bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human resource management practices in corporate restructuring: a review and agenda for future research
Authors: McGrath Patia J. 
Published: October 2024

PurposeAlthough corporate restructuring has the potential to provide performance benefits to firms, it can also bring upheaval and challenges to the restructuring firms’ employees. Further, the frequency of corporate restructuring across the business landscape shows no signs of abating. The purpose of this review paper is to identify and synthesize what is known about the selection, implementation and outcomes of the human resource management (HRM) practices that firms deploy in the context of corporate restructuring, with the additional aim of distilling fertile research areas for scholars and best-practice guidance for practitioners.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based upon a systematic review of 110 articles published in highly-ranked, peer-reviewed journals from 2003 to 2023.FindingsThis review surfaces the predominant ability-, motivation- and opportunity-enhancing HRM practices employed by restructuring firms. It further elucidates the major themes and challenges associated with the use and outcomes of these practices across firms and restructuring settings. The analysis illuminates gaps and opportunities in the literature to suggest future directions for the study of HRM practices and corporate restructuring.Originality/valueThis paper identifies, categorizes and integrates the extant literature on HRM practices and outcomes in corporate restructuring, which is a topic that is salient to both researchers and managers. Papers are classified using the Ability, Motivation and Opportunity framework. An inclusive definition of corporate restructuring, which includes organizational, portfolio, governance and financial restructuring, is applied across two decades of research to provide a comprehensive and holistic assessment.
Identifying challenges in implementing digital transformation in UK higher education
Authors: Saini Shalu , Gomis Kasun , Polychronakis Yiannis , Saini Mandeep , Sapountzis Stylianos 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to systematically dissect strategies against the challenges stalling digital transformation (DT) in the UK higher education (HE) sector. It addresses the challenges impeding DT’s incorporation and offers a blueprint for fostering innovation and efficiency within academic institutions.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a systematic literature review, the research integrates a nuanced literature review with interpretive structural modelling (ISM). Through meticulous ISM analysis, including sensitivity analysis and level partitioning, a robust framework is developed to pinpoint and interrelate DT challenges.

Findings
This investigation delineates a spectrum of impediments to DT in HE, most notably the need for more digital understanding among educators, intensified by inadequate support and resources. The findings reveal that the effective integration of DT is hindered by factors such as insufficient educator digital skills, resistance to technology and the continuous evolution of digital infrastructure.

Practical implications
The study’s findings and the developed level partitioning diagram offer invaluable insight into how DT must be integrated into the curriculum to enhance HE. Additionally, it could further lead to research within digital infrastructure and how learning needs to be facilitated for students in HE.

Originality/value
This study breaks new ground by systematically illuminating the centrality of the educator skill gap. By contributing insights into the educator skill gap, it proposes a unique analytical model that underscores actionable pathways for advancing DT initiatives in HE institutions.
Behavioural patterns of leaders versus followers in setting local sales tax policy
Authors: Shon Jongmin , Hou Yilin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSales tax has been a popular revenue source for local governments in 38 US states. In this fiscal climate, both horizontal and vertical tax competition are frequently observed. Local governments are concerned about adverse impacts thereof on their revenue as mobile shoppers react to tax rate changes by purchasing in lower‐tax jurisdictions. So far, few studies have accounted for potential endogeneity in the behavioural patterns of leaders versus followers in setting local sales tax policy. Using a 40‐year panel dataset from Texas, this study identifies leader municipalities in changing sales tax rates and examines how municipalities asymmetrically respond to multi‐tiered rate changes. The findings depict a crowding‐out story in vertical tax competition and reveal crowding‐in effects in horizontal competition, with leader municipalities immune to both effects.
Research progress and application of pectin: A review
Authors: Xiang Tingting , Yang Ruiwen , Li Liqin , Lin Hetong , Kai Guoyin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPectin, an acidic polysaccharide, is naturally present primarily in the cell walls and inner layers of higher plants. Pectin is extensively used in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and other industries owing to its exceptional attributes encompassing superior gelation, emulsification, antioxidant activity, stability, biocompatibility, and nontoxicity. Due to the increasing demand for pectin, there is a short supply in the domestic pectin market. Currently, the domestic production of pectin is heavily reliant on imports, thus emphasizing the urgent need to enhance its local manufacturing capabilities. Due to the diverse sources of pectin and variations in extraction and purification methods, its content, physicochemical properties, and biological activity are influenced, consequently impacting the market application of pectin. Therefore, this paper comprehensively reviews the extraction and purification process of pectin, in vivo metabolism, and biological activities (including antitumor, immunomodulatory, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects, antimicrobial properties, accelerated wound healing potential, promotion of gastrointestinal peristalsis, and alleviation of constipation as well as cholesterol‐lowering effect). Furthermore, it explores the diverse applications of pectin in food science, biomedicine, and other interdisciplinary fields. This review serves as a valuable resource for enhancing the efficiency of pectin content improvement and exploring the potential value and application of pectin in a more scholarly and scientifically rigorous manner.
Ultrasound‐assisted extraction of sumac fruit oil and analysis of its fatty acid composition
Authors: Shao Jinhua , Ding Dongqing , Zhu Zhiyong , Chen Xiaoming 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe use of ultrasound for enhancing the extraction of sumac fruit oil was investigated to maximize the utilization of available sumac fruit resources. The optimal extraction parameters were determined using single‐factor trials and Box–Behnken design optimization and were found to be a liquid‐to‐material ratio of 13:1 mL/g, an ultrasound temperature of 47°C, and an ultrasound duration of 32 min. These yielded a 20.59% extraction rate of the oil. The ultrasonic‐assisted approach markedly increased the extraction rate and significantly reduced the extraction time when compared to classical Soxhlet extraction. The resulting sumac fruit oil had a brown‐yellow color with peroxide, acid, and iodine concentrations of 2.43 mg/g, 0.44 g/100 g, and 135 g/100 g, respectively, and relative density (d2020), and refractive index (20°C) values of 0.911, and 1.469, respectively. The primary fatty acids in the oil were stearic, linoleic, palmitic, linolenic, and oleic acids. With a 74.14% unsaturated fatty acid content, it has a high nutritional value as well as significant development and usage potential.Practical ApplicationThis study demonstrates a highly efficient method for extracting vegetable oils and fats. It has the advantages of simple operation, low extraction temperature, short extraction time, high extraction rate, no damage to the material structure, excellent phusicai and chemical properties of the extracted vegetable oil, low cost, and the potential application in the food industry is crucial.
Efficacy and safety of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in patients with ES‐SCLC: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis of RCTs and RWSs
Authors: Kang Runting , Ma Junling , Ai Bin , Liu Juanjuan , Zheng Zitong , Yu Jiangyong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) inhibitors in the treatment of extensive‐stage small‐cell lung cancer (ES‐SCLC), we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis that included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and real‐world studies (RWS).MethodsBy scanning PubMed, Web of science, Embase, and other relevant clinical information public databases, nine RCTs and eight RWSs involving 5205 patients were included in the study. We directly compared the differences between chemotherapy and PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy, and determined the optimal treatment strategy through network meta‐analysis (NMA).ResultsCompared to chemotherapy, the addition of PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors significantly improves the overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), and objective response rate (ORR) in SCLC patients. Regarding safety, both RCTs and RWSs indicated no significant difference in grade 3–4 adverse events between chemotherapy and chemoimmunotherapy. NMA showed serplulimab plus chemotherapy (Serp_Chemo) appears to provide the best OS, PFS, and ORR benefit, while nivolumab plus chemotherapy shows higher toxicity than other regimens. In subgroup analysis, for elderly patients (age ≥65) and non‐elderly (age <65) patients, the most promising quality regimens for achieving better OS extension are atezolizumab plus chemotherapy (Atez_Chemo) and Serp_Chemo, respectively. For patients with PD‐L1 ≥ 1% and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) > upper limit of normal (ULN), there is no apparent OS benefit from immune therapy.ConclusionsIn ES‐SCLC treatment, adding PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors to standard chemotherapy improves OS, PFS, and ORR, with Serp_Chemo shows the most promise. Atez_Chemo and Serp_Chemo provided better survival for elderly and non‐elderly patients, respectively.
The prognostic and immune significance of Rab11A in pan‐cancer and its function and mechanism underlying estrogen receptor targeting in breast cancer
Authors: Li Yilun , Ding Baifang , Wei Mengyu , Yang Xiaolu , Fu Ruihuan , Liu Yinfeng , Zhu Lin , Ding Yan , Zhang Wenjin , Zhang Geng , Zhang Shuo , Bu Yuhui , He Jianchao , Deng Jianye , Bao Xiaohuan , Hao Jun , Ma Li 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveRab11A is an important molecule for recycling endosomes and is closely related to the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of tumors. This study investigated the prognostic and immune significance of Rab11A and validated its potential function and mechanism in breast cancer (BRCA).MethodsRNA sequencing data for 33 tumors were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype‐Tissue Expression databases. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between Rab11A expression and immune characteristics. Potential pathways were identified using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis, colony formation assay, bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay, immunofluorescence, and Western blot were used to explore potential function and mechanism.ResultsAnalysis of the TCGA database showed significant upregulation of Rab11A expression in a variety of cancers. Rab11A was up‐regulated in 82.4% of BRCA. High Rab11A expression is associated with poor survival in cancer patients and is a predictor of poor prognosis. CIBERSORT analysis showed that Rab11A was negatively associated with almost all immune cycle activity scores pan‐cancer. The results of the TCGA‐BRCA cohort were further confirmed by using pathological samples from clinical BRCA patients. The results showed that Rab11A expression was correlated with estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor expression in BRCA (p < 0.05). Knockdown and overexpression of Rab11A affected the proliferation of BRCA cells. Further mechanistic studies revealed that down‐regulation of ER alpha (ERα) and up‐regulation of ER beta (ERβ) mediated Rab11A‐induced inhibition of BRCA cell proliferation.ConclusionRab11A expression in pan‐cancer is associated with poor prognosis and immune profile. In particular, in BRCA, Rab11A expression regulates cell proliferation by targeting ERα and ERβ. High Rab11A expression is tightly associated with immune characteristics, tumor microenvironment, and genetic mutations. These results provide a reference for exploring the role of Rab11A in pan‐cancer and provide a new perspective for revealing potential therapeutic targets in BRCA.
Serving Queensland: reflecting on geographical access to the pelvic exenteration service in Queensland
Authors: Jenkin Ashley , Cole Kelcie , Harris Craig Andrew 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundPelvic exenteration for rectal cancer involves a radical multi‐visceral resection to improve complete surgical clearance, and access is limited within Queensland.MethodsA retrospective review of a prospective database of the referrals to the pelvic exenteration service in the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital from 2009 to2023. Geographic, as well as clinical and demographic information was collected.ResultsOne hundred and seventy six patients were referred to the pelvic exenterations service. In total 93 patients were referred from a major city, 52 from inner regional areas, and 31 from outer regional or remote areas. One hundred and three referred patients (58.5%) proceeded to surgery, significantly more of whom were referred from a major city (P < 0.001). Of the patients referred from outer regional, inner regional, and major cities, a similar proportion of patients proceeded to surgery (55%, 52%, and 63.4%). Patients not proceeding to surgery in major cities and inner regional areas were most commonly unfit to proceed, whereas in outer regional areas most patients decided against surgery (61.5%). In the 14‐year period, overall referrals increased, with inner regional referrals increasing the most over time. Overall survival was not significantly impacted by remoteness.ConclusionAwareness of the pelvic exenteration service in regional Queensland may have resulted in less referrals to the service. It is important to confirm a broad‐reaching service to optimize patient care.
Pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema and posterior capsular opacification rates after combined phaco‐trabeculectomy vs. phaco alone
Authors: Levinger Eliya , Ostrovsky Michael , Friehmann Asaf , Elhaddad Omar , Tole Derek , Darcy Kieren , Leadbetter Duncan , Tuuminen Raimo , Goldberg Mordechai , Achiron Asaf 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurposeTo assess the risk for pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema (PCME) and posterior capsular opacification (PCO) associated with combined cataract surgery and trabeculectomy compared to cataract surgery alone.MethodsData analysis of subjects who underwent routine cataract surgery without and with concomitant trabeculectomy at the Department of Ophthalmology, Bristol Eye Hospital, the UK, between January 2008 and December 2017. Odds ratios (ORs) for PCME between the types of surgeries were calculated using univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Multivariate Cox regression controlling for age and gender was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomies.ResultsThis study included 56 973 cataract surgeries without and 288 with concomitant trabeculectomy (phaco‐trab) with a mean follow‐up time of 6.9 ± 4.2 years. Baseline variables (age and gender, diabetes, pseudoexfoliation, use of pupil expansion device and postoperative follow‐up time) were comparable between the groups. Postoperative rates of PCME remained non‐significant between the cataract surgery and phaco‐trabe groups both in uni‐ and multi‐variate analysis (OR 0.347, 95%CI 0.049–2.477, p = 0.291). Furthermore, in Cox regression analysis adjusted for the patients' age and gender, Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates remained non‐significant between the cataract surgery and phaco‐trabe groups (HR 1.250, 95%CI 0.883–1.769, p = 0.209).ConclusionsIn our large cohort study, combining trabeculectomy with cataract surgery did not predispose to an increased PCME or Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates.
IL‐4 promotes chondrogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and blockade of IL‐4Rα retards the endochondral ossification during rat embryonic bone development
Authors: Hao Yimeng , Meng Qinghe , Chang Leilei , Qiu Minglong , Han Jianxin , Wang Zhiqin , Li Changwei , Ma Jing , Zhang Xuemei 
Published: October 2024

AbstractInterleukin‐4 (IL‐4)/IL‐4 receptor alpha (IL‐4Rα) signalling pathways play important roles in the complex process of bone formation and bone remodelling. However, whether IL‐4/IL‐4Rα participates in skeletogenesis during embryonic development is not completely understood. We used the anti‐IL‐4Rα monoclonal antibody (anti‐IL‐4Rα mAb) as a powerful investigational tool to evaluate the potential roles of IL‐4/IL‐4Rα in the chondrogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in vitro. Simultaneously, we explored the effect of IL‐4/IL‐4Rα on bone ossification during rat embryo‐fetal development. In this study, we found that, compared to the control group, IL‐4 can significantly promote the chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Furthermore, following exposure to anti‐IL‐4Rα mAb in pregnant rats, unexpected phenomena were observed in fetal bone development, including non‐ossification of the fetal sternum, an incomplete ossification centre in long bones and a reduced number of ossification points in digit (toe) bones. To further investigate the underlying mechanism of the phenotype, we studied the rat sternum as the target organ, starting from different time points of sternum development in the embryonic stage. The results indicated that the retardation mainly occurred in the middle and late stages of embryonic development. This retardation was characterized by the inhibition of the differentiation process of mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes, resulting in reduced angiogenesis near the ossification centre, failure of osteoblasts to invade the centre of the cartilage body with the blood vessels and delayed formation of the primary ossification centre (POC). Overall, our study demonstrated the significant function of IL‐4/IL‐4Rα in chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs and bone ossification during embryo‐fetal development.
Efficacy of weekly versus daily cholecalciferol for repleting serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Bortolussi‐Courval Émilie , Prosty Connor , Lee Jimin J. , McCarthy Lisa M. , McDonald Emily G. , Lee Todd C. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground/rationaleWeekly cholecalciferol can replace daily supplementation to reduce pill burden in patients with complex medication regimens and hypovitaminosis D, but evidence supporting this switch is unclear.ObjectiveWe aimed to determine whether weekly cholecalciferol was superior to daily cholecalciferol to replete patients with hypovitaminosis D.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials involving participants with baseline hypovitaminosis D (<30 ng/ml) comparing weekly versus daily cholecalciferol dosing and where serum cholecalciferol was measured within 120 days of starting treatment. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE from inception to 7 May 2024. A random‐effects meta‐analysis evaluated the odds ratio for repletion of serum vitamin D levels.FindingsEight trials involving 542 patients were included in the analysis. Weekly and daily cholecalciferol were not significantly different in correcting hypovitaminosis D (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 0.3–6.9, p = 0.6, favouring weekly dosing, I2 = 85.3%). A sensitivity analysis excluding otherwise healthy patients had similar findings (OR = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.3–2.1, p = 0.6). Most studies were at risk of bias; the different doses being compared increased the heterogeneity.ConclusionsLimited direct evidence supports a switch from daily to weekly cholecalciferol dosing; however, weekly supplementation was not demonstrably worse at repleting levels and decreased a patient's daily pill burden.
Return‐on‐Investment Analysis of an Enhanced Community Doula Program: Pre‐ and Post‐COVID‐19 Considerations
Authors: Mottl‐Santiago Julie , Dukhovny Dmitry , Feinberg Emily , Moore Jennifer , Parker Victoria , Cabral Howard , Bowser Diana , Declercq Gene 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundCommunity doulas are perinatal health workers who provide peer education, resource navigation, and support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Evidence suggests that doulas improve the experience of care, reduce cesarean birth, and improve breastfeeding outcomes. However, people with low incomes cannot access affordable community doula support in most states due to lack of insurance reimbursement. To determine the affordability of Medicaid reimbursement for doula services, there is a need to fill a gap in research that employs real‐world data and a return‐on‐investment (ROI) analysis approach.MethodsWe conducted a ROI analysis from the healthcare perspective of an enhanced community doula intervention, Best Beginnings for Babies (BBB). Healthcare and program cost data were collected alongside clinical outcomes from a randomized controlled trial of routine maternity care at Boston Medical Center with and without BBB. ROI was calculated as the net healthcare savings divided by the investment costs. Post‐COVID‐19 program costing estimates were also performed.ResultsAverage healthcare costs per patient were $18,969 for the BBB group compared with $20,121 for routine care, a savings of $1,152. BBB program costs were an average of $971 per person. There was an 18% ROI. Lower costs for the birth hospitalization and NICU stays accounted for the largest areas of savings. Per‐person program costs using proposed MassHealth fees produced a positive return on investment, although 2023 hospital doula program wages and salaries did not.DiscussionThe BBB‐enhanced community doula program was cost‐saving to payers and increased access to doula support for low‐income people. Even with post‐COVID‐19 increases in program costs, analysis demonstrated doula support was still financially feasible. This study should reassure budget‐conscious Medicaid payers that doula services are affordable.
Birth Outcomes and Prenatal Care Use in the U.S. During the COVID‐19 Pandemic in 2020 and 2021
Authors: Lyu Wei , Wehby George L. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has posed substantial social and economic disruptions that may have had adverse effects on maternal and infant health. This study examines the changes in birth outcomes and prenatal care use during the COVID‐19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 compared to pre‐pandemic years.MethodsData come from birth certificates from the U.S. Vital Statistics Natality Files. The analytical sample includes 18,678,327 births in the 50 states and Washington, DC between 2017 and 2021. An event study is employed to examine changes in multiple birth outcomes and prenatal care use over years adjusting for demographic/socioeconomic characteristics and state of residence.ResultsThere were very small changes in birth outcomes during pandemic years in 2020 and 2021. Specifically, low birth weight odds were lower in 2020 (OR = 0.99; 95 CI: 0.98–0.99) but higher in 2021 (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.03–1.04) compared to 2019. C‐section odds were higher in 2021 (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.002–1.008) than in 2019. The mean number of prenatal visits in both 2020 and 2021 relative to 2019 was lower by about 0.3 visits (95% CI: −0.31 to −0.30 in 2021).ConclusionOverall, there is no evidence of broad pandemic effects on low birth weight and preterm birth in 2020–2021.