bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Which aesthetics works, classical or expressive? How and when aesthetic appearance enhances green consumption
Authors: He Lingling , Lin Miaochan , Liang Shichang , Geng Lixiao , Chen Zongshu
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This research explores the impact of classical aesthetics (e.g. order and symmetry) and expressive aesthetics (e.g. creativity and distinctiveness) on consumer green consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

This research conducted three studies. Study 1 explored the main effect of appearance aesthetics (appearance: plain vs classical vs expressive) on green products purchase intention through a one-factor between-subjects design. Study 2 verified the mediating role of perceived naturalness through two types of appearance aesthetics (appearance: classical vs expressive) between-subjects design. Study 3 verified the moderating role of product identity-symbolic attributes through a 2 (product identity-symbolic attributes: non-identity-symbolic vs identity-symbolic attributes) × 2 (appearance: classical aesthetics vs expressive aesthetics) between-subjects design.

Findings

Consumers will be more likely to purchase a green product that has classical aesthetics appearance (vs expressive aesthetics). Perceived naturalness mediates the effect of aesthetic appearance on consumer green consumption. Product identity symbol attributes moderate this effect. Specifically, for non-identity-symbolic green products, classical aesthetics can effectively enhance consumer purchase intention. For identity-symbolic green products, expressive aesthetics can effectively enhance consumer purchase intention.

Originality/value

Existing research suggests that aesthetic appearance can increase consumers’ evaluation of electronic products, beauty products and food, but the difference between aesthetics has not yet been explored. This research compares two aesthetics, contributing to the literature on aesthetic appearance in green products and offering valuable insights for managers’ green products marketing.
Technological diversification and innovation performance: the moderating effects of organizational slack and ownership in Chinese listed firms
Authors: Zhao Xingxin , Su Jiafu , Roh Taewoo , Lee Jeoung Yul , Zhan Xinrui
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of technological diversification (TD) on enterprise innovation performance, meanwhile focusing on the moderating effects of various organizational slack (i.e. absorbed and unabsorbed slack) and ownership types (i.e. state-owned or privately-owned) in the context of Chinese listed firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study formulates five hypotheses based on organization and agency theories. Our empirical analysis employs a fixed-effect regression estimator with a unique panel dataset of Chinese-listed manufacturing firms and 13,566 firm-year observations over 9 years from 2012 to 2020.

Findings

Our findings show that an inverted U-shaped relationship exists between TD and innovation performance, varying with different types of organizational slack and ownership. In state-owned enterprises (SOEs), unabsorbed slack negatively moderates the inverted U-shaped relationship; however, in privately-owned enterprises (POEs), this relationship is positively moderated. Although absorbed slack has negative moderating effects in both SOEs and POEs, its impact is only significant for POEs.

Practical implications

Our results imply that organizational slack has a contrasting impact on the relationship between TD and innovation performance when the type of ownership varies. Therefore, the managers that intend to achieve optimal innovation performance through TD should understand how organizational slack can be leveraged.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by applying the relationship between TD and innovative performance to the transition economy, as well as examining the double-edged sword impact of state ownership on firm innovation performance.
Does internal control affect corporate environmental responsibility? Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Xin , Liu Siyi , Wang Jiani , Chen Hanwen
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between internal control and corporate environmental responsibility.

Design/methodology/approach

Unlike US studies that concentrate solely on internal control over financial reporting, this study uses a comprehensive index that encompasses internal control over financial reporting, operations, and compliance. Corporate environmental responsibility is measured by environmental investments. Our research sample comprises Chinese listed firms from 2010 to 2018.

Findings

The results demonstrate a positive correlation between internal control and corporate environmental investments. Furthermore, we find that firms with high-quality internal control can improve their financial and environmental performance through environmental investments. After decomposing internal control into its five components, we show that the control environment, control activities, and information and communication components exhibit stronger effects on environmental investments than the risk assessment and monitoring components. Finally, the cross-sectional analyses reveal that the positive effect of internal control is more pronounced in private firms and in firms that are subject to weaker environmental regulation.

Originality/value

By focusing on the effect of a comprehensive internal mechanism on corporate environmental responsibility in China, this study contributes to the literature in developed-country settings that overwhelmingly focuses on the impact of external stakeholders and regulations.
Quality of care in mental health services: does patient engagement play a role?
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Sabbir , Hossain Md Afnan , Rushan Md Rifayat Islam , Hassan Hasliza , Talwar Vishal
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The mental healthcare is experiencing an ever-growing surge in understanding the consumer (e.g., patient) engagement paradox, aiming to vouch for the quality of care. Despite this surge, scant attention has been given in academia to conceptualize and empirically investigate this particular aspect. Thus, drawing on the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) paradigm, the study explores how patients engage with healthcare service providers and how they perceive the quality of the healthcare services.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 279 respondents, and the derived conceptual model was tested by using Smart PLS 3.2.7 and PROCESS. To complement the findings of partial least squares (PLS)-based structural equation modeling (SEM), the present study also applied fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to identify the necessary and sufficient conditions to explore substitute conjunctive paths that emerge.

Findings

Findings show that patients’ perceived intimacy (PI), cohesion and privacy enhance the quality of mental healthcare service providers. The results also suggest that patients’ PI, cohesion and privacy have indirect effects on the perceived quality of care (PQC) by the service providers through consumer engagement. The fsQCA results derive that the relationship among conditions leading to patients’ perception of the quality of care in regard to mental healthcare service providers is complex and is best reflected as multiple and conjectural causation configurations.

Research limitations/implications

The findings from this research contribute to the advancement of studies on patients’ experiences by empirically examining the unique dynamics of interaction between consumers (patients) and mental healthcare service providers, thereby enriching both the literature on social interactions and the understanding of the consumer–provider relationship.

Practical implications

The results of this study provide practical implications for mental healthcare service providers on how to combine the study variables to enhance the quality of care and satisfy more patients.

Originality/value

A significant research gap has ascertained the inter-relationship between PI, cohesion, privacy, engagement and PQC from the perspective of mental healthcare service providers. This research is one of the primary studies from a managerial and methodological standpoint. The study contributes by combining symmetric and asymmetric statistical tools in service marketing and healthcare research. Furthermore, the application of fsQCA helps to understand the interactions that might not be immediately obvious through traditional symmetric methods.
Understanding the opposing forces of continuance intention: a hybrid SEM-ANN approach
Authors: Loh Xiu Ming , Lee Voon Hsien , Leong Lai Ying
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study looks to understand the opposing forces that would influence continuance intention. This is significant as users will take into account the positive and negative use experiences in determining their continuance intention. Therefore, this study looks to highlight the opposing forces of users’ continuance intention by proposing the Expectation-Confirmation-Resistance Model (ECRM).

Design/methodology/approach

Through an online survey, 411 responses were obtained from mobile payment users. Subsequently, a hybrid approach comprised of the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was utilized to analyze the data.

Findings

The results revealed that all hypotheses proposed in the ECRM are supported. More precisely, the facilitating and inhibiting variables were found to significantly affect continuance intention. In addition, the ECRM was revealed to possess superior explanatory power over the original model in predicting continuance intention.

Originality/value

This study successfully developed and validated the ECRM which captures both facilitators and inhibitors of continuance intention. Besides, the relevance and significance of users’ innovative resistance to continuance intention have been highlighted. Following this, effective business and research strategies can be developed by taking into account the opposing forces that affect users’ continuance intention.
Digital transformation, competitive strategy choices and firm value: evidence from China
Authors: Ren Changman , Lin Xiaoxing
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This research aims to examine the effects of corporate digital transformation on firm value, with a particular focus on the mediating roles played by cost leadership and differentiation strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs word frequency analysis to create corporate digital transformation indicators and determine how corporate digital transformation impacts firm value. The data used in the analysis comes from 2,056 listed manufacturing enterprises in China between 2010 and 2019.

Findings

This study demonstrates that digital transformation has a favorable impact on firm value, and that cost leadership strategy and differentiation strategy significantly mediate the relationship between both of them.

Research limitations/implications

This study utilized word frequency analysis to assess the state of corporate digital transformation. It lacked a more thorough description of internal production processes, operational efficiency, and the pace of digital transformation.

Practical implications

The results of this study can not only promote the digital transformation and firm value, but also provide a theoretical basis for enterprises to choose a reasonable competitive strategy in the digital transformation.

Originality/value

This study contributes significantly to the field of firm value research by including digital transformation as a fundamental component. Furthermore, it investigates how cost leadership strategy and differentiation strategy play mediating roles, providing a new perspective and explanatory mechanism for understanding the influence of digital transformation on firm value.
Framing beneficiary photos to elicit donations in online medical crowdfunding: through the perspectives of sympathy and deliberation
Authors: Wang Xiaopan , Guo Junpeng , Wu Yi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Beneficiary photos on charity appeals are believed to engender prosocial behavior. This study explores photo framing of healthy and unhealthy beneficiary photos in the context of photo-rich online medical crowdfunding. Based on framing theory, emphasis framing effect (i.e. unhealthy photos only vs both healthy and unhealthy photos) and equivalency framing effect (i.e. healthy photos prior to unhealthy photos vs unhealthy photos prior to healthy photos) are identified.

Design/methodology/approach

A scenario-based experiment with 135 participants was used to empirically test the proposed research hypotheses. The subjects were randomly assigned to three treatment groups, with 45 subjects in each group. ANOVA, linear regression, and multiple mediation analysis were used to analysis data.

Findings

The results reveal that disclosing both healthy and unhealthy photos can elicit stronger sympathy and perceived need than merely disclosing unhealthy photos. Moreover, the order of unhealthy photos prior to healthy photos leads to a higher level of sympathy than the order of healthy photos prior to unhealthy photos. Furthermore, sympathy and perceived need are positively related to donation intention.

Originality/value

First, this study extends the photo-related research limited to certain characteristics of a single photo to the sequence effect of multiple photos. Second, this study contributes to framing theory by introducing photo framing, particularly the equivalence and emphasis framing effect of beneficiary photos. Finally, this study reveals the emotional and cognitive routes through which beneficiary photos stimulate prosocial behavior. It also offers practical guidance in the aspects of the framing effect of beneficiary photos for crowdfunding management.
On the independence of audit committee in developing countries: evidence from Jordan
Authors: Alhababsah Salem , Azzam Ala’a
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the extent to which audit committee (AC) members who are formally independent are truly independent in practice, and what challenges they face that undermine their independence.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes semi-structured interviews with 18 members of the AC in Jordan.

Findings

The responses indicate that AC is mostly labelled as independent but fails to play an effective monitoring role due to different institutional factors. These factors include family ownership, government ownership, culture, compensation package and the lack of qualified directors.

Research limitations/implications

This research addresses this gap by presenting qualitative evidence from a civil law jurisdiction, featured by a developing financial market, a prevalence of family businesses, limited investor protection and a low risk of litigation. Additionally, this study aims to rectify the current imbalance between qualitative and quantitative studies on AC and bridge the gap between research conducted in developed countries and their developing counterparts.

Practical implications

This study offers valuable insights for regulatory authorities to engage in a more profound contemplation of extant governance regulations. Also, this study offers useful feedback for nomination committees of public companies, and it also has an implication for shareholders as they rely on independent directors to protect their investment. Furthermore, implications of the findings derived from this research possess the potential for generalization to other developing nations characterized by akin institutional contexts, notably encompassing the countries situated in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Originality/value

This research introduces novel qualitative empirical evidence from a distinctive jurisdiction governed by civil law, thereby enriching the existing scholarly discourse. It also contributes to the AC literature by suggesting that it is not only the existence of conventionally independent ACs that affect the integrity of financial statements, but also the absence of social ties and other contextual obstacles.
The role of arbitrage risk in the MAX effect: evidence from the Korean stock market
Authors: Goh Jihoon , Kim Donghoon
Published: March 2024

In this study, we investigate what drives the MAX effect in the South Korean stock market. We find that the MAX effect is significant only for overpriced stocks categorized by the composite mispricing index. Our results suggest that investors' demand for the lottery and the arbitrage risk effect of MAX may overlap and negate each other. Furthermore, MAX itself has independent information apart from idiosyncratic volatility (IVOL), which assures that the high positive correlation between IVOL and MAX does not directly cause our empirical findings. Finally, by analyzing the direct trading behavior of investors, our results suggest that investors' buying pressure for lottery-like stocks is concentrated among overpriced stocks.
Does intellectual capital reduce the probability of default?
Authors: Khurana Sakshi , Sharma Meena
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of intellectual capital (IC) on default risk in Indian companies listed on the National Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies panel data regression analysis to derive a relationship between IC and default risk for the sample period 2013–2022. The value-added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) of Pulic (2000) has been applied to measure IC performance, and default risk is estimated using the revised Z-score model of Altman (2000).

Findings

The results revealed a positive association between Z-score and VAIC. It implies that a higher value of VAIC improves financial stability and leads to a lower likelihood of default. The findings further suggest that new default forecasting models can be experimented with IC indicators for better default prediction.

Practical implications

The findings can have implications for investors and banks. This paper provides evidence of IC performance in improving the financial solvency of firms. Investors and financial institutions should invest their resources in a healthy firm that effectively manages and invests in their IC. It will eventually award investors and creditors high returns through efficient value-creation processes.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence of IC performance in improving the financial solvency of Indian high-defaulting firms, which lacks sufficient evidence in this domain of research. Numerous studies exist examining the relationship between firm performance and IC value, but this area is inadequately focused and underresearched. This study, therefore, fills the research gap from an Indian perspective.
A conceptual framework of green supply chain integration toward enterprise performance through ambidextrous green innovation: an organizational capability perspective
Authors: Yang Guimei , Singhdong Putthiwat
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study explores the impact of green supply chain integration (GSCI) on enterprise performance (EP) from an organizational capability perspective. Additionally, this study investigated the mediating effect of ambidextrous green innovation (AMGI) and the moderating effect of green legitimacy (GL).

Design/methodology/approach

This study followed a five-step systematic review of the literature to ensure the auditability and repeatability of the concept development process: (1) formulation of the question, (2) research area orientation, (3) selection and evaluation of research literature, (4) data analysis and synthesis and (5) reporting and application of results.

Findings

This study clarified the concepts and dimensions of four relevant variables and, based on the organizational capability theory (OCT), ambidextrous innovation theory (AIT) and new institutional theory (NIT), explained the interactions among these variables and proposed a conceptual framework. In addition, an agenda for future research has been suggested.

Originality/value

This study provides a new direction for future GSCI research and practice in emerging economies. Enterprises should focus on developing GSCI capabilities to promote its positive impact on enterprise performance through AMGI adoption. Moreover, they must emphasize the acquisition of GL, which provides a certain degree of security, to realize the benefits of AMGI.
Willingness to cooperate with police in hate crime cases: the impact of police legitimacy, police encounters and race/ethnicity
Authors: Lee Selye
Published: March 2024

Purpose

While the significance of public cooperation for police effectiveness is widely acknowledged, less is known about factors associated with cooperation in hate crime cases. The current study aims to explore how individuals’ perspectives on police legitimacy, contact experience with police and race/ethnicity shape their willingness to cooperate with police in hate crime incidents.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a sample of 693 college students and was conducted at a public university in the south-central region of the southern United States of America. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models were used to examine factors related to willingness to cooperate with police.

Findings

Findings show that those who have a high level of positive perceptions of police legitimacy and those who have a low level of negative personal experience with police reported more willingness to cooperate. Asian respondents were less likely to report that they would cooperate with police compared to white respondents.

Originality/value

This study, emphasizing the relationships between perceived police legitimacy and positive personal experiences with a willingness to cooperate in hate crime cases, has practical implications. The identification of racial/ethnic differences in cooperation attitudes, particularly the lower likelihood of cooperation among Asian respondents, contributed to the current literature and underscores the importance of considering diverse perspectives and outreach efforts.
Organic compost belowground and floral diversity aboveground interactively shape beneficial insects in urban gardens
Authors: Blubaugh C. K. , Chesnut R. , Hagan K. L.
Published: March 2024

Plant diversity aboveground can exert top‐down pressure on herbivores by attracting predatory insects, while organic soil amendments rich in beneficial microbes can limit herbivores from the bottom‐up by enhancing plant defensive chemistry. Aboveground and belowground forces always operate simultaneously to shape herbivore pressure, but understanding how they interact is a longstanding and persistent challenge.

Here, we examine how organic composts mediate the effects of plant diversity across trophic levels, using zucchini plants (Cucurbita pepo) as a study system. Over two field seasons, we manipulated vermicompost treatments in 18 experiments in school gardens that varied in surrounding plant and floral resource diversity and measured responses of insect herbivores and their natural enemies.

Vermicompost strengthened a positive relationship between flower richness and foliar‐feeding omnivores, suggesting that robust reservoirs of omnivores at flower‐rich sites mounted stronger responses to compost‐treated host plants.

Predators increased with flower richness, but were not affected by vermicompost.

Net outcomes of vermicompost and plant diversity were neutral for herbivores.

Synthesis and applications. Altogether, our results reveal that bottom‐up factors protecting plants are modified by their environmental context, and may more effectively attract natural enemies in landscapes with diverse floral resources. Therefore, we recommend augmentation of biodiversity aboveground (i.e. floral resources) together with biodiversity belowground (organic soil amendments) to strengthen crop protection.
Systematic review of field research reveals critical shortfalls for restoration of tropical grassy biomes
Authors: Medeiros Natália F. , Ordóñez‐Parra Carlos A. , Buisson Elise , Silveira Fernando A. O.
Published: March 2024

Scientists and policymakers are becoming aware of the pressing need to restore tropical grassy biomes (TGB), which are home to unique biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services to hundreds of millions of people. TGB face increasing threats, including forest‐ and tree‐centric restoration approaches that promote their degradation and  we still lack a systematic assessment of where and how TGB restoration research has been done to guide policy and practice.

We synthesized knowledge on field restoration experiments by conducting a systematic literature review to map TGB restoration field studies, examine the association of restoration techniques and degradation sources and investigate the diversity of indicators used to monitor restoration outcomes.

TGB restoration was concentrated at Brazilian and Australian savannas, with large blindspots in Asia, Africa and northern and western South America. Studies were largely context‐dependent, with an inconsistent usage of restoration techniques to different sources of degradation. Less than half of the indicators evaluated were monitored consistently through time, often using a low‐dimensional approach related to ecosystem functioning. Few studies manipulated fire, herbivores and soils, the key drivers for the re‐establishment of TGB dynamics. Unfortunately, many studies lacked negative (degraded ecosystems), positive (reference ecosystems) controls, or both, impairing attempts to robustly determine restoration outcomes.

Our overview of field research on TGB restoration highlights that research needs improvement to refine our ability to assess, plan, implement and monitor restoration. Severe issues with experimental designs and data reporting are identified as barriers to find generality and upscale TGB restoration to meet the goals of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

Synthesis and applications. Our synthesis calls for enhanced field experiments, transparent data reporting and quantitative syntheses to guide large‐scale TGB restoration. The overall lack of knowledge on improving resilience and measuring outcomes hampers meaningful comparisons between studies and hinders synthetic views essential for determining appropriate restoration techniques for different degradation sources and suitable monitoring indicators. To overcome the scarcity of reliable and transparent data supporting TGB restoration, we propose a simple checklist for minimum research reporting information and more complete multilingual standardized guidelines.
Interstage flow matrices: Population statistic derived from matrix population models
Authors: Yokomizo Hiroyuki , Fukaya Keiichi , Lambrinos John G. , Kawai Yuka , Takada Takenori
Published: March 2024

Many population statistics describe the characteristics of populations within and among species. These are useful for describing population dynamics, understanding how environmental factors alter demographic patterns, testing hypotheses related to the evolution of life history characteristics and informing the effective management of populations.

In this study, we propose a population statistic: the interstage flow. The interstage flow is defined as the product of the element in the ith row, the jth column of the population projection matrix and the jth element of the normalized stable stage distribution.

The sum of the interstage flow matrix elements is equal to the population growth rate (PGR), which is the dominant eigenvalue of the population projection matrix. The interstage flow matrix elements allow decomposition of PGR into component contributions made by transitions between developmental stages.

We demonstrate the utility of interstage flow matrices using matrix population models from the COMPADRE plant matrix database. We compared interstage flows among four life history/functional groups (FGs) (semelparous herbs, iteroparous herbs, shrubs and trees) and described how PGR reflected individual transitions related to stasis, fecundity and growth. We found that the individual flows are different among FGs.

Synthesis. The proposed population statistic, the interstage flow matrix, describes the contribution of individual developmental stage transitions to the PGR. The flow of individuals between developmental stages differs in distinctive ways among different life histories and FGs. The interstage flow matrix is a valuable statistic for describing these differences.
Systemic family therapists and dementia: A constructivist grounded theory study
Authors: Ball Peter Lloyd
Published: March 2024

This article presents research that explored the ways that systemic and family therapists might approach the support of families living with dementia. A constructivist grounded theory methodology was used to interpret interviews with four systemic family therapists working in the United Kingdom. All participants had professional and/or lived experience of dementia. Transcript analysis and theoretical sampling led to the development of five categories, each related to different aspects of considering systemic therapy in a dementia context. These categories were further developed into a ‘systemically informed dementia orienteering’ conceptual framework, which is presented in this paper as a learning resource. Findings are related to existing literature, and recommendations for future research are made.
Identifying low acuity Emergency Department visits with a machine learning approach: The low acuity visit algorithms (LAVA)
Authors: Chen Angela T. , Kuzma Richard S. , Friedman Ari B.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To improve the performance of International Classification of Disease (ICD) code rule‐based algorithms for identifying low acuity Emergency Department (ED) visits by using machine learning methods and additional covariates.

Data Sources

We used secondary data on ED visits from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Survey (NHAMCS), from 2016 to 2020.

Study Design

We established baseline performance metrics with seven published algorithms consisting of International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision codes used to identify low acuity ED visits. We then trained logistic regression, random forest, and gradient boosting (XGBoost) models to predict low acuity ED visits. Each model was trained on five different covariate sets of demographic and clinical data. Model performance was compared using a separate validation dataset. The primary performance metric was the probability that a visit identified by an algorithm as low acuity did not experience significant testing, treatment, or disposition (positive predictive value, PPV). Subgroup analyses assessed model performance across age, sex, and race/ethnicity.

Data Collection

We used 2016–2019 NHAMCS data as the training set and 2020 NHAMCS data for validation.

Principal Findings

The training and validation data consisted of 53,074 and 9542 observations, respectively. Among seven rule‐based algorithms, the highest‐performing had a PPV of 0.35 (95% CI [0.33, 0.36]). All model‐based algorithms outperformed existing algorithms, with the least effective—random forest using only age and sex—improving PPV by 26% (up to 0.44; 95% CI [0.40, 0.48]). Logistic regression and XGBoost trained on all variables improved PPV by 83% (to 0.64; 95% CI [0.62, 0.66]). Multivariable models also demonstrated higher PPV across all three demographic subgroups.

Conclusions

Machine learning models substantially outperform existing algorithms based on ICD codes in predicting low acuity ED visits. Variations in model performance across demographic groups highlight the need for further research to ensure their applicability and fairness across diverse populations.
How natural resources and technological advancements affect environmental quality: Evidence from load capacity factor in N‐11 nations
Authors: Guo Yaping , Alnafrah Ibrahim , Hou Xinmeng , A. Almenweer Reem , Mehmood Usman
Published: March 2024

The pressing issues of global climate change and environmental degradation necessitate the development of novel sustainable growth models by humanity. The efficacy of growth policy is strongly contingent upon the fundamental principles of productivity, such as efficient resource management. This study contributes to the investigation of the influence of natural resources (NRs) and several indices measuring productive capacity index (CI) on the environment of developing N‐11 countries (Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Korea, Pakistan, Turkey, and Vietnam) during 2000–2022. The research employed the cross‐sectional Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS‐ARDL) model to examine the relationship between the variables. The empirical evidence indicates that there is a positive relationship between CI, technical innovation (TEC), NR, and gross domestic product (GDP) with the load capacity factor (LCF). Evidently, the sub‐indicators of CI present diverse results. The enhancement of productive CI in human capital, information, and communication technology (ICT), structural change, and governance has been found to foster ecological sustainability. Conversely, the domains of transport, private sector development, and energy utilization have been observed to contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution. This study posits that enhancing operational efficiencies and productive CI is associated with improved ecological outcomes.
Subcellular structure, heterogeneity, and plasticity of senescent cells
Authors: Bitencourt Thais Cardoso , Vargas Jose Eduardo , Silva Andrew Oliveira , Fraga Lucas Rosa , Filippi‐Chiela Eduardo
Published: March 2024

Cellular senescence is a state of permanent growth arrest. It can be triggered by telomere shortening (replicative senescence) or prematurely induced by stresses such as DNA damage, oncogene overactivation, loss of tumor suppressor genes, oxidative stress, tissue factors, and others. Advances in techniques and experimental designs have provided new evidence about the biology of senescent cells (SnCs) and their importance in human health and disease. This review aims to describe the main aspects of SnCs phenotype focusing on alterations in subcellular compartments like plasma membrane, cytoskeleton, organelles, and nuclei. We also discuss the heterogeneity, dynamics, and plasticity of SnCs' phenotype, including the SASP, and pro‐survival mechanisms. We advance on the multiple layers of phenotypic heterogeneity of SnCs, such as the heterogeneity between inducers, tissues and within a population of SnCs, discussing the relevance of these aspects to human health and disease. We also raise the main challenges as well alternatives to overcome them. Ultimately, we present open questions and perspectives in understanding the phenotype of SnCs from the perspective of basic and applied questions.
Network meta‐analysis of the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways underlying alcohol‐induced thymic atrophy
Authors: Rengifo Tatiana , Bishir Muhammed , Huang Wenfei , Snyder Marylynn , Chang Sulie L.
Published: March 2024

Background

Thymic atrophy is characterized by loss of thymocytes, destruction of thymic architecture, and a subsequent decrease in naïve T cells with compromised immunity. Thymic atrophy occurs during aging. Environmental factors including alcohol misuse also induce thymic atrophy. Despite the link between alcohol misuse and thymic atrophy, the underlying mechanism is understudied. We aimed to identify molecules and signaling pathways that underly alcohol‐induced thymic atrophy during aging.

Methods

F344 rats were given 3‐day binge‐ethanol (4.8 g/kg/day; 52% w/v; i.g.) and the thymus was collected and weighed. Molecular mechanisms underlying ethanol‐induced thymic atrophy were investigated by network meta‐analysis using the QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). The molecules associated with ethanol were identified from the QIAGEN Knowledge Base (QKB) and those associated with thymic atrophy were identified from QKB and Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI). Aging‐mediated Differential Expression Genes (DEGs) from mouse thymocytes were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE132136). The relationship between the molecules and associated signaling pathways were studied using IPA.

Results

Binge‐ethanol decreased thymic weight in F344 rats. Our meta‐analysis using IPA identified molecules commonly shared by ethanol and thymic atrophy through which simulation with ethanol increased thymic atrophy. We then obtained aging‐mediated DEGs from the atrophied thymocytes. We found that ethanol contributed to thymic atrophy through modulation of the aging‐mediated DEGs. Our network meta‐analysis suggests that ethanol may augment thymic atrophy through increased expression of cytokines (e.g., IL‐6, IL‐17A and IL‐33) along with their regulators (e.g., STAT1 and STAT3).

Conclusions

Exposure to alcohol may augment thymic atrophy by altering the activity of key inflammatory mediators, such as STAT family members and inflammatory cytokines. These findings provide insights into the signaling pathways and upstream regulators that underly alcohol‐induced thymic atrophy during aging, suggesting that alcohol consumption could prepone thymic atrophy.
Application of Laennec extrathecal blockade combined with indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in laparoscopic anatomic hepatectomy
Authors: Yang Yong , Yu Chong‐yuan , Lin Fang , Sun Dong‐lin , Wu Ke‐jia , Cai Hui‐hua , Shi Long‐qing , Zhu Qiang
Published: March 2024

Objective

To investigate the safety and application value of combining Laennec extracapsular occlusion with ICG fluorescence imaging in laparoscopic anatomic hepatectomy.

Methods

Complete laparoscopic dissection was performed outside the Laennec sheath, blocking Glisson's pedicle of the corresponding liver segment or lobe. An appropriate amount of indocyanine green (ICG) dye was intravenously injected, and the boundary line between the pre‐cut liver segment and liver lobe was identified using fluorescence laparoscopy. Complete resection of the liver segment or lobe was performed based on anatomical markers. Clinical data, including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications, were collected.

Results

A total of 14 cases were included in the study, including seven cases of primary liver cancer, three cases of metastatic liver cancer, three cases of intrahepatic bile duct calculi, and one case of hepatic hemangioma. All 14 patients underwent anatomic hepatectomy under fluorescent laparoscopy, with four cases involving the right liver, seven cases involving the left liver, two cases involving the right anterior lobe, and one case involving the right posterior lobe.

Conclusion

Combining laparoscopic follow‐up of the Laennec membrane with Glisson outer sheath block and intraoperative ICG fluorescence imaging provides real‐time guidance for locating the resection boundaries during anatomic hepatectomy. This approach helps in controlling intraoperative bleeding, reducing operation time, and ensuring high safety. It holds significant value in clinical application.
First worldwide report on rectal resections with Hugo™ surgical system: description of docking angles and tips for an effective setup
Authors: Caputo Damiano , Cammarata Roberto , Farolfi Tommaso , Coppola Roberto , La Vaccara Vincenzo
Published: March 2024

Backgrounds

Rectal robotic surgery gained momentum in the last decade, but it is still associated with not‐negligible costs. In order to reduce costs, recently different robotic systems have received approval for clinical use. This study aims to present the first case series of rectal resection with the novel cost‐effective platform Robotic Assisted Surgery (RAS) Hugo™. Tips for effective set up of the system and detailed configuration of tilt and docking angles are also provided.

Methods

Three cases of rectal resection with Hugo RAS™ system are reported. After the first two cases of resection with partial mesorectal excision in which surgeries were performed with the setup proposed by the vendor company, in the third case we tested a novel setup that allowed a full robotic low rectal resection performing vascular ligations, TME and colonic splenic flexure mobilization without the need of any de‐docking.

Results

Our first three robotic rectal resections with the Hugo RAS™ system were completed without complications with a median docking time of 12 min (range 8–15) and a median console time of 345 minutes (range 271–475). In the first two cases, hybrid robotic and laparoscopic surgeries were performed to obtain an adequate haemostasis and traction during the pelvic phase. In the third case, a full robotic TME was successfully accomplished.

Conclusion

Our experience demonstrates that a full robotic low rectal resection with TME with Hugo™ RAS system is feasible, safe and associated with satisfactory postoperative outcomes.
A guide to outcome evaluation of simulation‐based education programmes in low and middle‐income countries
Authors: Robinson Samuel JA , Yin Mar Oo  , Ljuhar Damir , McLeod Elizabeth , Pacilli Maurizio , Nataraja Ramesh M
Published: March 2024

Evaluation is a vital part of any learning activity and is essential to optimize and improve educational programmes. It should be considered and prioritized prior to the implementation of any learning activity. However, comprehensive programme evaluation is rarely conducted, and there are numerous barriers to high‐quality evaluation. This review provides a framework for conducting outcome evaluation of simulation‐based education programmes in low and middle‐income countries (LMICs). The basis of evaluation, including core ideas of theory, purpose and structure are outlined, followed by an examination of the levels and healthcare applications of the Kirkpatrick model of evaluation. Then, methods of conducting evaluation of simulation‐based education in LMICs are discussed through the lens of a successful surgical simulation programme in Myanmar, a lower‐middle‐income country. The programme involved the evaluation of 11 courses over 4 years in Myanmar and demonstrated evaluation at the highest level of the Kirkpatrick model. Reviewing this programme provides a bridge between evaluation theory and practical implementation. A range of evaluation methods are outlined, including surveys, interviews, and clinical outcome measurement. The importance of a mixed‐methods approach, enabling triangulation of quantitative and qualitative analysis, is highlighted, as are methods of analysing data, including statistical and thematic analysis. Finally, issues and challenges of conducting evaluation are considered, as well as strategies to overcome these barriers. Ultimately, this review informs readers about evaluation theory and methods, grounded in a practical application, to enable other educators in low‐resource settings to evaluate their own activities.
The establishment of diseased human whole organ model by normothermic machine perfusion technique: Principle of concept
Authors: Tang Yunhua , Li Jiahao , Zhang Tao , Chen Honghui , Qin Meiting , Chen Huadi , Huang Jinbo , Miao Ziqiang , Cai Ruilin , Yang Yongqi , Kang Jun , Sun Hanqi , Zhong Ronghua , Li Jingya , Wang Tielong , Chen Maogen , Ju Weiqiang , Wang Dongping , Guo Zhiyong , Dan Jia , Li Yefu , He Xiaoshun , Zhao Qiang
Published: March 2024

Background

The global incidence of liver diseases is rising, yet there remains a dearth of precise research models to mimic these diseases. The use of normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) to study diseased livers recovered from liver transplantation (LT) recipients presents a promising avenue. Accordingly, we have developed a machine perfusion system tailored specifically for the human whole diseased livers and present our experience from the NMP of diseased livers.

Methods

Six diseased livers recovered from LT recipients with different diagnoses were collected. The diseased livers were connected to the machine perfusion system that circulated tailored perfusate, providing oxygen and nutrients. The pressure and flow of the system were recorded, and blood gas analysis and laboratory tests of perfusate and bile were examined to analyze the function of the diseased livers. Liver tissues before and after NMP were collected for histological analysis.

Results

Experiments showed that the system maintained the diseased livers in a physiological state, ensuring stable hemodynamics and a suitable partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The results of blood gas analysis and laboratory tests demonstrated a restoration and sustenance of metabolism with minimal damage. Notably, a majority of the diseased livers exhibited bile production continuously, signifying their vivid functional integrity. The pathological characteristics remained stable before and after NMP.

Conclusion

We successfully established the machine perfusion system tailored specifically for diseased human whole livers. Through the application of this system, we have developed a novel in vitro model that faithfully recapitulates the main features of human liver disease. This model holds immense promise as an advanced disease modeling platform, offering profound insights into liver diseases and potential implications for research and therapeutic development.
Surgically induced astigmatism in the scleral fixated ‘Carlevale’ IOL technique
Authors: Schranz Markus , Abela‐Formanek Claudette , Reiter Gregor S. , Mylonas Georgios , Schartmüller Daniel , Reumueller Adrian
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the surgically induced astigmatism over a 6‐month follow‐up period in patients who underwent scleral IOL fixation using an acrylic single‐piece IOL with special haptics designed for sutureless scleral fixation.

Methods

We conducted a prospective longitudinal study at a single site with a single surgeon. We included patients who received transscleral IOL implantation following the Carlevale technique and were followed up post‐operatively for 24 weeks. We measured the patient's refraction at baseline, week 12 and week 24 using the best corrected visual acuity at 4 m (EDTRS chart). We performed corneal tomography at every visit using an anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS‐OCT).

We evaluated surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) and refraction during each follow‐up visit and compared them to baseline. We then assessed changes in SIA over time.

Results

In total, 27 eyes of 27 patients consisting of 16 female and 11 male individuals were evaluated. The mean patient age was 71 ± 11.7 years, mean axial length was 24.30 ± 1.47 mm (range: 21.4–27.23) and mean white‐to‐white distance was 12.07 ± 0.40 mm (range: 11.4–12.7).

The mean SIA decreased from 1.78 ± 0.96D at week 1 significantly to 0.80 ± 0.55D at week 12 (p < 0.001) and then stayed unchanged around 0.82 ± 0.72D at week 24 (p = 1.0).

Conclusions

The scleral fixated Carlevale IOL and its implantation procedure were found to result in a predictable SIA of <1D after 24 weeks. However, the axis orientation of the SIA appeared to be random, making it unsuitable for implementation in toric IOL calculations.