bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling inter-firm competitive rivalry in a port logistics cluster: a case study of Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Singh Amanpreet , Chhetri Prem , Padhye Rajiv
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The paper models the effect of spatial clustering on various dimensions of inter-firm competitive rivalry among port logistics firms using Porter's five forces model.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey-based quantitative approach is adopted to collect data from logistics firms, which are directly or indirectly dependent on the Port of Melbourne in Australia. A structural equation modelling (SEM) technique is used to examine the theorised relationships between various dimensions of inter-firm competitive rivalry and the tendency of spatial clustering of logistics firms in the vicinity of Port of Melbourne.

Findings

The results indicate that the inter-firm competitive rivalry increases significantly when logistics firms are spatially clustered. This effect is further augmented when they cluster around the port. Co-location of firms near the port tends to increase “bargaining power of buyers”, whilst indirectly affecting “competitive rivalry” via “threats of substitutes”. This indicates that co-location enhances the bargaining power of buyers through the greater availability of substitute services that in turn promotes competitive rivalry among firms. However, co-location has an insignificant effect on “barriers to entry” and “bargaining power of suppliers”. Low entry barrier thus favours high competitive rivalry among firms. Hence, this paper validates the Porter's cluster and five forces models that confirm the positive effect of port logistics clusters (PLCs) on bargaining power of buyers and indirect effect on competitive rivalry partially mediated through threats of substitutes.

Practical implications

This study provides empirically grounded evidence for firms to evaluate co-location decision choices and help buyers and sellers to devise business strategies to enhance inter-firm competitive rivalry and bargaining power.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic attempt to empirically validate Porter's five forces model in the context of PLC. Furthermore, the conceptualisation of PLC concept both as spatial and functional constructs (i.e. dependency on port) is novel. This study thus has broadened the meaning of cluster from a geographic entity to a more useful functional construct to reflect inter-firm dependencies.
Blockchain systems and ethical sourcing in the mineral and metal industry: a multiple case study
Authors: Kshetri Nir
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine blockchain's roles in promoting ethical sourcing in the mineral and metal industry.

Design/methodology/approach

It analyzes multiple case studies of blockchain projects in the mineral and metal industry.

Findings

It gives detailed descriptions of how blockchain-based supply chain networks' higher density of information flow and high degree of authenticity of information can increase supply chain participants' compliance with sustainability standards. It gives special consideration to blockchain systems' roles in overcoming the deficits in the second party and the third-party trust. It also demonstrates how blockchain-based supply chain networks include outside actors and configure the supply chain networks in a way that enhances the empowerment of marginalized groups.

Practical implications

It suggests various mechanisms by which blockchain-based supply chain networks can give a voice to marginalized groups.

Originality/value

It demonstrates how blockchain is likely to force mineral and metal supply chains to become more traceable and transparent.
Supply chain risk management in the COVID-19 pandemic: strategies and empirical lessons for improving global logistics service providers’ performance
Authors: Hohenstein Nils-Ole
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The enormous impact of the COVID-19 pandemic showcases the key role of supply chain risk management (SCRM) in achieving and maintaining business performance, competitiveness and survival in the “new normal”. The purpose of this paper is to explore what impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had and may yet have on supply chains (SCs), which SCRM approaches have proved successful and how logistics service providers (LSPs) have applied the knowledge they have gained to improve their SCRM practices and resilience so as to prepare better for the next major disruption.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper combines an extensive literature review with a multiple-case study of 10 internationally operating LSPs and how they have handled the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic so far. To bridge the research-practice gap, this study draws on the dynamic-capabilities view and provide insights that are valuable to both academia and practice.

Findings

This study provides empirical evidence on the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SCs, which has posed several challenges to LSPs. The study identifies eight factors that are critical to the adaptive capabilities of LSPs and, therefore, to their resilience in extreme conditions. The findings of this study show that these factors determine whether an SCRM system is robust and agile enough to allow an LSP to anticipate potential disruption and to respond fast enough when disruption occurs. Specifically, this study finds that robustness and agility demonstrably strengthen business performance, while learning from experience proves key to reconfiguring an SCRM design in response to acute disruption.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to provide rich, empirical and practically applicable insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on business in relation to SCRM. These novel insights offer inspiring opportunities for further research.
The impact of social shopping feature richness on buying intention: a product perspective
Authors: Chen Hao , Chen Haitao , Tian Xiaoxu
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Social shopping platforms have flourished by using multiple social shopping features, yet little is known about how the combination of these features affects purchase intention, particularly in terms of the product itself. The purpose of the paper is to draw on the concept of social shopping feature richness, adopting a formative approach on the survey used, and endeavors to reveal the concept's impact on consumers' buying intention from a product perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on mental accounting and signaling theories, a theoretical model is proposed and empirically evaluated with 356 samples collected using a questionnaire survey.

Findings

The results suggest that social shopping feature richness promotes consumers' consumption by providing information signals to satisfy acquisition utility and transaction utility. Specifically, social shopping feature richness enhances perceived product quality, while decreasing negative perceptions regarding price. Moreover, perceived product quality and perceived price significantly influence buying intention through the mechanism of perceived value.

Originality/value

The authors' study highlights the role of the combination of functionally diverse social shopping features on product sales for social shopping platforms.
Mechanical performance analysis and experimental study of soft-bodied bird-billed pneumatic gripper
Authors: Cai Lihua , Dong Shuo , Huang Xi , Fang Haifeng , She Jianguo
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Flexible mechanical gripper has better safety and adaptability than a rigid mechanical hand. At present, there are few soft grippers for small objects on a millimeter scale. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to design a soft pneumatic gripper for grasping millimeter-scale small and fragile objects such as jewelry and electronic components.

Design/methodology/approach

By simulating the clamping action of the bird’s mouth and combining the high flexibility of the soft material, the bird’s beak soft pneumatic gripper is designed. First, the internal cavity of the gripping end of the gripper is determined by bending deformation calculation, and the brief manufacturing process of the gripper is outlined. Then, the single finger of the soft gripper is modeled mechanically, and the relationship between air pressure and bending deformation of the single finger is obtained. Finally, the experimental platform of the soft mechanical gripper is built, and the gripping performance of silicone rubber material is tested by comparison test, bending deformation test, stability test, adaptability test and gripping accuracy test.

Findings

The designed gripper has the advantages of simple structure, convenient operation, easy grasping of different small objects of millimeter-scale and good adaptability. It can grasp the precise dispensing needle with a minimum diameter of 0.19 mm, and its accuracy meets daily use.

Originality/value

A new type of soft pneumatic, the mechanical gripper is proposed and manufactured. According to the shape of the bird’s beak and the calculation of bending performance, a hollow finger gripper with better bending performance is designed. Various test results show that the gripper has a significant clamping effect on millimeter small objects, which supplements the research field of millimeter small object gripper.
How to de-bias investment judgements–unpacking bias and possible remedies in a capital investment context
Authors: Scherm Andreas , Hirsch Bernhard , Sohn Matthias , Maske Miriam
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Research on biases in investment decision-making is indubitably important; however, studies in this context are relatively scarce. Unpacking bias has received attention in the psychological literature yet very little attention from management accounting research. This bias suggests that the perceived probability that an event will occur generally increases when the event's description is unpacked into a disjunction of subevents. The authors hypothesize that for a capital investment decision context, managers' judgement of the probability of a future event depends on whether the event is described as one packed event or is unpacked into several disjoint subevents. Additionally, the authors propose that altering the format of the description of an event's occurrence from percentage values to relative frequencies reduces unpacking bias.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the study’s hypotheses, the authors conducted two experiments based on a 3 × 2 mixed experimental design in which manager participants were asked to estimate the failure probabilities of technical systems in the context of an investment decision.

Findings

The authors provide evidence that unpacking bias occurs in an investment scenario, which can be characterized as a high-stakes decision context. Changing the format in which probabilities are presented from percentage values to relative frequencies significantly reduces the bias.

Research limitations/implications

Additional instructions did not further reduce unpacking bias.

Practical implications

For investment decisions under uncertainty, performance indicators in management templates should be presented in relative frequencies to improve managerial decision-making. The fact that the authors could not show an additional effect of instructions in management accounting reports indicates that it is challenging for management accountants to reduce the biased decision-making of managers by “teaching” them through the provision of instructions.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to accounting research by illustrating unpacking bias and by deriving a debiasing mechanism in a capital investment decision context.
Dying at work. Work-related suicide – how does the UK regulatory context measure up?
Authors: Waters Sarah , Palmer Hilda
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how work-related suicides are monitored, investigated and regulated in the UK, examining a small selection of cases and drawing on international comparison with other countries. Effective data collection and regulation are the cornerstone of suicide prevention, and this paper aims to consider whether the UK’s current regulatory framework provides an effective basis for preventing work-related suicides.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on qualitative sociological methods and is based on an in-depth analysis of 12 suicide cases occurring between 2015 and 2020. In each case, work-related causal factors had been previously identified by at least one official source (police enquiry, coroner or employer’s investigation). This study analysed multiple sources of documentation and undertook interviews with individuals close to each suicide case. The aim of this study was to consider the organisational response of three stakeholder organisations to the suicides: the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the coroner and the employer.

Findings

The study points to serious shortcomings in the UK’s regulatory response to work-related suicides. Suicides are currently not recorded, investigated or regulated. Whereas the fracture of an arm or leg in the workplace needs to be reported to the HSE for further investigation, a suicide occurring in the workplace or that is work-related does not need to be reported to any public agency. Employers are not required to investigate an employee suicide or make any changes to workplace policies and practices in the aftermath of a suicide. The work-related factors that may have caused one suicide may, therefore, continue to pose health and safety risks to other employees.

Originality/value

Whereas some recent studies have examined work-related suicides within specific occupations in the UK, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to analyse the UK’s regulatory framework for work-related suicides. The study on which the paper is based produced a set of recommendations that were targeted at key stakeholder organisations.
A comparison of minimum variance and maximum Sharpe ratio portfolios for mainstream investors
Authors: Vinzelberg Anja , Auer Benjamin Rainer
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Motivated by the recent theoretical rehabilitation of mean-variance analysis, the authors revisit the question of whether minimum variance (MinVar) or maximum Sharpe ratio (MaxSR) investment weights are preferable in practical portfolio formation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors answer this question with a focus on mainstream investors which can be modeled by a preference for simple portfolio optimization techniques, a tendency to cling to past asset characteristics and a strong interest in index products. Specifically, in a rolling-window approach, the study compares the out-of-sample performance of MinVar and MaxSR portfolios in two asset universes covering multiple asset classes (via investable indices and their subindices) and for two popular input estimation methods (full covariance and single-index model).

Findings

The authors find that, regardless of the setting, there is no statistically significant difference between MinVar and MaxSR portfolio performance. Thus, the choice of approach does not matter for mainstream investors. In addition, the analysis reveals that, contrary to previous research, using a single-index model does not necessarily improve out-of-sample Sharpe ratios.

Originality/value

The study is the first to provide an in-depth comparison of MinVar and MaxSR returns which considers (1) multiple asset classes, (2) a single-index model and (3) state-of-the-art bootstrap performance tests.
A two-phase approach to efficiently support product recovery systems in a circular economy context
Authors: Dwivedi Ashish , Madaan Jitender , Santibanez Gonzalez Ernesto D.R. , Moktadir Md. Abdul
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The execution of product recovery strategies and the definition of an adequate system to manage its performance are crucial to move toward the employment of a successful circular economy (CE) concept. Defining strategies for the efficient management of product recovery requires product data that is difficult to obtain, making it harder to handle. However, efficient product recovery management can play a key role in shifting companies from a linear economy model to a more sustainable CE model, providing economic benefits and increasing customer satisfaction by recovering and adding value to the discarded product. Therefore, this study aims to provide better models to support decision-making and to evaluate product recovery performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study highlights a comprehensive two-stage decision approach to identify and examine the relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) for performance improvement of an information facilitated product recovery system (IFPRS) in a CE context. In the first phase, a structural equation modeling (SEM) methodology is adopted to categorize the KPIs by employing exploratory factor analysis and measurement of the model fit is obtained using the confirmatory factor analysis. Further, in the second phase, the KPIs are ranked and prioritized on the basis of expert’s recommendations adopting fuzzy-technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS).

Findings

Empirical investigation is conducted by compiling data from an association of six decision-makers (DMs) and two DMs from a respective prospect. The results highlight that “Technology Capacity” is ranked as the highest and is the most prominent KPI for successful employment of IFPRS practices. The results of the study would benefit policy makers and company directors in the selection of KPIs based on their importance in a context of high competition and greater pressure to adopt sustainable practices in the management of their companies.

Originality/value

As far as the authors know, no study has been performed till date to identify and construct a structural KPIs model for IFPRS performance improvement in the context of CE. The paper, therefore, proposes a two-phase SEM-TOPSIS technique to measure the impact of KPIs which is a new integration in the existing literature. The results of the study would benefit policy makers and company directors in the selection of KPIs based on their importance in a context of high competition and greater pressure to adopt sustainable practices in managing their organizations.
Demographic characteristics influencing financial wellbeing: a multigroup analysis
Authors: Prakash Nisha , Alagarsamy Subburaj , Hawaldar Aparna
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The study attempts to understand the factors impacting the financial wellbeing of IT employees in India using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). It utilizes well-established survey instruments to assess the impact of financial literacy, financial behaviour and financial stress on financial wellbeing. The study also attempts to understand the role of demographic factors (age, gender, monthly income, job category and work experience) in determining financial wellbeing through multigroup analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Structured equation modelling (SEM) is used to study the link between the determinants. The study also attempts to understand the role of demographic factors (age, gender, monthly income, job category and work experience) in determining financial wellbeing through multigroup analysis. Data used for the analysis covers 237 employees working in the IT sector.

Findings

While financial literacy and financial behaviour have a significant positive impact on financial wellbeing, financial stress has a significant negative impact. Financial behaviour and financial stress were found to have a mediating role in the relationship between financial literacy and financial wellbeing. The demographic variables significantly moderate the relationship between the factors leading to financial wellbeing.

Originality/value

The results show the need for financial wellbeing programs to focus on enhancing financial knowledge and improving financial planning. Further, it suggests offering customized financial wellbeing programs based on the employee's demographic characteristics rather than following a “one program, fits all” approach.
A millennial manager skills model for the new remote work environment
Authors: Camp Kerri M. , Young Marilyn , Bushardt Stephen C.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to propose that millennials – those born between 1980 and 1995 – are uniquely impacted by the long-term impact of the pandemic, which has accelerated the work from home movement and exacerbated organizational issues associated with working remotely. Millennials, on the cusp of embarking on important leadership roles in this new remote work environment, pose challenges and opportunities for organizations will that will last long after the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a viewpoint based on a narrative review and on the authors’ professional experiences within organizations. Based upon these findings, this paper has reimagined the Mumford skills model to explore millennial managers in this new remote work, post-pandemic context. The goal of this narrative review was to provide a full picture of the “Millennial manager” and the challenges they face in becoming effective managers, as well as highlight the important strengths they bring to the table.

Findings

Managers may have challenges regarding job satisfaction, productivity and organizational commitment. The positive factors are millennials prefer flexibility, teamwork and creating a positive work-life balance. The negative side has to do with isolation and the ability to embrace the organization culture in a remote environment. This model shows positive and limiting factors of millennials related to organization effectiveness. The major propositions and model were that millennium managers in this new environment increase interpersonal communication to maintain trust, effective mentoring, resolve strong organizational culture and ensure effective delegation and conflict resolution.

Practical implications

This study discovered challenges for managers, including developing loyalty and improving employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Active listening is necessary for team management to show that all team members are valued irrespective of the work environment. Active listening and empathy will increase social support at work, which improves personal well-being and productivity. Millennials will continue to use their technological skills, their desire for teamwork and their preference for participative management, resulting in becoming an invaluable asset in this era of organizational transformation. The challenge for organizations is to realize the millennial generation possesses many talents and must successfully engage them in the pursuit of organizational goals.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the body of knowledge regarding millennials in organizations with a specific focus on the new work environment created by the global pandemic. The authors hope that their adapted skills model – the millennial manager skills model – becomes an important resource for articulation this new environment that millennial managers are in and that this model can be further refined and expanded through empirical exploration.
Exploring the nexus between GSCM and organisational culture: insights on the role of supply chain integration
Authors: Rizzi Francesco , Gigliotti Marina , Annunziata Eleonora
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the interlinks between different forms of organisational culture (OC), supply chain (SC) integration, green supply chain management (GSCM) practices. It adopts a green human resource management (GHRM) perspective on knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) dynamics to shed light on the drivers that facilitate the implementation of green practices along with the SC.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a quantitative approach through a survey administered to 381 formally appointed Italian SC managers, combining two methodological approaches, namely, the collection of self-reported information regarding the perceived OC, SC integration and GSCM practices in respondent’s organisations and an experimental design aimed at collecting the expected links between GHRM and the firm’s performance in different neutral conditions.

Findings

The results highlight that it is necessary to observe the disaggregated paths that link the different types of OC and dimensions of SC integration to benefit from a path-specific rationale for each GSCM practice. Insights on how different dimensions of SC integration mediate the relations between different OCs and GSCM practices, in the light of the role played by KSAs in the pursuit of the firm’s sustainable performance, reveal the relative importance of establishing strong relationships with customers and among the actors involved in the production process.

Practical implications

This paper provides directions for collaboration among SC and HR managers in the pursuit of GSCM.

Originality/value

This paper adopts an original classification of both OC and SC integration, identifying the existence of previously unrevealed nexuses. Additionally, it provides an original contribution to the extant literature by separately analysing each GSCM practice and, thus, offering detailed insights on their drivers.
How habitat heterogeneity shapes bacterial and protistan communities in temperate coastal areas near estuaries
Authors: Zhao Zelong , Li Hongjun , Sun Yi , Shao Kuishuang , Wang Xiaocheng , Ma Xindong , Hu Anyi , Zhang Haikun , Fan Jinfeng
Published: January 2022

In this study, we investigated microbial communities (bacteria and protist) in two coastal areas near the estuaries of the Liaohe (LH) River and Yalujiang (YLJ) River in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean. Due to the existence of Liaodong Peninsula and different levels of urbanization, geographical segregation and significant environmental heterogeneity were observed between these two areas. There were significantly different regional species pools and biogeographic patterns for both bacterial and protistan communities between LH and YLJ coastal areas. Species turnover was the main mechanism driving β‐diversity patterns of both bacterial and protistan communities in each area. In addition, the contributed ratio of nestedness to the β‐diversity patterns was significantly higher for protists compared to bacteria. Variation in regional species pools was found to be the dominant driver of differences of bacterial and protistan communities between the LH and YLJ coastal areas. For a single‐studied area, local community assembly mechanisms, including heterogeneous selection and dispersal limitation, were found to shape the bacterial and protistan communities through calculation of the β‐deviation index. Among them, the relative importance of heterogeneous selection and dispersal limitation on the community assembly varied according to microorganism type and habitat.
Suffragettes and Shrews: Unruly British Women in the Early Chinese Press (1900s–1910s)
Authors: Yang Shu
Published: January 2022

This article examines the image of the British suffragettes in the early Chinese press up to the 1910s. By widely surveying newspapers and magazines, it shows that the common adoption of the shrew trope in depicting the suffragettes went beyond a reductive translational interaction between the West and the East. People's Stand, The Eastern Miscellany and other periodical publications present different ways in which diction, images, literary legacy, gender tradition and cultural demands all came into play in reconfiguring the Chinese shrew and her connections to the Western suffragettes. The shrew–suffragette linkage debunks notions of selling strategies and editorial ambivalence underlying the gesture of the press. Yet it was precisely this ambiguity that rendered the shrew image so polysemic and fruitful, eventually allowing this traditional character type to be positively associated with the new woman models in Chinese progressive discourses.
B7 immune checkpoint family members as putative therapeutics in autoimmune disease: An updated overview
Authors: Dolatkhah Katayoun , Alizadeh Nazila , Mohajjel‐Shoja Hanieh , Abdoli Shadbad Mahdi , Hajiasgharzadeh Khalil , Aghebati‐Maleki Leili , Baghbanzadeh Amir , Hosseinkhani Negar , Karim Ahangar Noora , Baradaran Behzad
Published: January 2022

Autoimmune diseases, especially among young people in the US, are one of the leading causes of morbidity and death. The immune responses are the fundamental pathogenicity of autoimmune disorders. The equilibrium between stimulatory and inhibitory signals is critical for the stimulation, migration, survival, and T cell‐related immune responses. The B7 family can substantially regulate T cell‐mediated immune responses. Nevertheless, recent breakthroughs in immune checkpoint blockade in cancer immunotherapy have facilitated autoimmune diseases, especially among the prone populations. In the current study, we tried to concisely review the role of the B7 family in regulating immune reactions and the influence of immune checkpoint inhibitors on autoimmunity development.
The association of free testosterone levels with coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Apaydin Tugce , Sahin Bahadır , Dashdamirova Saida , Dincer Yazan Ceyda , Elbasan Onur , Ilgin Can , Bilgin Hüseyin , Cam Haydar Kamil , Bahramzada Gunel , Kucuk Aleyna , Haklar Goncagul , Iliksu Gozu Hulya
Published: January 2022

Background

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane protease serine 2 are critical factors of virus transmission. Expression of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 is highest in testes, and testicular function and testosterone levels were affected by coronavirus disease 2019. Low testosterone levels are related to infections, especially respiratory tract infections, and could worsen clinical conditions by exacerbating cytokine storms and increasing pro‐inflammatory cytokines.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of coronavirus disease 2019 on gonadal functions. Our second aim was to detect the relationship between free testosterone levels and disease prognosis and determine the impact of low‐free testosterone on admission to the intensive care unit.

Methods

Eighty‐one patients with reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction‐confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 were enrolled. Twenty‐nine patients were assessed again for 6 months post‐coronavirus disease 2019 follow‐up, and seven of them had a semen analysis. Serum follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, sex hormone‐binding globulin, and total testosterone levels were measured.

Results

In this observational study, 71.6% (n = 58) of patients had low free testosterone levels at baseline, in which 69% were considered secondary hypogonadism. A longer length of hospitalization and increased inflammatory markers (d‐dimer, high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein, and procalcitonin) were detected in the low‐free testosterone group. Follicle‐stimulating hormone, total, free, and bioavailable testosterone levels were lower in patients who required admission to the intensive care unit. Free testosterone levels were inversely correlated with the length of hospitalization and prognostic disease factors. Oligozoospermia and impaired progressive motility were present in 42.8% (3/7) of the patients. In 6 months post‐coronavirus disease 2019 follow‐up, out of 29 patients, 48.2% still had low testosterone levels.

Conclusion

A high rate of hypogonadism (71.6%) was found, especially secondary hypogonadism, and about half of the patients had hypogonadism in the sixth months' follow‐up. Low free testosterone levels were correlated with inflammatory parameters, and it is related to the intensive care unit admission. Studies with long‐term follow‐up data in larger groups are needed to determine persistent hypogonadism and impaired spermatogenesis.
A new oral testosterone (TLANDO) treatment regimen without dose titration requirement for male hypogonadism
Authors: DelConte Anthony , Papangkorn Kongnara , Kim Kilyoung , Bruno Benjamin J. , Chidambaram Nachiappan , Khera Mohit , Goldstein Irwin , Kohler Tobias S. , Miner Martin , Dobs Adrian S. , Patel Mahesh V.
Published: January 2022

Background

Male hypogonadism (testosterone level < 300 ng/dl) is a clinical syndrome that results from failure of the testis to produce physiological levels of testosterone. Most marketed testosterone replacement therapy products often require multiple dose adjustment clinic visits to achieve the desired, eugonadal testosterone levels.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel oral testosterone undecanoate therapy for the treatment of hypogonadism.

Material and methods

Ninety‐five (N = 95) hypogonadal men were enrolled in this open‐label, single‐arm, multicenter study in the United States (NCT03242590). Subjects received 225 mg of oral testosterone undecanoate (TLANDO) twice a day for 24 days without dose adjustment. Primary efficacy was percentages of subjects who achieved mean 24‐h testosterone levels within the eugonadal range and secondary efficacies were evaluated based on the upper limit of lab normal range of testosterone concentration.

Results

Subjects enrolled were on average age of 56 years, with about 17% of subjects older than 65 years. The mean body mass index was 32.8 kg/m2. The baseline mean total testosterone values were below the normal range (202 ± 74 ng/dl). Post‐treatment with 450 mg testosterone undecanoate daily dose without dose adjustment, 80% of subjects (95% confidence interval of 72%–88%) achieved a testosterone Cavg in the normal range and restored testosterone levels to mean testosterone Cavg of 476 ± 184 ng/dl at steady state. Testosterone restoration was comparable to other approved testosterone replacement therapy products. TLANDO was well tolerated with no deaths, no drug‐related serious adverse events, and no hepatic adverse events.

Discussion and conclusions

TLANDO restored testosterone levels to the normal range in the majority of hypogonadal males. This new oral testosterone replacement therapy can provide an option for no‐titration oral testosterone replacement therapy. This therapy has the potential to improve patient compliance in testosterone replacement therapy.
Failed fundoplication with delayed gastric emptying: efficacy of subtotal gastrectomy
Authors: Robertson Jason P , Van der Wall Hans , Falk Gregory L
Published: January 2022

Background

The management of patients with gastroparesis and recurrent reflux after previous fundoplication is challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of subtotal gastrectomy with Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction as a remedial procedure in this select patient population.

Method

Retrospective analysis of a prospectively populated database identified all patients that underwent subtotal gastrectomy with Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction (SGRNY) due to reflux symptoms and delayed gastric emptying (DGE). Demographic, intra‐operative and post‐operative data including pre and post‐operative modified reflux aspiration scintigraphy studies were evaluated. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess symptomatic outcomes.

Results

From 2018 SGRNY has been selectively performed in 13 patients. Preoperative workup confirmed DGE and severe symptomatic reflux in all patients. The median number of previous fundoplication and or hiatal hernia operations was two (range 1–3). The mean hospital length of stay was 10 ± 6 days. Post‐operative morbidity was experienced in three patients (23%). Seven patients (64%) had significant improvement or complete resolution of reflux on post‐operative scintigraphy. Symptom improvement was reported in 92% of patients.

Conclusion

In a select patient cohort with post‐fundoplication reflux and DGE symptoms, SGRNY is a moderately safe and effective salvage option.
Drain fluid amylase as a biomarker for the detection of anastomotic leakage after rectal resection without a diverting ileostomy
Authors: Clark David A. , Edmundson Aleksandra , Steffens Daniel , Harris Craig , Stevenson Andrew , Solomon Michael
Published: January 2022

Background

Anastomotic leak (AL) is the anathema of colorectal surgery. Early diagnosis is an essential segue to early intervention. A temporary diverting ileostomy (TDI) does not prevent an AL and presents inherent complications of its own. Numerous drain fluid biomarkers (BM) have been studied in colorectal surgery and extravasated intraluminal substances (EILS) such as amylase have shown promise. The aim of this study was to assess drain fluid amylase (DFA) as a BM of AL after minimally invasive rectal resection without a TDI.

Methods

A single centre prospective cohort study performed from 2018 to 2021. The primary outcome was DFA measured daily whilst the drain was in situ. Rectal tube amylase was also measured for the first two post‐operative days to quantitate the intra‐luminal levels of the enzyme. DFA was compared between patients who experienced AL and those who did not.

Results

Of the 62 patients studied, six (9.7%) experienced AL. There was a statistically significant difference in DFA between patients who experienced AL (Median:1373.5 U/L; IQR: 306–7953) and patients who did not experience an AL (Median: 27.0 U/L; IQR: 16–38); p < 0.0001.

Conclusions

The measurement of drain fluid amylase is a highly sensitive BM of early clinical anastomotic leak in patients undergoing a rectal resection with an extraperitoneal anastomosis and when a TDI is not incorporated. This simple, inexpensive and non‐invasive test should be considered in all patients as an adjunct to the clinical diagnosis and differentiation of AL from other postoperative complications.
Sestrin2 ablation attenuates the exercise‐induced browning of white adipose tissue in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Wang Lu , Liu Xinmeng , Liu Sujuan , Niu Yanmei , Fu Li
Published: January 2022

Aim

With exercise, white adipose tissues (WAT) are readily convertible to a “brown‐like” state, altering from lipid‐storing to energy‐catabolizing function, which counteracts obesity and increases insulin sensitivity. Sestrin2 (SESN2) is a stress‐inducible protein that can regulate the cold‐induced increase of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), which is paramount for the thermogenic capacity of brown‐like WAT. This study aimed to elucidate the necessity of SESN2 in mediating exercise‐induced browning of WAT.

Methods

We used 8‐week, male wild‐type and SESN2 knockout C57BL/6J mice to explore the potential role of SESN2 in the exercise‐induced WAT browning process. Over a 3‐week intervention (sedentary versus treadmill exercise, normal chow versus 60% high‐fat diet), we examined the exercise‐induced alterations of the browning phenotype in different depots of white fat. In vitro, 3T3‐L1 pre‐adipocytes and primary adipocytes were used to determine the potential mechanism.

Results

Our data revealed that SESN2 was required for the exercise‐induced subcutaneous WAT (scWAT) browning. This may be mediated by higher fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5) contents in scWAT locally, rather than skeletal muscle FNDC5 expression and circulating serum irisin levels. SESN2 ablation significantly impaired the exercise‐improved glucose metabolism, where browning of scWAT may serve as an essential pathway. Moreover, SESN2 ablation significantly attenuated the exercise‐promoted respiratory exchange ratio and indexes of energy metabolism (oxygen uptake and energy expenditure).

Conclusion

Taken together, our results provided evidence that SESN2 is a key integrating factor in driving the diverse metabolic benefits conferred by aerobic exercise.
Demographic, parental and home environment correlates of traditional and mobile screen time in preschool‐aged children
Authors: Rai Jasmine , Kuzik Nicholas , Carson Valerie
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Research on the correlates of screen time in young children, that could be targeted in future interventions to improve healthy development, has primarily focused on TV viewing with little consideration of mobile devices. The objectives of this study were to examine the associations between a range of demographic, parental, and home environment correlates and preschool‐aged children's TV/video viewing, video/computer game playing, and total screen time across traditional and mobile devices.

Methods

The results of this cross‐sectional study are based on 106 preschool‐aged children (3–5 years) and their parents recruited in 2018 in Edmonton, Alberta. Children's and parental demographic information, home characteristics, and information about parental and children's screen time use was measured using a parent questionnaire. Simple and multiple linear regression models were conducted.

Results

Each additional hour/day of parental screen time was associated with 12 (95%CI = 5.2, 19.8) minutes/day of children's TV/video, 6 (95%CI = 1.5, 11.0), minutes/day of video/computer game playing, and 19 (95%CI = 8.9, 29.2) minutes/day of total screen time. Additionally, significant associations of technology interference and presence of electronics in the bedroom with children's screen time were attenuated in the multiple regression models.

Conclusions

Parental screen time appears important to target in future family‐based screen time interventions and initiatives. Future studies should explore potential mediating or moderating variables between parental screen time and children's screen time.
Descriptive analysis of 179 German reports of melanoma reported to an adverse drug reaction database as a drug-related adverse effect, and comparison with melanoma cases contained in German cancer registries
Authors: Sachs Bernhardt , Dubrall Diana , Kraywinkel Klaus , Schulz Maike , Schmid Matthias , Bate Jens , Fischer-Barth Wilma
Published: January 2022

Background

Malignant melanoma (MM) is one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer. The occurrence of MM associated with drug therapy has been described in the literature. However, there is no analysis of a substantial number of validated reports of drug-associated MM.

Aim

To analyse a substantial number of validated spontaneous reports of drug-associated MM with regard to the suspected drug and the reported characteristics, and to compare these analyses with those of MM cases occurring in the general population in Germany.

Methods

Spontaneous reports of MM associated with drug therapy in Germany were identified in a large adverse drug reaction database (EudraVigilance). These results were then compared with analyses of MMs in the pooled data from a population-based German cancer registry.

Results

The 10 most frequently suspected drugs in the MM reports all target the immune system, with 7 of these being immunosuppressants. The median time to onset to MM diagnosis was 2.0 years. Patients with drug-associated MM were 11 years (median) younger than patients with MM in the cancer registry, and this age difference was greater for female than for male patients.

Conclusions

Our results emphasize the importance of regular dermatological examinations of patients being treated with immunosuppressants. Physicians should be aware that in these patients, MM might be detected at younger ages and even within 2 years after initiating therapy.
Clinical assessment of blood pressure in 60 girls with Turner syndrome compared to 1888 healthy Danish girls
Authors: Kjaer Anna Sophie L. , Petersen Jørgen H. , Cleemann Wang Amanda , Juul Klaus , Schmidt Ida M. , Main Katharina M. , Juul Anders , Jensen Rikke Beck
Published: January 2022

Objective

Hypertension contributes to increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with Turner syndrome (TS). Our objective was to evaluate blood pressure (BP) in girls with TS followed longitudinally through childhood and adolescence compared to a newly established BP reference material.

Design

Cohort study with data collected from 1991 to 2019 consisting of a population‐based reference cohort and a group of girls with TS followed at a single tertiary centre.

Patients/Participants

Reference population of 1888 healthy girls with 4890 BP recordings and 60 girls with TS with 365 BP recordings.

Measurements

Difference in diastolic BP (DBP) and systolic BP (SBP), expressed in standard deviation scores (SDS), between girls with TS and the reference population, unadjusted and adjusted for BMI. Difference in BP (SDS) between TS subgroups (karyotype, oestrogen treatment, cardiac diagnosis).

Results

The girls with TS had significantly higher DBP (mean ± SD, 0.72 SDS ± 0.95; p < .001) and SBP (0.53 SDS ± 1.11; p = .001) than the reference population. Adjusted for BMI, girls with TS had significantly higher DBP (mean ± SE, 0.71 SDS ± 0.12; p < .001) but not SBP (0.17 SDS ± 0.16; p = .29). There was no significant difference in DBP (median, IQR: 0.97 SDS, 0.30–1.58 vs. 0.76 SDS, 0.10–1.20; p = .31) or SBP (0.51 SDS, 0.15–1.30 vs. 0.57 SDS, −0.30 to 1.05; p = .67) between individuals with or without a cardiac diagnosis. In the TS population, 55% (31/56) had at least one BP recording above the hypertension threshold.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that standardised longitudinal routine monitoring of BP in girls with TS already in childhood is of utmost importance.
Extra‐nasal NK/T‐cell lymphoma: A rare case with a rarer presentation
Authors: Kumar Chandan , Jain Garima , Gupta Anshul , Pramanik Raja , Chopra Anita
Published: January 2022

Extra‐nodal (NK/T) cell lymphoma (NKTCL) of nasal type (ENKL) presents with extranodal involvement and is associated with EBV. They are localized primarily to nasal and upper airway region but can rarely involve skin, testis, intestine, muscle, or present as a disseminated disease. We present a case of a 65‐year‐old male presented with bilateral orbital swelling, right parotid swelling, fever, mediastinal nodes, pleural effusion and hepatomegaly. Cytology of pleural fluid showed monomorphic lymphoid cells with folded nuclei, vesicular chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli and granular cytoplasm. Few histiocytes showing hemophagocytosis were also noted in a background of inflammatory cells. Flow cytometric immunophenotyping of pleural fluid showed abnormal lymphoid cells which were positive for CD45, CD2 and CD56. Histopathological examination of the right eye swelling showed many atypical lymphoid cells which were positive for CD56 and negative for B and T cell markers. Based on morphological and immunophenotypic features a diagnosis of NKTCL, extra‐nasal type was suggested. Patient succumbed to the disease despite aggressive therapy.
Extensive perforation of the esophagus caused by a localized muscle layer defect during endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Koyama Yohei , Abe Seiichiro , Itoi Takao
Published: January 2022

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Are boards ‘substitute’ or ‘complement’ dividend payout? Econometric evidence for Indian banks
Authors: Bhatia Madhur , Gulati Rachita
Published: January 2022

This study econometrically tests the ‘substitution’ versus ‘outcome’ hypotheses by examining the impact of board governance on the dividend payout policy in the Indian banking industry. The analysis is confined to the period from 2005 to 2018. The results reveal a significant positive influence of overall board quality on the magnitude of payouts, supporting the ‘outcome hypothesis’. At the disaggregated level, independent directors, female directors, chief executive officer duality, and board meetings significantly influence the dividend policy of Indian banks. Our further investigation of the board‐dividend nexus at the ownership level shows that this complement relation is only visible in private banks (PBs). While the ‘substitution hypothesis’ holds in public sector banks (PSBs). The results suggest that good governed PBs use dividends as a complementary measure of monitoring mechanism. In contrast, governed boards of PSBs take conservative financial decisions and declare a low dividend. The findings are robust at disaggregate level, corroborating our main findings and additional analyses, including propensity score matching depicting that our conclusions are not beset by endogeneity or selection bias.