bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral omeprazole and diclofenac intake is associated with increased faecal calprotectin levels: a randomised open-label clinical trial
Authors: Rendek Zlatica , Falk Magnus , Grodzinsky Ewa , Kechagias Stergios , Hjortswang Henrik
Published: December 2022

Background and aim

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and proton pump inhibitors are known to affect the diagnostics of gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent omeprazole, diclofenac or co-administration of these affects faecal calprotectin levels and the normalisation interval after cessation.

Methods

Participants received 20 mg omeprazole daily for 2 weeks in the first sequence, 50 mg oral diclofenac three times daily for 2 weeks in the second and co-administration of these for 2 weeks in the third, with washout periods in between. The first two sequences were randomised to a different order. Faecal calprotectin was measured on days 0, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 and thereafter at 7-day intervals until normalisation in each sequence.

Results

Thirty-two healthy volunteers were included. During drug intake, 39% on diclofenac (median 70.8 µg/g; range 50.2–1080 µg/g), 53% on omeprazole (median 85.3 µg/g; range 51.1–249 µg/g) and 69% on omeprazole + diclofenac (median 101.5 µg/g; range 51.5–532 µg/g) had faecal calprotectin levels above normal. In the diclofenac sequence, faecal calprotectin returned to normal in all participants within 2 weeks of cessation and in the omeprazole and co-administration sequences, within 3 weeks of cessation. No statistical significant difference was found with respect to drug order.

Conclusion

Short-term intake of omeprazole, diclofenac or co-administration appears to increase faecal calprotectin levels. In patients with increased faecal calprotectin on omeprazole alone or in combination with diclofenac, a repeated faecal calprotectin test is recommended at least 3 weeks after cessation. On diclofenac alone, it is sufficient to repeat the faecal calprotectin test 2 weeks after cessation.
Retreatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in combination with an immunomodulator for recurrence of Crohn’s disease after ileocecal resection results in prolonged continuation as compared to anti-tumor necrosis factor monotherapy
Authors: ten Bokkel Huinink Sebastiaan. , Beelen Evelien M.J. , ten Bokkel Huinink Thomas , Hoentjen Frank , G. L. Bodelier Alexander , Dijkstra Gerard , Romberg-Camps Marielle , de Boer Nanne K. , Stassen Laurents P.S. , van der Meulen Andrea E. , West Rachel , van Ruler Oddeke , van der Woude C. Janneke , de Vries Annemarie C. ,   On behalf of the Dutch Initiative on Crohn and Colitis (ICC)
Published: December 2022

Background

A considerable proportion of Crohn’s disease patients that undergo ileocecal resection (ICR) have failed anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy preoperatively. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of retreatment of anti-TNF therapy in patients with postoperative recurrence.

Methods

A real-world cohort study was performed on Crohn’s disease patients who underwent primary ICR after anti-TNF therapy failure, and who were retreated with anti-TNF therapy for postoperative symptomatic Crohn’s disease. The primary outcome was treatment failure (the need for (re)introduction of corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or biologicals or the need for re-resection). Sub-analyses were performed on the nature of preoperative anti-TNF failure (primary non-response, secondary loss of response, intolerance), indication for ICR (refractory, stricturing, penetrating disease), combination therapy with immunomodulators, retreatment with the same anti-TNF agent and preoperative exposure to 1 vs. >1 anti-TNF agents.

Results

In total, 66 of 364 patients retreated with anti-TNF therapy following ICR. Cumulative rates of treatment failure at 1 and 2 years were 28% and 47%. Treatment failure rate at 2 years was significantly lower in patients receiving combination therapy as compared to anti-TNF monotherapy (30% vs. 49%, P = 0.02). No difference in treatment failure was found with regards to the nature of preoperative anti-TNF failure (P = 0.76), indication for ICR (P = 0.88) switch of anti-TNF agent (P = 0.55) agent, and preoperative exposure to 1 vs. >1 anti-TNF agents (P = 0.88).

Conclusion

Retreatment with anti-TNF therapy for postoperative Crohn’s disease recurrence is a valid strategy after preoperative failure. Combination therapy is associated with a lower rate of treatment failure.
Nursing the Future
Authors: Duchscher Judy , Corneau Kathryn
Published: December 2022

The transition from student to practitioner for newly graduated nurses is impacted by their physical, social, professional, and practice environments. COVID-19, global insecurity, institutional restructuring, and “acute on chronic” staffing shortages have increased the immediate burden experienced by emerging nurses. As detailed through the historical development of Duchscher's Stages of Transition Theory and Transition Shock Model, theorization of the transition process offers graduates, their educators, and workplace managers key areas of support opportunities for these new practitioners. In part 1 of a 2-part article series, this article explores how novel new graduate supports have been developed and delivered in partnership with nonprofit groups, government bodies, and employers across much of Canada. For nurse stakeholders, theorists, and beyond, support for the transition period of new nurses remains anecdotally, evidentially, and fiscally advisable, with an increasing urgency due to rising human capital pressures.
Nursing The Future 2.0
Authors: Duchscher Judy , Corneau Kathryn
Published: December 2022

For newly graduated nurses (NGNs), the characteristically challenging and dynamic period of transition from student to professional practitioner is being further strained by global crises and the uncertainty and insecurity they motivate, health care systems and institutional restructuring, and extreme workload burdens. A novel approach to aiding the transition of NGNs is detailed in this article, culminating in the offering of an inclusive framework of potential strategies aimed at supporting NGNs and those who lead, manage, and educate them. This approach outlines strategies of support deliverable by both centralized and local means and acknowledging contemporary needs such as workload burdens and generationally-sensitive employee needs. Nursing The Future is a platform that uniquely situates an evidence-based, grassroots-driven response to the needs of NGNs, while encouraging collaborative partnering of health care institutions with governmental, professional, and regional advanced education bodies. This is the second article in a 2-part series that builds on the historical and developmental intents of Nursing The Future as an organization and outlines how evidence-informed, creative, and affordable grassroots-driven supports may be offered to NGNs for the purpose of sustaining and advancing our future nurse professionals.
Osteonecrosis and Osteomyelitis of the Proximal Third of Tibia as a Late Sequela of COVID-19: A Case Report
Authors: Soroa Gonzalo , Álvarez Adela , Monge Iván , Navarro Daniel , Roca Oriol
Published: December 2022

Coronavirus disease was first described as an identified syndrome in December 2019 (COVID-19). Since then, a global pandemic has taken place and the disease has repeatedly been associated with thromboembolic complications, most of which are venous, but may also occur at the arterial level, even in patients receiving thromboprophylaxis. To date, only medium- and large-caliber vessels have been affected by arterial thrombosis secondary to COVID-19. This article describes the case of a 60-year-old woman with a prior severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection who developed multiple bone infarcts, complicated by secondary osteomyelitis. The patient underwent multiple surgical debridements and received a variety of antibiotics before the correct diagnosis was made and a multidisciplinary surgery was planned that provided coverage with a medial gastrocnemius flap. At 5-months follow-up, the patient had recovered well without any clinical evidence of infection or other complications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first known case of a bone infarct complicated with a secondary osteomyelitis occurring in a patient having suffered a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. We postulate as our main hypothesis that the prothrombogenic state secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection may have contributed to thrombosis of small-caliber vessels, in our patient the arteria nutricia tibialis, triggering bone infarcts and a secondary infection with Staphylococcus aureus.
Increased 18F-FAPI PET/CT Uptake in a Case of Brucellosis of Lumbar Vertebral Body
Authors: Mu Xingyu , Zhu Zhuohao , Fu Wei
Published: December 2022

Vertebral brucellosis is a relatively rare disease that usually emerges in animal husbandry areas. We report a case that brucellosis of lumbar vertebral body showed an intense uptake of FAPI on 18F-FAPI PET/CT, which mimics to malignant lesions or vertebral tuberculosis. It is an interesting finding to realize that vertebral brucellosis is also one of the reasons for intense uptake of FAPI.
Increased FDG Uptake in Skin Rashes Caused by EGFR Inhibitors
Authors: Erol Fenercioğlu Özge , Cin Merve , Beyhan Ediz , Şahin Rahime , Çermik Tevfik Fikret
Published: December 2022

Most patients treated with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors develop cutaneous advance effects. The extent and severity of treatment-related skin rashes are associated with good treatment response and prognosis. Herein, we presented increased uptake of the 18F-FDG in skin rashes after treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors in 2 patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Post-ERCP Complication Analysis of an Experienced Center
Authors: Ak Çağatay , Aykut Hüseyin , Pala Emin , Sayar Süleyman , Tarikçi Kiliç Ebru , Adali Gupse , Kahraman Resul , Öztürk Oğuzhan , Özdil Kamil
Published: December 2022

Background/Aim:

Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), post-sphincterotomy bleeding (PSB), and Post-ERCP perforation are the most common complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Identification of risk factors for post-ERCP complications is critical for postoperative follow-up. This study aimed to evaluate the most common post-ERCP complication risk factors in an experienced center.

Methods/Design:

The sample consisted of 1288 patients with naive papillae. Demographic characteristics, patient-related risk factors, procedure-related risk factors and postoperative complications were recorded.

Results:

Patients had a mean age of 61.5±18.4 years. The prevalence of PEP, PSB, and post-ERCP perforation was 7.9%, 11.9%, and 0.5%, respectively. Among patient-related factors, female sex (OR 1.672 95% Cl 1.046 to 2.672) and narrowing of the choledochal diameter (OR 2.910 95% Cl 1.830 to 4.626) were associated with PEP. From procedure-related factors; precut sphincterotomy (OR 2.172 95% Cl 1.182 to 3.994), difficult cannulation (OR 5.110 95% Cl 2.731 to 9.560), pancreatic cannulation (OR 5.692 95% Cl 0.994 to 32.602) and postprocedure residual stone (OR 2.252 95% Cl 1.403 to 3.614) were found to be associated with PEP. The successful procedure (OR 0.378 95% Cl 0.204 to 0.699) had a protective effect on PEP. Choledocholithiasis indication (OR 3.594 95% Cl 1.444 to 8.942) and small papilla (OR 2.042 95% Cl 1.170 to 3.562) were associated with the development of PSB. Choledochal stenosis, periampullary-diverticulum, oral anticoagulant, and oral antiaggregant use were not associated with the development of PSB. Of the patients with post-ERCP perforation, 85.7% had difficult cannulation, 57.1% had precut sphincterotomy, and 28.6% had periampullary-diverticulum.

Conclusion:

Female sex, biliary stricture, precut sphincterotomy, difficult cannulation, pancreatic cannulation, and postoperative residual stone were associated with PEP. Choledocholithiasis indication and the presence of small papilla were associated with PSB.
Optimization with photonic wave-based annealers
Authors: Prabhakar A. , Shah P. , Gautham U. , Natarajan V. , Ramesh V. , Chandrachoodan N. , Tayur S.
Published: December 2022

Many NP-hard combinatorial optimization (CO) problems can be cast as a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization model, which maps naturally to an Ising model. The final spin configuration in the Ising model can adiabatically arrive at a solution to a Hamiltonian, given a known set of interactions between spins. We enhance two photonic Ising machines (PIMs) and compare their performance against classical (Gurobi) and quantum (D-Wave) solvers. The temporal multiplexed coherent Ising machine (TMCIM) uses the bistable response of an electro-optic modulator to mimic the spin up and down states. We compare TMCIM performance on Max-cut problems. A spatial photonic Ising machine (SPIM) convolves the wavefront of a coherent laser beam with the pixel distribution of a spatial light modulator to adiabatically achieve a minimum energy configuration, and solve a number partitioning problem (NPP). Our computational results on Max-cut indicate that classical solvers are still a better choice, while our NPP results show that SPIM is better as the problem size increases. In both cases, connectivity in Ising hardware is crucial for performance. Our results also highlight the importance of better understanding which CO problems are most likely to benefit from which type of PIM.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Quantum annealing and computation: challenges and perspectives’.
Statistics of the number of defects after quantum annealing in a thermal environment
Authors: Suzuki Sei , Oshiyama Hiroki , Shibata Naokazu
Published: December 2022

We study the statistics of the kink number generated by quantum annealing in a one-dimensional transverse Ising model coupled to a bosonic thermal bath. Using the freezing ansatz for quantum annealing in the thermal environment, we show the relation between the ratio of the second to the first cumulant of the kink number distribution and the average kink density. The theoretical result is confirmed thoroughly by numerical simulation using the non-Markovian infinite time-evolving block decimation which we proposed recently. The simulation using D-Wave’s quantum annealer is also discussed.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Quantum annealing and computation: challenges and perspectives’.
Threshold theorem in isolated quantum dynamics with stochastic control errors
Authors: Okuyama Manaka , Ohki Kentaro , Ohzeki Masayuki
Published: December 2022

We investigate the effect of stochastic control errors in the time-dependent Hamiltonian on isolated quantum dynamics. The control errors are formulated as time-dependent stochastic noise in the Schrödinger equation. For a class of stochastic control errors, we establish a threshold theorem that provides a sufficient condition to obtain the target state, which should be determined in noiseless isolated quantum dynamics, as a relation between the number of measurements and noise strength. The theorem guarantees that if the sum of the noise strengths is less than the inverse of computational time, the target state can be obtained through a constant-order number of measurements. If the opposite is true, the number of measurements to guarantee obtaining the target state increases exponentially with computational time. Our threshold theorem can be applied to any isolated quantum dynamics such as quantum annealing and adiabatic quantum computation.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Quantum annealing and computation: challenges and perspectives’.
Greedy parameter optimization for diabatic quantum annealing
Authors: Kadowaki Tadashi , Nishimori Hidetoshi
Published: December 2022

A shorter processing time is desirable for quantum computation to minimize the effects of noise. We propose a simple procedure to variationally determine a set of parameters in the transverse-field Ising model for quantum annealing (QA) appended with a field along the

y

-axis. The method consists of greedy optimization of the signs of coefficients of the

y

-field term based on the outputs of short annealing processes. We test the idea in the ferromagnetic system with all-to-all couplings and spin-glass problems, and find that the method outperforms the traditional form of QA and simulated annealing in terms of the success probability and the time to solution, in particular, in the case of shorter annealing times, achieving the goal of improved performance while avoiding noise. The non-stoquastic

σ
y

term can be eliminated by a rotation in the spin space, resulting in a non-trivial diabatic control of the coefficients in the stoquastic transverse-field Ising model, which may be feasible for experimental realization.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Quantum annealing and computation: challenges and perspectives’.
Involvement of fatigue in the effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on depression following COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination: a before-after study
Authors: Kamamuta Ayane , Takagi Yuki , Takahashi Mizuki , Kurihara Kana , Shibata Hibiki , Tanaka Kanata , Hata Katsuhiko
Published: December 2022

Background

Patients recovering from COVID-19 often suffer long-term Long-COVID (e.g., depression, poor concentration, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fatigue). Similar symptoms also rarely seem to occur after COVID-19 vaccination. There is still no effective treatment for these symptoms. We have had a clinical experience that patients presenting with psychiatric/physical symptoms due to COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccination (defined as Long-COVID and Post-Vaccine patients) often recover after transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and that TMS poorly heals depression in strongly fatigued patients.

Aims

1. Determine whether there are differences in background characteristics and symptoms between Long-COVID and Post-Vaccine patients; 2. Examine whether TMS led to an improvement in their symptoms; 3. Test the involvement of fatigue in the recovery of depression of Long-COVID and Post-Vaccine patients with TMS.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis using the medical records of the outpatient clinic of Tokyo TMS Clinic.

Results

1. We found no differences in initial symptoms and courses of treatment between Long-COVID and Post-Vaccine patients. 2. All psychiatric/physical symptom scores after 10 TMS treatments were significantly better than before. Though these results are of before-and-after studies, numerous reports have suggested that TMS effectively improves depression, insomnia, anxiety, and related neuropsychiatric symptoms, which were also primary complaints of patients in this study. We thus attributed the improvement in QIDS, PHQ9 (Both indices of depression), and GAD7 (anxiety indicator) to TMS. 3. The recovery rate of depression in Long-Covid and Post-Vaccine patients with TMS decreased with the severity of fatigue.

Conclusions

This is the first report to elucidate the efficacy of TMS and the factors affecting it for psychiatric symptoms after COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination. Our study may lead to further validation of the effectiveness and mechanisms of TMS in patients suffering from Long-COVID and COVID-19 vaccine long-term adverse reactions.
A bibliometric analysis of green marketing in marketing and related fields: From 1991 to 2021
Authors: Wang Shaoshan , Liu Matthew Tingchi , Pérez Andrea
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to provide the theoretical roots, research trajectories and promising research directions of green marketing in marketing and related fields.

Design/methodology/approach

This study integrates three bibliometric analyses, i.e. co-citation analysis, historical direct citation analysis and co-occurrence analysis, and a qualitative review to examine the 781 publications that matched the search criteria between January 1991 and December 2021 from the Web of Science (WoS) database.

Findings

The research findings show that eleven groups of cited references characterize the theoretical roots of green marketing in marketing and related fields. Besides, the two main research trajectories identified were found to be developed under the impact of prior studies. Moreover, the four research themes concerning this research domain are presented. The results also highlight promising research directions.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the quantitative bibliometric analysis and qualitative literature reviews, this study has provided a comprehensive overview of the current stage of this domain. The study also has underscored an abundance of green marketing literature and revealed the research topics that require further investigations to theoretically and empirically advance the understanding of green marketing.

Practical implications

Some topics about green marketing were recommended for further research. Some practical examples and suggestions are also given in the study.

Originality/value

This study reviewed 781 publications at the intersection of green marketing research domain in marketing and related fields to identify the theoretical roots, research trajectories and research themes and to propose promising research avenues.
PVR Limited at a crossroads
Authors: Pant Kanchan , Sahay Arunaditya
Published: December 2022

Learning outcomes

The case study “PVR Limited at a Crossroads” has been designed with the requirements of strategic management. The learning objectives are as follows:

• Situational analysis – understand the global and Indian media and entertainment industry PESTEL.

• Strategic planning – internal and external environmental analysis – strength, weakness, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis helps in achieving the strategic plan.

• Strategy development – to accomplish the turnaround plan, various alternatives are developed; choosing from the possible alternatives is a part of strategic planning.

Case overview/synopsis

PVR Limited (PVR) is the largest premium film exhibition company in India. In their annual report for 2019–2020, Chief Executive Officer Gautam Dutta acknowledged, “It was the first time in our more than two-decade history that we witnessed over 100 million patrons entering our premises in a year”. However, with the onset of Covid-19 pandemic in January 2020, things changed for the entertainment industry in India. There were fears of an eminent third wave and the detection of a new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, added to these fears. Being a major player in the game, PVR felt the impact. And even when the business started to reopen, social distancing remained a concern and ticket sales were impacted. Over-the-top viewership rose dramatically at the cost of the multiplex. The lockdown halted film productions worldwide, leading to a shortage of content. Other revenue streams, such as food and beverage, convenience fees and advertising, also came to a halt. Given the circumstances, Dutta was facing the twin dilemma of how to bring customers back to cinema in a post-pandemic world without in any way compromising the security of its patrons and keeping costs under control while investing in social distancing, safety measures and entertainment infrastructure to enhance the cinematic experience.

Complexity academic level

This case was written for use in Strategic Management classes at the undergraduate and MBA levels. It can be used in both management studies and executive development programs. It is suitable for courses on strategic management and strategic planning focusing on a turnaround strategy. Additionally, the case could be used in consumer behaviour courses in management as the focus of the case is well aligned with discussions related to change in consumer behaviour.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Strategic talent management in hotels during COVID-19: upper echelons and dynamic attention-based perspectives
Authors: Garavan Thomas N. , Sheerin Corina , Koukpaki Serge , O'Brien Fergal , Chami-Malaeb Rola , MacKenzie Cliodhna , Buckley Joan
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this longitudinal study is to qualitatively investigate the role of the general managers (GMs) and senior managers (SMs) in strategic talent management (STM) in hotels during COVID-19. Using upper echelon theory and the dynamic attention-based view, this paper explores the role of upper echelon theory cognitive characteristics (orientation towards STM and decision-making approach) and three dynamic attention-based view attention dimensions (communication, resource attention to the HR function and new configurations of STM) in influencing STM.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses semi-structured interviews with hotel GMs and SMs at two time points over the duration of COVID-19 in six hotels (family-owned, boutique and international hotel chain) located in Ireland, the UK, Germany, Singapore and India.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that GMs and SMs across the different hotels differed in their orientation towards STM and their decision-making approaches and this influenced cognitive and resource attention to STM. GMs and SMs remained cognitively attentive to STM through their communications around STM, and they revealed resource attention through resources to the HR function and new configurations of STM practices during COVID-19. The authors identify three distinct configurations of STM practices in operation in hotels during COVID-19.

Practical implications

This study’s findings reveal important practice implications in that GMs and SMs have a key role to play in the implementation of STM and the need to reconfigure how STM is undertaken during the crisis. This contrasts with the more espoused role suggested for these talent actors in the literature.

Originality/value

The authors used a longitudinal qualitative research design to surface the dynamic role of GMs’ and SMs’ cognitive and resource attention to STM in hotels during COVID-19 and the key role that orientation towards STM and decision-making approach affected both cognitive and resource attention dimensions.
Designing lesson study for individual and collective learning: networking theoretical perspectives
Authors: Wake Geoffrey
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This article aims to explore, by drawing on, and coordinating and combining Cultural Historical Activity Theory and Community of Practice theoretical perspectives, what we might learn about how to design for Lesson Study that best supports both collective and individual learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The article primarily makes a theoretical contribution. It does, however, draw on, and is informed by, the design of a large-scale study that sought to improve teaching and learning in mathematics with the particular aim of improving grades of post-16 learners in national examinations in England. Lesson Study was central to the designed intervention and such design is explored from the two theoretical perspectives.

Findings

Theoretical analysis suggests how the careful design of Lesson Study can facilitate both individual and collective learning in terms of the theories networked here. In particular, it is suggested that supporting collective learning requires careful attention to how “disturbances” in activity systems need to be designed for rather than being left to chance and how architectures that can support individual learning in terms of identity development should pay attention to supporting emerging practices as well as defining what is non-negotiable.

Originality/value

The article takes a novel approach by coordinating and combining two different, and well established, theoretical approaches, which, significantly, are used quite widely in social science research. Together they provide a rich view of learning at both individual and collective levels and suggest ways in which we might better support design for Lesson Study.
Sustainability practices disclosure of top logistics firms in Australia
Authors: Jadhav Akshay , Rahman Shams , Ahsan Kamrul
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study explores the scope, materiality and extent of environmental and social sustainability disclosure – as benchmarked against the Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI-G4) – of the top 10 logistics firms operating in Australia. It also investigates the relationships between the extent of environmental and social sustainability disclosure of these firms and their actual financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted an inductive case study approach for an in-depth investigation of the relationships among concepts. A content analysis of the firms' sustainability reports was performed to determine their pattern and extent of sustainability disclosure against the GRI framework. A disclosure–performance analysis (DPA) matrix was employed to relate the extent of environmental and social sustainability disclosure of these 10 firms with their actual financial performance (i.e. return on assets [ROA] and total revenue growth).

Findings

This study found that the extent of sustainability reporting was relatively high on the labour practices and decent work subgroup, followed by the environmental dimension of the GRI-G4 framework. However, it was relatively low on the society, human rights and product responsibility subgroups of the GRI framework. The DPA revealed that “Leaders” (firms with higher sustainability disclosure levels) achieved significantly higher ROA. However, “Opportunists” (firms with lower sustainability disclosure levels) achieved higher levels of financial returns (i.e. ROA and total revenue growth) with less attention to sustainability issues, which contradicts the win-win view of the sustainability disclosure–financial performance relationship.

Originality/value

First, this study contributes an in-depth review of sustainability disclosure practices of top logistics firms operating in Australia. Second, using DPA, it identifies the novel effects of environmental and social sustainability disclosure levels on these firms' financial performance. It also sheds further light on the potential effect of investments beyond substantial profitability for sustainability growth and corporate governance on the sustainability disclosure–financial performance relationship.
Asymmetric impact of real effective exchange rate changes on domestic output revisited: evidence from Egypt
Authors: Sharaf Mesbah Fathy , Shahen Abdelhalem Mahmoud
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper investigates the asymmetric impact of the real effective exchange rate (REER) on Egypt's real domestic output from 1960 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

A Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model is utilized to isolate real currency depreciations from appreciations and account for the potential asymmetry in the impact of the REER. The analyses account for the various channels via which the REER could affect domestic output.

Findings

Results show evidence of a long-run asymmetry in the output effect of REER changes in which only real currency depreciations have a contractionary impact on output, while the REER has no impact on output in the short run.

Practical implications

The Egyptian monetary authority cannot rely on domestic currency depreciation as a policy instrument to boost domestic output.

Originality/value

Unlike most of the previous studies, which assume linearity in the impact of the REER on output, we relax this assumption and hypothesize that the REER changes have an asymmetric effect on the Egyptian domestic output in Egypt. We use a long time span from 1960 to 2020 and control for the potential structural breaks in the REER-output nexus and the various channels through which the REER can affect domestic output.
Evaluating feigning in individuals with intellectual disabilities in criminal cases: a cautionary tale
Authors: Vitacco Michael , Randolph Alynda , Soroko Kaitlyn , Velez Janina , Sigurdsson Diandra
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Response style evaluation is a fundamental component of forensic examinations. This retrospective study aims to evaluate how measures of feigning performed with individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) who were undergoing competency to proceed to trial evaluations.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a known-groups design (ID vs non-ID) with 145 individuals, 37 individuals met diagnostic criteria for ID. The individuals were administered the Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST; Miller, 2001), the Inventory Legal Knowledge (ILK; Musick and Otto, 2010), the Evaluation Competency to Stand Trial-Revised, atypical presentation scale (ATP; Rogers et al., 2004b) and the Competence Assessment for Standing Trial-Mental Retardation (Everington and Luckasson, 1992).

Findings

The total ILK demonstrated differences between groups with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.02). Six items on the ILK had over a 30% difference as a function of group. However, two revised scales from the ILK, the R-ILK-90 and the R-ILK-95 (Rogers et al., 2017), did not demonstrate differences as a function of group membership with small effect sizes (Cohen’s ds = 0.02 and 0.29). The M-FAST total score and ATP scales were not different between groups, although results demonstrated that individuals with ID would be potentially more at risk to for misclassification as feigning on the M-FAST.

Research limitations/implications

This study has several limitations. It is a retrospective study with a relatively small sample size so additional research is needed to substantiate the results. However, this study highlights the potential for individuals with intellectual disabilities to be disadvantaged when undergoing competency to stand trial evaluations.

Practical implications

This manuscript shows that individuals with ID are at-risk for being mislabeled as feigning when employing standard measures of response style testing if appropriate cautions are not used. However, revised measures that take into account baseline information of legal knowledge offer a way forward that may prevent false positives with individuals with ID.

Social implications

The mislabeling of individuals with ID could lead to significant problems, including harsh sentences and unnecessary incarcerations. This manuscript provides real-world data and encourages clinicians to be mindful when evaluation individuals with ID for court-ordered evaluations.

Originality/value

This manuscript is critical, as it shows that caution is needed when using instruments of feigning with individuals with ID who are undergoing competency evaluations. This has value for clinicians who are tasked with completing these evaluations for the courts.
Corporate social responsibility: a review with potential development
Authors: Hazzi Osama , Maldaon Issa
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to review bright sides of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and touches on its dark sides, providing researchers and CSR-driven lay readers with a starting point for further contributions and discussions. The paper also outlines a conceptual perspective about CSR scale development relevant to the uncertain times Syrian Arab Republic is still facing.

Design/methodology/approach

With a top ten-journal set indexed in social science citation index (SSCI), the current paper reviewed dozens CSR-references. In different search settings, the paper also included other authoritative references relevant.

Findings

CSR, whose bright side is still in the lead, is a significant working philosophy that can keep stakeholders posted on the extent to which organizations can sustain businesses and protect society's welfare at interconnected levels (economic, social, ethical and environmental, among others).

Research limitations/implications

The review at hand has only covered the tip of the CSR iceberg.

Practical implications

Investing in CSR transparently could lead to a promising sustainability.

Social implications

With transparent CSR information, stakeholders (including the public and policymakers) could make an informed decision regarding the extent to which organizations with CSR could protect their well-being.

Originality/value

The current review makes an authoritative reference point new in the CSR literature. In addition, it bridges a research gap not yet studied – by bringing a roadmap outlining a potential CSR-scale development that could cope with the postwar reconstruction phase (an example of which being Syrian Arab Republic).
The “costs of doing business abroad” in a cross-border context characterised by extreme political volatility
Authors: Bjorvatn Torbjørn , Randøy Trond
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe and explain the organisation design antecedents of coordination, learning and trust in an international strategic alliance in a cross-border context characterised by extreme political volatility.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was carried out as a single-case study in situ in a humanitarian international strategic alliance in Pyongyang, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea).

Findings

In addition to explaining the effects of interface, specialisation, formalisation and centralisation on coordination, learning and trust, the study demonstrates the influence of classic international business (IB) “costs of doing business abroad” (Hymer, 1960/1976) on the same organisational outcomes. Moreover, the study identifies intergovernmental engagement/containment/disengagement as a contextual antecedent of both organisation design and outcomes.

Originality/value

The study extends IB theory by indicating that mainstream IB perspectives may not fully explain intraorganisational outcomes in cross-border contexts characterised by extreme political volatility. Notably, the study suggests that complementary constructs such as intergovernmental engagement are needed to account for the additional costs incurred by such settings.
Modelling of the multi-jet fusion capillarity effect on close facing edges
Authors: Mele Mattia , Campana Giampaolo , Monti Gian Luca
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a physical model able to predict the shape of the capillarity effect in multi-jet fusion when two facing edges mutually affect each other. The work also aims at testing the consistency of such a model with experimental observations.

Design/methodology/approach

An analytical model of the phenomenon is developed considering the surface tension of the polymer melt adhering to the unfused powder. The general equilibrium equations are solved by imposing the boundary conditions corresponding to the case of two close facing edges, in which the shapes of the menisci are mutually influenced. The analytical model is validated through an experimental activity. Specifically, a set of parallelepipeds with variable width was manufactured using an HP Multi Jet Fusion 4200. The morphologies of capillarities were captured via three-dimensional scanning and compared with those predicted by the model.

Findings

The results of this study demonstrate that the average error to the experimental capillarity profile is lower than that obtained by existing methods. Particularly, considerable improvements are achieved as far as the maximum capillarity height is concerned. The manufactured specimens exhibit a change in slope near the edges, which is arguably attributable to coating powder and other effects not included in the analytical model.

Originality/value

The model presented in this study differs in hypotheses from previous methods in literature by assuming a null derivative of the capillarity shape in the central point of the meniscus. This allows for a more accurate prediction of the defect morphology in the case of close facing edges.
Joint inversion of VES and Rayleigh wave data based on improved DE algorithm for near surface exploration
Authors: Hu Benna , Wen Laifu , Zhou Xuemei
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Vertical electrical sounding (VES) and Rayleigh wave exploration are widely used in the exploration of near-surface structure, but both have limitations. This study aims to make full use of the advantages of the two methods, reduce the multiple solutions of single inversion and improve the accuracy of the inversion. Thus, a nonlinear joint inversion method of VES and Rayleigh wave exploration based on improved differential evolution (DE) algorithm was proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the DE algorithm, a new initialization strategy was proposed. Then, taking AK-type with high-velocity interlayer model and HA-type with low-velocity interlayer model near the surface as examples, the inversion results of different methods were compared and analyzed. Then, the proposed method was applied to the field data in Chengde, Hebei Province, China. The stratum structure was accurately depicted and verified by drilling.

Findings

The synthetic data and field data results showed that the joint inversion of VES and Rayleigh wave data based on the improved DE algorithm can effectively improve the interpretation accuracy of the single-method inversion and had strong stability and large generalizable ability in near-surface engineering problems.

Originality/value

A joint inversion method of VES and Rayleigh wave data based on improved DE algorithm is proposed, which can improve the accuracy of single-method inversion.
Community long-term care services in Taiwan: a qualitative study based on provider’s perspectives
Authors: Wang Yi-Fen , Lee Ya-Hui , Lu Jing-Yi
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This qualitative study aims to explore the experiences of Taiwan’s community-based long-term care service stations.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight managers selected from stations located in the counties with the highest proportion of elderly people.

Findings

The results are as follows: the main services offered by the stations include health promotion activities, congregate meal programs, respite care and making house calls; government subsidies constitute a major proportion of the service stations’ funds, followed by user payments and external donations; the adversities encountered include frequent policy revisions, the dwellers’ reluctance to participate in the activities, manpower shortages and subpar service quality; and the effects of the stations on the community include achieving aging in place, providing more options for life after retirement, mitigating caregivers’ burden, expanding the elderly’s social networks and strengthening their health literacy.

Originality/value

The results of this research can understand the benefits and difficulties of Tier C service centers in Taiwan. Also, the practical experiences provide some suggestions for policies and training. Future studies can focus on establishing systematized training programs and standardizing the service personnel’s competence.
Revealing oxidative pentose metabolism in new Pseudomonas putida isolates
Authors: Park Mee‐Rye , Gauttam Rahul , Fong Bonnie , Chen Yan , Lim Hyun Gyu , Feist Adam M. , Mukhopadhyay Aindrila , Petzold Christopher J. , Simmons Blake A. , Singer Steven W.
Published: December 2022

The Pseudomonas putida group in the Gammaproteobacteria has been intensively studied for bioremediation and plant growth promotion. Members of this group have recently emerged as promising hosts to convert intermediates derived from plant biomass to biofuels and biochemicals. However, most strains of P. putida cannot metabolize pentose sugars derived from hemicellulose. Here, we describe three isolates that provide a broader view of the pentose sugar catabolism in the P. putida group. One of these isolates clusters with the well‐characterized P. alloputida KT2440 (Strain BP6); the second isolate clustered with plant growth‐promoting strain P. putida W619 (Strain M2), while the third isolate represents a new species in the group (Strain BP8). Each of these isolates possessed homologous genes for oxidative xylose catabolism (xylDXA) and a potential xylonate transporter. Strain M2 grew on arabinose and had genes for oxidative arabinose catabolism (araDXA). A CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system was developed for strain M2 and identified conditionally essential genes for xylose growth. A glucose dehydrogenase was found to be responsible for initial oxidation of xylose and arabinose in strain M2. These isolates have illuminated inherent diversity in pentose catabolism in the P. putida group and may provide alternative hosts for biomass conversion.
Therapeutic apheresis in sepsis
Authors: Klinkmann Gerd , Altrichter Jens , Reuter Daniel A. , Mitzner Steffen
Published: December 2022

Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Dysregulated immune response to infection is a hallmark of sepsis, leading to life‐threatening organ dysfunction or even death. Advancing knowledge of the complex pathophysiological mechanisms has been a strong impetus for the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at rebalancing the immune response by modulating the excess of both pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators. There is a wealth of preclinical data suggesting clinical benefits of various extracorporeal techniques in an attempt to modulate the exaggerated host inflammatory response. However, the evidence base is often weak. Owing to both an advancing comprehension of the pathophysiology and the increased quality of clinical trials, progress has been made in establishing extracorporeal therapies as part of the general therapeutic canon in sepsis. We aim for a comprehensive overview of the technical aspects and clinical applications in the context of the latest evidence concerning these techniques.
Re‐examining the water affordability: A comparison of alternative measures
Authors: Nemati Mehdi , Schwabe Kurt
Published: December 2022

Water affordability is determined by the percentage of income households that must allocate to municipal water services, while factoring in essential or basic needs water use. With the rise in water prices reported in most areas of the country along with somewhat stagnant income growth—a combination that suggests ceteris paribus—more of a household's disposable income is being spent on water services. This paper adds to the discussion in three ways. First, given the lack of a consistent definition for “affordability” and the subjective connotation associated with such a term, we develop and compare five different water expenditure ratios, including two different measures of water for essential needs, as well as measures for indoor, efficient, and actual water use. Second, because of the granularity of our data, we illustrate how such “affordability” measures can vary significantly within a water district and thus highlight how using district‐ or county‐level income measures can mask the degree to which affordability is an issue for households living in low‐income block groups. Our results indicate that the choice of income measure and type of water service use can influence affordability measures substantially.