bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Niclosamide from an anthelmintic drug to a promising adjuvant therapy for diabetic kidney disease: randomized clinical trial
Authors: El-fatatry Basma Mahrous , El-Haggar Sahar Mohamed , Ibrahim Osama Mohamed , Shalaby Khaled Hamed
Published: February 2023

Background

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a serious complication that begins with albuminuria and often leads to a rapid progressive decline in renal function. Niclosamide is a potent inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which controls the expression of multiple genes of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), which in turn is influences the progression of DKD. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of niclosamide as adjuvant therapy on DKD.

Methods

Out of 127 patients screened for eligibility, 60 patients completed the study. After randomization, 30 patients in the niclosamide arm received ramipril plus niclosamide, and 30 patients in the control arm received ramipril only for 6 months. The primary outcomes were the changes in urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR), serum creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The secondary outcomes were measurements of urinary matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), 8-hydroxy-2ʹ-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and podocalyxin (PCX). Comparisons between the two arms were done using student t-test. Correlation analysis was done using Pearson correlation.

Results

Niclosamide decreased UACR by 24% (95% CI − 30 to − 18.3%) while there was a rise in UACR in the control arm by 11% (95% CI 4 to 18.2%) after 6 months (P < 0.001). Moreover, a significant reduction in MMP-7 and PCX was noticed in the niclosamide arm. Regression analysis revealed a strong association between MMP-7, which is a noninvasive biomarker predicting the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and UACR. A 1 mg/dL decline in MMP-7 level was associated with a 25 mg/g lowering in UACR (B = 24.95, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The addition of niclosamide to patients with diabetic kidney disease receiving an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor significantly reduces albumin excretion. Further larger-scale trials are needed to confirm our results.

Trial registration: The study was prospectively registered on clinicaltrial.gov on March 23, 2020, with identification code NCT04317430.
Psychological readiness is related to return to sport in judo injuries: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lambert Christophe , Guenther Daniel , Schütz Lisa-Marie , Kern Niklas , Ritzmann Ramona , Reinert Noémie , Walz Martin , Wafaisade Arasch , Nagy Kolos , Reuter Sven
Published: February 2023

Background

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of a judoka's psychological readiness in relation to his ability to return to sport. At the present time, the relationship between physical and psychological readiness to return to sport has not been adequately elucidated.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study. An online survey was distributed via social networks and the German Judo Association collecting data from competitive and recreational judo athletes. The survey collected data on participants’ characteristics, history of injury, and psychological readiness to return to sport after injury as determined by either the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury Scale, the Shoulder Instability-Return to Sport after Injury Scale, or a modified version of the Return to Sport after Injury Scale depending on the respective type of injury.

Results

The study included 383 judo athletes (272 competitive judo athletes and 112 recreational judo athletes). Regardless of injury location, athletes who achieved return to sports (M = 70.67; SD = 16.47) had higher RSI scores than athletes that did not return to sports (M = 53.88; SD = 19.12; p < 0.0001). Male athletes (M = 65.60; SD = 19.34) did show significantly higher RSI scores than female athletes (M = 60.45; SD = 19.46). The RSI score differed for different time loss categories, F(7, 375) = 11.309, p < 0.001, η2 = .174 with decreasing RSI scores for longer time loss and lowest RSI scores in athletes, who never returned to sports. RSI scores of athletes with knee injuries differed from athletes with other injury locations (10.23, 95% CI [4.08, 16.38]). After adjusting for time loss due to injury, competitive athletes had higher RSI scores than competitive athletes (F (1, 382) = 7.250, p < 0.001, partial η2 = .02). Conservatively treated athletes (M = 66.58; SD = 18.54) had higher RSI scores than surgically treated athletes (M = 59.05; SD = 20.01; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Based on the data of this study, type of injury, sport level, treatment method, and gender appear to influence psychological readiness on judoka and their ability to return to sport. The multiple factors that influence a judoka and their ability to return to sport argue for individualized treatment of judoka and their psychological state after injury in the return to sport process.
The physician shortage in Israel and a policy proposal for improvement
Authors: Treister-Goltzman Yulia , Peleg Roni
Published: February 2023

Background

There is a decrease in the supply of physicians in Israel resulting from the declining flow of immigrant physicians from the former Soviet Union, a large proportion of whom have reached retirement age in recent years. This problem could become worse because the number of medical students in Israel cannot increase quickly, especially because the number of clinical training sites is inadequate. The quick population growth and anticipated ageing will exacerbate the shortage. The aim of our study was to accurately assess the current situation and factors that affect it, and to propose systematic steps to improve the physician shortage.

Main body

The number of physicians per capita is lower in Israel than in the OECD at 3.1 vs. 3.5 per 1000 population, respectively. About 10% of licensed physicians live outside of Israel. There is a sharp increase in the number of Israelis returning from medical school abroad, but some of those schools are of low academic standard. The main step is a gradual increase in the number of medical students in Israel with a transition of clinical practice to the community, and hospital clinical hours in the evening and in the summer. Students with high psychometric scores who were not admitted to an Israeli medical school would get support to study in quality medical schools abroad. Additional steps include encouraging physicians from abroad to come to Israel, especially in specializations in distress, recruitment of retired physicians, transferring functions to other medical professions, economic incentives for departments and teachers, and incentives to prevent physicians from quitting or migrating to other countries. It is also important to close the gap between the number of physicians working in central Israel and the periphery through grants, employment opportunities for physicians’ spouses, and preferential selection of students from the periphery for medical school.

Conclusions

Manpower planning requires a broad, dynamic perspective and collaboration among governmental and non-governmental organizations.
A non-destructive analytical study of cultural heritage object from Late Antiquity: gold framework and gemstone inlays
Authors: Hanus Radek , Sobek Kamil , Souček Kamil , Staš Lubomír , Georgiou Lucie , Selucká Alena
Published: February 2023

Recently found historical jewellery (Czech Republic) was subjected to detailed analyses to determine the gem inlays and the gold framework in which they are embedded. Such find fits into European jewellery archaeological artefacts containing similar stones from around the fifth century CE. The gemstones were analysed with optical microscopy and Raman micro-spectroscopy to determine their mineralogical characteristics and to find out typical structural-chemical differences based on which their provenance can be found. The results of this measurement discovered two main types of minerals from the garnet group, almandine and pyrope, where pyropes have been identified as Bohemian garnets thanks to the typical photoluminescence (PL) of chromium and vanadium impurities. The craftsmanship and processing of the goldsmith work were studied using X-ray computed tomography. Such a technique is an excellent contribution for detecting and visualising the internal parts hidden behind the placement of the stones. For this reason, 3D visualisation was used to describe and better understand all preserved parts. According to this object's very high cultural and historical value, the chosen methods are suitable for non-destructive study while proving to be essential to deepen our knowledge in archaeometric investigations focused on jewellery from Late Antiquity (with possible application to the jewellery from other periods). Based on the findings presented in this study, it is one of the world's oldest documented items using Bohemian garnets in jewellery. These findings underscore the tremendous economic and political importance of Bohemian garnet mineral resources altogether, with a second completely different type of garnet believed to have originated in distant India or Sri Lanka that was used in jewellery across Europe in Late Antiquity.
Detection of solid and subsolid pulmonary nodules with lung MRI: performance of UTE, T1 gradient-echo, and single-shot T2 fast spin echo
Authors: Sanchez Felipe , Tyrrell Pascal N. , Cheung Patrick , Heyn Chinthaka , Graham Simon , Poon Ian , Ung Yee , Louie Alexander , Tsao May , Oikonomou Anastasia
Published: February 2023

Background

Although MRI is a radiation-free imaging modality, it has historically been limited in lung imaging due to inherent technical restrictions. The aim of this study is to explore the performance of lung MRI in detecting solid and subsolid pulmonary nodules using T1 gradient-echo (GRE) (VIBE, Volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination), ultrashort time echo (UTE) and T2 Fast Spin Echo (HASTE, Half fourier Single-shot Turbo spin-Echo).

Methods

Patients underwent a lung MRI in a 3 T scanner as part of a prospective research project. A baseline Chest CT was obtained as part of their standard of care. Nodules were identified and measured on the baseline CT and categorized according to their density (solid and subsolid) and size (> 4 mm/ ≤ 4 mm). Nodules seen on the baseline CT were classified as present or absent on the different MRI sequences by two thoracic radiologists independently. Interobserver agreement was determined using the simple Kappa coefficient. Paired differences were compared using nonparametric Mann-Whitney U tests. The McNemar test was used to evaluate paired differences in nodule detection between MRI sequences.

Results

Thirty-six patients were prospectively enrolled. One hundred forty-nine nodules (100 solid/49 subsolid) with mean size 10.8 mm (SD = 9.4) were included in the analysis. There was substantial interobserver agreement (k = 0.7, p = 0.05).

Detection for all nodules, solid and subsolid nodules was respectively; UTE: 71.8%/71.0%/73.5%; VIBE: 61.6%/65%/55.1%; HASTE 72.4%/72.2%/72.7%. Detection rate was higher for nodules > 4 mm in all groups: UTE 90.2%/93.4%/85.4%, VIBE 78.4%/88.5%/63.4%, HASTE 89.4%/93.8%/83.8%. Detection of lesions ≤4 mm was low for all sequences. UTE and HASTE performed significantly better than VIBE for detection of all nodules and subsolid nodules (diff = 18.4 and 17.6%, p = < 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively). There was no significant difference between UTE and HASTE. There were no significant differences amongst MRI sequences for solid nodules.

Conclusions

Lung MRI shows adequate performance for the detection of solid and subsolid pulmonary nodules larger than 4 mm and can serve as a promising radiation-free alternative to CT.
Enhanced electroseismic coupling at charged interfaces
Authors: Thompson A. H. , Monachesi L. B. , Zyserman F. I. , Jouniaux L.
Published: February 2023

Published field-scale studies of electroseismic (ES) surveying have detected harmonics of the source frequency in the recorded seismic signal. At the time the data were collected, the cause of these high frequencies was unknown. We have found that electric fields applied to lithologic interfaces create harmonics of the source frequency. At these interfaces, there are gradients in ionic concentrations in pore fluids and in situ electric fields associated with gradients in the electrochemical (EC) potential. When an electric field is applied to the junction in the direction of the internal field, the internal voltage gradient decreases and the resistivity decreases. When the applied field opposes the internal field, the internal field increases and the resistivity is high. Harmonics of the applied AC field occur when the amplitude of the applied electric field is comparable to the internal field. We use the sandstone/limestone interface as an illustrative example. An analytical model of rock interfaces predicts the wavelet response to an applied field. The theoretically predicted signal characteristics agree with the laboratory data. The model predicts that the distortion of the electric field induces strains on the rock matrix that are qualitatively similar to field measurements of the ES conversion. The estimated response from an EC junction is substantially larger than the electrokinetic conversion associated with the displacement of the pore-surface dipole layers.
Validity of root cause analysis in investigating adverse events in psychiatry
Authors: Deshpande Mayura , Sinclair Julia M. A. , Baldwin David S.
Published: February 2023

Root cause analysis (RCA), imported from high-reliability industries into health two decades ago, is the mandated methodology to investigate adverse events in most health systems. In this analysis, we argue that the validity of RCA in health and in psychiatry must be established, given the impact of these investigations on mental health policy and practice.
The WHO World Mental Health Report: a call for action
Authors: Cuijpers Pim , Javed Afzal , Bhui Kamaldeep
Published: February 2023

The World Health Organization's World Mental Health Report is a call for action and reminds all of the huge personal and societal impact of mental illnesses. Significant effort is required to engage, inform and motivate policymakers to act. We must develop more effective, context-sensitive and structurally competent care models.
Cancer-Related Stigma in Malawi: Narratives of Cancer Survivors
Authors: Watt Melissa H. , Suneja Gita , Zimba Chifundo , Westmoreland Katherine D. , Bula Agatha , Cutler Lux , Khatri Abhilasha , Painschab Matthew S. , Kimani Stephen
Published: February 2023

PURPOSE

Stigma is an impediment across the cancer care continuum, leading to delayed presentation to care, elevated morbidity and mortality, and reduced quality of life. The goal of this study was to qualitatively examine the drivers, manifestations, and impacts of cancer-related stigma among individuals who received cancer treatment in Malawi, and to identify opportunities to address stigma.

METHODS

Individuals who had completed treatment for lymphoma (n = 20) or breast cancer (n = 9) were recruited from observational cancer cohorts in Lilongwe, Malawi. Interviews explored the individual's cancer journey, from first symptoms through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Interviews were audio-recorded and translated from Chichewa to English. Data were coded for content related to stigma, and thematically analyzed to describe the drivers, manifestations, and impacts of stigma along the cancer journey.

RESULTS

Drivers of cancer stigma included beliefs of cancer origin (cancer as infectious; cancer as a marker of HIV; cancer due to bewitchment), perceived changes in the individual with cancer (loss of social/economic role; physical changes), and expectations about the individual's future (cancer as death sentence). Cancer stigma manifested through gossip, isolation, and courtesy stigma toward family members. The impacts of cancer stigma included mental health distress, impediments to care engagement, lack of cancer disclosure, and self-isolation. Participants suggested the following programmatic needs: community education about cancer; counseling in health facilities; and peer support from cancer survivors.

CONCLUSION

The results highlight multifactorial drivers, manifestations, and impacts of cancer-related stigma in Malawi, which may affect success of cancer screening and treatment programs. There is a clear need for multilevel interventions to improve community attitudes toward people with cancer, and to support individuals along the continuum of cancer care.
Imaging of Central Nervous System Ischemia
Authors: Shulman Julie G. , Abdalkader Mohamad
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVE

This article describes imaging modalities used in the evaluation of patients presenting with symptoms of acute ischemic stroke.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

The year 2015 marked the beginning of a new era in acute stroke care with the widespread adoption of mechanical thrombectomy. Subsequent randomized controlled trials in 2017 and 2018 brought the stroke community even further into this new territory with the expansion of the eligibility window for thrombectomy using imaging-based patient selection, which led to an increase in the use of perfusion imaging. Now, after several years of routine use, the debate is ongoing as to when this additional imaging is truly required and when it results in unnecessary delays in time-sensitive stroke care. At this time, more than ever, a robust understanding of neuroimaging techniques, applications, and interpretation is essential for the practicing neurologist.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

CT-based imaging is the first step in most centers for the evaluation of patients presenting with symptoms of acute stroke because of its wide availability, speed, and safety. Noncontrast head CT alone is sufficient for IV thrombolysis decision making. CT angiography is very sensitive for the detection of large-vessel occlusion and can be used reliably to make this determination. Advanced imaging including multiphase CT angiography, CT perfusion, MRI, and MR perfusion can provide additional information useful for therapeutic decision making in specific clinical scenarios. In all cases, it is essential that neuroimaging be performed and interpreted rapidly to allow for timely reperfusion therapy.
Safety Considerations in MRI and CT
Authors: Watson Robert E. , Yu Lifeng
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVE

MRI and CT are indispensable imaging modalities for the evaluation of patients with neurologic disease, and each is particularly well suited to address specific clinical questions. Although both of these imaging modalities have excellent safety profiles in clinical use as a result of concerted and dedicated efforts, each has potential physical and procedural risks that the practitioner should be aware of, which are described in this article.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Recent advancements have been made in understanding and reducing safety risks with MR and CT. The magnetic fields in MRI create risks for dangerous projectile accidents, radiofrequency burns, and deleterious interactions with implanted devices, and serious patient injuries and deaths have occurred. Ionizing radiation in CT may be associated with shorter-term deterministic effects on biological tissues at extremely high doses and longer-term stochastic effects related to mutagenesis and carcinogenesis at low doses. The cancer risk of radiation exposure in diagnostic CT is considered extremely low, and the benefit of an appropriately indicated CT examination far outweighs the potential risk. Continuing major efforts are centered on improving image quality and the diagnostic power of CT while concurrently keeping radiation doses as low as reasonably achievable.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

An understanding of these MRI and CT safety issues that are central to contemporary radiology practice is essential for the safe and effective treatment of patients with neurologic disease.
Imaging of Central Nervous System Hemorrhage
Authors: Hakimi Ryan
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVE

This article aims to familiarize the reader with the various types of nontraumatic central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhage and the various neuroimaging modalities used to help diagnose and manage them.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

According to the 2019 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study, intraparenchymal hemorrhage accounts for 28% of the global stroke burden. In the United States, hemorrhagic stroke makes up 13% of all strokes. The incidence of intraparenchymal hemorrhage increases substantially with age; thus, despite improvements in blood pressure control through various public health measures, the incidence is not decreasing as the population ages. In fact, in the most recent longitudinal study of aging, autopsy findings showed intraparenchymal hemorrhage and cerebral amyloid angiopathy in 30% to 35% of patients.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

Rapid identification of CNS hemorrhage, which includes intraparenchymal hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage, requires either head CT or brain MRI. Once hemorrhage is identified on the screening neuroimaging study, the pattern of blood in conjunction with the history and physical examination can guide subsequent neuroimaging, laboratory, and ancillary tests as part of the etiologic assessment. After determination of the cause, the chief aims of the treatment regimen are reducing hemorrhage expansion and preventing subsequent complications such as cytotoxic cerebral edema, brain compression, and obstructive hydrocephalus. In addition, nontraumatic spinal cord hemorrhage will also be briefly discussed.
Diagnostic Ultrasonography in Neurology
Authors: Azevedo Elsa
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVE

Ultrasonography allows neurologists to complement clinical information with additional useful, easily acquired, real-time data. This article highlights its clinical applications in neurology.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Diagnostic ultrasonography is expanding its applications with smaller and better devices. Most indications in neurology relate to cerebrovascular evaluations. Ultrasonography contributes to the etiologic evaluation and is helpful for hemodynamic diagnosis of brain or eye ischemia. It can accurately characterize cervical vascular atherosclerosis, dissection, vasculitis, or other rarer disorders. Ultrasonography can aid in the diagnosis of intracranial large vessel stenosis or occlusion and evaluation of collateral pathways and indirect hemodynamic signs of more proximal and distal pathology. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is the most sensitive method for detecting paradoxical emboli from a systemic right-left shunt such as a patent foramen ovale. TCD is mandatory for sickle cell disease surveillance, guiding the timing for preventive transfusion. In subarachnoid hemorrhage, TCD is useful in monitoring vasospasm and adapting treatment. Some arteriovenous shunts can be detected by ultrasonography. Cerebral vasoregulation studies are another developing field of interest. TCD enables monitoring of hemodynamic changes related to intracranial hypertension and can diagnose cerebral circulatory arrest. Optic nerve sheath measurement and brain midline deviation are ultrasonography-detectable signs of intracranial hypertension. Most importantly, ultrasonography allows for easily repeated monitoring of evolving clinical conditions or during and after interventions.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

Diagnostic ultrasonography is an invaluable tool in neurology, used as an extension of the clinical examination. It helps diagnose and monitor many conditions, allowing for more data-driven and rapid treatment interventions.
Efficacy and prognosis of neuroendoscopy-assisted surgery for chronic subdural hematoma
Authors: Ma Baolin , Song Huping , Lin Wuyong
Published: February 2023

Objective: This paper aims to analyze the clinical effect and prognosis of neuroendoscopy-assisted surgery for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH).

Methods: The clinical data of CSDH patients who underwent surgery between March 2018 and June 2020 in the Department of Neurosurgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Eighty patients with CSDH who met the inclusive criteria were selected. A control group (32 cases treated with burr hole drainage) and an observation group (48 cases treated with neuroendoscopy-assisted surgery) were set according to different operation methods. The hematoma clearance rate, surgery-related indicators, related complications, hematoma recurrence rate and related prognostic indicators of the two groups were compared and analyzed.

Results: The postoperative hematoma clearance rate of the observation group was 92.59%, which was higher than that of the control group (77.78%) (P<0.05). The operation time of the observation group was longer than that of the control group (P<0.05). The postoperative hospitalization time of the observation group was shorter than that of the control group (P<0.05). The postoperative complication rate of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). The recurrence rate of hematoma in the observation group in the six-month postoperative follow-up was 1.85%, which was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The limb motor function and daily living ability score of the observation group were higher than those of the control group, and the Markwalder grading score was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Neuroendoscopy-assisted treatment which is safe and effective is superior to traditional burr-hole drainage surgery. It can reduce the recurrence rate; thus, it is worth advocating and applying.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.6642

How to cite this: Ma B, Song H, Lin W. Efficacy and prognosis of neuroendoscopy-assisted surgery for chronic subdural hematoma. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(2):578-582. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.6642

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Pompe disease - What do we currently know about the disease?
Authors: Białowąs Edyta , Mazurek Magdalena , Aghadi Artur , Cuber Iwona , Dybała Ewelina , Szela Karolina
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Pompe disease (PD) is a rare metabolic disorder caused by a partial or complete deficiency of acid α-glucosidase (GAA) which leads to lysosomal accumulation of glycogen. Excessive amounts of glycogen accumulate mainly in the cells of the heart and skeletal muscles and cause dysfunction of these tissues. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The most common diagnostic methods include genetic tests and the measurement of enzyme activity in leukocytes or fibroblasts. A screening test is also available that tests the enzyme activity in dried blood spot (DBS). The treatment of PD is mostly based on synthetic GAA enzyme supply to the patients. The therapy reduces glycogen storage and improves muscle function, decreases heart size and prolongs the lives of those with infantile form of PD. In the adult onset of the disease treatment increases physical efficiency and reduces the progression of respiratory failure.

Aim of the study: Systematization of current knowledge about Pompe disease with particular emphasis on possible clinical presentations, diagnostics and therapeutic options.

Material and methods: Literature review based on PubMed data using the following keywords: Pompe disease, Glycogenosis type ii, glucosidase alpha

Summary : Pompe disease is a rare disease with many problems related to diagnosis and possible therapies. Its symptoms can be very misleading and cause a delay in diagnosis . It is critical to start the therapy as soon as possible to best manage the disease. The prognosis of PD is poor, especially in children under 12 months of age. Gene therapy research is currently underway and early results are very promising. There is still much to learn about dealing with this disease.
Mobile Money Operations: Policies for Managing Cash and Digital Currency Inventories in the Developing World
Authors: Balasubramanian Karthik , Drake David F. , Acimovic Jason , Fearing Douglas
Published: February 2023

Problem definition: Mobile money systems—platforms built and managed by mobile network platform operators (MMPOs) to allow money to be stored as digital currency—connect millions of poor and “unbanked” people to the formal financial system. Unfortunately, low service levels because of the suboptimal management of cash and digital currency (e-float) inventory impede the development of these ecosystems. Accordingly, we seek to answer the question of how agents should manage inventories of cash and e-float. Academic/practical relevance: This paper extends inventory theory to the mobile money context, unique in that sales of cash generate inventory of e-float and vice versa. In doing so, we address a key pain point for an emerging sector that improves lives at the base of the pyramid. Methodology: We develop an analytical heuristic to determine initial stocking levels for cash and e-float and analyze its performance on simulated and actual data. Results: By partnering with an MMPO, we tested the performance of the heuristic inventory policy with data from more than 35 million transactions. The heuristic captured 99.9998% of the optimal profit on simulated data and, on actual data, we found that following the recommendations could increase agents’ profits by an average of 15.4%. Managerial implications: We develop a pragmatic inventory policy that performs nearly optimally. We also analyze under which conditions the performance deteriorates and examine heterogeneity among agents with respect to the heuristic’s impact on their performance. Thus, we equip MMPOs with guidance as to whom to target and how. By contributing to service level and profit improvements, this work can make mobile money a more effective financial inclusion tool in the developing world as well as improve the livelihoods of agents.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.1175 .
Biosensor Gives Real-Time Wound-Healing Assessment
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: February 2023

Sensor embedded into dressings to cut time and costs
Rethinking Resilience
Authors: Bradshaw Melissa
Published: February 2023

The Engineer visited Thales Ebbw Vale to find out how the company is helping to protect critical national infrastructure and secure the technologies of tomorrow
Where Next for The UK’s Semiconductor Industry?
Authors: Tyler Neil
Published: February 2023

Where next for the UK’s semiconductor industry?
A Quiet Revolution
Authors: Sampson Ben
Published: February 2023

Although industrially-sponsored research and development has declined, one of Europe's largest operators of wind tunnels remains confident about the future
Spirit of Innovation
Authors: Sampson Ben
Published: February 2023

How the World's Fastest Electric Aircraft has Adapted the Latest Technology and Testing Methods from the Automotive Sector
Ask the Expert
Authors: Sampson Ben
Published: February 2023

ATI brings together five leading experts from the field of NDT to answer questions submitted by readers
Changing the Narrative
Authors: Beck Chris
Published: February 2023

After years of being stigmatised, discussions around mental health are becoming more commonplace. At Ford, a new focus is helping to put staff well-being at the forefront of the company’s activities
Multicriteria Decision Making as Interdisciplinary Research
Authors: Mu Enrique
Published: February 2023

In their excellent recounting of the development of multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) from its early history to the 21st century, Koksalan et al. (2011) proposed that MCDM is both old and new. It is old because decision makers have always had to make tradeoffs with objectives when making decisions; the authors refer to Benjamin Franklin’s approach to making decisions by trading off benefits and costs  during the 1700’s. However, MCDM as an important sub-field of Management Science or Operations research is rather new and began in the late 1950s. The elements of decision making fundamentally consist of the “decision”, a “decision-maker” and a “decision analysis methodology.” This is the reason that the MCDM field is inherently interdisciplinary.
PEST Analysis of Sports Characteristic Town Construction Under the Background of “Healthy China”
Authors: Xie Mengnan
Published: February 2023

Sport is psychoactive and work, other than for professional sport, is generally not taken into account. The important distinctive defining feature of sport is that competition must occur against, or against, an opponent. In order to remain competitive, an activity must be declared a victor by one of the participants. The activity is simply stress free without competition. This paper analyzes the macro environment of the construction of small towns with Chinese sports characteristics by literature study, logical analysis and PEST analysis. The results are as follows: the political environment: national policies and regulations are clear, and local governments can actively promote and carry out the construction of small towns with sports characteristics; the economic environment: the sports industry will be the pillar industry of stable economic growth, and the construction of small towns with sports contains huge economy consumption potential; social environment: people have a strong interest in sports culture, and national health has become a national strategy; technology environment: “Internet plus” and science & technology can provide huge technical support for the construction of sports featured towns. Optimization path: improve policies and government supervision, and plan reasonably; strengthen environmental protection, and carry forward traditional sports culture; create “sports plus” industrial ecosystem, and enhance regional economic development; innovate scientifically and cultivate construction talents.
Renewable Energy and Economic Efficiency in the Framework of Sustainable Development: Malmquist Index and Tobit Model
Authors: Bozkurt Eda
Published: February 2023

Today, energy is as important as labour, capital and technology for the growth of countries. As countries grow economically, they try to achieve the same or more amounts of output with fewer inputs. In other words, countries target efficiency based growth. As the economic growth of countries increases, their energy requirements also increase. Regarding countries that are not rich in domestic resources, this increase, imposes significant costs. On the other hand, the finite energy supply in countries rich in domestic resources is an important problem. That is why the phenomenon of renewable energy has become a trend all over the world. In addition to reducing import dependence on energy, new policies are required to reduce the effects of climate changes and to protect natural resources. That is why; renewable energy and economic efficiency are an attractive research area. In the study, efficiency scores were obtained by calculating the Malmquist total factor productivity index in the period 1992–2018 for 10 countries among the N11 countries. Then, the efficiency values obtained by using the two stage estimation method were used as the dependent variables. The test results based on Tobit regression indicated that the increase in the supply of renewable energy positively increases economic efficiency. It can be said that the supply of renewable energy will lead to economic efficiency in the future.
Rating the Sustainable Energy Problems in Manufacturing Businesses and Selecting the Best Energy Security Policy: The Case of Samsun
Authors: Ergün Mustafa , Memiş Salíh , Korucuk Selçuk , Karamaşa Çağlar
Published: February 2023

Today, economic development and development are extremely important. With the increasing need for energy in both the world and Turkish economy, the importance of ensuring the sustainability of the energy resources used and the security of energy supply is also increasing. Implementation of a sustainable energy system; It includes important factors such as efficient energy use together with sufficient, economical, safe and environmentally compatible energy supply. Energy is one of the main factors to consider in discussions of sustainable development. The main dimensions of sustainability in energy production are environmental protection and the economically and socially sustainable supply of energy resources in a way that is reliable, sufficient and financially accessible in the long run. For this reason, it is important for Turkey to identify sustainable energy problems and determine the right energy policy. In this study, the determination of sustainable energy problems and the problems of determining the right energy security policy in manufacturing enterprises in Samsun province in Turkey were made with multi-criteria decision making methods. As a result of this research, the most ideal energy security policy was “Resource Sharing” in the selection created by using the degrees of sustainable energy related problems in manufacturing enterprises. On the other hand, the most ideal energy security alternatives were realized as Resource Sharing (A4)>> Source Distribution (A3)>> Resource Diversification (A1)>> Price Security (A2), respectively.
Passenger Transport Modal Mix by Incorporating Travel Behaviour: A Case Study of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Prajapati Anita , Bhattarai Nawraj , Bajracharya Tri Ratna
Published: February 2023

Most of the travel demand in developing countries is fulfilled by private vehicles dominated by 2-wheelers due to their affordability, accessibility, and availability, which has direct effects on energy, economy, and environment. To achieve sustainable transport, policies such as electric mobility and mass transport options have been implemented which are mainly focused on technology shift based on technology cost and environmental externalities. Transport modelling in this study was carried out using an additional attribute: travel time which shows the impact of travel behaviour on the optimal modal mix and the consequent impact on energy and emissions. The scenario-based approach using the travel time budget (TTB) concept was used using a bottom-up TIMES modelling framework. The scenario analysis shows the trade-off between the speed of the vehicle, available travel time, and sustainability in transport. The result suggests that the investment in rapid transit would be the potential future mode in Kathmandu valley.
Power Generation Sources and Carbon Dioxide Emissions in BRICS Countries: Static and Dynamic Panel Regression
Authors: Voumik Liton Chandra , Hossain Md. Shaddam , Islam Md. Azharul , Rahaman Abidur
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The threat of global warming has escalated as a result of industrialization, urbanization, population growth, and lifestyle changes in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS). The amount of electricity generated by various sources is directly influenced by their respective carbon dioxide (CO2

) emissions. This study’s primary goal is to determine which sources are bad for the environment and which are not.

Methodology: Examining the impact of different energy generation sources on CO2

emissions using data from the BRICS. To analyze the data, pooled OLS and Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) are used, as well as Quantile Regression (QR).

Findings: We found that coal and gas power generation had a positive and large influence on CO2

emissions regardless of the method used. As compared to other emissions, coal-fired energy production has a more significant impact. In all regression models, hydroelectric and renewable energy generation can reduce CO2

emissions.

Originality: Identifying an empirical link between CO2

emissions and energy production sources is the study’s most significant accomplishment. To obtain solid results, the paper used a combination of QR and GMM techniques. The conclusions presented in this article have important environmental policy consequences. CO2 emissions can be reduced by reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and promoting the development of alternative energy sources such as hydroelectric, wind, and solar power.
DNA barcoding of the most common marine ornamental fish species spilled over from a small-sized marine protected area, Bali Barat National Park, Indonesia
Authors: Wiadnya Dewa Gede Raka , Kurniawan Nia , Hariati Anik Martinah , Astuti Septiana Sri , Paricahya Akhsan Fikrillah , Dailami ‪Muhammad , Kusuma Wahyu Endra
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Wiadnya DGR, Kurniawan N, Hariati AM, Astuti SS, Paricahya AF, Dailami M, Kusuma WE. 2023. DNA barcoding of the most common marine ornamental fish species spilled over from a small-sized marine protected area, Bali Barat National Park, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 243: 47-54. Healthy coral reefs within a protected area may function as a source of recruitment to the surroundings through spill-over and export larvae. This study aims to generate a list of common species of marine ornamental fishes for the aquarium trade in Indonesia, mainly collected adjacent to Bali Barat National Park (BBNP). Lived-fish samples were collected from six fish collectors in two villages surrounding BBNP, Sumber Kima, Bali, and Bangsring, Banyuwangi. All species were checked by three active fishermen in both villages for confirmation of the most common species and not belonging to the target. A total of 82 separate groups out of 145 specimens were identified based on their morphological characters. All samples were then sequenced based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene amplification. The sequence read lengths for all the specimens were between 655 and 658 bp. All the findings from this DNA barcoding approach were in line with morphological species identification. Wrasses (Family: Labridae) were the most dominant (41 species) representing the group, followed by Pomacentridae (24 species), Acanthuridae (14 species), Pomacanthidae (14 species) and Gobiidae (10 species). Among the species, only green sergeant, Amblyglyphidodon batunaorum, belonged to the Vulnerable (VU) category based on IUCN criteria. The rest were either Least Concern (LC), Data Deficient (DD), or Not Evaluated (NE). It implied that no catch species were under fishing pressure except for the green sergeant. Considering a total of 28 target species by local fishermen (recorded in an earlier article), small-scale fishermen can easily catch more than 100 species in one trip. The results significantly contributed to the need to generate a list of common ornamental fish species specifically exported from Indonesia as an aquarium trade commodity.
Morphological description and life history of the Philippine endemic Limnonectes leytensis Leyte swamp frog in Rogongon, Iligan City, Philippines
Authors: Flores Andrie Bon Alix , Diesmos Arvin Cantor , Nuneza Olga Macas
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Flores ABA, Diesmos AC, Nu?eza OM. 2022. Morphological description and life history of the Philippine endemic Limnonectes leytensis Leyte swamp frog in Rogongon, Iligan City, Philippines. Biodiversitas 23: 133-139. The Philippine endemic Limnonectes leytensis (Leyte Swamp Frog) is a widespread species, however, most studies concerning it only focus on adult stages, except for the study on Negros Island. With this, we conducted a study on the morphology and life history of L. leytensis in Rogongon, Iligan City, Philippines. We collected different tadpole stages through opportunistic sampling. Gosner developmental stages 23 to 40 were considered and measured using standard tadpole body morphometrics. Linear regression was used for modeling the relationship between the different morphometrics. Results showed that the tadpoles have a depressed body, dorsolateral eye position and has golden, light to dark brown pigmentation. Apart from this, its mouthpart showed an anteroventral shape, and the labial tooth row formula is 1/2-3, showing a single row in the upper lip and three rows in the lower lip, having the 3rd row half the length of the other two, which is different to that of the results of the past studies which reported that the labial tooth was 1/2:1-1 showing a broken gap in the first tooth row of the lower lip. The analysis revealed a positive relationship between different morphometrics to the total length (body length rs: 0.96; tail length rs: 0.99; musculature height rs: 0.90 and maximum tail height rs: 0.85) with a significance value of <0.001. The data generated from this study will ignite future efforts on tadpole research in the country, given that there are differences found in the tadpoles from different regions.
Genetic diversity, heritability, and accumulation patterns of Zn content in biofortified rice
Authors: ROHAENI WAGE RATNA , SUWARNO WILLY BAYUARDI , SUSANTO UNTUNG , TRIKOSOEMANINGTYAS TRIKOSOEMANINGTYAS , GHULAMAHDI MUNIF , ASWIDINNOOR HAJRIAL
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Rohaeni WR, Suwarno WB, Susanto U, Trikosoemaningtyas, Ghulamahdi M, Aswidinnoor H. 2023. Genetic diversity, heritability, and accumulation patterns of Zn content in biofortified rice. Biodiversitas 24: 208-214. The study on zinc accumulation patterns in various rice organs is valuable information to support effective biofortified breeding. Research reports related to zinc accumulation have only been limited to seeds, while the pattern of zinc accumulation in each part of the plant has not been reported, especially for Indonesian rice germplasm. The study aims to provide information on the pattern of accumulation and genetic diversity of Zn content in rice plants. The experiments used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications and genotypes as a treatment. The genotypes were 29 lines of BC4F3 Inpari IR Nutri Zinc////Inpari 23, 5 lines of BC4F3 Inpari IR Nutrizinc////Sintanur, and 1 line of BC4F3 Inpari IR Nutrizinc////Inpari 35. A total of 6 varieties were used as checks. The Zn content of dehulled (brown rice) grains sample was measured using the Oxford Supreme8000 XRF machine with the Rice15 method that had been validated by the Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) method, while the analysis of the pattern of Zn content of several organs (seeds, leaves, stems, and roots) used the Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-IOS) method. The coefficient of genetic variation of the grain zinc content (GZn) was moderate and had high heritability criteria (H2bs = 0.83). Yield characters have a narrow coefficient of genetic variation and low heritability. There were differences in the pattern of Zn accumulation in plant organs between high GZn and low GZn genotypes. The distribution of Zn content in high GZn genotypes showed 26.4% in seeds, 13.7% in leaves, 39.3% in stems, and 20.6% in roots. The distribution of Zn content in low GZn genotypes showed 14.2% in seeds, 10.9% in leaves, 31.0% in stems, and 44.0% in roots. The results of this study indicate that a different breeding strategy is needed to develop new high-yielding rice varieties based on zinc accumulation patterns in cross-parents.