bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defining online to offline (O2O): a systematic approach to defining an emerging business model
Authors: Lee Philip Tin Yun , E Feiyu , Chau Michael
Published: July 2022

Purpose

A new business model online to offline (O2O) has emerged in recent years. Similar to many new models at an early stage, O2O has inconsistent definitions which not only inhibit its adoption but also poorly differentiate O2O from other existing business models. To resolve the two issues, the authors propose an approach of definition development.

Design/methodology/approach

To show the usefulness of the approach, the authors demonstrate the differences among O2O and other business models with the use of the distinctive definition and thereby evaluate adoption of O2O from a practical perspective and identify research directions from a theoretical perspective based on the differences.

Findings

The authors' proposed approach of definition development integrates the work of Tatarkiewicz (1980) and Nickerson et al. (2013). The approach generates a distinctive definition of O2O with important analytical dimensions which help decision-making of adoption of O2O.

Originality/value

The paper aims to make several contributions. First, on theoretical contribution, the authors confine the scope of O2O studies and facilitate accumulation of more coherent knowledge of O2O. The authors help O2O evolve from a “buzz word” of successful stories in real businesses to a more serious concept from an academic perspective. Second, from a practical perspective, the authors' definition provides business executives with critical evaluative dimensions for gauging the adoption of O2O. Lastly, from a methodological perspective, the proposed approach can be used in future to define an emerging concept in real life businesses.
Dividend payout decisions under uncertainty: the ownership influence in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland
Authors: Lindén Andreas , Lehner Othmar M. , Losbichler Heimo , Martikainen Minna
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper examines whether ownership type has a moderating influence on dividend payouts during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis with respect to changes in profits. Future uncertainties because of the pandemic will result in a perceived need for liquidity within the company, but retaining cash may be risky for shareholders who could look for less risky alternatives. The dividend payout strategy is thus even more closely related to the overall type concentration and strategy of the owners during the crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects are explored and tested on early data from 2019 to 2020 of Finnish companies using ANCOVA while controlling for profitability and sector variables.

Findings

A significant effect on dividend payout during the COVID crisis was found when the companies are dominantly held by individual owners validating early suggestions on such an influence. Therefore, this study contributes further to the academic debates on the influence of ownership concentration in times of crises. This study lists certain sectors which experience diminished profits during such a crisis which pinpoints sector separation in future discussions.

Research limitations/implications

This study explores early data from a specific context in the Nordic countries. However, it does so out of purpose as explained in the paper.

Practical implications

Ownership type and concentration matters when it comes to dividend payout decisions under uncertainty with regard to changes in profit. Investors need to accept these behavioural insights into their decisions.

Originality/value

This study examines the signalling effect of dividends by analysing how actual or anticipated change in profitability due to a crisis is reflected by owners and leads to dividend payout decisions under uncertainty.
Behavioral and institutional performance management theories are popular. Here is why we need to add a relational perspective
Authors: Kroll Alexander
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Recently, Modell (2022) and James et al. (2020) provided reviews of the performance management literature that subscribe to an institutional or behavioral perspective, respectively. This article draws attention to an alternative theoretical approach – the relational perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on a review of different literature.

Findings

Decision-making in public organizations becomes more participatory or distributed, and service provision is increasingly collaborative. In line with these trends in public administration practice, performance management theory needs to be updated and principal-agent assumptions expanded. A relational perspective could provide such an update. This perspective emphasizes the group as the unit of analysis and the importance of collaborative routines to select, define, and use performance practices and metrics. The perspective also draws attention to the role of networks, social processes, and negotiations within teams, as well as group dynamics in decision-making.

Originality/value

The article outlines avenues for future relational research on performance management efforts, with the intention to encourage more empirical work in this area. The article also theorizes about promising connections between the relational, institutional, and behavioral perspectives, specifically linking a relational research agenda to propositions made by Modell (2022).
Impact of brand community supportive climates on consumer-to-consumer helping behavior
Authors: Liao Junyun , Wang Wei , Du Peng , Filieri Raffaele
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore whether or not and how brand community supportive climates (information- versus emotion-supportive climates) have an impact on consumer-to-consumer helping behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of users of cell phone brand communities was conducted, and data from 413 participants were used to validate the hypotheses of this study.

Findings

Results indicated that emotion- and information-supportive climates enhance consumer-to-consumer helping behavior through consumer–community relationships (i.e. brand community identification and brand community commitment).

Research limitations/implications

To enhance the external validity of this research, future studies could investigate other settings (e.g. social media-based brand communities and brands of other product types) in countries with different religious beliefs.

Practical implications

Marketers should create an environment where consumers feel informationally and emotionally supported within the brand community, thereby enabling the former to enhance their relationships with their brand communities and ultimately increase consumers' helping behavior.

Originality/value

By dividing the supportive climate into two parts, the current study enriched the literature on community climate. Moreover, the authors complemented and expanded the literature on consumer helping behavior.
Unveiling research productivity of premier IIMs of India (2010–2021)
Authors: Tyagi Sunil
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the research productivity in terms of publications count of the top four premiers Indian Institute of Management (IIM) institutions and to explore the current research trends.

Design/methodology/approach

Bibliometric techniques were employed to assess the performance in terms of research productivity of authors affiliated with IIMs. The Elsevier Scopus database was selected as a tool to extract the prospective publications data limiting the time frame for 2010–2021. The IIM-Ahmedabad, IIM-Bangalore, IIM-Calcutta and IIM-Lucknow have been selected for the study. The harvested data were analyzed by using the standard bibliometric indicators and scientometric parameters to measure the research landscape such as average growth rate, compound average growth rate, relative growth rate, doubling time, degree of collaboration, collaborative index, collaborative coefficient and modified collaborative coefficient. VOSviewer 1.6.17, BibExcel and Microsoft Excel were used for data analysis and visualization.

Findings

The research productivity of selected four IIMs has shown an upward trend during the study period from 2010–2021 and accrued 4,397 publications with an average of 366 publications per year. The authorship patterns demonstrate the collaborative trends as most of the publications were produced by the multiple-authors (81.03%). IIM-Ahmedabad has produced the maximum number of publications (32.20%). The research productivity of IIMs has come out in collaboration with the 125 nations across the world and the USA, the UK, Canada, Germany and China are the front runners with IIMs in the collaborative network. The high magnitude and density of collaboration are evident from the calculated mean values of the degree of collaboration (0.82). The mean values of the collaborative index (2.64), collaborative coefficient (0.51) and modified collaborative coefficient (0.51) demonstrated a positive trend, but indicate the fluctuation in the collaborative pattern as time proceeds.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the publications data indexed in the Scopus database, therefore the outcome may not be generalized across other databases available in the public domain like Web of Science (WoS), PubMed, Dimensions and Google Scholars.

Practical implications

The findings of the study may aid academics and library professionals in identifying research trends, collaboration networks and evaluating other academic and research institutions by using the current advancement in data analysis.

Originality/value

The present study is the first effort to evaluate the research productivity of IIMs. The expanding literature will make an important contribution to identifying patterns and evaluating current research trends on a worldwide scale.
Do switching costs hurt new product development performance? The role of relationship quality and customer involvement
Authors: Li Yi , Ndubisi Nelson Oly , Xu Jinpeng , Li Gang
Published: July 2022

Purpose

From the dedication–constraint perspective, this study aims to complement ongoing discussions on the effects of switching costs on performance and explain the role of customer involvement and relationship quality in the relationship between switching costs and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

After collecting data from Chinese manufacturing firms, the authors employed structural equation modeling to test their theoretical model incorporating switching costs, new product development performance, relationship quality and customer involvement.

Findings

The findings show that switching costs negatively affect three dimensions of new product development performance covering new product development market performance, new product development speed, new product development cost. More importantly, relationship quality positively moderates the relationship between switching costs and new product development performance, while customer involvement takes positive moderation effects.

Originality/value

These conclusions contribute to the knowledge of switching costs and supplier–customer relationship, and provide theoretical contributions and managerial insights for both academics and practitioners.
Foreign market entry decision-making and heuristics: a mapping of the literature and future avenues
Authors: Guercini Simone , Milanesi Matilde
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a wide picture of studies on heuristics for international decision-making with a focus on foreign market entry. This paper systematically reviews studies published in the international business and international marketing domain to examine heuristically based decisions for foreign market entry.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a systematic literature review and an in-depth analysis of 32 papers published between 1997 and 2021 dealing with foreign market entry and the use of heuristics for international decision-making.

Findings

Even if the marketing and management literature is in many ways permeable to the debate around heuristics developed in experimental psychology and cognitive science, international business and international marketing studies on the one hand recognize that international decision-making, especially when dealing with foreign market entry, is strongly characterized by uncertainty, on the other hand, there isn’t a developed and systematized literature about it. This paper shows key topics and areas fundamental to foreign market entry in which heuristics are applied by decision makers and their effectiveness.

Originality/value

A systematic review of the use of heuristics for foreign market entry decision-making can represent a useful step for a more organic development of knowledge about the more general use of heuristics for international decision-making. Understanding the decision-making process on the modes of entry in foreign markets is a key topic for international marketing and international business scholars and practitioners.
A new harmonised approach to sustainability: implications for entrepreneurial leadership in the Middle East and globally
Authors: Kirby David Anthony , El-Kaffass Iman , Healey-Benson Felicity
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The study considers how entrepreneurship and its leaders need to adapt to address the sustainability challenge.

Design/methodology/approach

It adopts a grounded theory style approach and is based on a case study derived from non-participant observation and secondary data.

Findings

The research findings suggest that to address the sustainability challenge requires a new approach to entrepreneurship that is based on systems thinking and the principle of harmony. It suggests the need for less emphasis to be placed on “making as much money as possible” and that there should be broader focus on the development of community entrepreneurship and the creation of civic entrepreneurs.

Research limitations/implications

The research introduces a new approach to entrepreneurship in order to address the sustainability challenge and this has implications for entrepreneurial leadership.

Practical implications

The concept, known as Harmonious Entrepreneurship, requires the integration of the four main approaches to entrepreneurship (economic, eco, humane and social), abandonment of the Friedman (1970) mantra that the responsibility of business is to make as much money as possible and a change in the mindset and competence requirement of the entrepreneurial leader.

Social implications

The findings imply the need to change the way entrepreneurship is taught and entrepreneurial leaders are trained and developed. Also they suggest the need to focus on community entrepreneurship and the creation of Civic Entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

The article introduces a new, more holistic approach to entrepreneurship in order to address the sustainability challenge. It is based on a study of the vision and achievement of an Islamic entrepreneur and has implications for entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial leadership and entrepreneurship education and training. It will be of interest to entrepreneurship scholars, educationalists and those concerned with the promotion and development of entrepreneurship, as well as all agencies and individuals concerned with the future of the planet and its people. Recommendations are made for further research and verification.
Examining influencers of treatment engagement by patients in an NHS medium-secure hospital treating high-risk offenders with personality disorder
Authors: Blake Jack Christopher , Taylor Celia
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The Millfields unit is one of three medium secure hospital services on the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) pathway, for the assessment and treatment of high-risk offenders who are likely to meet criteria for this diagnosis. This study has designed an audit to examine influencers of patient engagement within Millfields, whose treatment approach is that of an adapted therapeutic community (TC). The purpose of this study was to explore themes raised by patients in relation to engagement, drivers for and barriers to engagement and to make recommendations for improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The first author engaged in ward and group observations, a review of each patient’s medical records, unstructured discussions with staff and semi-structured interviews with each patient exploring their experiences of therapy, relationships with staff, understanding of and engagement with the treatment model, attitudes towards peers and aspirations for the future. Themes were generated from the transcription of interviews and subsequent mind mapping.

Findings

In total, 12 of the 13 patients engaged in the semi-structured interviews. Six main themes were identified as being important influencers of engagement: the ward atmosphere, authenticity of engagement, perception of staff investment in the treatment, preferential treatment of senior residents, responses to boundary crosses and violations and the level of understanding a patient had of his treatment.

Originality/value

Research into engagement with psychosocial therapies in patients who have personality disorders has recently been published by Tetley et al. (2012) and Jinks et al. (2012). This study specifically focusses on TC engagement and male offenders with personality disorders.
Memorable tourism experiences, perceived value dimensions and behavioral intentions: a demographic segmentation approach
Authors: Brochado Ana , Cristóvão Veríssimo José Manuel , de Oliveira João Carlos Lopes
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore demographic market segments’ effect on the relationships between memorable tourism experiences (MTEs), perceived value dimensions and tourists’ behavioral intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected with an online survey that gathered information on MTEs, economic value, quality value, emotional value, social value and intentions to recommend and revisit. Based on a sample of 1,003 Portuguese tourists, the research model was estimated using partial least squares path modeling.

Findings

The results reveal that MTEs have a positive impact on all four perceived value dimensions. Emotional and social value have a positive effect on recommendation intentions. Tourists from different demographic segments exhibit heterogeneous patterns regarding perceived value dimensions’ influence on these individuals’ behavioral intentions. Emotional value has the strongest impact for females, but males are influenced more by social value. Economic value significantly contributes to younger tourists’ recommendation intention, while quality value has the same effect on the 36–45 age group.

Originality/value

This study extended the existing knowledge by confirming heterogeneity among different tourist segments defined by age and gender regarding the relationships between MTEs, perceived value dimensions and behavioral intentions.
Calcipotriol/betamethasone aerosol foam (Enstilum) for the topical treatment of psoriasis vulgaris in routine practice in Korea: A prospective, noninterventional, multicenter study of treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction
Authors: Jo Seong Jin , Park Chul‐Jong , Bang Chul Hwan , Jeong Ki‐Heon , Shin Bong Seok , Kim Dong Hyun , Park Hai‐Jin , Kim Byung‐Soo , Song Hae‐Jun , Lee Ju‐Hee , Youn Sang Woong
Published: July 2022

An innovative foam formulation for the fixed‐dose combination of calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) has recently become available for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. Observational studies of patients treated with Cal/BD foam in routine practice have been conducted in several Western countries, but there are limited data on outcomes in Asian patients. We performed a prospective, open‐label, noncomparative, noninterventional study to investigate treatment outcomes and satisfaction in adult patients receiving Cal/BD foam for psoriasis vulgaris in dermatological centers and outpatient clinics in Korea. Data were collected at the time of enrollment (Visit 1) and at a routine clinic visit ~4 weeks later (Visit 2). In total, 218 patients were enrolled, of whom 175 were included in the safety analysis set (58.9% male; mean age ± standard deviation 46.7 ± 15.1 years; use of Cal/BD foam at least once daily 74.3%). Of the safety analysis set, 166 patients had at least mild psoriasis (Investigator Global Assessment [IGA] ≥ 2) and were analyzed for treatment outcomes and satisfaction. Of the 166 patients, 71.7% had mild psoriasis (IGA 2) at baseline. The majority (57.8%) achieved an IGA of 0/1 (clear/almost clear) at Visit 2. The Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) showed significant improvements from Visit 1 to Visit 2 (PASI −2.4 ± 3.0, DLQI −4.5 ± 5.2, both P < 0.0001). Most of the patients were satisfied with the Cal/BD foam treatment; 77.0%, 60.0%, and 73.9% were satisfied in terms of effectiveness, ease of use, and global satisfaction, respectively. In the safety analysis set, adverse events were reported in 13 patients (7.4%). In conclusion, this first Korean real‐world study of Cal/BD foam shows improvement of lesions and health‐related quality of life after 4 weeks of treatment, with high global satisfaction and good overall tolerability and safety.
Biocrust diazotrophs and bacteria rather than fungi are sensitive to chronic low N deposition
Authors: Rong Xiaoying , Zhou Xiaobing , Li Xiangzhen , Yao Minjie , Lu Yongxing , Xu Peng , Yin Benfeng , Li Yonggang , Aanderud Zachary T. , Zhang Yuanming
Published: July 2022

Anthropogenic long‐term nitrogen (N) deposition may dramatically impact biocrusts due to the overarching N limitation of soil biota in deserts. Even low levels of N may reach a critical loading threshold altering biocrust constituents and function. To identify the impact of chronic and continuous low levels of N deposition on biocrusts, we created a realistic gradient mirroring anthropogenic N addition rate (2:1 NH4+: NO3−rates: 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 3 g N m−2 yr−1) and measured the response of bacteria and fungi within cyanobacterial‐dominated biocrusts over 8 years in a temperate desert, the Gurbantunggut Desert, China. We found that once N deposition reached 1.5 g N m−2 yr−1biocrust bacterial communities, including diazotrophs, were altered while no such tipping point existed for fungi. Above the threshold, bacterial richness was enhanced, the relative abundance of Chloroflexi, FBP and Gemmatimonadetes was elevated, and diazotrophs shifted from being dominated by Nostocaceae and Scytonemataceae (Cyanobacteria) to free‐living Bradyrhizobiaceae (Alphaproteobacteria). Alternatively, the relative recovery of a few fungal species within the Lecanorales, Pleosporales and Verrucariales became either enriched or diminished due to N deposition. The chronic addition of N resulted in a dense and interconnected bacterial co‐occurrence network that accentuated a functional shift from networks dominated by phototrophic species within the Nostocaceae, Xenococcaceae, Phormidiaceae and Scytonemataceae (Cyanobacteria) to ammonia‐oxidizing species within the Nitrosomonadaceae (Betaproteobacteria) and nitrifying bacteria [i.e. Nitrospiraceae (Nitrospirae)]. Based on structural equation models, the effects of N additions on biocrust constituents were imposed through indirect effects on pH, soil electrical conductivity and ammonium concentrations. In summary, biocrust constituents are generally insensitive to chronic low levels of N depositions until rates reach above 1.5 g N m−2 yr−1with diazotrophs being the most sensitive biocrust constituents followed by bacteria and finally fungi. Ultimately once the threshold is reached N deposition favours biocrust constituents utilizing inorganic N and other C sources over relying on phototrophic and/or N‐fixing cyanobacteria for C and N.
Polaramycin B, and not physical interaction, is the signal that rewires fungal metabolism in the Streptomyces–Aspergillus interaction
Authors: Berger Harald , Bacher Markus , Labuda Roman , Eppel Isabel Maria , Bayer Florentina , Sulyok Michael , Gasparotto Erika , Zehetbauer Franz , Doppler Maria , Gratzl Hannes , Strauss Joseph
Published: July 2022

Co‐culturing the bacterium Streptomyces rapamycinicus and the ascomycete Aspergillus nidulans has previously been shown to trigger the production of orsellinic acid (ORS) and its derivates in the fungal cells. Based on these studies it was assumed that direct physical contact is a prerequisite for the metabolic reaction that involves a fungal amino acid starvation response and activating chromatin modifications at the biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC). Here we show that not physical contact, but a guanidine containing macrolide, named polaramycin B, triggers the response. The substance is produced constitutively by the bacterium and above a certain concentration, provokes the production of ORS. In addition, several other secondary metabolites were induced by polaramycin B. Our genome‐wide transcriptome analysis showed that polaramycin B treatment causes downregulation of fungal genes necessary for membrane stability, general metabolism and growth. A compensatory genetic response can be observed in the fungus that included upregulation of BGCs and genes necessary for ribosome biogenesis, translation and membrane stability. Our work discovered a novel chemical communication, in which the antifungal bacterial metabolite polaramycin B leads to the production of antibacterial defence chemicals and to the upregulation of genes necessary to compensate for the cellular damage caused by polaramycin B.
Diversity of novel archaeal viruses infecting methanogens discovered through coupling of stable isotope probing and metagenomics
Authors: Ngo Vuong Quoc Hoang , Enault François , Midoux Cédric , Mariadassou Mahendra , Chapleur Olivier , Mazéas Laurent , Loux Valentin , Bouchez Théodore , Krupovic Mart , Bize Ariane
Published: July 2022

Diversity of viruses infecting non‐extremophilic archaea has been grossly understudied. This is particularly the case for viruses infecting methanogenic archaea, key players in the global carbon biogeochemical cycle. Only a dozen of methanogenic archaeal viruses have been isolated so far. In the present study, we implemented an original coupling between stable isotope probing and complementary shotgun metagenomic analyses to identify viruses of methanogens involved in the bioconversion of formate, which was used as the sole carbon source in batch anaerobic digestion microcosms. Under our experimental conditions, the microcosms were dominated by methanogens belonging to the order Methanobacteriales (Methanobacterium and Methanobrevibacter genera). Metagenomic analyses yielded several previously uncharacterized viral genomes, including a complete genome of a head‐tailed virus (class Caudoviricetes, proposed family Speroviridae, Methanobacterium host) and several near‐complete genomes of spindle‐shaped viruses. The two groups of viruses are predicted to infect methanogens of the Methanobacterium and Methanosarcina genera and represent two new virus families. The metagenomics results are in good agreement with the electron microscopy observations, which revealed the dominance of head‐tailed virus‐like particles and the presence of spindle‐shaped particles. The present study significantly expands the knowledge on the viral diversity of viruses of methanogens.
Membrane lipid renovation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa ‐ implications for phage therapy?
Authors: Lyon Rhiannon , Jones Rebekah A. , Shropshire Holly , Aberdeen Isabel , Scanlan David J. , Millard Andrew , Chen Yin
Published: July 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important Gram‐negative pathogen with intrinsic resistance to many clinically used antibiotics. It is particularly troublesome in nosocomial infections, immunocompromised patients, and individuals with cystic fibrosis. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a huge threat to global health, with a predicted 10 million people dying from resistant infections by 2050. A promising therapy for combatting AMR infections is phage therapy. However, more research is required to investigate mechanisms that may influence the efficacy of phage therapy. An important overlooked aspect is the impact of membrane lipid remodelling on phage binding ability. P. aeruginosa undergoes changes in membrane lipids when it encounters phosphorus stress, an environmental perturbation that is likely to occur during infection. Lipid changes include the substitution of glycerophospholipids with surrogate glycolipids and the over‐production of ornithine‐containing aminolipids. Given that membrane lipids are known to influence the structure and function of membrane proteins, we propose that changes in the composition of membrane lipids during infection may alter phage binding and subsequent phage infection dynamics. Consideration of such effects needs to be urgently prioritised in order to develop the most effective phage therapy strategies for P. aeruginosa infections.
Sectoral FTA gains, conflicts, and the role of interindustry factor mobility: Evidence from Korea's free trade agreement
Authors: Park Jin Suk , Hwang Eunju
Published: July 2022

Free trade agreements (FTAs) can ignite domestic conflicts between export‐ and import‐competing industries over trade gains. However, if the factors of production, such as capital and labour, move freely across industries, the returns to factor owners will quickly converge. Then, sectoral conflicts over FTAs will be less likely to arise. We analyse the case of South Korea's FTAs to measure (a) sectoral FTA gains and (b) interindustry factor mobility and to examine (c) the role of interindustry factor mobility in mitigating sectoral conflicts over trade policies. South Korea is an ideal case study due to the low barriers to domestic geographic mobility and high trade dependence. Based on data on its trade with 252 countries and factor returns between 2002 and 2017, we find that export industries did not gain much from the FTAs, while the import‐competing agricultural sector was the winner. Sectoral conflicts greatly decreased over 2008–2010. Interindustry capital mobility plays a significant role in weakening the sectoral conflicts, while the impact of interindustry labour mobility is limited.
LANDSCAPES ON HOLD: Opening up Monopoly Rent Gaps on Crete's Cape Sidero
Authors: Korfiati Ioanna P.
Published: July 2022

To explain the continuous hold of a single touristic real estate investor over the greater part of Crete's easternmost peninsula, Cape Sidero, for a period of over thirty years, this article examines the production of rent gaps on ‘exceptional’ rural land through increasing potential rent rather than a falling capitalized rent. I examine Neil Smith's ‘alternative’ rent gap hypothesis as it applies to two main factors: the production of and sustained control over land of monopolistic quality, which has no fixed value and is resistant to depreciation; and the dramatic neoliberal reworking of land markets through institutional and legislative changes, which produce legally ‘exceptional’ spaces. I employ the conceptual lens of the rent gap to examine how opening up a rent gap on ‘exceptional land’ based solely on the promise of (re)development can be a sufficient driver of land dispossession. Simply sustaining this promise can perpetuate land with monopolistic quality as a site of rent‐generating possibility, and while this process might never lead to (re)development, it can result in the submersion of the landscape into a captive, limbo state, stealing its future.
Theory rewritten: Business Continuity and Crisis Management in the wake of the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Graham Julia , Loke Hoe‐Yeong
Published: July 2022

Airmic, the UK's association for risk professionals, conducted a meeting of its Enterprise Risk Management Special Interest Group in June 2020, and a survey of risk professionals in August 2020, which found that the pandemic had amplified the challenges of a siloed approach to Business Continuity Management and Crisis Management. They have clearly highlighted the disconnect between strategic risk on the one hand and operational resilience and response on the other. Crisis management and business continuity need to adapt, to better meet the challenges posed by systemic crises such as the Covid‐19 pandemic. The trajectory of the pandemic—as a crisis—will likely continue over several years; yet, the initial responses had been largely focused on the near‐ and shorter term. It is more difficult to look long term when the crisis timeline loops back because of further waves of the pandemic. Our findings indicate that the pandemic has modified crisis and business continuity thinking, and that organizations are actively reviewing and changing their strategic approach to resilience.
Robotic surgery in gynaecology
Authors: Nobbenhuis Marielle A. E. , Gul Nahid , Barton‐Smith Peter , O'Sullivan Orfhlaith , Moss Esther , Ind Thomas E. J. ,   Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Published: July 2022

Plain language summary

The use of robotic‐assisted keyhole surgery in gynaecology has expanded in recent years owing to technical advances. These include 3D viewing leading to improved depth perception, limitation of tremor, potential for greater precision and discrimination of tissues, a shorter learning curve and improved comfort for surgeons compared with conventional keyhole and open abdominal surgery. Robotic‐assisted keyhole surgery, compared with conventional keyhole surgery, improves surgical performance without increasing operating time, minimises blood loss and intra‐ or postoperative complications, while reducing the need to revert to abdominal surgery. Moreover, surgeons using a robot experience fewer skeletomuscular problems of their own in the short and long term than those operating without a robot as an additional tool.

This Scientific Impact Paper looks at the use of a robot in different fields of gynaecological surgery. A robot could be considered safe and a more effective surgical tool than conventional keyhole surgery for women who have to undergo complex gynaecology surgery or have associated medical issues such as body–mass index (BMI) at 30 kg/m2 or above or lung problems. The introduction of the use of robots in keyhole surgery has resulted in a decrease in the number of traditional open surgeries and the risk of conversion to open surgery after traditional keyhole surgery; both of which should be considered when examining the cost–benefit of using a robot. Limitations of robotic‐assisted surgery remain the associated higher costs. In womb cancer surgery there is good evidence that introducing robotics into the service improves outcomes for women and may reduce costs.
‘It's a constant changing environment, and we're just playing catch up’: Hospital food services, food waste, and COVID‐19
Authors: Cook Nathan , Goodwin Denise , Collins Jorja , Porter Judi
Published: July 2022

Aims

Hospital food service operations have been affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic, particularly resulting in increased waste. The aim of this research was to explore the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on hospital food services, particularly on food waste and the completion of food waste audits.

Methods

A qualitative interview research design was used. Semi‐structured interviews were completed and recorded via Zoom, focusing on the barriers and enablers towards the completion of hospital food waste audits. Twenty‐one participants were interviewed from 12 hospitals. No questions were related to the COVID‐19 pandemic and its impact on hospital food services, however this issue frequently emerged during interviews. Data were coded following inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Five themes were generated from the interviews related to COVID‐19 and hospital food services; impacts on practice, labour, change, technology and post‐pandemic expectations. Participants reported COVID‐19 negatively affected food service operations. Changes included increased food waste, contact restrictions, and labour shortages. Nonetheless, hospitals embraced the challenge and created new positions, trialled different food waste data collection methods, and utilised technology to support food service operations around COVID‐19 restrictions.

Conclusions

Despite the impact COVID‐19 had on hospital food services, including their ability to audit food waste and increased food waste generation, the response from food services has demonstrated their adaptability to change. Sustainable healthcare, including the aggregate measuring and reduction of food waste in hospital food services, is an essential transition post‐pandemic, and may be facilitated through the operational changes forced by COVID‐19.
The bovine Prader–Willi/Angelman imprinted domain has four Sno‐lncRNAs types
Authors: Chen Weina , Ma Chao , Dong Yanqiu , Li Shijie
Published: July 2022

Sno‐lncRNAs are intron‐derived long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) with snoRNA ends. Sno‐lncRNAs were first discovered in the human Prader–Willi (PWS)/Angelman (AS) imprinted domain. Here, we report the identification and characterization of four sno‐lncRNA types (sno‐lncRNA1, sno‐lncRNA2, sno‐lncRNA3, and sno‐lncRNA4) in the bovine PWS/AS imprinted domain. Reverse transcription–PCR first determined the cDNA sequences of the four bovine sno‐lncRNAs. A gene structure analysis showed that sno‐lncRNA1 lacks introns, but sno‐lncRNA2 and sno‐lncRNA3 have one and two introns respectively. The three sno‐lncRNAs have similar snoRNA ends. Moreover, the three have similar snoRNAs at their 5′ and 3′ ends. The head‐to‐tail orientation has six sno‐lncRNA copies arranged between bovine SNORD116‐6 and SNORD116‐12. Moreover, only a copy of sno‐lncRNA4 was located between SNORD116‐3 and SNORD116‐4. The expression of the four sno‐lncRNAs was analyzed in the bovine heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, muscle, fat, brain, and placenta tissues. The monoallelic expression of sno‐lncRNA4 was determined in bovine tissues. The results showed that the four sno‐lncRNAs are widely expressed in the nine tissues, although sno‐lncRNA3 and sno‐lncRNA4 were undetected in the placenta. Moreover, an informative single nucleotide polymorphism (rs448706424) revealed the allelic expression of sno‐lncRNA4 in exon 2 of sno‐lncRNA4. The bovine genome had six copies of sno‐lncRNA1, sno‐lncRNA2, and sno‐lncRNA3, but their allelic expression was not identified.
Increased androgen‐related comorbidity in adolescents and adults born with hypospadias: A population‐based study
Authors: Phillips Lottie , Lundholm Cecilia , Kvist Ulrik , Almqvist Catarina , Nordenskjöld Agneta , Skarin Nordenvall Anna
Published: July 2022

Background

Hypospadias is a common congenital malformation often related to the effect of androgens in utero. While hypogonadism is associated with many potential health risks including metabolic and cardiovascular disease, the risk of clinical hypogonadism and comorbidities in men with hypospadias later in life has not been studied.

Objectives

Investigate the risk of hypogonadism and somatic comorbidities in adolescents and men born with hypospadias.

Materials and methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study using Swedish registers. Associations between hypospadias and hypogonadism, delayed puberty, metabolic, and cardiovascular disease respectively were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression. Body measurements from military conscription were analysed in a subpopulation as indicators of growth and cardiometabolic risk. We used sibling comparison analyses to control for familial confounding.

Results

Using register data, a total of 2,165,255 men including 9,714 men born with hypospadias were followed from the age of 10 to a maximum of 60 years. We found an association between hypospadias and hypogonadism (Hazard ratio (HR) 3.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.33–4.59) which was more pronounced in proximal hypospadias. Men with hypospadias had shorter average height than their brothers and the general population. We further found an increased risk of delayed puberty (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.08–2.07), diabetes mellitus type 2 (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.18–2.09) and cardiovascular disease (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.27–1.71).

Discussion

We found an increased risk of hypogonadism, metabolic and cardiovascular disease in men born with hypospadias, increasing with severity of phenotype, as well as impacted growth. These results indicate discruptions in androgen function past childhood, although some of the associations may be due to other underlying aetiologies.

Conclusion

Hypospadias is associated with an increased risk of androgen‐related comorbidity in adolescence and adulthood. We suggest that this can be considered clinically, while further research is needed, especially in older populations.
Unraveling metabolism during kidney perfusion using tracer studies: a systematic review
Authors: Gonzalez‐Viedma Arantxa , Van Dyck Robbe , De Beule Julie , Ghesquière Bart , Jochmans Ina
Published: July 2022

Background

Understanding kidney metabolism during perfusion is vital to further develop the technology as a preservation, viability assessment, and resuscitation platform. We reviewed the evidence on the use of labeled metabolites (tracers) to understand “on‐pump” kidney behavior.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for studies evaluating metabolism of (non)radioactively labeled endogenous compounds during kidney perfusion.

Results

Of 5899 articles, 30 were included. All were animal studies [rat (70%), dog (13%), pig (10%), rabbit (7%)] perfusing but not transplanting kidneys. Perfusion took place at hypothermic (4–12°C) (20%), normothermic (35–40°C) (77%), or undefined temperatures (3%). Hypothermic perfusion used albumin or a clinical kidney preservation solution, mostly in the presence of oxygen. Normothermic perfusion was mostly performed with oxygenated crystalloids often containing glucose and amino acids with unclear partial oxygen tensions. Active metabolism of carbohydrate, amino acid, lipids, and large molecules was shown in hypothermic and normothermic perfusion. Production of macromolecules, such as prostaglandin, thromboxane, and vitamin D, takes place during normothermic perfusion. No experiments compared differences in metabolic activity between hypothermic and normothermic perfusion. One conference abstract showed increased anaerobic metabolism in kidneys donated after circulatory death by adding labeled glucose to hypothermically perfused human kidneys.

Conclusions

Tracer studies during kidney perfusion contribute to unraveling kidney metabolic behavior in pre‐clinical models. Whether findings are truly translational needs further investigation in large animal models of human kidneys. Furthermore, it is essential to better understand how ischemia changes this metabolic behavior.
The case for smart diplomacy: Evidence from Taiwan's New Southbound Policy
Authors: Rasool Adnan , Ruggiero Casey
Published: July 2022

How do small states create potent foreign policy? This article argues that small states like Taiwan, Mongolia, and Singapore create effective foreign policy by engaging in smart diplomacy. Smart diplomacy, we argue, is an approach whereby smaller states must choose rational foreign policy objectives in a targeted region they can attain through a mix of soft power and niche national branding. We further argue that for most small states, their foreign policy options are limited, and smart diplomacy is the most rational way forward. By analyzing Taiwan's New Southbound Policy as a framework for smart diplomacy, this article argues that a small state will need to engage in smart diplomacy as it seeks to engage its neighbors in the region on people‐to‐people basis rather than through traditional diplomacy. To achieve that, it would need a clear national brand and niche expertise it can offer its partners.
Nonparametric Inverse-Probability-Weighted Estimators Based on the Highly Adaptive Lasso
Authors: Ertefaie Ashkan , Hejazi Nima S. , van der Laan Mark J.
Published: July 2022

Inverse-probability-weighted estimators are the oldest and potentially most commonly used class of procedures for the estimation of causal effects. By adjusting for selection biases via a weighting mechanism, these procedures estimate an effect of interest by constructing a pseudopopulation in which selection biases are eliminated. Despite their ease of use, these estimators require the correct specification of a model for the weighting mechanism, are known to be inefficient, and suffer from the curse of dimensionality. We propose a class of nonparametric inverse-probability-weighted estimators in which the weighting mechanism is estimated via undersmoothing of the highly adaptive lasso, a nonparametric regression function proven to converge at nearly -rate to the true weighting mechanism. We demonstrate that our estimators are asymptotically linear with variance converging to the nonparametric efficiency bound. Unlike doubly robust estimators, our procedures require neither derivation of the efficient influence function nor specification of the conditional outcome model. Our theoretical developments have broad implications for the construction of efficient inverse-probability-weighted estimators in large statistical models and a variety of problem settings. We assess the practical performance of our estimators in simulation studies and demonstrate use of our proposed methodology with data from a large-scale epidemiologic study.
The human cathelicidin hCAP‐18 in serum of children with haemato‐oncological diseases
Authors: Jackmann Natalja , Englund Sofia , Frisk Per , Mäkitie Outi , Utriainen Pauliina , Mörtberg Anette , Henriques‐Normark Birgitta , Pütsep Katrin , Harila‐Saari Arja
Published: July 2022

The human cathelicidin hCAP‐18 (pro‐LL‐37) is the pro‐protein of the antimicrobial peptide LL‐37. hCAP‐18 can be produced by many different cell types; bone marrow neutrophil precursors are the main source of hCAP‐18 in the circulation. Neutrophil count is used as a marker for myelopoiesis but does not always reflect neutrophil production in the bone marrow, and thus additional markers are needed. In this study, we established the reference interval of serum hCAP‐18 level in healthy children and compared serum hCAP‐18 levels between different diagnostic groups of children with haemato‐oncological diseases, at diagnosis. We found that children with diseases that impair myelopoiesis, such as acute leukaemia, aplastic anaemia, or myelodysplastic syndrome, presented with low hCAP‐18 levels, whereas patients with non‐haematological malignancies displayed serum hCAP‐18 levels in the same range as healthy children. Children with chronic myeloid leukaemia presented with high circulating levels of hCAP‐18, probably reflecting the high number of all differentiation stages of myeloid cells. We suggest that analysis of serum hCAP‐18 provides additional information regarding myelopoiesis in children with haemato‐oncological diseases, which may have future implications in assessment of myelopoiesis in clinical management.