bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The moderating effect of corporate governance factors on capital structure and performance: evidence from Indian companies
Authors: Bhatia Aparna , Kumari Pooja
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically investigate the moderating role of corporate governance (CG) in the capital structure-performance relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on top Business Today-500 companies and covers a time span of 10 years. The fixed effect panel regression model is used to examine the impact of CG mechanisms on the relationship between capital structure and firm performance.

Findings

The core findings of the study indicate significant positive moderating role of board independence, board size and family ownership on the relationship between leverage and performance.

Practical implications

The results enable the managers of Indian firms to comprehend the significance of CG framework while taking financing decisions. The findings encourage managers to raise debt funds in those firms that adhere to good governance norms.

Originality/value

Unlike extant studies that emphasize on the moderating impact of single CG variable in leverage-performance relationship, the current work comprehensively examines the role of many CG factors that moderate the relationship between capital structure and firm performance. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study is the first of its kind with respect to India.
How does leaders' managerial coaching impact followers' in-role and extra-role behaviors? The mediating roles of intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy
Authors: Kim Jeong Sik , Park Jong Gyu , Yoon Seung Won
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of leaders' managerial coaching on followers' organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), creativity and task performance. This study also examined the mediating role of intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy, recognizing the follower’s attitude and cognition as essential elements of behavioral changes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected data from 20 companies across multiple industries in South Korea, and a total of 386 leader–follower dyads' data were used.

Findings

The results show that leaders' coaching is positively associated with OCB directly, but a direct impact of coaching on creativity and task performance was not supported. The results also showed that intrinsic motivation partially mediates the effect of coaching on OCB and fully mediates the effect of coaching on creativity and task performance. Self-efficacy played a role as a full mediator between coaching and task performance.

Originality/value

This study considered both the cognitive and affective aspects of managerial coaching and examined the influence of managerial coaching on the followers' in-role and extra-role behaviors (i.e. OCB, creativity and task performance) using responses from both the leaders and the followers at multiple organizations. Specifically, the results of this study empirically illustrated that managerial coaching by leaders serves as a mechanism mediated through intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy, linking to employees' OCB, creativity and task performance. This provides a clear explanation of the processes through which managerial coaching impacts employees and offers insights into the specific aspects that organizational leaders should focus on when engaging in managerial coaching.
Influence of governance indicators on public debt accumulation in Africa
Authors: Abotsi Anselm Komla
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The unsustainable public debt of most African economies adversely affects their economic growth and stability. This study aims to explore the influence of cross-country indicators of governance from African countries on public debt accumulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study deployed a quantitative research design technique. Secondary data was used in this study. The frequency of the data is annual, and it is available from 1996 to 2022 for 48 countries in Africa. The study deployed the system generalized method of moments for the estimation.

Findings

The study finds that countries with high regulatory quality standards, control corruption and ensure effective governance accumulate less government debt while countries that abide by the rule of law instead accumulate more government debt. The study also finds that economic growth and government revenue reduce government gross debt while government expenditure and investments increase public debt.

Research limitations/implications

Due to data unavailability, other factors which are likely to influence government debt accumulation were not included in the study as control variables. This is the limitation of the study.

Social implications

African governments should strive to maintain high regulatory quality standards through the formulation and implementation of sound policies and regulations that permit and promote private sector development, and ensure quality and accountability of public and civil services. Governments are also urged to control corruption and enact good laws so that the enforcement of these laws will not worsen the risk of becoming debt-distressed.

Originality/value

Recent studies on governance and public debt were focused on the Arabian Gulf countries, countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and a combination of high and low-income countries. This study scrutinizes exclusively the effects of the quality of governance indicators on public debt accumulation, in the context of Africa.
Africa’s expatriation: current context and future research agenda
Authors: Punnett Betty Jane , Melyoki Lemayon , Senaji Thomas
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper presents insights on expatriates in Africa and sets out a research agenda for Africa’s expatriation. The objective of the paper is to provide background and context on expatriation in Africa and to stimulate and guide further research in this important area.

Design/methodology/approach

The reviewed papers were drawn from journals and other sources that reported on expatriation to/from African countries. It also incorporates an array of literature on contextual African issues, exploring conceptually how these relate to expatriation.

Findings

The review confirmed that there is little research on the topic, particularly with respect to outward expatriation and the studies that exist are one of a kind and stand alone. There has been no attempt to build systematic theory or develop a wholistic picture. This means that the field is wide open for more research. The data provide a picture of the current expatriate situation, including numbers, demographics, host/home locations, success rates and so on, and are provide a basis for further research developing and testing hypotheses regarding individual, organizational and country/national characteristics and how these influence and relate to expatriate experiences and outcomes. Researchers can also draw on the existing expatriation literature from around the world for replication studies to identify uniquely African issues as well as similarities with other locations. As Selmer (2016) noted, replication research is widely used in the sciences and is at the core of the scientific method and thus should be considered for expatriation research.

Research limitations/implications

Limited previous research means there is a need for further research.

Practical implications

Expatriation is a critical aspect of companies operating internationally and companies are increasingly interested in doing business in African countries. Africa's economic growth and development are strong and foreign direct investment (FDI) into Africa is growing with consequent increases in the number of expatriates going to Africa. Understanding expatriation in the African context is thus very important to a variety of companies.

Originality/value

Management literature focusing on Africa is limited and this is true regarding expatriation. This means there is a need for researchers and practitioners to understand expatriation issues in this context, particularly considering economic growth on the continent, increasing interest in doing business there, along with increasing FDI and use of expatriates, as well as the expansion of African companies. This paper provides a research agenda as a guide on which researchers, including those in Africa, can build.
Organizational commitment to sustainability: considering the role of leadership, green HRM and green knowledge sharing
Authors: Shaikh Fatima , Afshan Gul , Channa Khalil Ahmed
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the efforts and role of technology leaders in achieving organizational commitment to sustainability through mediating the role of green HRM practices and moderating the role of green knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical research study is based on two theories: upper echelon theory and social capital theory, in which data were collected from 284 permanent faculty employees belonging to the government, semi-government and private HEIs recognized universities of Pakistan.

Findings

The results confirm that the technology leadership style has a significant impact on organizational commitment to sustainability. Whereas green HRM practices as a mediator and green knowledge-sharing behavior as a moderator have also significant impacts on the organizational commitment to sustainability.

Originality/value

This study integrates the concept of technology leadership as a strategy and green HRM practices as a process that jointly impacts organizational commitment to sustainability.
Tackling child malnutrition and food security: assessing progress, challenges, and policies in achieving SDG 2 in India
Authors: Katoch Om Raj
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the progress made in achieving sustainable development goal-2 (SDG 2) in India, with a focus on ending hunger, ensuring food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture. The assessment uses data from SDG Index reports, which offer a comprehensive overview of the advancements made by 28 states and 8 union territories (UTs) in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation is based on information derived from three editions of the SDG Index reports, initially published in 2018 and subsequently in 2019 and 2020. These reports provide a detailed analysis of the status and achievements of different states and UTs in relation to SDG 2. The categorization of states and UTs into aspirant, performer, front runner and achiever categories serves as a crucial framework for assessing the progress.

Findings

Despite concerted efforts by India, the majority of states and UTs are positioned in the aspirant and performer categories, suggesting that significant challenges persist in achieving SDG 2 targets. The results emphasize the necessity for stronger measures to elevate states and UTs to the categories of front-runners and achievers. The persistent challenges of malnutrition, hunger and their economic ramifications require immediate and strategic interventions to address these pressing concerns.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of the progress towards SDG 2 in India, using the insights from the SDG Index reports. The categorization framework used in this assessment offers a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by different regions, highlighting the original contribution of this study. The findings underscore the urgency of targeted efforts to address malnutrition, hunger and related issues, emphasizing the importance of sustained commitment to achieving SDG 2 for the overall well-being of vulnerable populations.
Examining how credibility shapes public perception of police interventions in the media
Authors: Poirier Brigitte , Boivin Remi
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The proliferation of recording technologies has increased the prevalence of police intervention videos in news media. Although previous research has explored the influence of such coverage on public opinion, the mechanisms underlying this impact have received limited attention. This study investigates the role of information credibility in the assessment of police interventions portrayed in news media videos.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 634 participants were shown a mock-up TV news report that included a description and a brief clip of a police use-of-force event. A survey was conducted before and after the presentation of the report.

Findings

Camera perspective, anchor tone, viewer gender and pre-existing perceived TV news credibility were found to influence how credible the mock-up news report was perceived. Participants who judged the news report as complete and credible tended to have a more favourable opinion of the police intervention. Perceived credibility also acted as a moderator in the relationship between video and receiver characteristics and the assessment of the police intervention.

Practical implications

These findings offer valuable insights for law enforcement agencies and their public affairs units to develop effective strategies for managing public opinion.

Originality/value

This research highlights how important perceived credibility is in influencing public opinion and how different factors such as video and receiver characteristics can impact credibility assessment.
The role of mindfulness in promoting purchase intention
Authors: Hoang Thuy Dam Luong , Nguyen Ha Thu , Vu Dung Tri , Le Anh Thi Tu
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of mindfulness in promoting customers’ purchase intentions, especially with the mediation effects of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness toward online ride-hailing services. As such, several recommendations for ride-hailing service providers and researchers are suggested for better implementation in a practical and theoretical context.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collection process is carried out online during the period of February 2022 to March 2022, with a sample of 237 respondents being analyzed by the covariance-based structural equation modeling approach.

Findings

First of all, mindfulness had a direct influence on perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, as well as an indirect influence on purchase intention through the mediation role of perceived usefulness. Besides, perceived usefulness is found to have a positive influence on the customer’s purchase intention, while perceived ease of use positively affects both perceived usefulness and intention.

Research limitations/implications

This study just ends with customers’ intentions to adopt ride-hailing services; nevertheless, the actual behavior has not been examined. Further research might consider actual usage as a dependent factor when investigating the topic of ride-hailing services.

Originality/value

This study is notably different from the existing literature by filling the literature gap on the role of mindfulness in promoting customers’ purchase intentions toward ride-hailing services.
Co‐restoring keystone predators and foundation species to recover a coastal wetland
Authors: Wu Changlu , He Qiang
Published: December 2023

Achieving global targets for ecosystem restoration necessitates the development of effective restoration approaches. Current restoration approaches focus primarily on mitigating abiotic stresses or supplementing propagules to restore foundation species that support associated species by ‘engineering’ local habitats. Although keystone predators can strongly affect foundation species in natural ecosystems via trophic cascades and are often diminished in degraded ecosystems, they are traditionally neglected in efforts to restore foundation species.

Here, we investigated how a keystone predator (Scylla serrata) might affect the restoration of a foundational plant (Scirpus mariqueter) in a degraded salt marsh. In a series of restoration experiments, we examined the effects of proximity to existing Scylla burrows, as well reintroducing Scylla, on the establishment of planted Scirpus in restoration areas. Furthermore, we tested if Scylla affected Scirpus via non‐consumptive effects in experiments that controlled Scylla's consumption of grazers.

We found that planted Scirpus suffered less grazing and achieved higher density in areas closer to existing Scylla burrows where Scylla predation on grazers was stronger. Consistently, reintroduction of Scylla reduced grazing on Scirpus and increased its density by 360%. These positive effects of Scylla on Scirpus were driven by consumptive effects that reduced the abundance of grazers and by non‐consumptive effects that inhibited the herbivory by grazers.

Synthesis and applications. These results demonstrate that incorporation of keystone predators, including both their consumptive and non‐consumptive effects, into restoration designs can greatly enhance the restoration of foundation species. Our study thus highlights the value of co‐restoring keystone predators and foundation species. Given that predators are depleted in many ecosystems, this co‐restoration approach may be broadly applicable.
Current clinical practice patterns and perspectives of Australian hand therapists during the treatment of adults with distal radius fracture: A national survey
Authors: Bredy Terra M. , Patterson Freyr , Glasgow Celeste
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Successful return to pre‐injury occupational performance following distal radius fracture (DRF) may be influenced by person and environment factors such as pain, age, social support, and socioeconomic status. The primary aim of this study was to explore Australian hand therapists' current clinical practice and determine whether they consider these factors during the management of DRF.

Methods

A mixed methods online survey was distributed to members of the Australian Hand Therapy Association. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the quantitative data, and the qualitative data were analysed by content analysis.

Results

Of the 120 members who completed the survey, 68% were occupational therapists and 32% were physiotherapists with 74% in the private and 26% in the public health‐care setting. Most factors perceived to influence recovery were consistent with person factors and a biomechanical approach. Other factors related to occupational performance, such as social and leisure skills, environment and culture were reported less often. When asked about defining occupational performance, the key categories identified through qualitative open responses were ‘performing meaningful activities/occupations’, ‘performing work/employment’, and ‘completing activities/function’.

Conclusion

The data suggest that hand therapists in Australia primarily identify person factors as key to recovery after DRF. Context and environmental factors that influence occupational performance did not appear to be considered as often during treatment or when defining occupational performance. Further research is needed to explore the contextual and environmental factors that influence hand therapy intervention and determine whether they play a role in the successful return to pre‐injury occupational performance following DRF.

Consumer and community involvement

The survey was conceptualised by the research team, which included two experienced hand therapists and piloted with 10 consumers. Hand therapists (consumers) of various years of experience and discipline (i.e., occupational therapy and physiotherapy) provided feedback to improve the survey in terms of content, comprehensibility, and length. No clients/patients of hand therapists were involved in the development of the survey or the study, and the consumers of the study were considered hand therapists.
Media Coverage and Bond Covenants: Evidence from China
Authors: Deng Lu , Jiang Ping , Li Peigong , Zhu Wanwan
Published: December 2023

Existing studies on bond covenants have focused primarily on firm‐level factors and have largely overlooked the influence of the external environment, including the media. Furthermore, previous research on media coverage has failed to consider its impact on the bond market. This study attempts to fill these gaps by examining the impact of media coverage on bond covenants for a sample of Chinese corporate bonds from 2007 to 2017. Our findings reveal a negative relationship between media coverage and the number of bond covenants. Further analysis demonstrates that this negative impact is more pronounced for non‐state‐owned firms, in highly competitive industries, and in regions with a weak legal environment. Additionally, media coverage with a non‐negative tone leads to a reduction in the number of bond covenants. Notably, government‐controlled media exerts a more significant influence than market‐oriented media on bond covenants. Furthermore, both media coverage and bond covenants contribute to lower debt costs and are found to be interchangeable in their effects. Our analysis is robust to corrections for the endogeneity of the relationship between media coverage and bond covenants.
Recovery from work by playing video games
Authors: Koçak Ömer Erdem , Gorgievski Marjan , Bakker Arnold B.
Published: December 2023

Integrating the dualistic model of passion in the recovery literature, the present study investigates how playing video games after work hours can facilitate recovery from work stress. We predicted that passion for gaming would relate to gaming more hours in the evening. Next, we hypothesized that playing video games in the evening would relate to (a) feeling recovered the next morning through psychological detachment and (b) feeling vigorous the next morning through mastery experiences while gaming. We further hypothesized that harmonious passion would strengthen, and obsessive passion would weaken the links between gaming hours and (a) psychological detachment and (b) mastery. In total, 65 employees filled in short questionnaires in the mornings and evenings of at least five workdays (total n = 502). Results of multilevel hierarchical regression analyses supported the proposed mediation model, indicating that playing video games indeed helps replenish energy resources during leisure time. Findings additionally showed that gaming also predicted feeling recovered in the morning through mastery experiences. Players with a harmonious passion may benefit more from playing video games; harmonious (but not obsessive) passion strengthened the relationship between gaming and mastery experiences.
Editorial: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, more than an antiviral drug—Another piece of the puzzle
Authors: Mauss Stefan
Published: December 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Cheng et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17765 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17807
Implications of the new nomenclature of steatotic liver disease and definition of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Loomba Rohit , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun
Published: December 2023

Background

The American and European liver associations have endorsed new nomenclature of steatotic liver disease (SLD) and definition of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Aims

To review the historical development leading to the changes and to discuss the implications of the changes on research and clinical practice

Methods

We performed a literature search using keywords related to MASLD and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Results

The SLD umbrella allows classification of patients under the key categories of MASLD, alcohol‐associated liver disease and a new entity termed MetALD, which represents MASLD with increased alcohol intake. The diagnosis of MASLD requires the demonstration of hepatic steatosis and at least one metabolic risk factor, whereas MASLD can co‐exist with other liver diseases such as chronic viral hepatitis. Despite the change in definition, over 95% of patients previously known as having NAFLD fulfil diagnostic criteria for MASLD. It is conceivable that future clinical trials and biomarker studies will continue to exclude concomitant liver diseases. As most patients with MASLD are seen at primary care and non‐hepatology settings, communication with other stakeholders is essential to ensure disease awareness and smooth adoption of the changes.

Conclusions

The new nomenclature is both a challenge, given the need for dissemination and education across the spectrum of stakeholders, and an opportunity to bring everyone together and spark new research to better understand epidemiology, natural history, diagnosis, biomarkers and management strategies across the spectrum of SLD.
Declining engagement of veterinary services in Australian animal production systems: why has this occurred and what are the risks?
Authors: Secombe CJ
Published: December 2023

The provision of veterinary services is essential to deliver animal health and welfare outcomes, but over the last several decades demand for veterinary services in animal production systems has broadly declined in Australia. Reduced demand is closely related to a decline in the size of the production animal veterinary workforce, and there is evidence that the percentage of veterinarians participating in the delivery of veterinary services to animal production systems has lessened. Reduced demand for veterinary services in the production animal sector is likely to be attributed to several factors, including challenges around widespread adoption of preventive veterinary services, improved self‐efficacy of producers through advancement of knowledge, and potential concern by producers over the role of veterinarians in production animal systems. Declining veterinary engagement results in increased risk at both the individual farm level (diminished expertise to deliver reactive and proactive veterinary services) and at a population level (increased biosecurity risk and risk to social licence to operate). The current environment and the community trust in the profession should be seen as an opportunity to develop and implement a strategy to halt and reverse the decline in demand for production animal veterinary services. Such a strategy will require significant and sustained collaboration between the veterinary profession, Industry and government.
Contact allergy in atopic dermatitis: A prospective study on prevalence, incriminated allergens and clinical insights
Authors: Trimeche Khaoula , Lahouel Ines , Belhadjali Hichem , Salah Nesrine Ben , Youssef Monia , Zili Jameleddine
Published: December 2023

Background

The relationship between atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a matter of debate.

Objectives

The purpose of our study is to assess the frequency of ACD in patients with AD, the incriminated allergens and the potential risk factors.

Methods

This is a prospective study, including cases of AD diagnosed based on Hanifin and Rajka's criteria. All patients were patch tested to the European baseline series and corticosteroid series.

Results

Ninety‐three patients were included. Fifty‐six patients (60.2%) had positive patch test results of which 71.4% were relevant. The most frequent allergens were: textile dye mix (24.7%), nickel (20.4%), cobalt (12.9%), isothiazolinone (8.6%), quanterium 15 (4.3%) and balsam of Peru (4.3%). Chromium, fragrance mix I, fragrance mix II and PTBP were positive in three cases (3.2%). Two cases of allergy to corticoids were identified. Facial involvement and duration of AD were significantly associated with contact sensitization (p = 0.04 and p = 0.005, respectively). Avoidance of relevant allergens resulted in a statistically significant decrease in SCORAD (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

ACD remains an important co‐morbidity of AD. We observed a high frequency of ACD to textile dyes, isothiazolinones and fragrances. Avoidance of relevant allergens has resulted in an improvement of patients' skin symptoms.
The MiniMed 780G automated insulin delivery system adapts to substantial changes in daily routine: Lessons from real world users during Ramadan
Authors: Al‐Sofiani Mohammed E. , Petrovski Goran , Al Shaikh Abdulrahman , Alguwaihes Abdullah , Al Harbi Mohammad , Al Mohannadi Dabia , Adjene Alero , Alagha Abdulmoeen , Al Remeithi Sareea , Alamuddin Naji , Arrieta Arcelia , Castañeda Javier , Chaar Wael , van den Heuvel Tim , Cohen Ohad
Published: December 2023

Aim

To report on the effectiveness and safety of the MiniMed 780G automated insulin delivery system in real‐world users during the month of Ramadan.

Materials and Methods

CareLink Personal data were extracted from MiniMed 780G system users from the Gulf region. Users were included if they had ≥10 days of sensor glucose data during the month of Ramadan 2022 as well as in the month before and after. For the main analysis, continuous glucose monitoring endpoints were aggregated per month and were reported by time of day (daytime: 05.31‐18.00 h, and night‐time). Additional analyses were performed to study the pace at which the algorithm adapts.

Results

Glycaemic control was well kept in the 449 included users (mean sensor glucose = 152.6 ± 18.7 mg/dl, glucose management indicator = 7.0 ± 0.4%, time in range = 70.7 ± 11.0%, time below 70 mg/dl = 2.3 ± 2.3%). Albeit some metrics differed from the month before (p < .0001 for all), absolute differences were very small and considered clinically irrelevant. During Ramadan, there was no increased risk of hypoglycaemia during daytime (time below 70 mg/dl = 2.3 ± 2.4%), time in range was highest during daytime (80.0 ± 10.7%, night: 60.4 ± 15.3%), while time above 180 mg/dl was highest during night‐time (37.3 ± 16.3%, day: 17.7 ± 10.7%). The algorithm adapted immediately upon lifestyle change.

Conclusion

The MiniMed 780G automated insulin delivery system is effective, safe and fast in adapting to the substantial changes that occur in the lifestyle of people with type 1 diabetes during Ramadan.
The vulnerability of World Heritage seagrass habitats to climate change
Authors: Losciale Riccardo , Day Jon C. , Rasheed Michael A. , Heron Scott F.
Published: December 2023

Seagrass is an important natural attribute of 28 World Heritage (WH) properties. These WH seagrass habitats provide a wide range of services to adjacent ecosystems and human communities, and are one of the largest natural carbon sinks on the planet. Climate change is considered the greatest and fastest‐growing threat to natural WH properties and evidence of climate‐related impacts on seagrass habitats has been growing. The main objective of this study was to assess the vulnerability of WH seagrass habitats to location‐specific key climate stressors. Quantitative surveys of seagrass experts and site managers were used to assess exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity of WH seagrass habitats to climate stressors, following the Climate Vulnerability Index approach. Over half of WH seagrass habitats have high vulnerability to climate change, mainly from the long‐term increase in sea‐surface temperature and short‐term marine heatwaves. Potential impacts from climate change and certainty scores associated with them were higher than reported by a similar survey‐based study from 10 years prior, indicating a shift in stakeholder perspectives during the past decade. Additionally, seagrass experts' opinions on the cumulative impacts of climate and direct‐anthropogenic stressors revealed that high temperature in combination with high suspended sediments, eutrophication and hypoxia is likely to provoke a synergistic cumulative (negative) impact (p < .05). A key component contributing to the high vulnerability assessments was the low adaptive capacity; however, discrepancies between adaptive capacity scores and qualitative responses suggest that managers of WH seagrass habitats might not be adequately equipped to respond to climate change impacts. This thematic assessment provides valuable information to help prioritize conservation actions, monitoring activities and research in WH seagrass habitats. It also demonstrates the utility of a systematic framework to evaluate the vulnerability of thematic groups of protected areas that share a specific attribute.
Hepatic arterial infusion therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma after systemic treatment failure: Multicenter, real‐world study
Authors: Yi Jun‐Zhe , Zhu Zhi‐Jian , Liu Gong‐Wei , Zhang Yi‐Min , Xu Jie , Wu Xin‐Tong , Ding Ke , Liu Jian‐Chao , Zhang Ke‐Fei , Jiang Xiong‐Ying , Chen Qi‐Feng , Hu Yue , Chen Song , Zhong Sui‐Xing , Wang Jiong‐Liang , Lyu Ning , Zhao Ming
Published: December 2023

Aim

The study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and safety profile of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with oxaliplatin, 5‐fluorouracil, and leucovorin (HAIC‐FOLFOX) as an alternative therapeutic choice for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that is refractory to systemic treatment including immune checkpoint blockades or molecular targeting agents.

Methods

Two hundred and forty five consecutive patients with advanced HCC who received HAIC‐FOLFOX treatment after systemic treatment failure were retrospectively reviewed in six institutions and their survival, tumor response, and tolerance were assessed.

Results

The median overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival of the 209 included participants were 10.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.1–12.9) and 6.0 months (95% CI, 5.1–6.9), respectively. According to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 criteria, the objective response rate was 21.1%, and the disease control rate was 64.6%. Multivariate analysis of risk factors of OS were albumin–bilirubin grade (2 and 3 vs. 1, hazard ratio [HR] 1.57; 95% CI, 1.05–2.34; p = 0.028), tumor number (>3 vs. 1–3, HR 2.18; 95% CI, 1.10–4.34; p = 0.026), extrahepatic spread (present vs. absent, HR 1.61, 95% CI, 1.06–2.45; p = 0.027), synchronous systemic treatment (present vs. absent, HR 0.55, 95% CI, 0.37–0.83; p = 0.004) and treatment response (responder vs. nonresponder, HR 0.30, 95% CI, 0.17–0.53; p < 0.001). Grade 3–4 adverse events (AEs) occurred in 59 (28.2%) HCC patients. All AEs were manageable, and deaths related to hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy treatment were not observed.

Conclusions

Our findings support the effectiveness and safety of HAIC‐FOLFOX treatment for patients with advanced HCC who have failed systemic treatment.
New advances for quantum‐inspired optimization
Authors: Du Yu , Wang Haibo , Hennig Rick , Hulandageri Amit , Kochenberger Gary , Glover Fred
Published: December 2023

Advances in quantum computing with applications in combinatorial optimization have evolved at an increasing rate in recent years. The quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) model is at the center of these developments and has become recognized as an effective alternative method for representing a wide variety of combinatorial optimization problems. Additional momentum has resulted from the arrival of quantum computers and their ability to solve the Ising spin glass problem, another form of the QUBO model. This paper highlights advances in solving QUBO models and extensions to more general polynomial unconstrained binary optimization (PUBO) models as important alternatives to traditional approaches. Computational experience is provided that compares the performance of unique quantum‐inspired metaheuristic solvers—the Next Generation Quantum (NGQ) solver for QUBO models and the NGQ‐PUBO solver for PUBO models—with the performance of CPLEX and the Dwave quantum advantage solver. Extensive results, including experiments with a set of large set partitioning problems representing the largest QUBO models reported in the literature to date, along with maximum diversity and max cut problem sets, disclose that our solvers outperform both CPLEX and Dwave by a wide margin in terms of both computational time and solution quality.
An extended ε$\varepsilon $‐constraint method for a bi‐objective assortment optimization problem
Authors: Eskandari Amin , Ziarati Koorush , Nikseresht Alireza
Published: December 2023

The paper deals with assortment optimization when customers purchase products using a nonparametric choice model. Each customer is presented with a preference list and will buy an available highest‐ranked offered product on the preference list. The paper presents a novel bi‐objective integer programming model for assortment optimization following a ranking‐based consumer choice model. The objectives are maximizing the expected revenue and maximizing customer satisfaction. This problem is recognized as an NP‐hard problem. After developing the bi‐objective model, an improved version of the augmented ‐constraint method is proposed to solve the problem and retrieve the Pareto‐optimal solutions. In each iteration, this algorithm solves a single‐objective linear integer programming sub‐problem. Our approach aims to obtain a complete set of Pareto‐optimal solutions. Finally, we present computational experiments on synthetic data. Several numerical illustrations are provided at the end to demonstrate the application of the proposed methodology. The computational results provide the decision‐makers with valuable information regarding the factors that mainly affect the solutions.
Analysis of the Screw Accuracy and Postoperative Efficacy of Screw Placement in Single Position and Bipedal Position in Robot‐Assisted Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Preliminary Results of Mazor X Stealth Usage
Authors: Zhao Wenhao , Wang Yan , Zhang Hao , Guo Jianwei , Han Jialuo , Lin Antao , Zhou Chuanli , Ma Xuexiao
Published: December 2023

Objective

Traditional manual OLIF combined with pedicle screw implantation has many problems of manual percutaneous screw implantation, such as high difficulty of screw placement, many fluoroscopies, long operation time, and many adjustments, resulting in greater trauma. The robot can perform various types of screw placement in the lateral recumbent position, which allows OLIF combined with posterior screw placement surgery to be completed in a single position. To compare the screw accuracy and initial postoperative results of oblique anterior lumbar fusion with robot‐assisted screw placement in the lateral position and screw placement in the prone position for the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Methods

From May to June 2022, 45 patients with single‐segment lumbar spondylolisthesis underwent Mazor X‐assisted oblique lumbar fusion in one position and Renaissance‐assisted surgery in two different positions, and screw accuracy was assessed on computed tomography scans according to a modified Gertzbein–Robbins classification. Patients were divided into a single position group and a bipedal position group (the lateral position for complete oblique lumbar fusion and then changed to the prone position for posterior screw placement), and the perioperative parameters, including operative time, number of fluoroscopies, and operative complications, were recorded separately. The results of the clinical indicators, such as the visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, were obtained.

Results

There were no significant differences in the patients' demographic data between the two groups. The single position group had a shorter operative time and fewer fluoroscopies than the bipedal position group; the single position group had a higher percentage of screw accuracy at the A level than the bipedal position group, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at the acceptable level (A + B) (p > 0.05). The single‐position group had better outcomes at the 1‐week postoperative follow‐up back pain VAS scores (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the postoperative leg pain VAS scores or the ODI scores when compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Robot‐assisted lateral position oblique lumbar interbody fusion with pedicle screw placement has the same accuracy as prone positioning. Single position surgery can significantly shorten the operation time and reduce the fluoroscopy. There was no significant difference in the long‐term efficacy between the two groups.
Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in pediatric liver transplant recipients: Experience from a South African transplant center
Authors: Walabh Priya , Moore David P , Hajinicolaou Christina
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a clinically heterogeneous potentially fatal complication of pediatric liver transplantation (PLT). We determined the prevalence, complications, and associated factors for PTLD in PLT recipients from Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, South Africa from January 2012 to August 2019.

Methods

We performed a retrospective record review of 150 PLT recipients.

Results

Histologically proven PTLD occurred in 17/150 PLT recipients (11.3%). Children with PTLD were significantly younger at transplant (17.9 vs. 32.7 months, p = 0.001) with a significantly higher prevalence of obstructive etiology (17/17 vs. 81/133, p = 0.001). Fifteen (88.2%) children with PTLD were Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) seronegative at transplant. High post‐transplant EBV viral load at a threshold value of 4.8 log10 DNA copies/mL (sensitivity: 80.0% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 46.7%–100.0%]; specificity: 73.1% [95% CI 42.3%–93.3%; area under the curve {AUC} 75.8%]) and low post‐transplant albumin levels at a threshold value of 21.5 g/L (sensitivity: 70.6% [95% CI, 41.2%–94.1%]; specificity: 85.7% [95% CI, 60.4%–94.5%; {AUC} 74.8%]) were associated with PTLD. The prevalence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease was significantly higher in children who developed PTLD versus non‐PTLD (12/17 vs. 18/133; p < 0.001). CMV disease and the combination of post‐transplant high EBV viral load and low albumin were independently associated with an increased risk of developing PTLD. Four (23.5%) children with PTLD died, however, survival was equivalent to non‐PTLD PLT (p = 0.580).

Conclusion

The prevalence of PTLD in our cohort mirrors international cohorts, with mortality similar to non‐PTLD PLT recipients.

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Labour market flexibility and domestic value‐added trade: Evidence from the hukou reform in China
Authors: Wang Wenxiao , Lin Faqin , Huan Fengning , Li Yanyun
Published: December 2023

Chinese manufacturing firms have seen an intriguing rise in domestic value‐added content in exports (DVAR) despite their deepening engagement in global value chains (GVCs) since 2001. This article investigates whether the rise of DVAR in China can be attributed to changes in labour market flexibility by using the staggered relaxation of Chinese hukou policies across cities and time as a quasi‐natural experiment. Using combined firm‐level data and transaction‐level trade data from 2000 to 2013, this article finds that the relaxation of labour market flexibility through hukou reform has significantly increased the domestic value‐added exports of Chinese firms. Firms exposed to hukou reform tend to allow for more employment adjustment and substitute domestic materials for imported intermediates, which raises the DVAR of Chinese manufacturing firms. This effect is more prominent for non‐SOE firms, foreign‐invested firms, processing firms, coastal firms and firms in the upstream sectors of GVCs.
Evaluation of the health‐related quality of life in dogs following intracranial meningioma resection using a specifically developed questionnaire
Authors: Köcher Chiara , Tichy Alexander , Gradner Gabriele
Published: December 2023

As advanced treatments are becoming increasingly feasible in veterinary medicine, the evaluation of the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of treated animals is becoming more relevant. We evaluated owner‐perceived HRQOL of 10 dogs that underwent craniotomy for meningioma resection between 2002 and 2022 at our institution through telephone interview. For this purpose, we developed a disease‐specific questionnaire containing 52 items (mostly of scoring nature) patterned after previously validated instruments and organised into eight domains. Approval by the Human Ethical Committee and respondents' consent were obtained. We analysed the scores for all domains and dogs. The effect of different variables on the HRQOL score was determined via log‐rank test and Pearson correlation. Scores for all included dogs (range, 0–235 points) were totaled, with a higher number of points indicating a better HRQOL. The dogs included in this study yielded a mean score of 200.6 points (range, 176–227 points), implying a good overall quality of life. There were no significant associations between individual parameters and outcomes. Our questionnaire represents a structured tool for the specific evaluation of postoperative HRQOL in dogs with meningioma, placing a minimal burden on respondents. Few instruments have been developed to assess animal welfare in a disease‐specific context. Implementing these tools, however, is essential to accurately evaluate not only the impact of treatments on biologic parameters, but also their implications on patient welfare. Thus, treatment plans may consider HRQOL for a more comprehensive clinical decision‐making process.
Acidification and alkali precipitation for phosphorus recovery from municipal digested sludge
Authors: Seckin İsmail Yigit , Altiner Mahmut , Kayranli Birol , Yilmaz Turan
Published: December 2023

Municipal digested sludge (MDS) has considerable phosphorus content that is between 1% and 15% in dry matter and it is a potential source for phosphorus recovery. A high amount of MDS is generated from sewage treatment plants in large cities and has many environmental concerns with its organic and inorganic constituents. In this study, phosphorus was recovered by precipitation with Ca(OH)2 and NaOH. Acid pretreatment was applied to MDS with H2SO4 and 58.7% of phosphorus was extracted from the solid phase to the liquid phase at pH 2. Up to 99% of dissolved phosphorus in the liquid phase was recovered with Ca(OH)2 and NaOH. Almost similar phosphorus precipitation rates were achieved with both bases but higher phosphorus contents (17% as P2O5) in precipitates were obtained by NaOH. The product obtained in this study can serve as a high‐quality raw material substitute for the low‐grade phosphate rocks (<15% P2O5) commonly utilized in the phosphate industry. Furthermore, this research presents a practical, environmentally friendly and cost‐effective approach for sustainable sludge management and phosphorus production.
Heat Transfer Enhancement of Convective Casson Nanofluid Flow by CNTs over Exponentially Accelerated Plate
Authors: Noranuar Wan Nura'in Nabilah , Mohamad Ahmad Qushairi , Jiann Lim Yeou , Shafie Sharidan
Published: December 2023

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) nanofluids are gaining increased popularity among researchers due to their outstanding thermal properties, leading to numerous promising industrial applications. Analytical solutions discovered in the study of CNTs nanofluids, combined with a Casson-type fluid model, are extremely limited. Therefore, a study on the heat transfer analysis of an unsteady and incompressible Casson carbon nanofluid flow is conducted. Human blood-based single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and human blood-based multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are considered as nanofluids that move beyond an exponentially accelerated vertical plate. A set of dimensional momentum and energy equations, along with their initial and exponentially accelerated boundary conditions, is employed to represent the problem. The transformation of these equations to the dimensionless expression is achieved by using suitable dimensionless variables. The resulting equations are then tackled using Laplace transformation to acquire the analytical solution for temperature and velocity. Figures and tables are produced for a further analysis of temperature and velocity characteristics. The study shows that an increase in nanoparticle volume fraction enhances nanofluid flow and heat transmission, proving highly beneficial for cancer treatment. However, the flow is retarded due to the increment of Casson parameter values, while an enhancement is observed with a superior accelerating parameter.