Two hundred and eighty-three oncology patients were included. The median age at diagnosis was 63 years old, and most subjects were females (60%). The two most common malignancies were gastrointestinal and breast cancer at 26.5% and 15.2%, respectively. Suboptimal vaccine adherence rates were observed across the entire oncology population. Complete adherence was observed in only 1.4% of patients. Vaccine specific adherence rates were as follows, SARS-CoV-2: 38.9%; influenza: 11.4%; pneumococcal: 12.7%; TDaP: 13.1%; RZV: 3.5%; HPV: 0%; and hepB: 34%. Among the vaccine schedules assessed, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination rates were the highest with 38.9% of patients being fully adherent and 73% receiving at least one dose.

Conclusion

Lower vaccine adherence rates were observed in oncology patients compared to currently published rates. Providers and pharmacists can play a role in assessing and counseling patients on the importance of vaccine adherence before chemotherapy is initiated and after a remission is obtained.
Does Wildfire Exposure Influence Corporate Disaster Preparedness? A Study of Natural Resources Extraction Firms in Canada
Authors: Lalonde Emily , McKnight Brent , Robinne François-Nicolas
Published: October 2023

Managers must make critical disaster preparation decisions to protect firm assets from the threat of wildfire activity. Prior literature stresses the importance of past disaster experience as a key driver of disaster preparation. The article finds that, while experience with disasters is a critical condition, it is insufficient to explain disaster preparation activities by firms. Managerial perceptions including belief in anthropogenic climate change and the perception of increasing wildfires can substitute for direct negative wildfire experience. The article builds configural theory to explain how the psychological “closeness” of wildfire hazards can influence managerial decisions to prepare for disasters in the presence of key organizational characteristics. This study adopts a qualitative comparative analytical approach, drawing on manager surveys and biophysical wildfire data from 20 Canadian mining and resource extraction sites. The article also contrasts manager perceptions of wildfire risk with those of experts and captures a gap in risk perception.
Behavioral Profiling in the Golden State Killer Investigation: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Rossmo D. Kim
Published: October 2023

The Golden State Killer hunted victims across California from 1974 to 1986. He committed violent crimes in multiple jurisdictions as he escalated from burglary to rape to serial murder. His offending evolution and shifting geography made it difficult for police to connect his crimes, leading to the assumption that different criminals were involved. Over time, therefore, nine separate behavioral profiles were generated for the various investigations. This case study is a comparative analysis of these profiles, their behavioral domains, and specific predictions. Accuracy, consistency, and utility are assessed, and an analytic framework is provided for future assessments and research.
The Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility on Stakeholders in Different Business Contexts
Authors: Ghanbarpour Tohid , Crosby Lawrence , Johnson Michael D. , Gustafsson Anders
Published: October 2023

The authors explore two important topics related to this special issue. One is how corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities impacts stakeholders, more specifically customers and shareholders/investors. Second is understanding customer recognition and demand for CSR activities. Insight into these topics is gained through the study of contextual differences in this value creation. Previous studies suggest that two important contextual differences have the potential to impact CSR-based value creation, the product versus service nature of the firm and whether the firm operates primarily in a business-to-business (B2B) versus business-to-consumer (B2C) channel. The lower innovative capabilities of service firms and the relative intangibility of services should hamper the impact of CSR activities in service versus product contexts. The impact should be higher, however, in a B2B versus B2C context based on the need for greater organizational alignment, adaptation, and relationship-specific investments. Results from a large-scale secondary dataset reinforce prior findings that CSR activities influence firm value through customer satisfaction. Moreover, the results reveal that this effect is weaker for service (vs. product) firms and stronger for B2B (vs. B2C) firms. The findings offer important implications for marketing theory and practice.
Optimal Cutoff Values of the Contact Angle of Tumor on Sonography System for Predicting Extrathyroidal Extension of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma by Tumor Location
Authors: Beom Shin Ik , Hoon Koo Do , Sik Bae Dong
Published: October 2023

Background:

Extrathyroidal extension (ETE) significantly affects the treatment strategy for thyroid cancer. We present a new method to predict ETE of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

methods:

We enrolled 1 481 patients with PTCs. The ETE was classified into minimal and gross ETE. Using the novel “contact angle of the tumor on sonography” (CATS) system, we calculated optimal cutoffs for predicting ETE according to tumor location and compared the diagnostic performance to that of previous methods.

Results:

The optimal cutoff angles for predicting anterior minimal and gross ETE were 41.5° and 49.4°, respectively, while those for posterior ETE were 39.8° and 54.6°, respectively. The optimal cutoff angle predicting tracheal ETE was 88.0°. The diagnostic performance was comparable to that of previous methods.

Conclusion:

The CATS method for predicting ETE is a valuable alternative.
Andrographolide inhibits infectious bronchitis virus-induced apoptosis, pyroptosis, and inflammation
Authors: Shen Jiachen , Xu Qiuchi , Chen Lu , Chang Xinyu , Shen Ruiting , Zhao Zhenhua , Zhu Lifei , Wu Yifei , Hou Xiaolin
Published: October 2023

Background

Avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), a coronavirus, causes a huge economic loss to the poultry industry. Andrographolide (APL) is a compound with a variety of pharmacological properties, including antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, APL was evaluated for antiviral activity by its anti-apoptotic, anti-pyroptosis, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Methods

The cytotoxicity of APL was determined by the MTT method. We investigated the therapeutic impact of APL on IBV through a plate assay. We explored that APL inhibited IBV-induced apoptosis, pyroptosis, and inflammation in HD11 cells by RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence. Also, it was verified in the clinical chicken embryo trial.

Results

We found that APL down-regulated apoptosis-related genes Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, Bax, Bid, and Bak, down-regulated pyroptosis gene DFNA5, and down-regulated inflammation-related genes (NF-κB, NLRP3, iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-1β). In addition, APL reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cells. Finally, clinical trials showed that APL inhibited IBV-induced apoptosis, pyroptosis, and inflammation, as well as reduced the mortality and malformation of chicken embryos.

Conclusions

In this study, we delved into the antiviral properties of APL in the context of chicken macrophage (HD11) infection with IBV. Our findings confirm that andrographolide effectively inhibits apoptosis, pyroptosis, and inflammation by IBV infection. Furthermore, this inhibition was verified on chicken embryos in vivo. This inhibition suggests a substantial potential for APL as a therapeutic agent to mitigate the harmful effects of IBV on host cells.
Resource entanglement and indeterminacy: Advancing the service-dominant logic through the philosophy of Karen Barad
Authors: Kleinaltenkamp Michael , Kleinaltenkamp Moritz J , Karpen Ingo O
Published: October 2023

Resources are central to value creation processes. Hence, marketing and service research rely heavily on conceptualisations of resources and resource integration for theory building efforts. One of the most widely accepted marketing lenses on resources and resource integration is the service-dominant (S-D) logic. Depicting resources as becoming and contextual, S-D logic argues that their usefulness co-depends on other resources. Some assumptions of S-D logic have been challenged particularly its dichotomous categorisation of operand and operant resources. To inform ongoing S-D logic theorising, our article problematises the multiple and contradictory ontological views upon resources and resource integration present within S-D logic. Moving beyond critique, we propose concrete means for reconciling these contradictions. Seeing a parallel between S-D logic’s ontological inconsistencies and past ontological disagreements in the philosophy of science, we draw on the philosophical perspective of Karen Barad to develop a consistent onto-epistemological foundation for conceptualising the becoming nature of resources in S-D logic. The theory adaptation we perform enhances the applicability and explanatory capacity of S-D logic, while also offering a more robust and rigorous foundation for marketing and service research at large and giving managers new means to make sense of co-dependent resource phenomena.
Stakeholder perspectives on fairness in the marketplace: Empirical evidence from the Kenyan alcohol market
Authors: Mwangi Virginia Nyambura , Cocker Hayley Louise , Piacentini Maria G
Published: October 2023

Issues of fairness relate to distributive justice (DJ), which is concerned with how a society distributes benefits and burdens. Whilst marketing theory has considered fairness in the distribution of basic goods, we lack insight into stakeholder perspectives on fairness for goods such as alcohol, which can be problematic, due to their global health and social burden. This study examines stakeholder perspectives on fairness from the Kenyan alcohol marketplace. Using longitudinal ethnographic data, we draw on two DJ theories, (egalitarianism and prioritarianism), to examine fairness perspectives of different stakeholders, their problem diagnosis, and proposed solutions to fairness challenges in the alcohol marketplace. By so doing, we give voice to previously unheard stakeholders, and expose some of the potential theoretical foundations for competing notions of fairness. The study also exemplifies the linkages between different forms of fairness and proposes a fairness chain as a framework for evaluating fairness in the marketplace.
Do public service motivation and organizational processes influence job satisfaction and organizational commitment? A comparative study in public and private organizations
Authors: Park Mingean , Lee Byung-Ho
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the impact of public service motivation (PSM) on job satisfaction and organizational commitment while controlling for four types of organizational processes and individual attributes. Furthermore, it tests whether PSM is unique to public organizations by comparing public and private organizations. We use individual-level microdata from the “Survey on the Comparison of Public and Private Organizations in Korea” to address these issues. The sample for this survey, conducted by the Korea Institute of Public Administration (KIPA) in 2014, included 2,047 participants, consisting of 1,000 civil servants and 1,047 private sector employees. First, we find that PSM positively impacts job-related work outcomes such as job satisfaction and organizational commitment in both public and private organizations. Second, we show that public sector employees have significantly higher levels of PSM than their private sector counterparts. These results indicate the importance of PSM in public administration and have a policy implication that public organizations need to design effective methods to improve the PSM levels of their employees. Third, both PSM and organizational processes jointly influence job satisfaction and organizational commitment; however, their effects differ between the public and private sectors. In conclusion, our research confirms that PSM is a crucial determinant of public organization characteristics in the East Asian context, highlighting its significance for public administration.
Virtual Allies: Why Allyship is Critical to Diversification of Virtual Reality Gaming?
Authors: Deavours Danielle
Published: October 2023

More attention is being brought to the identity challenges minority gamers face. However, as the gaming industry moves into virtual spaces and virtual reality (VR) gaming continues to grow in popularity, it is important to understand how identity and the virtual metaverse combine. Using a carnal autoethnography of a competitive woman VR gamer's lived experiences with sexism and misogyny over 6 months, this study explores how many women experience VR games as outsiders in a male-dominated space. Through the application of ambivalent sexism theory, this study shows virtual platform affordances can both help and harm minority gamers in their quest to be accepted in gaming communities. This study is among the first to examine gendered experience of VR gaming, especially from an autoethnographic frame, contributing to existing literature in women and gaming. This work calls on players, developers, educators, and research to emphasize allyship and media literacy to encourage more diverse virtual spaces.
Can moral case deliberation in research groups help to navigate research integrity dilemmas? A pilot study
Authors: Haven Tamarinde L , Molewijk Bert , Bouter Lex , Widdershoven Guy , Blom Fenneke , Tijdink Joeri
Published: October 2023

There is an increased focus on fostering integrity in research by through creating an open culture where research integrity dilemmas can be discussed. We describe a pilot intervention study that used Moral Case Deliberation (MCD), a method that originated in clinical ethics support, to discuss research integrity dilemmas with researchers. Our research question was: can moral case deliberation in research groups help to navigate research integrity dilemmas? We performed 10 MCDs with 19 researchers who worked in three different research groups from three different disciplinary fields at a university in the Netherlands. We analyzed the dilemmas and values discussed, sent out a survey questionnaire to assess self-perceived moral competencies, and conducted in-depth interviews. We found research integrity dilemmas pertained to authorship disputes, supervision of junior co-workers, and questionable handling of data. Participants perceived the majority of moral competencies to a higher degree during the MCD when compared to perceiving them in daily practice afterward. Interviewees told us that they felt most comfortable discussing dilemmas among peers with whom they were not closely affiliated. We conclude that MCD sessions could be relevant in navigating research integrity dilemmas, but that revisions to ensure commitment and safety are required.
Discontinuation of contact precautions in patients with hospital-acquired MRSA and VRE infections during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-center experience
Authors: Kelly Gillean , Hudson Marisa , Apple Bridget , Bundage Debora , Lembcke Bradley , Lasco Todd , Al Mohajer Mayar
Published: October 2023

Variations in the literature support the benefit of contact precautions for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections in the hospital setting. During personal protective equipment shortages throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, contact precautions were discontinued for MRSA and VRE-infected patients. Rates of hospital-acquired MRSA and VRE infections were compared before and after this intervention, along with hand hygiene proportions. Contact precaution discontinuation did not lead to an increase in hospital-acquired MRSA or VRE infections.
Osteoporosis in the setting of rotator cuff repair: A narrative review
Authors: Daher Mohammad , Zalaquett Ziad , Fares Mohamad Y , Boufadel Peter , Khanna Akshay , Abboud Joseph A
Published: October 2023

Osteoporosis and osteopenia are frequently found in patients undergoing shoulder surgery, especially rotator cuff repair, and it is anticipated that this link will become more common as more elderly people have operations on their shoulders. For orthopedic surgical candidates who are at high risk, preoperative screening may identify those who might benefit from early intervention and prevent any associated adverse events. The major complications include repair failure and revision surgery. Antiresorptive medication preoperatively has shown good results in vivo. However, when used in the clinical setting, the efficacy remains controversial. Surgical management may include repair augmentation and placing the anchors in the posteromedial part of the greater tuberosity.

Level of evidence: IV.
Challenges and successes in implementing an integrated electronic patient record (HIVE) at the Manchester University National Health Service Foundation Trust, England: 1000+ legacy systems, 10 hospitals, one electronic patient record
Authors: Burns Mandy
Published: October 2023

Background:

The Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust (MFT) is one of the largest NHS Trusts in England. Historically, the Trust has had very mixed clinical record keeping, including over 1000 individual information systems. None of these health information technology systems had the full functionality of an integrated electronic patient record (EPR). MFT evolved to its current size and complexity with a vision to improve patient care in Greater Manchester by adopting a Trust-wide EPR. The EPR “Go Live” occurred in September 2022.

Aim:

To describe the process of EPR integration as it reflected and impacted upon MFT’s health information management (HIM) teams.

Method:

MFT worked through a 2-year readiness program of work. This included technical readiness, software development and migration planning. Migration of data from the approximately 1000 systems was a major undertaking, during which access to the clinical history and ongoing operational reporting needed to be maintained. Pre-implementation requirements were outlined, a change management program was implemented, and the overall implementation was managed to tight timelines.

Discussion:

“Go Live” was achieved for the EPIC EPR product (HIVE) within MFT. Legacy systems are still in the process of being decommissioned and staff are transacting within HIVE. Significant changes in processes and reporting continue to be made, despite some challenges.

Conclusion:

The Trust delivered the single largest EPIC European “Go live.” Lessons learnt continue to be identified. The impact of what the EPR means for the HIM function is described.
Antinociceptive Action of 4-(5′-Dimethylamino)-Naphthalenesulfonyl-2(3H)-Benzoxazolone (W3D) on Animal Models of Pain via Inhibitory Effects on NO and iNOS
Authors: Meng Sha , Cao Zhen , Bai Huiying , Ge Rui , Ban Shurong , Tang Li , Li Qing-shan
Published: October 2023

The new synthetic anti-inflammatory agent, 4-(5′-dimethylamino)-naphthalenesulfonyl-2(3H)-benzoxazolone (W3D), has demonstrated definite biological activity both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we investigated the antinociceptive effects of W3D on various animal pain models. Our results showed that W3D, at doses of 12.5 and 25 mg/kg, significantly reduced acetic acid-induced mice writhing by 65.9% and inhibited the pain response in the second phase of formalin-induced pain from 167.75 ± 6.76 s to 97.25 ± 9.63 s. Moreover, W3D prolonged the latent period on the tail-immersion test, which was stronger than the positive drug, aspirin (50 mg/kg). However, W3D did not show analgesic activity on the hot plate test, indicating no central pain response. Furthermore, the antinociceptive effects of W3D were not antagonized by naloxone, EGTA, CaCl2, and reserpine. However, L-Arginine was able to reverse the antinociceptive effect, indicating that W3D's antinociceptive effect does not depend on opioid receptors, Ca2+ concentration, or monoamine content. Instead, it is closely associated with nitric oxide (NO) content. In addition, W3D was found to alleviate nocifensive behavior and improve brain histopathology by inhibiting NO, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and calcitonin gene-related peptide in nitroglycerin-induced migraine mice, with more than 50% inhibition ratio at only 12.5 mg/kg orally. However, noradrenaline, dopamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine levels were not significantly altered after treatment with W3D. In conclusion, the presented data suggest that W3D can be considered a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive agent for the treatment of peripheral pain and migraine mediated by NO and iNOS.
Differentiating Between Three Licorice Species Using SFC-TOF/MS Analysis With Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Saito Hideki , Miyoshi Shozo , Murakami Toshiyuki , Suzuki Ryuichiro
Published: October 2023

Objective

Although the discrimination of crude drugs by metabolomics analysis using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) has been widely reported, there are few reports on natural products analysis using supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC)–MS. This study aimed to compare the results of metabolomic analysis of licorice obtained using SFC–MS and LC–MS.

Methods

We analyzed 14 CHCl3 extracts of licorice roots ( Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis, and G. inflata) using SFC-time-of-flight (TOF)/MS and LC-TOF/MS in conjunction with principal component analysis (PCA). The three species were assessed for discrimination based on the PCA results. The characteristic constituents of each variety were purified, and their chemical structures were elucidated using various spectroscopic analyses.

Results

The PCA score plots of the results of both SFC and LC classified the licorice samples into three groups. Seven compounds (six known compounds and one new phenolic compound, glyglabone) were isolated from G. glabra, five known compounds were isolated from G. uralensis, and four known compounds were isolated from G. inflata.

Conclusions

The 16 isolated compounds may be characteristic compounds in the three licorice species. The SFC and LC methods showed comparable results in distinguishing the three species. SFC was highly effective for directly analyzing CHCl3 extracts, reducing analysis time and organic solvent consumption by over 50% compared to the LC analysis. Thus, SFC-TOF/MS in combination with PCA can be used to differentiate between G. glabra, G. uralensis, and G. inflata.