bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue contamination challenges the credibility of machine learning models in real world digital pathology
Authors: Irmakci Ismail , Nateghi Ramin , Zhou Rujoi , Ross Ashley E. , Yang Ximing J. , Cooper Lee A. D. , Goldstein Jeffery A.
Published: May 2023

Machine learning (ML) models are poised to transform surgical pathology practice. The most successful use attention mechanisms to examine whole slides, identify which areas of tissue are diagnostic, and use them to guide diagnosis. Tissue contaminants, such as floaters, represent unexpected tissue. While human pathologists are extensively trained to consider and detect tissue contaminants, we examined their impact on ML models.

We trained 4 whole slide models. Three operate in placenta for 1) detection of decidual arteriopathy (DA), 2) estimation of gestational age (GA), and 3) classification of macroscopic placental lesions. We also developed a model to detect prostate cancer in needle biopsies. We designed experiments wherein patches of contaminant tissue are randomly sampled from known slides and digitally added to patient slides and measured model performance. We measured the proportion of attention given to contaminants and examined the impact of contaminants in T-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (tSNE) feature space.

Every model showed performance degradation in response to one or more tissue contaminants. DA detection balanced accuracy decreased from 0.74 to 0.69 +/- 0.01 with addition of 1 patch of prostate tissue for every 100 patches of placenta (1% contaminant). Bladder, added at 10% contaminant raised the mean absolute error in estimating gestation age from 1.626 weeks to 2.371 +/ 0.003 weeks. Blood, incorporated into placental sections, induced false negative diagnoses of intervillous thrombi. Addition of bladder to prostate cancer needle biopsies induced false positives, a selection of high-attention patches, representing 0.033mm2, resulted in a 97% false positive rate when added to needle biopsies. Contaminant patches received attention at or above the rate of the average patch of patient tissue.

Tissue contaminants induce errors in modern ML models. The high level of attention given to contaminants indicates a failure to encode biological phenomena. Practitioners should move to quantify and ameliorate this problem.
A Predictive Autoantibody Signature in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Zamecnik Colin R. , Sowa Gavin M. , Abdelhak Ahmed , Dandekar Ravi , Bair Rebecca D. , Wade Kristen J. , Bartley Christopher M. , Tubati Asritha , Gomez Refujia , Fouassier Camille , Gerungan Chloe , Alexander Jessica , Wapniarski Anne E. , Loudermilk Rita P. , Eggers Erica L. , Zorn Kelsey C. , Ananth Kirtana , Jabassini Nora , Mann Sabrina A. , Ragan Nicholas R. , Santaniello Adam , Henry Roland G. , Baranzini Sergio E. , Zamvil Scott S. , Bove Riley M. , Guo Chu-Yueh , Gelfand Jeffrey M. , Cuneo Richard , von Büdingen H.-Christian , Oksenberg Jorge R. , Cree Bruce AC , Hollenbach Jill A. , Green Ari J. , Hauser Stephen L. , Wallin Mitchell T. , DeRisi Joseph L. , Wilson Michael R.
Published: May 2023

Although B cells are implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathophysiology, a predictive or diagnostic autoantibody remains elusive. Here, the Department of Defense Serum Repository (DoDSR), a cohort of over 10 million individuals, was used to generate whole-proteome autoantibody profiles of hundreds of patients with MS (PwMS) years before and subsequently after MS onset. This analysis defines a unique cluster of PwMS that share an autoantibody signature against a common motif that has similarity with many human pathogens. These patients exhibit antibody reactivity years before developing MS symptoms and have higher levels of serum neurofilament light (sNfL) compared to other PwMS. Furthermore, this profile is preserved over time, providing molecular evidence for an immunologically active prodromal period years before clinical onset. This autoantibody reactivity was validated in samples from a separate incident MS cohort in both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum, where it is highly specific for patients eventually diagnosed with MS. This signature is a starting point for further immunological characterization of this MS patient subset and may be clinically useful as an antigen-specific biomarker for high-risk patients with clinically- or radiologically-isolated neuroinflammatory syndromes.
Genetically influenced tobacco and alcohol use behaviors impact erythroid trait variation
Authors: Shivakumar Shriya , Wilken Madison B , Tsao Victor , Bitarello Bárbara D. , Thom Christopher S
Published: May 2023

Genome wide association studies (GWAS) have associated thousands of loci with quantitative human blood trait variation. Blood trait associated loci and related genes may regulate blood cell-intrinsic biological processes, or alternatively impact blood cell development and function via systemic factors and disease processes. Clinical observations linking behaviors like tobacco or alcohol use with altered blood traits can be subject to bias, and these trait relationships have not been systematically explored at the genetic level. Using a Mendelian randomization (MR) framework, we confirmed causal effects of smoking and drinking that were largely confined to the erythroid lineage. Using multivariable MR and causal mediation analyses, we confirmed that an increased genetic predisposition to smoke tobacco was associated with increased alcohol intake, indirectly decreasing red blood cell count and related erythroid traits. These findings demonstrate a novel role for genetically influenced behaviors in determining human blood traits, revealing opportunities to dissect related pathways and mechanisms that influence hematopoiesis.
What do Australians affected by cancer think about oncology researchers sharing research data: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Hamilton Daniel G. , Everitt Sarah , Page Matthew J. , Fidler Fiona
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To characterise the attitudes of Australians affected by cancer towards the sharing of de-identified research data with third parties, including the public.

Design, setting, participants

Anonymous online survey between October 2022 and February 2023 of adult Australians previously diagnosed with cancer.

Main outcome measures

Self-reported attitudes towards the sharing of human and non-human data, and the hypothetical sharing of their anonymised medical information and responses to the survey.

Results

551 respondents contributed data to the survey. There was strong support for cancer researchers sharing non-human and de-identified human research data with medical doctors (90% and 95% respectively) and non-profit researchers (both 94%). However, this declined when participants were asked whether data should be shared with for-profit researchers (both 64%) or posted publicly (both 61%). When asked if they would hypothetically consent to researchers at their treatment location collecting and sharing their de-identified data publicly, only half agreed (50%). In contrast, after being shown a visual representation of the de-identified survey data, 80% of respondents supported sharing it publicly. A further 10% also supported public sharing of some of the survey data, with the most frequently desired information to be withheld including education history and levels of trust in healthcare stakeholders.

Conclusions

Australians affected by cancer support the sharing of research data, particularly with clinician and non-profit researchers. Visualisation of the data to be shared may also enhance support for making research data publicly available. These results should help alleviate any concerns about research participants’ attitudes on data sharing, as well as boost researchers’ motivation for sharing.
MDverse: Shedding Light on the Dark Matter of Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Tiemann Johanna K. S. , Szczuka Magdalena , Bouarroudj Lisa , Oussaren Mohamed , Garcia Steven , Howard Rebecca J. , Delemotte Lucie , Lindahl Erik , Baaden Marc , Lindorff-Larsen Kresten , Chavent Matthieu , Poulain Pierre
Published: May 2023

The rise of open science and the absence of a global dedicated data repository for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations has led to the accumulation of MD ﬁles in generalist data repositories, constituting thedark matter of MD— data that is technically accessible, but neither indexed, curated, or easily searchable. Leveraging an original search strategy, we found and indexed about 250,000 ﬁles and 2,000 datasets from Zenodo, Figshare and Open Science Framework. With a focus on ﬁles produced by the Gromacs MD software, we illustrate the potential offered by the mining of publicly available MD data. We identiﬁed systems with speciﬁc molecular composition and were able to characterize essential parameters of MD simulation such as temperature and simulation length, and could identify model resolution, such as all-atom and coarse-grain. Based on this analysis, we inferred metadata to propose a search engine prototype to explore the MD data. To continue in this direction, we call on the community to pursue the effort of sharing MD data, and to report and standardize metadata to reuse this valuable matter.
Controlled tumor heterogeneity in a co-culture system by 3D bio-printed tumor-on-chip model
Authors: Moghimi Nafiseh , Hosseini Seied Ali , Dalan Altay Burak , Mohammadizadeh Dorsa , Goldman Aaron , Kohandel Mohammad
Published: May 2023

Background

Cancer treatment resistance is a consequence of cell diversity and tumor heterogeneity. Tumor cell-cell and cell-microenvironment interactions significantly influence tumor progression and invasion, which have important implications for diagnosis, therapeutic treatment and chemoresistance.

Method

In this study, we develop 3D bioprinted in vitro models of the breast cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) made of co-cultured cells distributed in a hydrogel matrix with controlled architecture to model tumor heterogeneity. We hypothesize that the tumor could be represented by a cancer cell-laden co-culture hydrogel construct, whereas its microenvironment can be modeled in a microfluidic chip capable of producing a chemical gradient. Breast cancer cells (MCF7 and MDA-MB-231) and non-tumorigenic mammary epithelial cells (MCF10) were embedded in the alginate-gelatine hydrogels and printed using a multi-cartridge extrusion bioprinter.

Results

Our method gives special control on the cell positions in the co-culture system, whereas different tumor architectures can be designed. Cellularly heterogeneous samples comprised of two different cancer cells with controlled density are developed in specific initial locations, i.e. two cell types randomly mixed or positioned in sequential layers. A migration-inducing chemical microenvironment was created in a chamber with a gradual chemical gradient to study the cell migration in the complex tumor construct toward the chemoattractant. As a proof of concept, the different migration pattern of MC7 cells toward the epithelial growth factor gradient was studied with presence of MCF10 in different ratio in this device.

Conclusion

Combining 3D bioprinting with microfluidic device in our method provides a great tool to create different tumor architectures as can be seen in different patients, and study cancer cells behaviour with accurate special and temporal resolution.
FIRST RECORD OFMELANAPHIS SORGHI(THEOBALD, 1904) (HEMIPTERA APHIDIDAE) IN ITALY AND SPAIN
Authors: Casiraghi Alice , Addelfio Nicola , Ardenghi Nicola M. G. , Hidalgo Nicolás Pérez
Published: May 2023

The sorghum aphidMelanaphis sorghi(Theobald) is recorded for the first time in mainland Italy (Florence, Tuscany region, Italy) and Spain (Vinalesa, Valencia Region, Spain) onSorghum halepense(L.) Pers. Data on its biology, worldwide distribution and notes on its pest behaviour are given.Melanaphis sorghihad previously been recorded from Greece (in 2008), Cyprus and Israel. The records of this species in Iran and Turkey need confirmation.
Persistent delay in maturation of the developing gut microbiota in infants with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Salerno Paige , Verster Adrian , Valls Rebecca , Barrack Kaitlyn , Price Courtney , Madan Juliette , O’Toole George A. , Ross Benjamin D.
Published: May 2023

The healthy human infant gut microbiome undergoes stereotypical changes in taxonomic composition between birth and maturation to an adult-like stable state. During this time, extensive communication between microbiota and the host immune system contributes to health status later in life. Although there are many reported associations between microbiota compositional alterations and disease in adults, less is known about how microbiome development is altered in pediatric diseases. One pediatric disease linked to altered gut microbiota composition is cystic fibrosis (CF), a multi-organ genetic disease involving impaired chloride secretion across epithelia and heightened inflammation both in the gut and at other body sites. Here, we use shotgun metagenomics to profile the strain-level composition and developmental dynamics of the infant fecal microbiota from several CF and non-CF longitudinal cohorts spanning from birth to greater than 36 months of life. We identify a set of keystone species whose prevalence and abundance reproducibly define microbiota development in early life in non-CF infants, but are missing or decreased in relative abundance in infants with CF. The consequences of these CF-specific differences in gut microbiota composition and dynamics are a delayed pattern of microbiota maturation, persistent entrenchment in a transitional developmental phase, and subsequent failure to attain an adult-like stable microbiota. We also detect the increased relative abundance of oral-derived bacteria and higher levels of fungi in CF, features that are associated with decreased gut bacterial density in inflammatory bowel diseases. Our results define key differences in the gut microbiota during ontogeny in CF and suggest the potential for directed therapies to overcome developmental delays in microbiota maturation.
A scoping umbrella review to identify anti-racist interventions to reduce ethnic disparities in health and care
Authors: Yip Jennifer L Y , Poduval Shoba , Souza-Thomas Leah de , Carter Sophie , Fenton Kevin
Published: May 2023

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To identify anti-racist interventions which aim to reduce ethnic disparities in health and care.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Only studies reporting systematic reviews of anti-racist interventions were included. Studies were excluded if no interventions were reported, no comparators reported, or the paper was primarily descriptive.

The following databases were searched: Embase, Medline, Social Policy and Practice, Social care online and Web of Science. Quality appraisal (including risk of bias) was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool.

Due to the nature of the selected reviews, the lack of meta-analyses and heterogeneity of included studies, a narrative synthesis using an inductive thematic analysis approach was conducted to integrate and categorise the evidence on anti-racist interventions for health and care.

Results

A total of 18 systematic reviews are included in the final review. 15 are from the healthcare sector and three are from education and criminal justice. 17 reviews are focused on interventions and one focused on implementation. All 18 reviews described interventions which targeted individuals and their communities, and 11 reviews described interventions targeting both individuals and communities, and healthcare organisations. On an individual level, the most promising interventions reviewed include group-based health education led by professional staff and providing culturally tailored or adapted interventions. On a community level, participation in all aspects of care pathway development that empowers ethnic minority groups may provide an effective approach to reducing ethnic health disparities. Targeted interventions to improve clinician patient interactions and quality of care for conditions with disproportionately worse outcomes in ethnic minority groups show promise.

Discussion

Many of the included studies were low or critically low quality due to methodological or reporting limitations. The heterogeneity of intervention approaches, study designs, and limited reporting of cultural adaptation, implementation and lack of comparison with White ethnic groups limited our understanding of the impact on ethnic health inequalities.

In summary, for programme delivery, different types of pathway integration and providing a more person-centred approach with fewer steps for patients to navigate can contribute to reducing disparities. For organisations, there is an overemphasis on patient education and individual behaviour change rather than organisational change, and recommendations should include a shift in focus and resources to policies and practices that seek to dismantle institutional and systemic racism through a multi-level approach.
Migratory bats are sensitive to magnetic inclination during compass calibration
Authors: Schneider William T. , Holland Richard A. , Keišs Oskars , Lindecke Oliver
Published: May 2023

The Earth’s magnetic field is used as a navigational cue by many animals. For mammals, however, there is little data to show that navigation ability relies on sensing the natural magnetic field. In migratory bats, however, the calibration of a magnetic compass became plausible following experiments demonstrating a role for the solar azimuth at sunset in their orientation system. Here, we investigated how an altered magnetic field at sunset changes the nocturnal orientation of the batPipistrellus pygmaeus. We exposed bats to either the natural magnetic field, a horizontally shifted field (120°), or the same shifted field combined with a reversal of the natural value of inclination (70° to −70°). We later released the bats and found that the take-off orientation differed between all treatments. Bats that were exposed to the 120° shift were unimodally oriented northwards, in contrast to controls which exhibited a North-South distribution. Surprisingly, the orientation of bats exposed to both a 120°-shift and reverse inclination was indistinguishable from a uniform distribution. These results provide the missing link that these migratory bats calibrate a magnetic compass at sunset, and for the first time, they show that bats are sensitive to the angle of magnetic inclination.
Analysis of the dislocation activity of Mg–Zn–Y alloy using synchrotron radiation under tensile loading
Authors: Ha Changwan , Kim Young Min , Woo Sang Kyu , Maawad Emad , Letzig Dietmar , Yi Sangbong
Published: May 2023

An understanding of deformation behavior and texture development is crucial for the formability improvement of Mg alloys. X-ray line profile analysis using the convolutional multiple whole profile (CMWP) fitting method allows the experimental determination of dislocation densities separately for different Burgers vectors up to a high deformation degree. A wider use of this technique still requires exploration and testing of various materials. In this regard, the reliability of the CMWP fitting method for Mg–Zn–Y alloys, in terms of the dislocation activity during tensile deformation, was verified in the present study by the combined analysis of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) investigation and visco-plastic self-consistent (VPSC) simulation. The predominant activity of non-basal 〈a〉 dislocation slip was revealed by CMWP analysis, and Schmid factor analysis from the EBSD results supported the higher potential of non-basal dislocation slip in comparison with basal 〈a〉 dislocation slip. Moreover, the relative slip activities obtained by the VPSC simulation also show a similar trend to those obtained from the CMWP evaluation.
The impact of global renewable energy demand on economic growth – evidence from GCC countries
Authors: Lahrech Abdelmounaim , Abu-Hijleh Bassam , Aldabbas Hazem
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between global renewable energy consumption and economic growth in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries from 2001 to 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a panel regression model to study the six GCC countries over the period from 2001 to 2019.

Findings

As expected, the findings indicated a significant and negative relationship between global renewable energy consumption and GCC economic growth. Additionally, there was a positive and significant relationship between GCC economic growth and the control variables, specifically labor, capital, CO2 emissions and non-renewable energy production.

Practical implications

The results are of great importance to policymakers in GCC oil-exporting countries, as expected growth in renewable energy consumption will lower their economic growth in the future. Hence, they should first diversify their economy and lower their dependence on oil. Second, these countries can invest in solar energy through international joint ventures, especially with North African countries in close proximity to Europe, to become leaders in solar energy production.

Originality/value

How global energy consumption is related to GCC countries’ economic growth remains unclear, not only in GCC countries but also in many oil-exporting countries around the world, so future studies are needed. Furthermore, GCC governments will be able to create appropriate policies for the green economy and achieve their objectives if they have a comprehensive understanding of how global growth in renewable energy demand affects GCC economies.
Efficiency analysis of the OECD countries' long-term productivity using DEA and TOPSIS approaches
Authors: Wanke Peter , Antunes Jorge Junio Moreira , Filgueira Antônio L. L. , Michelotto Flavia , Tardin Isadora G. E. , Tan Yong
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the performance of OECD countries' long-term productivity during the period of 1975–2018.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed different approaches to evaluate how efficiency scores vary with changes in inputs and outputs: Data Envelopment Analysis (CRS, VRS and FDH), TOPSIS and TOPSIS of these scores.

Findings

The findings suggest that, during the period of this study, countries with higher freedom of religion and with Presidential democracy regimes are positively associated with higher productivity.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that uses efficiency models to assess the productivity levels of OECD countries based on several contextual variables that can potentially affect it.
Training needs of built environment professionals: the role of fourth industrial revolution
Authors: Ebekozien Andrew , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Adekunle Samuel Adeniyi , Aliu John , Thwala Wellington Didibhuku
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Studies show that the twenty-first-century construction industry needs reskilling and upskilling tools to train large numbers of the workforce for better-integrated project delivery. Evidence shows that digitisation via the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technology can play a critical role in reskilling and competency demand. Attempting to use digital technology may have had some challenges. Studies about the perceived hindrances facing Nigeria's built environment professionals (BEP) reskilling and upskilling needs in the workplace via 4IR technologies are scarce. Thus, the study investigated the perceived encumbrances facing Nigeria's BEP training needs and proffered measures to improve their performance in the workplace via 4IR technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers engaged BEP in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. Regarding the data collection, a qualitative research design was adopted. The study achieved saturation after 32 virtual interviews. A thematic analysis was adopted for the collected data.

Findings

The study shows that using 4IR for reskilling and upskilling will enhance integrated project delivery. But the level of usage in training needs is low. Findings identified the various ways reskilling and upskilling could be achieved. Also identified are the major built environment areas that require 4IR training. Findings highlighted possible encumbrances facing the use of 4IR technologies by Nigerian BEP for reskilling and upskilling needs in the workplace and proffered feasible measures to improve 4IR usage for training needs.

Research limitations/implications

The study is restricted to the perceived encumbrances and proffers measures to improve BEP reskilling and upskilling needs via 4IR technologies via a qualitative method. Future research is required to validate the findings and test the proposed framework that emerged from the study.

Practical implications

The study confirms that reskilling and upskilling measures are required at all skill levels and may lead to economic growth. The paper would advance Nigerian higher educational accreditation agencies and various BEP regulatory bodies to review the curriculum and incorporate 4IR as a component or module.

Originality/value

The thematic network analysis and proposed framework could be utilised to stimulate Nigeria's BEP reskilling and upskilling needs in the workplace via 4IR technologies. It would stir main stakeholders, especially government policymakers, to facilitate programmes to improve 4IR technologies usage.
A framework of accelerator design: harmonizing fragmented knowledge
Authors: Kramer Alexander , Veit Philipp , Kanbach Dominik K. , Stubner Stephan , Maran Thomas K.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to develop an integrative framework of accelerator design to answer the question of what activities accelerators perform and how they function within a structured framework. Research on the functioning of accelerators as a mechanism for startup engagement produced multiple empirical results. However, the comparability of relevant research is strongly limited, currently hindering theoretical developments. Existing accelerator design models often differ and only partially overlap, which leaves extant literature with a fragmented and discordant conceptual understanding.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a meta-synthesis method using qualitative analysis of 36 accelerator design articles, an integrative framework is developed. After identification of relevant literature, a renowned method for extracting, coding and synthesizing data on individual and cross-study level is applied to identify accelerator design constructs. Eventually, identified accelerator design constructs are integrated into a framework resting on the activity system lens of business model design.

Findings

The article reconciles fragmented knowledge on accelerator design and shows how accelerator design can be holistically conceptualized by 32 key activities clustered in eight design dimensions. The framework is complemented by an initial guideline for measurement. The findings further highlight formerly disregarded aspects of governance and community formation from a processual and structural perspective.

Originality/value

This article is the first to present a comprehensive picture of accelerator design integrating multiple empirical findings of prior research into a single coherent framework. This framework offers a shared foundation for future research exploring the delineations, functioning and impact of accelerators. From a practical perspective, the article provides managers of accelerators a guide to design, review and improve programs according to their value creation goals.
“I. Am. a. Star.”: exploring moments of muchness in children’s digital compositional play and embodied science learning
Authors: Woodard Rebecca , Diaz Amanda R. , Phillips Nathan C. , Varelas Maria , Kotler Rebecca , Tsachor Rachelle Palnick , Rock Ronan , Melchor Miguel
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine playful practices in the science video composition of a fourth-grader.

Design/methodology/approach

With an analytic interest in “chasing the theory of muchness” (Thiel, 2015a) that describes distinctive moments of affective energies in playful learning, the authors explored a child’s video in which a food chain is dramatized.

Findings

The authors identified how muchness manifested in/through her compositional play.

Originality/value

The potential of playful composing and dramatizing to support meaning-making across contexts and disciplines is discussed.
Playful pluralities: exploring play and playful literacies across ages, spaces and places
Authors: Mannard Emily
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Play and playful literacies shape essential spaces for belonging, connection, transformation and joy: from embodied immersions into fantasy worlds, to the creation of interest-led groups overflowing with varied knowledges and identities, and the disruption of societal hierarchies through roleplayed restorying. Yet, theorizations delineating playful possibilities – while plentiful and varied – are often rigidly constructed in relation to neoliberally/biopolitically motivated notions of value, use and productivity. Imbued with forms of modern power, play’s full flourishing has been regulated and quelled, particularly within the realm of education. This study, a literature review, seeks to defy this fatuous notion of a frivolous play.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from research within the fields of literacy and educational studies, the author centers playful methods commonly trivialized in contemporary discourse, including in global out-of-school spaces (e.g. gaming clubs, improvisational theater groups), with popular culture texts (e.g. picture books, digital fanfiction) and for older youth and adults.

Findings

This exploration of play’s potential across lifespans, formal/informal learning ecologies and worldwide contexts foregrounds its intrinsic nature and essential entwining with socio-culturally/materially mediated forms of knowledge and communication.

Originality/value

With a unique focus on the playful literacies emerging across ages, spaces and places, this review advocates a turn toward the imaginative, messy, uncontrollable worlds of play in future research and practice.
The impact of corruption on companies' engagement in sustainability reporting practices: an empirical examination
Authors: Cicchiello Antonella Francesca , Kazemikhasragh Amirreza , Perdichizzi Salvatore , Rey Andrea
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether the perceived level of corruption influences companies' decision to address principles and standards aimed, inter alia, at fighting corruption [i.e. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), (2) United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), (3) International Standards Organisation (ISO) 26,000 and (4) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines] in companies' sustainability reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a sample of 1,171 sustainability reports published in the year 2017 by organisations from Asia and Africa's low- and middle-income countries.

Findings

Results from the Probit model reveal that corruption negatively affects corporate sustainability reporting activity. Indeed, the more companies are exposed to high levels of corruption, the less likely they appear to engage in sustainability reporting. Furthermore, the authors find clear regional and sector-level differences in the extent to which companies engage in sustainability reporting. The results show that Asian companies operating in the agricultural and financial services sectors exhibit significantly higher reporting activity, whilst those operating in the construction and mining sectors report less than the sectors' peers.

Research limitations/implications

The authors' findings provide important implications for understanding companies' behaviour in the sustainability reporting in emerging economies as well as for designing corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure initiatives in the future.

Originality/value

This paper provides a better understanding of the impact of corruption on companies' reporting behaviour in the context of emerging economies.
Martial law and smuggling of goods: the search for the optimal model of legal liability
Authors: Bondarenko Olha , Utkina Maryna
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is the characteristics of the issue of legal responsibility for the smuggling of goods under the conditions of martial lawin Ukraine.

Design/methodology/approach

In the paper’s writing, the authors used an interdisciplinary approach, combining legal science and economics methods.

Findings

The detection and cessation of smuggling is currently a vital activity of customs authorities in the sphere of ensuring the financial and economic security of the state and a prerequisite for the stable development of market relations in Ukraine. At the same time, the lack of adequate legal responsibility for smuggling goods and the limited powers of customs authorities increased the facts of the smuggling of goods. This determines the importance of finding innovative principles of legal responsibility for smuggling goods under martial law conditions in Ukraine.

Originality/value

The paper aims to develop innovative principles of legal responsibility for smuggling goods under martial law in Ukraine.
Efficiency of zakat institutions in Indonesia: data envelopment analysis (DEA) vs free disposal hull (FDH) vs super-efficiency DEA
Authors: Ryandono Muhamad Nafik Hadi , Widiastuti Tika , Cahyono Eko Fajar , Filianti Dian , Qulub A. Syifaul , Al Mustofa Muhammad Ubaidillah
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Zakat is an important Islamic economic instrument that plays significant role in Sustainable Development Goals. Accordingly, Zakat Institutions must manage zakat in a proper and efficient manner. This study aims to examine the efficiency of Zakat Institutions based on their clusters which are government, business and social organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses three quantitative methods: data envelopment analysis (DEA), free disposal hull and super-efficiency DEA. The analytical method is based on production approach, variable return to scale assumption and output orientation. The sample consists of 14 Zakat Institutions from three clusters: Zakat Institutions managed by government, Zakat Institutions managed by corporation and Zakat Institution managed by social organizations.

Findings

The results revealed that all of three techniques culminate the same ranking order of efficiency. Zakat Institution managed by the government is the most efficient Zakat Institution, with the average value of 0.87 by using three approaches combined. Meanwhile, Zakat Institutions owned by company and social institutions cluster are in second and third position, with the average value of 0.65 and 0.4, respectively, based on the results of the three approaches. This study contends that the level of efficiency of Zakat Institutions may be supported by clusters (affiliations) in their management.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s limitation is the inadequacy of the required data. Nonetheless, this study provides insights to improve the efficiency of Zakat Institutions based on their clusters. Zakat Institutions in each cluster can improve their efficiency by optimizing inputs to produce multiple outputs.

Originality/value

This study enhances research on the efficiency of Zakat Institutions using three methods to assess the consistency and strength of Zakat Institutions’ efficiency values. In addition, this study examines the efficiency level of Zakat Institutions based on their clusters.
Determinants of technological and non-technological innovation: empirical insights from Indian manufacturing industries
Authors: Kanojia Paras , Singh Gurcharan
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper empirically explored the influence of external and internal factors on technological and non-technological innovation of 5747 Indian firms. The study also explored novel insights about manufacturing firms by segregating them into high-technology and low-technology industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed hierarchical regression analysis to analyse a cross-sectional dataset gathered from the World Bank enterprise survey. The firms are segregated into high-technology and low-technology industries based on the technology-intensity classification of the manufacturing industry given by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Findings

The main results highlight that technological and non-technological innovation was primarily driven by internal resources and capabilities rather than external factors. The authors found the highest effect of research and development spending on both forms of innovation. In both high-tech and low-tech industries, technology transfer is positively associated with technological innovation and negatively associated with non-technological innovation. Furthermore, external business support has substantially influenced non-technological innovation in low-tech industries.

Originality/value

This study used two-step hierarchical regression to explore the influence of external and internal factors on technological and non-technological innovation separately. Exploring determinants of innovation in high-technology and low-technology industries also brings the distinct prerequisites of enhancing innovation to the attention of policymakers and industry experts.
Building on job immobility concepts: a conceptual model and future research agenda on “locked at the job”
Authors: Feenstra-Verschure Merel T. , Kooij Dorien , Freese Charissa , van der Velde Mandy , Lysova Evgenia I.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize job immobility concepts, e.g. staying in an unsatisfying job and perceiving limited opportunities to move and apply for another job. The existing literature on this situation of job immobility in which the employee is experiencing stuckness in the job is scattered across research domains, limited in scope and existing constructs are not clearly defined or operationalized.

Design/methodology/approach

In this conceptual paper, the authors propose the construct “locked at the job,” by reviewing and building on the job immobility literature and the theory of control and self-regulation.

Findings

This study defines the concept that consists of two dimensions as feeling dissatisfied in the current job and inactivity due to perceived limited job opportunities. This study proposes a conceptual model of antecedents and consequences of locked at the job, based on the person-environment fit theory.

Practical implications

This conceptual paper allows value to be added in practice by the conceptualization of locked at the job, in addition to providing a preview with respect to conceptual causes and consequences of this phenomenon.

Originality/value

Research on this job immobility phenomenon is scattered across different research domains, limited in scope and the concept has not been clearly defined or operationalized.
The experience of launching a psychological hotline across 21 countries to support Ukrainians in wartime
Authors: Palii Valeriia , Velykodna Mariana , Pereira Marcio , McElvaney Rosaleen , Bernard Sam , Klymchuk Vitalii , Burlachuk Oleg , Lupis Alexander A. , Diatel Nadiia , Ireland Jane L. , McNeill Kimberley , Scarlet Janina L. , Jaramillo-Sierra Ana L. , Khoury Bassam , Sánchez Munar Diana Rocio , Hedlund Sarah L. , Flanagan Tara , LeBlanc Jeanne , Agudelo Velez Diana Maria , Gómez-Maquet Yvonne
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss current work and further steps of the psychological hotline launched by the National Psychological Association of Ukraine (NPA), along with a call for action to mental health professionals worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the training and support of the NPA’s hotline staff as well as reflections on the hotline’s work from June 2022 to April 2023.

Findings

With broad international support, the NPA’s psychological hotline currently operates in 21 countries providing psychological assistance and referrals to other service providers within Ukraine and abroad. The authors propose further steps of its work, including international collaboration.

Originality/value

Providing citizens of Ukraine with broad public access to evidence-based remote psychological support through NPA’s hotlines is a high priority considering the war’s negative impact on mental health diverse and the limited capacity of the state mental health system.
On estimating Armington elasticities for Japan's meat imports
Authors: Nakano Satoshi , Nishimura Kazuhiko
Published: May 2023

By fully accounting for the distinct tariff regimes levied on imported meat, we estimate substitution elasticities of Japan's two‐stage import aggregation functions for beef, chicken and pork. Although the regression analysis crucially depends on the price that consumers face, the post‐tariff price of imported meat depends not only on ad valorem duties but also on tariff rate quotas and gate price system regimes. The effective tariff rate is consequently evaluated by utilising monthly transaction data. To address potential endogeneity problems, we apply exchange rates that we believe to be independent of the demand shocks for imported meat. The panel nature of the data allows us to retrieve the first‐stage aggregates via time dummy variables, free of demand shocks, to be used as part of the explanatory variable and as an instrument in the second‐stage regression.
Improvements in recovery capital are associated with decreased alcohol use in a primary opioid use disorder treatment‐seeking cohort
Authors: Bormann Nicholas L. , Weber Andrea N. , Arndt Stephan , Lynch Alison
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives

Comorbid substance use can negatively impact multiple aspects of treatment for patients with an opioid use disorder (OUD). We investigated if treatment for OUD led to improvements in patients' recovery capital (RC) overtime, and whether there were associated changes in co‐occurring alcohol use.

Methods

Participants (n = 133) were patients with OUD seeking outpatient treatment, who completed the Assessment of Recovery Capital (ARC) and reported drinking days per 30‐day period thrice over the 6‐month study. No specific treatments targeting alcohol were used. Two different models were employed to assess changes in total ARC score and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for past 30‐day abstinence.

Results

Baseline mean ARC scores were 36.6 and significantly increased to mean score of 41.2 at study end. Ninety‐one participants (68.4%) reported no alcohol use at baseline, and 97 (78.9%) reported no use in the previous 30 days at study endpoint. For each increase in ARC, there was an aOR 1.07 (confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.13) for past 30‐day abstinence. Considering ARC standard deviation of 10.33 over all measurements, this equates to an aOR of 2.10 (CI: 1.22–3.62) for past 30‐day abstinence.

Discussion and Conclusions

We saw significantly increased aOR for past 30‐day abstinence as RC improved in an OUD treatment‐seeking population. This difference was not caused by differences in ARC between study completers and noncompleters.

Scientific Significance

Showcases how RC growth may be protective of past 30‐day alcohol use in an OUD cohort and adds specific aOR for abstinence per ARC increase.
Double barrelled uro‐colostomy versus Ileal conduit for urinary diversion following pelvic exenteration: a single centre experience
Authors: Nguyen Thuy‐My , Traeger Luke , Vather Ryash , Overall Bronwyn , Cho Jonathan , Sammour Tarik
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The ideal method for urinary diversion following total pelvic exenteration (TPE) remains unclear. This study compares the outcomes of double‐barrelled uro‐colostomy (DBUC) and ileal conduit (IC) in a single Australian centre.

Methods

All consecutive patients who underwent pelvic exenteration with the formation of either a DBUC or an IC between 2008 and November 2022 were identified from the prospective database from the Royal Adelaide Hospital and St. Andrews Hospital. Demographic, operative characteristics, general perioperative, long‐term urological and other relevant surgical complications were compared via univariate analyses.

Results

Of 135 patients undergoing exenteration, 39 patients were eligible for inclusion: 16 patients with a DBUC, and 23 patients with an IC. More patients in the DBUC group had previous radiotherapy (93.8% vs. 65.2%, P = 0.056) and flap pelvic reconstruction (93.7% vs. 45.5%, P = 0.002). The rate of ureteric stricture trended higher in the DBUC group (25.0% vs. 8.7%, P = 0.21), but in contrast, urine leak (6.3% vs. 8.7%, P>0.999), urosepsis (43.8% vs. 60.9%, P = 0.29), anastomotic leak (0.0% vs. 4.3%, P>0.999), and stomal complications requiring repair (6.3% vs. 13.0%, P = 0.63) trended lower. These differences were not statistically significant. Rates of grade III or greater complications were similar; however, no patients in the DBUC group died within 30‐days or had grade IV complications requiring ICU admission compared with two deaths and one grade IV complication in the IC group.

Conclusion

DBUC is a safe alternative to IC for urinary diversion following TPE, with potentially fewer complications. Quality of life and patient‐reported outcomes are required.
Closed globe and adnexal eye injuries: Epidemiology, clinical and surgical outcomes, and an economic cost analysis
Authors: Lee Brendon W. H. , Samarawickrama Chameen
Published: May 2023

Background

To examine the epidemiology, visual outcomes, surgical interventions, and socioeconomic costs of closed globe (CGI) and adnexal injuries.

Methods

A retrospective 11‐year tertiary‐trauma centre study of 529 consecutive CGI was conducted using the Revised Globe and Adnexal Trauma Terminology classification in individuals aged ≥16 years. Outcome measures included best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), operating theatre visits, and socioeconomic costs.

Results

CGI disproportionately impacted young males during work (89.1%) and sports (92.2%), with eye protection only worn in 11.9% and 2.0%, respectively. Home was the most prevalent location (32.5%) due to falls (52.3%) in older females (57.9%). Concomitant adnexal injuries occurred frequently (71.5%), particularly in assaults (88.1%), and included eyelid lacerations (20.8%), orbital injuries (12.5%), and facial fractures (10.2%). Final median BCVA improved to 0.2 logMAR [6/9] (IQR 0–0.2) from 0.5 logMAR [6/18] (IQR 0–0.5) (p < 0.001). Surgery was required in 89 CGI (16.8%) in 123 theatre visits. In multivariable logistical regression modelling, presenting BCVA was predictive of final BCVA (odds ratio [OR] 8.4, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 2.6–27.8, p < 0.001), while involvement of the lids (OR 2.6, 95%CI 1.3–5.3, p = 0.006), nasolacrimal apparatus (OR 74.9, 95%CI 7.9–707.4, p < 0.001), orbit (OR 5.0, 95%CI 2.2–11.2, p < 0.001), and lens (OR 8.4, 95%CI 2.4–29.7, p < 0.001) predicted for operating theatre visits. Economic costs totalled AUD20.8–32.1 million (USD16.2–25.0 million) and were estimated at AUD44.5–77.0 million (USD34.7–60.1 million) annually for Australia.

Conclusions

CGI is a prevalent and preventable burden on patients and the economy. To mitigate this burden, cost‐effective public health strategies should target at‐risk populations.