bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methyl 1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxylate
Authors: Doi Takahiro , Sakai Takayuki
Published: November 2023

The title compound, C16H13FN2O2, was synthesized by nucleophilic substitution of the indazole N—H hydrogen atom of methyl 1H-indazole-3-carboxylate with 1-(bromomethyl)-4-fluorobenzene. In the crystal, some hydrogen-bond-like interactions are observed.
Development of a Cr-Ni-Mo alloyed stress corrosion-resistant anchor bolt steel
Authors: Du Hailong , Chen Zengyao , Wang Xiyan , Li Yongliang , Yang Renshu , Liu Zhiyong , Jin Aibing , Li Xiaogang
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop new types of anchor bolt materials by adding corrosion-resistant elements for alloying and microstructure regulation.

Design/methodology/approach

Three new anchor bolt materials were designed around the 1Ni system. The stress corrosion cracking resistance of the new materials was characterized by microstructure observation, electrochemical testing and slow strain rate tensile testing.

Findings

The strength of the new anchor bolt materials has been improved, and the stress corrosion sensitivity has been reduced. The addition of Nb makes the material exhibit excellent stress corrosion resistance under –1,200 mV conditions, but the expected results were not achieved when Nb and Sb were coupled.

Originality/value

The new anchor bolt materials designed around 1Ni have excellent stress corrosion resistance, which is the development direction of future materials. Nb allows the material to retain its ability to extend in hydrogen-evolution environments.
The external organizational environment and its impact on strategic management accounting practices: an empirical investigation
Authors: Rashid Md. Mamunur , Hossain Dewan Mahboob , Alam Md. Saiful
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of organizational external environmental factors on strategic management accounting (SMA) usage in an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected data from 79 public limited companies listed with the Dhaka Stock Exchange (Bangladesh) through a questionnaire survey. Multiple regression analysis is employed to test the impact of external environmental variables such as perceived environmental uncertainty and intensity of competition on SMA usage.

Findings

The study finds a significant positive impact of environmental uncertainty (fluctuation in the external environmental factors) and intensity of competition (domination by few companies) on SMA usage. However, the direction and magnitude of this impact vary considerably for specific groups of SMA practices such as costing, competitor accounting, customer accounting and planning and performance measurement techniques.

Originality/value

This study shows the impact of several facets of environmental uncertainty (i.e. unpredictability, fluctuation, ambiguity, lack of information and uncertainty of the outcome of decision) and intensity of competition (i.e. stressfulness and domination) in the empirical-based SMA research.
Mamaearth: a brand growth story
Authors: Aggarwal Ashita , Agarwal Rajiv
Published: November 2023

Learning outcomes

After completion of the case study, the students will be able to appreciate and understand why brands are an essential asset to the company and how they can enhance business value, understand the factors needed to grow brands in the growth stages and evaluate the choices that start-up companies have to grow their brand in competitive and growing markets.

Case overview/synopsis

Mamaearth was born as a direct-to-consumer brand in 2016 by a couple who could not find chemical-free, safe products for their child. The company that introduced as a baby-care brand soon consolidated itself to play in the space of personal care category (targeting millennials), and by 2020, it was earning majority of its revenue from skincare. It started by leveraging the power of social media space and online commerce and slowly moved to be a national brand with offline footprint and mass-media communication. In its growth journey, it acquired many brands and launched a few to cater to the specialized needs of its target audience. As the company grew, attracted impressive investors and started clocking profits, it aspired for an initial public offering (IPO). Varun and Ghazal Alagh, the founders of Mamaearth, knew that to refloat an IPO and to grow the company further, they needed to redefine their portfolio and marketing strategy. They had a choice to either invest in building a broader portfolio – organically or inorganically – or expand across geographies. Both were an option, albeit expensive, which could cost Mamaearth its profitability.

Complexity academic level

This case is intended for discussion in undergraduate and graduate management courses.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
Informal innovations – by the employee, of the employee and for the organisation
Authors: Krishnamurthy Rajeshwari , Agrawal Gautam
Published: November 2023

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows: learning about the concept of informal innovation in comparison with the formal innovations; understanding the drivers and barriers of informal innovation in an organisation; identifying the enablers of informal innovation in an organisation; and analysing the outcomes of informal innovation in non-monetary/non-financial/non-pecuniary terms.

Case overview/synopsis

The case study emphasises the importance of informal innovations in the manufacturing industry. The case is an attempt by the authors to bring about a clear distinction between the formal and informal open innovations.

Complexity academic level

The teaching case can be used for undergraduate- and post-graduate-level courses such as BBA, MBA and executive MBA.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Do you want a secure e-wallet? Understanding the role of risk and security in e-wallet continuance intention
Authors: Lim WeiLee , Munikrishnan Uma Thevi , Leong Choi-Meng , Hiew Lee-Chea , Leong Mei-Wei , Yang Liu
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore e-wallet continuance intention in Malaysia using perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU), perceived risk (PR) and perceived security (PS). Additional emphasis is placed on the degree of necessity of risk and security conditions driving the continuance intention to use e-wallets.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative study used a sample of 281 respondents. Partial least-squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the associations, while necessary condition analysis (NCA) was performed to uncover the factors’ necessity level.

Findings

PU is the primary facilitator for the continuance intention of e-wallet usage, followed by PS, PR and PEU. However, none were necessary for usage. E-wallet providers must emphasise enhancing PU, prioritise data security and improve the PEU to foster sustained e-wallet usage, while prudent risk management is a nice-to-have.

Practical implications

To maintain the survival of e-wallets, service providers must focus on prioritising PEU, PU and PS for positive user experiences, including contentment, utility, convenience, comfort and safety. Compliance with user authorisation, real-time transaction monitoring and comprehensive security protocols is a must for security concerns.

Originality/value

This study represents the limited empirical research focusing on risk and security in the continuance intention of e-wallet usage. Furthermore, an NCA was performed to determine the essential circumstances of risk and security for the continuance intention of e-wallets.
Internal R&D or external asset growth? A closer look at CEO narcissism and entrepreneurial orientation
Authors: Yang Lin , Lin Zhibin , Quan Rose , Cunningham James , Huang Wei
Published: November 2023

Purpose

In today's competitive business environment, understanding how leadership traits shape outcomes is critical. Chief executive officer (CEO) narcissism, an intriguing and debated trait, raises questions about its impact on organisational behaviour, particularly regarding entrepreneurial orientation (EO). This study aims to examine how CEO narcissism affects EO, both as aggregate and specific measures, encompassing internal and external growth. It also considers the organisational context by examining how factors such as capital intensity, firm ownership and CEO duality moderate this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypotheses, the authors used a sample of firms drawn from China's ChiNext database (2008–2017). After an initial screening, the final sample consists of 251 CEOs from 239 companies. Data on CEO narcissism are collected from the firm's official website and major online sources, whilst additional data are extracted from the WIND daabase. The authors use multiple regression and ordinary least squares (OLS) for data analysis.

Findings

The results show that CEO narcissism leads to external asset growth investments but not internal research and development (R&D). There is a positive relationship between CEO narcissism and EO as an aggregate measure and also different managerial discretions play varying roles in the relationship. Specifically, capital intensity weakens this relationship, but state ownership strengthens it.

Originality/value

This study helps to clarify the relationship between CEO narcissism and EO and advances the literature by showing that firms' EO actions may take various forms of innovation and venturing as new entry initiations of EO. The study findings have important implications for firms to capitalise on narcissistic CEOs' entrepreneurial tendencies, balance internal R&D and external asset growth and leverage various managerial discretions.
Managing project intangible risk: socio-technical implications in a “projectified” world
Authors: Cox Christopher Owen , Pasaei Hamid
Published: November 2023

Purpose

According to the Project Management Institute, 70% of projects fail globally. The causes of project failure in many instances can be identified as non-technical or behavioral in nature arising from interactions between participants. These intangible risks can emerge in any project setting but especially in project settings having diversity of cultures, customs, beliefs and traditions of various companies or countries. This paper provides an objective framework to address these intangible risks.

Study design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a structured approach to identify, assess and manage intangible risks to enhance a project team’s ability to meet its objectives. The authors propose a user-friendly framework, Intangible Risk Assessment Methodology for Projects (IRAMP), to address these risks and the factors that cause them. Meta-network (e.g., a network of networks) simulation and established social network analysis (SNA) measures provide a quantitative assessment and ranking of causal events and their influence on the intangible behavior centric risks.

Findings

The proposed IRAMP and meta-network approach were utilized to examine the project delivery process of an international energy firm. Data were gathered using structured interviews, surveys and project team workshops. The use of the IRAMP to highlight intangible risk areas underpinned by the SNA measures led to changes in the company’s organizational structure to enhance project delivery effectiveness.

Originality/value

This work extends the existing project risk management literature by providing a novel objective approach to identify and quantify behavior centric intangible risks and the conditions that cause them to emerge.
Developing climate neutrality among supply chain members in metal and mining industry: natural resource-based view perspective
Authors: Sharma Sharad , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Mishra Ruchi , Subramanian Nachiappan (Nachi)
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to address three research questions pertaining to climate neutrality within the supply chain of metal and mining industry: (1) How can an organization implement practices related to climate neutrality in the supply chain? (2) How do members of the supply chain adopt different measures and essential processes to assist an organization in responding to climate change-related concerns? (3) How can the SAP-LAP framework assist in analyzing and proposing solutions to attain climate neutrality?

Design/methodology/approach

To address the proposed research questions concerning climate neutrality, this study employs a case study approach utilizing the SAP-LAP (situation, actor, process–learning, action, performance) framework. Within the SAP-LAP framework, adopting a natural resource-based perspective, the study thoroughly examines the intricacies and interactions among existing situations, pertinent actors and processes that impact climate initiatives within a metal and mining company.

Findings

The study's findings suggest that organizations can achieve the objective of climate neutrality by prioritizing resources and capabilities that lead to reduced GHG emissions, lower energy consumption and optimal resource utilization. The study further proposes key elements that significantly influence the pursuit of climate neutrality within enterprises.

Research limitations/implications

This study is one of the earliest contributions to the development of a holistic understanding of climate neutrality in the supply chain of the metal and mining industry.

Practical implications

The study will assist practitioners and policymakers in comprehending the present circumstances, actors and processes involved in enterprises' supply networks in order to attain climate neutrality in supply chains, as well as in taking the right steps to enhance performance.

Originality/value

This study presents a climate neutrality model and provides valuable insights into emission management, contributing to the achievement of the climate neutrality objective.
Factors affecting buying decisions of Islamic banking products: the moderating role of religious belief
Authors: Al-Malkawi Husam-Aldin Nizar , Rizwan Shahid , Sarea Adel
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the marketing mix, customer perceptions, and religion on the buying decision of Islamic banking products in an emerging market namely the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a quantitative approach to analyze the data of 435 respondents collected through an online survey during January–February 2022. Data analysis of direct and moderating relationships are done through Smart PLS (partial least squares) using structural equation modelling (SEM) technique.

Findings

The results indicate that marketing mix (product, price, place and promotion) and customer perceptions have a positive direct relation with the buying decision of Islamic banking products in the UAE. However, moderation analysis shows that religion is a non-significant moderator for the above relationships.

Originality/value

This study combines potential variables from the perspectives of marketing, human mindset, and individual beliefs. The findings of this study provide a wider understanding of consumer behavior toward Islamic banking products. Marketers of the Islamic banking industry can utilize these findings for effective market segmentation and well-crafted marketing strategies. This will ultimately contribute to the sustainable growth and development of the Islamic banking industry in the UAE and other regions.
Saving behaviour determinants of Malaysia’s generation Y: an application of the integrated behavioural model
Authors: Lopez Ida , Mahdzan Nurul Shahnaz , Rahman Mahfuzur
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Using the integrated behavioural model (IBM) as a theoretical framework, this study aims to identify the determinants of saving behaviour among Malaysia's income-earning Generation Y (Gen Y) born in the years 1980–1995.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted using a questionnaire survey targeting Gen Y respondents 500 sets of responses were obtained via convenience sampling method.

Findings

Analysis conducted using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) revealed that there were positive relationships among instrumental attitude, injunctive norm, perceived control, self-efficacy and intention to save. Secondly, intention to save, financial literacy and time preference were found to positively influence saving behaviour.

Practical implications

Policymakers may find this study useful as the results reveal saving behaviour determinants of Gen Ys in Malaysia, and policies could then be formulated to improve Gen Y's saving behaviour.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by applying the IBM to a study on saving behaviour.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-05-2023-0340
Dynamic external environment and value creation in small and medium-sized accounting practices: a sensemaking perspective
Authors: Ali Zahid
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore how small and medium-sized accounting practices (SMPs) make sense of and position themselves against the changing demand for services. It is argued that changing demand for services from pure compliance to advisory acts as a trigger for sensemaking among SMP owners.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative multiple case study research approach is adopted, including semistructured interviews with key informants from seven Norwegian SMPs as well as document analysis.

Findings

The findings suggest that there is heterogeneity in the small practitioner segment of the accounting profession in making sense of changing demand for the nature of services. Three different situations emerged due to sensemaking, thus, the three distinct positions. Metaphors, namely, chameleons, turtles and bulls, are used to represent the positioning of SMPs. The sensemaking of actors as an adaptation led them to act as chameleons while distancing and resistance resulted in their positioning as turtles, and bulls, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the richness of data indicating a clear variation in interpretation among actors, the study is case based, with a limited number of SMPs, and caution should be exercised when generalising its conclusions.

Practical implications

The centrality of people as a driving force for positioning among SMPs and diversity among SMPs in value creation provide insights for both SMPs and their customers.

Originality/value

This study highlights the meaning and patterns of value creation and the positioning of accounting firms according to their sensemaking within an under-studied segment of the accounting profession.
The interplay between sales and marketing expenditures: an econometric approach in the B2B market
Authors: Baidya Mehir , Maity Bipasha
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Managers engage in marketing efforts to boost sales and in setting marketing budgets based on current or historical sales. Past studies have overlooked the reciprocal relationship between marketing spending and sales. This study aims to examine the nature of the relationship between sales and marketing expenses in the B2B market.

Design/methodology/approach

Five hypotheses on the relationship between sales and marketing expenditures were framed. A total of 30 of India’s dyeing firms provided data on revenues, sales (in units) and marketing expenditures over time. The structural vector auto-regressive model and the vector error correction model were fitted to the data.

Findings

The results show that marketing expenses and sales are related bidirectionally in a sequential way. Furthermore, sales drive the long-term equilibrium relationship to a greater extent than marketing expenditures.

Practical implications

The findings of this study should assist managers in predicting sales and marketing budgets simultaneously and devising precise marketing strategies and tactics.

Originality/value

Using econometric models in data-driven research is not a frequent practice in marketing. This study adds value to the body of marketing literature by advancing the theory of the relationship between sales and marketing spending using real-world data and econometric models in the B2B sector.
Dynamic nexus between Smart HR 4.0 and innovation ambidexterity: a fuzzy-TISM and MICMAC approach
Authors: Gouda Gopal Krushna , Tiwari Binita
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Smart HR 4.0 is a new concept characterized by adopting innovative technologies of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) in the HR domain. This study attempts to identify the key factors of Smart HR 4.0 to foster organizational innovation ambidexterity.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on review of literature and survey from expert opinions by using the Delphi method, 12 factors were found most suitable for this study. Further, the fuzzy-TISM technique was used to establish contextual relationships and develop a hierarchical model on the identified factors. Subsequently, the MICMAC analysis was applied to classify these factors according to their driving and dependence power.

Findings

This study framed a conceptual hierarchical model of Smart HR 4.0 and established contextual relationships among identified factors. Result shows that smart organic structure, industry–institute interface, IT-enabled system and ambidextrous leadership are important factors as they have the highest driving power. Further, knowledge management, learning culture and psychological empowerment are the linkage factors having both driving as well as dependency power in the whole system.

Practical implications

This study can guide the managers in smoothly implementing these practices to manage their human capital amidst digital disruption, ensuring innovation competitiveness of the firm. The structural hierarchical framework of Smart HR 4.0 may serve as a blueprint for HR professionals and business leaders to attain organizational innovation ambidexterity in the current wave of digital disruptions (Industry 4.0).

Originality/value

This study provides a holistic model of smart HR 4.0 integrating innovation ambidexterity in I4.0.
I'm only here for the donuts: stand-up meeting relevance's effects on work meaningfulness and motivation
Authors: Lindquist Isaac A. , Allen Joseph A. , Kramer William S.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Stand-up meetings have received attention for their functional effectiveness in the workplace, but they can also cause affective reactions among attendees. These reactions can affect workplace attitudes and alter the way that employees view and perform their work to the benefit or detriment of the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the tenets of the job characteristics model (JCM), a study was conducted on relevant stand-up meetings' effects on beliefs about the meaningfulness of one's work and subsequent motivation. Further analysis explored the effects that meeting load (i.e. the number of meetings) has on the outcomes of meetings.

Findings

Consistent with hypotheses, stand-up meeting relevance has an indirect effect on work motivation through work meaningfulness. Meeting load moderates both the indirect effect, such that the effect is stronger at higher numbers of meetings, and the direct effect on work meaningfulness in the opposite direction, as the effect is strongest with fewer meetings.

Practical implications

Organizations should ensure that stand-up meetings are relevant to all attendees and hold the meetings at an appropriate regularity for the best outcomes.

Originality/value

This work examined the stand-up meeting. Most prior meetings research has focused on meetings as a whole or other subtypes and examine meeting relevance and contribution to employee motivation through the lens of JCM.
Transforming health-care service through consumer co-creation: directions for service design
Authors: Carlini Joan , Muir Rachel , McLaren-Kennedy Annette , Grealish Laurie
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The increasing financial burden and complexity of health-care services, exacerbated by factors such as an ageing population and the rise of chronic conditions, necessitate comprehensive and integrated care approaches. While co-created service design has proven valuable in transforming some service industries, its application to the health-care industry is not well understood. This study aims to examine how health consumers are involved in health-care service co-creation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study searched 11 electronic databases for peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2019. Additionally, hand searches of reference lists from included studies, Google© citation searches and searches for grey literature were conducted. The Whittemore and Knafl integrative framework guided the systematic review, and Callahan’s 6 Ws framework was used to extract data from the included articles, facilitating comparisons.

Findings

The authors identified 21 articles, mainly from the UK, North America and Australia. Despite the need for more research, findings reveal limited and geographically narrow empirical studies with restricted theory and method applications. From these findings, the authors constructed a conceptual model to enhance nuanced understanding.

Originality/value

This study offers four contributions. First, it introduces the Health Service Design Transformation Model for Comprehensive Consumer Co-Creation, illustrating health consumers’ multifaceted roles in shaping services. Second, consumer vulnerabilities in co-creating services are identified, linked to diverse consumer groups, power dynamics and decision complexity. Third, this study suggests broadening participant inclusion may enhance consumer-centricity, inclusivity and innovation in service design. Finally, the research agenda explores consumer experiences, organizational dynamics, value outcomes and co-creation theory for health-care service advancement.
The downside of phones at work: exploring negative relationships between leader phubbing and follower engagement/performance
Authors: Bracht Eva Maria , Hernandez Bark Alina S. , She Zhuolin , Van Dick Rolf , Junker Nina Mareen
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The aim of this paper is gaining a deeper understanding of potential negative effects of (smart)phone use at work. The authors do so by exploring mediating mechanisms and boundary conditions between leader phubbing, leaders snubbing their followers by glancing at their phones during an interaction; and follower (1) work engagement and (2) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a survey-based time-lagged, multi-source and team-based study of leaders (N = 93) and their followers (N = 454).

Findings

Results of this paper showed that leader phubbing negatively relates to follower (1) work engagement and (2) performance through less perceived leader support. Contradictory to the hypothesis, the relationship between leader phubbing and perceived leader support was negative for male leaders only.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to existing research by (1) adding perceived support as an important mediator between leader phubbing and work engagement/performance, (2) exploring the effects of leader gender and (3) adding information on the cultural robustness of the leader phubbing phenomenon by testing it outside the Western work context.
Workaholism and quality of work-life: a psychosocial pathway to brain-drain syndrome
Authors: Akinwale Olusegun Emmanuel , Kuye Owolabi Lateef , Akinwale Olayombo Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The cultural norm of compelling employees to work beyond the standard measure as a result of internal pressure from organisations is gaining popularity in the business environment today. This research is a pointer to a nuanced and dynamic understanding of workaholism, and this study aims to investigate factors that constitute an individual as a workaholic in the banking industry in Nigeria. This study aims to examine the influence of workaholism on the quality of work-life (QWL) of the workforce and how it led pockets of the workforce to migrate to an international workspace.

Design/methodology/approach

To capture a good understanding of what describes an individual as a workaholic, and what influences the QWL among the workforce in the banking environment, this study utilised a longitudinal research design to survey bankers in corporate organisations in Nigeria. The study administered a battery of adapted scales to measure latent constructs of dimensions of workaholism and QWL on a random simple probability technique. The study surveyed 425 professional bankers in Nigeria's banking workspace. A structural equation model was used to analyse the data obtained from the banking workforce to establish the relationship that exists between the dimensions of workaholism and QWL.

Findings

The outcome of this study indicated an insightful one. The results of the study illustrated that long hours of work, workload, work pressure, financial challenges as well and the pursuit of career growth are determinants of workaholism in banking corporate business. The study illustrated that all the predictors of workaholism equally affect the QWL of the employees in Nigeria's banking industry.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is captured in the dynamics of the concept of workaholism which portends negative outcomes in the Nigerian business environment given the nature of banking business in Nigeria. The study elucidates that workaholism is not work engagement in Nigeria but the attitude of compulsion from the management of the organisations.
Performance management and open innovation: evidence from Brazilian startups
Authors: Frare Anderson Betti , Akroyd Chris
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of performance management (PM) practices on in-bound open innovation (OI) and out-bound OI. To do this, the authors examine the organizational effectiveness as well as the non-financial and financial performance of Brazilian startups that have had recent OI relationships with larger companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data collected from 103 Brazilian startups, the hypotheses were tested via partial least squares–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). An additional analysis was performed using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).

Findings

The findings show that PM practices orchestrate in-bound OI and out-bound OI; however, only in-bound OI promotes organizational effectiveness in Brazilian startups. Organizational effectiveness results in good non-financial performance, which in turn improves financial performance. PM practices have an indirect effect on financial performance from the serial mediation of in-bound OI, organizational effectiveness and non-financial performance. Moreover, several combinations of conditions lead to high levels of organizational effectiveness, non-financial performance and financial performance.

Originality/value

This study provides new evidence and insights from an emerging market on the antecedents and consequences of startups' OI adoption.
Overlooked factor in the etiology of pruritus in hemodialysis patients: Ultrafiltration volume
Authors: Ozer Hakan , Ozturk Yasin , Yonet Fethi , Baloglu Ismail , Turkmen Kultigin , Selcuk Nedim Yılmaz , Tonbul Halil Zeki
Published: November 2023

Introduction

This study investigated the relationship between ultrafiltration (UF) volume and pruritus severity based on the idea that skin perfusion and inflammatory changes occur in dialysis patients with high UF volume.

Materials and Methods

This observational study included 392 patients. Patients filled out the Numerical Rating Scale, Verbal Rating Scale, and Visual Analogue Scale, showing the severity of pruritis. UF volumes in the last 12 sessions were recorded and averaged.

Results

The rate of patients with pruritis was between 59.4% and 67.5% in the three scales. In three pruritis scales, the severity of pruritis, age, body mass index (BMI), UF volume, and UF volume/body weight ratio were positively correlated. UF volume/body weight ratio, age, and BMI were independent predictors of pruritis severity.

Conclusion

Limiting interdialytic weight gain may be an important treatment approach in pruritus control.
Do people feel they belong? Socio‐political factors shaping the place attachment of Hong Kong citizens
Authors: Lee Man Yee Karen , Wong Mathew Y. H. , Chan Anita Kit Wa , Chong Eric King‐man , Cheung Lewis T. O.
Published: November 2023

Hong Kong citizens’ sense of belonging has gone through a period of fluctuation during the period of rapid socio‐political and legal change since the outbreak of the Anti‐Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement in 2019. This study explored how multiple dimensions of the place attachment of Hong Kong citizens have been shaped by factors associated with these changes. Six socio‐political variables were incorporated into the three dimensions of the person–process–place (PPP) framework. Based on a representative survey of the local population (n = 768), we found that political inclination and identity were significantly associated with the sense of place, with citizens identifying as Chinese and aligning with the pro‐establishment camp showing higher levels of place attachment. Mobility was negatively associated with place attachment, whereas the correlation between attachment and perceptions of the law and legal system was positive. The study has implications for Hong Kong’s current socio‐political and institutional environment and for emigration. It also demonstrates the wider applicability of the PPP framework for identifying and clarifying the various predictors of different dimensions of place attachment.
Gentiana macrophylla flavonoids from Tibetan medicine decreases circ_0059665 to alleviate the progression of non‐small cell lung cancer under hypoxia
Authors: Ma Mi , Ciren Dunzhu , Feng Mingke , Zhen Luo , Jin Guilin
Published: November 2023

Background

Gentiana macrophylla Pall. is a traditional Tibetan medicinal herb possessing antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory activities. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified to be involved in the tumorigenesis of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, this study focused on investigating the function and mechanism of Gentiana macrophylla flavonoids (GF) and circ_0059665 in NSCLC progression.

Methods

The contents of mRNA and protein were detected using qRT‐PCR and western blotting analysis. Cell proliferative and invasive abilities were evaluated by cell counting kit‐8, EdU, colony formation and transwell assays, respectively. M2 macrophage polarization was analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

GF treatment suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion and M2 macrophage polarization under hypoxic conditions. Circ_0059665 was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cells. Its expression was increased under hypoxic conditions but was reduced following GF treatment. Furthermore, circ_0059665 overexpression reversed the anticancer effects of GF on NSCLC cells under hypoxic conditions. Mechanistically, circ_0059665 acted as a sponge for miR‐512‐5p to regulate NOVA2 expression. Hypoxia decreased miR‐512‐5p levels, and increased NOVA2 levels in NSCLC cells, while these tendencies were abolished after GF treatment. Circ_0059665 silencing inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion and M2 macrophage polarization in hypoxic environments, which were counteracted by NOVA2 overexpression. Moreover, NOVA2 upregulation reversed the suppressive effects of GF on NSCLC cells with hypoxia treatment. In addition, GF impeded NSCLC tumor growth in vivo via suppressing circ_0059665.

Conclusion

GF treatment in hypoxic environments suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion and M2 macrophage polarization via the circ_0059665/miR‐512‐5p/NOVA2 axis.
The association between frailty and ageing: Results from an observational study including 9497 elderly patients
Authors: Jensen Liva Thoft , Lundstrøm Lars , Kowark Ana , Coburn Mark , Steinmetz Jacob ,   for the POSE‐Study Group
Published: November 2023

Background

Elderly surgical patients have a high risk of postoperative complications. However, patients exhibit considerable diversity in health and functional status; thus, identifying the fragile may be necessary when selecting surgical candidates. We aimed to compare the prevalence of frailty in patients ≥90 years with patients aged 80–89. Second, we assessed the association between frailty and all‐cause 30‐day mortality.

Methods

We performed a planned secondary analysis of the peri‐interventional outcome study in the elderly (POSE), including 9497 patients (≥80 years) undergoing any surgical and nonsurgical procedures in 177 European centres from October 2017 to December 2018. The primary outcome assessment included frailty as a binary variable, and data were analysed using Fisher's exact test/Chi‐squared test. The association between frailty and all‐cause 30‐day mortality was analysed using a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for age, sex, surgical urgency, orthopaedic urgency, and surgical severity.

Results

In total, 999 of 9497 (10.5%) patients were 90 years or above. Among patients ≥90 years, 274 (27.4%) were frail compared to 1062 (12.5%) of patients aged 80–89 (odds ratio (OR): 2.6; 95% CI 2.3–3.1). Frailty was associated with increased 30‐day mortality in both the unadjusted (crude OR 6.3; 5.1–7.7) and adjusted analysis (OR 4.5; 3.6–5.7). In the adjusted analysis, age ≥90 was not associated with 30‐day mortality.

Conclusion

We found a high frequency of frailty in patients aged 90 years or above compared with patients aged 80–89. In addition, frailty was associated with an increased risk of 30‐day mortality. Surprisingly, age was not a significant risk factor in the adjusted mortality analysis.
Prenatal antidepressant exposure and the risk of decreased gestational age and lower birthweight: A polygenic score approach to investigate confounding by indication
Authors: Rommel Anna‐Sophie , Semark Birgitte Dige , Liu Xiaoqin , Madsen Kathrine Bang , Agerbo Esben , Munk‐Olsen Trine , Petersen Liselotte Vogdrup , Bergink Veerle
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Prenatal antidepressant exposure has been associated with lower gestational age and birthweight. Yet, unmeasured residual confounding may inflate this association. We explored if maternal genetic liability for major depression explains part of the association of antidepressant use in pregnancy with lower gestational age and birthweight.

Material and Methods

We employed the maternal polygenic score (PGS) for major depression as a measure of genetic liability. We used generalised linear models to estimate the differences in gestational age and birthweight at each PGS quintile between children whose mothers continued antidepressant use during pregnancy (continuation group), children whose mothers discontinued antidepressant use during pregnancy (discontinuation group) and unexposed children.

Results

After adjusting for confounders, we found significant differences in birthweight between PGS quintiles in the continuation and unexposed group. Yet, this relationship was not linear. Furthermore, at the lowest and highest PGS quintiles, the continuation group had significantly reduced mean gestational ages (adjusted β ranges: 1.7–4.5 days, p < 0.001–0.008) and lower mean birthweights (adjusted β ranges: 58.6–165.4 g, p = 0.001–0.008) than the discontinuation and unexposed groups.

Conclusion

We confirmed that antidepressant use in pregnancy was associated with small reductions in gestational age and birthweight but found that genetic liability for depression was not linearly associated with this risk. The causality of the observed associations could not be established due to the observational nature of the study. Residual confounding linked to the underlying disease was likely still present.
Workforce automation risks across race and gender in the United States
Authors: McManus Ian P.
Published: November 2023

Although the effects of automation on the future of work have received considerable attention, little research has been conducted on the costs of this technological transformation for different populations of workers. This article makes an important contribution as one of the first to analyze the intersectional effects of workforce automation across race and gender in the United States. Multilevel survey data models are employed using two distinct measures of automation job displacement risk for over 1.4 million Americans across 385 occupations. This research demonstrates that the intersection of race and gender matters for individual automation risks. Education, age, disability, and nativity are also significant. These findings indicate that labor market outcomes of job automation will be based not only on differences in human capital but critically on socially constructed identities as well.
The use of intraperitoneal chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer – The experience of a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Foster Leon , Girgis Christina , Kirby Adrienne , Harnett Paul , Brand Alison
Published: November 2023

Background

Platinum‐based chemotherapy is the backbone of the medical management of ovarian cancer. The dose, route and timing of treatment are ongoing areas of debate. Intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy is an alternative delivery method treatment to the conventional intravenous (IV) route for patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, with efficacy supported by Level 1 evidence.

Aims

To compare the outcomes and feasibility of IP to IV delivery of platinum‐based chemotherapy in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.

Materials and Methods

In a single institution, patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (IP and IV) for Stages III and IV epithelial ovarian cancer over the period January 2006–December 2018 were identified through a prospectively maintained database. All patients with an IP port inserted were included. A control group of patients treated with IV chemotherapy was created using criteria identified during the study and in the randomised trials that tested IP chemotherapy. Assessments were made for relapse‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) for each cohort.

Results

A total of 639 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy (73 IP and 566 IV) during the study period. Both the IP group and matched IV control group (65 patients) had a median RFS of 26 months. The median OS in the IP group was 63.9 months, and in the IV group was 57.2 months. At ten years, a significantly higher proportion of patients were alive in the IP group cohort (16% vs 3%, relative risk 5.5, 95% CI 1.29–24, P = 0.012). IP chemotherapy was well tolerated by our cohort. In the IP group, 73% had four or more IP cycles and 99% received six or more cycles of chemotherapy.

Conclusions

Our cohort had a high rate of completion of IP chemotherapy with excellent rates of completion of six cycles of any treatment. The RFS and OS in the IP chemotherapy group were comparable to each other and reflected those in the published literature. A significantly higher proportion of patients in the IP cohort were alive at ten years than in the IV cohort.
Long‐term survival following cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand: a 12‐year experience
Authors: Qin Rennie Xinrui , Lim Jia Hui , Ly Jasen , Fischer Jesse , Smith Nicholas , Karalus Mosese , Wu Linus , van Dalen Roelef , Lolohea Simione
Published: November 2023

Backgrounds

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have improved survival for selected cases of peritoneal surface malignancy. In 2008, a CRS/HIPEC service was first established in Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ) at Waikato and Braemar Hospitals in the Waikato region.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of all patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC from 1 January 2008 to 1 November 2020 at Waikato and Braemar Hospitals. We analysed long‐term survival and predictors of survival for each tumour type.

Results

240 procedures were performed for 221 patients, including 22 re‐do procedures. Cases had a median peritoneal cancer index of 16. Complete cytoreduction (CC0‐1) was achieved in 196 cases (81.7%). All complete cytoreduction cases received HIPEC. There were 152 pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), 39 colorectal cancers (CRC), 29 appendiceal cancers, eight ovarian cancers, six peritoneal mesotheliomas, and six other cancers. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) for PMP with acellular mucin, low‐grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei, and high‐grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei with or without signet cells were 91.6%, 80.5%, and 72.2%, respectively. 2‐ and 5‐year OS in CRC were 56.7% and 40.4%. The achievement of complete cytoreduction improved the 5‐year OS to 87.9% across all PMP and 45.1% in colorectal cancer. Incomplete cytoreduction predicted worse survival in appendiceal PMP. In colorectal cancer, worse survival was predicted in those who had incomplete cytoreduction, liver metastasis, and presentation with obstruction and perforation.

Conclusion

Favourable long‐term outcomes following CRS/HIPEC for peritoneal surface malignancy have been achieved in AoNZ through the Waikato peritonectomy service.
Population pharmacokinetic analysis of doravirine in real‐world people with HIV
Authors: Thoueille Paul , Delarive Luc , Cavassini Matthias , Buclin Thierry , Decosterd Laurent A. , Marzolini Catia , Girardin François R. , Guidi Monia ,   The Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: November 2023

Aims

The pharmacokinetics of doravirine has been studied in clinical trials but not in real‐world settings. Our study aims to characterize and identify factors influencing doravirine (a CYP3A4 substrate) pharmacokinetics in real‐world people with HIV (PWH).

Methods

A total of 174 doravirine concentrations measured in 146 PWH followed up in the therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) program at the University Hospital of Lausanne (Switzerland) between 2019 and 2023 were included in the analysis. Demographic data, clinical information and comedications were recorded during the routine SHCS visits (every 3–6 months). Population pharmacokinetic analysis and Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the clinical significance of the covariates retained in the final model were performed using NONMEM.

Results

A one‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and linear elimination best described doravirine pharmacokinetics. Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors and, to a lesser extent age, were the only tested covariates to significantly impact doravirine clearance (CL). Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors reduced CL by 50%, and a 30% decrease in CL was observed in an 80‐year‐old compared with a 55‐year‐old PWH. The effect of potent CYP3A4 inhibitors was prominent, explaining 59% of between‐subject variability in CL. Model‐based simulations predicted 2.8‐fold and 1.6‐fold increases in median steady‐state trough and maximum doravirine concentrations, respectively, when a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor was co‐administered.

Conclusions

Our findings show that potent CYP3A4 inhibitors and age influence doravirine pharmacokinetics. However, given the good tolerability of doravirine, dosing adjustment of doravirine is probably not mandatory in those situations. TDM remains useful essentially in specific clinical situations, such as hepatic impairment, suspected nonadherence or pregnancy.