bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balancing Functional Tradeoffs between Protein Stability and ACE2 Binding in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2, BA.2.75 and XBB Lineages : Dynamics-Based Network Models Reveal Epistatic Effects Modulating Compensatory Dynamic and Energetic Changes
Authors: Verkhivker Gennady , Alshahrani Mohammed , Gupta Grace
Published: March 2023

The evolutionary and functional studies suggested that the emergence of the Omicron variants can be determined by multiple fitness trade-offs including the immune escape, binding affinity for ACE2, conformational plasticity, protein stability and allosteric modulation. In this study, we systematically characterize conformational dynamics, protein stability and binding affinities of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Omicron complexes with the host receptor ACE2 for BA.2, BA.2.75, XBB.1 and XBB.1.5 variants. We combined multiscale molecular simulations and dynamic analysis of allosteric interactions together with the ensemble-based mutational scanning of the protein residues and network modeling of epistatic interactions. This multifaceted computational study characterized molecular mechanisms and identified energetic hotspots that can mediate the predicted increased stability and the enhanced binding affinity of the BA.2.75 and XBB.1.5 complexes. The results suggested a mechanism driven by the stability hotspots and a spatially localized group of the Omicron binding affinity centers, while allowing for functionally beneficial neutral Omicron mutations in other binding interface positions. A network-based community model for the analysis of non-additive epistatic contributions in the Omicron complexes is proposed revealing the key role of the binding hotspots R498 and Y501 in mediating community-based epistatic couplings with other Omicron sites and allowing for compensatory dynamics and binding energetic changes. The results also showed that mutations in the convergent evolutionary hotspot F486 can modulate not only local interactions but also rewire the global network of local communities in this region allowing the F486P mutation to restore both the stability and binding affinity of the XBB.1.5 variant which may explain the growth advantages over the XBB.1 variant. The results of this study are consistent with a broad range of functional studies rationalizing functional roles of the Omicron mutation sites that form a coordinated network of hotspots enabling balance of multiple fitness tradeoffs and shaping up a complex functional landscape of virus transmissibility.
Reliable Particle Sizing in Vaccine Formulations using Advanced Dynamic Light Scattering
Authors: Bretz Coline , Jauslin Andrea , Leumann Dario , Koch Marius , Vaccaro Andrea
Published: March 2023

Understanding the impact of lipid nanoparticles’ size on immunogenicity represents an important step for enabling the rapid development of novel vaccines against known or emergent diseases. Dynamic light scattering, also known as quasi-elastic light scattering or photon correlation spectroscopy, has established itself as an optimal analytical method to determine particle size due to its in-situ approach and fast measurements. However, its application to many systems of industrial relevance has been limited due to artifacts arising from multiple scattering. Results interpretation becomes severely compromised depending on the concentration of the system and the size of the particles. In this context, strong sample dilution is often required, bringing additional uncertainties to the formulation development process. Here, we show how advanced dynamic light scattering technology can filter out multiple scattering from the signal and yield fully accurate sizing measurements, regardless of the sample concentration. We illustrate this in a comparative study with standard dynamic light scattering using polystyrene beads as model suspension as well as a concentrated commercial lipid nanoparticle adjuvant (AddaVax™).
A partially open conformation of an androgen receptor ligand-binding domain with drug-resistance mutations
Authors: Doamekpor Selom K. , Peng Panfeng , Xu Ruo , Ma Liandong , Tong Youzhi , Tong Liang
Published: March 2023

Mutations in the androgen receptor (AR) ligand-binding domain (LBD) can cause resistance to drugs used to treat prostate cancer. Commonly found mutations include L702H, W742C, H875Y, F877L and T878A, while the F877L mutation can convert second-generation antagonists such as enzalutamide and apalutamide into agonists. However, pruxelutamide, another second-generation AR antagonist, has no agonist activity with the F877L and F877L/T878A mutants and instead maintains its inhibitory activity against them. Here, it is shown that the quadruple mutation L702H/H875Y/F877L/T878A increases the soluble expression of AR LBD in complex with pruxelutamide in Escherichia coli. The crystal structure of the quadruple mutant in complex with the agonist dihydrotestosterone (DHT) reveals a partially open conformation of the AR LBD due to conformational changes in the loop connecting helices H11 and H12 (the H11–H12 loop) and Leu881. This partially open conformation creates a larger ligand-binding site for AR. Additional structural studies suggest that both the L702H and F877L mutations are important for conformational changes. This structural variability in the AR LBD could affect ligand binding as well as the resistance to antagonists.
Transforming challenges into opportunities – a case study of Shukan hospital during COVID-19
Authors: Nigam Priti , Chavla Purvi Avantilal , Jain Neera
Published: March 2023

Learning outcomes

This case analysis will make the audience aware of the sudden nature of the crisis, specifically the transboundary crisis. They will be introduced to the concepts of participative leadership and situational leadership. Majorly the audience would learn to remain composed in times of crisis and comprehend how a circumstance can transform a participatory leadership style into a situational leadership style. The case will allow the audience to brainstorm how to take innovative decisions to manage a crisis situation. The primary objectives of the case are as follows: ■ to understand a transboundary crisis and its characteristics to deal with it; ■ to visualise the application of participative and situational leadership and evaluate and analyse the most suitable leadership style during an unknown crisis; ■ to make the students aware of how to remain composed in times of crisis and, for instance, implementing the change of leadership styles per the situation's requirement; and ■ to make students learn to design innovative decision-making strategies to develop a crisis management plan for managing future crises.

Case overview/synopsis

The case highlights the successful management of the crises faced by a multi-specialty hospital named “Shukan-Caring Lives”, established in 2017 in Vadodara city of Gujarat, India. The case revolves around the Chief Operating Officer, his executive management body and the paramedical and medical staff of the hospital, who dealt with the grave Corona crisis. This case shows how the change in leadership style from participative to situational leadership style could manage the situation by taking brilliant initiatives and providing insightful solutions with a lot of dedication, showing how situational leadership can deal with the transboundary crisis.

Complexity academic level

The case is an excellent example of a transboundary crisis for any organisation and demonstrates a novel idea of transforming the participative leadership style into a situational leadership style as and when the need arises. The topics of transboundary crisis and management crisis can be taught in strategic management. At the same time, leadership styles and transformation of leadership style can be covered in organisation behaviour. Management development programmes can also include such kinds of cases to give exposure to crisis and its management. The target audience would be PG management students, management executives and senior-level managers in various courses.

Supplementary material

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Measuring health information literacy in everyday life: a survey among tribal women in a developing country
Authors: Atikuzzaman Md. , Yesmin Shamima , Abdul Karim Md.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to assess tribal women’s health information literacy in their daily lives. The specific objectives are to determine the tribe’s interest and frequency of seeking health-related information, to know their preferred health information sources and health-care methods for treatment and to find out the prospective barriers to searching for and finding health-related information.

Design/methodology/approach

A well-structured questionnaire was designed and surveyed among the tribal women of Khagrachhari, Bandarban and Mymensingh districts in Bangladesh. Stratified sampling was used, and 326 responses were retrieved. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 and Microsoft Excel.

Findings

Most of the tribal women are satisfied with their current health condition. Though they are highly interested in health-related information, they are very unusual in terms of searching for this kind of information. Vaccination information is their most desired information, and allopathic treatment is highly preferred by them. In this regard, they consult with doctors at nearby community clinics or government hospitals for different health issues. However, health information terminologies are often difficult for them to understand. High costs, lack of awareness and distance from health centers are significant barriers for tribal women seeking health-related information.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first known effort in a developing country to study tribal women’s concerns regarding health-related issues.
Design and implementation of spanwise lift and gust control via arrays of bio-inspired individually actuated pneumatic flaplets
Authors: Court Alecsandra , Selim Omar , Pamment Keith , Bruecker Christoph
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Covert feathers on avian wings can show dynamic pop-up behaviour in rapid succession as a reaction to turbulent gusts. The purpose of this paper is to understand the possible flow control mechanism induced during such dynamic motion cycles. A model aerofoil is designed with suction side spanwise control of rows of bio-inspired flaplets.

Design/methodology/approach

A NACA 0012 aerofoil is equipped with a spanwise row of eight flaplets at 80% chord, connected to pneumatic actuators and can be deployed to max 15° in a prescribed open–hold–close manner. The model is placed in a water tunnel and flow measurements are done in the wake of the flaps during a cycle using particle image velocimetry.

Findings

During opening, boundary layer flow is sucked into the void space between the wing surface and the flaplet, which induces backflow underneath the flaplet and traps the fluid inside. This fluid is expelled downstream during closure, which generates a forward directed jet as seen by the formation of a vortex-ring like structure with higher axial momentum. The entrainment of the jet leads to the re-energising of the boundary layer flow further upstream.

Originality/value

This paper presents a furtherment of understanding of the action of pop-up feathers for separation control. The actuation of the bio-inspired flaplets shows a flow vectorising effect which can be used for active separation and gust control. In the case of incipient separation, flaplet action can act to re-attach the flow because of the jet entrainment effect.
What can outliers teach us about entrepreneurial success?
Authors: Ruef Martin , Birkhead Colin , Aldrich Howard
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Studies of unicorns and gazelles can offer detailed information about the process of enterprise development but are unrepresentative as examples of entrepreneurial success. In presenting a novel method for outlier analysis, this article combines insights from case studies of unusual organizations with explanatory frameworks that management scholars have applied to broader samples of firms, irrespective of their survival.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors illustrate the approach to outlier analysis using a prominent case from economic history: the House of Rothschild, founded during the 18th century, which became the most famous investment bank in Europe. Following the iterative refinement of mechanisms using comparison data on Jewish enclave firms, this analysis sheds light on the sources of dissimilarity in outcomes between Rothschild and the comparison group.

Findings

The study results suggest that the House of Rothschild's longevity can be explained via the mechanisms of risk sequencing, intergenerational transfers and spatial brokerage. The authors show that these mechanisms are not idiosyncratic to one enterprise but instead generalize to other family firms.

Originality/value

Outlier analysis encourages a rapprochement between case study and large-N research. The high failure rate of new organizations means that those yielding a large amount of information to researchers tend to be exceptional. By obtaining data on a comparison group of startups founded by similar entrepreneurs, analysts can probe the mechanisms of success identified for unicorns or gazelles.
The affordances of digital technologies for business processes integration
Authors: Marcinkevicius Gediminas , Vilkas Mantas
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Industry 4.0 brings new opportunities and challenges. This paper aims to focus on understanding how the affordances of digital technologies contribute to the integration of business processes in the context of Industry 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case analysis is used to reveal the affordances of digital technologies for the integration of business processes. A manufacturing company, the producer of professional stainless-steel kitchens, which is known for the adoption of digital technologies, was selected for the research. Interviews, archival data and nonparticipant observation are the main data collection methods.

Findings

This study contributes to the general business process management field. Case analysis shows that digital technologies facilitate the integration of business processes, specifically certain affordances, such as accessing and updating, sharing and initiating.

Research limitations/implications

This study is of a single case and therefore has some limitations. Future research should focus on the analysis of more cases for a better understanding of business process integration in the context of Industry 4.0.

Practical implications

The results of this research will help business managers better understand the importance of the development and proper adaptation of digital technologies in an organization.

Originality/value

This research has a twofold contribution to the fields of business process management and business process integration. First, the authors reveal how digital technologies facilitate business processes management in the context of Industry 4.0; and second, the authors identify the main mechanisms through which digital technologies contribute to business process integration.
Contributions to anarchist-cybernetics, identifying committee directorates in Errico Malatesta's theory: content analysis using dynamic causal diagrams and viable system modelling
Authors: Osejo-Bucheli Camilo
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to increase academic understanding of the relationship between systems' political identity and their viability, and to contribute to anarchist-cybernetics by examining the idea of organization proposed by Malatesta using Viable Systems. The research also develops the understanding of the relationship between Viable Systems and the environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The author developed a content analysis method that uses dynamic analysis, identifying how some variables affect others, and data is analysed using the Viable Systems Model. The author used Dynamic Causal Diagrams and the Viable System Model to draw conclusions and build theory. The author examined 137 documents produced by Errico Malatesta, studying in detail 39 documents containing the researched concepts.

Findings

The article identifies the literature, proposes an organizational theory for society and for cooperatives, strongly grounded in both, self-management and control. It presents a theory of self-management as a balancing effort to the control exercised by the external economic, political and societal forces of the environment. The literature also shows a form of organization that can be interpreted using the VSM framework. The ideas about self-management found in the literature, extend to economics, social theory, ethics, organizations, management and even operations management. The article finishes proposing a set of committees linked to the VSM structure, and successfully bridges anarchism and organizational cybernetics.

Originality/value

The article presents a novel method of systems analysis for the study of literature. It discovers the theory proposed by Malatesta not identified previously. Using the VSM framework, the ideas presented by the author, are translated into the organizational identity, and the operation of cooperatives. It makes an important contribution to anarchist-cybernetics.
Does dispositional greed predispose employees to hide knowledge?
Authors: Enwereuzor Ibeawuchi K.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

As knowledge hiding is prevalent and often leaves severe detrimental consequences in its wake, it is imperative to place strategies on the front burner to identify its potential antecedents forthwith if there is going to be any headway to curtail the incidence of this phenomenon in organizations. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between dispositional greed and knowledge hiding with the perceived loss of knowledge power as an underlying mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-wave, three weeks apart strategy was used for data collection. A sample of 262 employees working full-time in various organizations operating across different industries in Nigeria participated in this study. Data were analyzed with partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results showed that dispositional greed related positively to a perceived loss of knowledge power but insignificantly to any of the three dimensions of knowledge hiding (i.e. playing dumb, evasive hiding and rationalized hiding). On the other hand, the relationship between perceived loss of knowledge power and the three dimensions of knowledge hiding was positive. Finally, dispositional greed had an indirect positive relationship with the three dimensions of knowledge hiding through perceived loss of knowledge power.

Research limitations/implications

All the variables were self-reported, which may lead to the same source bias.

Practical implications

Human resources managers can subject employees to cognitive restructuring training to help them identify thinking patterns that contribute to the perception of losing their power in the organization if they share knowledge and help reshape their perceptions regarding knowledge sharing. Management can use rewards to encourage employees to adopt knowledge sharing and refrain from knowledge hiding as a desired organizational norm.

Originality/value

This study offers novel insights that identify an underlying mechanism that encourages greedy employees to enact knowledge hiding.
Medium-term forecast of daily passenger volume of high speed railway based on DLP-WNN
Authors: Wei Tangjian , Yang Xingqi , Xu Guangming , Shi Feng
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a medium-term forecast model for the daily passenger volume of High Speed Railway (HSR) systems to predict the daily the Origin-Destination (OD) daily volume for multiple consecutive days (e.g. 120 days).

Design/methodology/approach

By analyzing the characteristics of the historical data on daily passenger volume of HSR systems, the date and holiday labels were designed with determined value ranges. In accordance to the autoregressive characteristics of the daily passenger volume of HSR, the Double Layer Parallel Wavelet Neural Network (DLP-WNN) model suitable for the medium-term (about 120 d) forecast of the daily passenger volume of HSR was established. The DLP-WNN model obtains the daily forecast result by weighed summation of the daily output values of the two subnets. Subnet 1 reflects the overall trend of daily passenger volumes in the recent period, and subnet 2 the daily fluctuation of the daily passenger volume to ensure the accuracy of medium-term forecast.

Findings

According to the example application, in which the DLP-WNN model was used for the medium-term forecast of the daily passenger volumes for 120 days for typical O-D pairs at 4 different distances, the average absolute percentage error is 7%-12%, obviously lower than the results measured by the Back Propagation (BP) neural network, the ELM (extreme learning machine), the ELMAN neural network, the GRNN (generalized regression neural network) and the VMD-GA-BP. The DLP-WNN model was verified to be suitable for the medium-term forecast of the daily passenger volume of HSR.

Originality/value

This study proposed a Double Layer Parallel structure forecast model for medium-term daily passenger volume (about 120 days) of HSR systems by using the date and holiday labels and Wavelet Neural Network. The predict results are important input data for supporting the line planning, scheduling and other decisions in operation and management in HSR systems.
The challenge of renewing a varsity sport brand: a mixed-methods approach
Authors: Richelieu André , Gavrila Simona , Sercia Pierre
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was twofold. First, the authors analyzed how a major Canadian university sport brand was interpreted by its stakeholders and why the perception was so negative. Second, the researchers investigated how a dormant university sport brand could be revitalized.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach was designed. During the first year, a qualitative methodology was established. Researchers conducted 14 different focus groups, with students-athletes, students, coaches, university administrators, support staff and professors. In the second year, based on the initial findings, the researchers elaborated a quantitative protocol and built a multidimensional questionnaire which was administered to groups that were gravitating around the varsity brand. There were a total of 1,757 completed questionnaires.

Findings

The conclusions highlighted the weakness of the varsity brand and the limitations in leveraging the latter for the benefit of the institution. Contradictions in the marketing and branding decisions were noted, for which strategic recommendations were formulated.

Research limitations/implications

In essence, the contributions of the paper relate to the strategic management of the brand and the mixed-methods approach borrowed in this research. Understanding how a brand is perceived is essential for managers in elaborating their strategy and, therefore, being able to connect effectively with their audience.

Originality/value

The potential strategic leverage of branding for universities becomes even more valuable as these institutions are increasingly using their varsity programs to compete with one another. This study specifically analyzes the case of a Canadian varsity brand whose values and resources differ greatly from other North American institutions.
An investigation of global HRM practices: are practices converging or diverging in the modern day?
Authors: Murphy Liam
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether patterns of human resource management (HRM) are converging or diverging across the globe.

Design/methodology/approach

The topic is analysed through a review of existing literature in the space, introducing the drivers for MNCs to seek the global integration of HRM practices, as well as the strategies MNCs may use for practice transfer. The debates of convergence and divergence in relation to HRM practices are then discussed in further detail whilst focusing on two key areas impacting these debates: the cultural factors and the institutional, political and economic factors.

Findings

This paper suggests that patterns of HRM practices are not converging to one set of best practices approach, and there are numerous other factors which influence convergence, such as local business systems, legal practices and cultural differences. This paper suggests that there is a mix of some HRM practices converging due to MNC influence, whereas others continue to diverge.

Originality/value

A holistic discussion is held on the theory of convergence and divergence, which will benefit HR professionals in assessing the state of convergence in their own organisation and common pitfalls to be wary of.
Christian political hypermasculinity: Brazilian fascism in the 1930s
Authors: Moraes Traldi Daniela
Published: March 2023

This article considers the well‐crafted but often overlooked gender politics of the Integralistas, Brazil's largest fascist movement of the 1930s. Led by writer Plínio Salgado, the Integralistas, who allegedly reached one million members by 1935, became Brazil's first‐ever mass political organisation. They envisioned what they called a Christian holistic state (Estado Integral), one in which corporatism, nationalism and faith would sustain the country's very existence in opposition to communism, materialism and liberalism. Largely unexplored iconographic material reveal that gender appeared at the very heart of their political ambitions: a sexualised type of hypermasculinity pointed to an ideal Brazil rooted in Christian‐based notions of masculinity and femininity, having men as nation‐builders and women as family‐nurturers, and a racialised version of expected membership, with Blacks and the indigenous population welcomed only as infantilised male and female beings who depended upon much tutoring from self‐proclaimed grown‐up white Brazilian men. As this article explores, the politics of the Integralistas were not alone in 1930s Brazil.
Wrongful convictions and claims of false or misleading forensic evidence
Authors: Morgan John
Published: March 2023

The results are reported of a study to examine case factors associated with 732 wrongful convictions classified by the National Registry of Exonerations as being associated with “False or Misleading Forensic Evidence.” A forensic error typology has been developed to provide a structure for the categorization and coding of factors relating to misstatements in forensic science reports; errors of individualization or classification; testimony errors; issues relating to trials and officers of the court; and evidence handling and reporting issues. This study, which included the analysis of 1391 forensic examinations, demonstrates that most errors related to forensic evidence are not identification or classification errors by forensic scientists. When such errors are made, they are frequently associated with incompetent or fraudulent examiners, disciplines with an inadequate scientific foundation, or organizational deficiencies in training, management, governance, or resources. More often, forensic reports or testimony miscommunicate results, do not conform to established standards, or fail to provide appropriate limiting information. Just as importantly, actors within the broader criminal justice system—but not under the purview of any forensic science organization—may contribute to errors that may be related to the forensic evidence. System issues include reliance on presumptive tests without confirmation by a forensic laboratory, use of independent experts outside the administrative control of public laboratories, inadequate defense, and suppression or misrepresentation of forensic evidence by investigators or prosecutors. In approximately half of wrongful convictions analyzed, improved technology, testimony standards, or practice standards may have prevented a wrongful conviction at the time of trial.
A short‐chain carbonyl reductase mutant is an efficient catalyst in the production of (R)‐1,3‐butanediol
Authors: Guo Xiaoyan , Gao Yunfang , Liu Fangzheng , Tao Yong , Jin Haibo , Wang Jianjun , Wu Sheng
Published: March 2023

R‐1,3‐butanediol (R‐1,3‐BDO) is an important chiral intermediate of penem and carbapenem synthesis. Among the different synthesis methods to obtain pure enantiomer R‐1,3‐BDO, oxidation–reduction cascades catalysed by enzymes are promising strategies for its production. Dehydrogenases have been used for the reduction step, but the enantio‐selectivity is not high enough for further organic synthesis efforts. Here, a short‐chain carbonyl reductase (LnRCR) was evaluated for the reduction step and developed via protein engineering. After docking result analysis with the substrate 4‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone (4H2B), residues were selected for virtual mutagenesis, their substrate‐binding energies were compared, and four sites were selected for saturation mutagenesis. High‐throughput screening helped identify a Ser154Lys mutant which increased the catalytic efficiency by 115% compared to the parent enzyme. Computer‐aided simulations indicated that after single residue replacement, movements in two flexible areas (VTDPAF and SVGFANK) facilitated the volumetric compression of the 4H2B‐binding pocket. The number of hydrogen bonds between the stabilized 4H2B‐binding pocket of the mutant enzyme and substrate was higher (from four to six) than the wild‐type enzyme, while the substrate‐binding energy was decreased (from −17.0 kJ/mol to −29.1 kJ/mol). Consequently, the catalytic efficiency increased by approximately 115% and enantio‐selectivity increased from 95% to 99%. Our findings indicate that compact and stable substrate‐binding pockets are critical for enzyme catalysis. Lastly, the utilization of a microbe expressing the Ser154Lys mutant enzyme was proven to be a robust process to conduct the oxidation–reduction cascade at larger scales.
Particle swarm optimisation strategies for IOL formula constant optimisation
Authors: Langenbucher Achim , Szentmáry Nóra , Cayless Alan , Wendelstein Jascha , Hoffmann Peter
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To investigate particle swarm optimisation (PSO) as a modern purely data driven non‐linear iterative strategy for lens formula constant optimisation in intraocular lens power calculation.

Methods

A PSO algorithm was implemented for optimising the root mean squared formula prediction error (rmsPE, defined as achieved refraction minus predicted refraction) for the Castrop formula in a dataset of N = 888 cataractous eyes with implantation of the Hoya Vivinex hydrophobic acrylic aspheric lens. The hyperparameters were set to inertia: 0.8, accelerations c1 = c2 = 0.1. The algorithm was initialised with NP = 100 particles having random positions and velocities within the box constraints of the constant triplet parameter space C = 0.25 to 0.45, H = −0.25 to 0.25 and R = −0.25 to 0.25. The performance of the algorithm was compared to classical gradient‐based Trust‐Region‐Reflective and Interior‐Point algorithms.

Results

The PSO algorithm showed fast and stable convergence after 37 iterations. The rmsPE reduced systematically to 0.3440 diopters (D). With further iterations the scatter of the particle positions in the swarm decreased but without further reduction of rmsPE. The final constant triplet was C/H/R = 0.2982/0.2497/0.1435. The Trust‐Region‐Reflective/Interior‐Point algorithms showed convergence after 27/17 iterations, respectively, resulting in formula constant triplets C/H/R = 0.2982/0.2496/0.1436 and 0.2982/0.2495/0.1436, both with the same rmsPE as the PSO algorithm (rmsPE = 0.3440 D).

Conclusion

The PSO appears to be a powerful adaptive nonlinear iteration algorithm for formula constant optimisation even in formulae with more than 1 constant. It acts independently of an analytical or numerical gradient and is in general able to search for the best solution even with multiple local minima of the target function.
How open innovation can improve companies' corporate social responsibility performance?
Authors: Strazzullo Serena , Mauriello Roberto , Corvello Vincenzo , Cricelli Livio , Grimaldi Michele
Published: March 2023

Open Innovation (OI) allows companies to develop innovative solutions more effectively, with lower costs and risks. The economic benefits of OI have been thoroughly investigated in prior research. More recent literature suggests that OI can help companies also improve their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) performance. Contributions on how open innovation can help companies improve their CSR performance, however, are fragmented and lack strong theoretical foundations. In this study, we perform a systematic literature review to synthesize the main findings and provide a theoretical framework to explain how companies can simultaneously improve OI and CSR through the management of relationships with stakeholders. The framework is then used to investigate how OI projects favour the achievement of CSR objectives, by referencing the 17 United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Results show that the stakeholders' theory can be used to explain the connection between OI and CSR performance. We also find that companies can collaborate with different stakeholders' categories to achieve a variety of CSR goals. We suggest that companies adopt a long‐term perspective and explicitly include sustainability objectives in their open innovation strategy to enhance their position as reliable partners and elicit favourable responses from the environment. Results also allow us to provide some suggestions for future research. First, we point out that literature currently lacks conceptual studies to help formalize the connection between OI and CSR. Secondly, we observe that the influence of some stakeholders' categories, such as governments and research organizations, on companies' OI and CSR efforts remains under‐investigated.
Influence of partially exposed nonabsorbable membrane for alveolar ridge preservation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Matumoto Edson Ken , Corrêa Mônica Grazieli , Couso‐Queiruga Emilio , Monteiro Mabelle Freitas , Graham Zachary , Braz Silvia Helena Garcia , Ribeiro Fernanda Vieira , Pimentel Suzana Peres , Cirano Fabiano Ribeiro , Casati Marcio Zaffalon
Published: March 2023

Aim

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of a partially exposed non‐absorbable membrane (dPTFE) in Alveolar Ridge Preservation (ARP) procedures on clinical, tomographic, immunoenzymatic, implant‐related, and patient‐centered outcomes.

Materials and methods

Patients with a hopeless maxillary single‐rooted tooth demanding rehabilitation with implants were included. Patients were randomized into two groups: dPTFE (n = 22)—tooth extraction followed by ARP using a partially exposed dPTFE membrane; USH (n = 22)—unassisted socket healing. Clinical and tomographic analyses were performed at baseline and after 3 months. After 3 months, patients received one dental implant. Implant stability quotient was obtained following implant placement. Bone‐related markers were analyzed in bone biopsies using an immunoenzymatic assay.

Results

Greater gain in Keratinized Mucosa Width (KMW) was observed in the dPTFE (1.33 ± 0.98 mm) compared to USH (0.59 ± 0.98 mm) (Mann–Whitney test, Z = 2,28, p < 0.05). USH showed a reduction of pain/discomfort, edema, and interference with daily life from the seventh day (Friedman/Wilcoxon test, maxT = 7.48, 8.00, and 5.92, respectively, p < 0.05). dPTFE presents a reduction of edema and interference with daily life from the 7th day and pain/discomfort from the 14th day (Friedman/Wilcoxon test, maxT = 5.40, 5.26, and 4.78, respectively, p < 0.05). The dPTFE group presented higher pain/discomfort in the 35 and 42 days and higher edema from 7 to 42 days postoperatively than USH group (Mann–Whitney test, p < 0.05). No differences between groups were observed in the tomographic measures, immunoenzymatic analysis, and implant stability (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

dPTFE was superior to USH by increasing KMW gain. However, dPTFE without bone graft presented similar bone loss compared to USH. This clinical trial was not registered prior to participant recruitment and randomization (NCT04329351).
Perianal Paget's—an aggressive disease
Authors: Rudnicki Yaron , Stapleton Sahael M. , Batra Rishi , Gan Tong , Mathis Kellie L. , Kelley Scott R.
Published: March 2023

Aim

Perianal Paget's disease (PAPD) is a rare disorder with a predisposition to anal and colorectal malignancies and an unclear prognosis. Our previous 25‐year series demonstrated a non‐aggressive nature. This study aims to describe our updated institutional experience.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with primary PAPD from 1991 to 2021. A prospectively maintained institutional database was searched which included demographics, clinical and pathological manifestations, treatment methods, recurrence, oncological outcome and mortality.

Results

Thirty patients were diagnosed with PAPD. Fifteen were women (50%); the average age at diagnosis was 71 ± 10.7 years, and the average lesion size was 3.7 ± 2.6 cm. At diagnosis, 12 (40%) were harbouring invasive anal adenocarcinoma. Eight (27%) developed adenocarcinomas concurrent with PAPD recurrence at a mean interval of 9 ± 4.4 years (range 1.9–14.8). The Kaplan–Meier curve estimated overall survival of 93%, 86%, 82%, 65% and 56% at 1, 3, 5, 10 and 15 years, respectively. Median survival was 16 years. Six (20%) had disease‐related mortality. Initially, nine (30%) were treated with abdominoperineal resection (APR), 15 (50%) underwent local resection, three (10%) were treated with radiotherapy, two (7%) received only topical therapy and one (3%) chose observation. Fifteen (50%) experienced recurrence of PAPD, two after undergoing APR. Five (17%) had persistent disease until death. Only 10 (33%) did not experience PAPD recurrence, seven of whom underwent APR. The mean follow‐up time was 9.2 ± 6.2 years.

Conclusions

Perianal Paget's disease is an aggressive entity with high rates of synchronous anal adenocarcinoma at diagnosis and development of metachronous adenocarcinoma later in life.
Connecting the right knots: The impact of board committee interlocks on the performance of Indian firms
Authors: Edacherian Saneesh , Richter Ansgar , Karna Amit , Gopalakrishnan Balagopal
Published: March 2023

Research Question/Issue

Information processing, agency, and resource dependence perspectives provide diverging predictions regarding the relationship between board interlocks and firm performance, which are rooted in different perspectives on the roles of boards of directors. This study argues that these various approaches are reconcilable when considering the nature of board committees to which the interlocked directors are assigned.

Research Findings/Insights

We test our hypotheses on a sample of 5133 firm‐year observations in India. Our analyses support our hypotheses. The results show that interlocks between audit committees, whose primary function relates to providing financial oversight and ensuring compliance, are negatively related to firm performance. In contrast, interlocks between nomination and remuneration committees of Indian firms, which provide them with access to resources such as human capital and information on appropriate incentive structures, are positively related to performance.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our study clarifies the relationship between board committee interlocks and firm performance by taking a multi‐theoretical perspective. Our analysis suggests that information processing, agency, and resource dependence theories complement one another in explaining the effect of interlocks on firm performance.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our results show that it is not board interlocks per se that are detrimental to firm performance; in fact, appointing well‐connected directors with experience in serving on other boards might be beneficial for firms. However, firms should not assign specific monitoring‐intensive tasks such as auditing to directors who also serve on other firms' audit committees. Our findings suggest that these directors should have greater independence and focus.
Women directors, board attendance, and corporate financial performance
Authors: Joecks Jasmin , Pull Kerstin , Scharfenkamp Katrin
Published: March 2023

Research Question/Issue

Using insights from an in‐depth qualitative interview study, we propose an input‐process‐output model where the link between women directors (input) and corporate financial performance (output) is mediated by board attendance and where board attendance serves as a proxy of several intermediate but latent board processes. Further, we dig deeper into the nonlinearities of female boardroom representation by analyzing in how far the postulated mediation depends on the number of women in the boardroom.

Research Findings/Insights

Analyzing quantitative data from German supervisory boards over an 11‐year period, we find the link between women directors and corporate financial performance to be partially mediated by board attendance, and we find the mediation to depend on whether there is more than just one “token” woman in the boardroom. When there is only one woman in the boardroom, her presence is positively linked to board attendance, but the higher board attendance does not to translate into a better corporate financial performance.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our study contributes to theory, by inductively enriching our understanding of how and when women directors and corporate financial performance are linked.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our study encourages firms to appoint more than one woman to the boardroom to profit from an enhanced board attendance that will then also translate into a better corporate financial performance.
Effects of oral semaglutide on cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and/or chronic kidney disease: Design and baseline characteristics of SOUL, a randomized trial
Authors: McGuire Darren K. , Busui Rodica P. , Deanfield John , Inzucchi Silvio E. , Mann Johannes F. E. , Marx Nikolaus , Mulvagh Sharon L. , Poulter Neil , Engelmann Mads D. M. , Hovingh G. Kees , Ripa Maria Sejersten , Gislum Mette , Brown‐Frandsen Kirstine , Buse John B.
Published: March 2023

Aim

To describe the design of the SOUL trial (Semaglutide cardiOvascular oUtcomes triaL) and the baseline clinical data of its participants.

Materials and methods

In SOUL, the effects of oral semaglutide, the first oral glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist, on the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events in individuals with type 2 diabetes and established atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD) and/or chronic kidney disease (CKD) will be assessed. SOUL is a randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled CV outcomes trial comparing oral semaglutide (14 mg once daily) with placebo, both in addition to standard of care, in individuals aged ≥50 years with type 2 diabetes and evidence of ASCVD (coronary artery disease [CAD], cerebrovascular disease, symptomatic peripheral arterial disease [PAD]) and/or CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2). The primary outcome is time from randomization to first occurrence of a major adverse CV event (MACE; a composite of CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction or nonfatal stroke). This event‐driven trial will continue until 1225 first adjudication‐confirmed MACEs have occurred. Enrolment has been completed.

Results

Overall, 9650 participants were enrolled between June 17, 2019 and March 24, 2021 (men 71.1%, White ethnicity 68.9%, mean age 66.1 years, diabetes duration 15.4 years, body mass index 31.1 kg/m2, glycated haemoglobin 63.5 mmol/mol [8.0%]). The most frequently used antihyperglycaemic medications at baseline were metformin (75.7%), insulin and insulin analogues (50.5%), sulphonylureas (29.1%), sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (26.7%) and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (23.0%). At randomization, 70.7% of participants had CAD, 42.3% had CKD, 21.1% had cerebrovascular disease and 15.7% had symptomatic PAD (categories not mutually exclusive). Prevalent heart failure was reported in 23.0% of participants.

Conclusion

SOUL will provide evidence regarding the CV effects of oral semaglutide in individuals with type 2 diabetes and established ASCVD and/or CKD.
Clinical features of generalized lipodystrophy in Turkey: A cohort analysis
Authors: Yildirim Simsir Ilgin , Tuysuz Beyhan , Ozbek Mehmet Nuri , Tanrikulu Seher , Celik Guler Merve , Karhan Asuman Nur , Denkboy Ongen Yasemin , Gunes Nilay , Soyaltin Utku Erdem , Altay Canan , Nur Banu , Ozalkak Servan , Akgun Dogan Ozlem , Dursun Fatma , Pekkolay Zafer , Eren Mehmet Ali , Usta Yusuf , Ozisik Secil , Ozgen Saydam Basak , Adiyaman Suleyman Cem , Unal Mehmet Cagri , Gungor Semiz Gokcen , Turan Ihsan , Eren Erdal , Kayserili Hulya , Jeru Isabelle , Vigouroux Corinne , Atik Tahir , Onay Huseyin , Ozen Samim , Arioglu Oral Elif , Akinci Baris
Published: March 2023

Aim

To describe the Turkish generalized lipodystrophy (GL) cohort with the frequency of each complication and the death rate during the period of the follow‐up.

Methods

This study reports on 72 patients with GL (47 families) registered at different centres in Turkey that cover all regions of the country. The mean ± SD follow‐up was 86 ± 78 months.

Results

The Kaplan–Meier estimate of the median time to diagnosis of diabetes and/or prediabetes was 16 years. Hyperglycaemia was not controlled in 37 of 45 patients (82.2%) with diabetes. Hypertriglyceridaemia developed in 65 patients (90.3%). The Kaplan–Meier estimate of the median time to diagnosis of hypertriglyceridaemia was 14 years. Hypertriglyceridaemia was severe (≥ 500 mg/dl) in 38 patients (52.8%). Seven (9.7%) patients suffered from pancreatitis. The Kaplan–Meier estimate of the median time to diagnosis of hepatic steatosis was 15 years. Liver disease progressed to cirrhosis in nine patients (12.5%). Liver disease was more severe in congenital lipodystrophy type 2 (CGL2). Proteinuric chronic kidney disease (CKD) developed in 32 patients (44.4%) and cardiac disease in 23 patients (31.9%). Kaplan–Meier estimates of the median time to diagnosis of CKD and cardiac disease were 25 and 45 years, respectively. Females appeared to have a more severe metabolic disease, with an earlier onset of metabolic abnormalities. Ten patients died during the follow‐up period. Causes of death were end‐stage renal disease, sepsis (because of recurrent intestinal perforations, coronavirus disease, diabetic foot infection and following coronary artery bypass graft surgery), myocardial infarction, heart failure because of dilated cardiomyopathy, stroke, liver complications and angiosarcoma.

Conclusions

Standard treatment approaches have only a limited impact and do not prevent the development of severe metabolic abnormalities and early onset of organ complications in GL.