bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the justification of topological derivative for wave-based qualitative imaging of finite-sized defects in bounded media
Authors: Bonnet Marc
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This work contributes to the general problem of justifying the validity of the heuristic that underpins medium imaging using topological derivatives (TDs), which involves the sign and the spatial decay away from the true anomaly of the TD functional. The author considers here the identification of finite-sized (i.e. not necessarily small) anomalies embedded in bounded media and affecting the leading-order term of the acoustic field equation.

Design/methodology/approach

TD-based imaging functionals are reformulated for analysis using a suitable factorization of the acoustic fields, which is facilitated by a volume integral formulation. The three kinds of TDs (single-measurement, full-measurement and eigenfunction-based) studied in this work are given expressions whose structure allows to establish results on their sign and decay properties. The latter are obtained using analytical methods involving classical identities on Bessel functions and Legendre polynomials, as well as asymptotic approximations predicated on spatial scaling assumptions.

Findings

The sign component of the TD imaging heuristic is found to be valid for multistatic experiments and if the sought anomaly satisfies a bound (on a certain operator norm) involving its geometry, its contrast and the operating frequency. Moreover, upon processing the excitation and data by applying suitably-defined bounded linear operatirs to them, the magnitude component of the TD imaging heuristic is proved under scaling assumptions where the anomaly is small relative to the probing region, the latter being itself small relative to the propagation domain. The author additionally validates both components of the TD imaging heuristic when the probing excitation is taken as an eigenfunction of the source-to-measurement operator, with a focusing effect analogous to that achieved in time-reversal based methods taking place. These findings extend those of earlier studies to the case of finite-sized anomalies embedded in bounded media.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper lies in the theoretical justifications of the TD-based imaging heuristic for finite-sized anomalies embedded in bounded media.
Exploring relationships for integrating lean, environmental sustainability and industry 4.0
Authors: Lobo Mesquita Lígia , Lizarelli Fabiane Letícia , Duarte Susana , Oprime Pedro Carlos
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to thoroughly identify the forms of integration between Lean, Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and environmental sustainability (ES) by examining the relationships between these three constructs, deepening understanding surrounding the theme and evolving the construction of a framework that can aid managing industrial production processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) was the method used to identify the relationships for integration in the current literature. The SLR was supported by content and cluster analysis. The analyzes identified relationships at two levels. The first level observed relationships for constructs and variables. The second, at the level of constructs and components, which detail the variables. This study also proposes an integrated conceptual framework showing these relationships at the construct, variable and component levels.

Findings

The results show how these three constructs are related and the study concludes by stating that there is stronger integration among I4.0 technologies and Lean practices for reaching ES. The SLR identified the main components that allowed for this integration, i.e. I4.0 technologies, Big Data, the internet of things and Lean practices, like reducing waste and customer needs.

Practical implications

From an academic standpoint, this study proposes new lines of research lines that have not been explored thus far, and can be developed via empirical studies, at the strategic and operational levels among different industrial sectors. Also, this study can help managers understand the integrations between Lean practices and I4.0 technologies to achieve better operational and environmental organizational results.

Originality/value

To the best of the knowledge, this study is the first of its kind using SLR to integrate Lean approaches, ES and I4.0 and to propose a unified framework to help managers and academics understand these relationships.
Disaggregated IPO returns, economic uncertainty and the long-run performance of SME IPOs
Authors: Gupta Vikas , Singh Shveta , Yadav Surendra S.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in national economies worldwide, generating employment and contributing to innovation. This study tries to investigate the performance of the newly started IPO platform for the SMEs in India through a two-staged framework developed to measure pre-market and post-market underpricing separately and the impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on the IPO returns using the EPU index which is based on newspaper coverage frequency. Further, the long-run performance of SME IPOs and the factors affecting the same have also been analyzed. The two-staged framework is helpful in capturing the impact of different factors separately on the two distinctive markets and providing effective investment strategies to the investors.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 384 SME IPOs issued during 2012–2018 has been analyzed using robust regression analysis.

Findings

The study highlights the fact that there are differences in the factors affecting pre-market and post-market underpricing and reports that investors subscription rate, issue expenses, lead manager reputation and EPU are positively associated, whereas the age of the firm is negatively associated with the pre-market underpricing, and lead manager reputation positively impacts the post-market underpricing whereas issue premium and pre-market underpricing are negatively associated. Pre-market underpricing subsumes all the impact of EPU (publicly available information) in it, hence providing credence to the semi-strong market hypothesis of the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH). The long-run performance of SME IPOs increases with time, and lead manager reputation, pre-market and post-market underpricing are positively related to the one-year return whereas issue size, turnover and issue expense are negatively related.

Originality/value

This paper is believed to be the first attempt to analyze the performance of SME IPOs by disaggregating IPO underpricing. The findings of this study will have a great insight for the investors and policymakers.
Response of multistory steel structure subjected to differential settlements of its foundation
Authors: Hanna Adel , Chen Wenxue
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This article aims to address an outstanding problem dealing with the structure and its foundation.

Design/methodology/approach

Differential settlement between foundation units of a multistory structure has been responsible for serious damage to buildings and often catastrophic failure and loss of life. The dynamic changes in the loading conditions of the structure, and the variability of the underlying ground due to environmental changes, are causing the undesirable differential settlement, which is manifested in the form of additional stresses in beams, columns and distortion of the structure elements. The structural response to the differential settlements depends on the type of the structure (concrete or steel), type of beam-to-column connections (rigid or semi-rigid), number of floors and the spans of the beams in the building. This paper presents the results of a numerical model, which was developed using the finite element technique and the software “ABAQUS” to analyze a nine-floor steel structure. The model was capable to capture the stresses and the strains developed in beams and columns and the relationships of moment–settlement and rotation–settlement for the structural during the differential settlement of its foundation. After validating of the model, data were produced for a wide range of governing parameters for rigid and semi-rigid connections and accordingly the mode of failure. The results can be used as a guideline for the design of steel structures.

Findings

Results are useful for those design steel structures.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on the experimental and numerical data of the authors.

Practical implications

This study provides a guideline for the design of steel structures.

Originality/value

This is the original research developed by the authors.
Woodworking marking tool structuration based on craft traditions
Authors: Gūtmane Ilze , Kukle Silvija , Zotova Inga , Ķīsis Artūrs
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Based on profound information lacking in compiled information materials, the risks of losing knowledge related to the values of traditional woodworking processes are increasing. The purpose of this article is to collect and structure diverse marking tool data into a comprehensive, understandable and clear design schematic view, which serves as a basis for the accumulation and preservation of diverse marking objects and shows woodworking marking tool relation in the group and subgroup levels.

Design/methodology/approach

A method for marking tools structuring and analysis are described, including breaking down a set of objects into groups of marking objects, and assigning one or more attributes to the parcelled objects by arranging them into hierarchic levels. Research is based on marking tools used by carpenters, joiners and woodcarvers mainly in the Baltic region.

Findings

Collected data, object analyses and comparison within-group and subgroup levels are based on written and visual sources, museum and museum funds visits, and participation in the local craftsmen events. The created structure is expandable in group and subgroup levels. The most comprehensive way for object structuring is chosen as a base to reveal a diversity of the objects.

Originality/value

Structure schemes of woodworking marking tools are important in scientific, educative and cultural levels based on their wide range and use. Aggregated information of the woodworking tools serves as a base for existing tool studies and improvement, new tool and wood product creation as well as complements the structure of the upcoming woodworking hand tool database and book.
Socially distributed leadership in elementary schools: teacher and staff leadership practice in Denmark and the USA
Authors: Modeste Marsha E. , Nguyen Chi , Nafziger Rhoda Nanre , Hermansen Jonathan
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the nature of socially distributed leadership in Denmark and the USA, specifically teacher and staff leadership practices distributed in schools.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a confirmatory factor analysis and a second-order factor analysis to examine elementary USA and 0–9 Danish school educators’ responses to the Comprehensive Assessment of Leadership for Learning.

Findings

Findings from this analysis of leadership practice demonstrate (1) different approaches to teacher and staff leadership in Denmark and the USA; (2) the importance of a collaborative approach to developing and maintaining professional learning communities in schools in both contexts; and (3) different patterns of leadership practice that broadly reflect the local structure and approach to school leadership while responding to external policy demands.

Originality/value

Drawing on the globalization scholarship, which acknowledges the connection between global policy development and local spaces of implementation, this comparative international study allowed us to examine how policy ideas are parlayed into practice through the use of a shared assessment of leadership practice. The results of this study suggest that while the work of teacher and staff leadership is important and something that educators in Denmark and the USA are engaging in to advance the overall instructional mission of their schools, the approaches taken in each context are different and reflect a local-level negotiation between contextual cultural norms and policy expectations.
Why we need to know more about diversity among the globally mobile: a systematic literature review of non-traditional expatriate research and future research agenda for minority expatriates
Authors: Hutchings Kate
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide a systematic literature review of research on non-traditional expatriates (NTEs) and an agenda for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic literature review of NTEs 2010–2020 followed Moher et al.'s flow chart approach to undertaking a systematic literature review and included research on various categories of NTEs.

Findings

The article explains how the author developed an interest in NTEs and provides a brief distillation of the author's research on NTEs and its key contributions. The article then presents the findings of the systematic literature review of NTEs and highlights the key aspects and contributions of this research. The article examines the strengths and weaknesses of the body of research, how it relates to global mobility research broadly and presents some issues for future literature reviews.

Research limitations/implications

The article highlights the limited research undertaken on some types of NTEs and issues of construct definition. The article presents issues for future research on NTEs including examining a wider range of NTEs, the impact of changing locations for NTEs, identity and intersectionality of NTEs, and methodological issues within NTE research. Moreover, the call for future research suggests the need for greater construct clarity including proposing a new term to define this group, namely, minority expatriates.

Originality/value

The article is original in terms of building on earlier examinations of NTEs to provide a systematic literature review of NTEs 2010–2020 and an extensive agenda for further research in the field.
The compatibility of multiple leadership styles in responding to a complex crisis: leading a health service COVID-19 response
Authors: Smithson Rachael
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The health service response to COVID-19 provided a unique opportunity to build our understanding of the leadership styles in use in managing a crisis event. Existing literature emphasises command and control leadership; however, there has been less emphasis on relational approaches and the behaviours necessary to ensure the agility of the response and minimise the risk of relational disturbances. The purpose of this paper is to understand leadership styles in use, as part of a health service response to COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on data from semi-structured interviews with 27 executives and senior leaders from a tertiary health service in Australia. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Notes and examples were coded according to deductively derived criteria around leadership styles and competencies from the literature, while remaining open to emergent themes.

Findings

Health system leaders described examples of both command and control and relational leadership behaviours. This dually provided the discipline (command and control) and agility (relational) required of the crisis response. While some leaders experienced discomfort in enacting these dual behaviours, this discomfort related to discordance with leadership preferences rather than conflict between the styles. Both leadership approaches were considered necessary to effectively manage the health system response.

Originality/value

Crisis management literature has typically focused on defining and measuring the effectiveness of behaviours reflective of a command and control leadership response. Very few studies have considered the relational aspects of crisis management, nor the dual approaches of command and control, and relational leadership.
The impact of knowledge distance on turnover intention of millennial employees: from the perspective of Mianzi
Authors: Zhuo Fanchao , Yuan Ling
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The reasons for turnover intention of millennial employees show intergenerational differences and gradually have become a hot topic in the field of management. From the perspective of knowledge management, this paper aims to explore the mechanism of individual knowledge distance on the turnover intention of millennial employees. Based on the social comparison theory and the person-environment fit theory, this study discusses the moderation role of individual perception of organizational innovation climate in this model by integrating social and cultural factors into the cognitive behavior model, and empirically tests the impact of individual knowledge distance on the turnover intention of millennial employees.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, 585 valid questionnaires were collected from the millennial employees, and the moderated intermediary model was empirically tested by using hierarchical regression analysis and conditional process analysis.

Findings

The results show that the knowledge distance between individuals has a significant positive impact on the turnover intention of the millennial employees; the ability-based Mianzi stress has a significant positive impact on the turnover intention of the millennial employees; in organizations with a high innovation climate perception, the ability-based Mianzi stress partially mediates the positive impact of the knowledge distance between individuals on the turnover intention; the organizational innovation climate perception positively moderates the influence of individual knowledge distance on ability-based Mianzi stress, and the boundary condition of ability-based Mianzi stress is discussed, which shows that knowledge distance can induce ability-based Mianzi stress only when individual are able to perceive organizational innovation climate.

Originality/value

This study explores the influence mechanism between knowledge distance and employee turnover intention from the perspective of Mianzi, which is a supplement and enrichment to the study of millennial employees’ turnover intention. It enlightens managers to take effective measures to reduce the negative impact of knowledge difference among millennial employees in the process of actively creating innovation climate in the organization. Because Western countries also have face problems, the conclusion of this study is also of practical significance to managers in Western countries.
Deep-level dissimilarity and leader–member exchange (LMX) quality: the role of status
Authors: Lianidou Theano , Lytle Ashley , Kakarika Maria
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study explores how status, demographic and positional, moderates the negative effect of deep-level dissimilarity on leader–member exchange (LMX) quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from three samples were analyzed using hierarchical linear regression and linear mixed-effects methods.

Findings

Results suggest that the negative effect of deep-level dissimilarity (perceived work-related attitude and perspective differences) on LMX quality is stronger when the LMX partner has low demographic status (e.g. the LMX partner is an African-American woman). This moderating effect was not significant when deep-level dissimilarity was extended to include differences in personality, interests and values. Results were mixed on whether low positional status (i.e. when the LMX partner is a member rather than a leader) strengthens the negative effect of deep-level dissimilarity on LMX quality.

Practical implications

This study may help leaders, organizational members and diversity managers better manage attitude and perspective dissimilarity in leader–member dyads.

Originality/value

This study expands research exploring interactive effects of dissimilarity and status on work-related outcomes. It is novel in that it explores status not in relative terms but at the societal level. It is also the first study to analyze the moderating effects of two types of status: demographic and positional.
Investigating the role of celebrity institutional entrepreneur in reducing the attitude-behavior gap in sustainable consumption
Authors: Chaturvedi Pallavi , Kulshreshtha Kushagra , Tripathi Vikas
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Anthropogenic activities such as unsustainable consumption pattern is one of the reasons responsible for the ongoing environmental issues. Although, consumers are becoming increasingly aware and concerned about environmental problems their attitudes are not resulting in sustainable consumption behavior (SCB). Celebrity institutional entrepreneurs can engage and inspire the public at large and contribute to institutional change. Hence, this study aims to explore the potential of celebrity institutional entrepreneurship in galvanizing mainstream SCB by increasing the awareness of environmental issues and their consequences.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines the actor's influence by conducting a netnographic analysis of Leonardo DiCaprio's Instagram account. Further, qualitative interviews of account followers were also conducted to evaluate the influence of account on their awareness levels and consumption practices.

Findings

Our findings indicate that account had a significant impact on consumers' environmental awareness and engagement with environmental issues. However, a partial impact was seen in case of their sustainable consumption practices. Our study concludes that celebrity institutional entrepreneurship can help in addressing the attitude-behavior gap in sustainability research.

Originality/value

This study is amongst the few studies that attempted to explore the ways to reduce the attitude-behavior gap in SCB. It examines the potential of celebrity institutional entrepreneurship to galvanize mainstream sustainable consumption. The results of this study are useful to key stakeholders (policymakers, marketers, social-environmental groups etc.) in the development of more effective strategies for sustainable development.
Analyzing informal value transfer networks through the lens of social exchanges
Authors: Sharif Khurram , Farooqi Nauman , Kassim Norizan , Zain Mohamed
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to focus on how informal value transfer networks, Hawala business in particular, used social exchanges in their business dealings. More specifically, the conducted research looked into how social exchange theory was used in Hawala business relationship initiation and management.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-one depth interviews were conducted with Hawala Network members, and Hawala customers, in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The collected qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis and NVivo 11 software.

Findings

The study outcome indicated that Social Exchange Theory was a principal relationship driver in Hawala Networks. Especially, trust had a pivotal role in evolvement and nurturing of Hawala Network business and social exchanges. Other relationship variables, namely, reciprocity, religious affiliation, reputation and information sharing had a significant part in relationship building as well. Results supported a prominent influence of time in carefully controlled and rigorously assessed transformation of Hawala relationships. This metamorphosis converted an exchange from short-term into a long-term orientation where limited amount transactions changed into large sum transactions and restricted information exchange moved to elaborate information sharing. In addition, findings revealed that monetary and non-monetary interactions between Hawala Network members took the form of a homogeneous club, with shared social, cultural, religious and ethnic values. In particular, financially constrained and illiterate social groups preferred Hawala services due to ease of servicing in the form of minimal bureaucracy, fast transfers and low service charges. These marginalized fractions of society had limited access to formal banking which made Hawala business their main (and in most cases only) source for sending and receiving financial remittances. Hawala Networks provided an effective alternative to formal banking for disadvantaged communities.

Originality/value

This study provided unique and useful insights into the nature of social exchanges within Hawala Networks. Especially, it provided clarification on how informal networked businesses used Social Exchange Theory to by-pass the need for legal protection and formal contracts. Furthermore, the study highlighted the role Hawala business played in providing essential banking services (e.g. transfer of money and micro-lending) to educationally and economically deprived individuals.
Leadership transformation reading list: insider guides to customer-centricity, Agile management and visionary innovation
Authors: Denning Stephen
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The transition from shareholder value primacy to customer-centricity is a multi-dimensional challenge for leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

Five books that provide guidance.by insiders are suggested.

Findings

Nadella confronted culture on day one and announced that from then on, the culture would be one of collaboration and finding mutually profitable solutions. Instead of an “us vs. them,” paradigm, it would be “us with them.”
Boeing: surviving business turbulence after black swan cataclysms
Authors: Gupta Surabhi , Gupta Nakul , Narayan Shubham
Published: December 2021

Theoretical basis

Capital structure theory.

Research methodology

The case is meant for teaching and class discussion, and uses only secondary data based on published sources. The interpretation and perspectives presented are based solely on the secondary data.

Case overview/synopsis

This paper aims to help current and future managers understand capital structure theory and the various equity and debt finance options available for raising capital. It also examines the financial analysis and strategic management of black swan events. After the class discussion, students will understand how to financially and strategically manage a company during black swan events and also have a deep dive into capital structure analysis of a large company.

Complexity academic level

MBA/postgraduate/undergraduate courses on corporate finance or advanced corporate finance. Executive/management development programs and short duration Massive Open Online Courses on investment decision-making and advanced corporate finance. MBA/postgraduate/undergraduate courses on corporate strategy and economic environment and planning.
Coverage and Framing of Immigration Policy in US Newspapers
Authors: YOUNG MARIA‐ELENA DE TRINIDAD , SARNOFF HANNAH , LANG DANA , RAMÍREZ A. SUSANA
Published: December 2021

Policy Points

Although immigration policy is recognized as a social determinant of health, less is known about how mechanisms, such as news coverage of policy, influence intermediary and proximal health processes like seeking health care.

The extent of news coverage of federal, state, and local exclusionary or integration immigration policies can influence public agendas regarding immigrant inclusion and exclusion.

Exclusionary federal immigrant policies have dominated the news across the United States over the past ten years, despite active immigrant integration policymaking at national, state, and local levels.

Context

Immigration policymaking at federal, state, and local levels in the United States has proliferated in the past decade. While evidence demonstrates that immigration policy is a determinant of health, there has been limited examination of the mechanisms by which policy influences proximal health processes. News coverage has served as a central platform for debates over restrictive and inclusive immigration policies and may constitute an important health mechanism by shaping public agendas, influencing support for immigrant exclusion or inclusion, and framing policy issues, thereby influencing immigrants’ social climates. This study sought to examine the extent of news coverage of exclusionary and inclusive immigration policy at federal and state levels and variations in messages about immigrants during two periods of extensive policymaking.

Methods

We conducted a quantitative content analysis of newspapers’ coverage of immigration policy between 2010 and 2013 and between 2017 and 2019. We conducted a systematic NewsBank search of articles covering legislation, lawsuits, and other policies related to immigration (n = 931). Articles were coded for policy type and level, positive or negative framing of immigrants, and other characteristics. Our analysis then compared the patterns of the two periods.

Results

In both periods, the majority of coverage focused on exclusionary policies at the federal level, despite a significant increase in integration policies between 2017 and 2019. We found significant shifts in both the negative and positive framing of immigrants, from the dominant negative messages of immigrants as an economic drain to immigrants as criminals and the dominant positive messages of immigrants’ economic contributions to immigrants as families.

Conclusions

Since 2010, coverage of exclusionary federal policy has consistently dominated the news, as messages have increasingly described immigrants as either criminals or part of families. We discuss the health implications and future research directions of news coverages’ role in influencing the immigration policy and social contexts that have been linked to health outcomes.
Comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis reveals pectoralis highland adaptation across altitudinal songbirds
Authors: XIONG Ying , HAO Yan , CHENG Yalin , FAN Liqing , SONG Gang , LI Dongming , QU Yanhua , LEI Fumin
Published: December 2021

Pectoralis phenotypic variation plays a fundamental role in locomotion and thermogenesis in highland birds. However, its regulatory and metabolic mechanisms remain enigmatic to date. Here, we integrated phenomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic approaches to determine muscle variation and its underpinning mechanisms across altitudinal songbirds. Phenomics confirmed that all highland birds had considerable increases in muscle oxidative capacity, capillarity, and mitochondrial abundance in our study. Correspondingly, transcriptomic analyses found that differentially expressed genes in phenotype‐associated modules enriched for blood vessel, muscle structure development, and mitochondrial organization. Despite similar traits and functional enrichments across highland birds, different mechanisms drove their occurrence in high‐altitude tree sparrow and 2 snow finches. Importantly, a metabolic feature shared by all the 3 highland birds is the improvement in insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization through activating insulin signaling pathway, which is vital to increase muscle oxidative capacity and maintain metabolic homeostasis. Nevertheless, fatty acid biosynthesis and oxidation are enhanced in only 2 snow finches which had a long evolutionary history on the high plateau, also differing from ketone body metabolism in recently introduced colonizer of the tree sparrow of the high plateau. Our study represents a vital contribution to reveal the regulatory and metabolic basis of pectoralis variation across altitudinal songbirds.
Early control of C‐reactive protein levels with non‐biologics is associated with slow radiographic progression in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Koo Bon San , Lee Seunghun , Oh Ji Seon , Park Seo Young , Ahn Ga Young , Shin Ji Hui , Joo Kyung Bin , Kim Tae‐Hwan
Published: December 2021

Aim

Predicting radiographic progression is vital for assessing the prognosis of patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) may be a valuable biomarker for this purpose. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in the CRP level and spinal radiographic progression in patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis who were initially treated with non‐biologics.

Methods

Patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis who were followed up for 18 years at a single center and initially treated with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and/or conventional disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs for 3 months were included. Patients with a CRP level of <0.8 mg/dL or 50% of the baseline CRP at 3 months were assigned to the controlled CRP group (n = 351), and the remaining patients were assigned to the uncontrolled CRP group (n = 452). A generalized estimating equation was used to analyze the differences in the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS) between the 2 groups.

Results

The increase in the mSASSS was slower in the controlled CRP group than in the uncontrolled CRP group (interaction term β = −.499, 95% confidence interval −0.699 to −0.300).

Conclusion

Controlled CRP achieved in response to initial treatment with non‐biologic agents for 3 months was significantly associated with a slower rate of spinal radiographic change in patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. The CRP level at 3 months after initial non‐biologic treatment is a good predictor of radiographic progression.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor‐related adverse events in lung cancer: Real‐world incidence and management practices of 1905 patients in China
Authors: Shi Yuequan , Fang Jian , Zhou Chengzhi , Liu Anwen , Wang Yan , Meng Qingwei , Ding Cuimin , Ai Bin , Gu Yangchun , Yao Yu , Sun Hong , Guo Hui , Zhang Cuiying , Song Xia , Li Junling , Xu Bei , Han Zhiqiang , Song Meijun , Tang Tingyu , Chen Peifeng , Lu Hongmin , Shui Yongjie , Lou Guangyuan , Zhang Dongming , Liu Jia , Liu Xiaoyan , Liu Xiangning , Gao Xiaoxing , Zhou Qing , Chen Minjiang , Zhao Jing , Zhong Wei , Xu Yan , Wang Mengzhao
Published: December 2021

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are the standard treatment for advanced lung cancer, but immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) remain poorly understood, especially in a real‐world setting.

Methods

A multicenter observational study was conducted. Medical records of lung cancer patients treated with ICIs at 26 hospitals from January 1, 2015, to February 28, 2021, were retrieved. Types of ICIs included antiprogrammed cell death 1 or antiprogrammed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) monotherapy, anticytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 monotherapy, or combination therapy.

Results

In total, 1905 patients with advanced lung cancer were evaluated. The median age was 63 (range 28–87) years, and the male/female ratio was 3.1:1 (1442/463). The primary histological subtype was adenocarcinoma (915). A total of 26.9% (512/1905) of the patients developed 671 irAEs, and 5.8% (110/1905) developed 120 grade 3–5 irAEs. Median duration from ICI initiation to irAEs onset was 56 (range 0–1160) days. The most common irAEs were thyroid dysfunction (7.2%, 138/1905), pneumonitis (6.5%, 124/1905), and dermatological toxicities (6.0%, 115/1905). A total of 162 irAEs were treated with steroids and 11 irAEs led to death. Patients with positive PD‐L1 expression (≥1%) and who received first‐line ICI treatment developed more irAEs. Patients who developed irAEs had a better disease control rate (DCR, 71.3% [365/512] vs. 56.0% [780/1145]; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The incidence rate of irAEs was 26.9% in a real‐world setting. IrAEs might be related to a better DCR, but clinicians should be more aware of irAE recognition and management in clinical practice.
Efficacy of a theory‐driven program to implement alcohol screening and brief interventions in primary health‐care: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rosário Frederico , Vasiljevic Milica , Pas Leo , Angus Colin , Ribeiro Cristina , Fitzgerald Niamh
Published: December 2021

Background and Aims

Screening and brief interventions (SBI) in primary health‐care practices (PHCP) are effective in reducing reported alcohol consumption, but have not been routinely implemented. Most programs seeking to improve implementation rates have lacked a theoretical rationale. This study aimed to test whether a theory‐based intervention for PHCPs could significantly increase alcohol SBI delivery.

Design

Two‐arm, cluster‐randomized controlled, parallel, 12‐month follow‐up, trial.

Setting

PHCPs in Portugal.

Participants

Staff from 12 PHCPs (n = 222, 81.1% women): nurses (35.6%), general practitioners (28.8%), receptionists (26.1%) and family medicine residents (9.5%); patients screened for alcohol use: intervention n = 8062; controls n = 58.

Intervention and Comparator

PHCPs were randomized to receive a training and support program (n = 6; 110 participants) tailored to the barriers and facilitators for implementing alcohol SBIs following the principles of the Behavior Change Wheel/Theoretical Domains Framework approach, or to a waiting‐list control (n = 6; 112 participants). Training was delivered over the first 12 weeks of the trial.

Measurements

The primary outcome was the proportion of eligible patients screened (unit of analysis: patient list). Secondary outcomes included the brief intervention (BI) rate per screen‐positive patient and the population‐based BI rate (unit of analysis: patient list), and changes in health providers’ perceptions of barriers to implementation and alcohol‐related knowledge (unit of analysis: health provider).

Findings

The implementation program had a significant effect on the screening activity in the intervention practices compared with control practices at the 12‐month follow‐up (21.7% vs. 0.16%, intention‐to‐treat analysis, p = 0.003). Although no significant difference was found on the BI rate per screen‐positive patient (intervention 85.7% vs. control 63.6%, p = 0.55, Bayes factor = 0.28), the intervention was effective in increasing the population‐based BI rate (intervention 0.69% vs. control 0.02%, p = 0.006). Health providers in the intervention arm reported fewer barriers to SBI implementation and higher levels of alcohol‐related knowledge at 12‐month follow‐up than those in control practices.

Conclusion

A theory‐based implementation program, which included training and support activities, significantly increased alcohol screening and population‐based brief intervention rates in primary care.
Effects of intralipid infusions on anti‐trophoblast antibody (ATAb)‐activities in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss: An observational report
Authors: Rogenhofer Nina , Mahner Sven , von Hasselbach Yumiko Lindgard , Thaler Christian J.
Published: December 2021

Problem

Some studies suggest intravenous intralipid infusions (IVIL) to be effective in the treatment of immune‐mediated pregnancy failure. To this date it remains to be established, how IVIL might protect pregnancy and therefore a specific subgroup of RPL patients that might benefit from IVIL has not been defined. Anti‐trophoblast antibodies (ATAb) have been associated with RPL and appear to mediate immune pathology. We have shown, that ATAb in vitro decrease HCG‐ and progesterone production pointing to a mechanism how ATAb interfere with normal pregnancies. We have measured ATAb‐activities in patients undergoing off label IVIL‐treatment.

Method of study

Ten RPL‐patients with positive ATAb, determined by using the choriocarcinoma cellline JEG‐3 and flow cytometry as described before, and otherwise unexplained RPL, received off‐label IVIL during pregnancy. Two ATAb‐positive RPL patients preferred expectant management. In addition, ATAb‐activity was studied in pregnancies of two healthy ATAb‐negative volunteers without miscarriages.

Results

In RPL patients receiving IVIL, relative ATAb‐activity decreased from an average of 56.8±17.0% to 20.8±11.0% (P < .001). The two RPL‐patients without IVIL, aborted at 6+3gw and 7+4gw and embryonic genetic testing revealed euploid karyotypes. During pregnancies of the two healthy ATAb‐negative individuals, ATAb‐activities remained negative (16±9.8%) without significant changes (P = .22). Nine of the 10 pregnancies receiving IVIL proceeded uneventful with healthy newborns ≥37gw. One patient receiving IVIL aborted at 7+6gw and embryonic genetic‐testing revealed a trisomy 16. No specific side effects concerning IVIL were noted.

Conclusions

Intralipid preparations during pregnancies of ATAb‐positive RPL‐patients significantly reduce ATAb‐activities and this may indicate a therapeutic mechanism of IVIL.
Adaptive self‐objectification in the context of breast cancer: A theoretical integration of the terror management health model and research on objectification
Authors: Courtney Emily P. , Goldenberg Jamie L.
Published: December 2021

Integrating theorizing from the terror management health model with research on the objectification of women's bodies, we present a novel framework for understanding reactions to breasts in the context of breast cancer: adaptive self‐objectification. We suggest that, despite evidence that objectifying the body has harmful consequences for women, viewing the breasts as objects has the potential to lead to positive outcomes in the context of breast health and cancer. We find evidence for this in the context of mass communication about breast cancer screening, in women's willingness and comfort with engagement in breast cancer screening, and in the decisions women make with respect to cancer treatment (e.g. mastectomy). We conclude with a call to action for research to examine the impact of objectification of the breasts on screening behavior and treatment decisions, and consider how adaptive self‐objectification can be encouraged, with the aim of saving lives.
Antibodies‐to‐infliximab accelerate clearance while dose intensification reverses immunogenicity and recaptures clinical response in paediatric Crohn’s disease
Authors: Colman Ruben J. , Xiong Ye , Mizuno Tomoyuki , Hyams Jeffrey S. , Noe Joshua D. , Boyle Brendan , D’Haens Geert R. , van Limbergen Johan , Chun Kelly , Yang Jane , Rosen Michael J. , Denson Lee A. , Vinks Alexander A. , Minar Phillip
Published: December 2021

Background

Antibodies to infliximab (ATI) are associated with secondary loss of response and increased risk for drug reactions. Limited studies have associated ATI with increased infliximab clearance.

Aims

We assessed the impact of ATI on infliximab clearance and loss of response in an inception paediatric Crohn’s disease cohort with 1‐year follow‐up.

Methods

This multi‐centre prospective cohort study collected peak and trough serum infliximab/ATI concentrations from 660 infusions (78 patients) during the first year of therapy. Clinicians were blinded to these research labs. The primary outcome was the difference in infliximab clearance between ATI‐positive (ATI) and ATI‐negative (no‐ATI) patients. Secondary outcomes included pre‐treatment predictors of ATI (including HLA‐DQA1 genotyping). Clinical remission, loss of response and infliximab clearance were compared between pre‐ATI, during ATI and following ATI resolution with MANOVA. Time to ATI was calculated by Cox proportional Hazards model.

Results

ATI were detected in 68% (53/78) patients with a median concentration of 76 ng/mL (range 23‐1828). Maximum ATI concentration was <200 ng/mL in 73.6% (39/53). Median clearance in ATI patients was higher (with higher clearance if loss of response), compared to no‐ATI patients (P < 0.001). Neutrophil CD64 ratio >6 and starting dose <7.5 mg/kg independently predicted ATI in multivariable regression, while HLA‐DQA1*05 presence did not. Dose adjustment resolved ATI in 37.5% (12/32) patients with concomitant infliximab concentration and clearance recovery. A maximum ATI level of ≤99 ng/mL predicted ATI resolution (area under the receiver operating curve 0.80 [95% CI 0.64‐0.96]).

Conclusions

In this real‐world cohort, ATI as low as 23 ng/mL impacted drug clearance. Our data suggest that dose optimisation for low‐level ATI can improve infliximab clearance and prevent loss of response.
Usefulness of laparoscopic right colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis and preoperative weight reduction for ascending colon cancer in a severely obese patient
Authors: Inaguma Gaku , Tajima Yosuke , Hiro Junichiro , Hanai Tsunekazu , Katsuno Hidetoshi , Masumori Koji , Koide Yoshikazu , Matsuoka Hiroshi , Endo Tomoyoshi , Kamiya Tadahiro , Chong Yongchol , Sato Harunobu , Maeda Kotaro , Uyama Ichiro , Suda Koichi
Published: December 2021

Obesity has been considered a risk factor for postoperative complications following colorectal cancer surgery. However, the usefulness of a combination of intracorporeal anastomosis and preoperative weight reduction for severely obese patients with colon cancer remains unclear. A 66‐year‐old man with a body mass index (BMI) of 43 kg/m2 presented with abdominal pain and iron deficiency anemia. Colonoscopy and computed tomography revealed advanced ascending colon cancer with regional lymph node metastasis and excessive abdominal fat. Preoperative diet‐induced weight reduction was performed for severe obesity, which decreased his BMI to 39.7 kg/m2 after 1 month. Thereafter, curative resection was performed using intracorporeal anastomosis for reconstruction to achieve minimal colon and mesentery mobilization and a shorter incision. The patient was discharged from the hospital without complications. Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy combining intracorporeal anastomosis and preoperative weight reduction was extremely useful in the current patient with severe obesity and ascending colon cancer.
Academics as Agentic Superheroes: Female academics’ lack of fit with the agentic stereotype of success limits their career advancement
Authors: Van Veelen Ruth , Derks Belle
Published: December 2021

Gender gaps in academia persist with women being less likely to attain leadership, earning lower salaries, and receiving less research funding and resources compared to their male peers. The current research demonstrates yet another, more intangible gender gap in academia called lack of fit, whereby compared to male academics, female academics perceive higher misfit between their professional self‐concept and the agentic ‘superhero’ stereotype of the successful academic. The entire population of Dutch academics (i.e., assistant, associate, and full professors from 14 universities) was approached to participate in a nationwide survey. Results from this unique dataset (N = 3978) demonstrate that academics perceive agency (e.g., self‐confident, self‐focused, competitive) as more descriptive of the stereotypical successful academic than communality (e.g., team‐oriented, good teacher, collegial). Importantly, early career female academics perceived highest lack of fit with this narrowly‐defined agentic occupational stereotype, which was correlated with lower work engagement, professional identification and career efficacy, and higher work exhaustion and exit intentions. Thus, lack of fit seems yet another barrier contributing to pervasive gender gaps in academia. Implications for building more inclusive academic cultures, where not only agentic but also communal academic practice is recognized and rewarded are discussed.