bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results of an International Survey on Feeding Management in Infants With Short Bowel Syndrome‐Associated Intestinal Failure
Authors: Verlato Giovanna , Hill Susan , Jonkers‐Schuitema Cora , Macdonald Sarah , Guimber Dominique , Echochard‐Dugelay Emmanuelle , Pulvirenti Rebecca , Lambe Cecile , Tabbers Merit ,   European Reference Network on Rare and Inherited Congenital Anomalies (ERNICA)
Published: August 2021

Objectives:

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a complex and rare condition (incidence 1200/100,000 live births) that requires a multidisciplinary team approach to management. In January 2019, the first European Reference Network on Rare and Inherited Congenital Anomalies (ERNICA) Intestinal Failure (IF) workshop was held. Several questions about the strategies used in managing IF associated with SBS were devised. The aim of our study was to collect data on the enteral feeding strategies adopted by the ERNICA centres.

Methods:

A questionnaire (36 questions) about strategies used to introduce enteral nutrition post‐operatively and start complementary food/solids in infants with SBS associated IF was developed and sent to 24 centres in 15 countries that participated in the ERNICA‐IF workshop. The answers were collated and compared with the literature.

Results:

There was a 100% response rate. In infants, enteral nutrition was introduced as soon as possible, ideally within 24–48 hours post‐small intestinal surgical resection. In 10 of 24 centres, bolus feeding was used, in nine continuous, and in five a combination of both. Twenty‐three centres used mothers’ own milk as the first choice of feed with extensively hydrolysed feed, amino acid‐based feed, donor human milk or standard preterm/term formula as the second choice. Although 22 centres introduced complementary/solid food by 6 months of age, food choice varied greatly between centres and appeared to be culturally based.

Conclusions:

There is diversity in post‐surgical enteral feeding strategies among centres in Europe. Further multi‐centre studies could help to increase evidence‐based medicine and management on this topic.
Assistance of a Palliative Care Certified Nurse in the Alleviation of Refractory Cancer Pain by Switching Opioids to Oral Methadone in a Japanese Outpatient Setting
Authors: Okayama Sachiko , Matsuda Yoshinobu
Published: August 2021

Although methadone has the potential to improve the management of cancer pain, it has some serious problems, such as respiratory depression and QT interval prolongation. Therefore, patients who are prescribed methadone must be educated, monitored, and supported by specialized medical staff, especially in the outpatient setting. We assessed the effectiveness of support from the palliative care certified nurse who used the checklists in opioid switching to oral methadone for patients with refractory pain. Through the multidisciplinary palliative care team at our hospital, 15 outpatients with cancer pain were prescribed oral methadone between April 2013 and December 2020, and 14 cases were successful in switching to methadone. After taking medication, the certified nurse called the patient's home daily for 3 to 5 days and confirmed that the patient had taken the methadone, the degree of pain, the number of rescue medications, and the appearance of side effects, such as respiratory depression. Careful management by a multidisciplinary team is essential for opioid switching to oral methadone administration for outpatients. Certified nurses may play an important role in maintaining safety and resolving the patients' and families' anxieties with respect to the prescription of methadone.
The Effectiveness of Simulation Use in Transition to Practice Nurse Residency Programs
Authors: Harper Mary G. , Bodine Jennifer , Monachino AnneMarie
Published: August 2021

Representatives of three international associations reviewed literature published from 2009 to 2018 to ascertain the effectiveness of simulation use in transition to practice programs for newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs). A review of nine quantitative studies demonstrated that simulation positively influences NLRN self-perception of skills, competence, readiness for practice, and confidence. However, evidence of objective measures of NLRN competence and the impact of simulation on patient and organizational outcomes was lacking.
Engaging Social Media Influencers to Recruit Hard-to-Reach Populations
Authors: Wentzell Katherine , Walker Heather R. , Hughes Allyson S. , Vessey Judith A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Though clinical researchers have begun to use social media platforms to recruit participants, social media influencers are innovative community connectors to further expand recruitment reach, especially in hard-to-reach populations.

Objectives

The purpose of this methods article is to provide a step-by-step guide for engaging social media influencers for virtual participant recruitment.

Methods

There are multiple steps for researchers to follow, including preplanning, institutional review board approval, engaging with influencers, the pitch, the post, and results dissemination.

Discussion

Engaging social media influencers to recruit for clinical research demonstrates great potential to increase access to hard-to-reach populations. Several methodological considerations remain, and this article shares both opportunities and challenges to guide researchers in this technique.
Evaluating Outcomes and Weight Loss After Panniculectomy
Authors: Stewart Christopher M. , Faaborg-Andersen Christian , Baker Nusaiba , Losken Albert
Published: August 2021

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate long-term outcomes and weight loss after panniculectomy.

Methods

A retrospective chart review study was performed on 225 consecutive patients who had undergone panniculectomy from 2002 and 2020. Demographic variables including smoking status, medical comorbidities, and prior history of weight loss/bariatric surgery were collected for 173 patients. Preoperative and postoperative body mass index (BMI) were calculated in addition to postoperative outcomes.

Results

The study population was 85% female with a mean age of 57 years and an average follow-up of 3.9 years. Relevant comorbidities included obesity (88%), hypertension (65%), diabetes (37%), and smoking (8%), and the majority (53%) of patients had undergone prior bariatric surgery. The overall complication rate was 40%. Twenty percent of patients required reoperation or readmission, and 20% had minor complications addressed in an outpatient setting. Patients who had higher preoperative BMI experienced a significant long-term reduction in BMI. In addition, patients who did not undergo prior bariatric surgery tended to lose weight more often and by larger amounts than patients who had prior bariatric surgery (71.6% vs 57.6, P = 0.023). Complications were not uncommon and included infection (17%), delayed wound healing (16%), seroma (8%), and hematoma (3%). Patients who had prior bariatric surgery were at reduced risk of any complication (P = 0.012). Smoking increased the incidence of infection (38.5% of smokers vs 15.6% of nonsmokers, P = 0.039). Concomitant hernia repair increased the risk of overall complications (64.3% vs 35.9%, P = 0.003) and delayed wound healing (39.2% vs 11.7%, P < 0.001). In the subgroup of patients who did not lose weight, a panniculus weight greater than 5 kg was associated with an increased complication rate (61.5% vs 27%, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Patients who underwent a panniculectomy tended to lose weight postoperatively, particularly those who had not undergone previous bariatric surgery. Complications were not uncommon, especially in patients with a smoking history. Prior bariatric surgery patients had a significant decrease in postoperative complications but tended to lose less weight after panniculectomy than those without prior bariatric surgery. Concomitant hernia repair put patients at an increased risk of complications.
Contemporary Review on Craniectomy and Cranioplasty; Part 2: Material Selection and Plate Manufacture
Authors: Hatamleh Muhanad M.
Published: August 2021

Cranioplasty materials include metals (ie, titanium); ceramics (ie, hydroxyapatite); polymers (ie, poly-methyl-metha-acrylate [PMMA]); and plastics (ie, polyether ether ketone). This paper aims to review their advantages and drawbacks. No ideal material currently exist, however, titanium implants are universally agreed to have lower infection rates than those reported for hydroxyapatite and PMMA implants; thus justifying their current wide use. These implants can be manufactured conventionally from medical grade titanium alloy Ti64 (titanium-aluminum-vanadium) in the form of plates ranging in thickness from 0.5 to 0.7 mm thick, or following the computer-aided design/manufacture principle. Surface finish of these implants is best achieved by electroplating.
Neoadjuvant Therapy for Resectable Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Birrer Dominique L. , Golcher Henriette , Casadei Riccardo , Haile Sarah R. , Fritsch Ralph , Hussung Saskia , Brunner Thomas B. , Fietkau Rainer , Meyer Thomas , Grützmann Robert , Merkel Susanne , Ricci Claudio , Ingaldi Carlo , Di Marco Mariacristina , Guido Alessandra , Serra Carla , Minni Francesco , Pestalozzi Bernhard , Petrowsky Henrik , DeOliveira Michelle , Bechstein Wolf O. , Bruns Christiane J. , Oberkofler Christian E. , Puhan Milo , Lesurtel Mickaël , Heinrich Stefan , Clavien Pierre-Alain
Published: August 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study was to pool data from randomized controlled trials (RCT) limited toresectablepancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) to determine whether a neoadjuvant therapy impacts on disease-free survival (DFS) and surgical outcome.

Summary Background Data:

Few underpowered studies have suggested benefits from neoadjuvant chemo (± radiation) for strictly resectable PDAC without offering conclusive recommendations.

Methods:

Three RCTs were identified comparing neoadjuvant chemo (± radio) therapyvs.upfront surgery followed by adjuvant therapy in all cases. Data were pooled targeting DFS as primary endpoint, whereas overall survival (OS), postoperative morbidity, and mortality were investigated as secondary endpoints. Survival endpoints DFS and OS were compared using Cox proportional hazards regression with study-specific baseline hazards.

Results:

A total of 130 patients were randomized (56 in the neoadjuvant and 74 in the control group). DFS was significantly longer in the neoadjuvant treatment group compared to surgery only[hazard ratio (HR) 0.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4–0.9] (P= 0.01). Furthermore, DFS for the subgroup of R0 resections was similarly longer in the neoadjuvant treated group (HR 0.6, 95% CI 0.35–0.9,P= 0.045). Although postoperative complications (Comprehensive Complication Index, CCI®) occurred less frequently (P= 0.008), patients after neoadjuvant therapy experienced a higher toxicity, but without negative impact on oncological or surgical outcome parameters.

Conclusion:

Neoadjuvant therapy can be offered as an acceptable standard of care for patients with purely resectable PDAC. Future research with the advances of precision oncology should now focus on the definition of the optimal regimen.
How latex film formation and adhesion at the nanoscale correlate to performance of pressure sensitive adhesives with cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Niinivaara Elina , Ouzas Alexandra , Fraschini Carole , Berry Richard M. , Dubé Marc A. , Cranston Emily D.
Published: August 2021

Emulsion polymerized latex-based pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are more environmentally benign because they are synthesized in water but often underperform compared to their solution polymerized counterparts. Studies have shown a simultaneous improvement in the tack, and peel and shear strength of various acrylic PSAs upon the addition of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). This work uses atomic force microscopy (AFM) to examine the role of CNCs in (i) the coalescence of hydrophobic 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate/
n
-butyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate (EHA/BA/MMA) latex films and (ii) as adhesion modifiers over multiple length scales. Thin films with varying solids content and CNC loading were prepared by spin coating. AFM revealed that CNCs lowered the solids content threshold for latex particle coalescence during film formation. This improved the cohesive strength of the films, which was directly reflected in the increased shear strength of the EHA/BA/MMA PSAs with increasing CNC loading. Colloidal probe AFM indicated that the nano-adhesion of thicker continuous latex films increased with CNC loading when measured over small contact areas where the effect of surface roughness was negligible. Conversely, the beneficial effects of the CNCs on macroscopic PSA tack and peel strength were outweighed by the effects of increased surface roughness with increasing CNC loading over larger surface areas. This highlights that CNCs can improve both cohesive and adhesive PSA properties; however, the effects are most pronounced when the CNCs interact favourably with the latex polymer and are uniformly dispersed throughout the adhesive film.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Bio-derived and bioinspired sustainable advanced materials for emerging technologies (part 1)’.
Palmitic acid sophorolipid biosurfactant: from self-assembled fibrillar network (SAFiN) to hydrogels with fast recovery
Authors: Baccile Niki , Ben Messaoud Ghazi , Le Griel Patrick , Cowieson Nathan , Perez Javier , Geys Robin , De Graeve Marilyn , Roelants Sophie L. K. W. , Soetaert Wim
Published: August 2021

Nanofibres are an interesting phase into which amphiphilic molecules can self-assemble. Described for a large number of synthetic lipids, they were seldom reported for natural lipids like microbial amphiphiles, known as biosurfactants. In this work, we show that the palmitic acid congener of sophorolipids (SLC16:0), one of the most studied families of biosurfactants, spontaneously forms a self-assembled fibre network (SAFiN) at pH below 6 through a pH jump process. pH-resolved
in situ
small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) shows a continuous micelle-to-fibre transition, characterized by an enhanced core–shell contrast between pH 9 and pH 7 and micellar fusion into a flat membrane between pH 7 and pH 6, approximately. Below pH 6, homogeneous, infinitely long nanofibres form by peeling off the membranes. Eventually, the nanofibre network spontaneously forms a thixotropic hydrogel with fast recovery rates after applying an oscillatory strain amplitude out of the linear viscoelastic regime: after being submitted to strain amplitudes during 5 min, the hydrogel recovers about 80% and 100% of its initial elastic modulus after, respectively, 20 s and 10 min. Finally, the strength of the hydrogel depends on the medium's final pH, with an elastic modulus fivefold higher at pH 3 than at pH 6.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Bio-derived and bioinspired sustainable advanced materials for emerging technologies (part 1)’.
Existing human mobility data sources poorly predicted the spatial spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Madagascar
Authors: Ramiadantsoa Tanjona , Metcalf C. Jessica E. , Raherinandrasana Antso Hasina , Randrianarisoa Santatra , Rice Benjamin L. , Wesolowski Amy , Randriatsarafara Fidiniaina Mamy , Rasambainarivo Fidisoa
Published: August 2021

For emerging epidemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, quantifying travel is a key component of developing accurate predictive models of disease spread to inform public health planning. However, in many LMICs, traditional data sets on travel such as commuting surveys as well as non-traditional sources such as mobile phone data are lacking, or, where available, have only rarely been leveraged by the public health community. Evaluating the accuracy of available data to measure transmission-relevant travel may be further hampered by limited reporting of suspected and laboratory confirmed infections. Here, we leverage case data collected as part of a COVID-19 dashboard collated via daily reports from the Malagasy authorities on reported cases of SARS-CoV-2 across the 22 regions of Madagascar. We compare the order of the timing of when cases were reported with predictions from a SARS-CoV-2 metapopulation model of Madagascar informed using various measures of connectivity including a gravity model based on different measures of distance, Internal Migration Flow data, and mobile phone data. Overall, the models based on mobile phone connectivity and the gravity-based on Euclidean distance best predicted the observed spread. The ranks of the regions most remote from the capital were more difficult to predict but interestingly, regions where the mobile phone connectivity model was more accurate differed from those where the gravity model was most accurate. This suggests that there may be additional features of mobility or connectivity that were consistently underestimated using all approaches, but are epidemiologically relevant. This work highlights the importance of data availability and strengthening collaboration among different institutions with access to critical data - models are only as good as the data that they use, so building towards effective data-sharing pipelines is essential.
DESIGNER DNA HYDROGELS TO STIMULATE 3D CELL INVASION BY ENHANCED RECEPTOR EXPRESSION AND MEMBRANE ENDOCYTOSIS
Authors: Walia Shanka , Morya Vinod , Gangrade Ankit , Naskar Supriyo , Teja Aditya Guduru , Dalvi Sameer , Maiti Prabal K , Ghoroi Chinmay , Bhatia Dhiraj
Published: August 2021

DNA has emerged as one of the smartest biopolymers to bridge the gap between chemical science and biology to design scaffolds like hydrogels by physical entanglement or chemical bonding with remarkable properties. We present here a completely new application of DNA based hydrogels in terms of their capacity to stimulate membrane endocytosis, leading to enhanced cell spreading and invasion for cells in ex-vivo 3D spheroids models. Multiscale simulation studies along with DLS data showed that the hydrogel formation was enhanced at lower temperature and it converts to liquid with increase in temperature. DNA hydrogels induced cell spreading as observed by increase in cellular area by almost two-folds followed by increase in receptor expression, endocytosis and 3D invasion potential of migrating cells. Our first results lay the foundation for upcoming diverse applications of hydrogels to probe and program various cellular and physiological processes that can have lasting applications in stem cells programming and regenerative therapeutics.
Case of multifocal glioblastoma with four fusion transcripts of ALK, FGFR2, NTRK2, and NTRK3 genes stresses the need for tumor tissue multisampling for transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Samii Amir , Sorokin Maxim , Kar Souvik , Makovskaia Luidmila , Garazha Andrew , Hartmann Christian , Moisseev Aleksey , Kim Ella , Giese Alf , Buzdin Anton
Published: August 2021

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant brain tumor with patient mortality rate close to 100%, 5-yr survival rate of ∼5%, and a median survival of 14 mo. GBMs have notorious histomorphologic and molecular heterogeneities thus giving hope for development of future personalized therapies. We describe here a case of a 48-yr-old male patient with three-nodular GBM. To address the question of intratumoral molecular heterogeneity, a comparative analysis of gene expression was performed by using multiple samples collected from different tumor sites with the aid of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Sixteen GBM biosamples from parietal, temporal, and temporo-polar localizations were collected from primary, recurrent, and second recurrent tumors and were obtained and investigated by RNA sequencing. Our investigations revealed that biosamples derived from different tumor sites differ in their gene expression profiles with classical or mesenchymal signatures associated with clinically distinct molecular subtypes of GBM found within the same tumor. The results also showed significant differences in the expression of genes specific for targeted therapeutics. Our investigations have enabled the identification of four novel fusion transcripts—KIF5C-NTRK3, AC016907.2-ALK, CNTNAP3-NTRK2, and ZNF135-FGFR2—each present in only one sample. We found no differences between untreated and recurrent stages in the expression levels of genes involved in fusion transcripts, suggesting the lack of association between fusion transcript and treatment response. In contrast, longitudinal changes in the expression of VEGF and MGMT genes were concordant with the tumor response to bevacizumab and temozolomide. Our study underscores the importance of integrating a multisampling approach and RNA sequencing and demonstrates the predictive merit of an integrated approach for differentiating genomic aberrations associated with untreated or post-treatment recurrent GBMs.
Labeling the 3′ Termini of Oligonucleotides Using Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase
Authors: Green Michael R. , Sambrook Joseph
Published: August 2021

Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT, also simply called terminal transferase) is a template-independent polymerase that catalyzes the addition of deoxynucleotides and dideoxynucleotides to the 3′-hydroxyl terminus of a DNA molecule. Cobalt (Co2+) is a necessary cofactor for the activity of this enzyme. Incorporation at the 3′ terminus can be limited to just 1 nt by using [α-32P]ddATP or biotin-, digoxigenin (DIG)-, or fluorescein-ddUTP. Because none of these molecules carries a 3′-hydroxyl group, no additional molecules can be incorporated. Alternatively, the enzyme is capable of adding several (2–100) nt to 3′ ends in a so-called homopolymeric “tailing” reaction. A tailing reaction is performed in the presence of a mixture of labeled and unlabeled dNTPs. The rate of addition of dNTPs, and thus the length of the tail, is a function of the ratio of 3′ DNA ends to dNTP concentration and, in addition, the specific dNTP that is used.
Xenopus, a Model to Study Wound Healing and Regeneration: Experimental Approaches
Authors: Slater Paula G. , Palacios Miriam , Larraín Juan
Published: August 2021

Xenopus has been widely used as a model organism to study wound healing and regeneration. During early development and at tadpole stages, Xenopus is a quick healer and is able to regenerate multiple complex organs—abilities that decrease with the progression of metamorphosis. This unique capacity leads us to question which mechanisms allow and direct regeneration at stages before the beginning of metamorphosis and which ones are responsible for the loss of regenerative capacities during later stages. Xenopus is an ideal model to study regeneration and has contributed to the understanding of morphological, cellular, and molecular mechanisms involved in these processes. Nevertheless, there is still much to learn. Here we provide an overview on using Xenopus as a model organism to study regeneration and introduce protocols that can be used for studying wound healing and regeneration at multiple levels, thus enhancing our understanding of these phenomena.
Does privatization of public sector banks affect stock prices? An event study approach on the Indian banking sector stocks
Authors: Rai Varun Kumar , Pandey Dharen Kumar
Published: August 2021

Purpose

With a sample of 22 banks, this study examines the significance of the news contents about the privatization of two public sector banks in India. New information does impact the stock markets. This study provides evidence on how the privatization of public sector banks impacted the returns of the Indian banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs the standard event study methodology with the market model for estimating the normal returns.

Findings

The statistical results indicate that while the private sector banks experienced positive average abnormal returns on the event day, the cumulative effect of the announcement is negatively significant for both private and public sector banks. The statistical results also provide evidence of information leakage, with significant results before the announcement date. The shorter event windows analysis exhibits significant positive returns in the 5-days [−2, +2] window for the private sector banks and the entire sample, signifying a positive short-term impact on the private sector banks.

Originality/value

The event study literature captures the impacts of many events. However, to the best of our knowledge, the impacts of the privatization of the Indian public sector banks have never been examined using the event study methodology. Hence, this study anticipates being the first-ever study to fill this gap and extend the available literature in finance. In addition, although we provide Indian evidence, future studies may be oriented to capture cross-country impacts.
The impact of Covid-19 on access to psychological services
Authors: Purrington Jack , Beail Nigel
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The novel coronavirus and associated mitigation efforts have produced barriers to accessing services for adults with intellectual disabilities. This paper aims to evaluate the impact of Covid-19 on access to psychological services. The paper evaluates monthly referral rates and psychological distress scores for service users awaiting therapy.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative service evaluation was completed in a psychology service based in the North of England which specialises in supporting adults with intellectual disabilities. A single case experimental design was used to examine the impact of events in March 2020 on referral rates. Descriptive statistics and effect size calculations were used to examine the impact of prolonged waiting times on psychological distress scores.

Findings

Referral rates were examined comparing a 5-year rolling average monthly referral rate for the 12 months prior to March 2020 with the 12 months following. Findings demonstrate that events starting in March 2020 have had a considerable impact on referral rates and rates have not recovered. Eight service users were contacted to determine the impact of prolonged waiting times with results demonstrating increases in psychological distress of large effect size.

Originality/value

This is the only paper the authors are aware of examining the impact of the coronavirus on access to services and psychological distress for adults with intellectual disabilities. It is hoped that these findings will be able to inform both policy and practice as services continue to navigate the pandemic.
Antecedents of adaptive selling behaviour: a study of the Korean cosmetic industry
Authors: Amenuvor Fortune Edem , Yi Ho-Taek , Boateng Henry
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper examines the antecedents of adaptive selling behavior empirically from the salespeople's, customers', and firms' perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey design was used for this study. Data from 219 salespeople and their visiting customers in selected cosmetics companies in Korea are used to test the conceptual model using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Findings show that intrinsic motivation, empathy, and product knowledge are germane to adaptive selling behavior among salesperson-level factors. Similarly, among the customer-level factors, the length of the relationship between salespeople and customers positively affects adaptive selling behavior. Also, while supervisory empowerment among the organizational-level factors significantly predicts adaptive selling behavior, supervisory control has a negative effect on adaptive selling behavior. The study finds that emotional intelligence and customer value demandingness do not significantly affect adaptive selling behavior.

Originality/value

Even though there is extant research on adaptive selling behavior, our research differs from previous research because our research focuses on door-to-door personal selling channels. Furthermore, this study departs from previous research because it uses customer-reporting of the salespeople and salespeople's self-reporting responses.
Finder, Minder & Grinder: The Charges and Rebuttal
Authors: Yemen Gerry , Davidson Martin N.
Published: July 2021

David Walker, a senior attorney in a busy white-shoe law practice is involved in an in-office dispute between his administrative assistant and a respected colleague. He had spent numerous hours listening to both sides tell their stories and has no answers. How was he ever going to help two people he valued greatly work out a compromise between their extremely polar positions? The case provides opportunities to explore the sources of interpersonal conflict, causes of escalation, and ways of diffusing and resolving it.
Numerical evaluation of separation efficiency in the diverging T-junction for slug flow
Authors: Ejaz Faheem , Pao William , Ali Hafiz Muhammad
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Offshore industries encounter severe production downtime due to high liquid carryovers in the T-junction. The diameter ratio and flow regime can significantly affect the excess liquid carryovers. Unfortunately, regular and reduce T-junctions have low separation efficiencies. Ansys as a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software was used to model and numerically inspect a novel diverging T-junction design. The purpose of diverging T-junction is to merge the specific characteristics of regular and reduced T-junctions, ultimately increasing separation efficiency. The purpose of this study is to numerically compute the separation efficiency for five distinct diverging T-junctions for eight different velocity ratios. The results were compared to regular and converging T-junctions.

Design/methodology/approach

Air-water slug flow was simulated with the help of the volume of the fluid model, coupled with the K-epsilon turbulence model to track liquid-gas interfaces.

Findings

The results of this study indicated that T-junctions with upstream and downstream diameter ratio combinations of 0.8–1 and 0.5–1 achieved separation efficiency of 96% and 94.5%, respectively. These two diverging T-junctions had significantly higher separation efficiencies when compared to regular and converging T-junctions. Results also revealed that over-reduction of upstream and downstream diameter ratios below 0.5 and 1, respectively, lead to declination in separation efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

The present study is constrained for air and water as working fluids. Nevertheless, the results apply to other applications as well.

Practical implications

The proposed T-junction is intended to reduce excessive liquid carryovers and frequent plant shutdowns. Thus, lowering operational costs and enhancing separation efficiency.

Social implications

Higher separation efficiency achieved by using diverging T-junction enabled reduced production downtimes and resulted in lower maintenance costs.

Originality/value

A novel T-junction design was proposed in this study with a separation efficiency of higher than 90%. High separation efficiency eliminates loss of time during shutdowns and lowers maintenance costs. Furthermore, limitations of this study were also addressed as the lower upstream and downstream diameter ratio does not always enhance separation efficiency.
Entrepreneurial approach for open innovation: opening new opportunities, mapping knowledge and highlighting gaps
Authors: Flamini Giulia , Pellegrini Massimiliano Matteo , Fakhar Manesh Mohammad , Caputo Andrea
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Since the first definition of open innovation (OI), the indivisible relationship between this concept and entrepreneurship was undeniable. However, the exact mechanisms by which an entrepreneurial approach may benefit OI processes and vice versa are not yet fully understood. The study aims to offer an accurate map of the knowledge evolution of the OI–entrepreneurship relationship and interesting gaps to be filled in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a bibliometric analysis, coupled with a systematic literature review performed over a data set of 106 peer-reviewed articles published from 2005 to 2020 to identify thematic clusters.

Findings

The results show five thematic clusters: entrepreneurial opportunities, organisational opportunities, strategic partnership opportunities, institutional opportunities and digital opportunities for OI. Investigating each of them, the authors created a framework that highlights future avenues for further developing the topic.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind to systematise, analyse and critically interpret the literature concerned with the topic of the OI–entrepreneurship.
COVID-19 pandemic, a blessing or a curse for sales? A study of women entrepreneurs from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa community
Authors: Muhammad Said , Ximei Kong , Haq Zahoor Ul , Ali Irshad , Beutell Nicholas
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had profound economic effects, putting women entrepreneurs at considerable risk of losing income and sales growth as a result. This study aims to examine whether the COVID-19 pandemic is a blessing or a curse for women entrepreneurs in Pakistan’s informal sector. The influence of business type, family support and other socio-economic factors on the sales volume of women’s businesses is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 400 women entrepreneurs using a survey questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to investigate the relationships between perceived sales volume and socio-economic as well as demographic factors of women entrepreneurs.

Findings

Findings for RQ1 revealed that the pandemic was a blessing for cloth and cosmetic entrepreneurs, but a curse for those women selling dairy products. Results for RQ2 showed that age, homeownership, household size, family support and type of business were significant predictors of sales. Furthermore, women entrepreneurs were greatly influenced by their family’s desires and decisions, such that women entrepreneurs who received support from families and relatives reported higher sales than those who did not receive such support.

Practical implications

The results may assist policymakers in designing supportive programs to encourage women’s informal entrepreneurial activities. Creating entrepreneurial ecosystems may provide support for women entrepreneurs beyond family support. The findings provide a better understanding of women’s business effectiveness during COVID-19 pandemic. It reveals the resilience of women entrepreneurs in the face of cultural, economic and institutional constraints encountered during the pandemic.

Originality/value

This study is unique because it focuses on the impact of the pandemic at the household level rather than examining broad macroeconomic scenarios. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt to explore the informal, home-based business sector of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan during the pandemic.
Public mental health and nature: a paradigm shift
Authors: Burls Ambra , Ashton Julian
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Drawing on experience of working in the area of mental health and the environment, key issues are examined, and the theoretical framework is explained, including the benefits to communities and to the local environment of working with nature.

Design/methodology/approach

The interview gave an opportunity for development of ideas underlying concepts including the natural health service, green health literacy and changes in behaviour during the pandemic.

Findings

The ways in which people and the environment benefit from interaction with nature are becoming well understood; in a sustainable model, the value of the local environment is appreciated and will benefit from the care of those involved in relevant activities. There is a need for targeted training for health professionals, environment agencies’ staff and the voluntary sectors.

Research limitations/implications

The economic value of nature as a contributing factor in to mental health is an area for research which could have major influence in policymaking. A meeting of a number of disciplines could further bring together social capital, health economics and ecology.

Practical implications

Projects that are sustainable in every sense are those which are long term, whose value can be measured in environmental and economic terms.

Social implications

Working models have been developed that involve people on the fringes of society and people with disabilities; they often become the movers in local organisations.

Originality/value

This is an extremely wide-ranging assessment of developments in the relationship between mental health and nature.
Situating real estate law for the new outer-space economy
Authors: Leshinsky Rebecca
Published: August 2021

Purpose

With current commercial space activities accelerating, the purpose of this paper is to contexualise enlivening the discipline of real estate law for outer space.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on essential topics in real estate law, contracts and insurance, this paper discusses these themes in their terrestrial and extra-terrestrial contexts.

Findings

Real estate law for the outer space environment carries many similarities to real estate law but also significant differences. At this early stage in human space exploration and travel, there is a need to deal more with goods/chattels (property assets); however, this will change as land – the Moon, asteroids, planets – are made available for mining and other activities. Given outer space activities carry high risk for spacecraft and humans, there are reciprocal lessons for real estate law and practice.

Practical implications

Real estate law for outer space is an area already in existence. However, as access to space develops further, particularly with inevitable human presence on the Moon and exploration to Mars, real estate law will also grow in importance and sophistication. Real estate law for outer space relies on contract and property law. These are levers for commercial activities, and a further array of complex law and governance – the Outer Space Treaties, international and national law, international custom, guidelines, codes and standards. Real estate law for space will require an interdisciplinary and global approach in an era where human needs are already reliant on goods and services derived from space, as well as in the quest for exploration beyond the earth and the moon itself.

Originality/value

The time is ripe for space law to be taken into nuanced areas, with real estate law being an important step. Entrenched into the combined real estate and outer space disciplinary context must be consideration of the environment (earth and beyond), sustainability, heritage protection issues, etc., as well as ensuring outer space has equitable opportunities for all nations and citizens.
International environmental law and environmentally harmful space activities: learning from the past for a more sustainable future
Authors: Dalledonne Sara
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and analyse part of the relevant legal instruments currently available for regulating environmentally harmful space activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper opted for a functional research method combined with a comparative methodology. To make the argument, this paper relies on the contextual analysis of primary and secondary sources of law, instrument of soft law and the relevant background material (e.g. journal articles, textbooks, law reform and policy papers).

Findings

The central section will focus on the principles of international environmental law to outline their utility in the contemporary context. Finally, the conclusive part will point out the several ways in which the use of analogies can shape the outer space regime, especially concerning how those principles that are developed to safeguard the Earth, can also be extended for the protection of the space ecosystem.

Originality/value

Environmental hazards are rapidly increasing and the current international law and policy on planetary protection are inadequate to meet the challenges of the near future. There is no possibility of an environment-friendly and sustainable future if not strictly connecting it with a comprehensive and transparent acknowledgement of the human mistakes made on Earth. There are valuable lessons to be learned from our past, and it is under this perspective that the trend of polluting the outer space can be reverted. This paper fulfils an identified need to study the correlation between principles of international environmental law, space law and the current situation in the outer space.
Efficiency-effectiveness assessment of national innovation systems: comparative analysis
Authors: Bakhtiar Asieh , Ghazinoory Seyed Sepehr , Aslani Alireza , Mafi Vahid
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and evaluate the performance of innovation systems by considering two indicators of efficiency and effectiveness. The scope of the evaluation is globally and due to the situation of each country, the suggested strategies are proposed to maintain the status quo or move toward the desired situation for countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to compare and benchmark the countries in terms of the efficiency and effectiveness of their innovation system. The Global Innovation Index report’s input-to-output ratio and the global competitiveness report are used for the assessment.

Findings

The findings indicate that countries such as China, Switzerland and the USA have an efficient and effective innovation system. However, the innovation systems in countries such as Brazil and Zimbabwe are not only inefficient but also ineffective. The findings also indicate that the innovation systems of countries such as Iran, Armenia and Egypt are efficient but ineffective. Finally, the authors can name Australia, Qatar and Russia as countries with effective but inefficient innovation systems.

Originality/value

Assessment of national innovation system using efficiency and effectiveness performances is done for the first time at the global stage.
Servant leadership and organizational deviant behaviour: interpreting some contradictory results from public sector of Pakistan
Authors: Iqbal Amjad , Ahmad Iftikhar , Latif Khawaja Fawad
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims at ascertaining the relationship between servant leadership and employees’ organizational deviant behaviour in public sector organizations of Pakistan. Drawing on social cognitive and social exchange theories, this research also proposes to determine the mediating role of self-efficacy and trust in leader in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using convenience sampling method, three-wave time-lagged data were collected from 204 employees working in secretariats of two federal ministries in Pakistan.

Findings

The results derived from partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) analysis using SmartPLS 3.2.9 software revealed that servant leadership is not negatively related to employee organizational deviant behaviour. Although the findings indicate that servant leadership is positively related to employee self-efficacy and trust in leader, these factors do not mediate the relationship between servant leadership and organizational deviant behaviour.

Practical implications

Empirical evidence of this research emphasizes the role of servant leadership in fostering employees’ trust and self-efficacy. Additionally, this research suggests that alongside servant leadership, a moral climate and fairness in organizational policies and decisions are also inevitable to prompt employees to feel obligated to reduce undesirable workplace behaviours, particularly in public sector organizations.

Originality/value

This is amongst the earlier studies that investigates the association between servant leadership and organizational deviant behaviour of public sector employees in a developing context and examines the mediating role of trust in leader and self-efficacy simultaneously. Being contradictory to the underlying theories, findings of this research open the debate on effectiveness of servant leadership in public sector organizations of developing countries and expose avenues for future research.
When does informal finance help exports of emerging market firms? A contingent perspective
Authors: Pangarkar Nitin , Elango B.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether the usage of informal finance helps exports of emerging market firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes a large dataset of observations on emerging market firms. To address the issue of a non-random sample and correct for self-selection in the regression analyzes, this paper uses the two-stage Heckman procedure. In the first stage, this study uses a sample of 74,148 firms from 135 countries over an 11-year time period (2006 to 2016). In the second stage, which includes only firms involved in exports, the analyses are based on 13,608 observations on firms from 135 countries over the same time period.

Findings

The study finds that the usage of informal finance helps exports of emerging market firms. Furthermore, the interactive effect between informal finance and home country affluence also influences exports.

Research limitations/implications

The analyses do not account for destination market characteristics such as size and growth.

Practical implications

The study suggests that emerging market firms should not shy away from using informal finance which can often be more convenient, and sometimes cheaper, than formal finance. Informal finance’s timeliness might be particularly useful for pursuing strategies such as exporting.

Originality/value

Studies in international business implicitly assume that finance is available for pursuing strategies such as exports or foreign direct investment. However, formal finance is scarce in emerging markets. By drawing a linkage between informal finance and exports in emerging markets, the study adds to the international business literature. The study also examines joint and interactive effects of home country characteristics and deployment of informal finance on exporting.