bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Powerful CEOs and earnings quality
Authors: Shiah-Hou Shin-Rong 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThis study explores the effect of CEO power on earnings quality. If powerful CEOs make the information environment more opaque, they can easily conceal information to hide self-dealing behavior through earnings manipulation. Conversely, if powerful CEOs who are well-protected create a transparent information environment, they will provide better quality earnings.Design/methodology/approachThe author constructs a composite index for CEO power by combining seven CEO characteristics and employs two variables including discretionary accruals and earnings response coefficient as proxies for earnings quality.FindingsThe author’s main results show a significant negative relation between CEO power and the firm's earnings quality. In addition, CEOs with stronger structural power and expert power are more likely to generate lower earnings quality, while those with stronger ownership power are more likely to provide higher earnings quality.Originality/valueThe findings suggest that CEO power reduces the firm's earnings quality because CEOs with structural power or expert power may destroy governance monitoring mechanisms.
Tax avoidance as earning game player in emerging economies: evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Marwat Jahanzeb , Rajput Suresh Kumar Oad , Dakhan Sarfraz Ahmed , Kumari Sonia , Ilyas Muhammad 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThe current study aims to achieve two targets. First, examine empirically that whether corporate managers use tax avoidance to influence short-term profitability? Second, investigate the impact of tax avoidance on the value of firms. The tax accounts provide the opportunity to influence temporary/permanent profitability but empirical studies overlooking this matter, particularly in emerging economies.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the authors identified unexpected fluctuations of tax avoidance and then examine whether it impacts the profitability signal and firms' value? The unbalanced panel data of 189 non-financial firms for the period 2000–2018 are used for empirical analysis. The estimation biases and results consistency are verified by using two different econometric models including generalized least square and two-stage least squareFindingsThe study identifies that managers manipulate the profitability signal through tax avoidance. Tax avoidance practices help in earning management and earning smoothing to avoid negative signals in the stock market. In line with the behavioral finance view, tax avoidance has a positive impact on current stock returns because investors focus on profitability without a detailed screening of cash flows.Originality/valueA limited number of studies investigate the use of tax avoidance for manipulation of the short-term earning signal. Identifying gaps and limitations in the literature, this study provides invaluable insights into tax avoidance and its association with the profitability and value of firms. The findings are important for investors, managers and policymakers in making portfolio decisions and corporate policies.
Medical imaging education opportunities for junior doctors and non‐radiologist clinicians: A review
Authors: Ayesa Sally L , Katelaris Annette G , Brennan Patrick C , Grieve Stuart M 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMedical imaging plays a critical role in clinical decision‐making across disciplines, and as such, there is frequent need for non‐radiologist clinicians to interact with medical imaging. This review examines the literature about the delivery of medical imaging education to non‐radiologist clinicians, spanning junior doctors, advanced trainees and specialists. Knowledge of medical imaging among non‐radiologist clinicians is paramount to the quality of patient care, with calls for formal implementation of radiology education into non‐imaging specialty training programmes. Overall, there is a demand across non‐imaging disciplines for greater formalised medical imaging education. Concerns are raised that too great a reliance on informal methods of teaching radiology, for example in ward settings, results in greater variation in the quality and volume of educational opportunities and risks the perpetuation of erroneous attitudes and practices. The evolution of the medical imaging workplace and increasing utilisation of remote reporting has distanced the collaborative relationship between radiologists and their non‐imaging colleagues, diminishing opportunities for ad hoc learning and engagement in larger formalised educational collaborations. Ideally, radiologists should be directly involved in the development and delivery of medical imaging education to post‐graduate doctors to not only benefit patient care but also foster inter‐specialty relationships and respect. Evidence supports the value of structured radiological teaching opportunities, including tutorials, lectures and electronic resources, in improving medical imaging skills among non‐radiologist clinicians. There is wide scope for growth in the e‐learning arena to address this demand for quality and accessible imaging education for our non‐radiology colleagues.
Concurrent chemotherapy and first‐generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) with or without an antiangiogenic agent as first‐line treatment in advanced lung adenocarcinoma harboring an EGFR mutation
Authors: Xu Ziyi , Hao Xuezhi , Lin Lin , Li Junling , Xing Puyuan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated the combination of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and other antitumor agents may delay drug resistance. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the efficacy and safety of first‐line concurrent EGFR‐TKIs and platinum‐based doublet chemotherapy with or without an antiangiogenic agent for advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients in the real world.MethodsA total of 30 patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma and activating EGFR mutations concurrently received an EGFR‐TKI and platinum‐based doublet chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab. The safety profile and efficacy were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsAt the median follow‐up time of 22.1 months, 18 patients had experienced disease progression, and six patients had died because of disease. The median progression‐free survival (mPFS) was 21.2 months (95% CI: 12.631–29.798). Of the 28 patients who had measurable lesions, the objective response rate and disease control rate were 71.4% and 96.4%, respectively (one patient achieved complete remission, 19 patients had a partial response and seven patients had stable disease). Male patients had significantly longer mPFS than female patients (32.6 vs. 14.6 months, HR = 3.593, 95% CI: 1.158–11.148, p = 0.027). The most frequently seen grade 3/4 adverse events were hematological toxicities, seen in three cases (10%). Three patients ceased bevacizumab due to vascular events, including hypertension (grade 2, 6.7%) and venous thrombosis (grade 2, 3.3%), and continued EGFR‐TKI and platinum‐based doublet chemotherapy.ConclusionsThe combination of first‐generation EGFR‐TKIs with platinum‐based chemotherapy may be a first‐line treatment for advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients harboring activated EGFR mutations and is well tolerated.
Clinical and surgical approaches for malignant pulmonary lesions after a previous extrapulmonary malignancy
Authors: Seyrek Yunus , Cansever Levent , Bedirhan Mehmet Ali 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn our study, since the operative histopathological distinction of new malignant pulmonary lesions as either a primary lung cancer or a pulmonary metastasis is difficult, we aimed to identify the clinical variables which might allow distinction between a new lung cancer and a pulmonary metastasis, and the appropriate surgical management.MethodsWe divided 55 cases into two groups: patients with new lung cancer (NLC, n = 32) and patients with pulmonary metastases (PM, n = 23). Based on the primary organ, the previous malignancy was classified into four categories: head and neck, colorectal, genitourinary, and breast cancer. The parameters included in the study were age, sex, smoking history, a family history of cancer, disease‐free interval, primary organ, treatments for previous malignancies, size, and SUV max of the lung lesion on 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan and high‐resolution computed tomography findings of the lung lesion.ResultsA predisposition for larger lesions was found in the NLC group. In addition, in the NLC group, disease‐free interval was noted to be longer, patients were significantly older and SUV‐max values of solitary pulmonary lesions were significantly higher than in the PM group. Pulmonary lesions in patients with prior head and neck cancers were more likely to develop NLC. No significant difference in statistical analysis was observed between the groups in terms of sex, smoking, a family history of cancer, a history of adjuvant therapy, radiological pulmonary lesions signs, and localization.ConclusionPL monitoring on CT surveillance is essential, particularly in patients with previous head and neck cancers, who appear to have a higher risk for NLC. If pathological MLN accompanies PL in a patient with previous extrapulmonary malignancy, cervical mediastinoscopy may help acquire a possible PL diagnosis besides mediastinal staging. Intraoperative frozen section may have difficulty in distinguishing between PM and NLC when the lesion is of the same histological type as the previous malignancy. When precise distinction cannot be achieved by frozen section, we speculate that DFI, age, and radiological findings of the PL may help thoracic surgeons take initiative peroperatively while designating the subsequent surgical intervention. Lastly, pulmonary segmentectomy is also better be considered along with lobectomy in NLC cases.
Governing the Contested City: Geographies of Displacement in Diyarbakır, Turkey
Authors: Genç Fırat 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis article develops a spatial analysis of the authoritarian governmentality of the Kurdish issue in Turkey through a case study of Diyarbakır in which geographies of war and peace have coalesced. Drawing on recent theorisations of military urbanism, it examines encounters—including both conflict and cooperation—between the state bureaucracy, local pro‐government elite and pro‐Kurdish municipal authorities within the context of the initiatives to rehabilitate the city’s historic centre, Suriçi, during the period 2002–2015. The article suggests considering Suriçi’s rehabilitation as part of a post‐conflict urban regime to thwart social and political vibrancy of the Kurdish urban poor in tandem with the idea of securitisation through marketisation. In doing so, it demonstrates that unpacking spatial imaginaries and rationalities that have rendered Suriçi dwellers displaceable by devaluing their collective urban experience is critical for our understanding of the utter violence erupted during and after the urban warfare of 2015.
Reliable fluid‐mechanical characterization of haemofilters: Addressing the deficiencies of current standards and practices
Authors: Kostoglou Margaritis , Karabelas Anastasios J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFacile methods for accurate fluid‐mechanical characterization of haemofilters (HF) are indispensable for haemofiltration process improvements, equipment design/optimization, and reliable module specifications. Currently employed methods, implemented through specific experimental in vitro protocols, are assessed herein in detail, considering the conditions prevailing during haemofiltration. Minimum number of key parameters required to fully describe the common countercurrent flow field, in the HF active section, include membrane permeance K and friction coefficients in lumen and shell side (ff and fs). It is shown that the countercurrent flow mode itself is incapable of yielding these parameters, based on externally measured flow rates and pressures. Similarly, the relevant ISO protocol is deficient as it can only provide rough underpredictions of permeance K. The causes of such inherent deficiencies of current standards and practices are analyzed. In contrast, a recently developed methodology, accounting for the (heretofore ignored) pressure drop in module headers and combining a mechanistic theoretical model with experimental data from 2 special haemofilter operating modes, yields an accurate determination of the key parameters (K, ff, fs). Additionally, it permits a full description of flow field for Newtonian liquids, for both constant and axially varying viscosity in fiber‐lumen due to the transmembrane flux. Development of new reliable standards is suggested, facilitated by the insights gained in this work.
Model‐informed precision dosing for alemtuzumab in paediatric and young adult patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Dong Min , Emoto Chie , Fukuda Tsuyoshi , Arnold Danielle E. , Mehta Parinda A. , Marsh Rebecca A. , Vinks Alexander A. 
Published: June 2021

Alemtuzumab is a lymphodepleting monoclonal antibody utilized in conditioning regimens for allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). A recently proposed therapeutic range of 0.15–0.6 μg/mL on the day of transplantation is associated with better HCT outcomes. The purpose of this study was to characterize alemtuzumab population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) and to propose individualized subcutaneous dosing schemes to achieve this optimal level for paediatric patients.MethodsAlemtuzumab concentration and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) profiles were obtained from 29 paediatric and young adult patients (median age 6.4 y; range 0.28–21.4 y) with nonmalignant disorders undergoing HCT. PK/PD analyses were performed using nonlinear mixed effects modelling. Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to evaluate different improved dosing approaches.ResultsA one‐compartment model with sequential zero‐ and first‐order absorption adequately described subcutaneously administered alemtuzumab PK. Model fit was significantly improved by including allometrically scaled body weight on clearance (0.080 L/h/70 kg) and volume of distribution (17.4 L/70 kg). ALC reduction following subcutaneous alemtuzumab was swift. An inhibitory Emax model best characterized the relationship between alemtuzumab concentration and ALC. Emax and EC50 were estimated as 1.18 × 103/μL and 0.045 μg/mL, respectively. The currently used per kg dosing was found to cause uneven alemtuzumab exposure across different age and weight cohorts. Simulations indicated optimal target achieving dose as allometry‐based dose of 18 mg × (weight/70)0.75 or body surface area‐based dose of 10 mg/m2, divided over 3 days, with a potential individualized top‐up dose; both of which yielded similar results.ConclusionAn allometry‐ or body surface area‐based starting dosing regimen in combination with individualized Bayesian PK estimation using concentration feedback is proposed for alemtuzumab precision dosing in children undergoing allogeneic HCT.
Characterisation of pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability in a first‐in‐human study for AZD8154, a novel inhaled selective PI3Kγδ dual inhibitor targeting airway inflammatory disease
Authors: Sadiq Muhammad Waqas , Asimus Sara , Belvisi Maria G. , Brailsford Wayne , Fransson Rebecca , Fuhr Rainard , Hagberg Anette , Hashemi Mahdi , Jellesmark Jensen Tina , Jonsson Julia , Keen Christina , Körnicke Thomas , Kristensson Cecilia , Mäenpää Jukka , Necander Sofia , Nemes Szilárd , Betts Joanne 
Published: June 2021

AimsThis 3‐part, randomised, phase 1 first‐in‐human study (NCT03436316) investigated the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics (PK) of AZD8154, a dual phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) γδ inhibitor developed as a novel inhaled anti‐inflammatory treatment for respiratory disease.MethodsHealthy men, and women of nonchildbearing potential, were enrolled to receive single and multiple ascending inhaled doses of AZD8154 in parts 1 and 3 of the study, respectively, while part 2 characterised the systemic PK after a single intravenous (IV) dose. In part 1, participants received 0.1–7.7 mg AZD8154 in 6 cohorts. In part 2, participants were given 0.15 mg AZD8154 as an IV infusion. In part 3, AZD8154 was given in 3 cohorts of 0.6, 1.8 and 3.1 mg, with a single dose on Day 1 followed by repeated once‐daily doses on Days 4–12.ResultsIn total, 78 volunteers were randomised. All single inhaled, single IV and multiple inhaled doses were shown to be well tolerated without any safety concerns. A population PK model, using nonlinear mixed‐effect modelling, was developed to describe the PK of AZD8154. The terminal mean half‐life of AZD8154 was 18.0–32.0 hours. The geometric mean of the absolute pulmonary bioavailability of AZD8154 via the inhaled route was 94.1%.ConclusionAZD8154 demonstrated an acceptable safety profile, with no reports of serious adverse events and no clinically significant drug‐associated safety concerns reported in healthy volunteers. AZD8154 demonstrated prolonged lung retention and a half‐life supporting once‐daily dosing.
Pool adjacent violators algorithm–assisted learning with application on estimating optimal individualized treatment regimes
Authors: Chen Baojiang , Yuan Ao , Qin Jing 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPersonalized medicine allows individuals to choose the best fit of their treatments based on their characteristics through an individualized treatment regime. In this paper, we develop a pool adjacent violators algorithm–assisted learning method to find the optimal individualized treatment regime under the monotone single‐index outcome gain model. The proposed estimator is more efficient than peers, and it is robust to the misspecification of the propensity score model or the baseline regression model. The optimal treatment regime is also robust to the misspecification of the functional form of the expected outcome gain model. Simulation studies verified our theoretical results. We also provide an estimate of the expected outcome gain model. Plotting the expected outcome gain versus an individual's characteristics index can visualize how significant the treatment effect is over the control. We apply the proposed method to an AIDS study.
Shade tree traits and microclimate modifications: Implications for pathogen management in biodiverse coffee agroforests
Authors: Gagliardi Stephanie , Avelino Jacques , Virginio Filho Elias de Melo , Isaac Marney E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDiversified coffee agroforests modify microclimate conditions in comparison with monocultures, impacting the success of significant plant pathogens, such as Hemileia vastatrix, which causes coffee leaf rust (CLR). However, research is often limited to the dichotomous analysis of shaded agroforestry systems or unshaded monocultures, often overlooking the nuanced effect of shade tree trait diversity. Our study aims to determine the cumulative effects of shade tree canopy architectural characteristics and leaf functional traits in biodiverse agroforests on microclimate modifications and CLR incidence. We measured plot‐level microclimate conditions (air temperature, relative humidity, leaf wetness duration, throughfall kinetic energy) in three single‐stratum and two double‐strata shade tree canopy treatments, including Erythrina poeppigiana, Terminalia amazonia, and Chloroleucon eurycyclum. Commonly reported canopy characteristics and leaf traits were compared to average microclimate conditions and CLR incidence levels. We found that shade tree trait expression significantly explained most microclimate conditions, and that two key shade tree traits (canopy openness, leaf area) significantly explain CLR incidence levels (R2 = 0.211, p = 0.036). Our results highlight the differences in microclimate conditions and CLR incidence among biodiverse agroforests, as well as the important explanatory power of shade tree traits. Specific effects of shade tree traits on pathogen dynamics can directly inform agroforestry system design (i.e., shade tree species selection) and sustainable coffee farm management practices (i.e., pruning practices).
Native mammals disperse the highly invasive Senna spectabilis in the Western Ghats, India
Authors: Anoop N. R. , Sen Sandeep , Vinayan P. A. , Ganesh Thyagarajan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSenna spectabilis, a native tree of tropical America is rapidly colonizing the forests of Western Ghats. We identified the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) as the major disperser of Senna, with the dung facilitating germination of the species. The study provides critical information for the management of Senna in tropical Asia.
Phylogenomics of flavobacterial insect nutritional endosymbionts with implications for Auchenorrhyncha phylogeny
Authors: Cao Yanghui , Dietrich Christopher H. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract“Candidatus Sulcia muelleri” (Sulcia) is a diverse lineage of intracellular nutritional endosymbiotic bacteria strictly associated with auchenorrhynchous hemipteran insects. Sulcia has undergone long‐term codiversification with its insect hosts but the phylogeny of these endosymbionts, their relationships to other bacteria, and the extent of their occurrence within various groups of Auchenorrhyncha remain inadequately explored. Comprehensive phylogenetic analyses of Sulcia and related bacteria were performed to elucidate its position relative to other members of Phylum Bacteroidetes and the degree of congruence to the phylogeny of its auchenorrhynchous hosts. Maximum likelihood (ML) and maximum parsimony (MP) analyses of Flavobacteriales based on genomic data from 182 bacterial strains recover a monophyletic Sulcia within a larger clade of flavobacterial insect endosymbionts, closely related to Weeksellaceae. Molecular divergence time analysis of Sulcia dates the origin of Sulcia at approximately 339.95 million years ago (Myr) and the initial divergence within Sulcia at approximately 256.91 Myr but these are considered underestimates due to the tendency for endosymbionts to evolve at higher rates compared to their free‐living relatives. Screening of 96 recently sequenced hemipteran transcriptomes revealed that 73 of these species, all Auchenorrhyncha, harbored Sulcia. Phylogenetic analysis of 131 orthologous genes plus 16S rRNA for 101 Sulcia strains, representing six fulgoroid families and all the families of Cicadomorpha except Tettigarctidae, recover largely congruent phylogenies between Sulcia and Auchenorrhyncha. The phylogeny of Sulcia strongly supports the superfamily relationships Fulgoroidea + (Cicadoidea + (Cercopoidea + Membracoidea)). Relationships within individual superfamilies are also largely concordant, with the few areas of apparent incongruence between Sulcia and insect genes attributable to low branch support in one or both datasets. These results suggest that analysis of Sulcia phylogeny may contribute to resolution of contentious aspects of Auchenorrhyncha phylogeny.