bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerated Epigenetic Aging is Associated with Faster Glaucoma Progression: A DNA Methylation Study
Authors: Medeiros Felipe A. , Varma Achintya , Jammal Alessandro A. , Tseng Henry , Scott William K.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To investigate the association between epigenetic age acceleration and glaucoma progression.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Participants

100 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with fast progression and 100 POAG patients with slow progression.

Methods

Subjects were classified as fast or slow progressors based on rates of change in standard automated perimetry (SAP) mean deviation (MD) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. Epigenetic age was calculated using the Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, and GrimAge clocks from DNA methylation profiles obtained from blood samples. Age acceleration (AgeAccel) was defined as the residual from a linear regression of epigenetic age on chronologic age, with positive values suggesting faster biological aging. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated the association between AgeAccel and likelihood of fast progression, adjusting for confounders.

Main Outcome Measures

Difference in epigenetic age acceleration between fast and slow glaucoma progressors.

Results

The mean rate of SAP MD change in the fastest progressing eye was −1.06 dB/year (95% CI: −1.28 to −0.85) for fast progressors compared to −0.10 dB/year (95% CI: −0.16 to −0.04) for slow progressors (P<0.001). For RNFL thickness, corresponding values were −1.60 μm/year (95% CI: −1.97 to −1.23) and −0.76 μm/year (95% CI: −1.04 to −0.48), respectively (P<0.001). Fast progressors demonstrated significantly greater age acceleration compared to slow progressors for the Horvath clock (mean difference = 2.93 years, 95% CI: 1.48 to 4.39, P<0.001) and Hannum clock (mean difference = 1.24 years, 95% CI: 0.03 to 2.46, P=0.045). In multivariable models, each year of Horvath AgeAccel was associated with 15% higher odds of fast progression (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.07-1.23, P<0.001), after adjusting for sex, race, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, baseline disease severity, smoking status and follow-up time. Hannum and GrimAge clocks also showed significant associations with fast progression. The association between AgeAccel and fast progression was stronger in subjects with relatively low IOP during follow-up.

Conclusion

Accelerated epigenetic aging was associated with faster glaucoma progression. These findings suggest that faster biological age, as reflected in DNA methylation, may increase optic nerve susceptibility to damage, highlighting epigenetic age as a potential prognostic biomarker.
Lifetime Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Against Mozambican Women: Individual and Contextual Level Factors Driving Its Prevalence
Authors: Muosieyiri Maud Z , Muhajarine Nazeem
Published: October 2024

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a significant public health issue in Mozambique. This study uses data from the 2022-2023 Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) to examine the prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of Lifetime IPV among women.

Methods

A nationally representative sample of 4,813 women aged 15-49 was analyzed to assess the prevalence of Lifetime IPV. Logistic regression models were used to identify individual- and contextual-level factors associated with Lifetime IPV.

Results

Nearly 1 in 4 women (23.07%) reported experiencing physical abuse from a current or former partner in their lifetime. Marital status emerged as a key individual-level determinant, with married, cohabitating, and separated women being at significantly higher odds of experiencing IPV compared to women who had never been in a union. Educational attainment and current employment were also associated with increased odds of IPV. Similarly, women who justified physical abuse had higher odds of experiencing IPV. Additionally, husbands/partners’ alcohol consumption was one of the strongest predictors, nearly tripling the odds of Lifetime IPV. Finally, the effect modification between marital status and education showed that the intersection of these factors further shaped IPV risk. At the contextual level, provincial disparities were observed, with Cabo Delgado and Manica showing the highest IPV prevalence, while Inhambane and Gaza had the lowest.

Conclusion

This study provides updated data on the prevalence of Lifetime IPV in Mozambique and highlights key individual and contextual factors contributing to IPV. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing socio-cultural norms, improving educational opportunities, mitigating alcohol consumption, and implementing province-specific strategies to reduce IPV and enhance women’s safety across Mozambique.
Mitochondria isolated from male skeletal muscle contain a distinct population of miRNA that are differentially expressed following acute exercise
Authors: Silver Jessica L. , Loke Stella , Hiam Danielle , Croft Larry , Soria Megan , Nielsen Søren , Lamon Séverine , Wadley Glenn D.
Published: October 2024

Initially thought to localise at the cytosol and nucleus only, emerging evidence indicates that miRNAs also localise within the mitochondria where they could regulate diverse pathological and physiological processes. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to use small RNA sequencing to profile and compare the entire population of miRNAs in human skeletal muscle of healthy males in whole-tissue and in isolated mitochondria at rest and in response to acute endurance exercise. Twelve healthy males (age 26 ± 4 years, mean ± SD) cycled for 60 min at 70% VO2peakand muscle biopsies were collected at rest, immediately after and 3 h after exercise. The mitochondria were isolated by immunoprecipitation, further purified, then the resident RNA was sequenced to assess the mitochondrial transcriptome. Small RNA sequencing revealed that mitochondria isolated from male skeletal muscle tissue contain a small and distinct population of miRNAs. Of the approximately 110 mature miRNAs detected in skeletal muscle mitochondria at each time-point, the canonical myo-miRs miR-1, miR-133 and miR-206 families constituted on average 45% of total mitochondria miRNA reads. However, none of these canonical myo-miRs were differentially expressed in mitochondria following endurance exercise. One miRNA, hsa-miR-146b-3p, was differentially expressed in both whole muscle tissue and mitochondria when adjusted for multiple testing (FDR <0.05). Future research is now required to investigate miRNA-mRNA interactions in the mitochondria of skeletal muscle tissue.

KEY POINTS SUMMARY

Emerging evidence suggests microRNA are localised in the mitochondria of skeletal muscle cells and may play a role in regulating mitochondrial function.

We recently optimised an approach to isolate RNA from mitochondria of human skeletal muscle that is free from contaminating cytosolic RNA and suitable for RNA sequencing.

In this study we examined the microRNA population from male skeletal muscle mitochondria before and in the hours following 60 minutes of moderate intensity cycling exercise.

We detected around 110 microRNAs in skeletal muscle mitochondria, with the muscle enriched myo-miR such as miR-1, miR-133 and miR-206 families constituting almost half of the reads. However, only one microRNA, hsa-miR-146b-3p, was differentially expressed whereby it increased ∼ 10-fold following exercise.

The results provide new knowledge into how mitochondria might be regulated at the subcellular level and in response to physiological stressors such as exercise.
SUMOylation differentially regulates SMCHD1 complex formation and function in a genomic context-specific manner
Authors: Goossens Remko , Tihaya Mara S. , Willemsen Iris M. , Straasheijm Kirsten R. , van der Vliet Patrick J. , González Prieto Roman , Vertegaal Alfred C.O. , Tapscott Stephen J. , Balog Judit , van der Maarel Silvère M.
Published: October 2024

Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes Hinge Domain Containing 1 (SMCHD1) is a chromatin repressor regulating gene expression and chromatin architecture of distinct autosomal and X-chromosomal loci. SMCHD1 mutations cause derepression of the D4Z4 macrosatellite repeat-embeddedDUX4gene in skeletal muscle of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) patients Little is known about the regulation and post-translational modification of SMCHD1. Here we report the SUMOylation dynamics of SMCHD1 and its impact on autosomal single copy and repetitive loci, and the inactive X chromosome (Xi).

We identify that SMCHD1 is SUMOylated primarily at lysine 1374, uncover factors regulating SMCHD1 SUMOylation, and demonstrate that SMCHD1 interacts with chromatin repressors TRIM28, HNRNPK and SETDB1 in a SUMO-dependent manner. We find that SUMOylation impacts Xi engagement of SMCHD1, maintenance of a repressive D4Z4 chromatin structure preventing DUX4 expression, and regulation ofLRIF1promoter activity. The rapid, SUMO-dependent upregulation ofDUX4could explain the bursts of DUX4 expression typical for FSHD muscle.
Tracking the Morphological Evolution of Neuronal Dendrites by First-Passage Analysis
Authors: Kreten Fabian H. , Niemeyer Barbara A. , Santen Ludger , Shaebani Reza
Published: October 2024

A high degree of structural complexity arises in dynamic neuronal dendrites due to extensive branching patterns and diverse spine morphologies, which enable the nervous system to adjust function, construct complex input pathways and thereby enhance the computational power of the system. Owing to the determinant role of dendrite morphology in the functionality of the nervous system, recognition of pathological changes due to neurodegenerative disorders is of crucial importance. We show that the statistical analysis of a temporary signal generated by cargos that have diffusively passed through the complex dendritic structure yields vital information about dendrite morphology. As a feasible scenario, we propose engineering mRNA-carrying multilamellar liposomes to diffusively reach the soma and release mRNAs, which encodes a specific protein upon encountering ribosomes. The concentration of this protein over a large population of neurons can be externally measured, as a detectable temporary signal. By developing a stochastic coarse-grained approach for first-passage through dendrites, we connect the model parameters to the characteristics of the evolving signal and, on the other hand, map them to the key morphological properties affected by neurode-generative diseases—including the density and size of spines, the extent of the tree, and the segmental increase of dendrite diameter towards soma. Thus, we establish a direct link between the dendrite morphology and the statistical characteristics of the detectable signal. Our approach provides a fast noninvasive measurement technique to indirectly extract vital information about the morphological evolution of dendrites in the course of neurodegenerative disease progression.
Improving the diffraction quality of heat-shock protein 47 crystals
Authors: Kish Kevin , Cobell Stephen , Szapiel Nicolas , Yan Chunhong , Newitt John A. , Tredup Jeffrey , Rodrigo Iyoncy , Tomasco Elizabeth , Gao Mian , Marsilio Frank , Haugner John , Lipovšek Dasa , Deng Bi , Bousquet Patrick , Zhang Yihong , Schmidt Holly , Sheriff Steven
Published: October 2024

Heat-shock protein 47 (HSP47) is a potential target for inhibitors that ameliorate fibrosis by reducing collagen assembly. In an effort to develop a structure-based drug-design system, it was not possible to replicate a previous literature result (PDB entry 4au4) for apo dog HSP47; instead, crystal forms were obtained in which pairs of dog HSP47 molecules interacted through a noncleavable C-terminal His-tag to build up tetramers, all of which had multiple molecules of HSP47 in the asymmetric unit and none of which diffracted as well as the literature precedent. To overcome these difficulties, a two-pronged approach was followed: (i) the His-tag was moved from the C-terminus to the N-terminus and was made cleavable, and (ii) Adnectin (derived from the tenth domain of human fibronectin type III) crystallization chaperones were developed. Both approaches provided well diffracting crystals, but the latter approach yielded crystal forms with only one or two HSP47 complexes per asymmetric unit, which made model building less onerous.
When work–life balance fails to boost organizational citizenship behaviors: the moderating role of leader–member exchange
Authors: Nguyen Vinh Le , Haar Jarrod
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Supporting employees’ work–life balance (WLB) has been a standard human resource management practice, thus the concern is now shifted toward its outcomes. The present study predicts that while WLB can boost organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs), this positive effect may depend on the quality of leader–member exchange (LMX) relationships. The study seeks evidence to clarify how the WLB–OCBs relationship can be moderated by the LMX quality.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 216 frontline employees in New Zealand was used to test two moderation models using SPSS, AMOS and PROCESS macro.

Findings

WLB was found to have substantial effects on OCBs-individual (OCBs-I) and OCBs-organization (OCBs-O) if the quality of LMX was high. Under low LMX quality, however, WLB failed to boost OCBs-I and OCBs-O. Thus, the influence of WLB on OCBs seems to be conditional on the leader–subordinate relationship as a boundary factor.

Practical implications

Supporting low-LMX-quality employees to balance their work–life roles seems insufficient to push OCBs. Managers and organizations need to improve the quality of leader–subordinate relationships to unblock the desired effects of WLB toward OCBs, and, ultimately, organizational effectiveness and performance.

Originality/value

The findings extend the research stream around the boundary impact of LMX relationships on the employees’ WLB – OCBs link in which the OCBs construct was especially examined in terms of OCBs-I and OCBs-O.
A LSTM algorithm-driven deep learning approach to estimating repair and maintenance costs of apartment buildings
Authors: Kim Ji-Myong , Yum Sang-Guk , Adhikari Manik Das , Bae Junseo
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study proposes a deep learning algorithm-based model to predict the repair and maintenance costs of apartment buildings, by collecting repair and maintenance cost data that were incurred in an actual apartment complex. More specifically, a long short-term memory (LSTM) algorithm was adopted to develop the prediction model, while the robustness of the model was verified by recurrent neural networks (RNN) and gated recurrent units (GRU) models.

Design/methodology/approach

Repair and maintenance cost data incurred in actual apartment complexes is collected, along with various input variables, such as repair and maintenance timing (calendar year), usage types, building ages, temperature, precipitation, wind speed, humidity and solar radiation. Then, the LSTM algorithm is employed to predict the costs, while two other learning models (RNN and GRU) are taught to validate the robustness of the LSTM model based on R-squared values, mean absolute errors and root mean square errors.

Findings

The LSTM model’s learning is more accurate and reliable to predict repair and maintenance costs of apartment complex, compared to the RNN and GRU models’ learning performance. The proposed model provides a valuable tool that can contribute to mitigating financial management risks and reducing losses in forthcoming apartment construction projects.

Originality/value

Gathering a real-world high-quality data set of apartment’s repair and maintenance costs, this study provides a highly reliable prediction model that can respond to various scenarios to help apartment complex managers plan resources more efficiently, and manage the budget required for repair and maintenance more effectively.
Ergos: redefining storage infrastructure and market access for small farmers in India
Authors: Kumari Shwetha , M Vineeth
Published: October 2024

Learning outcomes

After completion of the case study, students will be able to analyse the path of the entrepreneurship from idea generation to market development to scaling up business, examine the impact of start-ups like Ergos on India’s agriculture value chain, discuss the challenges faced by tech entrepreneurs in growing a business, identify problems solved by Grain Bank Model and evaluate digitisation of farming’s custodial services such as warehousing, market linkages and loans.

Case overview/synopsis

The case study discusses how founders of Ergos, India-based leading digital AgriTech start-up, Kishor Kumar Jha and Praveen Kumar, started one of the unique models in the AgriTech landscape in India. After noticing the grim condition of small and marginal farmers in Bihar, India. Kishor and Praveen decided to put their banking and corporate experience to use in the farming sector. Ergos aimed to empower farmers by providing them with a choice on when, how much quantity, and at what price they should sell their farm produce, thus maximising their income. As a result, Ergos launched the grain bank model, which provided farmers with doorstep access of end-to-end post-harvest supply chain solutions by leveraging a robust technology platform to ensure seamless service delivery. Ergos faced many challenges in its journey related to financing, marketing and distribution. Amidst these developments, it remained to be seen how Kishor and Praveen would be able to realise their goal to serve over two million farmers across India by 2025 and create a sustainable income for them through its GrainBank Platform.

Complexity academic level

This case study was written for use in teaching graduate and postgraduate management courses in entrepreneurship and business strategy.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship
Digital transformation and resilience in family business: an exploratory study of generational dynamics
Authors: Del Vecchio Pasquale , Secundo Giustina , Garzoni Antonello
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to contribute to the advancement of the debate on digital innovation and entrepreneurship from a cross-generational perspective in the context of family businesses. Specifically, the paper explores the contribution provided by the young generations of entrepreneurs to the digital transformation and resilience of family businesses during the pandemic emergence of COVID-19. Focusing on the need for a major understanding of digital resilience in the context of family businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises, the paper aims to provide theoretical and empirical contributions in replying to the following research question: How did young entrepreneurs contribute to the resilience and the digital transformation of their family businesses during COVID-19?

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology consisted of a two-stage qualitative investigation including a focus group managed in presence with the involvement of 24 young entrepreneurs and a self-administered online survey involving the family businesses belonging to the Association of Young Entrepreneurs of Confindustria Puglia (South Italy) that has allowed to collect 47 replies, with a 32% response rate.

Findings

The paper presents evidence about the resilience of family businesses during the COVID-19 supported by the disruptive role of emerging digital technologies. Our analysis demonstrates that young entrepreneurs adopted different patterns of digital transformations, depending on the firm’s industry and the family firm’s digital maturity. Digital resilience in the context of the observed family businesses produced different benefits in terms of competitiveness, effectiveness of decision-making, visibility and communication and new opportunities for value creation; it occurred in several business areas, including production, logistics, sales and human resources management.

Practical implications

The study highlights the relevant role that younger generations can play in exploring innovation opportunities associated with digitalisation as well as in contributing to reinforce innovation and resilience capability of their family businesses through collaboration with external stakeholders and ecosystems.

Originality/value

The value of the research consists in the attempt to analyse the meaning and implication of digital innovation in the context of family business as a driver for their resilience capability. The Family Businesses Digital Readiness and Young Entrepreneurs Contributions Matrix presented into the study as an original contribution of synthesis of the evidence collected.
Integrating forecasting methods to support finite element analysis and explore heat transfer complexities
Authors: Fatima Maryam , Kim Peter S. , Lei Youming , Siddiqui A.M. , Sohail Ayesha
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to reduce the cost of experiments required to test the efficiency of materials suitable for artificial tissue ablation by increasing efficiency and accurately forecasting heating properties.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-step numerical analysis is used to develop and simulate a bioheat model using improved finite element method and deep learning algorithms, systematically regulating temperature distributions within the hydrogel artificial tissue during radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The model connects supervised learning and finite element analysis data to optimize electrode configurations, ensuring precise heat application while protecting surrounding hydrogel integrity.

Findings

The model accurately predicts a range of thermal changes critical for optimizing RFA, thereby enhancing treatment precision and minimizing impact on surrounding hydrogel materials. This computational approach not only advances the understanding of thermal dynamics but also provides a robust framework for improving therapeutic outcomes.

Originality/value

A computational predictive bioheat model, incorporating deep learning to optimize electrode configurations and minimize collateral tissue damage, represents a pioneering approach in interventional research. This method offers efficient evaluation of thermal strategies with reduced computational overhead compared to traditional numerical methods.
Lean process mining: adopting process mining in lean manufacturing for dynamic process mapping and avoiding waste occurrence in real time
Authors: Khakpour Rouhollah , Ebrahimi Ahmad , Seyed-Hosseini Seyed-Mohammad
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to recommend a method entitled “lean process mining (LPM)” for mapping, analyzing and improving the material/information flows in the value stream of manufacturing processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The method is developed based on literature review and in-depth explorative research in value stream mapping and process mining approaches. The proposed LPM framework consists of three phases including as-realized process state, improvement strategies and reengineered process state. Hence, firstly, extracts the as-realized model, measures the identified wastes and identifies the sources of wastes. Secondly, implements prediction-recommendation-prevention strategies. Thirdly, reengineers the process model and measures the improved wastes.

Findings

It presents the applicability of the proposed approach in (1) online observation of manufacturing process behavior and tracing the process deviations dynamically in real time to identify the sources of waste; (2) avoiding defective products occurring during the production and eliminating the relevant derived wastes including wasted material, wasted energy, waste of labor, excess inventory, increased production lead time and wasted operational costs.

Originality/value

The practical application of LPM is illustrated through implementing it in a real-life manufacturing case. The outcomes prove the remarkable applicability of this method in lean manufacturing to avoid waste occurrence in the value stream.
Leadership in federally qualified health centers: examining recruitment and retention in rural Oklahoma
Authors: Hamby Courtney , Smock Carissa R.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Healthcare workforce shortages, particularly in rural areas, present a global challenge. The purpose of this study is to explore the leadership dynamics within federally qualified health centers (FQHC) in rural Oklahoma, focusing on recruitment, retention, job satisfaction and development practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Eighteen managers with five or more years of tenure from Oklahoma FQHCs were interviewed. Leadership’s role in influencing job satisfaction, recruitment, retention and development practices was analyzed using a multilevel ecological framework through qualitative content analysis with NVivo.

Findings

The analysis includes ten key themes including the critical role of leadership in addressing recruitment and retention challenges, the importance of aligning organizational culture, rural culture, access challenges, trainings and values with workforce development initiatives, and the impact of leadership practices on job satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study uniquely examines leadership strategies in rural FQHCs, integrating ecological considerations for cultural, logistical and community-specific factors. It emphasizes the pivotal role leadership plays in shaping workforce development. As rural healthcare evolves, refining these approaches is crucial for addressing workforce challenges, improving healthcare access and ensuring that rural FQHCs remain sustainable, driving positive outcomes for healthcare professionals and communities.
Common auditor, knowledge transfer and audit quality: international evidence
Authors: Fu Siwen , Kim Jeong Bon
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Using an international sample of firms affiliated with a business group, this paper aims to investigate the audit quality of common auditors, i.e. auditors shared by multiple firms affiliated with the same business group.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes a large sample of group-affiliated firms from 35 regions. Following the frameworks of DeFond and Zhang (2014) and Fung et al. (2017), this paper measures audit quality using the absolute value of abnormal accruals and modified audit opinions. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression is used to address the research question.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that audit quality improves for firms that share the same auditor with other group members. Importantly, cross-country analyses reveal that this relationship is stronger when auditors operate in countries with stricter local auditor inspection programs and an overall opaque information environment. Additionally, the impact of common auditors on audit quality is more pronounced for group affiliates that have a more opaque firm-level information environment and are monitored by heightened institutional ownership.

Practical implications

While affiliates are more likely to select the same audit firms as common auditors, the evidence regarding the effects of common auditors is mixed. The results of this study provide further insights into auditor choices for group-affiliated firms and offer a potential avenue for better protecting shareholders' interests.

Originality/value

The results of this study add to the ongoing debates regarding the costs and benefits of common auditor choice for group affiliates. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that the effects of common auditors may vary in different external environments.
Impact of logistics pooling on reduction of CO2 emissions in last-mile logistics
Authors: El Moussaoui Alaa Eddine
Published: October 2024

Purpose

In previous years, there has been a peak in deliveries from all sectors. Consequently, the number of transport vehicles on urban roads has also increased. Unsurprisingly, this increase leads to many environmental problems, including increased carbon emissions. This paper attempts to examine this issue by addressing the impact of logistics pooling on the reduction of CO2 emissions in last-mile logistics. The aim is to see which of the logistics pooling options can minimize more CO2 emissions and in particular reach the threshold fixed by the Moroccan Agency of Logistics Development which is 30% until 2030.

Design/methodology/approach

The author conducted a simulation study. The sample was chosen from the economic pillar of the Moroccan Kingdom, namely Casablanca.

Findings

The results indicate that two pooling strategies lead to a higher level of environmental performance compared to the objective set up by the Moroccan Agency of Logistics Development (Direct Upstream and Downstream Transport: 44.39%/Multi-pick Upstream Transport and Multi-drop Downstream Transport: 30.93%). However, the first strategy remains the best one, as it not only minimizes emissions but also reflects the practices already implemented by several carriers and logistics service providers.

Practical implications

Successfully implementing these strategies in Casablanca could serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges, demonstrating the viability and benefits of logistics pooling. Ultimately, the reduction in CO2 emissions aligns with global environmental goals, contributing to the fight against climate change and promoting a healthier urban environment for residents. By leveraging simulation technology, Casablanca can make significant strides toward more sustainable and efficient last-mile logistics, setting a precedent for green urban logistics practices.

Originality/value

Given Morocco’s significant geostrategic position, the urban logistics sector plays a crucial role in the development of Arab countries. The findings of this study can offer valuable insights for policymakers aiming to achieve sustainable economic growth. Additionally, to the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to focus on logistics pooling and carbon emissions in Arab nations. The paper further contributes by highlighting important directions for future research.
Human resource management practices in corporate restructuring: a review and agenda for future research
Authors: McGrath Patia J.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Although corporate restructuring has the potential to provide performance benefits to firms, it can also bring upheaval and challenges to the restructuring firms’ employees. Further, the frequency of corporate restructuring across the business landscape shows no signs of abating. The purpose of this review paper is to identify and synthesize what is known about the selection, implementation and outcomes of the human resource management (HRM) practices that firms deploy in the context of corporate restructuring, with the additional aim of distilling fertile research areas for scholars and best-practice guidance for practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based upon a systematic review of 110 articles published in highly-ranked, peer-reviewed journals from 2003 to 2023.

Findings

This review surfaces the predominant ability-, motivation- and opportunity-enhancing HRM practices employed by restructuring firms. It further elucidates the major themes and challenges associated with the use and outcomes of these practices across firms and restructuring settings. The analysis illuminates gaps and opportunities in the literature to suggest future directions for the study of HRM practices and corporate restructuring.

Originality/value

This paper identifies, categorizes and integrates the extant literature on HRM practices and outcomes in corporate restructuring, which is a topic that is salient to both researchers and managers. Papers are classified using the Ability, Motivation and Opportunity framework. An inclusive definition of corporate restructuring, which includes organizational, portfolio, governance and financial restructuring, is applied across two decades of research to provide a comprehensive and holistic assessment.
Identifying challenges in implementing digital transformation in UK higher education
Authors: Saini Shalu , Gomis Kasun , Polychronakis Yiannis , Saini Mandeep , Sapountzis Stylianos
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to systematically dissect strategies against the challenges stalling digital transformation (DT) in the UK higher education (HE) sector. It addresses the challenges impeding DT’s incorporation and offers a blueprint for fostering innovation and efficiency within academic institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a systematic literature review, the research integrates a nuanced literature review with interpretive structural modelling (ISM). Through meticulous ISM analysis, including sensitivity analysis and level partitioning, a robust framework is developed to pinpoint and interrelate DT challenges.

Findings

This investigation delineates a spectrum of impediments to DT in HE, most notably the need for more digital understanding among educators, intensified by inadequate support and resources. The findings reveal that the effective integration of DT is hindered by factors such as insufficient educator digital skills, resistance to technology and the continuous evolution of digital infrastructure.

Practical implications

The study’s findings and the developed level partitioning diagram offer invaluable insight into how DT must be integrated into the curriculum to enhance HE. Additionally, it could further lead to research within digital infrastructure and how learning needs to be facilitated for students in HE.

Originality/value

This study breaks new ground by systematically illuminating the centrality of the educator skill gap. By contributing insights into the educator skill gap, it proposes a unique analytical model that underscores actionable pathways for advancing DT initiatives in HE institutions.
Behavioural patterns of leaders versus followers in setting local sales tax policy
Authors: Shon Jongmin , Hou Yilin
Published: October 2024

Sales tax has been a popular revenue source for local governments in 38 US states. In this fiscal climate, both horizontal and vertical tax competition are frequently observed. Local governments are concerned about adverse impacts thereof on their revenue as mobile shoppers react to tax rate changes by purchasing in lower‐tax jurisdictions. So far, few studies have accounted for potential endogeneity in the behavioural patterns of leaders versus followers in setting local sales tax policy. Using a 40‐year panel dataset from Texas, this study identifies leader municipalities in changing sales tax rates and examines how municipalities asymmetrically respond to multi‐tiered rate changes. The findings depict a crowding‐out story in vertical tax competition and reveal crowding‐in effects in horizontal competition, with leader municipalities immune to both effects.
Research progress and application of pectin: A review
Authors: Xiang Tingting , Yang Ruiwen , Li Liqin , Lin Hetong , Kai Guoyin
Published: October 2024

Pectin, an acidic polysaccharide, is naturally present primarily in the cell walls and inner layers of higher plants. Pectin is extensively used in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and other industries owing to its exceptional attributes encompassing superior gelation, emulsification, antioxidant activity, stability, biocompatibility, and nontoxicity. Due to the increasing demand for pectin, there is a short supply in the domestic pectin market. Currently, the domestic production of pectin is heavily reliant on imports, thus emphasizing the urgent need to enhance its local manufacturing capabilities. Due to the diverse sources of pectin and variations in extraction and purification methods, its content, physicochemical properties, and biological activity are influenced, consequently impacting the market application of pectin. Therefore, this paper comprehensively reviews the extraction and purification process of pectin, in vivo metabolism, and biological activities (including antitumor, immunomodulatory, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects, antimicrobial properties, accelerated wound healing potential, promotion of gastrointestinal peristalsis, and alleviation of constipation as well as cholesterol‐lowering effect). Furthermore, it explores the diverse applications of pectin in food science, biomedicine, and other interdisciplinary fields. This review serves as a valuable resource for enhancing the efficiency of pectin content improvement and exploring the potential value and application of pectin in a more scholarly and scientifically rigorous manner.
Ultrasound‐assisted extraction of sumac fruit oil and analysis of its fatty acid composition
Authors: Shao Jinhua , Ding Dongqing , Zhu Zhiyong , Chen Xiaoming
Published: October 2024

The use of ultrasound for enhancing the extraction of sumac fruit oil was investigated to maximize the utilization of available sumac fruit resources. The optimal extraction parameters were determined using single‐factor trials and Box–Behnken design optimization and were found to be a liquid‐to‐material ratio of 13:1 mL/g, an ultrasound temperature of 47°C, and an ultrasound duration of 32 min. These yielded a 20.59% extraction rate of the oil. The ultrasonic‐assisted approach markedly increased the extraction rate and significantly reduced the extraction time when compared to classical Soxhlet extraction. The resulting sumac fruit oil had a brown‐yellow color with peroxide, acid, and iodine concentrations of 2.43 mg/g, 0.44 g/100 g, and 135 g/100 g, respectively, and relative density (d2020), and refractive index (20°C) values of 0.911, and 1.469, respectively. The primary fatty acids in the oil were stearic, linoleic, palmitic, linolenic, and oleic acids. With a 74.14% unsaturated fatty acid content, it has a high nutritional value as well as significant development and usage potential.

Practical Application

This study demonstrates a highly efficient method for extracting vegetable oils and fats. It has the advantages of simple operation, low extraction temperature, short extraction time, high extraction rate, no damage to the material structure, excellent phusicai and chemical properties of the extracted vegetable oil, low cost, and the potential application in the food industry is crucial.
Efficacy and safety of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in patients with ES‐SCLC: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis of RCTs and RWSs
Authors: Kang Runting , Ma Junling , Ai Bin , Liu Juanjuan , Zheng Zitong , Yu Jiangyong
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) inhibitors in the treatment of extensive‐stage small‐cell lung cancer (ES‐SCLC), we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis that included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and real‐world studies (RWS).

Methods

By scanning PubMed, Web of science, Embase, and other relevant clinical information public databases, nine RCTs and eight RWSs involving 5205 patients were included in the study. We directly compared the differences between chemotherapy and PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy, and determined the optimal treatment strategy through network meta‐analysis (NMA).

Results

Compared to chemotherapy, the addition of PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors significantly improves the overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), and objective response rate (ORR) in SCLC patients. Regarding safety, both RCTs and RWSs indicated no significant difference in grade 3–4 adverse events between chemotherapy and chemoimmunotherapy. NMA showed serplulimab plus chemotherapy (Serp_Chemo) appears to provide the best OS, PFS, and ORR benefit, while nivolumab plus chemotherapy shows higher toxicity than other regimens. In subgroup analysis, for elderly patients (age ≥65) and non‐elderly (age <65) patients, the most promising quality regimens for achieving better OS extension are atezolizumab plus chemotherapy (Atez_Chemo) and Serp_Chemo, respectively. For patients with PD‐L1 ≥ 1% and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) > upper limit of normal (ULN), there is no apparent OS benefit from immune therapy.

Conclusions

In ES‐SCLC treatment, adding PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors to standard chemotherapy improves OS, PFS, and ORR, with Serp_Chemo shows the most promise. Atez_Chemo and Serp_Chemo provided better survival for elderly and non‐elderly patients, respectively.
The prognostic and immune significance of Rab11A in pan‐cancer and its function and mechanism underlying estrogen receptor targeting in breast cancer
Authors: Li Yilun , Ding Baifang , Wei Mengyu , Yang Xiaolu , Fu Ruihuan , Liu Yinfeng , Zhu Lin , Ding Yan , Zhang Wenjin , Zhang Geng , Zhang Shuo , Bu Yuhui , He Jianchao , Deng Jianye , Bao Xiaohuan , Hao Jun , Ma Li
Published: October 2024

Objective

Rab11A is an important molecule for recycling endosomes and is closely related to the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of tumors. This study investigated the prognostic and immune significance of Rab11A and validated its potential function and mechanism in breast cancer (BRCA).

Methods

RNA sequencing data for 33 tumors were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype‐Tissue Expression databases. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between Rab11A expression and immune characteristics. Potential pathways were identified using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis, colony formation assay, bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay, immunofluorescence, and Western blot were used to explore potential function and mechanism.

Results

Analysis of the TCGA database showed significant upregulation of Rab11A expression in a variety of cancers. Rab11A was up‐regulated in 82.4% of BRCA. High Rab11A expression is associated with poor survival in cancer patients and is a predictor of poor prognosis. CIBERSORT analysis showed that Rab11A was negatively associated with almost all immune cycle activity scores pan‐cancer. The results of the TCGA‐BRCA cohort were further confirmed by using pathological samples from clinical BRCA patients. The results showed that Rab11A expression was correlated with estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor expression in BRCA (p < 0.05). Knockdown and overexpression of Rab11A affected the proliferation of BRCA cells. Further mechanistic studies revealed that down‐regulation of ER alpha (ERα) and up‐regulation of ER beta (ERβ) mediated Rab11A‐induced inhibition of BRCA cell proliferation.

Conclusion

Rab11A expression in pan‐cancer is associated with poor prognosis and immune profile. In particular, in BRCA, Rab11A expression regulates cell proliferation by targeting ERα and ERβ. High Rab11A expression is tightly associated with immune characteristics, tumor microenvironment, and genetic mutations. These results provide a reference for exploring the role of Rab11A in pan‐cancer and provide a new perspective for revealing potential therapeutic targets in BRCA.
Serving Queensland: reflecting on geographical access to the pelvic exenteration service in Queensland
Authors: Jenkin Ashley , Cole Kelcie , Harris Craig Andrew
Published: October 2024

Background

Pelvic exenteration for rectal cancer involves a radical multi‐visceral resection to improve complete surgical clearance, and access is limited within Queensland.

Methods

A retrospective review of a prospective database of the referrals to the pelvic exenteration service in the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital from 2009 to2023. Geographic, as well as clinical and demographic information was collected.

Results

One hundred and seventy six patients were referred to the pelvic exenterations service. In total 93 patients were referred from a major city, 52 from inner regional areas, and 31 from outer regional or remote areas. One hundred and three referred patients (58.5%) proceeded to surgery, significantly more of whom were referred from a major city (P < 0.001). Of the patients referred from outer regional, inner regional, and major cities, a similar proportion of patients proceeded to surgery (55%, 52%, and 63.4%). Patients not proceeding to surgery in major cities and inner regional areas were most commonly unfit to proceed, whereas in outer regional areas most patients decided against surgery (61.5%). In the 14‐year period, overall referrals increased, with inner regional referrals increasing the most over time. Overall survival was not significantly impacted by remoteness.

Conclusion

Awareness of the pelvic exenteration service in regional Queensland may have resulted in less referrals to the service. It is important to confirm a broad‐reaching service to optimize patient care.
Pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema and posterior capsular opacification rates after combined phaco‐trabeculectomy vs. phaco alone
Authors: Levinger Eliya , Ostrovsky Michael , Friehmann Asaf , Elhaddad Omar , Tole Derek , Darcy Kieren , Leadbetter Duncan , Tuuminen Raimo , Goldberg Mordechai , Achiron Asaf
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To assess the risk for pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema (PCME) and posterior capsular opacification (PCO) associated with combined cataract surgery and trabeculectomy compared to cataract surgery alone.

Methods

Data analysis of subjects who underwent routine cataract surgery without and with concomitant trabeculectomy at the Department of Ophthalmology, Bristol Eye Hospital, the UK, between January 2008 and December 2017. Odds ratios (ORs) for PCME between the types of surgeries were calculated using univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Multivariate Cox regression controlling for age and gender was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomies.

Results

This study included 56 973 cataract surgeries without and 288 with concomitant trabeculectomy (phaco‐trab) with a mean follow‐up time of 6.9 ± 4.2 years. Baseline variables (age and gender, diabetes, pseudoexfoliation, use of pupil expansion device and postoperative follow‐up time) were comparable between the groups. Postoperative rates of PCME remained non‐significant between the cataract surgery and phaco‐trabe groups both in uni‐ and multi‐variate analysis (OR 0.347, 95%CI 0.049–2.477, p = 0.291). Furthermore, in Cox regression analysis adjusted for the patients' age and gender, Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates remained non‐significant between the cataract surgery and phaco‐trabe groups (HR 1.250, 95%CI 0.883–1.769, p = 0.209).

Conclusions

In our large cohort study, combining trabeculectomy with cataract surgery did not predispose to an increased PCME or Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates.