bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing an intravenous ketamine protocol for acute pain in the medical-surgical setting
Authors: Hunter Oluwatobi O. , Lu Alan , Fretwell Deborah , Mariano Edward R.
Published: November 2022

A subanesthetic intravenous ketamine infusion is a safe and effective acute pain management modality for moderate to severely painful surgical procedures and may be useful in patients who are at increased risk for opioid-related adverse events. Despite its safety profile, intravenous ketamine is often restricted to the intensive care unit, which results in decreased patient access to this effective therapy. For clinicians who wish to implement an intravenous ketamine protocol in the medical-surgical setting, there are few resources available. In this brief report, we present our ketamine infusion protocol for acute pain and the clinical and financial outcomes 1 year after implementation. In our experience, ketamine infusions on the medical-surgical ward are safe and cost-effective when an established acute pain service protocol is followed. Nurse practitioners play an essential role in increasing patient access to intravenous ketamine infusions and leading change by collaborating with stakeholders to develop a protocol, training nurses and interdisciplinary team members, and providing ongoing support to nursing staff.
Uncollimated gamma camera measurements at two metres to the patient provide a practical and statistically robust method for SeHCAT retention calculation
Authors: Willson Tamar , Meades Richard
Published: November 2022

[75Se]tauroselcholic acid (SeHCAT) retention studies may be performed using a collimated or uncollimated (intrinsic) gamma camera, with trade-offs between counting sensitivity, collision risk, and stray source influence. In this work, we evaluate the uncertainty in SeHCAT studies performed in ‘outer room’ mode, where the patient sits or stands two metres away from the uncollimated camera face.

768 SeHCAT studies performed at the Royal Free Hospital were analysed retrospectively, and in all cases, the absolute uncertainty was found to be well within the clinically acceptable limit of ±1 percentage point at 15% retention.

The mean counting sensitivity was found to be 1.64 cps/kBq, which is higher than collimated counting but lower than uncollimated counting with the patient on the couch. Seeing as the outer room method does not require patients to transfer onto the couch it may provide savings in setup time which may offset the necessarily longer acquisition time. Because the patient does not come into close proximity to the unprotected camera face the risk of collision is also reduced.

Spectra from a SeHCAT capsule in a water-filled torso phantom were used to examine the potential impact of modifying the energy windows. We recommend adopting a wide central photopeak and downscatter window (160–296 keV) plus a lower photopeak window (111–159 keV), which may provide significant improvements in sensitivity. This improved sensitivity could be used to reduce the acquisition time, which is of particular interest in the context of increasing numbers of referrals for SeHCAT retention tests.
Risk Factors for Readmission Following Febrile Neutropenia in Pediatric Oncology Patients
Authors: McCormick Meghan , Richardson Troy , Rapkin Louis , Kalpatthi Ram
Published: November 2022

Febrile neutropenia is the most common reason for admission from the emergency department for pediatric oncology patients. We identified pediatric inpatients age 1 to 21 years with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) diagnosis code of malignancy and either fever with neutropenia or fever alone over a 6-year period (2007-2012) using the PHIS+ database. We evaluated factors associated with readmission within 7 days after index hospitalization. There were 4029 index hospitalizations among 2349 patients in 6 hospitals, 294 encounters (7.3%) were followed by readmission within 7 days. Factors associated with increased odds of readmission included being in the lowest quartile for median household income (odds ratio [OR]=1.64, P=0.009), diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (OR=1.37, P=0.016), lack of anerobic coverage during index hospitalization (OR=1.48, P=0.026), and absolute neutrophil count <200 cells/μL at discharge from index hospitalizations (OR=1.55, P=0.008). Patients who required readmission had a longer median length of stay and greater hospitalization costs during the index hospitalization. There was a trend towards increasing hospitalization rates for febrile neutropenia over time. While absolute neutrophil count is incorporated into many risk stratification strategies for fever management, further work should focus on addressing socioeconomic factors which may impact readmission rates.
Uterine Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumors
Authors: Ladwig Nicholas R. , Bean Gregory R. , Pekmezci Melike , Boscardin John , Joseph Nancy M. , Therrien Nicole , Sangoi Ankur R. , Piening Brian , Rajamanickam Venkatesh , Galvin Matthew , Bernard Brady , Zaloudek Charles , Rabban Joseph T. , Garg Karuna , Umetsu Sarah E.
Published: November 2022

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) of the uterus is a rare mesenchymal tumor with largely benign behavior; however, a small subset demonstrate aggressive behavior. While clinicopathologic features have been previously associated with aggressive behavior, these reports are based on small series, and these features are imperfect predictors of clinical behavior. IMTs are most commonly driven by ALK fusions, with additional pathogenic molecular alterations being reported only in rare examples of extrauterine IMTs. In this study, a series of 11 uterine IMTs, 5 of which demonstrated aggressive behavior, were evaluated for clinicopathologic variables and additionally subjected to capture-based next-generation sequencing with or without whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing. In the 6 IMTs without aggressive behavior, ALK fusions were the sole pathogenic alteration. In contrast, all 5 aggressive IMTs harbored pathogenic molecular alterations and numerous copy number changes in addition to ALK fusions, with the majority of the additional alterations present in the primary tumors. We combined our series with cases previously reported in the literature and performed statistical analyses to propose a novel clinicopathologic risk stratification score assigning 1 point each for: age above 45 years, size≥5 cm,≥4 mitotic figures per 10 high-power field, and infiltrative borders. No tumors with 0 points had an aggressive outcome, while 21% of tumors with 1 to 2 points and all tumors with ≥3 points had aggressive outcomes. We propose a 2-step classification model that first uses the clinicopathologic risk stratification score to identify low-risk and high-risk tumors, and recommend molecular testing to further classify intermediate-risk tumors.
Family Caregiver Comorbidities in Lewy Body Dementia Versus Alzheimer Disease and Associated Disorders
Authors: Fleisher Jori E. , Moshkovich Anna , Levin Melissa , Akram Faizan , Hess Serena P. , Suresh Madhuvanthi , Bentley Cintra D. , Manak Thomas , Mattke Maraline , Miller Allegra , Pennsyl Claire E. , Pierce Carmen M. , Voss Margaret , Taylor Angela , Schroeder Karlin , Chodosh Joshua
Published: November 2022

Background:

Family caregivers of people living with dementia have high caregiver strain and poor health consequences. Limited research exists on Lewy body dementia (LBD) caregivers and their specific comorbidities. This study aimed to (1) identify the prevalence of self-reported comorbidities among LBD caregivers and (2) contextualize these findings with historical data on caregivers of persons living with Alzheimer disease and associated disorders (ADADs).

Methods:

In a national, online survey, LBD family caregivers completed the Self-Administered Comorbidity Questionnaire and we compared these findings with extant literature on ADAD caregiver comorbidities.

Results:

Among 217 LBD caregivers, 84.3% were female, 39.1% were 64 years old or younger, and 66.8% had >2 years of caregiving experience. Caregivers self-identified as current (83.9%) or former (16.1%) caregivers. The most frequent comorbidities were hypertension (38.2%), depression (35.0%), back pain (34.1%), and arthritis (27.7%). LBD caregivers, particularly younger caregivers, had a higher prevalence of depression compared with ADAD caregivers and older adult populations, and back pain prevalence nearly equivalent to spinal cord injury caregivers.

Conclusions:

Our study is the first to illustrate and contextualize specific comorbidities among LBD caregivers. Understanding the causality and impact of these conditions will be critical in designing effective interventions to improve the lives of families affected by LBD.
eccDNA Atlas: a comprehensive resource of eccDNA catalog
Authors: Zhong Tengwei , Wang Wenqing , Liu Houyan , Zeng Maolin , Zhao Xinyu , Guo Zhiyun
Published: November 2022

Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) represents a large category of nonmitochondrial and nonplasmid circular extrachromosomal DNA playing an indispensable role in various aspects such as tumorigenesis, immune responses, liquid biopsy, etc. However, characteristic and functions of eccDNA are fragmented, hiding behind abundant literatures and massive whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data, which have not been sufficiently used for identification of eccDNAs. Therefore, establishing an integrated repository portal is essential for identifying and analyzing eccDNAs. Here, we developed eccDNA Atlas (http://lcbb.swjtu.edu.cn/eccDNAatlas), a user-friendly database of eccDNAs that aims to provide a high-quality and integrated resource for browsing, searching and analyzing eccDNAs from multiple species. eccDNA Atlas currently containing 630,434 eccDNAs and 7,774 ecDNAs manually curated from literatures and 1,105 ecDNAs predicted by AmpliconArchitect based on WGS data involved in 66 diseases, 57 tissue and 319 cell lines. The content of each eccDNA entry included multiple aspects such as sequence, disease, function, characteristic, validation strategies, etc. Furthermore, abundant annotations and analyzing utilities were provided to explore existed eccDNAs in eccDNA Atlas or user-defined eccDNAs including oncogenes, typical enhancers, super enhancers, gene expression, survival, and genome visualization. Based on these resources, eccDNA Atlas will significantly improve our understanding of eccDNAs and serve as an important catalyst for future research of eccDNAs.
Urban ecological connectivity as a planning tool for different animal species
Authors: Kirk Holly , Soanes Kylie , Amati Marco , Bekessy Sarah , Harrison Lee , Parris Kirsten , Ramalho Cristina , van der Ree Rodney , Threlfall Caragh
Published: November 2022

The application of ecological theory to urban planning is becoming more important as land managers focus on increasing urban biodiversity as a way to improve human welfare. City authorities must decide not only what types of biodiversity-focused infrastructure should be prioritized, but also where new resources should be positioned and existing resources protected or enhanced. Careful spatial planning can contribute to the successful return and conservation of urban nature by maximizing the contribution of green infrastructure to landscape connectivity. By using ecological connectivity theory as a planning tool, governments can quantify the effect of different interventions on the ease with which wildlife can move across the landscape. Here we outline an approach to a) quantify ecological connectivity for different urban wildlife species and b) use this to test different urban planning scenarios using QGIS. We demonstrate four extensions to the work by Deslaurier et al. (2018) and Spanowicz & Jaeger (2019) which improve the application of this method as a planning tool for local government:

A step-by-step method for calculating effective mesh size using the open-source software QGIS.

Conversion of the effective mesh size value (meff) to a “probability of connectedness” (Pc, for easier interpretation by local government and comparisons between planning scenarios).

Guidance for measuring species-specific connectivity, including how to decide what spatial information should be included and which types of species might be most responsive to connectivity planning.

Advice for using the method to measure the outcome of different urban planning scenarios on ecological connectivity.
Changes in Alcohol Consumption during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Wisconsin
Authors: Pomazal Rachel , McCulley Laura , Schultz Amy , Stafford Noah , Schowalter Mikayla , Malecki Kristen
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic increased stress levels broadly in the general population. Patterns of alcohol consumption are known to increase in times of increased stress like natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and economic turmoil. Wisconsin is an important place to study changes in alcohol consumption because it is one of the heaviest-drinking states in the United States. The primary aim of this study is to identify changes in alcohol use at three distinct timepoints during the COVID-19 pandemic in a statewide sample.

Methods

An online survey was sent to 5,502 previous Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW) participants to ask about a wide range of topics related to COVID-19. The timepoints were taken May through June 2020 (Wave 1), January to February 2021 (Wave 2), and June 2021 (Wave 3) The sample included 1,290, 1,868, and 1,585 participants in each of the three waves respectively. Changes in alcohol consumption (whether they drank more, about the same, or less) were examined by race, age, gender, educational attainment, annual income, anxiety and depression status, remote work status, whether the participant experienced employment changes due to COVID-19, and whether there were children present in the home. Within-wave univariate changes in alcohol consumption were evaluated by demographics using a chi-squared test.

Results

In all three waves, those with anxiety, a bachelor’s degree or higher, two younger age groups, and those with children in the home were significantly more likely to increase alcohol consumption. Those reporting depression, those in the highest income quartile, and those working remotely were more likely to report increased drinking in the first two surveys, but not in the third survey. Participants reporting changes in employment due to COVID-19 were more likely to increase drinking in the first survey only. Non-white participants were more likely to report decreased drinking in the first survey only.

Conclusions

There may be subpopulations in Wisconsin at higher risk for the negative effects of heavy drinking during the pandemic like those with anxiety, those with children in the home, those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, and those in younger age groups, as these groups had consistently higher alcohol use that did not subside 15 months after lockdowns began.
Mathematical characterization of fractal river networks
Authors: Terui Akira
Published: November 2022

Carraro and Altermatt1performed an extensive analysis to study scaling properties of river networks. They concluded that: (1) branching “probability” is better termed as branching “ratio” for real river networks because it is not a probability; (2) branching ratio is a scale-dependent quantity as the value changes across spatial resolutions at which river networks are extracted (expressed as the threshold catchment areaATthat initiates channels or pixel sizel); (3) Optimal Channel Networks most accurately predicted the metapopulation stability and capacity. However, the supporting ground for these conclusions is either seriously flawed or inconclusive due to the improper use of branching probability, scale invariance, dimensions, and units.
RNAin situconformation sequencing reveals novel long-range RNA structures with impact on splicing
Authors: Margasyuk Sergei , Kalinina Marina , Petrova Marina , Skvortsov Dmitry , Cao Changchang , Pervouchine Dmitri D.
Published: November 2022

Over past years, long-range RNA structure has emerged as a factor that is fundamental to alternative splicing regulation. Since an increasing number of human disorders are now being associated with splicing defects, it is essential to develop methods that assess long-range RNA structure experimentally. RNAin situconformation sequencing (RIC-seq) is the method that recapitulates RNA structure within physiological RNA-protein complexes. In this work, we juxtapose RIC-seq experiments conducted in eight human cell lines with pairs of conserved complementary regions (PCCRs) that were predictedin silico. We show statistically that RIC-seq support strongly correlates with PCCR properties such as equilibrium free energy, presence of compensatory substitutions, and occurrence of A-to-I RNA editing sites and forked eCLIP peaks. Based on these findings, we prioritize PCCRs according to their RIC-seq support and show experimentally using antisense nucleotides and minigene mutagenesis that PCCRs in two disease-associated genes,PHF20L1andCASK, impact alternative splicing. In sum, we demonstrate how RIC-seq experiments can be used to discover functional long-range RNA structures, and particularly those that regulate alternative splicing.
Measures of genetic diversification in somatic tissues at bulk and single cell resolution
Authors: Moeller Marius E. , Père Nathaniel V. Mon , Werner Benjamin , Huang Weini
Published: November 2022

Intra-tissue genetic heterogeneity is universal to both healthy and cancerous tissues. It emerges from the stochastic accumulation of somatic mutations throughout development and homeostasis. By combining population genetics theory and genomic information, genetic heterogeneity can be exploited to infer tissue organisation and dynamicsin vivo. However, many basic quantities, for example the dynamics of tissue specific stem cells remain difficult to quantify precisely. Here we show that single cell and bulk sequencing data inform on different aspects of the underlying stochastic processes. Bulk derived variant allele frequency spectra (VAF) show transitions from growing to constant stem cell populations with age in samples of healthy oesophagus epithelium. Single-cell mutational burden distributions allow a sample size independent measure of mutation and proliferation rates. Mutation rates in adult haematopietic stem cells are higher compared to inferences during development, suggesting additional proliferation independent effects. Furthermore, single cell derived VAF spectra contain information on the number of tissue specific stem cells. In haematopiesis, we find approximately 2×105HSCs, if all stem cells divide symmetrically. However, the single cell mutational burden distribution is over-dispersed compared to a model of Poisson distributed random mutations suggesting. A time-associated model of mutation accumulation with a constant rate alone cannot generate such a pattern. At least one additional source of stochasticity would be needed. Possible candidates for these processes may be occasional bursts of stem cell divisions, potentially in response to injury, or non-constant mutation rates either through environmental exposures or cell intrinsic variation.
Assessing the factors that affected the development of cloud-based accounting education and students' academic performance in Oman
Authors: Tawfik Omar Ikbal , Elmaasrawy Hamada Elsaid
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to assesses the factors that affected the development of cloud-based accounting education (DCBAE) and students' academic performance at Oman Universities.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper a questionnaire was used to collect data for a sample of students. Partial least squares (PLS) were used to assess the hypotheses and model.

Findings

Results indicate that human factors and cultural and social factors have a direct positive effect on the DCBAE and students' academic performance.

Practical implications

This study is carried out after five semesters since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, it can help universities (accounting education in particular) in the Sultanate of Oman know the factors that affect the development of accounting education and adopt policies and strategies that depend on cloud computing in education operations, even after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is to evaluate the factors that affected the DCBAE and the academic performance of students in the Sultanate of Oman from March 15, 2020 to June 2022, a period that witnessed the application of cloud-based education, either in whole or in part using a questionnaire about the opinions of students.
Social networks, network interaction and resilience of B&Bs in rural China
Authors: Wang Yi , Jiang Yangyang , Geng Baojiang , Yan Ziqi , Wang Xiaorong
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the social networks and network interactions of bed-and-breakfast (B&B) entrepreneurs in rural China. In addition, it evaluates how such network interactions relate to rural resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews were performed in two locations: Ningbo and Dujiangyan, China. Purposive sampling was combined with snowball sampling to select interviewees. The 154 interviews involved 29 B&B owners and relevant social actors. All codes and data were analyzed using the discourse analysis framework.

Findings

The B&B owners’ social networks were identified based on strategic goals, revealing a business operation network, business development network and business citizenship network. Challenges in seeking financial support for rural B&Bs during the pandemic were specified along with network interactions. The institutional adaptation approach was used to evaluate network interaction in rural B&B business. It was argued that other networks would react based on primary network members’ goal compatibility and the effectiveness of the primary network in addressing obstacles.

Practical implications

This study indicates that the rural B&B entrepreneurs’ interactions with various networks could influence on business resilience, community resilience as well as rural resilience.

Originality/value

By combining the institutional adaptation typology with social network theory, this study generates a new typology of network interactions for rural B&Bs. The typology helps to explain how and why B&B entrepreneurs make decisions and provides a broader scope of social networks involved in these business operations.
The meta-analysis of organisational deviant behaviours research: past, present, and future
Authors: Ahmadi Alvar Zahra , Feiz Davood , Modarresi Meysam
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to reach a perception of the advance of research on deviant organisational behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

This research has been done through the text mining method. By reviewing, the papers were selected 360 papers between 1984 and 2020. Based on the Davis–Boldin index, 11 optimal clusters were gained. Then the roots were ranked in any group, using the Simple Additive Weighting technique. Data were analysed by RapidMiner and MATLAB software.

Findings

According to the results obtained, clusters are included leadership styles, job attitudes, spirituality in the workplace, work psychology, personality characteristics, classification and management of deviant workplace behaviours, service and customer orientation, deviation in sales, psychological contracts, group dynamics and inappropriate supervision.

Originality/value

This study provides a landscape and roadmap for future investigation on deviant organisational behaviours.
Representational scaffolding in digital simulations – learning professional practices in higher education
Authors: Fischer Frank , Bauer Elisabeth , Seidel Tina , Schmidmaier Ralf , Radkowitsch Anika , Neuhaus Birgit J. , Hofer Sarah I. , Sommerhoff Daniel , Ufer Stefan , Kuhn Jochen , Küchemann Stefan , Sailer Michael , Koenen Jenna , Gartmeier Martin , Berberat Pascal , Frenzel Anne , Heitzmann Nicole , Holzberger Doris , Pfeffer Jürgen , Lewalter Doris , Niklas Frank , Schmidt-Hertha Bernhard , Gollwitzer Mario , Vorholzer Andreas , Chernikova Olga , Schons Christian , Pickal Amadeus J. , Bannert Maria , Michaeli Tilman , Stadler Matthias , Fischer Martin R.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To advance the learning of professional practices in teacher education and medical education, this conceptual paper aims to introduce the idea of representational scaffolding for digital simulations in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

This study outlines the ideas of core practices in two important fields of higher education, namely, teacher and medical education. To facilitate future professionals’ learning of relevant practices, using digital simulations for the approximation of practice offers multiple options for selecting and adjusting representations of practice situations. Adjusting the demands of the learning task in simulations by selecting and modifying representations of practice to match relevant learner characteristics can be characterized as representational scaffolding. Building on research on problem-solving and scientific reasoning, this article identifies leverage points for employing representational scaffolding.

Findings

The four suggested sets of representational scaffolds that target relevant features of practice situations in simulations are: informational complexity, typicality, required agency and situation dynamics. Representational scaffolds might be implemented in a strategy for approximating practice that involves the media design, sequencing and adaptation of representational scaffolding.

Originality/value

The outlined conceptualization of representational scaffolding can systematize the design and adaptation of digital simulations in higher education and might contribute to the advancement of future professionals’ learning to further engage in professional practices. This conceptual paper offers a necessary foundation and terminology for approaching related future research.
BIM knowledge transfer in construction industry: a partial least square analysis
Authors: Rotimi Esther Oluwadamilola Olufemi , Rotimi Funmilayo Ebun , Silva C.W. Chathurani , Aigwi Itohan Esther
Published: November 2022

Purpose

There are several technologies positively impacting the management of construction projects. Building information modelling (BIM) is one such technology, slowly changing project delivery. However, enhancing knowledge transfer (KT) within the construction industry is crucial because of the characteristic slow uptake of innovation. Therefore, this study aims to establish the effectiveness of the KT mechanism for BIM implementation in construction organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quantitative research method where a structured questionnaire was distributed to construction professionals. A partial least square structural equation modeling path analysis was used to test the direct and indirect relationships of computer self-efficacy (CS), perceived ease of use (PEOU), KT and BIM usage.

Findings

This study found that CS could improve KT, which will, in turn, increase the implementation of BIM within construction organisations. However, in terms of KT, individuals’ confidence and ability to use BIM inspires them to share the knowledge of BIM they had received through training. Furthermore, this study found that the ease of interacting, learning and being skilful with BIM may not necessarily ensure the actual transfer of knowledge.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable insights into KTs (BIM implementation) in the construction industry. It will enhance the use of BIM systems and related knowledge through effective training amongst construction practitioners. Other previous studies have focused on challenges and barriers to BIM implementation, this study goes deeper into establishing the effectiveness of the KT mechanism for BIM implementation in construction organisations.
An analysis of Pakistan’s accountability law after June 2022 amendments: implications and effectiveness of anti-corruption campaign
Authors: Korejo Muhammad Saleem , Korejo Erum Naseer , Rajamanickam Ramalinggam , Md. Said Muhamad Helmi , Ullah Nazir
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an analysis of National Accountability Ordinance 1999 (NAO) after June 2022 amendments. It raises a key question whether the new legislation is effective and improves anti-corruption operating system in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper performs an analysis of recent amendments incorporated in NAO from the observations of superior courts, United Nations Corruption Convention and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines and also evaluates new legislation in terms of effectiveness in anti-corruption campaign.

Findings

This paper finds that ample amendments are inessential, and thus may largely jeopardize accountability process; changes appear to be intentionally crafted to benefit some selected group of people: the definition of asset is compressed; the onus of proof is shifted on the informer; and provisions of money trail, foreign evidence and protection of approver are abolished; such changes defy to the UN Corruption Convention and FATF guidelines. A legislation endorsed from all stakeholders is suggested; additionally, improved strategies proposed to strengthen accountability process while keeping in view the constitutional issues relevant in the course of anti-corruption investigations.

Originality/value

This paper is unique in the context of the anti-corruption strategies in Pakistan, highlighting the legal laxness of new government regarding corruption and money laundering.
Paragons of sustainability: transforming luxury markets through value-in-impact. Insights from an Ecuadorian artisan chocolate case study
Authors: Pohlmann Attila , Grijalva Diego , Noboa Fabrizio , Andrango Johanna
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Associated with status, excess and wastefulness, the consumption of luxury is perceived as the antithesis to sustainable development. Entrepreneurs create business cases to mediate positive sustainability changes, which transform markets and institutional arrangements. The purpose of this paper is to propose the concept of value-in-impact as an interface concept to integrate perspectives from entrepreneurship, marketing and ecological economics. It provides interdisciplinarily applicable, generalizable concepts to describe social entrepreneurs’ personal motivations to reconfigure market structures to produce sustainability change.

Design/methodology/approach

The case of Ecuadorian luxury chocolate manufactory To’ak is described in the context of the three pillars of sustainability, chocolate producers and cacao suppliers. Thematic analysis of the founders’ personal narratives provides insight regarding their motivation to use ostensibly antithetical luxury marketing for rainforest preservation and to foster self-reliant communities.

Findings

To’ak pays premium prices to create incentives to community farmers to propagate the rare, DNA-certified cacao exclusive to their products, thereby marginalizing oppressive suppliers. The company’s founders are motivated to excellence in the chocolate industry, having witnessed the loss of the cultural meaning of cacao, rainforest degradation and the dissipation of associated communities. The case study findings illustrate how value-in-impact is interpreted as purposeful configuration of value-in-use and value-in-exchange on luxury markets to produce positive sustainability change.

Originality/value

The notion of value-in-impact describes higher order conceptualizations in business research. It encompasses a holistic understanding of the dynamics within and between societal and natural ecosystems. Its application at the marketing/entrepreneurship interface can lead to improved management and policy decisions.
“My Story”: using a life story approach to build friendships between younger and older people to alleviate loneliness and social isolation
Authors: Clayton David , Clifton Andrew , de Vries Kay , Kuuya Henson , Ochieng Bertha
Published: November 2022

Purpose

“My Story” is based on a life story approach. This study aims to facilitate therapeutic alliances by providing a format for older and younger people to interact.

Design/methodology/approach

Three pairings were studied to explore the experiences of the older and younger person using “My Story”. The focus of the case studies was on how and if any therapeutic alliance emerged.

Findings

This study found that in the two of the pairings, “My Story” helped to create a bond and mutual benefit for the participants’ central to a therapeutic alliance. This led one of the pairings to develop into an intergenerational friendship and potentially help with loneliness.

Research limitations/implications

As this was an exploratory and small pilot, more cases and research are required to fully assess if “My Story” is a useful approach to develop intergenerational befriending.

Practical implications

Intergenerational befriending may be one solution that could help with loneliness and social isolation through forming a therapeutic alliance to make the befriending successful.

Social implications

Loneliness and social isolation for older people remain a problem.

Originality/value

An original pilot was undertaken to test the approach by bringing together older people identified as lonely by a voluntary sector provider and pairing these with a student volunteer. The students visited the older person over six weeks to discuss their life story and create an artefact based on the story for the older person.
Degree of internationalisation and firm performance: the flattening role of organisational slack resources
Authors: Luu Tien Dung , Trinh Lan Anh , Nguyen Thanh Phuong Binh , Ngo Ngoc Linh Chi , Le Nguyen Phuong Nhi , Vu Nhat Vi
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the impact of the degree of internationalisation (DOI) on firm performance (FP), with the moderating role of organisational slack resources, namely, absorbed slack human resources, absorbed financial slack resources and unabsorbed slack resources, in the context of Asian emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Data includes 45 companies and 225 observations in 2014–2018. The authors adopted the generalised least squares method to test their hypotheses.

Findings

DOI negatively influences FP, indicating that the link between DOI and FP is not U-shaped but relatively linear. Absorbed human resources and absorbed slack financial resources significantly enhance FP, absorbing resources associated with DOI and FP. Unabsorbed slack resources play a minor role in mitigating the deleterious impact of DOIs on FP.

Practical implications

Firms in an emerging market should begin exploring and expanding into overseas markets with characteristics similar to the domestic market. The firm should optimise the benefits of slack resources by appropriately allocating resources to strategic operations.

Originality/value

This study reveals the beneficial effect of organisational slack resources on the DOI-FP relationship via the lens of the resource-based view.
Archives in Portuguese public policies: a steady place
Authors: Guardado da Silva Carlos , Corujo Luis , Duque Perdigão Maria Miguel
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the archives’ role in Portuguese public policies from 1976 to 2021, based on an analysis of decision-making and support mechanisms, as well as other legal and normative instruments (diplomas) associated with relevant policies and legal actions in government programs, major planning options, sectoral programs and legislation.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation was based on a qualitative methodological framework that follows the document analysis method, consisting of four phases: research; first reading; critical reading and data collection; and analysis and interpretation.

Findings

Survey results identified the presence of the archives on government agendas and supported tracing an evolution in the development and application of measures in this area. Additionally, it was possible to relate these measures to socioeconomic and political contexts and to previously identified reference studies. The conclusion is that the place of archives in Portuguese public policies between 1976 and 2021 was still based in historical and heritage dimensions, excluding the aspect of information management, which was not even included within the concept of archives.

Originality/value

This is an original case study of the state of Portuguese archive policies, compared against reference works such as Couture(1998) and more recent national developments as considered in the works of Silva(2019).
Risk hedging properties of infrastructure: a quantile regression approach
Authors: Gupta Surbhi , Sharma Anil K.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the hedge, diversifier and safe haven properties of the global listed infrastructure sector and subsector indices against two traditional asset classes, stocks and bonds, and four alternative asset classes, including commodities, real estate, private equity and hedge funds during extreme negative stock market movements.

Design/methodology/approach

Using dynamic conditional correlation and quantile regression, the authors analyze a data set of 12 indices comprising listed infrastructure and traditional asset classes from 2010 to 2019.

Findings

Overall, the findings indicate that listed infrastructure acts as an effective diversifier but not as a strong safe haven or hedge when considered in a multiasset context. With minor exceptions, listed infrastructure cannot be concluded as a safe haven against other asset classes under investigation.

Practical implications

The present study has implications for institutional investors looking to incorporate infrastructure in their multiasset portfolios for increased portfolio diversification benefits.

Originality/value

Despite the increased influence of infrastructure as an asset class, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the hedge, safe haven and diversifying properties of infrastructure in a multi-asset context.
Do Financial Constraints Reduce Process Innovation? Evidence from Australian Firms*
Authors: Roche Siddarth , Sun Sizhong , Welters Riccardo
Published: November 2022

Accessing external finance for innovation is difficult. We study the effect of financial constraints on the probability of conducting process innovation, while also considering the role of past experience. We show a firm's optimal process innovation decision is a function of its previous decision and financial constraints, which naturally leads to a set of population moments for empirical testing with Australian microdata from 2006 to 2018. We find that if a firm did not conduct process innovation previously, financial constraints reduce its probability of process innovation by around 10 per cent. Whereas with previous process innovation, financial constraints reduce the probability by around 12 per cent.
Anlotinib plus chemotherapy for T790M‐negative EGFR‐mutant non‐sqNSCLC resistant to TKIs: A multicenter phase 1b/2 trial
Authors: Li Juan , Tian Yuke , Zheng Min , Ge Jun , Zhang Jiliang , Kong Dejun , Chen Mei , Yu Ping
Published: November 2022

Background

This multicenter phase 1b/2 trial aimed to explore the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), activity, and safety of anlotinib plus chemotherapy in patients with T790M‐negative epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐mutant advanced nonsquamous non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after resistance to first‐ or second‐generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).

Methods

In the phase 1b stage, patients received anlotinib (8/10/12 mg, days 1–14) combined with cisplatin (75 mg/m2, day 1) or carboplatin (AUC = 5, day 1) plus pemetrexed (500 mg/m2, day 1) for a 3‐week cycle based on a 3 + 3 dose‐escalation design. In the phase 2 single‐arm stage, anlotinib was administered at MTD combined with platinum plus pemetrexed for four cycles, followed by anlotinib maintenance therapy. The primary endpoint of the phase 2 stage was progression‐free survival (PFS).

Results

The study was prematurely terminated due to slow accrual after 19 patients had been enrolled between January 18, 2019, and March 21, 2021. The MTD of anlotinib was 12 mg. The median PFS was 5.75 (95% confidence interval, 4.37–7.52) months. The objective response rate was 47.4% (95% confidence interval, 24.5%–71.1%). In the 12 mg group, seven (58.3%) patients experienced grade 3–4 treatment‐related adverse events, and the most common ones were hypertension (6 [50.0%]), decreased platelet count (2 [16.7%]), and hypertriglyceridemia (1 [8.3%]). No treatment‐related deaths occurred.

Conclusion

Anlotinib plus platinum and pemetrexed showed promising antitumor activity with manageable toxicity in patients with T790M‐negative EGFR‐mutant advanced nonsquamous NSCLC after progression on first‐ or second‐generation EGFR TKIs.
Surgical resection combined with perioperative chemotherapy for a patient with locally recurrent, previously stage IV thymic small‐cell carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Terada Junki , Toyoda Yuko , Takeuchi Eiji , Tanida Nobuyuki , Ito Satoshi , Yorita Kenji , Matsuoka Hisashi , Bando Hiroki , Morita Yutaka , Okamoto Yuri , Shinohara Tsutomu
Published: November 2022

An 83‐year‐old Japanese man visited our hospital with dyspnea and general fatigue. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a tumor in the anterior mediastinum, bilateral pleural effusion, pericardial fluid, and multiple liver nodules. We performed a CT‐guided tumor biopsy, and the patient was diagnosed with thymic small‐cell carcinoma, Masaoka–Koga stage classification IVb. The patient received four cycles of carboplatin and etoposide, and all lesions disappeared on CT. However, after 6 months, CT revealed a recurrent tumor in the anterior mediastinum. After one cycle of rechallenge chemotherapy, we performed extended total thymectomy followed by another three cycles of chemotherapy. More than 2.5 years after the last chemotherapy session, the patient's carcinoma did not recur. Thus, this case suggests that salvage surgery may be a treatment option for local recurrence of thymic carcinoma after complete remission with chemotherapy, even in patients with stage IV cancer.
A general framework for jointly modelling thermal and hydric constraints on developing eggs
Authors: Kearney Michael R. , Enriquez‐Urzelai Urtzi
Published: November 2022

Eggs are a vulnerable stage because they are sensitive to thermal and hydric conditions and yet cannot behaviourally avoid stressful environments. A general mechanistic model of egg development in natural nests requires microclimatic predictions of temperature, humidity, radiation (if above ground) and water potential (if buried in soil) to be integrated with models of heat and water exchange of the egg and the metabolism of the developmental process. Although all the required pieces for such a model now exist, they have not been integrated into a general modelling framework.

We developed such an integration using NicheMapR package for mechanistic niche modelling. Specifically, we took an existing general model of egg water exchange and connected it with the microclimate model in NicheMapR to simulate nest thermal and hydric environments, including the effects of soil water potential on liquid and vapour exchange and moisture‐mediated soil thermal conductivity on heat exchange. We then used the Dynamic Energy Budget model within the ectotherm model of NicheMapR as the mechanistic engine for the developmental process, allowing the explicit computation of the dynamics of metabolic heat production and all aspects of mass exchange.

We illustrate the modelling framework using existing laboratory and field data on reptiles, insects, and birds. We show that it can capture laboratory observations of water exchange and metabolic heat production and how it can be used to map potential development and water uptake under natural conditions at the continental scale.

The modelling framework can be used to interpret laboratory experiments and allows strong inferences to be made about the abiotic constraints on egg development in natural nests under past, present, and future environmental change.
Co‐producing impact‐in‐process with participatory audio‐visual research
Authors: Marzi Sonja
Published: November 2022

Within feminist geography, there is a growing consensus on the need for research to contribute to social change and transformation beyond the academy, and increased emphasis on the co‐production of impact. In this paper I critically reflect and report on how I co‐produced impact with a participatory audio‐visual research project, conducted in collaboration with women in Bogotá and Medellín and researchers and filmmakers based in the UK and Colombia. I focus particularly on co‐producing ‘impact‐in‐process’, which builds participants' capacities, creates spaces of reciprocal learning and increases participants' confidence and sense of ownership both during and beyond the research process. Yet, while co‐producing impact‐in‐process benefits research participants and has the potential to contribute to social change and transformation, this form of impact is rarely recognised as such.
Implant failure and associated risk factors of transcrestal sinus floor elevation: A retrospective study
Authors: Li Na , Jiang Zhiwei , Pu Rui , Zhu Danji , Yang Guoli
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate early and late implant loss rates after transcrestal sinus floor elevation (TSFE) and to identify the risk factors related to these failures.

Material and Methods

All patients treated with TSFE and simultaneous implant placement during October 2015 to March 2019 were evaluated for inclusion. A total of 802 patients with 976 implants met the inclusion criteria. Clinical and radiographic information was collected from medical records and image software. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards frailty regression models were performed to identify potential risk factors associated with early and late implant loss after TSFE.

Results

The 3‐year cumulative implant survival rate was 96.9% (95% CI 95.8%–98.0%). Twelve implants in 12 patients were lost before or at the abutment connection, while 24 implants in 24 patients were lost after functional loading. The Cox frailty regression analyses indicated that two factors were correlated with early implant loss: TSFE with grafting materials, and operators with less clinical experience. As for late implant loss, RBH ≤6 mm, male sex, and certain implant brands were associated with a significantly increased failure rate.

Conclusions

Transcrestal sinus floor elevation with simultaneous implant placement is a predictable treatment option in the atrophic maxilla. The presence of grafting materials and the lack of clinical experience of the surgeon were possibly associated with early implant loss, while low RBH, male sex, and certain implant brands tended to increase late implant loss.