bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supply chain resilience to low-/high-impact disruptions: the influence of absorptive capacity
Authors: Roh Joseph , Tokar Travis , Swink Morgan , Williams Brent
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The lean and global character of supply networks today opens supply chains to potential disruptions, especially in volatile environments. Most disruptions are of relatively low potential impact; however, firms also occasionally face high-impact disruptions that may even threaten survival. This study applies and extends absorptive capacity concepts to organize resilience capabilities identified in the literature and to examine whether capabilities that provide low-impact resilience are different from those that provide high-impact resilience. A second and related objective is to evaluate whether low-impact resilience supports high-impact resilience through “learning by experience.”

Design/methodology/approach

Survey and industry data are used to understand capabilities involved with achieving both low-impact resilience and high-impact resilience.

Findings

The results of our analysis of survey and industry data uncover significant complex interactions in the effects of capabilities and volatility on resilience; suggesting that different absorptive capacity capabilities are related to low-impact resilience and high-impact resilience, respectively, and these effects depend on industry context. Moderating influences of exploitation capability and environmental volatility are consistent with a “learning by experience” explanation of the association of low-impact resilience to high-impact resilience.

Originality/value

This study thus provides a unifying framework with which to consider resiliency capabilities. Further, it answers a question raised in prior research, and it extends our understanding of important relationships between capabilities for different levels of resilience.
Coaching: an approach for leadership development in the Singapore education system
Authors: Boon Zoe Suan Loy
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore coaching as an approach to developing school leaders in the Singapore education system. It takes a close look at the nature of coaching experiences of beginning principals and principal-trainers, as well as the related benefits and challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative inquiry approach was adopted, and four beginning principals and three principal-trainers were interviewed. An emergent coding method was deployed in data analysis.

Findings

Beginning principals described a positive, helpful and empowering coaching experience when coached by principal-trainers. The latter skillfully asked questions in a safe, non-threatening space for deeper self-reflection. In the process, beginning principals gained greater self-awareness and self-empowerment, and appreciated the shared context of school leadership. While coaching is a useful leadership development approach, inherent implementation challenges were identified.

Research limitations/implications

Coaching as a system-wide strategy to support school leaders in Singapore has only recently been implemented. Further research using a larger sample is recommended as coaching becomes more pervasive.

Practical implications

The findings revealed a compelling case for a more pervasive adoption of coaching as an approach to support leadership development. Coaching facilitates effective school leadership, and there is scope for self-coaching, peer coaching and coach supervision of principals, middle leaders and classroom teachers.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the nature and positive impact of principalship coaching within a specific policy and cultural context of the Singapore education system. It adds to the body of literature on principal preparation, development and support.
The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) finance on financing constraints of non-SOE firms in emerging markets
Authors: Shao Jun , Lou Zhukun , Wang Chong , Mao Jinye , Ye Ailin
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of AI finance on financing constraints of non-SOE firms in an emerging market.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of non-SOE listed companies in China from 2011 to 2018, this research employs the cash–cash flow sensitivity model to examine the effect of AI finance on financing constraints of non-SOE firms.

Findings

We find that the development of AI finance can alleviate the financing constraints of non-SOE firms. Further, we document that such effect is more pronounced for smaller firms, more innovative firms and firms in developing areas.

Practical implications

This study suggests that emerging market countries can ease the financing constraints of non-SOE firms by promoting AI finance development.

Originality/value

This study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first one to explore the relationship between AI finance development and financing constraints of non-SOE firms in emerging markets.
Effects of athletic performance and marketable lifestyle on consumers' engagement with sport celebrity's social media and their endorsements
Authors: Ferreira Alcina Gaspar , Crespo Cátia Fernandes , Mendes Cédric
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In this study, we empirically analyse the effects of sports celebrities' image on consumers' engagement with them via social media and with their endorsed brand. In particular, we focus on the sport celebrity's athletic performance and marketable lifestyle image dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

An online consumer survey was conducted regarding sports celebrities' endorsement campaigns and consumers' ad recall. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Moderation and mediation effects were examined, and a multigroup analysis was used to test the existence of significant differences between groups.

Findings

The motivation to engage with sports celebrities' social media platforms transcends athletic performance and is positively related with the marketable lifestyle. Sports celebrities who highly engage consumers through social media can promote stronger engagement with the endorsed brand, and this effect is positively moderated by the perceived level of congruence between the sport celebrity and the endorsed brand. The effect of the sport celebrity's marketable lifestyle on the endorsed brand is partially mediated by their social media engagement with consumers. Moreover, a multigroup analysis shows no statistically significant differences among gender and age groups.

Originality/value

This study's contribution is a better understanding of the effect of sport celebrities' image dimensions on consumers' engagement with the celebrities' social media platforms. The marketable lifestyles of celebrities are an important asset that promotes engagement with their social media platforms by consumers that in turn, raises their marketing value in terms of endorsement contracts.
Dynamics of the termination of global alliances: probing the past, analyzing the present and defining the frontiers for future research
Authors: Parameswar Nakul , Dhir Sanjay , Khoa Tran Tien , Galati Antonino , Ahmed Zafar U.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

While the number of global alliance terminations in the business world has grown steadily during the past few decades, the scholarly literature on strategic alliance (SA) termination remains limited. This research paper aims to perform a bibliometric analysis of the literature on alliance termination and propose a model for future research agenda that links the termination phase to the pre-alliance termination phase and post alliance termination phase.

Design/methodology/approach

A search query on global alliance termination identified a total of 69 research papers from the Scopus database, and a bibliometric analysis was performed using the bibliometrix R-package and VOSviewer. The analysis further used the TCCM framework to review the set of papers.

Findings

This research analysis reveals that, compared to the pre-formation, formation, and process stages of alliances, limited research has been undertaken on global alliance termination. The bibliometric analysis and TCCM framework provide a complete view of the extant literature on global alliance termination from different dimensions and act as the which as the foundation for a developing the research agenda that links pre-alliance termination phase and post-alliance termination phase to that of alliance termination phase.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed research agenda is unique as it integrates multiple phases in the alliance lifecycle with global alliance termination phase and develops a distinct view for future research that emphasizes on the post-alliance termination phase.

Practical implications

The bibliometric analysis provides a precise snapshot of the state of the literature on global alliance termination. The research agenda developed provides a direction for further academic research that links alliance termination not only to pre-alliance termination phase but also to the post-alliance termination phase that is nascently explored in the literature.

Originality/value

This study is among the few to review and synthesize the literature on global alliance termination. It, therefore, functions as a catalyst to draw global scholars' attention. Further, it provides global researchers with direction by proposing a global research agenda.
Linking corporate social responsibility, cooperation and innovation: the triple bottom line perspective
Authors: Mendes Telma , Braga Vítor , Correia Aldina , Silva Carina
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV) and knowledge-based view (KBV) theories, this study contributes to deepen the knowledge that corporate social responsibility (CSR) exerts on firms' innovation, considering the role played by cooperation. The research also seeks to ascertain the factors that influence the development of business cooperation.

Design/methodology/approach

The database used is the Community Innovation Survey (CIS, 2014) applied in the European Union (EU) during the time period 2012–2014. A sample of 7083 Portuguese firms were analyzed through the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results suggest that CSR positively relates with firms' innovation, and business cooperation partially mediates this relationship. The outcomes also reveal that investing in certain types of innovation activities increases the firms' willingness to cooperate.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to encourage an open innovation strategy as an easy and effective way to cope with rapid trends and changes, since it demonstrates the complementary between innovation and cooperation, as sources of value creation. From a triple bottom line (TBL) perspective, it also highlights that CSR must include social, economic and environmental initiatives, and should be a part of the firms' innovation strategy. As a result, managers who intend to contribute for society in the long term should plan, monitor and manage all CSR dimensions.
Disruption or reproduction? Nativity, gender and online dating in Canada
Authors: Qian Yue
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The spread of the Internet has transformed the dating landscape. Given the increasing popularity of online dating and rising immigration to Canada, this study takes an intersectional lens to examine nativity and gender differentials in heterosexual online dating.

Design/methodology/approach

In 2018, a random-digit-dial telephone survey was conducted in Canada. Logistic regression models were used to analyze original data from this survey (N = 1,373).

Findings

Results show that immigrants are more likely than native-born people to have used online dating in Canada, possibly because international relocation makes it more difficult for immigrants to meet romantic partners in other ways. In online-to-offline transitions, both native-born and immigrant online daters follow gendered scripts where men ask women out for a first date. Finally, immigrant men, who likely have disadvantaged positions in offline dating markets, also experience the least success in finding a long-term partner online.

Originality/value

Extending search theory of relationship formation to online dating, this study advances the understanding of change and continuity in gendered rituals and mate-selection processes in the digital and globalization era. Integrating search theory and intersectionality theory, this study highlights the efficiency of using the Internet to search for romantic partners and the socially constructed hierarchy of desirability as interrelated mechanisms that produce divergent online dating outcomes across social groups. Internet dating, instead of acting as an agent of social change, may reproduce normative dating practices and existing hierarchies of desirability.
How B2B marketers interact with customers and develop knowledge to produce a co-owned marketing strategy
Authors: Trim Peter R.J. , Lee Yang-Im
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how senior business to business (B2B) marketing managers within a collectivist culture, contribute to knowledge development by interacting with staff in customer organizations to produce a co-owned marketing strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research strategy incorporating an open-ended questionnaire was used to collect data from 15 senior B2B marketing managers in three Korean companies that deployed the customer-centred approach. The grounded theory technique (Strauss and Corbin, 1998) and the mind map method (Burgess-Allen and Owen-Smith, 2010) were used to show how senior Korean marketing managers’ thoughts are processed and knowledge transfer occurs.

Findings

The findings show that a governance mechanism is instrumental in guiding interactive communication that results in knowledge being used that benefits the members of a partnership arrangement. The knowledge development process is enhanced by mutual trust and emotional bonds that are established through socialization. Cyclical interaction through socialization and frequent (in)formal meetings facilitates the process of turning explicit knowledge into tacit knowledge and vice versa, and encourages new knowledge to be developed. Socialization also helps to reduce learning myopia and contributes to the innovatory processes that result in customer needs being met.

Originality/value

The paper provides insights into the importance of boundary setting that facilitates cooperative marketing action, which results in a B2B integrated marketing intelligence and planning process.
Beyond the triple bottom line: Prosperity, People, Planet, and Prophet in Islamic banking
Authors: Hamidi M. Luthfi , Worthington Andrew C.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to extend the existing triple bottom line framework (Prosperity, People and Planet [so-called 3Ps]) with a new dimension, namely, Prophet, to reflect Islamic values (the now 4Ps) for banks seeking compliance with Islamic religious principles.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a survey of 504 Islamic bank stakeholders across six provinces in Indonesia and use regression analysis to test the applicability of the 4Ps. This paper further examines their application in two large Islamic banks in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Findings

The models are all highly significant and well reflect a broad stakeholder perspective on bank performance. Of the four elements, this study finds stakeholders rank Prosperity first, followed by Prophet and then Planet. The case studies strengthen the application of the new Prophet dimension as a way for Islamic banks to improve their financial, social and economic performance, particularly during periods of financial distress.

Research limitations/implications

This study only uses survey data from a single country, and this may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

Practitioners will find the quadruple bottom line useful in assessing organizational performance, as will regulators seeking to improve the social and economic outcomes of the Islamic banking sector.

Originality/value

This paper internalises maqasid al-syari’ah (the most basic goal of Islamic law) as a simple but essential approach to organizational performance using empirical evidence from a real-world banking setting.
Evidence of the adaptive market hypothesis in shares traded by B3 listed banking companies
Authors: Souza de Souza Paulo Vitor , Tibúrcio Silva César Augusto , Lima Fabiano Guasti
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The authors aim to verify the indicators that influence the efficiency reported by Brazilian listed financial companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of companies in the financial segment that have shares traded in B3, comprising nine institutions from 2000 to 2018 were selected. The authors adopted the regression model with unbalanced panel data to analyze the data. The dependent is the efficiency, which the authors calculated using Hurst Exponent. As independent variables, we used the sector-specific indicators: earnings management, banking resilience, management efficiency, and profitability. The authors controlled the models by size and type of control.

Findings

The findings indicate that the efficiency of financial companies' securities is affected by aspects related to management, resilience, and efficiency in administration. The lower the earnings management, the greater the banking resilience, the efficiency in the management of resources, and the efficiency of stock prices of these companies. These results show that efficiency is affected by intrinsic factors of the entities, corroborating the hypothesis that markets adapt, among others, to institutional factors.

Originality/value

Many users of financial institutions understand whether their stock prices reflect the information provided by accounting. The findings are original because they provide evidence that institutional factors affect the efficiency of companies in the Brazilian financial segment.
Nexus of E-government, cybersecurity and corruption on public service (PSS) sustainability in Asian economies using fixed-effect and random forest algorithm
Authors: Abbas Hafiz Syed Mohsin , Qaisar Zahid Hussain , Xu Xiaodong , Sun Chunxia
Published: September 2021

Purpose

E-government development (EGD) is vital in enhancing the institutional quality and sustainable public service (SPS) delivery by eradicating corruption and cybersecurity crimes.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study applied econometric fixed-effect (FE) regression analysis and random forest (RF) algorithm through machine learning for comprehensive estimations in achieving SPS. This study gauges the nexus between the EGD as an independent variable and public service sustainability (PSS) as a proxy of public health services as a dependent variable in the presence of two moderators, corruption and cybersecurity indices from 47 Asian countries economies from 2015 to 2019.

Findings

The computational estimation and econometric findings show that EGD quality has improved with time in Asia and substantially promoted PSS. It further explores that exercising corruption control measures and introducing sound cybersecurity initiatives enhance PSS's quality and support the EDG effect much better.

Practical implications

The study concludes that E-Government has positively impacted PSS (healthcare) in Asia while controlling cybersecurity and institutional malfunctioning made an E-Government system healthier and SPS development in Asia.

Originality/value

This study added a novel contribution to existing E-Government and public services literature by comprehensively applied FE regression and RF algorithm analysis. Moreover, E-Government and cybersecurity improvement also has taken under consideration for PSS in Asian economies.
The saga of a Chinese company being listed on a US stock exchange – a global financial reporting case study
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Jayanti , Guo Hongtao , Lam Miranda , Liu Jinying
Published: September 2021

Research methodology

We obtained information on China Gerui from secondary published sources, including annual reports downloaded from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) EDGAR database, news sites and newspapers, the company’s website and journal articles. One of the authors visited the China Gerui plant in Henan, China.

Case overview/synopsis

China Gerui, a Chinese metal fabrication company, enjoyed exponential growth because of its location, product innovation and ability to move up the value chain. At the height of its success, the company listed on the Nasdaq and had plans to raise capital to fund ambitious expansion plans. Unfortunately, four years after listing on Nasdaq, the company received a letter from the listing qualifications department notifying China Gerui that they were not in compliance with Nasdaq’s filing requirements because it had not filed its Form 20-F. Now, the company had only five days to decide whether to request an appeal of the letter.

Complexity academic level

This case is best suited for higher-level undergraduate accounting and finance courses such as intermediate accounting, auditing, international accounting, financial statement analysis, corporate finance and investments analysis. It is especially appropriate for graduate-level global accounting and advanced financial statement analysis courses. In these courses, the best placement is after coverage of SEC regulations and requirements for financial statement reporting and disclosure. Moreover, the case may be used as a tool to demonstrate the step-by-step process for searching and retrieving information from a public company’s filings through the SEC’s EDGAR database.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
A logic model of the implementation of a regional workforce strategy in positive behavioural support
Authors: Noone Steve , Branch Alison , Sherring Melissa
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Positive behavioural support (PBS) as a framework for delivering quality services is recognised in important policy documents (CQC, 2020; NICE, 2018), yet there is an absence in the literature on how this could be implemented on a large scale. The purpose of this paper is to describe a recent implementation of a workforce strategy to develop PBS across social care and health staff and family carers, within the footprint of a large integrated care system.

Design/methodology/approach

A logic model describes how an initial scoping exercise led to the production of a regional workforce strategy based on the PBS Competence Framework (2015). It shows how the creation of a regional steering group was able to coordinate important developmental stages and integrate multiple agencies into a single strategy to implement teaching and education in PBS. It describes the number of people who received teaching and education in PBS and the regional impact of the project in promoting cultural change within services.

Findings

This paper demonstrates a proof of concept that it is possible to translate the PBS Competency Framework (2015) into accredited courses. Initial scoping work highlighted the ineffectiveness of traditional training in PBS. Using blended learning and competency-based supervision and assessment, it was possible to create a new way to promote large-scale service developments in PBS supported by the governance of a new organisational structure. This also included family training delivered by family trainers. This builds on the ideas by Denne et al. (2020) that many of the necessary building blocks of implementation already exist within a system.

Social implications

A co-ordinated teaching and education strategy in PBS may help a wide range of carers to become more effective in supporting the people they care for.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to describe the implementation of a framework for PBS within a defined geographical location. It describes the collaboration of health and social care planners and a local university to create a suite of courses built around the PBS coalition competency framework.
Diversity of β‐hemolysins produced by the human opportunistic streptococci
Authors: Tabata Atsushi , Nagamune Hideaki
Published: September 2021

The genus Streptococcus infects a broad range of hosts, including humans. Some species, such as S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae, S. pneumoniae, and S. mutans, are recognized as the major human pathogens, and their pathogenicity toward humans has been investigated. However, many of other streptococcal species have been recognized as opportunistic pathogens in humans, and their clinical importance has been underestimated. In our previous study, the Anginosus group streptococci (AGS) and Mitis group streptococci (MGS) showed clear β‐hemolysis on blood agar, and the factors responsible for the hemolysis were homologs of two types of β‐hemolysins, cholesterol‐dependent cytolysin (CDC) and streptolysin S (SLS). In contrast to the regular β‐hemolysins produced by streptococci (typical CDCs and SLSs), genetically, structurally, and functionally atypical β‐hemolysins have been observed in AGS and MGS. These atypical β‐hemolysins are thought to affect and contribute to the pathogenic potential of opportunistic streptococci mainly inhabiting the human oral cavity. In this review, we introduce the diverse characteristics of β‐hemolysin produced by opportunistic streptococci, focusing on the species/strains belonging to AGS and MGS, and discuss their pathogenic potential.
‘Social distancing’ between plants may amplify coastal restoration at early stage
Authors: Huang Hao , Xu Chi , Liu Quan‐Xing
Published: September 2021

Ecological restoration is crucial to counteract the degradation of coastal ecosystems. Recent studies increasingly suggest that coastal restoration success can be amplified by harnessing positive interactions between individuals of foundation species, with clumped spatial designs as an easy‐to‐implement approach. However, positive interactions are strongly context dependent, making it often difficult to tell a priori if clumped configurations would necessarily enhance survival and growth. Another uncertainty is that the relevance of below‐ground spatial configuration remains unclear.

Here, using the clonal plant speciesScirpus mariqueteras the material, we conducted a full‐factorial transplanting experiment mimicking short‐term restoration of coastal vegetation to test for the effects of above‐ground spatial pattern and below‐ground (rhizome) connectance on restoration efficiency.

An unexpected finding is that clumped above‐ground spatial patterns and high below‐ground rhizome connectance resulted in lower restoration efficiency forScirpus, reflected by lower recolonization rates and vegetation cover. Such effect of spatial configuration was especially pronounced during the early post‐transplantation stage, and was robust in both high and low wave‐stressed conditions. Particularly, the recolonization rate in the clumped treatment was only about half of that in the random and regular treatments forScirpusin the 4 weeks after the transplantation. The stark contrast between our results and previous work may be explained by the differences in plant traits that can substantially shape the net outcomes of plant–plant interactions.

Synthesis and applications. Our in situ experiment using flexibleScirpusdemonstrates that higher extents of plant distancing represented by regular above‐ground patterns and lower below‐ground connectance can result in amplified restoration efficiency. In contrast to previous work showing the advantage of clumped designs in coastal restoration, our results suggest that optimal spatial designs may be context dependent, and can be pursued through thoughtful manipulative experiment in the field. Our work highlights the necessity of considerations on biotic attributes for restoration designs by means of harnessing positive interactions, and advances the applications of facilitation theory in ecological restoration practices.
“What Stood Out was How Much Pressure the System had Been Under”
Authors: Tarran Brian
Published: September 2021

Siobhan Tuohy-Smith and Ed Humpherson discuss the state of the UK statistical system, its response to the demands of Covid, and preparing for what comes next. Interview by Brian Tarran
A Closer Look at the Lady Tasting Tea
Authors: Richardson John T. E.
Published: September 2021

John T. E. Richardson provides an update on Dr Blanche Muriel Bristol – the lady who reportedly claimed to be able to tell whether the milk or the tea had been added first to her cups of tea
Gender (in)equality in Australia: good intentions and unintended consequences
Authors: Kulik Carol T
Published: September 2021

Gender inequality is a complex problem with multiple interrelated indicators (e.g. underrepresentation of women in leadership roles, gender pay gaps). Our academic community has been following a three‐step ‘script’ to motivate organisations to act on gender inequality: we document the inequality, we build a business case for equality, and we advocate solutions to correct inequality. But too often, our well‐meant messages have negative consequences. We may be inadvertently presenting gender inequality as an intractable problem and creating unrealistic expectations among stakeholders about gender equality benefits and gender inequality solutions. As stakeholders become impatient with Australia’s slow progress toward gender equality, we may need to reconsider this strategy. Academic researchers may be more successful change agents if we are more deliberate about highlighting the interconnections among gender inequality indicators, identifying the organisational value of gender equality beyond financial performance, and advocating small‐scale structural changes alongside large‐scale interventions.
Primary mediastinal large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Yu Yating , Dong Xifeng , Tu Meifeng , Wang Huaquan
Published: September 2021

Primary mediastinal large B cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is an aggressive large B cell lymphoma originating in the mediastinum, that mainly expresses B cell surface molecules, such as CD19, CD20, CD22, andCD79a. Clinically, they are characterized by rapidly increasing anterior mediastinal masses, which can cause compression of the surrounding tissues. The diagnosis of PMBCL mainly depends on the pathological features, imaging examination and clinical features. Currently, the most commonly used therapeutic regimens are R‐CHOP and R‐EPOCH. Radiotherapy is beneficial in some patients, but it can also lead to long‐term toxicity. The research and development of novel therapies are ongoing, and some studies have achieved encouraging results, including those conducted on chimeric antigen receptor‐modified T (CAR‐T) cell therapy and anti‐PD‐1 drugs. However, randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are still needed. Positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (PET‐CT) is mainly used to assess the curative effect after treatment and to guide the subsequent treatment strategy.
Is Legal Harmonization Always Better? The Counter‐Case of Utility Models
Authors: Cahoy Daniel R. , Oswald Lynda J.
Published: September 2021

Policy makers and international institutions have long maintained that the global business environment is best supported when countries harmonize by adopting substantially uniform legal structures. This is particularly true in the context of intellectual property rights. When such national systems are similar, we believe that investment is undergirded and market participation is facilitated. However, this assumption may be incorrect in some cases. Marginal disharmony in certain intellectual property rights may provide countries space for experimentation while not impeding effective management of global intellectual property portfolios at the firm level. As evidence, we look to the utility model. This long‐standing form of invention right is conspicuously and surprisingly unstandardized across the world, yet our analysis, using PATSTAT data, reveals that firms are able to negotiate this disharmony effectively. We employ a novel empirical method that tracks U.S.‐priority patents to establish that firms use utility models to optimize their overall appropriability needs by region. Our study finds evidence that a firm may choose standard patent protection in one region and utility model protection in another, even though standard patent protection is available in both settings. We propose that a “zone of appropriability preference” exists when utility models and standard patents overlap, and this zone provides important strategic opportunities to firms with global intellectual property portfolios. Our study thus provides an important counter‐case for harmonization of national intellectual property laws. As a result, we suggest that such efforts be undertaken with more caution; in some cases, harmonization may do more harm than good.
Effect of intravenous ghrelin administration, combined with alcohol, on circulating metabolome in heavy drinking individuals with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Kärkkäinen Olli , Farokhnia Mehdi , Klåvus Anton , Auriola Seppo , Lehtonen Marko , Deschaine Sara L. , Piacentino Daria , Abshire Kelly M. , Jackson Shelley N. , Leggio Lorenzo
Published: September 2021

Background

Ghrelin may influence several alcohol‐related behaviors in animals and humans by modulating central and/or peripheral biological pathways. The aim of this exploratory analysis was to investigate associations between ghrelin administration and the human circulating metabolome during alcohol exposure in nontreatment seeking, heavy drinking individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Methods

We used serum samples from a randomized, crossover, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled human laboratory study with intravenous (IV) ghrelin or placebo infusion in two experiments. During each session, participants received a loading dose (3 µg/kg) followed by continuous infusion (16.9 ng/kg/min) of acyl ghrelin or placebo. The first experiment included an IV alcohol self‐administration (IV‐ASA) session and the second experiment included an IV alcohol clamp (IV‐AC) session, both with the counterbalanced infusion of ghrelin or placebo. Serum metabolite profiles were analyzed from repeated blood samples collected during each session.

Results

In both experiments, ghrelin infusion was associated with an altered serum metabolite profile, including significantly increased levels of cortisol (IV‐ASA q‐value = 0.0003 and IV‐AC q < 0.0001), corticosterone (IV‐ASA q = 0.0202 and IV‐AC q < 0.0001), and glycochenodeoxycholic acid (IV‐ASA q = 0.0375 and IV‐AC q = 0.0013). In the IV‐ASA experiment, ghrelin infusion increased levels of cortisone (q = 0.0352) and fatty acids 18:1 (q = 0.0406) and 18:3 (q = 0.0320). Moreover, in the IV‐AC experiment, ghrelin infusion significantly increased levels of glycocholic acid (q < 0.0001) and phenylalanine (q = 0.0458).

Conclusion

IV ghrelin infusion, combined with IV alcohol administration, was associated with increases in the circulating metabolite levels of corticosteroids and glycine‐conjugated bile acids, among other changes. Further research is needed to understand the role that metabolomic changes play in the complex interaction between ghrelin and alcohol.
Predictors of prolonged grief disorder in Chinese elderly shidu parents: The role of perceived stigma and perceived stress
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Ren Longfei , Wang Qiong , Long Meijun , Wu Hui , Wang Yang
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Parents who have lost their only child and over the age of 60 are known as elderly shidu parents. This study aimed to investigate predictors of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) among Chinese elderly shidu parents.

Methods

Two hundred and ninety‐eight elderly shidu parents from Shenyang were included in this cross‐sectional study. Participants completed a questionnaire including the Prolonged Grief questionnaire‐13 (PG‐13), the PTSD (post‐traumatic stress disorder) Checklist for DSM‐5 (PCL‐5), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scales (CES‐D), the Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the Perceived Stress Scale‐10 (PSS‐10). Multiple linear regression was used to examine socio‐demographic, bereavement‐related and perceived stress associated with PGD symptoms.

Results

The prevalence of PGD among Chinese elderly shidu parents was 13.8%. Among the 41 PGD patients, 29, 39, 36 patients had comorbidity of PTSD, depressive symptoms and anxiety, respectively. Perceived stress, higher educational level, lower annual household income, perceived stigma, violent death of the child, and being in debt were associated with severer PGD symptoms.

Discussion

The present study revealed the prevalence of PGD and the important role of PGD in diagnosing other mental disorders in Chinese elderly shidu parents. Providing financial help, eliminating social stigma, and stress should be included in PGD prevention among Chinese elderly shidu parents.
Review article: the effectiveness of group and self‐help hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome and the implications for improving patients’ choice and access to treatment
Authors: Gillan Carolyn
Published: September 2021

Background

Individual hypnotherapy (IH) is a recognised treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, it is not widely available to patients due to its resource‐intensive nature, lack of adequately trained therapists, and scepticism about hypnosis. Non‐individualised hypnotherapy approaches, such as group and self‐help hypnotherapy, could maximise existing therapist resources by treating more patients at the same time, thus widening patient access to treatment without incurring additional expenditure.

Aims

To investigate the research literature for non‐individualised approaches to hypnotherapy for IBS and to determine their effectiveness for reducing symptom severity and/or providing adequate relief.

Methods

A literature review of published peer‐reviewed studies was conducted. Quantitative research was selected to determine the effectiveness of the interventions.

Results

Ten studies were eligible for inclusion. Three delivered group hypnotherapy, three integrated hypnosis within a group concept, and four utilised a self‐help home hypnotherapy treatment using audio recordings. Both group hypnotherapy for adults and the self‐help home hypnotherapy treatment for children were effective interventions that may be non‐inferior to IH for patients with mild‐to‐moderate symptoms. Treatment benefits were long‐lasting. The evidence for the integrative group concept and home treatment for adults was less compelling.

Conclusions

Group hypnotherapy for adults, and self‐help hypnotherapy for children, may be cost‐effective treatments that can widen access for patients with milder IBS in primary care settings. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of group hypnotherapy for patients with severe, refractory IBS.
Melanoma metastasis, BRAF mutation and GJB5 connexin expression: a new prognostic factor
Authors: Fromme J.E. , Zigrino P.
Published: September 2021

Linked Article:  Scatolini et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:117–128.
Neuroinflammation and immunoregulation in glioblastoma and brain metastases: Recent developments in imaging approaches
Authors: Roesler Rafael , Dini Simone Afonso , Isolan Gustavo R
Published: September 2021

Brain tumors and brain metastases induce changes in brain tissue remodeling that lead to immunosuppression and trigger an inflammatory response within the tumor microenvironment. These immune and inflammatory changes can influence invasion and metastasis. Other neuroinflammatory and necrotic lesions may occur in patients with brain cancer or brain metastases as sequelae from treatment with radiotherapy. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary malignant brain cancer in adults. Imaging methods such as positron emission tomography (PET) and different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques are highly valuable for the diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation of GBM and other malignant brain tumors. However, differentiating between tumor tissue and inflamed brain tissue with imaging protocols remains a challenge. Here, we review recent advances in imaging methods that have helped to improve the specificity of primary tumor diagnosis versus evaluation of inflamed and necrotic brain lesions. We also comment on advances in differentiating metastasis from neuroinflammation processes. Recent advances include the radiosynthesis of 18F-FIMP, an L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1)-specific PET probe that allows clearer differentiation between tumor tissue and inflammation compared to previous probes, and the combination of different advanced imaging protocols with the inclusion of radiomics and machine learning algorithms.
Impaired aldosterone response to ACTH without hypoaldosteronism: An unrecognized secretory pattern in search of clinical implications
Authors: Marcus Yonit , Shefer Gabi , Tordjman Karen , Sofer Yael , Greenman Yona , Stern Naftali
Published: September 2021

Context

Aldosterone has been recently characterized as a 'stress hormone'. Stress per se elicits a sizable rise in aldosterone secretion, which could be replicated by the administration of a low dose (0.03–1 μg, IV) of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Whether or not the aldosterone response to ACTH could be selectively impaired, that is, in association with intact cortisol response, is presently unknown.

Objective

To determine whether or not the aldosterone response to low dose of ACTH is impaired in subjects referred to assess the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA).

Design

Retrospective analysis.

Setting

Outpatient referral endocrine day care centre.

Patients

One hundred and ninety‐five consecutive subjects who underwent the low dose (1 μg) ACTH test, in whom decreased cortisol reserve was suspected due to former/present glucocorticoid excess, pituitary disease or/and unexplained weakness.

Main Outcome Measures

The outcome was the detection of lack of aldosterone response, defined as a rise <111 pmol/l.

Results

In all, 46/195 subjects had subnormal aldosterone response as compared with 52/195 subjects showing diminished cortisol response. Nine subjects had combined deficient aldosterone and cortisol response. In the 37 subjects with isolated subnormal aldosterone response common associations were the use of exogenous glucocorticoids, mostly prednisone (n = 16); former Cushing disease (n = 2); nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (n = 8); hypothyroidism (n = 11); the use of statins (n = 11), angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (n = 6), sex steroids in transgenders and orthostatic hypotension (n = 3). Twenty‐seven percent (25/93) of the subjects with recent exposure to glucocorticoids had impaired aldosterone response to ACTH.

Conclusion

Blunted aldosterone response to ACTH in the absence of hypoaldosteronism was seen in ~27% of subjects referred for HPA assessment using the low dose 1 μg ACTH test. Exposure to glucocorticoid excess was often linked to this impairment, independent of the cortisol response to ACTH.
Pyroptosis: A promising therapeutic target for noninfectious diseases
Authors: Li Tong , Zheng Guangjuan , Li Ben , Tang Lipeng
Published: September 2021

Pyroptosis, which is characterized by gasdermin family protein‐mediated pore formation, cellular lysis and the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, is a form of programmed cell death associated with intracellular pathogens‐induced infection. However, emerging evidence indicates that pyroptosis also contributes to sterile inflammation. In this review, we will first illustrate the biological process of pyroptosis. Then, we will focus on the pathogenic effects of pyroptosis on multiple noninfectious disorders. At last, we will characterize several specific pyroptotic inhibitors targeting the pyroptotic signalling pathway. These data demonstrate that pyroptosis plays a prominent role in sterile diseases, thereby providing a promising approach to the treatment of noninfective inflammatory disorders.
Pheochromocytoma presenting as a pancreatic mass: Avoiding a dangerous pitfall in endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration biopsy using GATA3 immunostain
Authors: Kebe Radulović Maja , Strojan Fležar Margareta
Published: September 2021

Pheochromocytomas and sympathetic paragangliomas are rare tumours arising from chromaffin cells, producing catecholamines in various amounts. Fatal hypertensive episodes may occur perioperatively, which are preventable by alpha adrenergic receptor blockers. The perioperative mortality rate of diagnosed versus undiagnosed catecholamine‐producing tumours is significant, considering that only a minority of tumours develop metastasis. Herein we describe a case of a primary adrenal pheochromocytoma referred to as a pancreatic tumour, successfully diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration biopsy, with a distinct morphology (prominent nuclear anisonucleosis, intranuclear pseudoinclusions, and multinucleation) and immunohistochemical signature.
Identifying important connectivity areas for the wide‐ranging Asian elephant across conservation landscapes of Northeast India
Authors: Vasudev Divya , Goswami Varun R. , Srinivas Nishanth , Syiem Biang La Nam , Sarma Aishanya
Published: September 2021

Aim

Connectivity is increasingly important for landscape‐scale conservation programmes. Yet there are obstacles to developing reliable connectivity maps, including paucity of data on animal use of the non‐habitat matrix. Our aim was to identify important connectivity areas for the endangered Asian elephant Elephas maximus across a 21,210 km2 region using empirical data and recently developed animal movement models.

Location

Northeast India.

Methods

We interviewed 1,184 respondents, primarily farmers, residing across our study region, to collect crowd‐sourced data on elephant use of the matrix. We generated a classified land use/land cover map and collated remotely sensed data on environmental and anthropogenic covariates. We used logistic regression to estimate the influence of these covariates on resistance, based on elephant detections recorded via interviews. We modelled elephant movement within the randomised shortest path framework, which allows for scenarios ranging from optimal movement with complete information on the landscape to random movement with no information on the landscape. We calculated the passage of elephants through pixels in our study region, a parameter that denotes the expected number of elephant movements through a particular pixel across movement routes. We overlaid linear infrastructure sourced from secondary data, and human–elephant conflict hotspots generated from our interview data, on passage maps.

Results

Elephants preferred locations with high vegetation cover, close to forests and with low human population density. We mapped important connectivity areas across the study region, including in three important conservation landscapes. Whilst forests facilitated connectivity, the matrix also played an important contributory role to elephant dispersal. Incorporating information on environmental and anthropogenic drivers of elephant movement added value to connectivity predictions.

Main conclusions

Fine‐scale mapping of connectivity, using empirical data and realistic movement models, such as the approach we use, can provide for informed and more effective landscape‐scale conservation.