bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade Combined with AbnobaViscum®Therapy is Linked to Improved Survival in Advanced or Metastatic NSCLC Patients, an ESMO-GROW Related Real-World Data Registry Study
Authors: Schad Friedemann , Thronicke Anja , Hofheinz Ralf-Dieter , Klein Reinhild , Grabowski Patricia , Oei Shiao-Li , Wüstefeld Hannah , Grah Christian 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundRecent advancements in cancer treatment have shown the potential of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor (ICB) plusViscum albumL. (VA) therapy in improving survival rates for patients with advanced or metastasized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The objective of this study was to investigate factors associated with improved survival in NSCLC patients treated with a combination of ICB and VA.MethodsPatients with advanced or metastasized NSCLC from the accredited national Network Oncology registry were included in the real-world data study adhering to ESMO-GROW criteria. The study was conducted with ethics approval. Survival and the impact on hazard were compared between patients receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy alone versus combinational PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and abnobaViscum®therapy. Adjusted multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis was utilized to examine factors linked to survival.ResultsEnrolled patients (n = 300) had stage III or stage IV NSCLC, had a 1.19 male/female ratio and were 68 years old (median). Two hundred and twenty-two patients (74%) were in the control (CTRL, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy) and seventy-eight patients (26%) in the combinational (COMB, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor plus abnobaViscum®therapy) group. The three-year survival was significantly prolonged by 7 months when abnobaViscum®therapy was added to the anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy (Comb: 13.8 months vs. Control: 6.8 months, p = 0.005). The three-year survival rate was 16.5% in the COMB group and two times higher than the three-year survival rate in the CTRL group (8.0%). Adjusted multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed for patients with PD-L1 positive (≥1%) NSCLC treated with a first-line PD-1 inhibitor and revealed that the addition of abnobaViscum®therapy to anti-PD-1 significantly lowered the hazard of death by 75% in (aHR: 0.25; 95%CI: 0.11-0.60, p=0.002).ConclusionsOur results indicate that addition of abnobaViscum®therapy is significantly linked to enhanced survival in patients with advanced or metastasized NSCLC who are undergoing treatment with standard PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy irrespective of their age, tumor stage, ECOG status, surgery or radiation. The mechanisms could involve a synergistic modulation of the immune response, reduced primary PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor resistance via immunogenic cell death and/or modification of the tumor microenvironment by combinational PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor and abnobaViscum®therapy. Our findings should be complemented with analyses of RCT or R-RCT.Trial registrationThe study was registered retrospectively (DRKS00013335).
Associations between out of home food sector outlet menu healthiness scores, menu characteristics and energy consumed by customers in 2021-2022
Authors: Finlay Amy , Huang Yuru , Adams Jean , Jones Andrew , Evans Rebecca , Robinsona Eric 
Published: October 2024

AbstractGreater consumption of food prepared outside of the home (OOH) is associated with higher energy intake. Strategies are needed to make eating OOH food less harmful to health. Identifying menu characteristics that contribute to higher energy consumption OOH could aid characterisation of OOH outlets by their relative healthiness and inform future policy intervention in the OOH food sector.Customers (N=3718) were asked to recall their food orders upon exiting a range of OOH outlets across four local authorities in England during 2021 and 2022. For each outlet, universal health rating scores were calculated based on select menu characteristics and deep learning healthiness scores were calculated based on outlet name. Random forest models and robust linear regression models clustered by outlet were used to identify whether outlet healthiness scores and individual menu characteristics were associated with kcal consumed.Universal health rating scores, but not deep learning scores, were predictive of energy consumed during OOH outlet visits (-28.27; 95% CI -44.76 to -11.77; p=.003). Menu characteristics with the greatest importance for predicting energy consumed were the percent of savoury main menu items over 600kcal and 1345kcal, the number of desserts, the number of unique vegetables, and the percent of drinks over 100kcal. Menu characteristics accounted for 29% of variance in energy consumed by customers.Universal health rating scores may be a useful tool to characterise the healthiness of OOH outlets in England. Investigating the potential impact of OOH outlet health ratings on consumer and business behaviour is now warranted.
Government payments and farm debt utilization during the pandemic
Authors: Chandio Rabail , Katchova Ani L. , Subedi Dipak , Giri Anil K. 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis study examines the heterogeneous relationship between ad-hoc support policies, high government payments, low interest rates and farm debt use across farms of different sizes and across farm operators of different races, genders and experiences to inform the 2024 Farm Bill discussions.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing USDA’s Agricultural Resource Management Survey data for 2020 and 2021, this study characterizes the differences in short-term farm debt use and the amount of short-term debt during the COVID-19 pandemic period across several farm and farmer types using double selection LASSO and regression analysis.FindingsResults show positive associations between government payments and debt use for all farm types and farmer demographics except for residence farms and non-white farmers, which may be due to their limited access to credit. Findings also indicate that farms that could already access credit, like commercial farms, increased their short-term debt during the pandemic per the decrease in interest rates. Moreover, the 2018 Farm Bill extended certain commodity support and direct and guaranteed loan program participation provisions that were previously more closely restricted. Beginning farmers seemed more likely to use short-term debt in response to higher pandemic government payments than their more experienced counterparts.Practical implicationsThe insights from this study are timely and useful for policymakers for designing and implementing programs related to the new 2024 Farm Bill.Originality/valueOne of the explanations for the results is that beginning farmers have been more likely to use debt than most other groups of operators, signaling the success of special credit provisions. Our results are relevant to making upcoming policies related to female and nonwhite farm and ranch operators.
Using Instagram live-streaming viewers model to derive two types of needs satisfaction
Authors: Wu Hsueh-Ling , Chen Tser Yieth 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis study employed the viewer factors of live streamers on Instagram to influence the attachment and flow and then to investigate the impact of live streamer viewers’ relatedness needs satisfaction and entertainment needs satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThis study emphasized target audiences who followed live streamers on Instagram. We employed quota sampling to dispatch questionnaires on social media platforms. Therefore, 600 valid samples were collected in Taiwan and analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsEmpirical results show that the major route was from cognitive curiosity positively influencing attachment, then primarily positively affecting followers’ relatedness needs satisfaction. The empirical results also indicate that social media dependency positively influenced attachment, then contributing to viewers’ entertainment needs satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should explore various social media platforms (e.g. Line, Twitter, YouTube) to compare differences. Studies could also examine cross-national attitudes toward live-streaming and brands due to cultural or religious factors. With more funding, future research should increase sample sizes beyond 600 to reduce statistical bias. Additionally, incorporating homophily between viewers and live streamers into the viewer model on Instagram is recommended for further investigation.Originality/valueThis study is the novelty to enlarge the influences of emotional connection to two types of needs satisfaction when highlighting that perceived loneliness, cognitive curiosity and social media dependency positively affect needs satisfaction through attachment and flow in live streamer recommendations.
Environmental pressure, green logistics strategy and sustainability performance: the moderating role of competitive intensity
Authors: Ellison Olivia , Nuertey Dorcas , Poku Emmanuel , Agbemude Samuel , Owusu Felix 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between environmental pressure, green logistics strategy (GLS) and sustainability performance as well as the moderating role of competitive intensity in the relationship between environmental pressure and GLS in the context of the Ghanaian Manufacturing firms.Design/methodology/approachThe study included a thorough review of the literature and an empirical questionnaire-based data collection with responses from 220 participant manufacturing firms in Ghana. The data collected was statistically analysed using the PLS-SEM software.FindingsThe findings of the study indicated that environmental pressure positively influences the implementation of GLS. Again, it was revealed that there is a significant relationship between GLS and sustainability performance. Likewise, the study also found that environmental pressure significantly influences sustainability performance. Also, competitive intensity was found to moderate the relationship between environmental pressure and GLS.Practical implicationsThis study gives insight into GLS and sustainability performance and also suggested that when managers in manufacturing industries adopt green practices as a result of environmental pressure, sustainability performance will be achieved. The geographic scope of the study area and time constraints were some of the research's limitations.Originality/valueAlthough there have been studies carried out on the subject of green logistics, this study is the first of its kind to examine the relationship between environmental pressure, GLS and sustainability performance within the context of developing economies such as Ghana. Also, this study shows how intense competition in the market can moderate the adoption of GLS.
Motherhood enrichment in leadership: exploring top female executives in Spain
Authors: Domínguez-Soto Cristina , Labajo Victoria , Labrador-Fernández Jesús 
Published: October 2024

PurposeExisting research suggests motherhood hinders women’s advancement to top management roles, but its specific influence on women who have achieved senior leadership is unexplored.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a qualitative approach based on 34 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with Spanish female executives who hold board positions or have the potential to become board members in male-dominated industries.FindingsThis study identifies motherhood as a key driver in career growth, countering the view of it as a barrier. Narratives from female leaders revealed that motherhood did not impede their careers, challenging the “motherhood penalty” notion. We introduce the concept of “motherhood enrichment,” highlighting its positive impact on leadership skills and career progression in top executive roles.Practical implicationsThese findings can challenge prejudices about the negative impact of motherhood on women’s careers and support policies promoting work–life balance and family-friendly cultures in organizations.Originality/valueThis study suggests the “motherhood-work enrichment” (MWE) concept in leadership, recognizing motherhood as a catalyst for leadership qualities and offering a preliminary theoretical model to explain MWE in the context of concurrent mother-top manager roles.
How will individual streaming platforms disrupt the entertainment and retail industries? Insights from Mukbang phenomenon
Authors: Chae Ho-Chang 
Published: October 2024

PurposeMukbang is a live-streaming format where hosts, often referred to as broadcast jockeys (BJs) or streamers, eat copious amounts of food while engaging with their audience through commentary and reactions. This unique cultural phenomenon has sparked curiosity and diverse reactions globally. Mukbang’s popularity highlights the transformative power of digital platforms on traditional media and society, facilitating a shift toward more interactive and participatory forms of media consumption. This conceptual paper explores Mukbang’s widespread allure through frameworks such as the long tail theory, which illuminates the success of niche markets; parasocial relationship theory, which sheds light on viewers' bonds with streamers and social identity theory, which explains audience loyalty. We also forecast the implications of these streaming trends on the television, retail and sports industries, predicting a broad impact on traditional consumption and engagement models.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs various theories, including the long tail concept, parasocial interactions and social identity theory, to describe and analyze the perplexing yet significant phenomenon of Mukbang.FindingsDigital technology has transformed business models across various media industries, similar to how iTunes and the MP3 format revolutionized traditional music labels. This study suggests that streaming platforms, with their ability to cater to diverse needs and facilitate two-way communication, have the potential to disrupt traditional entertainment and retail industries.Originality/valueThis study addresses the gap in understanding how and why streaming platforms like AfreecaTV, Twitch and Huya can disrupt the traditional TV and entertainment industries. It highlights key elements that enable users to become prosumers, broadcasting content such as Mukbang. These platforms outperform traditional entertainment with numerous channels, ease of access, live chat sessions and digital rewards. The ability to build intimate relationships with viewers through two-way communication strengthens parasocial relationships, fostering emotional connections with streamers. Additionally, live chats with other viewers create a sense of belonging and social identity, helping viewers reduce uncertainty and enhance self-esteem.
Mitigating risks and ensuring continuity in essential services – sustainable procurement at Multan University
Authors: Bhutto Niaz Ahmed , Shaikh Abdul Rehman , Shaikh Sanober 
Published: October 2024

Learning outcomes
The learning objectives of this case study based on Bloom’s Taxonomy (Bloom et al., 1956) will be to analyze the procurement process and identify the parameters for the procurement of services; evaluate the potential risks and challenges associated with relying on a single vendor for critical services; apply the four-stage model of crisis management to the breach of contract by Fresh Bites Catering; examine how adopting sustainable procurement practices, such as diversifying suppliers and establishing contingency plans, can mitigate these risks and ensure business continuity; and analyze the dynamics, roles and potential conflicts between the principal (Multan University) and agent (Fresh Bites Catering) using the principal–agent theory (PAT).

Case overview/synopsis
This case study explores the challenges and implications of sustainable procurement within the context of Multan University’s cafeteria services. It delves into the sudden contract breach by Fresh Bites Catering, a long-time partner responsible for providing central cafeteria services, and examines the resulting operational crisis faced by the university. This case study highlights key procurement processes, including vendor selection, contract management and adherence to sustainability principles, as well as the risks associated with single-vendor dependency. By applying frameworks such as the PAT, the four-stage model of crisis management and sustainable procurement practices, this case study encourages students to critically assess the failures in contract enforcement, risk mitigation and service continuity. Additionally, it stimulates discussion on the benefits of robust risk management strategies, multi-vendor approaches and clear contract terms to prevent future disruptions in essential services. This case study serves as a valuable tool for understanding how procurement strategies influence organizational performance and long-term sustainability in higher education institutions.

Complexity academic level
This is a decision-making case and can be taught in Master of Business Administration courses in purchase and supply management and operations management. This case study is mainly written to make students understand and analyze the potential risks of a single vendor, the benefits of diversifying suppliers and sustainable procurement.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 9: Operations and logistics.
Work-life balance, career motivation and women: a systematic literature review and research agenda in the Indian context
Authors: Ali Ruksar , Sujood  , Naz Ariba , Azhar Mohd 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to provide a review of the existing research landscape on work-life balance and women’s career motivation. It examines the relationship between work-life balance and career motivation in the context of Indian women. Specifically, it explores how the work-life balance of women influences the motivational aspects of their careers.

Design/methodology/approach
The research uses a systematic literature review to identify and analyze relevant literature on work-life balance and women’s career motivation among Indian women from the Scopus database.

Findings
The study uncovers critical insights into the connection between work-life balance and women’s career decisions. It gives insight on how work-life balance significantly impacts women’s career choices. The SLR reveals a notable and consistent upward trend in the domains of work-life balance and career motivation among women.

Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study can inform organizations in tailoring policies that foster women’s career growth while simultaneously supporting a healthy work-life balance. In addition, the research can empower women to make informed decisions about their careers and personal lives. Ultimately, it contributes to creating a more inclusive and gender-equitable work environment, promoting both women’s career aspirations and their overall well-being.

Originality/value
This research stands out in its examination of the relationship between work-life balance and women’s career motivation, particularly in the unique context of Indian women. While previous studies have explored these topics individually, this research bridges the gap by investigating their interplay. Moreover, the application of a systematic literature review approach to these variables in the context of Indian women represents a novel contribution.
Debt maturity and climate change exposure: does life cycle moderate?
Authors: Arthur Joseph 
Published: October 2024

PurposeIn this study, I explore how climate exposure influences debt maturity and whether the life cycle moderates this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs robust panel fixed-effects regression models on 32,249 firm-year observations over 2002–2022. The meticulous examination of the relationship between climate exposure and debt maturity and the use of IV regression models to address endogeneity ensure the validity and reliability of the findings. Exploiting an external shock to validate the results further enhances the robustness of the analysis.FindingsThe study reveals that climate change exposure significantly negatively affects debt maturity, a finding that holds for both climate-related opportunities and regulatory risks. While the life cycle impacts debt maturity, it exacerbates the negative effect for firms in the introductory and growth phases. This exacerbation is due to underinvestment problems and a lack of financial flexibility. These findings shed new light on the relationship between climate exposure and debt maturity, providing valuable insights for corporate finance professionals and strategic managers.Practical implicationsThe evidence presented in this study has strategic implications for corporate managers, investors, academia and other stakeholders. The insights on the choice or substitution of debt maturity during certain life cycle phases can provide valuable guidance to management, empowering them to make informed decisions.Originality/valueThe dynamic role of the corporate life cycle in the relationship between capital structure and climate exposure is a novel area of research. This paper significantly contributes to our understanding of the combined relationship of firm life cycle and climate exposure on debt maturity, offering a fresh perspective on an underexplored topic. This study’s unique approach and original findings will pique the interest of academic researchers and corporate finance professionals alike.
When upstream suppliers drive traceability: A process study on blockchain adoption for sustainability
Authors: Heldt Lisa , Pikuleva Ekaterina 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the emergence of blockchain-enabled traceability in complex multi-tiered supply chains, focusing on the perspective of upstream suppliers. Blockchain technology receives attention for its potential to enable better traceability and thus sustainability risk management, yet there is limited empirical evidence on how actual implementation unfolds. We aim to understand how blockchain adoption unfolds in practice, particularly in critical mineral supply chains that are critical to the sustainability transition yet linked to severe environmental and human rights risks and to explore the role of traditionally non-focal firms in this process.Design/methodology/approachAdopting a process-based case study design, our research is grounded in data collected through participant observation (>12 months) within an upstream mining company, supplemented by interviews and document review. Our study employs the complex adaptive systems (CAS) lens and uses an abductive approach for data analysis.FindingsIn our case, blockchain-based traceability in the cobalt supply chain was co-constructed over time, fundamentally driven by a large upstream supplier but enabled through supply-chain-spanning collaboration with like-minded downstream actors and successive expansion into the opaque midstream, enabled through a stakeholder alliance forum and formalized in the blockchain. We find, however, that visibility, standards, trust and follow-up capacities need to exist in their own right, ideally prior to blockchain implementation.Originality/valueOur paper provides empirical insights from an upstream (vs downstream) perspective and investigates blockchain’s implementation (vs potential) to complement and ground existing research. Further, we extend the CAS framework by emphasizing agency and visible horizon of traditionally non-focal firms.