bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partnership with stakeholders as innovative model of work-integrated learning for unemployed youths
Authors: Mayombe Celestin
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The unemployment rate among disadvantaged youths (aged 15–34 years) in large parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America has become a global concern. The concern in this article is that most WIL programmes could not facilitate a smooth WIL-to-work transition. The purpose of the article is to examine the roles of partner stakeholders in the features of an innovative WIL model influencing the labour market entry of the disadvantaged youths.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was suitable for examining the features of an innovative WIL model. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from seven managers of different firms and institutions, and ten trainees to examine the roles of partner stakeholders in the features of an innovative WIL model influencing the labour market entry of disadvantaged youths.

Findings

The main findings reveal that local businesses and enterprises played important roles in participating in the design of the WIL curriculum, providing adequate mentorship for work experience and micro-placement to the trainees. Based on the findings, the author concludes that the partnership with stakeholders as an innovative WIL model contributed to the employability of disadvantaged youths through the acquisition of work experience and work-readiness.

Practical implications

The implication of the findings is that the commitment of partner stakeholders ensures that WIL graduates continue to be employed. The commitment of partner stakeholders evident in this study is likely to continue creating better employment prospects for WIL graduates.

Originality/value

Though stakeholder partnerships are common in WIL programmes and TVET, the innovativeness of this model lies in the features of WIL programmes, the roles and commitment of stakeholders including the outcomes of the partnerships.
Revisiting customer loyalty toward mobile e-commerce in the hospitality industry: does brand viscosity matter?
Authors: Wu Jialin Snow , Ye Shun , Zheng Chen Jerry , Law Rob
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To better understand how to retain hospitality customers in the fierce competition among mobile applications, this study aims to propose and empirically validates an integrative framework, which elaborates how conscious and subconscious factors, together with affective factors, may induce app loyalty and how brand viscosity moderates such effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an online survey to collect data and received a total of 268 valid responses. This study splits the data into two groups (brand viscosity vs non-viscosity). Then, the authors performed a multi-group structural equation modeling with Chi-square difference tests to compare the model between the two groups.

Findings

The findings support the integrative model and reveal that the influence of app satisfaction on loyalty is stronger for app users who do not stick to one brand across the website and mobile app channels. Moreover, for those with brand viscosity, habit and switching cost are two significant determinants that exert positive effects in inducing app loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

Brand viscosity across different channels matters for the effects of habit and switching costs in shaping app loyalty. E-commerce managers should elaborate on brand management among various booking channels and establish effective digital marketing strategies to facilitate the formation of usage habits and switching costs and to enhance brand viscosity across channels.

Originality/value

This research advances the knowledge of app loyalty in hospitality by providing a comprehensive explanatory framework from affective, conscious and subconscious lenses. This research is among the first to unveil the impact of brand viscosity on the links between loyalty and its determinants.
The legal nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on contractual obligations applied in human rights
Authors: Radhi Hassan Dakel Abd
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Under international human rights law, states can limit the exercise of most human rights if it is necessary to protect the rights of others or collective interests. The hazards of epidemics and diseases have raised many legal, economic and social issues in their link with global health security, which renew the discussion regarding the effects of the COVID-19 on some civil and commercial transactions and financial and tax obligations. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the effects of COVID-19 on contractual obligations.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, we are going to follow the method of the analytical and applied approach at the same time by analyzing the cases in which contractual obligations are affected by the circumstances of the COVID-19 and its legal implications, as well as to apply the theories related to this aspect to different cases.

Findings

The result of the study funded that the legal adaptation of the COVID-19 pandemic is limited to the theory of emergency circumstances and the theory of the force majeure, and the matter remains in the hands of the trial judge to attribute the incident imposed on him to one of the two cases according to the circumstances of the case.

Originality/value

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on contractual obligations should be applied on each contract separately according to the extent of its impact on the contractors because the spread of the virus may have an impact on the obligations of one of the contractors, leading to exhaustion of the debtor, or it may lead to the impossibility of implementing the obligation.
Unveiling the truth about tourism labour precarity in Argentinian cities
Authors: Porto Natalia , Garcia Carolina Inés
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to study the role of tourism specialisation on tourism labour precarity in Argentinian cities, considering urban primacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose an econometric model that iterates between alternative labour precarity measures explained by the economic sector (tourism, rest of services and rest of economy) and tourism specialisation at the city level. They build three geographical groups based on Argentinian urban agglomerates: the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, tourism specialised cities and non-tourism specialised cities. The authors further distinguish between big and small cities according to their urban primacy. The main sources of data are the Permanent Household Survey and the Hotel Occupancy Survey from the Argentinian National Statistics and Census Institute for the period 2007–2017.

Findings

The authors find that as tourism specialisation grows, the incidence of precarious labour conditions in tourism goes down. Working in this sector increases the chances of having a precarious job, particularly for non-legal outcome variables. However, tourism specialisation and urban primacy generate a mitigating effect on these negative results.

Originality/value

The authors focus on tourism labour conditions in Argentinian cities, using different measures of labour precarity from a legal perspective, (namely, legal informality) and a non-legal one (including productive informality, part-time work and non-permanent occupation). The authors follow an innovative approach to this matter in the tourism sector, as they consider both tourism specialisation at the city level and urban primacy. This is the first article addressing these issues not only for Argentina but also for Latin America.
Sensemaking and financial management in the decision-making process of farmers
Authors: Hayden Michael Thomas , Mattimoe Ruth , Jack Lisa
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the financial decision-making process of farmers and to highlight the potential role that improved farm financial management (FFM) could play in developing sustainable farm enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a qualitative approach with 27 semi-structured interviews exploring farmers’ financial decision-making processes. Subsequently, the interview findings were presented to a focus group. Sensemaking theory is adopted as a theoretical lens to develop the empirical findings.

Findings

The evidence highlights that FFM has a dual role to play in farmer decision-making. Some FFM activities may act as a cue, which triggers a sensebreaking activity, causing the farmer to enter a process of sensemaking whilst some/other FFM activities are drawn upon to provide a sensegiving role in the sensemaking process. The role of FFM in farmer decision-making is strongly influenced by the decision type (strategic or operational) being undertaken and the farm type (dairy, tillage or beef) in operation.

Originality/value

The literature suggests that the majority of farmers spend little time on financial management. However, there are farmers who have quite a high level of engagement in FFM activities, when undertaking strategic farm expansion decisions. Those FFM activities help them to navigate through operational decision-making and to make sense of their strategic decision-making.
Impact of COVID-19 on financial performance of logistics firms: evidence from G-20 countries
Authors: Atayah Osama Fayez , Dhiaf Mohamed Mahjoub , Najaf Khakan , Frederico Guilherme Francisco
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to contribute to the extant literature on logistics by investigating the interrelationship between the financial performance of listed logistics firms and the COVID-19 and compare the logistics firms’ financial performance of G-20 countries during the pandemic period.

Design/methodology/approach

To conduct the confirmatory analysis by testing the hypotheses formulated for this study, data have been collected from Bloomberg of all logistics firms from G-20 countries. This paper gathered the first quarter from 2010 until the last quarter of 2020 as the research sample to examine the pandemic impact on financial performance.

Findings

The results show that the financial performance of logistic firms was significantly higher during 2020. Overall, the country-wise findings corroborated with the main results and the financial performance of 14 countries’ logistic firms out of 20 ones analysed has been significantly elevated, during the pandemic period. However, this paper has found out a negative financial performance of the logistics firms during the COVID-19 period in six countries (Germany, Korea, Russia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and the UK), which support the second proposition.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s results were important as they highlighted the role of logistics firms in offering insights to academics, practitioners, policymakers and logistic firms’ stakeholders. For future research, this paper suggests including some other variables that might influence firm performance and that have not been considered in this study, which is a limitation, and going more deeply into the logistics sector by comparing the financial performance of the sub-sectors.

Practical implications

As the importance of logistics services during the pandemic period is relevant, this study may provide significant insights because the logistics firms play a crucial role by anticipating to ensure the supply of essential items such as food, medicine, then supporting for the continuity of supply chains. The view of finance impacts during the pandemic may provide insightful perspectives for logistics companies, allowing them to understand those impacts and better prepare for likely disruption events such COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

This paper is novel considering that it is unique in evaluating logistics firms’ financial performance from a global perspective, considering the context of this historical pandemic.
Community perception of heritage values regarding a global monument in Ghana: implications for sustainable heritage management
Authors: Mensah Justice
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Scholarly discourses regarding heritage values for sustainable heritage management abound in heritage literature but appear elitist as they tend to exclude the perspectives of the people at the lower echelons of society. The study explored the values ascribed to a global heritage monument by the people living around a global heritage site in Ghana and the implications of their perceptual values for sustainable heritage management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the qualitative design. It was guided by Costin’s heritage values, community attachment theory and values-based approach to heritage management. Data was gathered from the local people living close to the heritage site, and the staff of Museums and Monuments Board at the heritage site. Data were gathered through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews and analysed using the thematic approach and most significant stories.

Findings

The results revealed that the local people were aware of the economic, aesthetic, historic, symbolic and informational values of the heritage monument but showed little attachment to the monument. The main reasons for the low attachment were the limited opportunity for them to participate in the management of the monument, and the limited opportunity for direct economic benefits from the heritage asset.

Research limitations/implications

A comprehensive understanding of heritage monument management that reflects the perspectives and values of the local people is imperative.

Practical implications

United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and Ghana Museums and Monuments Board could consider a more community-inclusive heritage management framework that takes cognizance of local values and perspectives to ensure sustainable heritage management and development.

Social implications

The values and perspectives of the local community matter in heritage management. The heritage authorities need to engage more with the community people and educate them on the best practices regarding the sustainable management of World Heritage Sites.

Originality/value

This paper argues that the management of global heritage sites should not be elitist in orientation and character. It should respect the principle of community participation for inclusive development.
Discovering social media topics and patterns in the coronavirus and election era
Authors: Hashemi Mahdi
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to understand the relationship between politics and pandemics in shaping the characteristics and themes of people’s Tweets during the US 2020 presidential election. Additionally, the purpose is to detect misinformation and extremism, not only to help online social networks (OSN) to target such content more rapidly but also to provide a close to real-time picture of trending topics, misinformation, and extremism flowing on OSN. This could help authorities to identify the intents behind them and find out how and when they should address such content.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on extracting and verifying knowledge from large-scale OSN data, at the intersection of the Coronavirus pandemic and the US 2020 presidential election. More specifically, this study makes manual, statistical and automatic inferences and extracts knowledge from over a million Tweets related to the two aforementioned major events. On the other hand, disinformation operations intensified in 2020 with the coincidence of the Coronavirus pandemic and presidential election. This study applies machine learning to detect misinformation and extreme opinions on OSN. Over one million Tweets have been collected by our server in real-time from the beginning of April 2020 to the end of January 2021, using six keywords, namely, Covid, Corona, Trump, Biden, Democrats and Republicans. These Tweets are inspected with regard to their topics, opinions, news, and political affiliation, along with misinformation and extremism.

Findings

Our analyses showed that the majority of these Tweets concern death tolls, testing, mask, drugs, vaccine, and travel bans. The second concern among these Tweets is reopening the economy and schools, unemployment, and stimulus bills. The third concern is related to the Coronavirus pandemic’s impacts on politics, voting, and misinformation. This highlights the topics that US voters on Twitter were most concerned about during this time period, among the multitude of other topics that politicians and news media were reporting or discussing. Automatic classification of these Tweets using a long short-term memory network revealed that Tweets containing misinformation formed between 0.5% and 1.1% of Coronavirus-related Tweets every month and Tweets containing extreme opinions formed between 0.5% and 3.1% of them every month, with its pick in October 2020, coinciding with the US presidential election month.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in establishing a framework to collect, process, and classify OSN data to detect misinformation and extremism and to provide a close to real-time picture of trending topics, misinformation, and extremism flowing on OSN.
Interaction effects of professional commitment, customer risk, independent pressure and money laundering risk judgment among bank analysts
Authors: Mohd-Sanusi Zuraidah , Mat-Isa Yusarina , Ahmad-Bakhtiar Ahmad Haziq , Mat-Jusoh Yusri Huzaimi , Tarjo Tarjo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the direct and indirect effects of professional commitment, customer risk and independence pressure on money laundering risk judgment among bank analysts.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a within-subjects experimental research design and collects primary data via a questionnaire distributed to bank analysts in banking institutions in Malaysia.

Findings

Results show that professional commitment, customer risk and independence pressure significantly influence money laundering risk judgment (i.e. customer due diligence and money laundering reporting). The results also show significant interaction effects between customer risk and independence pressure in influencing money laundering risk judgment.

Practical implications

Professional commitment and situational factors are crucial in putting pressure on bank analysts responsible for performing a thorough check and due diligence to minimize money laundering risk to the bank.

Social implications

As money laundering is lifeblood of crimes, understanding the factors influencing money laundering risk judgment would assist the affected institutions to manage the risk better and contribute towards the fight against crimes.

Originality/value

This study focuses on money laundering risk judgment. It contributes to understanding the competency of the gatekeepers, such as bank analysts, in practicing professional commitment and dealing with situational factors.
Should we cooperate? Game theory insights for servitization
Authors: Wagstaff Scott , Burton Jamie , Zolkiewski Judy
Published: August 2021

Purpose

An abundance of literature suggests that organisations adopting a cooperative approach achieve greater rewards than those that act in opposition or isolation. An emerging body of work also highlights the multiple actors involved in servitization. Despite this, in some contexts the benefits of servitization are not apparent. This paper examines business relationships in the oil industry and how they affect levels of servitization.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method study employing qualitative and quantitative methods was used to fully explore the context. In the quantitative phase, 48 oil industry specialists responded to a scenario based on game theory. This aimed to determine if the relationships between their respective organisations are cooperative or adversarial. Abduction drove a second qualitative phase. This consisted of a series of semi-structured interviews used to explore the servitization level and influence of servitization on relationships and vice versa.

Findings

The statistical results suggest that all parties used adversarial strategies despite the publicised intent to work cooperatively. The interviews suggested that increasing (decreasing) servitization could increase (decrease) cooperation and, in turn, value co-creation but revealed nuances to this effect. It also adds to our understanding of the darker side of servitization by illustrating the impact of mimetic isomorphism.

Originality/value

The findings add to understanding of the complex dynamics around servitization by showing that it is only at advanced levels of servitization that cooperative behaviour is observed, and base and intermediate levels result in non-cooperative behaviour and thus illustrate the importance of adopting a multi-actor lens to explore servitization.
Determinants and outcomes of e-business adoption among manufacturing SMEs: Insights from a developing country
Authors: Abbad Muneer , Magboul Ibrahim Hussien Musa , AlQeisi Kholoud
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In response to a turbulent industrial environment, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), organizations have widely adopted e-business to improve their processes. This study aims to propose a model that encapsulates the determinants and outcomes of e-business adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

The determinants and outcomes of e-business adoption were tested using data gathered from 282 managers and analysed using structural equation modelling techniques.

Findings

The results indicated that owner support, perceived ease of use and government support were important determinants that influence e-business adoption. Attitude, competitive pressureand relative advantage were not significant. Regarding outcomes, e-business adoption had a major impact on SME functioning and operational progress; however, it had no influence on competitive advantage.

Originality/value

By ascertaining the determinants and outcomes of e-business adoption, the findings provide e-business practitioners and managers with guidelines that can encourage more efficient and effective e-business adoption within their organizations. The results also provide a basis for more precise e-business studies to be conducted in developing countries.
Current scenario of diagnosis and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in urban India: a pilot study
Authors: Basu Sandhya , Banerjee Bidisha
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The current literature on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) shows a tangled picture of its etiology and diagnosis. It directs at over-medicalization in ADHD cases due to the pharmaceutical-based models surrounding its treatment. Further, the authors observed the negligible reporting of India’s ADHD scenario in the reviewed literature. Thus, this study aims to explore the status of ADHD in India’s urban setting through a pilot study.

Design/methodology/approach

Social constructivist viewpoint guided this study. The authors conducted the pilot in two phases: face-to-face semi-structured qualitative interviews with 11 mental health professionals in the first phase, and, in the second phase, five mental health professionals responded to an online survey with same questions. After qualitative analysis, four major themes were identified: participants’ opinions on ADHD etiology, issues in diagnosis, social context of ADHD and alternatives to medication.

Findings

The findings highlight the need to re-visit the ADHD narrative in the Indian context. These findings also emphasize future investigation on the medicalization of ADHD in India.

Research limitations/implications

A countrywide epidemiological survey is required to explore the distribution of the disorder to standardize diagnosis and treatment procedures pan-India. This paper is an attempt to iron out the ADHD-related information that needs further exploration and research.

Originality/value

With in-depth interviews of mental health professionals, the study explores the state of ADHD in an urban setting in India. Future research must build on the current findings to establish the etiological and diagnostic framework of ADHD.
The consequences of the auditor’s choice in group companies and expectations gap
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Arianpoor Arash
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the consequences of the auditor’s choice in group companies and the expectation gap of listed firms on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE).

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, 128 companies (768 observations) listed on the TSE during the period 2012 to 2017 have been investigated. To test the hypotheses, logistic regression has been used.

Findings

The results showed that companies that are members of business groups are more likely to choose their auditors from large audit firms. The research findings also showed no significant relationship between the business group firms that have used the large auditor and the financial reporting quality. The results showed a positive and meaningful relationship between the member firms that use the large auditor and the audit fees. The results showed a negative and significant relationship between membership in business groups and the audit expectations gap.

Originality/value

Despite the importance of the audit performance, defining auditors’ roles most acceptably has always been challenging to create a gap through the diverse understanding of auditors’ role, which is the distance of perception between users’ auditors. For this reason, over the past years, the audit expectation gap and how to reduce it have focused on academics, professional accounting firms and users of financial statements. As any unmet expectations from the community will reduce the audit firm’s credibility and ability to gain and be widely detrimental to stakeholders, the audit study’s expectation gap in performing audit study is critical. Although there are extensive studies on the gap in auditing expectations in developed economies, most conclusions cannot be attributed to developing countries such as Iran due to cultural and legal differences. Besides, the audit environment in Iran and existing laws can have different results. This research also helps to bridge this gap by providing additional guidance to regulators. Besides, as all recent studies on the expectation gap were qualitative, the present study measures the expectation gap through quantitative statistical methods.
Shifts from complementarity to selection effects maintain high productivity in maize/legume intercropping systems
Authors: Zhang Wei‐Ping , Gao Sai‐Nan , Li Zhao‐Xin , Xu Hua‐Sen , Yang Hao , Yang Xin , Fan Hong‐Xia , Su Ye , Fornara Dario , Li Long
Published: August 2021

Complementarity (CE) and selection effects (SE) have been either invoked to explain the positive diversity–productivity relationship in natural and semi‐natural ecosystems. Few studies have, however, separated selection and complementarity effects in economically valuable intercropping systems, which receive significant nutrient inputs throughout the growing season.

We performed a 2‐year field experiment with five cropping systems (i.e. maize/peanut intercropping, maize/soybean intercropping, maize, peanut and soybean monocultures) under different combinations of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization. Sequential harvest of subplots was performed five times during the growing season and the additive partitioning method was applied to determine complementarity and selection effects in the two intercropping systems.

We found that the land equivalent ratio (LER) based on yield was greater than or close to 1 in both maize/soybean and maize/peanut intercropping systems, suggesting yield advantages in these intercropping systems compared to monocultures. The LER of the two intercropping systems without N fertilization was greater in 2018 than in 2017. Nitrogen fertilization reduced the LER of maize/soybean intercropping in 2018, and that of maize/peanut intercropping across 2 years. Nitrogen fertilization had much stronger effects on maize yield than on soybean or peanut yield. Intercropping increased maize yield but decreased soybean and peanut yield.

The CE was more important for net biodiversity effects without N fertilization while the SE was more important with N fertilization in the two intercropping systems across 2 years. Phosphorus fertilization impacts on the LER and biodiversity effects were weaker compared to N fertilization. Finally, net biodiversity effects were greater at later growth stages within a growing season.

Synthesis and applications. Our study demonstrates how yield advantages of species‐diverse intercropping systems can be maximized either through (a) CE in the absence of N fertilization thanks to complementarity in nutrient use between crops or (b) SE under N fertilization thanks to overyielding of highly productive species (i.e. maize). Yield advantages promoted by CE are more sustainable because they are associated with reduced chemical fertilizer use and greater monetary benefits to farmers. These findings have important implications for the design and management of species‐diverse intercropping food‐production systems.
The relationship between delivery and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio in COVID‐19: a cohort study
Authors: Pineles BL , Stephens A , Narendran LM , Tigner MA , Leidlein C , Pedroza C , Mendez‐Figueroa H , Sibai BM
Published: August 2021

Objective

To study the effect of delivery on the pO2/FiO2 ratio (P/F ratio) in patients with COVID‐19‐related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and to compare characteristics between delivered and undelivered pregnant patients with COVID‐19.

Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

Four hospitals in Houston, Texas.

Population

Pregnant patients admitted to the hospital for COVID‐19.

Methods

Among patients with ARDS who were delivered during their hospitalisation for COVID‐19, linear mixed models were used to investigate time trends before and after delivery of the P/F ratio. Patient characteristics were compared between patients delivered during their hospitalisation for COVID‐19 and those discharged undelivered.

Main outcome measures

The P/F ratio, age, gestational age, length of stay and severity of illness,

Results

Between 4 May 2020 and 26 July 2020, a total of 61 pregnant patients were admitted for COVID‐19. Baseline characteristics were similar between the study groups. Delivery occurred in 21 (34%) of patients during their hospitalisation for COVID‐19. Delivered patients had more severe disease and were admitted at a later gestational age than patients not delivered. Ten of these 21 patients (48%) were delivered preterm; of these, six were delivered due to complications of COVID‐19 and four were delivered for obstetric indications. In patients with ARDS who were delivered (n = 17), the P/F ratio had a negative slope that improved after delivery.

Conclusions

COVID‐19‐related ARDS in pregnancy requires multidisciplinary care and individualised decision‐making, but delivery slows the deterioration of the P/F ratio in these patients.

Tweetable abstract

Delivery improves the P/F ratio in COVID‐19‐related ARDS, though individualised delivery management is needed.
Rheumatoid arthritis management in the APLAR region: Perspectives from an expert panel of rheumatologists, patients and community oriented program for control of rheumatic diseases
Authors: Chopra Arvind , Lin Hsiao‐Yi , Navarra Sandra V. , Saeed Muhammad Ahmed , Sockalingam Sargunan , Thongpooswan Supat , Jois Ramesh , Salim Babur , Gavin Lee Ka Wing , Lau Tang Ching , Wee James
Published: August 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a major health burden in Asia Pacific affecting the quality of life of patients and consuming healthcare resources. According to recent estimates from the World Health Organization‐International League Against Rheumatism‐Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases, prevalence is around 0.3%‐0.5%. Management guidelines have helped to improve treatment across this diverse region. To gain better insight into current real‐world management applications in view of these guidelines, virtual meetings were conducted in mid‐2020 to explore perspectives of rheumatologists and patients, as well as discuss the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on RA management. Patients and rheumatologists from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, India, Pakistan, and Taiwan were included, representing a diverse mix of healthcare systems, wealth, ethnicity and culture. Despite many countries having prospered in recent years, similar challenges in RA diagnosis and treatment were identified. The daily impact and patient experience of RA were also similar across countries, marked by “silent” pain and disability, and universal misunderstanding of the disease. Late diagnosis and treatment, and barriers to access to appropriate treatment, remain problematic. The experience shared by Taiwan offers a glimmer of hope, however, wherein patient advocacy groups have succeeded in being included in policy‐making decisions and securing access to advanced treatment. Real‐world solutions that pay heed to the unique local needs and diversity of Asia Pacific are required to improve RA management, which will take time. In the interim, help can be sought from the trained, non‐rheumatologist community to reduce some of the disease burden.
The worm affair: fidelity and environmental adaptation in symbiont species that co‐occur in vestimentiferan tubeworms
Authors: Zvi‐Kedem Tal , Shemesh Eli , Tchernov Dan , Rubin‐Blum Maxim
Published: August 2021

The symbioses between the vestimentiferan tubeworms and their chemosynthetic partners (Gammaproteobacteria, Chromatiales and Sedimenticolaceae) hallmark the success of these organisms in hydrothermal vent and hydrocarbon seep deep‐sea habitats. The fidelity of these associations varies, as both the hosts and the symbionts can be loose in partner choice. Some tubeworms may host distinct symbiont phylotypes, which often co‐occur in a single host individual. To better understand the genetic basis for the promiscuity of tubeworm symbioses, we assembled and investigated metagenome‐assembled genomes of two symbiont phylotypes (species, based on the average nucleotide identity < 95%) in Lamellibrachia anaximandri, a vestimentiferan endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, in individuals collected from Palinuro hydrothermal vents (Italy) and hydrocarbon seeps (Eratosthenes seamount and Palmahim disturbance). Using comparative genomics, we show that mainly mobilome and genes involved in defence mechanisms distinguish the symbiont genotypes. While many central metabolic functions are conserved in the tubeworm symbionts, nitrate respiration (Nar, Nap and Nas proteins) is modular, yet this modularity is not linked to phylotype, but rather to geographic location, potentially implying adaptation to the local environment. Our results hint that variation in a single moonlighting protein may be responsible for the fidelity of these symbioses.
Suicidality and self‐injury with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in youth: Occurrence, predictors and timing
Authors: Sørensen Johanne Østerby , Rasmussen Annette , Roesbjerg Troels , Verhulst Frank C. , Pagsberg Anne Katrine
Published: August 2021

Objective

Meta‐analyses have established a heightened risk of suicidality for youth treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The present study investigates the risk and possible predictors of suicidality and non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) associated with SSRI treatment in a clinical sample of children and adolescents.

Methods

An observational, longitudinal, retrospective study using a within‐subject study design including in‐ and outpatients aged 0–17 years treated with SSRIs. Data were obtained from digital medical records and prescription software.

Results

N = 365 patients were included (64.1% female), mean (SD) age 14.5 (2.04) years, with primary depression, anxiety or obsessive‐compulsive disorder. No suicides occurred. When comparing the 6‐week period immediately prior to versus following SSRI initiation, the patient proportion with broadly defined suicidality decreased (38.5% vs. 24.2%, p < 0.001) while the proportion with suicide attempts was stable (2.8% vs. 2.8%, p = 1.000). The proportion with NSSI decreased statistically non‐significantly (12.4% vs. 8.4%, p = 0.067). Results from individually standardized observation periods were similar; however, the proportion with suicide attempts decreased statistically non‐significantly and the proportion with NSSI decreased significantly. Suicidality during SSRI treatment was associated with previous suicidality (OR[CI] = 6.0 [2.4–14.8], p < 0.001), depression as indication for SSRI treatment (OR[CI] = 2.1 [1.2–3.7], p = 0.01), female sex (OR[CI] = 2.1 [1.1–4.1], p = 0.02) and previous NSSI (OR[CI] = 2.0 [1.2–3.5], p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Suicidality was common in youth treated with SSRIs. The patient proportion with overall suicidality decreased, and the proportion with attempted suicide was stable in the weeks following SSRI initiation. Previous suicidality, depression, female sex and previous NSSI are important predictors for suicidality during SSRI treatment in youth.
A systematic review of the effect of ovarian sex hormones on stimulant use in females
Authors: Arunogiri Shalini , Crossin Rose , Rizzo Davinia , Walker Leigh , Ridley Kelly , Gurvich Caroline
Published: August 2021

Stimulant use disorder is associated with significant global health burden. Despite evidence for sex differences in the development and maintenance of stimulant use disorder, few studies have focused on mechanisms underpinning distinct trajectories in females versus males, including the effect of the ovarian sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. This review aimed to identify and synthesise the existing preclinical and clinical literature on the effect of ovarian sex hormones on stimulant consumption in females. A systematic search of peer‐reviewed literature identified 1593 articles, screened using the following inclusion criteria: (1) adult female humans or animals, (2) using stimulant drugs, (3) ovarian sex hormones were administered exogenously OR were measured in a validated manner and (4) with stimulant consumption as an outcome measure. A total of 50 studies (3 clinical and 47 preclinical) met inclusion criteria. High‐estrogen (low progesterone) phases of the menstrual/estrus cycle were associated with increased stimulant use in preclinical studies, while there were no clinical studies examining estrogen and stimulant consumption. Consistent preclinical evidence supported progesterone use reducing stimulant consumption, which was also identified in one clinical study. The review was limited by inconsistent data reporting across studies and different protocols across preclinical laboratory paradigms. Importantly, almost all studies examined cocaine use, with impact on methamphetamine use a significant gap in the existing evidence. Given the safety and tolerability profile of progesterone, further research is urgently needed to address this gap, to explore the potential therapeutic utility of progesterone as a treatment for stimulant use disorder.
Smoking cessation interventions for pregnant women attending treatment for substance use disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Jackson Melissa A. , Baker Amanda L. , Gould Gillian S. , Brown Amanda L. , Dunlop Adrian J. , McCarter Kristen
Published: August 2021

Background and aims

Up to 95% of pregnant women seeking treatment for alcohol and other drug (AOD) use smoke tobacco. Previous reviews indicate few effective smoking cessation treatments for this group. This updated review aimed to identify and measure the efficacy of smoking cessation interventions trialled among pregnant women in AOD treatment settings who smoke tobacco.

Methods

A narrative synthesis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses statement. Studies involving psychological, behavioural or pharmacological interventions used to treat tobacco use, including electronic nicotine delivery systems, for pregnant women of any age, who smoked tobacco and were seeking/receiving treatment, or in post‐treatment recovery for AOD concerns, were reviewed. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE and ProQuest databases, grey literature and reference lists were searched, and field experts were contacted for unpublished study data. The Effective Public Health Practice Project tool assessed study quality. The review was pre‐registered with PROSPERO no. CRD42018108777.

Results

Seven interventions (two randomised controlled trials, two single‐arm pilot studies, two program evaluations and one causal comparative study) treating 875 women were identified. All were United States (US)‐based and targeted women with drug dependence, but not alcohol dependence. Three interventions used contingency management, five provided behavioural counselling, and one offered nicotine replacement therapy. All reported reductions in cigarette consumption; one contingency management‐based study demonstrated higher abstinence rates compared with controls at treatment‐end that were not maintained at follow‐up. Four of six studies were rated as methodologically weak and one unpublished study was not rated.

Conclusions

Conclusions about the efficacy of smoking interventions for pregnant women with alcohol and other drug concerns who also smoke tobacco are hindered by the paucity of available data and poor methodological quality of included studies.
A prognostic score predicting survival following emergency surgery in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Tan Winson Jianhong , Lin Wenjie , Sultana Rehena , Foo Fung Joon , Tang Choong Leong , Chew Min Hoe
Published: August 2021

Background

Survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) varies. We aim to develop a prognostic score for mCRC after emergency surgery to guide treatment decisions.

Methods

Newly diagnosed mCRC patients who presented with primary tumor‐related complications and underwent emergency surgery between January 1999 and December 2013 were included. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify covariates significantly associated with the time to death following surgery. A survival score was derived using the Cox regression equation.

Results

The study cohort comprised 248 patients. Median patient age was 66 ± 13 years. Primary tumor was located in the left colon and rectum in 211 patients (85.1%) while 37 patients (14.9%) had primaries in the right colon. Liver, lung, and peritoneal metastases occurred in 161 patients (64.9%), 59 patients (23.8%), and 96 patients (38.7%), respectively. Majority of patients presented with either obstruction (174 patients, 70.1%) or perforation (52 patients, 21%). On multivariate analysis, age of 60 years or older (p = 0.007), carcinoembryonic antigen levels greater than 45 ng/ml (p = 0.022), presence of liver metastases (p = 0.024), and peritoneal carcinomatosis (p < 0.001) were found to be significantly associated with overall survival. A simplified score was derived with good survivors (score 0–2), moderate survivors (score 3–4), and poor survivors (score 5 and above) experiencing median survival of 7, 14, and 23 months, respectively (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The management of mCRC presenting with an emergency is challenging. A prognostic score that estimates survival after emergency surgery may aid clinical decision‐making.
Lateral lymph node recurrence of rectal cancer with a pathological complete response to chemotherapy confirmed by laparoscopic lateral lymph node dissection: A case report
Authors: Wakizaka Kazuki , Homma Shigenori , Ichikawa Nobuki , Yoshida Tadashi , Matsui Hiroki , Khor Lee Wee , Annen Kazuya , Fukushima Tsuyoshi , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: August 2021

Lateral lymph node (LLN) metastasis is one of the forms of local recurrence after surgery for lower rectal cancer. We here present a case of LLN recurrence of rectal cancer that was shown by laparoscopic lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) to have a complete pathological response to chemotherapy. A 58‐year‐old man underwent open low anterior resection for lower rectal cancer. After detection of right LLN recurrence 43 months after the operation, 11 cycles of capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab chemotherapy were administered. Laparoscopic right LLND was performed 55 months after the first operation. Pathological examination revealed no viable tumor cells in the dissected lymph nodes. The patient remains alive without recurrence 61 months after the first surgery and 6 months after laparoscopic LLND. Laparoscopic LLND for LLN recurrence of rectal cancer is feasible and should be considered a valid treatment option.
A randomized, double blind, single dose, comparative study of the pharmacokinetics, safety and immunogenicity of MB02 (bevacizumab biosimilar) and reference bevacizumab in healthy male volunteers
Authors: Sinn Angela , García‐Alvarado Fernanda , Gonzalez Veronica , Huerga Camino , Bullo Felicitas
Published: August 2021

Aims

The pharmacokinetic (PK) similarity between MB02, a proposed bevacizumab biosimilar, and reference bevacizumab approved from the USA (US‐bevacizumab) and European Union (EU‐bevacizumab) was evaluated. Safety and immunogenicity were also assessed.

Methods

In this phase 1, randomized, double blind, single dose, parallel group study, 114 healthy male volunteers were randomized 1:1:1 to receive a 3 mg/kg intravenous dose of MB02, US‐bevacizumab or EU‐bevacizumab, and evaluated for 100 days. PK similarity between MB02 and reference bevacizumab was determined using the standard bioequivalence criteria (0.80–1.25) for the area under the serum concentration–time curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinity (AUC(0‐∞)) and the maximum observed serum concentration (Cmax).

Results

Baseline demographics were similar across treatment groups. All study drugs exhibited similar PK profile. The 90% confidence interval for the geometric lead square means ratios for the primary parameters AUC(0‐∞) and Cmax for MB02, US‐bevacizumab and EU‐bevacizumab were fully contained within the pre‐defined bioequivalence limits for the 3 pairwise comparisons: AUC(0‐∞) (MB02:US‐bevacizumab 0.998 [0.944 to 1.05]; MB02:EU‐bevacizumab 1.07 [1.00 to 1.14]; and US‐bevacizumab:EU‐bevacizumab 0.934 [0.884 to 0.988]) and Cmax (MB02:US‐bevacizumab 0.983 [0.897 to 1.08]; MB02:EU‐bevacizumab 1.06 [0.976 to 1.16]; and; US‐bevacizumab: EU‐bevacizumab 0.926 [0.851 to 1.01]). Treatment emergent adverse events were reported in 87 subjects (76.3%), most being mild and with comparable incidence among treatment groups. Thirty‐three subjects (28.9%) reported 56 possibly related treatment emergent adverse events with comparable incidence across treatments, the most frequent being headache (10.5%) and fatigue (3.5%). Anti‐drug antibody incidence was low and similar between treatment groups.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the PK similarity and bioequivalence of MB02 to the reference bevacizumab, whether approved from USA or EU. The safety and immunogenicity profile of MB02 was shown also to be similar to the bevacizumab reference product (NCT 04238663).