bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unlocking the potential of small-scale irrigation for small farmers in Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Gebrehiwet Dessie Lebassi , Pandey Ghanshyam
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to assess the impact of small-scale irrigation on the total income of small farm households. Additionally, it aims to identify the factors influencing the total income of households who have adopted small-scale irrigation methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized cross-sectional data sourced directly from primary channels. Primary data collection was facilitated through the administration of semi-structured questionnaires and conducting in-depth interviews. Both propensity score matching (PSM) and an ordinary least squares (OLS) model were employed to assess the impact of small-scale irrigation on total income and to identify factors affecting the effectiveness of SSI. In order to ensure that the PSM model’s findings were consistent, we used instrumental variables (IV) estimation, which was conducted using two stages least squares (2SLS) regression.

Findings

The study findings reveal that small-scale irrigation adopters earn, on average, 12,947.32 Birr more than non-adopters. The PSM model reveals that households engaged in small-scale irrigation experience a significant increase in total income compared to non-irrigating households. The study underscores the need to address key factors influencing the treatment effect on household income, including distance to farm training centers, proximity to water sources, access to transportation, availability of family labor and frequency of extension contact.

Research limitations/implications

This paper only examines the effect of small-scale irrigation on small farm households’ total income. This study encourages future studies to investigate the effects of small-scale irrigation on small farm household food security, total spending, poverty reduction, welfare and net earnings in the study area.

Originality/value

Most studies only analyze how small-scale irrigation affects the total income of small-scale farm households. This study fills a knowledge gap by identifying the key elements that influence the extent of the impact on user households.
Influence of accounting disclosures and corporate governance on stock returns of listed firms in Palestine: moderating role of financing constraints
Authors: Talalwa Mohammad , Badwan Nemer , Sleimi Mohammad
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of accounting disclosures and corporate governance on stock returns for firms listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange (PEX) during the period from 2014 to 2022.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from the quarterly reports published to the Palestine Stock Exchange from 2014 to 2022 were used in this analysis. The study makes use of secondary financial data from 52 firms in the insurance, banking, investments, services and manufacturing industries. The study used three-panel regression techniques to assess the research’s assumptions.

Findings

Our findings suggest that investors and stakeholders do not take accounting disclosures and corporate governance into consideration when evaluating stocks since they have a large and detrimental influence on stock returns. Our findings suggest that firms with financing restrictions would more clearly experience the negative effects of accounting disclosures and corporate governance on stock returns.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations, including the fact that it only looked at one context and one Middle Eastern country and that its method of obtaining primary data relied primarily on disclosures, corporate governance, financial reports and secondary data. In addition to the fact that there is data that we were not able to collect due to complete confidentiality and non-disclosure. The main limitation is that the sample size of this study is small due to the limited number of listed firms on the (PEX).

Practical implications

This paper provides some significant managerial implications for policymakers, regulators and investors. The regulatory agencies, authorities, businesses and investors can benefit from the management implications of this study. Accounting disclosure activities and corporate governance could have benefits. These procedures still need to be effectively incorporated into stock valuations. Government agencies should require businesses to reveal more complex information while lowering the percentage of indirect data they provide.

Originality/value

This study provides significant insights and implications for regulatory authorities, decision-makers and investors. This study contributes to the literature by evaluating the link between accounting disclosures and corporate governance and stock returns and determining if this relationship is subject to financing restrictions using a database of Palestinian firms registered on the (PEX). Governance indicators and accounting disclosures have a significant increase in the application of governance elements in companies listed on the (PEX) during the study period, which indicates that accounting disclosures and corporate governance have a strong impact on stock returns.
Relationship between free cash flow and corporate financial distress: evidence from listed halal food and beverage companies in Malaysia
Authors: Umar Umar Habibu , Al-Faryan Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh , Osemy Ahmed Zakaria Zaki
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine the linear and nonlinear effects of free cash flow on the financial distress of listed halal food and beverage companies in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized a sample of 35 listed halal food and beverage firms in Malaysia. Secondary data were extracted from the Bloomberg database covering 14 years (2008–2021). The primary regression model employed was the two-step system generalized method of moments estimator. Additionally, the probit regressions model was used for robustness checks.

Findings

The findings indicated that free cash flow significantly reduced the financial distress of listed halal food and beverage firms. Furthermore, the study established that maintaining free cash flow up to 5.75% of total revenue (sales) represented an optimal level. Beyond this threshold, accumulating more free cash flow exposes the firms to higher financial distress.

Research limitations/implications

This study utilized a sample of 35 listed halal food and beverage firms in Malaysia and utilized data between 2008 and 2021.

Practical implications

The study offered valuable insights for stakeholders within the halal food and beverage industry, especially regulators, boards of directors and managers. These findings emphasize the proper handling and utilization of free cash flow to prevent financial distress among these firms.

Originality/value

This study established not only a linear but also a threshold point of the relationship between free cash flow and the financial distress of Shariá-compliant nonfinancial firms.
Halal purchasing decisions and consumer behavior: a multi­ method review
Authors: Zafar Muhammad Bilal , Abu-Hussin Mohd Fauzi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive exploration of academic research on halal purchasing decisions and consumer behavior by integrating bibliometric and systematic review methodologies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a multi-method approach, combining bibliometric and systematic review methodologies, to comprehensively analyze the domain of halal purchasing decisions and consumer behavior. A data set of 184 articles published between 2007 and 2024 was sourced from the Scopus database. The bibliometric analysis was conducted using Bibliometrix in R, facilitating performance analysis, science mapping and network analysis to explore key authors, affiliations, collaborations and thematic trends. Additionally, the systematic review examined the limitations and future research areas discussed in prior studies, providing the basis for formulating potential research questions to address identified gaps.

Findings

The study identifies significant contributions within the domain of halal purchasing decisions and consumer behavior, emphasizing the critical roles of religiosity, trust and halal certification as dominant themes. Bibliometric analysis reveals key authors, influential publications and collaborative networks, highlighting Malaysia as a central hub for research in this field. Additionally, the analysis underscores the intellectual structure and thematic evolution, identifying underexplored areas such as non-Muslim perspectives, emerging halal industries and geographic diversity. The systematic review complements these insights by addressing recurring methodological and theoretical limitations, offering targeted recommendations for future research.

Originality/value

This research uniquely combines bibliometric and systematic review methodologies to provide a comprehensive review of the halal consumer behavior literature, identifying limitations and gaps in prior studies and proposing actionable areas for future research.
Unveiling Keith Pavitt as a pioneer of innovation-as-practice
Authors: Antonczak Laurent , Bureth Antoine , Burger-Helmchen Thierry
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The current landscape of management scholarship faces criticism for prioritising theoretical development over practical relevance, leading to a disconnect between academic research and industry practices or applications. By exploring Pavitt’s work, the authors aim to highlight the importance of contextual understanding in innovation processes and to advocate for recognising diverse scholarly contributions that challenge established norms. A pragmatic theorist and mentor to a whole generation of innovation science and policy scholars worldwide, especially in Europe, Keith Pavitt left a legacy that is insufficiently acknowledged. Ultimately, this paper seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice and to defend an innovation management that is responsive to contemporary organisational challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review the most relevant works by Keith Pavitt as a practitioner and as a “pragmatic theorist” and his network of author relationships, including all papers, special issues and reports published after his passing. Then, the authors discuss how those seminal papers or reports have been used and could be used in the future. This paper argues for a balanced approach that integrates rigorous academic inquiry with practical insights, emphasising the contributions of Keith Pavitt as a pioneering figure in Innovation-as-Practice.

Findings

The authors highlight that much of the current understanding of science and policy of innovation can be traced back to Pavitt’s work and that many future debates about technology could be enhanced by considering his findings. He has the stature of a parental figure, and his taxonomy, based on practice and empirical data, much like other management analysis tools, is widely used but not widely recognised yet, especially by industry managers or employees.

Originality/value

This paper sheds new light on an unacknowledged transdisciplinary pioneer, whose work is situated at the intersection of theory and praxis in Innovation Management: Keith Pavitt. It also advocates for a more transdisciplinary and circumstantial historical approach to management scholars.
Kavrakoğlu: a management pioneer with style and substance
Authors: Mermercioglu Melike , Tuncalp Deniz
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to reassess Professor Ibrahim Kavrakoğlu’s contributions to management, focusing on his Total Management Quality (TMQ) concept. It examines how his ideas offer an alternative and practical perspective, emphasizing the integration of theory and practice across various contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a multidisciplinary approach, integrating a literature review of Kavrakoğlu’s works and interviews with his collaborators. It compares his management theories to prominent scholars like Michael Porter and Peter Drucker. The framework emphasizes Kavrakoğlu’s intellectual contributions within the context of broader critiques of management scholarship.

Findings

Kavrakoğlu’s work, particularly the concept of TMQ, provides an alternative by offering a holistic approach, integrating quality management across strategic, operational and human resources dimensions. His locally adapted concepts, such as 3D Data-Driven Decision-Making, Asymmetric Education, Synergic Management and Knowledge Leveraging provide practical tools widely applied in Turkish industries but overlooked globally.

Research limitations/implications

Based on Kavrakoğlu’s works and firsthand testimonials, further empirical research is needed to explore the practical applications of his theories.

Practical implications

Kavrakoğlu’s principles provide valuable insights for integrating global theories with local business realities, improving overall managerial quality and decision-making in various contexts. This study highlights the importance of incorporating diverse management perspectives to enrich management education and practice.

Social implications

By emphasizing the contributions of management thinkers from diverse cultural backgrounds, this study promotes inclusivity and broadens the global discourse in management education and practice.

Originality/value

This study highlights Kavrakoğlu’s overlooked contributions, emphasizing his practical impact on management and advocating for a more inclusive view of global management history.
An analysis of the challenges in combatting money laundering within Bureaux de Change establishments in Botswana
Authors: Mokone Philadelphia Pontsho
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Financial institutions such as Bureaux de Change are susceptible to money laundering, posing a significant risk to a nation’s financial stability and security if not properly regulated and supervised. Botswana is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global organisation that sets standards, promotes policies to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing and arms proliferation, all to safeguard the global financial system. Efforts have been made to incorporate FATF recommendations on money laundering into the fiscal laws of Botswana. However, some deficiencies still remain. Although there are no recorded cases of money laundering in Botswana, Bureaux de Change entities are susceptible to it as their business involves cash transactions and rapid money transactions. This paper aims to analyse the challenges faced by Bureaux de Change entities in combating money laundering in Botswana. This will be done by assessing the effectiveness of the current regulatory framework and role of the regulatory authorities in combating money laundering within Bureaux de Change entities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a comprehensive examination of the obstacles faced by Bureaux de Change entities in Botswana when it comes to combating money laundering. A qualitative research method and doctrinal research method are both used in this context.

Findings

It is hoped that policymakers and other relevant persons will adopt the recommendations provided in the paper to enhance the curbing of money laundering in Botswana.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is only limited to the regulation of money laundering within the Bureaux de Change entities in Botswana and does not provide empirical research.

Practical implications

This paper is useful to policymakers, lawyers, law students and regulatory bodies especially in Botswana.

Social implications

This paper suggests changes to the Bank of Botswana (Bureaux de Change) Regulations of 2004 to improve their effectiveness, robustness and competitiveness in combating money laundering.

Originality/value

This paper is original research on the challenges of combating money laundering within Bureaux de Change entities in Botswana.
Prospects and challenges for social innovation in the context of municipal–community partnerships in metropolitan Athens and Thessaloniki
Authors: Arampatzi Athina , Tzekou Eirini-Erifyli , Iliopoulou Eirini , Nalmpantis Stratos
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to show how social innovation offers viable solutions to urban development, by foregrounding community empowerment and transformative impact on urban policy, in the context of municipal–community partnerships.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on empirical research in four municipalities in the metropolitan areas of Athens and Thessaloniki, Greece, and examples of municipal–community partnerships, which are illustrative of the prospects and challenges for social innovation to introduce novel means for multiactor cooperation at the local level.

Findings

Considering the weak capacity of Greek cities to deploy community-based forms of social innovation toward solution-based approaches to urban issues, municipal–community partnerships are able to bolster bottom-linked social innovations and contribute to the processual creation of participatory policy frameworks, in cooperation with local communities and social economy actors.

Originality/value

This study conceptualizes the role of social innovation in urban development, through the lens of municipal–community partnerships. It contributes empirical insights into the forms that social innovation acquires in unfavorable contexts and the processes that drive urban policy toward new directions.
Social trust and the performance of foreign firms: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Shen Huiyun , Yu Jie
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to contribute to the existing institutional literature by examining the impact of regional social trust on foreign firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, 10,286 annual observations of foreign firms in China from 2008 to 2020 are used to test the research hypotheses using an ordinary least square regression model.

Findings

Social trust can improve foreign firm performance by reducing operating costs and increasing risk-taking capacity, while formal institutions and economic policy uncertainty strengthen the positive relationship between social trust and foreign firm performance. Moreover, the results of the heterogeneity test show that the positive relationship is only manifested in the samples from the eastern region and is more pronounced in the samples of small- and medium-sized foreign firms and non-manufacturing foreign firms.

Originality/value

This study makes a theoretical contribution to the literature on institutional theory and foreign firm performance, as well as providing practical guidance to foreign firms on how to improve their performance.
Lat-Intersectology: a new proposed methodological approach to humanizing Latino [1] immigrants in qualitative research
Authors: Yrigollen-Robbins Michelle
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of Lat-Intersectology is to foster a deeper, more holistic understanding of societal structures, guiding more effective, inclusive policies and social justice initiatives. It champions the complexity of human diversity, urging a shift from linear analytical models to a more expansive, interlaced understanding of social realities.

Design/methodology/approach

Lat-Intersectology is a relatively new field of study that emerged from the intersection of Latino critical race and intersectionality theories. Lat-Intersectology seeks to build on Latino Critical theory (LatCrit) by examining the complex ways in which immigration status, race and ethnicity intersect Latino immigrants’ identities. Lat-Intersectology proposes a novel approach that seeks to unravel the deficit layers prevalent among Latino immigrants in the United States. This new approach emphasizes the understanding of these intersections not just as theoretical constructs but as privileged realities, influencing scholarly discourse. By foregrounding new perspectives, Lat-Intersectology contributes to a more nuanced understanding of US Latino immigrants’ social dynamics, promoting strategies for inclusion that are both informed by and tailored to the specificities of Latino immigrants’ context.

Findings

Lat-Intersectology provides a critical approach to the complex dynamics of privilege within Latino immigrant populations in the United States. It offers a nuanced analysis that recognizes diverse experiences shaped by race, ethnicity and legal status. The findings underscore that privileges are not monolithic among Latino immigrants; rather, they are fragmented and highly dependent on intersecting identities, providing a way for more inclusive and effective advocacy, tailored to the multifaceted nature of immigrant experiences in the United States.

Originality/value

Lat-Intersectology, as a groundbreaking methodology, shifts the paradigm in examining Latino immigrants in the United States by focusing on the intersections of their privileges, a concept often overshadowed by the dominant narrative of marginalization. This novel approach does not negate the systemic challenges faced but instead enriches our understanding by acknowledging the multifaceted identities within this community. By analyzing privileges alongside adversities, Lat-Intersectology facilitates a more nuanced discourse, recognizing that within the struggles, there are varying degrees of social advantages, perhaps tied to factors like skin color, immigration status, economic background or education. This methodology’s originality lies in its balanced view, offering a more comprehensive analysis of Latino immigrants’ experiences. Ultimately, the value of Lat-Intersectology is profound, as it fosters empathy and promotes a deeper comprehension of the complexities within human experiences, encouraging policies and social attitudes that reflect the diversity of experiences within the Latino immigrant community.
Vino Mundo: introducing wines of the world to Costa Rica
Authors: Lee Sarah , Massoud Jacob A. , Yeo Chang Seob
Published: February 2025

Research methodology

Primary and secondary data were used to prepare this case. For primary data, the company’s owner was interviewed on multiple occasions. The authors also used Vino Mundo company materials, websites and internal reports in developing the case. Other secondary data sources were used to obtain information on the external environment, industry, demographics and market. Secondary data sources included the World Bank, INEC and Urban and Cities Platform data sets.

Case overview/synopsis

Vino Mundo was a restaurant and event space in a beautiful mountain villa outside of San Jose, Costa Rica. It offered international cuisine and wine. The founder and owner, Guillermo Aguilar, faced challenges with sustaining and growing his business in the wake of the global pandemic in 2022. Although he had a strong vision for Vino Mundo, he needed to revisit his strategic plan, especially in marketing. He had many decisions to make in 2023.

Complexity academic level

The case is primarily designed for upper-level undergraduate and graduate marketing courses. It is well-suited for subjects such as marketing management, entrepreneurial marketing, marketing in emerging markets, family and small business marketing and global marketing. It covers topics including marketing strategy and tactics, new product development, segmentation, targeting, positioning, strategic marketing management, family businesses and emerging markets.
Leadership learning and development at work: team meeting observation as a work-based intervention
Authors: Youngblood R.J. , Maldonado Franzen Roberta , Priest Kerry L.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight a work-based leadership learning and development experience between a university and an organization in the Midwest of the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The viewpoint highlights how the interplay of leadership in complex adaptive systems and Leadership-as-Practice development supports the need for work-based learning approaches to leadership development. The authors describe how the process of executive team meeting observations as a work-based, inquiry-focused leadership development intervention created a container for team members to explore their interactions and flow of practice in their everyday work experience.

Findings

Meeting observation and debriefing can be a powerful tool for work-based learning. This practice adds to the growing body of literature on collective, relational and practice leadership and offers insight into work-based learning for leadership learning and development.

Practical implications

Partnerships between higher education institutions and industry can create broader opportunities for leadership learning and development and contribute to organizational and community development. Leadership developers, consultants, coaches, trainers and practitioners can incorporate leadership learning and development experiences within existing organizational structures and systems.

Originality/value

This viewpoint provides new insights into a university-industry partnership to explore the impact of work-based leadership development exercises through meeting observations and debriefing activities.
The 24‐year course of substance use disorders in patients with borderline personality disorder and personality‐disordered comparison subjects
Authors: Zanarini Mary C. , Temes Christina M. , Glass Isabel V. , Frankenburg Frances R. , Fitzmaurice Garrett M. , Unruh Brandon T. , Weiss Roger D.
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives

The purpose of this study is to detail the long‐term course of substance use disorders (SUDs) among patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and subjects with other personality disorders (OPD).

Methods

Two hundred and ninety patients with BPD and 72 subjects with OPD were assessed at baseline and 12 contiguous waves of follow‐up as part of the McLean Study of Adult Development (MSAD). The SCID‐I for DSM‐III‐R Axis I disorders was administered 13 times (at baseline admission and at 12 follow‐up periods). Kaplan–Meier analyses were used to assess time‐to‐remission (2–12 years in length), time‐to‐recurrence (2–12 years after first remission), and cumulative time‐to‐new onsets of alcohol and drug use disorders.

Results

Both study groups achieved high rates of remission (ranging from 12‐year long to 2‐year long) from alcohol use disorder (AUD) (BPD: 64%–91%; OPD: 80%–100%) and drug use disorder (DUD) (BPD: 71%–100%; OPD: 75%–100%). Recurrences (following 12‐year long and 2‐year long remissions) of AUD (BPD: 24%–63%; OPD: 46%–70%) and DUD (BPD: 28%–67%; OPD: 0%–38%) were not uncommon. Cumulative rates of new onsets during the 24 years of prospective follow‐up of AUD (BPD: 5%–27%; OPD: 2%–10%) and DUD (BPD: 5%–21%; OPD: 7%–18%) were less common.

Discussion and Conclusions

Remissions of alcohol and drug use disorders among borderline patients are very common but recurrences are not uncommon. Results also suggest that new onsets of these disorders are relatively rare.

Scientific Significance

The course of SUDs in those with BPD is more complex than found in prior shorter‐term studies.
Fine‐tuning established morphometric models through citizen science data
Authors: Biskis Veronika N. , Townsend Kathy A. , Morgan David L. , Lear Karissa O. , Holmes Bonnie J. , Wueringer Barbara E.
Published: February 2025

For globally threatened species, patchy data pose challenges in both establishing historical baselines and assessing current distributions. In the case of sawfishes, much previous research has relied on amputated trophy rostra or historical photographs to fill data gaps in distribution and population estimates. However, the established morphometric models that allow the estimation of total length from rostra are restricted by the data available to generate them, with many constructed solely from juvenile morphometric data, and robust error testing rarely performed. This study generates an independent dataset from citizen science photographs and field measurements, incorporating sawfishes of all life history stages, to test the robustness of previously proposed models for the four Indo‐Pacific sawfish species. Rostrum‐to‐length morphometric models (RLMs) were confirmed for Pristis clavata and Pristis pristis, and a new model was proposed for Pristis zijsron. A key source of error in previous RLMs for Anoxypristis cuspidata was identified as changing rostrum morphology with body size, but there were insufficient measurements in the present dataset to propose a new robust model for this species. This study highlights the problems associated with extrapolating total lengths of animals beyond the size bounds used to produce the original model. For historically exploited species like sawfishes, which are often represented in collections by trophies alone, these methods outline a critical step prior to use in further ecological study.
Sex‐Related Differences in Outcomes of Endovascular Treatment in Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke—Analyses From the German Stroke Registry‐Endovascular Treatment
Authors: Single Constanze , Mengel Annerose , Laichinger Kornelia , Sartor‐Pfeiffer Jennifer , Selo Nadja , Hennersdorf Florian , Bender Benjamin , Deb‐Chatterji Milani , Thomalla Götz , Mbroh Joshua , Poli Sven , Ziemann Ulf , Ernemann Ulrike , Feil Katharina ,   German Stroke Registry—Endovascular Treatment (GSR)
Published: February 2025

Background

Sex‐related differences in acute ischemic stroke may affect outcomes, yet evidence remains inconsistent. This large‐scale study investigated sex‐related differences in clinical presentation, peri‐interventional parameters, and outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) using data from the German Stroke Registry—Endovascular Treatment (GSR‐ET).

Methods

We analyzed 11.896 EVT patients (52.2% female) from the GSR‐ET (June 2015–December 2021) comparing clinical characteristics, treatment details, and outcomes by sex. Two propensity score matchings (PSM) were applied: (1) logistic regression model with a caliper width of 0.1 on age, pre‐stroke modified Rankin Scale (pmRS), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at admission, and (2) 1:1 nearest neighbor matching with a caliper of 0.01. Primary outcomes were good (mRS 0–2) and excellent (mRS 0–1) outcomes at discharge and 90‐day follow‐up.

Results

Women were older (76.3 ± 12.7 vs. 70.2 ± 12.9 years, p < 0.001) and had higher pre‐stroke disability (median pmRS 0 (0, 2) vs. 0 (0, 1), p < 0.001). Cardioembolic strokes were more frequent in women, even after PSM. Despite this, women had better odds of achieving good outcomes at discharge (adjusted OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04–1.38, p = 0.013), but not at follow‐up (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.78–1.05, p = 0.193). Both PSM analyses confirmed these findings.

Conclusions

While women demonstrated better short‐term functional outcomes after EVT, these benefits diminished in follow‐up. The persistence of cardioembolic stroke in women suggests potential sex‐specific mechanisms. Understanding and addressing sex‐related differences in stroke is essential to optimize acute stroke care and improve outcomes. Future studies should explore biological and socio‐economic factors influencing sex‐related differences.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03356392
Assessing the Therapeutic Value of Primary Tumor Resection in Colorectal Cancer Lung Metastases: A Dynamic Visualization Clinical Tool Constructed Based on the SEER Database
Authors: Xu Jinyi , Niu Xiaoqiang
Published: February 2025

Background

The efficacy of primary tumor resection (PTR) for colorectal cancer lung metastases (CRLM) is unclear. This study used the SEER database to investigate if PTR improves prognosis in CRLM patients and developed a nomogram to predict the likelihood of benefiting from PTR.

Methods

Patients with CRLM from the SEER database (2010–2019) were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) balanced PTR and non‐PTR groups. Kaplan–Meier analysis compared overall and cancer‐specific survival. Cox regression identified survival factors. The PTR group was divided into training and validation sets (7:3 ratio) for nomogram development using logistic regression. Nomogram performance was validated using ROC curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis.

Results

A total of 3264 CRLM patients were included (2459 with PTR, 805 without). After 1:1 PSM, each group had 484 patients. PTR significantly improved survival (p < 0.001). Logistic regression identified age, race, T‐stage, chemotherapy, and metastases to the liver, brain, and bone as risk factors. The nomogram showed excellent predictive performance and clinical utility.

Conclusion

PTR improves survival in CRLM patients, and the nomogram effectively predicts the benefit of PTR.
Association of early versus late tracheostomy with prognosis in hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy patients: A propensity‐matched cohort study
Authors: Li Yeling , Wan Dingyuan , Liu Hongmei , Guo Keying , Liu Yilin , Zhao Lihong , Li Ming , Li Jijie , Liu Yiwen , Dong Wei
Published: February 2025

Background

The optimal timing for exchanging an endotracheal tube for a tracheostomy cannula in patients with hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy is controversial.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of early versus late tracheostomy on the prognosis of patients with hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy.

Study Design

The study was an observational retrospective study that followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. We included adults with hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy who underwent tracheostomy between January 2012 and September 2020. The patients were classified into early or late tracheostomy groups. To eliminate differences in baseline characteristics, propensity score matching was conducted, and the outcomes between the two groups were compared.

Results

A total of 132 patients were included, and through propensity score matching, 54 pairs of patients were matched. The early tracheostomy group showed a significant reduction in the duration of mechanical ventilation (median, 12 days; interquartile range 7–20 vs. median, 28 days; interquartile range, 15.75–58.25, p < .001), intensive care unit length of stay (median, 14.5 days; interquartile range, 6.75–26 vs. median, 35 days; interquartile range, 20–59, p < .001) and hospital length of stay (median, 19.5 days; interquartile range, 10.87–36.5 vs. median, 39.5 days; interquartile range, 22–66, p < .001). Over a 1‐year follow‐up period, there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding inhospital mortality (57.4% vs. 46.3%, p = .248), 30‐day mortality (59.3% vs. 46.3%, p = .177) and 1‐year mortality (61.1% vs. 48.1%, p = .176).

Conclusions

In patients with hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy undergoing mechanical ventilation, early tracheostomy is associated with a reduction in the duration of mechanical ventilation and decreased intensive care unit and hospital length of stay.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

For patients with hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy who are at a high risk of requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation, the benefits of early tracheostomy suggest considering it a viable treatment option.
Effectiveness of self-management digital interventions in improving health-related outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an umbrella review protocol
Authors: Salgado Ricardo , Fernandes Hugo , de Goumoëns Véronique , Kiszio Blanche , Costa Patrício , Delmas Philippe , Padilha Miguel
Published: February 2025

Objective:

This review will aim to assess the effectiveness of self-management digital interventions in improving health-related outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Introduction:

Respiratory rehabilitation programs that promote self-management are crucial for COPD patients. However, current face-to-face strategies involve challenges, such as low participation, high dropout rates, and short-lived post-intervention benefits. Digital self-management interventions may address these issues by improving access to support and enhancing health-related outcomes. Several systematic reviews have examined the effectiveness of these interventions in improving health-related outcomes, prompting the current umbrella review to summarize the existing evidence.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider systematic reviews that examine the effectiveness of self-management digital interventions in improving health-related outcomes in COPD patients. It will not be restricted by COPD stage, phase, comorbidity, sex or gender, setting, or context.

Methods:

The JBI methodology for umbrella reviews will be followed. A comprehensive search will be conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, PEDro, the International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment, Epistemonikos, Web of Science, ProQuest, and COPD-related websites to identify reviews published in any language from inception to date. Titles and abstracts, and then full texts, will be screened independently by 2 reviewers against the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality will be assessed using the JBI critical appraisal checklist for systematic reviews and research syntheses. Data will be extracted using an adapted and piloted JBI data extraction tool. The findings will be presented in tabular format, along with narrative descriptions and visual support. A citation matrix will be produced to assess study overlap.

Umbrella review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42024517476
Conceptualizaciones acerca de los procedimientos de fin de vida de una muestra de colombianos
Authors: Pineda-Marín Claudia , Ávila Guzmán Juliana de las Estrellas , Córdoba González Eidy
Published: February 2025

Los procedimientos de fin de vida como el suicidio asistido y la eutanasia hacen parte de las discusiones y debates que deben librarse a nivel social y jurídico en varios países. Aún cuando estos procedimientos están legislados en Colombia, pocas veces se indaga la perspectiva de los ciudadanos comunes para conocer las razones por las que están a favor o en contra de dichos procedimientos. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar las conceptualizaciones de una muestra de colombianos acerca de la vida, la muerte, la autonomía, la libertad y el sufrimiento; todos estos conceptos en el marco de la discusión sobre los procedimientos de fin de vida. Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, con preguntas abiertas de respuesta corta a 58 hombres y 70 mujeres. Las respuestas fueron procesadas usando un análisis de datos textuales con el software KH-Coder, con el que se construyeron cinco redes de co-ocurrencias. Los principales resultados muestran que las conceptualizaciones se agrupan en categorías que hacen énfasis en el fin de vida como una decisión personal, una decisión enmarcada en las relaciones espirituales y finalmente como una decisión atada al bienestar (físico y psicológico).
Relación entre los estilos de humor y el bienestar subjetivo en estudiantes universitarios: La participación en actividades extracurriculares como mediador
Authors: Huang Shih-Yuan , Tsai Meng-Hua , Chen Hsueh-Chih , Shih Hsiao-Feng
Published: February 2025

Estudios recientes han encontrado que la participación de los estudiantes universitarios en actividades extracurriculares (ECA) influye en su desarrollo físico, bienestar mental y general. Sin embargo, el mecanismo psicológico subyacente a esto efectos sigue sin explorarse. En consecuencia, este estudio examinó las relaciones entre el grado de participación en ECA, el estilo de humor y el bienestar subjetivo (SWB) en estudiantes universitarios, con el fin de determinar si la participación en ECA tenía un efecto mediador sobre el estilo de humor o el SWB. Se seleccionó un total de 640 estudiantes universitarios (289 hombres y 351 mujeres) que participaban regularmente en ECA. El
estudio arrojó tres hallazgos principales. Primero, en comparación con los hombres, las mujeres utilizaron el humor afiliativo con más frecuencia y el humor agresivo con menor frecuencia. Además, las mujeres presentaron un nivel más alto de SWB que los hombres. Segundo, la participación en las ECA se correlacionó positivamente con el uso de humor afiliativo, el puntaje general de SWB, la satisfacción con la vida y el afecto positivo. Tercero, la participación en las ECA medió los efectos del humor afiliativo y el SWB, lo que indica que los estudiantes que emplearon el humor afiliativo y el SWB podían mejorar su SWB a través de la participación en las ECA. Los hallazgos de este estudio aclaran el mecanismo subjetivo a través del cual la participación en ECA afecta el estilo de humor y el SWB de los estudiantes universitarios.
Multidisciplinary Modeling and Control Co-Design of a Floating Offshore Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine System
Authors: Lee Yong Hoon , Bayat Saeid , Allison James T. , Hossain Md Sanower , Griffith D. Todd
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the modeling and design of a floating vertical-axis wind turbine (FloatVAWT) system with multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) and control co-design (CCD) approaches. By integrating various associated disciplinary models, the study aims to holistically optimize the physical and control designs of the FloatVAWT system. Through the identification of impactful design elements and capitalizing on synergistic interactions, the study aims to provide insights to subsystem designers and aid their detailed decisions. The model developed for this CCD framework utilizes automated geometric manipulation and mesh generation to explore various FloatVAWT configurations during the early design stages. Surrogate models facilitate efficient design studies within limited computing resources by exchanging model information between disciplinary models and subsystems without requiring extensive simulations during the optimization loop. The model incorporates an aero-hydro-servo dynamic representation of the FloatVAWT system, considering physical and control constraints. Additionally, the study investigates the potential benefits of varying both the average and intracycle rotational speeds of the vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) rotor to enhance energy production and minimize adverse platform motions, thus reducing the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). System-level design solutions are analyzed to identify design trade-offs and propose mitigation strategies for potential mechanical failures of the rotor. In conclusion, this study provides modeling strategies for the FloatVAWT system and analyzes the system design solutions through MDO and CCD approaches. The outcomes of the study offer insights into system-optimal solutions for subsystem-level decisions considering multidisciplinary couplings.
Acute Effects of Static Stretching on Handgrip Strength and Wrist Joint Flexibility in Physically Active Older Women
Authors: Palmer Ty B. , Palmer Bailey M.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objective: The muscle strength and flexibility responses to stretching in older adults are unclear. We aimed to examine the acute effects of static stretching on handgrip strength and wrist joint flexibility in older women. Methods: Twenty physically active older women (68 ± 6 years) performed handgrip contractions and wrist joint flexibility assessments before and after a control condition (quiet resting) and an experimental condition of static stretching for 30 s. Peak force and rate of force development variables were obtained from each contraction. Wrist joint range of motion was determined from the flexibility assessments. Results: There were no significant changes in handgrip peak force or rate of force development variables after the stretching treatment (p = .11–.88). There was, however, a significant stretch-induced increase in wrist joint range of motion (p < .01). Conclusion: These findings indicate that a 30-s bout of static stretching may be an effective intervention for increasing wrist joint flexibility without decreasing handgrip strength. Significance/Implications: The results of our study may have important implications for creating stretching interventions that can be used as part of a warm-up routine to help attenuate the negative effects of age on range of motion. Such interventions may be beneficial for improving functional performance and reducing the risk of injury in older populations.
Child-, Family-, and Community-Level Correlates of 24-Hour Movement Behaviors in Ethiopian Young Children: The SUNRISE Study
Authors: Abdeta Chalchisa , Cliff Dylan , Kariippanon Katharina , Deksisa Alem , Garoma Sileshi , Tesfaye Debrework , Okely Anthony D.
Published: February 2025

Background: Understanding the factors influencing 24-hour movement behaviors is important for designing appropriate health promotion strategies. We examined the multidimensional correlates of physical activity, sedentary behavior, screen time, and sleep among children under 5 years of age in Ethiopia. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in Adama and Lume district, Ethiopia. Children were recruited from urban kindergartens and rural villages. Physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep were assessed using accelerometry. Screen time and correlates were parent reported. Variables were selected a priori, using the social ecological model and considering country context. Linear mixed models were used to test associations between child-, family-, and community-level correlates and time spent in 24-hour movement behaviors, accounting for clustering effect. Results: Four hundred and thirty children participated (mean age 4.2 [0.6] y). Girls spent less time in total of physical activity (TPA) and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and more time sedentary than boys. Children who spent more time outdoors had higher TPA and MVPA, longer sleep duration, and shorter sedentary and screen time. Children of educated parents had lower TPA and MVPA and higher sedentary time than those with no formal education. Children of parents who reported using a screen device with their child for educational purposes spent less time in MVPA, had shorter sleep, and had more screen time than those who did not. Rural children had higher TPA and MVPA, longer sleep, and shorter sedentary and screen time than urban children. Conclusion: We identified key correlates of 24-hour movement behaviors in Ethiopian children. Designing tailored health promotion strategies to support healthy levels of movement behaviors, particularly in urban areas, is needed.
Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Approaches to the Formation of Individual Sport Fans’ Psychological Ownership and Its Impacts on Prosocial Behavior, Attendance Intention, and Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Park Seong-Jin , Lee Hyun-Woo
Published: February 2025

The authors aimed to (a) investigate the underlying mechanism of how individual sport fans form psychological ownership using cognitive, affective, and behavioral approaches and (b) identify the outcomes of psychological ownership. Across three studies with between-subjects experimental designs (NCognitive-approach = 278; NAffective-approach = 436, NBehavioral-approach = 412), we revealed that fans in group-self-identification (vs. personal-self-identification) condition perceived a higher degree of empowerment, resulting in the formation of psychological ownership in all studies. Furthermore, we identified that prosocial behavior, attendance intention, and psychological well-being were the downstream consequences for psychological ownership. The results of the cross-validation analysis in Study 3 indicated no significant interaction effect of identification type (personal-self-identification vs. group-self-identification) and cultures (individualism vs. collectivism) on perceived empowerment. However, an additional three-way interaction analysis revealed a significant and negative conditional interaction effect only in the low collective identification group. Last, theoretical and practical implications were discussed based on these findings.