bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term Results of Totally Laparoscopic Near-total Gastrectomy for Middle-third Gastric Cancer
Authors: Vu Tuan Anh Nguyen , Duy Long Vo , Lam Vuong Nguyen , Viet Hai Nguyen , Le Minh Quoc Ho , Quang Dat Tran , Quang Thong Dang , Thuy Nguyen Doan , Hoang Bac Nguyen , Trung Tin Nguyen
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

In recent years, laparoscopic near-total gastrectomy (LnTG) has emerged as a surgical option for gastric cancer in the middle-third of the stomach. However, its application in locally advanced stages presents technical challenges. This study aims to provide a detailed analysis of the operative outcomes and long-term functional and oncological results of totally LnTG in combination with D2 lymphadenectomy for middle-third gastric cancer.

Patients and Method:

A prospective study was conducted on 79 patients who underwent totally LnTG and D2 lymphadenectomy for middle-third gastric cancer between January 2017 and December 2021. Short-term outcomes included operative characteristics, and the evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux and gastric remnant condition using endoscopy based on the Los Angeles (LA) and Residue-Gastritis-Bile classifications. Long-term oncological outcomes included overall survival and disease-free survival.

Results:

Totally LnTG was successfully performed in 98.7% of patients without intraoperative complications or conversions to laparotomy. The mean operation time was 202.2±43.0 min, and the median blood loss was 50 (50;100) mL. The overall incidence of postoperative morbidities was 16.5%, with one patient experiencing a narrowing of the gastrojejunostomy, successfully treated by endoscopic balloon dilation. All patients had tumor-free resection margins, and there were no mortalities. The 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were 80% and 55%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Totally LnTG is an effective and feasible approach for gastric cancer in the middle-third of the stomach, yielding favorable short-term outcomes and acceptable long-term results. Routine application of totally LnTG for middle-third gastric cancer is practical and promising.
Chitinophaga nivalis sp. nov., isolated from forest soil in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea
Authors: Trinh Ngoc Hoang , Kim Jaisoo
Published: August 2023

Rod-shaped Gram-stain-negative, aerobic bacterial strains, designated PC14 and PC15T, were isolated from a forest soil sample collected in Pyeongchang county, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea. Strains PC14 and PC15T grew at 15–37 °C (optimum, 28–30 °C in tryptone soya agar and Mueller–Hinton agar), hydrolysed chitin and casein, and tolerated pH 8.5 and 2 % (w/v) NaCl. The strains were most closely related to members of the genus

Chitinophaga

, namely

Chitinophaga arvensicola

DSM 3695T (98.4 %),

Chitinophaga longshanensis

Z29T (98.3 %),

Chitinophaga ginsengisegetis

Gsoil 040T (97.8 %),

Chitinophaga polysaccharea

MRP-15T (97.8 %) and

Chitinophaga niastensis

JS16-4T (97.7 %). The type strain grew well on conventional commercial media in the laboratory, including tryptone soya agar, Mueller–Hinton agar, Reasoner's 2A agar, nutrient agar and Luria–Bertani agar. The major polar lipid profile comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid and unidentified polar lipids. The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7. The main fatty acids were iso-C15:0, C16:1 ω5c, C16:0 3-OH, iso-C15:0 3-OH and iso-C17:0 3-OH. The DNA G+C content of the isolated strain based on the whole genome sequence was 46.6 mol%. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strains PC14 and PC15T and the reference type strains ranged from 71.0 to 76.5 %, and from 20.3 to 20.7 %, respectively. Based on phenotypic, chemotypic and genotypic evidence, strain PC15T could be differentiated phylogenetically and phenotypically from the recognized species of the genus

Chitinophaga

. Therefore, strain PC15T is considered to represent a novel species, for which the name Chitinophaga nivalis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PC15T (=KACC 22893T=JCM 35788T).
Shinella sedimenti sp. nov., isolated from sediment of Zhairuo Island located in the East China Sea
Authors: Chen Gen , He Min , Li Ke-Jing , Zheng Kai-Wen , Tang Xing-Xing , Debnath Sanjit Chandra , Wang Pin-Mei , Guo Zhen , Hong Yi , Zheng Dao-Qiong
Published: August 2023

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped and aerobic bacterial strain B3.7T, was isolated from the sediment of Zhairuo Island, Zhoushan city, Zhejiang Province, PR China. Maximum growth of strain B3.7Twas observed at 30 °C when cultured in a medium containing 0.5 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences demonstrated that strain B3.7Tbelonged to the genusShinella; it showed the highest sequence similarity of 98.47 % toShinella kummerowiaeCCBAU 25048T. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain B3.7Tand its reference strains were 82.9–84.2 % and 26.1–27.3 %, respectively. Chemotaxonomic analysis indicated that the sole respiratory quinone was Q-10 and the predominant cellular fatty acids were C19 : 0cycloω8c, C16 : 0, C18 : 1 ω7c11-methyl and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7cand/or C18 : 1 ω6c). The polar lipid profile was composed of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified phospholipids and two unidentified aminolipids. Collectively, strain B3.7Tcan be considered to represent a novel species, for which the nameShinella sedimentisp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B3.7T(=MCCC 1K07163T=LMG 32559T).
Genetic diversity, recombination and cross-species transmission of a waterbird gammacoronavirus in the wild
Authors: François Sarah , Nazki Salik , Vickers Stephen H. , Fournié Guillaume , Perrins Christopher M. , Broadbent Andrew J. , Pybus Oliver G. , Hill Sarah C.
Published: August 2023

Viruses emerging from wildlife can cause outbreaks in humans and domesticated animals. Predicting the emergence of future pathogens and mitigating their impacts requires an understanding of what shapes virus diversity and dynamics in wildlife reservoirs. In order to better understand coronavirus ecology in wild species, we sampled birds within a coastal freshwater lagoon habitat across 5 years, focussing on a large population of mute swans (Cygnus olor) and the diverse species that they interact with. We discovered and characterised the full genome of a divergent gammacoronavirus belonging to the Goose coronavirus CB17 species. We investigated the genetic diversity and dynamics of this gammacoronavirus using untargeted metagenomic sequencing of 223 faecal samples from swans of known age and sex, and RT-PCR screening of 1632 additional bird samples. The virus circulated persistently within the bird community; virus prevalence in mute swans exhibited seasonal variations, but did not change with swan age-class or epidemiological year. One whole genome was fully characterised, and revealed that the virus originated from a recombination event involving an undescribed gammacoronavirus species. Multiple lineages of this gammacoronavirus co-circulated within our study population. Viruses from this species have recently been detected in aquatic birds from both the Anatidae and Rallidae families, implying that host species habitat sharing may be important in shaping virus host range. As the host range of the Goose coronavirus CB17 species is not limited to geese, we propose that this species name should be updated to ‘Waterbird gammacoronavirus 1’. Non-invasive sampling of bird coronaviruses may provide a tractable model system for understanding the evolutionary and cross-species dynamics of coronaviruses.
TAPSE, Tissue Doppler Systolic annular velocity(S’) and myocardial performance Index (MPI) as a predictor of proximal RCA occlusion in acute inferior wall myocardial ST elevation infarction
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Meena Chandra Bhan , Babbar Navida , Mahla Himanshu , Sharma Shashi Mohan , Bagarhatta Rajeev , Agrawal V.V. , Pathak Vijay , Maheshwari Deepak , Shekhawat Dhananjay , Ankita
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Assessment of RV function to predict proximal RCA stenosis and identification of higher-risk patients in IWMI by echocardiographic parameters.

Study design

Two-arm, single-center cross-sectional study in SMS medical college and Hospital Jaipur.

Methods

We enrolled 67 patients with first episode of acute IWMI within 24 hours of symptom onset. TAPSE, S’, and MPI were measured. Within one month, patients underwent coronary angiogram or intervention. Based on angiographic findings patients divided into group A (significant proximal RCA stenosis) and group B (without significant proximal RCA stenosis).

Results

25 patients were in group A and 42 in group B. RV involvement was significant among patients with proximal RCA stenosis. A significantly low SBP, DBP, HR, and raised JVP, NT-pro BNP, Troponin I with ST elevation V4R, RV diastolic dysfunction, arrhythmia, and underwent intervention were found among the group with proximal RCA stenosis.

Patients with proximal RCA stenosis had significantly low TAPSE-M, ET-PW, ET by TDI, S’, E’, RVFAC, and high MPI by PW, IRT by TDI, ICT by TDI, MPI by TDI on ECHO.

Sensitivity to detect proximal RCA stenosis by TAPSE-M mode 92%, MPI by TDI 88%, and 100% specificity by S’ by TDI < 10 cm/s, MPI by TDI, and ST elevation V4R.

Conclusion

Echocardiographic assessment of RV parameters like TAPSE, S’ velocity, and MPI are useful in predicting proximal RCA as infarct-related artery in IWMI. Patients with proximal RCA stenosis had raised JVP, NT-proBNP, Troponin I, ST elevation V4R, RV diastolic dysfunction, arrhythmia and underwent intervention.
Effects of Benzodiazepine Exposure on Real-World Clinical Outcomes in Individuals at Clinical High-Risk for Psychosis
Authors: Livingston Nicholas R. , De Micheli Andrea , McCutcheon Robert , Butler Emma , Hamdan Marwa , Grace Anthony A. , McGuire Philip , Egerton Alice , Fusar-Poli Paolo , Modinos Gemma
Published: August 2023

Background

Animal models indicate GABAergic dysfunction in the development of psychosis, and that benzodiazepine (BDZ) exposure can prevent the emergence of psychosis-relevant phenotypes. However, whether BDZ exposure influences the risk of psychosis in humans is unknown.

Methods

This observational-cohort study used electronic health record data from 818 individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHR-P) to investigate whether BDZ exposure (including hypnotics e.g., zopiclone) reduces the risk of developing psychosis and adverse clinical outcomes. Cox proportional-hazards models were employed in both the whole-unmatched sample, and a propensity score matched (PSM) subsample.

Results

567 CHR-P individuals were included after data cleaning (105 BDZ-exposed, 462 BDZ-unexposed). 306 (54%) individuals were male, and the mean age was 22.3 years (SD 4.9). The BDZ-exposed and BDZ-unexposed groups differed on several demographic and clinical characteristics, including psychotic symptom severity. In the whole-unmatched sample, BDZ exposure was associated with increased risk of transition to psychosis (HR=1.61; 95%CI:1.03-2.52;P=0.037), psychiatric hospital admission (HR=1.93; 95%CI:1.13-3.29;P=0.017), home visit (HR=1.64; 95%CI:1.18-2.28;P=0.004), and A&E attendance (HR=1.88; 95%CI:1.31-2.72;P<0.001). However, after controlling for confounding-by-indication through PSM, BDZ exposure did not modulate the risk of any outcomes (allP>0.05). In analysis restricted to antipsychotic-naïve individuals, BDZ exposurereducedthe risk of transition to psychosis at trend-level (HR=0.59; 95%CI:0.32-1.08;P=0.089).

Conclusions

BDZ exposure in CHR-P individuals was not associated with a reduction in the risk of psychosis transition or other adverse clinical outcomes. Results in the whole-unmatched sample suggest BDZ prescription may be more likely in CHR-P individuals with higher symptom severity.
Radiologically Visible Intraspinal Air Was Very Common After Epidural Access Attempts Among Our Peripartum Patients Who Had Undergone Radiological Examinations
Authors: Gupta Deepak
Published: August 2023

Background

The incidence of intracranial air after neuraxial access attempts was recently quantified. Therefore, the incidence of intraspinal air after neuraxial access attempts needs to be quantified.

Objective

To ascertain how common was radiologically visible intraspinal air per computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MR) of spine among our peripartum patients.

Methods

For a seven-year period (July 1, 2015-June 30, 2022), medical records of our peripartum patients who had undergone CT/MR of spine were retrospectively reviewed to rule out the presence of recent neuraxial access attempts before their radiological examinations of spine. Concurrently, those radiological examinations of spine were reviewed to rule out the presence of radiologically visible intraspinal air.

Results

Among 27 peripartum patients who had undergone CT/MR of spine during the seven-year period, 24 peripartum patients had received recent neuraxial access attempts prior to their radiological examinations wherein 25% had radiologically visible intraspinal air. However, as none of the spinal-only access patients had radiologically visible intraspinal air, intraspinal air was radiologically visible among 32% patients who had recent epidural access attempts.

Conclusion

Radiologically visible intraspinal air was very common after epidural access attempts among our peripartum patients who had undergone radiological examinations.
Polygenic Risk Score Improves Prediction of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Onset in the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study
Authors: Singh Rishabh K. , Zhao Yan , Elze Tobias , Fingert John , Gordon Mae , Kass Michael A. , Luo Yuyang , Pasquale Louis R. , Scheetz Todd , Segrè Ayellet V. , Wiggs Janey L. , Zebardast Nazlee
Published: August 2023

Objective or Purpose

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a highly heritable disease with 127 identified risk loci. Polygenic risks score (PRS) offers a measure of aggregate genetic burden. In this study, we assess whether PRS improves risk stratification in patients with ocular hypertension.

Design

A post-hoc analysis of the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) data.

Setting, Participants, and/or Controls

1636 participants were followed from 1994 to 2020 across 22 sites. The PRS was computed for 1009 OHTS participants using summary statistics from largest cross-ancestry POAG metanalysis with weights trained using 8,813,496 variants from 488,395 participants in the UK Biobank.

Methods, Interventions, or Testing

Survival regression analysis, with endpoint as development of POAG, predicted disease onset from PRS incorporating baseline covariates.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcome measures were hazard ratios for POAG onset. Concordance index and time-dependent AUC were used to compare the predictive performance of multivariable Cox-Proportional Hazards models.

Results

Mean PRS was significantly higher for POAG-converters (0.24 ± 0.95) than for non-converters (- 0.12 ± 1.00) (p < 0.01). POAG risk increased 1.36% with each higher PRS decile, with conversion ranging from 9.5% in the lowest PRS decile to 21.8% in the highest decile. Comparison of low-and high-risk PRS tertiles showed a 1.8-fold increase in 20-year POAG risk for participants of European and African ancestries (p<0.01). In the subgroup randomized to delayed treatment, each increase in PRS decile was associated with a 0.52-year decrease in age at diagnosis, (p=0.05). No significant linear relationship between PRS and age at POAG diagnosis was present in the early treatment group. Prediction models significantly improved with the addition of PRS as a covariate (C-index = 0.77) compared to OHTS baseline model (C-index=0.75) (p<0.01). One standard deviation higher PRS conferred a mean hazard ratio of 1.25 (CI=[1.13, 1.44]) for POAG onset.

Conclusions

Higher PRS is associated with increased risk for, and earlier development of POAG in patients with ocular hypertension. Early treatment may mitigate the risk from high genetic burden, delaying clinically detectable disease by up to 5.2 years. The inclusion of a PRS improves the prediction of POAG onset.
Non-invasive Imaging Techniques for Monitoring Cellular Response to Treatment in Stable Vitiligo
Authors: Shiu Jessica , Lentsch Griffin , Polleys Christopher M. , Mobasher Pezhman , Ericson Marissa , Georgakoudi Irene , Ganesan Anand K , Balu Mihaela
Published: August 2023

Punch grafting procedures, where small pieces of normal skin are transplanted into stable vitiligo patches, results in repigmentation in only half of patients treated, yet the factors that determine whether a patient responds to treatment or not are still unknown. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is adept at visualizing melanocyte migration and epidermal changes over large areas while multiphoton microscopy (MPM) can capture metabolic changes in keratinocytes. With the overall goal of identifying optical biomarkers for early treatment response, we followed 12 vitiligo lesions undergoing punch grafting. Dendritic melanocytes adjacent to the graft site were observed before clinical evidence of repigmentation in treatment responsive patients but not in treatment non-responsive patients, suggesting that the early visualization of melanocytes is indicative of a therapeutic response. Keratinocyte metabolic changes in vitiligo skin adjacent to the graft site also correlated with treatment response, indicating that a keratinocyte microenvironment that more closely resembles normal skin is more hospitable for migrating melanocytes. Taken together, these studies suggest that successful melanocyte transplantation requires both the introduction of new melanocytes and modulation of the local tissue microenvironment.
Priority healthcare needs amongst people experiencing homelessness in Dublin, Ireland: a qualitative evaluation of community expert experiences and opinions
Authors: Ingram Carolyn , MacNamara Isobel , Buggy Conor , Perrotta Carla
Published: August 2023

In light of evidence that housing-related disparities in mortality are worsening over time, this study aimed to explore the perspectives of experts working in homeless health and addiction services on priority healthcare needs amongst people experiencing homelessness in Dublin, Ireland, a city facing problematic increases in homelessness. As part of a larger qualitative study, a series of semi-structured interviews were carried out with 19 community experts followed by inductive thematic framework analysis to identify emergent themes and sub-themes relating to priority healthcare needs. At the societal level, community experts identified a need to promote a culture that values health equity. At the policy level, accelerating action in addressing health inequalities was recommended with an emphasis on strategic planning, Housing First, social support options, interagency collaboration, improved data linkage and sharing, and auditing. At the health services level, removing barriers to access will require the provision of more and safer mental health, addiction, women-centred, and general practice services; resolved care pathways in relation to crisis points and multi-morbidity; expanded trauma-informed education and training and hospital-led Inclusion Health programmes; and outreach programmes and peer support for chronic disease management. The voices of people experiencing homelessness, including representatives from specific homeless groups such as migrants, youth, and the elderly, must be thoroughly embedded into health and social service design and delivery to facilitate impactful change.
Defense mechanism of a bacterial retron supramolecular assembly
Authors: Wang Yanjing , Wang Chen , Guan Zeyuan , Cao Jie , Xu Jia , Wang Shuangshuang , Cui Yongqing , Wang Qiang , Chen Yibei , Zhang Delin , Sun Ming , Tao Pan , Zou Tingting
Published: August 2023

Retrons are a class of multigene antiphage defense system typically consisting of a retron reverse transcriptase, a non-coding RNA, and a cognate effector. Although the triggers for several retron systems have been discovered recently, the full picture of how retron systems sense invading phages and mediate defense remains to be elucidated. Here, we focus on the retron Ec86 defense system and report its modes of activation and action. We identified a phage-encoded DNA cytosine methyltransferase (Dcm) as the trigger of the Ec86 system and show that Ec86 senses msDNA methylation and becomes activated. We further determined the structure of a tripartite retron Ec86 supramolecular assembly, which is primed for activation by Dcm, and demonstrated that the activated system confers defense through depletion of nucleoside derivatives. These findings emphasize the role of retrons being a second line of defense and highlight an emerging theme of anti-phage defense through supramolecular complex assemblies.
Optimal transport for mapping senescent cells in spatial transcriptomics
Authors: Nguyen Nam D. , Rosas Lorena , Khaliullin Timur , Jiang Peiran , Hasanaj Euxhen , Ovando Jose A. , Bueno Marta , Konigshoff Melanie , Eickelberg Oliver , Rojas Mauricio , Mora Ana L. , Lugo-Martinez Jose , Bar-Joseph Ziv
Published: August 2023

Spatial transcriptomics (ST) provides a unique opportunity to study cellular organization and cell-cell interactions at the molecular level. However, due to the low resolution of the sequencing data additional information is required to utilize this technology, especially for cases where only a few cells are present for important cell types. To enable the use of ST to study senescence we developed scDOT, which combines ST and single cell RNA-Sequencing (scRNA-Seq) to improve the ability to reconstruct single cell resolved spatial maps. scDOT integrates optimal transport and expression deconvolution to learn non-linear couplings between cells and spots and to infer cell placements. Application of scDOT to existing and new lung ST data improves on prior methods and allows the identification of the spatial organization of senescent cells, the identification of their neighboring cells and the identification of novel genes involved in cell-cell interactions that may be driving senescence.
DONSON is required for CMG helicase assembly in the mammalian cell cycle
Authors: Evrin Cecile , Alvarez Vanesa , Ainsworth Johanna , Fujisawa Ryo , Alabert Constance , Labib Karim P.M.
Published: August 2023

DONSON is one of 13 genes mutated in a form of primordial microcephalic dwarfism known as Meier-Gorlin Syndrome. The other 12 encode components of the CDC45-MCM-GINS helicase, around which the eukaryotic replisome forms, or are factors required for helicase assembly during DNA replication initiation. A role for DONSON in CDC45-MCM-GINS assembly was unanticipated, since DNA replication initiation can be reconstitutedin vitrowith purified proteins from budding yeast, which lacks DONSON. Using mouse embryonic stem cells as a model for the mammalian helicase, we show that DONSON binds directly but transiently to CDC45-MCM-GINS during S-phase and is essential for chromosome duplication. Rapid depletion of DONSON leads to the disappearance of the CDC45-MCM-GINS helicase from S-phase cells and our data indicate that DONSON is dispensable for loading of the MCM2-7 helicase core onto chromatin during G1-phase, but instead is essential for CDC45-MCM-GINS assembly during S-phase. These data identify DONSON as a missing link in our understanding of mammalian chromosome duplication and provide a molecular explanation for why mutations in human DONSON are associated with Meier-Gorlin syndrome.
Reclassification of theHPGDp.Ala13Glu variant causing primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy
Authors: Alban Juan J. , Arango-Ramirez Alejandra , Olave-Rodriguez Jorge A. , Nastasi-Catanese Jose A. , Rodriguez Lisa X.
Published: August 2023

Here, we highlight the case of a 31-yr-old man who had clinical features of primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (PHOAR) and harbored a homozygous variant (c.38C > A, p.Ala13Glu) in theHPGDgene, as indicated by whole-exome sequencing (WES). This variant has been previously classified by our laboratory as a variant of uncertain significance (VUS). However, another patient with the same phenotype and the same homozygous variant inHPGDwas subsequently reported. In reassessing the variant, the absence of this variant in the gnomAD population database, supporting computational predictions, observation in homozygosity in two probands, and specificity of the phenotype forHPGD, all provide sufficient evidence to reclassify theHPGDc.38C > A, p.Ala13Glu variant as likely pathogenic.
Can national productions replace imports in West African countries? Estimation of the Marshall–Lerner–Robinson condition (MLRC)
Authors: Oloukoi Laurent
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This article examines if the national productions of West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries can be substituted for the imports by testing MLRC in these countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The Mundell–Fleming model (MMF) is the analytical framework adopted in this paper with import demand and export supply functions estimation borrowed to Thirlwall (1979). This study covers four countries in West Africa from 1990 to 2021. The estimation procedure used is an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach to cointegration.

Findings

The findings reveal that there is a strong marginal propensity to import in the WAEMU countries. The hypothesis of a non-significant price effect on imports in the short-term is confirmed for several countries while only Togo satisfies the MLRC in the short and long run.

Originality/value

This study presents several originalities: (1) it evaluates MLRC with a clear analytical framework; (2) unlike other studies, this article quantifies the MLRC from a theoretical, econometric and empirical point of view; (3) this article presents the results country by country in order to reveal heterogeneity between countries; (4) this study adds to the Marshall–Lerner condition for the derivation of Robinson by considering a situation where initially the trade balance is not in equilibrium.
The future of work: A hybrid work model in a public sector organisation
Authors: Malila Cecilia , Daya Preeya , Bick Geoff
Published: August 2023

Subject area of the teaching case:

This teaching case covers aspects of leadership development, strategy, change management, organisational behaviour, and people management. The case explores the following themes:

Workplace transformation and culture: the challenges and opportunities of remote/hybrid work in large government enterprises and maintaining the culture when moving remote

Leadership and change: the different perspectives that a leader can take into consideration when leading the business during turbulent and uncertain times and managing the change process in large organisations

Strategic decision-making: the application of analytical skills by senior management when making strategic decisions in a business

Student level:

The primary audience for this teaching case is management education programmes including: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), specialist Masters in Management, and certain Executive Education programmes.

Brief overview of the teaching case:

This case deals with a public-sector entity that collects taxation revenue for the South African government. In 2020, the operations of this public entity are severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The mandatory shift of the workforce from in-office to a remote work-from-home set-up, results in the entity switching to a hybrid work model in order to achieve its goals as an essential service. Protagonist Dr Zanele Twazi, executive head of the public entity's research department, is tasked by the commissioner to conduct a review on the hybrid work model. As the commissioner is also in the process of reviving the GSB: 2023-1 The future of work: A hybrid work model in a public sector organisation 2 organisational culture to regain public trust following multiple corruption scandals, the pandemic adds to this pressure. Dr Twazi must share employee feedback on the remote work option. Meanwhile, the leadership team has to decide if the work model will serve this public entity in achieving its strategy, and from an organisational culture viewpoint, if it is the best fit for the future.

Expected learning outcomes:

The key learnings from this case include the following:

Organisational work model: A suitable work model is dependent on the organisational mandate as well as its culture.

Culture and organisational goals: An organisational work model additionally impacts the future sustainability of the organisation and its ability to achieve its short- and long-term goals.

Change management framework: For teams to effectively adapt to a hybrid work model, managers have to be empowered to lead and be able to facilitate the change.
Does e-government development moderate the impact of female labor participation on national cybersecurity maturity? An empirical investigation
Authors: Dev Manimay , Saha Debashis
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship of female participation in labor force with the cybersecurity maturity of nations and the enabling role of e-government development in moderating the same.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have conducted fixed-effects regression using archival data for 149 countries taken from secondary sources. Furthermore, the authors have grouped the sample countries into four levels of cybersecurity maturity (unprepared, reactive, anticipatory and innovative) using clustering techniques, and studied the influence of their interest variables for individual groups.

Findings

Results show that female participation in labor force positively influences national cybersecurity maturity, and e-government development positively moderates the said relationship, thereby enabling the empowerment of women.

Practical implications

Encouraging broader participation of women in the labor force and prioritizing investments in e-government development are essential steps that organizations and governments may take to enhance a country’s cybersecurity maturity level.

Originality/value

This study empirically demonstrates the impact of the nuanced interplay between female participation in labor force and the e-government development of a nation on its cybersecurity maturity.
Examining the attitudes towards further education of students in the bachelor training programmes of higher education
Authors: Cseh-Papp Imola , Varga Erika , Juhász Tímea
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Based on empirical data, this study investigates the intention of BA/BSc students in higher education to either pursue their studies or start working.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses how students' attitudes towards higher education and studying (quality of undergraduate education and performance in higher education), as well as the intention to meet labour market needs, influence the decision of pursuing studies in a Master's programme.

Findings

The main reason why respondents do not intend to pursue their studies is not because they do not want to work. It is primarily the acquisition of knowledge and the motivation to learn that encourages students to stay in higher education. Moreover, individual performance in Bachelor programmes has no influence on the decision made by students to study or work after graduation.

Research limitations/implications

As for the limitations of the study, the authors have to mention that although the survey is based on data from a single country, the similarity of the international and Hungarian previous research results suggests that similar results would have been obtained in an international sample. Furthermore, the impact of the current ongoing epidemic on the further learning of young people in tertiary education at primary level could not be investigated by the authors.

Practical implications

The bivariate logistic regression results show that the correlation between secure job placement in a field of study and the quality of education is not significant. Furthermore, students are primarily motivated by the desire to learn and acquire knowledge. The reasons can therefore be explored based on the analysis of more detailed data, which could be the subject of a subsequent study.

Originality/value

The authors conducted their research in Hungarian higher education at seven universities between 2019 and 2020 to determine the influencing factors of career choice decisions, the degree of students' satisfaction with their selected course, their attitude towards higher education and learning, their job opportunities after graduation and the extent to which their decision is made according to their labour market orientation. Although the study relies on data from a single nation, the similarity between the findings of previous international (Hovdhaugen and Ulriksen, 2021; Sikyr et al., 2019); and Hungarian (Berezvai, 2022; Kiss and Varga, 2022) research suggests that an international sample would have produced similar results.
Sequencing statements: using behaviour sequence analysis with statement analysis to indicate deception
Authors: Richards Yasmin , McClish Mark , Keatley David
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Understanding when an individual is being deceptive is an important part of police and criminal investigations. While investigators have developed multiple methods, the research literature has yet to fully explore some of the newer applied techniques. This study aims to investigate statement analysis, a recent approach in forensic linguistic analysis that has been applied to criminal investigations.

Design/methodology/approach

Real-world statements of individuals exposed as deceptive or truthful were used in the analyses. A behaviour sequence analysis approach is used to provide a timeline analysis of the individuals’ statements.

Findings

Results indicate that sequential patterns are different in deceptive statements compared to truthful statements. For example, deceptive statements were more likely to include vague words and temporal lacunas, to convince investigators into believing that the suspect was not present when the crime occurred. The sample in this research did not use one deceptive indicator, instead, electing to frequently change the order of deceptive indicators. Gaps in deception were also noted, and there was common repetition found in both the deceptive and truthful statements. While gaps are predicted to occur in truthful statements to reflect an absence of deception, gaps occurring in the deceptive statements are likely due to cognitive load.

Originality/value

The current research provides more support for using statement analysis in real-world criminal cases.
The effect of Islamic attributes, destination image, scepticism, perceived value and halal awareness on the intention to engage in Muslim-friendly travel
Authors: Rostiani Rokhima , Firdausi Asri Sekar Mawar , Arini Hilya Mudrika , Mulyani Yun Prihantina , Sunarharum Tri Mulyani
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to empirically test the influence of pull factors on the intention to engage in Muslim-friendly travel. This study proposes a distinct path between Islamic attributes and emotional value and scepticism, along with destination image and its functional value. This study also proposes the role of halal awareness in moderating the relationship between Islamic attributes and scepticism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative approach using an online survey. The authors purposively selected younger individuals who had travelled inside the country at least three times during the past five years. With a total of 416 valid responses, this study used variance-based partial least squares to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that intention to engage in Muslim-friendly travel is positively influenced by emotional and functional values, but negatively by scepticism. Emotional value and scepticism are influenced by Islamic attributes, whereas functional value is influenced by destination image. More specifically, halal awareness is proven to moderate the relationship between Islamic attributes and scepticism, in which individuals with a higher level of halal awareness tend to be less sceptical about halal offerings.

Originality/value

This study supports a previous study in which emotional and functional values are considered differently by consumers. Furthermore, the dual role of Islamic attributes, as pull factors, is confirmed, providing a deeper understanding of its influence on emotional value and scepticism. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is also the first to investigate the role of halal awareness in increasing the level of scepticism among Muslim consumers.
Faculty perceptions of online presence: intercultural considerations
Authors: Yousef Dima , Takshe Aseel A. , Contu Davide
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The Covid-19 pandemic forced educational institution to rapidly switch to online delivery. Even if the pandemic seems to be over, online learning will continue to constitute at least a part of the course’s delivery in the future. With that in mind, this study aims to explore the factors that influence teaching presence online and how these perceptions will guide teachers to adopt practices that will impact their presence accordingly. Given the changes implemented due to the pandemic, this study is essential to identify the significance of teaching and social presence in online classes.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were used to find answers to the posed research questions. Exploring the perceptions and experiences of four university teachers, this study, informed by the community of inquiry (CoI) model, investigated the impact of teaching and social presence on the online learning experience in higher education.

Findings

The findings indicate that teachers acknowledged the importance of these two elements in teaching online. Moreover, the study investigates how teachers could establish teaching and social presence to enhance the online learning experience.

Originality/value

The study explores teachers’ views on the importance of presence, their practices to achieve in an online learning environment and addresses a gap in the literature on “teaching presence from the educator’s perspective, [since] most studies exploring the student’s perspective” (Gurley, 2018, p. 200).
Investigating the asymmetric impact of renewable energy consumption and trade openness for carbon emission abatement using N-ARDL approach: a case of India
Authors: Roy Hiranmoy , Rej Soumen , Rajaiah Jayaraj
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the asymmetric influence of renewable energy consumption (REC) and trade openness (TO) in the pathway of decarbonizing of Indian economy.

Design/methodology/approach

By exploiting fifty years of annual time series data spanning from 1970 to 2019 with the augmentation of nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag technique with the consideration of GDP and industry value added (IVA) as control variables.

Findings

Our This research not only demonstrates the asymmetric association among the employed variables but also shows that negative shock to REC stimulates emissions, where as positive shock on the same policy variable promotes environmental quality improvement. Negative shock to TO is found to be associated with the corresponding increase of environmental quality, but the positive shock on the same intensifies environmental pollution. IVA is also found to be associated with intensifying environmental squalor. In addition, the research provides the empirical evidence of existence of “EKC” hypothesis in India as long-run coefficient associated with GDP looks smaller than short-run coefficient of GDP.

Research limitations/implications

It was difficult to include may other causal variables due to nonavailability of data pertaining to those variables.

Practical implications

Moreover, some policy guidelines have also been recommended for India at the end that may aid India to achieve net zero emissions by 2070.

Originality/value

This is an original research paper carried out by the authors and has not yet been submitted elsewhere.
Current status of low‐density lipoprotein apheresis treatment for patients with peripheral artery disease and chronic kidney disease in Japanese clinical database
Authors: Watanabe Yu , Tanaka Akihito , Furuhashi Kazuhiro , Maruyama Shoichi
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have a poorer prognosis than those without PAD. PAD complications worsen the prognosis of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those on maintenance dialysis. Although low‐density lipoprotein apheresis (LDL‐A) is expected to be effective in treating severe PAD, there are no large‐scale reports on the prognosis of patients undergoing LDL‐A.

Methods

We obtained a clinical database from April 2008 to August 2021 and selected 924 238 patients with CKD. We selected patients with disease codes of lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans, arteriosclerosis obliterans, and critical limb ischemia or foot ulcer. Patients who were prescribed antithrombotic medications were included. Patients who used steroids were excluded. Among these patients, those undergoing blood purification considered LDL‐A were selected, and their current status was investigated.

Results

We included 147 patients (113 males and 34 females). The mean patient age was 70 ± 10 years. Diabetes mellitus was present in 86%, ischemic heart disease in 34%, and stroke in 48%. Maintenance dialysis patients accounted for 86% of the patients. Statins were administered to 40% of the patients, and bypass surgery was performed in 2.7%. The median observation period was 812 days, and the mortality rate was 41%.

Conclusion

LDL‐A was performed in a small population of patients with CKD with the most severe form of PAD. The prognosis for these patients is extremely poor. Therefore, strategies to improve prognosis are important.
Relieving veterinarians' workloads and stress: leveraging Australia's veterinary technologists and nurses
Authors: Clarke P , Mills P , Doneley B
Published: August 2023

Like the rest of the world, Australia is in the throes of a dire shortage of veterinarians, while the demand for veterinary professional services grows. This combination has a very real impact on veterinarians' workload and stress, with significant mental health impacts. Times have changed in our profession and it is time for a change in our practice. We need to look at a different way of managing veterinary workloads and demands and, in particular, better utilise our paraprofessional staff. It is the solution right under our noses embracing our veterinary technologists and nurses.
A case of severe paraneoplastic glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody‐spectrum disorder with improvement through prior immunotherapy before surgical intervention
Authors: Nozuma Satoshi , Yuji‐Takeuchi Mika , Nakamura Tomonori , Saigo Ryuji , Masuda Mirai , Ando Masahiro , Sakiyama Yusuke , Miyata Ryo , Tabata Kazuhiro , Matsuura Eiji , Takashima Hiroshi
Published: August 2023

Background

Initially associated with stiff‐person syndrome, antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies are now recognized as indicators of GAD antibody‐spectrum disorders (GAD‐SD), which encompass cerebellar ataxia, autoimmune epilepsy and limbic encephalitis. Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes associated with GAD‐SD are rare, and optimal timing of surgical intervention and impact on neurological symptoms remain poorly understood.

Case Presentation

We present the case of a 65‐year‐old woman who developed overlapping symptoms of cerebellar ataxia and stiff‐person syndrome detected through high‐titer GAD antibodies in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid, alongside the presence of a thymoma. Due to severe dysphagia and gait ataxia that rendered her bedridden on admission, surgical intervention was initially deferred. Instead, she received immunotherapies including intravenous methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin, which remarkably improved neurological symptoms. However, a decline in symptoms occurred on tapering oral prednisolone. Subsequently, a thoracoscopic thymectomy was carried out 27 months after symptom onset, leading to further neurological improvement and successful reduction of prednisolone.

Conclusion

In paraneoplastic GAD‐SD cases with severe symptoms at presentation, prioritizing immunotherapy and considering surgical intervention once the symptoms have stabilized might be advantageous.
Postherpetic granulomatous dermatitis occurring in the setting of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: A case report
Authors: Hetzel John D. , Diamond Davis C. , Ramsey Zachary C. , Henson John W. , Powell Matthew R.
Published: August 2023

We report a case of a 72‐year‐old man presenting with a 2‐month history of a persistent, painful rash of the chest, axilla, and back. He had a history of recently resolved varicella zoster virus reactivation in the same distribution of the current rash and metastatic malignant melanoma treated with nivolumab and ipilimumab. The histopathology was consistent with granulomatous dermatitis (GD), and a diagnosis of postherpetic isotopic response manifesting as GD was made. Given the paucity of reported cases of postherpetic GD in the setting of treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), we discuss the clinicopathologic features of this case and potential mechanisms by which ICIs may contribute to the development of granulomatous disease.
High‐throughput sequencing of maize dwarf mosaic virus from common reed in a wetland
Authors: Ilbağı Havva , Masonbrink Rick , Miller W. Allen
Published: August 2023

Common reed is a widespread aquatic grass in wetland areas of Turkey. In reed samples, RNAs with the sequence of the Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) were found using high‐throughput sequencing. The nearly complete genome sequence comprised 9514 nucleotides. It contains a 5′ UTR of at least 145 nucleotides, a 3′ UTR of at least 237 nucleotides, and an ORF encoding a single polyprotein of 3041 amino acid residues. Two partial sequences were 7709 nt and 7858 nt long, respectively. Three reed sequences contained 22 nt, 25 nt, and 80 nt insertions in the 5′UTR, respectively. The coding region of MDMV TR‐34 (49%) was more conserved than UTRs (34.3%) compared to Johnsongrass mosaic virus (JGMV), Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), and Sorghum mosaic virus (SrMV). MDMV‐TR34 reed isolate shares 91%–53.1% nucleotide identity and 98.2%–49% amino acid sequence similarity with other MDMV and three potyvirus sequences, respectively. Recombination analysis indicated six putative recombination events. In 2020–2022, the survey studies showed that 25 of 260 reed samples were infected with MDMV at the infection rate of 9.6% in Tekirdag province. This result is the first report of the complete nucleotidesequence of MDMV in the common reed, a reservoir host for cereals growing areas in Turkey.