bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying basis risk associated with supplemental area-based crop insurance
Authors: Tsay Juo-Han , Paulson Nicholas D.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Area-based insurance plans trigger payments based on losses which may not match actual loss experience at the farm level, an issue often referred to as basis risk. The purpose of this paper is to quantify the basis risk associated with the Supplemental and Enhanced Coverage Option (SCO and ECO) crop insurance programs, and the risk reduction that can be achieved when these area-based plans are added to farmers’ risk management portfolios.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes simulation techniques to build a stylized model for representative farms at the county-level for non-irrigated corn and soybean production. We model farms for each county in the 17 states included in USDA’s Crop Progress Reports for corn and soybeans, which comprise more than 90% of planted acreage for those crops. Yield and price data from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), futures price data and insurance premiums from the Risk Management Agency are used to calibrate the simulation model.

Findings

Area-based plans may provide (1) insufficient coverage for actual losses, which is a risk management concern or (2) payments exceeding actual losses, which is a program efficiency concern given federal support for the insurance program. The risk of insufficient coverage (under-compensation) can be reduced by increasing the coverage level of the area plans, but that also increases the likelihood of support exceeding actual loss experience (over-compensation). The scale of basis risk associated with the area plans differs by region and crop due to differences in yield risk. Area plans do have the potential to provide additional risk reduction; however, risk reduction is inversely related to the level of basis risk.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to focus on quantifying the basis risk associated with the relatively new supplemental area options (SCO, ECO) currently available in the US federal crop insurance program. It provides important insights which could inform current and future Farm Bill debates as policymakers consider modifications and enhancements to commodity and crop insurance programs. It also provides useful information to help educate farmers and other stakeholders about the use of SCO and ECO in their risk management plans.
Effectiveness of signaling a firm family identity to jobseekers: proactiveness and innovativeness profile of the applicant
Authors: Llanos-Contreras Orlando , Cuevas-Lizama Jonathan , Sanhueza-Palma Gonzalo , Alonso Dos Santos Manuel
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine how the communication of a family business identity in a recruitment call influences, directly and indirectly, the response of jobseekers, and whether this response varies according to the level of proactiveness and innovative of the applicants.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental design using job advertisements on a LinkedIn recruitment call in Peru and Chile was implemented. The experiment simulates a job offer for a professional that could be filled by a business graduate student. The sample consisted of 171 surveys applied to university students in full-time higher education programs.

Findings

The results indicate that there is a positive indirect influence of family business signaling on the intention to pursue (through perceived prestige and career development opportunity). However, signaling family ownership of a company has a negative direct influence on jobseekers’ intentions to go to the recruitment call. When it comes to jobseekers with high and low levels of innovativeness and proactiveness, the results suggest that family business identity signaling is less effective among jobseekers with higher levels of proactiveness and innovativeness.

Originality/value

This article contributes to the theory of the family firm by advancing the understanding of the challenges that family businesses face when attracting talent. Our results enable family businesses to strategically adapt their hiring processes to enhance their appeal in the competitive labor market.
Deep affection: service robots increase brand love of restaurants
Authors: Wu Shu-Hua
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Service robots with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) can collect data on customer preferences, understand complex requests, improve services, and tailor marketing strategies. This study examined how perceived relatedness, perceived warmth, and customer–AI-assisted exchanges (CAIX) of service robots affect customer service competencies and brand love through service-robot intimacy.

Design/methodology/approach

A brand love model was developed based on the AI device using acceptance and an emotional perspective. Data were collected from customers who had dined in robot restaurants; 415 questionnaires were completed, and partial least squares analysis was adapted to the proposed model.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the perceived relatedness, perceived warmth and CAIX of service robots affect the intimacy of robot restaurants. Customers who feel friendly and satisfied with a restaurant’s service robot will recommend it to their friends.

Research limitations/implications

This study draws on theory and existing literature to identify principal factors in robot restaurant service capabilities. Future research can include service robot data analysis capabilities and adoption process factors as the direction of customer relationship management research while also exploring the influence of AI computing on restaurant supply chains. Likewise, the agility of service robots in the stages of innovation can be discussed in future research based on different theories, which will bridge unique insights.

Practical implications

The findings of this study emphasize the relationship between service robots and restaurant brand love and propose specific practice areas for restaurants.

Originality/value

This study expands the main issue of current brand love research from traditional restaurant operations to the novel field of humanoid service robot restaurants. It enriches our understanding of how consumers’ emotional fondness for a brand affects their behavioural intentions.
A review of AI and machine learning contribution in business process management (process enhancement and process improvement approaches)
Authors: Abbasi Mostafa , Nishat Rahnuma Islam , Bond Corey , Graham-Knight John Brandon , Lasserre Patricia , Lucet Yves , Najjaran Homayoun
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The significance of business processes has fostered a close collaboration between academia and industry. Moreover, the business landscape has witnessed continuous transformation, closely intertwined with technological advancements. Our main goal is to offer researchers and process analysts insights into the latest developments concerning artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to optimize their processes in an organization and identify research gaps and future directions in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, we perform a systematic review of academic literature to investigate the integration of AI/ML in business process management (BPM). We categorize the literature according to the BPM life-cycle and employ bibliometric and objective-oriented methodology to analyze related papers.

Findings

In business process management and process map, AI/ML has made significant improvements using operational data on process metrics. These developments involve two distinct stages: (1) process enhancement, which emphasizes analyzing process information and adding descriptions to process models and (2) process improvement, which focuses on redesigning processes based on insights derived from analysis.

Research limitations/implications

While this review paper serves to provide an overview of different approaches for addressing process-related challenges, it does not delve deeply into the intricacies of fine-grained technical details of each method. This work focuses on recent papers conducted between 2010 and 2024.

Originality/value

This work addresses a significant gap by employing a pioneering approach to introduce challenges in BPM alongside AI/ML techniques and integrated tools. Hence, it offers comprehensive guidelines that elucidate the alignment between ML methods and solutions to current challenges across the BPM life-cycle, including process enhancement and process improvement. Additionally, by detailing various aspects of the life-cycle phases and highlighting ML technique characteristics, this research demonstrates potential approaches for future exploration, thereby enhancing applicability for both process analysts and researchers in this context.
Principle-based decision-making: realising benefits in a scaled agile environment
Authors: Marnewick Carl , Marnewick Annlizé L.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper examines the conflict between rule-based and principle-based approaches to benefits realisation in agile projects. It proposes a principle-based framework as a more effective alternative, aligned with the iterative and adaptive nature of agile methodologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilises semi-structured interviews to gather qualitative data from professionals experienced in agile projects. Causal loop diagrams are employed to illustrate the relationships between identified principles. The study identifies 12 key principles essential for agile benefits realisation, with a particular focus on visibility and consequence management.

Findings

The study finds that a principle-based approach to benefits realisation is more compatible with agile methodologies compared to a rule-based approach. The flexibility of principle-based decision-making allows for continuous adaptation and improvement, aligning with the dynamic and iterative nature of agile projects. The principles of visibility and consequence management emerge as critical factors in successfully realising benefits in an agile environment.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on qualitative data from a limited number of interviews, which may not be generalisable across all agile projects. Further research with a larger sample size and diverse project types is recommended to validate and refine the proposed principles.

Practical implications

Agile teams and project managers can leverage the identified principles to enhance their decision-making processes and improve benefits realisation outcomes. Adopting a principle-based approach can lead to more flexible, responsive and effective project management practices.

Social implications

By promoting more adaptive and responsive project management practices, the adoption of a principle-based approach can contribute to greater satisfaction and collaboration among project stakeholders, leading to more successful project outcomes.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the limitations of rule-based approaches in agile contexts and proposing a principle-based framework for benefits realisation. The identification of specific principles and their interrelationships provides a novel perspective and practical guidance for agile practitioners.
Social inclusion and poverty reduction in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Laryea Esther , Sarpong-Kumankoma Emmanuel , Aboagye Anthony , Andoh Charles
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The poverty puzzle persists in sub-Saharan Africa decades after some other regional bodies have recorded substantial gains in their poverty reduction efforts. This study seeks to explore the extent to which social inclusion influences poverty outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The study constructs a social inclusion index and its sub-indices using principal component analysis and employs the Lewbel instrumental variable estimation method to test the impact of the computed social inclusion indices on poverty outcomes for 19 sub-Saharan African countries.

Findings

The results have shown that social inclusion reduces the proportion of the poor and the depth of poverty within sub-Saharan Africa significantly. We also observe a U-shaped relationship between social inclusion and poverty outcomes; thus, social inclusion’s poverty-reducing effect sees a reversal when it hits a certain threshold.

Practical implications

The study provides the evidence needed to inform the policy discourse on the poverty problem, which continues to plague sub-Saharan Africa.

Social implications

With sub-Saharan Africa’s position as the region with the worst poverty statistics, the results of this study will prove useful in tackling poverty to ensure improved quality of life.

Originality/value

This study presents original evidence on social inclusion and its relationship with poverty.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-08-2023-0640
Investment and dividend dynamics within business groups: evidence from Iran
Authors: Aliabadi Esmaeil , Ebrahim Nejad Ali , Heidari Mahdi
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of our study is to examine the functioning of internal capital markets (ICMs) within business groups in Iran. We document how the ultimate owner's economic interests in affiliated firms influence their investment and dividend policies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using hand-collected data on the ownership structures of Iranian firms, we first identify group-affiliated firms using Almeida et al.’s (2011) method. Having identified business groups, we test a number of hypotheses concerning the dynamics of the ICMs and the implications of the ultimate owner’s incentives for affiliated firms’ behavior.

Findings

We first demonstrate that investments of group-affiliated firms are less sensitive to their own cash flow (as compared to stand-alone firms) but are sensitive to the cash flows of other firms affiliated with the same group near or at the bottom of the ownership structure. We next find significant variation in dividend policy within groups, with notably higher dividends for firms close to the ultimate owner. Furthermore, we find that higher investments by firms close to the owner lead to lower dividends by firms positioned far from the owner, but the reverse does not hold.

Originality/value

We are the first to examine the effect of group-affiliated firms’ investments on the dividend policies of other firms based on their position within the group. Our findings illuminate how business groups prioritize funding investments in their closely held firms over paying dividends to outside investors in firms positioned farther from the group owner.
Intention to adopt blockchain technology for zakat management in Indonesia
Authors: Juniati Wike , Widiastuti Tika
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze intention for applying blockchain-based technology in zakat management regarding the readiness of zakat institutions and muzakki in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is a mixed method, namely, using qualitative research to examine the readiness of practitioner and academics in welcoming blockchain-based financial technology and using quantitative research to measure people’s knowledge and intentions to adopt zakat using blockchain technology based on UTAUT theory (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology).

Findings

The findings indicate that performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions and sentiment positively affect the intention to adopt blockchain technology in zakat payments, while effort expectancy do not. Additionally, interviews reveal that practitioners and academics support blockchain technology but are unprepared for its implementation.

Practical implications

The implications of this study suggest important directions for policy makers, notably zakat institutions, supporting the application of blockchain technology and the adaptation of user-friendly information system services to meet the requirements of zakat service users.

Originality/value

This study fills the gap in previous research by offering a more comprehensive analysis of the collaboration between zakat and blockchain technology through three different perspectives, namely, practitioners (BAZNAS), academics and users of zakat services (muzakki).
Hierarchical explicit–implicit combined sensing-based real-time monitoring method for the service performance of complex equipment
Authors: Sa Guodong , Jiang Zhengyang , Sun Jiacheng , Qiu Chan , Liu Zhenyu , Tan Jianrong
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Real-time monitoring of the critical physical fields of core components in complex equipment is of great significance as it can predict potential failures, provide reasonable preventive maintenance strategies and thereby ensure the service performance of the equipment. This research aims to propose a hierarchical explicit–implicit combined sensing-based real-time monitoring method to achieve the sensing of critical physical field information of core components in complex equipment.

Design/methodology/approach

Sensor deployable and non-deployable areas are divided based on the dynamic and static constraints in actual service. An integrated method of measurement point layout and performance evaluation is used to optimize sensor placement, and an association mapping between information in non-deployable and deployable areas is established, achieving hierarchical explicit–implicit combined sensing of key sensor information for core components. Finally, the critical physical fields of core components are reconstructed and visualized.

Findings

The proposed method is applied to the spindle system of CNC machine tools, and the result shows that this method can effectively monitor the spindle system temperature field.

Originality/value

This research provides an effective method for monitoring the service performance of complex equipment, especially considering the dynamic and static constraints during the service process and detecting critical information in non-deployable areas.
Navigating values: leadership behaviors for enhancing police organizational identity
Authors: Schneider Jannick , Striebing Clemens , Uhler Lydia , Wührl Johanna Marie , Schmaus Simon , Weber Mathias
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the differential effectiveness of leadership styles within the German Federal Police Office, focusing on how these styles interact with employees' personal values to influence organizational identification (OI). Thus, we investigate the augmentation hypothesis and explore the moderating effects of personal values on leadership effectiveness regarding OI.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a quantitative cross-sectional design, the study analyzes responses from 1,816 police employees via the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire and Portraits Value Questionnaire. Hierarchical regressions are used to analyze the hypothesized associations.

Findings

The results indicate that transformational leadership significantly enhances OI more than transactional or laissez-faire leadership. Moderating effects of personal values reveal complex interactions: while transformational leadership consistently predicts higher OI, transactional leadership’s effectiveness varies according to the employees' values such as Conformity and Tradition enhancing OI, Universalism and Benevolence diminishing it. These findings suggest that leadership effectiveness in policing is contingent on aligning leadership style with the personal values of the employees.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the understanding of how personal values modulate the impact of leadership styles on organizational outcomes within police organizations. It underscores the necessity for police leaders to consider the value profiles of their employees to optimize OI and effectiveness. The study is among the first to systematically explore these dynamics within a law enforcement context, providing empirical evidence to inform targeted leadership development and policy-making in policing.
Sustainable bonds as a sustainable financial instrument: thematic insights and future prospects
Authors: Negi Pushpa , Jaiswal Anand
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the development and significance of sustainable finance instruments, mainly sustainable bonds. The purpose is to provide policymakers, regulators and researchers with insights into the current state of sustainable finance research and also provide future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews as a review protocol and addressed four research questions concerning publication and citation trends, major themes and future research directions in sustainable bonds.

Findings

This study indicated growing attention in sustainable bond research, with increasing publication and citation trends. Along with identifying research themes, the findings include future direction on pricing and risk assessment, market dynamics and growth potential, policy and regulatory environments and global perspectives with local context.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study provides a robust analysis of the current literature, it relies on existing publications and may not capture the latest developments in sustainable bond research. However, policymakers can benefit from insights into the growth and dynamics of sustainable bonds, enabling them to implement effective policies and regulations. Investors and businesses can use this research to inform their environmental, social and governance investment strategies and decision-making processes.

Originality/value

This paper suggests a comprehensive overview of the state of research in sustainable bonds, highlighting the emerging trends and research priorities. It also underlines the significance of sustainable finance in achieving sustainability goals and provides a roadmap for future research.
An insight into LGBTQ+ inclusion within a primary school setting
Authors: Whitley Daniel
Published: November 2024

This article explores an insight into Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender, Queer+ (LGBTQ+) inclusion within two primary school Year 1 classrooms in England. It was a pilot that aimed to teach children about inclusion. It showed positive results that warrant further investigation. Individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ have a right to feel safe within their educational setting, including both staff and pupils. This article will discuss the use of inclusive literature to create reading corners with LGTBQ+ representation. Addressing Pride Month in the primary school curriculum is also given consideration. Additionally, the teacher's perspective is explored within this paper.
Becoming and unbecoming academics: Classed resources and strategies for navigating risky careers
Authors: Mangset Marte , Orupabo Julia
Published: November 2024

Academics influence not only knowledge production but also selection to the labour market and policy development. They have power. Despite the sociological attention paid to class in higher education, few studies have examined the way in which class interferes with the careers of those navigating from being students to becoming scholars. Building on Bourdieu's theory of social reproduction, this study examines how class influences different groups' experiences of becoming academics. Based on 60 interviews with Norwegian scholars in their early to mid‐careers, the analysis identifies the kind of classed resources that are in play in the unequal access to academic positions. Beyond more classical resources, such as financial, cultural, and psychological certainty, the interviewees point to the significance of an early familiarity with the rules of the game and strategic navigation of the academic system. We use these findings to discuss and nuance Pierre Bourdieu's perspectives on the role of incorporated, practical consciousness and disinterestedness in class reproduction in the academic world. This theoretical contribution facilitates the combined analysis of the implicit and the explicit ways that dominant classes preserve their position in the hierarchy, which the study demonstrates as key to social reproduction in academic careers.
Interactive effects of ARRB2 and CHRNA5 genetic polymorphisms on cognitive function in Chinese male methamphetamine use disorder patients
Authors: Jiang Linjun , Wang Dongmei , Tian Yang , Chen Jiajing , Qu Mengqian , Chen Han , Huang Ren , Jia Lianglun , Fu Fabing , Tang Shanshan , Wang Xiaotao , Zhang Xiang‐Yang
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives

Both β‐arrestin2 and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) have been implicated in cognitive processes, particularly in relation to psychiatric disorders, including addiction. Previous studies have suggested that nAChR may be regulated by β‐arrestin2. However, no study has investigated the interaction of β‐arrestin2 and nAChR on cognition. We aimed to examine the main and interactive effects of their respective encoding genes, ARRB2 and CHRNA5, on cognitive function in MUD patients.

Methods

We recruited 559 patients with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) and 459 healthy controls, assessed their cognitive functioning using the Chinese version of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), and genotyped ARRB2 rs1045280 and CHRNA5 rs3829787 polymorphisms in MUD patients.

Results

Compared to healthy controls, MUD patients scored significantly lower on all RBANS indexes. Neither ARRB2 rs1045280 nor CHRNA5 rs3829787 had main effects on cognitive function in MUD patients, but there were significant interactive effects between the two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on multiple RBANS indexes, including immediate memory, visuospatial/constructional, delayed memory, and total score. In detail, among carriers of CHRNA5 rs3829787 T allele, ARRB2 rs1045280 TT carriers had higher RBANS scores than the C allele carriers, whereas among carriers of CHRNA5 rs3829787 CC genotype, ARRB2 rs1045280 TT carriers performed worse in RBANS.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

Our study identified for the first time an interactive effect between ARRB2 and CHRNA5 on cognitive function in MUD patients, which would enlarge our knowledge of genetic interaction on cognitive function.
Meta‐Analysis: Evaluating Placebo Rates Across Outcomes in Eosinophilic Oesophagitis Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Rivas Angelica , Ahmed Newaz Shubidito , Yuan Yuhong , Qasim Anila , O'Gorman David B. , Feagan Brian G. , Jairath Vipul , Bredenoord Albert J. , Dellon Evan S. , Ma Christopher
Published: November 2024

Background

High placebo responses have limited drug development in eosinophilic oesophagitis. The optimal configuration of trial outcomes is uncertain.

Aims

To inform more efficient future trial designs, to characterise clinical, endoscopic and histologic placebo responses in eosinophilic oesophagitis randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

We updated a Cochrane systematic review and meta‐analysis, searching multiple databases to January 1, 2024, to identify placebo‐controlled RCTs evaluating medical therapies for patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis. The primary outcome was the pooled proportion of study‐defined clinical, endoscopic and histologic responders and remitters randomised to placebo, using an intention‐to‐treat approach and random‐effects model. Sources of heterogeneity were explored using meta‐regression.

Results

We included 25 RCTs. The pooled proportion of clinical response was 41.0% [95% CI: 29.7%–52.8%] with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 74.9%). On meta‐regression, older age and a higher probability of being randomised to placebo reduced the likelihood of clinical response to placebo. The pooled proportion of histologic remission defined as a peak eosinophil count [PEC] ≤ 6 eosinophils per high power field [HPF] or ≤ 1 eosinophil/HPF was 4.3% [95% CI: 2.6%–6.2%] (I2 = 23.6%) and 1.3% [95% CI: 0.5%–2.5%] (I2 = 0%), respectively. The standardised mean difference in the Eosinophilic Oesophagitis Endoscopic Reference Score to placebo was −0.25 [95% CI: −0.41, −0.10].

Conclusions

Over 40% of patients in eosinophilic oesophagitis trials respond clinically to placebo, and this is associated with trial design factors such as randomisation ratio and trial population. Objective endoscopic and histologic measures are associated with very low placebo responses.
Testosterone mediates life‐history trade‐offs in female mammals
Authors: Crespi Bernard J. , Bushell Aiden , Dinsdale Natalie
Published: November 2024

Hormones mediate life‐history trade‐offs. In female mammals, such trade‐offs have been studied predominantly in the contexts of oestrogen, progesterone and prolactin. We evaluate the hypothesis that prenatal and postnatal testosterone levels structure and regulate trade‐offs in females involving components of reproduction and survival. This hypothesis is predicated on the observation that testosterone confers competition‐related and survival‐related benefits, but also reproduction‐related costs, to female mammals. The hypothesis is supported by field and laboratory data from diverse non‐human animals, and data from healthy women. Most broadly, relatively low testosterone level in females has been associated with earlier, faster and higher offspring production, greater attractiveness to males, and reduced dominance or competitiveness, whereas higher testosterone level is associated with delayed and reduced reproduction but increased dominance, status, aggression, and resource accrual. The magnitude of testosterone‐mediated trade‐offs is expected to depend upon the strength of female–female competition, which represents some function of species‐specific ecology, behaviour and mating system. Testosterone‐associated trade‐offs have, until now, been virtually ignored in studies of female life history, reproductive physiology, evolutionary endocrinology, and female‐limited disease, probably due to researcher biases towards conceptualizing androgens as hormones with effects mainly restricted to males.
Conditional Font Generation With Content Pre‐Train and Style Filter
Authors: Hong Yang , Li Yinfei , Qiao Xiaojun , Zhang Junsong
Published: November 2024

Automatic font generation aims to streamline the design process by creating new fonts with minimal style references. This technology significantly reduces the manual labour and costs associated with traditional font design. Image‐to‐image translation has been the dominant approach, transforming font images from a source style to a target style using a few reference images. However, this framework struggles to fully decouple content from style, particularly when dealing with significant style shifts. Despite these limitations, image‐to‐image translation remains prevalent due to two main challenges faced by conditional generative models: (1) inability to handle unseen characters and (2) difficulty in providing precise content representations equivalent to the source font. Our approach tackles these issues by leveraging recent advancements in Chinese character representation research to pre‐train a robust content representation model. This model not only handles unseen characters but also generalizes to non‐existent ones, a capability absent in traditional image‐to‐image translation. We further propose a Transformer‐based Style Filter that not only accurately captures stylistic features from reference images but also handles any combination of them, fostering greater convenience for practical automated font generation applications. Additionally, we incorporate content loss with commonly used pixel‐ and perceptual‐level losses to refine the generated results from a comprehensive perspective. Extensive experiments validate the effectiveness of our method, particularly its ability to handle unseen characters, demonstrating significant performance gains over existing state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Simplified and reproducible laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision with D3 right hemicolectomy
Authors: Shah Sumit
Published: November 2024

Aim

Laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision (CME) with D3 lymphadenectomy for right colon cancer is gaining acceptance. However, this procedure has not yet been standardized like total mesorectal excision. Ergonomics is very important in this surgery (e.g. patient positioning, port placement) and identification of vascular anatomy is a critical step. The aim of this work is to present ten procedural steps that are simple and reproducible.

Method

The French position is adopted. The surgeon stands between the patient's legs. Four ports are placed: a camera port 2.5 cm to the left of the umbilicus; two working ports—a 12 mm right‐hand port 5–7 cm below the umbilicus in the midline and a 5 mm left‐hand port 2.5 cm medial and at the level of anterior superior iliac spine—and an assistant port at the level of the umbilicus at the pararectal line. This is most comfortable position in the ‘caudal to cranial approach’ for CME dissection. The right‐hand instrument always dissects parallel to the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) axis so there is less chance of injury to major vascular structures. When clipping the ileocolic, right colic and gastrocolic trunk (GCT) branches, the instrument is always perpendicular to these structures, giving ease of clipping and division. An intentional attempt is made to dissect all tributaries of the GCT. This avoids inadvertent injury and bleeding. Identifying the SMA/superior mesenteric vein (SMV) axis and ileocolic pedicle is the most crucial step. We use surface landmarks for this—the ligamentum teres and SMA/SMV are both midline structures. Giving traction on the transverse mesocolon just below the ligamentum makes the pulsatile SMA visible irrespective of the patient's body mass index. Giving traction at the ileocaecal junction mesentery makes the ileocolic pedicle prominent. These two landmarks for identification of the vascular anatomy make this technique unique and reproducible. CME dissection is done caudal to cranial and lateral to medial. Supracolic and lateral mobilization of the colon is simple. While starting dissection in the right paracolic gutter the already dissected CME plane make this step easier. Anastomosis can be made intracorporeal or extracorporeal.

Conclusion

Ergonomics and landmarks for identification of the vascular anatomy make this technique simple and reproducible.
Utility of fat‐free adipose tissue correction formula for tracking body composition changes with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry
Authors: Moore Sam R. , Baker Paul A. , Smith‐Ryan Abbie E.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Fat loss is often the target of weight loss interventions; however, preservation of lean soft tissue (LST) may be more important for health and weight maintenance. Though some LST loss may be inevitable when tracking body composition changes using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), correcting for the fat‐free component of adipose tissue (FFAT) in DXA‐derived LST (DXALST) has been proposed. This analysis sought to evaluate differences between DXALST and FFAT‐corrected LST (FFATLST) amongst varied populations and interventions to understand application of the correction formula on LST outcomes.

Methods

226 subjects were analyzed across five prior studies. Three studies evaluated combined nutrition and exercise (high‐intensity interval training [HIIT] or high‐intensity resistance training [HIRT]) interventions, including HIIT + HIRT with pre‐ and post‐nutrient timing (HIITRT), HIIT + essential amino acids (HIITAA), and HIRT + protein (HIRTPRO). Remaining studies evaluated HIIT (HIITOW) and protein following bariatric surgery (BARPRO). Pre and post total body DXA scans were used to measure DXALST, body mass, and fat mass (FM). The correction formula was applied to calculate FFATLST. Paired sample t‐tests were used to evaluate differences between DXALST and FFATLST change scores (Δ) across all subjects, within each study and intervention.

Results

Significant differences between ΔDXALST and ΔFFATLST were observed for BARPRO (mean difference [MD; ΔDXALST–ΔFFATLST] ± standard error [SE]: −3.5 ± 1.2 kg, p < 0.001), as well as HIRTPRO (−0.1 ± 0.2 kg, p = 0.004).

Discussion

When evaluating LST, the FFAT correction may be specifically applicable to cases of significant weight loss (>10% of original weight) or body recomposition (≥2% FM loss and ≥2% LST gain).
The apoptotic and anti‐proliferative effects of Neosetophomone B in T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibition
Authors: Kuttikrishnan Shilpa , Ansari Abdul W. , Suleman Muhammad , Ahmad Fareed , Prabhu Kirti S. , El‐Elimat Tamam , Alali Feras Q. , Al Shabeeb Akil Ammira S. , Bhat Ajaz A. , Merhi Maysaloun , Dermime Said , Steinhoff Martin , Uddin Shahab
Published: November 2024

The phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Protein Kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signalling pathway is pivotal in various cancers, including T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T‐ALL), a particularly aggressive type of leukaemia. This study investigates the effects of Neosetophomone B (NSP‐B), a meroterpenoid fungal metabolite, on T‐ALL cell lines, focusing on its anti‐cancer mechanisms and therapeutic potential. NSP‐B significantly inhibited the proliferation of T‐ALL cells by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and promoting caspase‐dependent apoptosis. Additionally, NSP‐B led to the dephosphorylation and subsequent inactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway, a critical pathway in cell survival and growth. Molecular docking studies revealed a strong binding affinity of NSP‐B to the active site of AKT, primarily involving key residues crucial for its activity. Interestingly, NSP‐B treatment also induced apoptosis and significantly reduced proliferation in phytohemagglutinin‐activated primary human CD3+ T cells, accompanied by a G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Importantly, NSP‐B did not affect normal primary T cells, indicating a degree of selectivity in its action, targeting only T‐ALL cells and activated T cells. In conclusion, our findings highlight the potential of NSP‐B as a novel therapeutic agent for T‐ALL, specifically targeting the aberrantly activated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and being selective in action. These results provide a strong basis for further investigation into NSP‐B's anti‐cancer properties and potential application in T‐ALL clinical therapies.
Spinal cord neural stem cells derived from human embryonic stem cells promote synapse regeneration and remyelination in spinal cord injury model rats
Authors: Wang Xinmeng , Hu Xiangjue , Xie Yuxin , Zhao Tianyi , Liu Lihua , Liu Chao
Published: November 2024

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating injury that significantly impairs patients' quality of life. To date, there is no effective treatment to mitigate nerve tissue damage and restore neurological function. Neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are considered an important cell source for reconstructing damaged neural circuits and enabling axonal regeneration. Recent preclinical studies have shown that NSCs are potential therapeutic cell sources for neuroprotection and neuroregeneration in SCI animal models. NSCs can be derived from different sources and the spinal cord‐specific NSCs have a higher potential for the regeneration of SCI. However, the long‐term therapeutic efficacy of spinal cord‐specific NSCs remains unproven. Here, we generated human spinal cord NSCs (hSCNSCs) and investigated the effects of transplanted hSCNSCs on the repair of the SCI model rats for 60 days. The transplanted hSCNSCs improved BBB scores, reduced the lesion area and promoted an increase in the number of Nestin‐positive cells in the spinal cord compared to the model rats. Meanwhile, hSCNSC transplantation promoted the expression of synaptophysin, a synaptic signature protein and MBP, a protein associated with remyelination. Interestingly, BAF45D, a chromatin remodelling factor that contributes to the induction of hSCNSCs with region‐specific spinal cord identity, were increased by the hSCNSC transplantation. In addition, conditioned medium derived from the hSCNSCs also promoted regenerative repair of the injured spinal cord. These results demonstrate that hSCNSCs may play a critical role in the regenerative repair of SCI.
Mitochondria: great balls of fire
Authors: Jacobs Howard T. , Rustin Pierre , Bénit Paule , Davidi Dan , Terzioglu Mügen
Published: November 2024

Recent experimental studies indicate that mitochondria in mammalian cells are maintained at temperatures of at least 50 °C. While acknowledging the limitations of current experimental methods and their interpretation, we here consider the ramifications of this finding for cellular functions and for evolution. We consider whether mitochondria as heat‐producing organelles had a role in the origin of eukaryotes and in the emergence of homeotherms. The homeostatic responses of mitochondrial temperature to externally applied heat imply the existence of a molecular heat‐sensing system in mitochondria. While current findings indicate high temperatures for the innermost compartments of mitochondria, those of the mitochondrial surface and of the immediately surrounding cytosol remain to be determined. We ask whether some aspects of mitochondrial dynamics and motility could reflect changes in the supply and demand for mitochondrial heat, and whether mitochondrial heat production could be a factor in diseases and immunity.
Global Distributions of Reactive Iron and Aluminum Influence the Spatial Variation of Soil Organic Carbon
Authors: Ren Siyu , Wang Chuankuan , Zhou Zhenghu
Published: November 2024

Organic carbon persistence in soils is predominantly controlled by physical accessibility rather than by its biochemical recalcitrance. Understanding the regulation of soil iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) (hydr)oxides, playing a dominant role in mineral protection, on soil organic carbon (SOC) would increase the reliable projections of the feedback of terrestrial ecosystems to global warming. Here, we conducted a continental‐scale survey in China (341 sites) and a global synthesis (6786 observations) to reveal the global distributions of Fe/Al (hydr)oxides and their effects on SOC storage in terrestrial ecosystems. We generated the first global maps of soil Fe/Al (hydr)oxides with high accuracy (with R2 more than 0.74). The variance decomposition analysis showed that Fe/Al (hydr)oxides explained the most proportion of variance for topsoil (0–30 cm) and subsoil (30–100 cm) SOC. Therefore, soil Fe/Al (hydr)oxides play a stronger role in explaining the spatial variation of SOC than well‐studied climate, edaphic, vegetated, and soil depth factors in both topsoil and subsoil. Collectively, the planetary‐scale significance of soil Fe/Al (hydr)oxides for SOC highlights that soil Fe/Al (hydr)oxides should be incorporated into Earth System Models to reduce the uncertainty in predicting SOC dynamics.
One day at a time: Life with Glanzmann thrombasthenia – Qualitative results from the GT 360 study
Authors: Khair Kate , Fletcher Simon , Jenner Kathryn , Holland Michael
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is a platelet function disorder. Symptoms include bruising and bleeding, which may be severe and life‐threatening. The day‐to‐day experiences of those affected remain poorly documented.

Aims

The Glanzmann's 360 study aimed to better understand the daily realities of living with GT, exploring psychological, social and medical challenges to identify unmet need.

Methods

People with GT over 18 and caregivers of children with GT participated. Mixed methods research was used, including a survey and in‐depth interviews. The interviews, reported here, were audio‐recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.

Results

Nineteen interviews were conducted; 14 with people with GT and five caregivers. Mean age of those with GT was 32.9 years (range 2–78 years). Eight themes emerged: Diagnosis, Bleeding and Treatment, Menstruation, Fatigue, Identity, Abuse, Pregnancy, and The Future. Three participants described misdiagnosis. Caregivers reported early recognition and prompt diagnosis of their children. Bruising, the most commonly reported symptom, led to assumption of abuse. Six (32%) participants reported joint bleeds. External bleeding was normalised. Access to home treatment and local care were limited. Fatigue caused by anaemia was described. All women reported heavy menstrual bleeding. Choices around pregnancy were limited by ‘medical pessimism’. Nevertheless, participants remained hopeful for the development of improved treatment options.

Conclusion

People with GT face significant and often overlooked challenges. There is need for improved medical and psychological treatment and support, increased awareness of these needs amongst healthcare professionals, and research into developing comprehensive care models that address medical and psychosocial needs of people with GT.
Regulatory design and interactions in worker‐driven social responsibility initiatives: The Dindigul Agreement
Authors: FUDGE Judy , LEBARON Genevieve
Published: November 2024

This article explores the rise of worker‐driven social responsibility (WSR) initiatives to combat labour and human rights abuse in global supply chains. We focus on the Dindigul Agreement, a pioneering WSR agreement initiated by an independent, majority Dalit trade union run by women in Dindigul, India, which seeks to address gender‐based violence in garment supply chains. Through key informant interviews and documentary analysis including coding in NVivo 12, we explore the establishment of the Dindigul Agreement, its distinctiveness in relation to other WSR agreements and its interactions with other supply chain governance tools.
Understanding the dynamics of household enterprises in Egypt: Birth, death, growth and transformation
Authors: KRAFFT Caroline
Published: November 2024

Despite the importance of household enterprises in employment in developing economies, little is known about their creation, survival and growth. This article examines the dynamics of household enterprises, using panel data for the period 1998–2018 in Egypt. The analysis explores the individual, household and enterprise characteristics that contribute to these dynamics. The findings show that high rates of enterprise creation and closure in the household enterprise sector drive employment, more so than dynamics of growth in existing enterprises. Household enterprises may be a fallback or survival strategy for less educated and less privileged workers, but may also provide an opportunity for accumulating wealth.
Responsabilité sociale fondée sur les travailleurs: caractéristiques et interactions à la lumière de l'Accord de Dindigul
Authors: FUDGE Judy , LEBARON Genevieve
Published: November 2024

Les autrices explorent l'essor de la responsabilité sociale fondée sur les travailleurs (RSTr) comme moyen de combattre les violations des droits de la personne et des travailleurs dans les chaînes d'approvisionnement mondiales. Elles analysent l'Accord de Dindigul, qui vise à lutter contre la violence et le harcèlement liés au genre dans les chaînes d'approvisionnement de l'habillement et qui est né de l'initiative d'un syndicat indien indépendant, majoritairement composé de Dalits et dirigé par des femmes. À partir d'entretiens et d'une recherche documentaire, elles étudient la genèse de l'accord et ses singularités par rapport à d'autres dispositifs relevant de la RSTr, ainsi que ses interactions avec d'autres outils de gouvernance.