Search

As a member of IPAF's new Asia Council and chair of its working group, Tan is well versed in the latest trends in the access sector, which includes an influx [...]

As firms deploy their inventories across multiple continents to serve growing markets, the costs of transportation and the direct impact of transportation modal decisions on a firm's inventory investment requirements [...]

Intestinal microecology (IM) is the largest and most important microecological system of the human body. Furthermore, it is the key factor for activating and maintaining the physiological functions of the intestine. Numerous studies have investigated the effects of the gut microbiota on the different tissues and organs of the human body as well as their association with various diseases, and the findings are gradually being translated into clinical practice. The gut microbiota affects the occurrence, progression, treatment response, and toxic side effects of tumors. The deepening of research related to IM and tumors has opened a new chapter in IM research driven by methods and technologies such as second-generation sequencing and bioinformatics. The IM maintains the function of the host immune system and plays a pivotal role in tumor-control drug therapy. Increasing evidence has proven that the efficacy of tumor-control drugs largely depends on the IM balance, and strategies based on the IM technology show promising application prospects in the diagnosis and treatment of tumor. The Tumor and Microecology Professional Committee of the Chinese Anti-cancer Association gathered relevant experts to discuss and propose the 'Chinese guidelines for integrated diagnosis and treatment of IM technologies in tumor application (2024 Edition),' which was established based on the research progress of the application of the IM technology in tumor to provide a basis for the standardization of the diagnosis and treatment of the IM technology in the tumor. Keywords: Bioinformatics analysis, fecal microbiota transplantation, graft-versus-host disease, intestinal microecology, microecological damage, technical specification, Author(s): Qiang Wang (corresponding author) [1]; Mingxin He [1]; Jing Liang [2]; Xiaohua Tan [3]; Qingming Wu [1]; Jun Wang [4]; Xiaoan Li [5]; Mingqiang Qiao [6]; Ziming Huang [7]; [...]

This expert consensus reviews current literature and provides clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of multiple ground glass nodule-like lung cancer. The main contents of this review include the following: ① follow-up strategies, ② differential diagnosis, ③ diagnosis and staging, ④ treatment methods, and ⑤ post-treatment follow-up. Keywords: Multiple ground glass nodule-like lung cancer, multiple primary lung cancer, pulmonary ground glass nodule, Author(s): Baodong Liu (corresponding author) [1]; Xin Ye (corresponding author) [2]; Weijun Fan (corresponding author) [3]; Xiuyi Zhi (corresponding author) [1]; Haitao Ma [4]; Jun Wang [2]; Peng Wang [5]; [...]

As the initial point for digestion, the balance of oral microorganisms plays an important role in maintaining local and systemic health. Oral dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the oral microbial community, may lead to the onset of various diseases. The presence or abnormal increase of microbes in the oral cavity has attracted significant attention due to its complicated relationship with oral cancer. Oral cancer can remodel microbial profiles by creating a more beneficial microenvironment for its progression. On the other hand, altered microbial profiles can promote tumorigenesis by evoking a complex inflammatory response and affecting host immunity. This review analyzes the oncogenic potential of oral microbiome alterations as a driver and biomarker. Additionally, a potentially therapeutic strategy via the reversal of the oral microbiome dysbiosis in oral cancers has been discussed. Keywords: Biomarker, inflammation, oncogenicity, oral cancer, oral microbiome, oral squamous cell carcinoma, Author(s): Shengran Wang [1]; Xiao Tan [2]; Juan Cheng [2]; Zeyang Liu [2]; Huiping Zhou [3]; Jiyuan Liao [3]; Xijun Wang [3]; Hongyun Liu (corresponding author) [3] INTRODUCTION The human [...]

On February 16, 47-year-old Russian lawyer and political activist Alexei Navalny collapsed and died in a prison colony north of the Arctic circle, where he was serving a 19-year sentence [...]

Purpose: To study the effect of corneal white-to-white diameter on Pentacam Scheimpflug cornea tomography and Corvis ST corneal visualization Scheimpflug technology parameters in myopic eyes. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 190 eyes of 190 Chinese myopic patients (spherical equivalent range: -1.25 D to -11.00 D) assessed for refractive surgery using Pentacam and Corvis ST devices were included. Patients were divided into groups based on corneal diameter: group A Results: There were 110 patients in group A and 80 patients in group B, with no statistically significant difference in age, gender, or spherical equivalence. For Pentacam data, group A had significantly higher Belin/Ambrosio Enhanced Ectasia Display (BAD-D) scores than group B (0.88 vs. 0.44) and pachymetric progression index (minimum, average, and maximum), and steeper front keratometric values, whereas group B had larger anterior chamber depth and maximum Ambrosio-relational thickness (ARTmax) (462.54 vs. 503.93). BAD-D indices, pachymetric progression indices, and front keratometric values had negative correlations with corneal diameter, whereas ARTmax and back keratometric values had positive correlations. For Corvis ST data, group A had a significantly higher corneal biomechanical index (CBI) (negatively correlated) while group B had a higher Ambrosio relational thickness to the horizontal profile (ARTh) (473.60 vs. 570.78) (positively correlated). Conclusion: Corneal diameter influences both Pentacam and Corvis ST parameters, with smaller corneal diameters having a higher BAD-D and a lower ARTmax and ARTh. In addition, this is the first study to report a correlation between posterior surface corneal power and corneal diameter. As refractive surgery evaluation relies on these parameters, taking corneal diameter into account would improve both sensitivity and specificity in pre-refractive surgery screening for ectasia/keratoconus. Keywords: Biomechanical properties, corneal diameter, Corvis ST, myopia, Pentacam, Author(s): Elizabeth Wen Ling Lim [1]; Hla Myint Htoon [2]; Peng Yi Tan [1]; Marcus Ang [1,2]; Jodhbir S Mehta [1,2]; Li Lim (corresponding author) [1,2,3] Laser refractive surgery is [...]

Performance metrics play a critical role in the planning and management of a firm's supply chain operations and network. Today, firms employ an ever- increasing array of dashboards, scorecards, and [...]

AROMAS FROM SIZZLING STEAK, local lobster and freshly caught mahiraahi wafted through the air as an inflatable Santa ballooned on the flybridge of Mark and Janeen Traylor's Horizon Power Catamarans [...]

Introduction By Alexa Gonzalez and Nora Kelly This article provides summaries and context for 31 changes to family law that were enacted in 2023 by legislatures in 26 states and [...]

Purpose: The objective of this study is to determine the key factors that influencing Malaysian consumers' paying behavior of online knowledge service with UTAUT model by incorporating perceived trust, perceived cost, content quality and key opinion leader. Design/methodology/approach: The study surveyed 200 respondents based on convenience sampling and partial least square structural equation modeling is used to determine significant predictors. Findings: The findings reveal performance expectancy and key opinion leader as significant positive predictor of consumers' paying behavior of online knowledge service. Effort expectancy, perceived trust, perceived cost and content quality were found to have no any influence on the relationship. Practical implications: This study benefits knowledge service providers and platform operators to further understand the factors that determine consumers to use the platforms and successfully implement their business and marketing strategy. Originality/value: This study provides an empirical evidence on Malaysian customers' paying behavior of the online knowledge service. Keywords: Online Paid Knowledge, Paying Behavior, UTAUT Model, Introduction The significance of technology in human life has been recognized along with the world economic development. Many major breakthrough technologies have achieved in the telecommunication sector, noticeably the Internet [...]

Using a unique data set of corporate site visits by mutual funds to Chinese firms listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange from 2013 to 2021, we find that firms with visits (more visits) are associated with lower mutual fund herding than those with no (fewer) visits. In addition, we demonstrate that mutual funds' visits to a firm drive the change in their herding propensity by verifying hard information (e.g., the firm's technology, innovation, accounting, and finance information) and obtaining soft information (e.g., management's risk appetite, employee morale, and corporate culture). Furthermore, corporate site visits are found to strengthen herding's price impact without return reversals. Overall, our results are consistent with information cascade theory. KEYWORDS corporate site visits, institutional herding, mutual funds, soft information, 1 | INTRODUCTION Long-standing literature shows that mutual funds trade similarly, or 'herd' (Brown et al., 2014; Jiang & Verardo, 2018; Koch, 2017; Lakonishok et al., 1992; Wermers, 1999). Although [...]

In December 2022, the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) became dominant in China due to its high infectivity and lower mortality rate. The risk of critical illness and mortality among patients with hematologic malignancies who contracted SARS-CoV-2 was particularly high. The aim of this study was to draft a consensus to facilitate effective treatments for these patients based on the type and severity of the disease. Following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in China, a steering committee consisting of experienced hematologists was formed by the Specialized Committee of Oncology and Microecology of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association. The expert group drafted a consensus on the management and intervention measures for different types of hematologic malignancies based on the clinical characteristics of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, along with relevant guidelines and literature. The expert group drafted independent recommendations on several important aspects based on the epidemiology of the Omicron variant in China and the unique vulnerability of patients with hematologic malignancies. These included prophylactic vaccinations for those with hematologic malignancies, the use of plasma from blood donors who recovered from the novel coronavirus infection, the establishment of negative pressure wards, the use of steady-state mobilization of peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cells, the provision of psychological support for patients and medical staff, and a focus on maintaining a healthy intestinal microecology. Keywords: Chemotherapy, hematological malignancies, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, immunotherapy, omicron, SARS-CoV-2, Author(s): Jun Wang [2]; Liang Shao [3]; Jing Liang [4]; Qingming Wu [5]; Baoli Zhu [6]; Qiwen Deng [7]; Zelin Liu [8]; Liqiong Liu [8]; Danyu Wang [8]; Zhijian Yu [...]

Melanoma is a fatal malignant tumor with a high rate of metastasis. Liver metastasis of melanoma is always associated with insensitivity to immunotherapy and a poor prognosis. However, the combination of cryoablation, which is believed to stimulate the antitumor immune response in the body, with immunotherapy can improve the therapeutic response to this condition. Herein, we present the case of a 79-year-old woman with BRAF (B-Raf proto-oncogene) wild-type melanoma who later developed liver metastasis. The patient received intravenous antiprogrammed cell death 1 antibody, which showed poor efficacy, and subsequent treatment with immunotherapy combined with cryoablation yielded a partial response. However, after the second cryoablation, the patient refused further treatment due to a fear of bleeding. Therefore, only immunotherapy was provided, which resulted in disease progression. This report demonstrates the need to consider immunotherapy plus cryoablation for the treatment of liver metastases in patients with BRAF wild-type melanoma. Keywords: Cryoablation, immunotherapy, liver metastasis, melanoma, toripalimab, Author(s): Hongxi Hong [1]; Lujun Shen [2,3]; Hongtong Tan [2,3]; Ying Wu [2,3]; Ying Liu [2,3]; Weijun Fan (corresponding author) [2,3] INTRODUCTION Melanoma is a highly invasive malignant tumor, and [...]

Many artists may think of lighting as an afterthought, the icing on the cake or the cherry on top of the pie, but that cannot be further from the truth. [...]

[paragraph] The Fairline Yachts Phantom 65, however, shows off in a subtler way. From stern to bow, this sport-bridge model has hidden features that can transform spaces in big and [...]

Risk management doesn't have to be complex. This practical, easy-to-implement framework supports decision-making and risk management. In early 2020, the tragic onset of a global pandemic dramatically raised the visibility [...]

Information is lacking in long-term care regarding heart failure (HF) management, including in nursing homes. The current pilot project examined the Nurse-Led Interdisciplinary-Heart Failure Team Program (NLI-HFTP) intervention for nursing home residents with HF. This study used a pre-posttest one-group design with 46 nursing home residents who were primarily female, African American, of non-Hispanic ethnicity, and with an average age of 76 years. Post-intervention Nurse-Patient Interaction Scale scores were significantly higher than pre-intervention scores (mean pretest = 124.83, mean posttest score = 103.04; t [45] = 27.78, p < 0.001). Comparison of participants' medical records found a substantial decrease in the number of HF–exacerbated hospitalizations during the 3-month post-implementation period compared with rates during the 3-month pre-implementation period (16 vs. 7). The NLI-HFTP was feasible to implement in a nursing home, reduced referral rates to acute care hospitals, and could thus provide a better resident experience through increasing nurse–patient interactions. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(12), 18–23.], Heart failure (HF), common among older adults, is often complicated by physiological aging and psychosocial needs, which contribute to treatment failures when not addressed. HF among long-term care (LTC) residents [...]

Objective. The purposes of this study were to determine the association between physical activity (PA) behavior and global cognitive function 3 months after stroke and to explore the role of physical capacity as a mediating factor. Methods. Participants with stroke were successively recruited at 5 different hospitals in Norway. PA was measured using accelerometers, with a follow-up period of 7 consecutive days, and global cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The general pattern of PA and the percentage of participants adhering to World Health Organization PA recommendations (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic PA per week) were investigated using descriptive statistics. Multiple regression and mediator analyses were used to examine the relationship between PA behavior and MoCA scores; physical capacity, measured with the Short Physical Performance Battery, served as the mediating variable. Results. A total of 193 women (42.6%) and 260 men (57.4%) with a median age of 73.7 years (25th and 75th percentiles =65.8 and 80.4, respectively) and a median MoCA score of 25 points (25th and 75th percentiles =22 and 27, respectively) were included. Mean total time spent walking at moderate intensity was 251.7 (SD = 164.6) min/wk (mean bout length = 20.9 [SD = 7.3] seconds), which indicated 69.3% adherence to World Health Organization guidelines. With each point decrease in the MoCA score, there was an expected 8.6% increase in the odds of nonadherence to PA recommendations. Physical capacity was identified as an important mediating factor, explaining the strength of the association between cognition and PA behavior. Conclusions. In contrast to previous research, in the present study, most participants adhered to the updated global PA guidelines. However, people who had survived stroke and had reduced cognitive function were at higher risk of inactivity, an association mediated by physical capacity. Impact. A better understanding of the association between cognition and PA behavior after stroke might help for developing more targeted early-onset interventions. Keywords: Adherence, Cognitive Function, Physical Activity, Physical Capacity, Stroke, Introduction Stroke is considered to be the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability-adjusted life years worldwide. (1) The prevalence of cognitive impairment after stroke [...]

HOW FITTING IT WAS THAT PRESTIGE YACHTS introduced its new M-Line flagship, the M8, at Portopiccolo, a picturesque yachting village outside Trieste, Italy. Formerly a quarry, the cliff-side area had [...]

While Covid-19 vaccines were developed and deployed with unprecedented speed, their widespread introduction could have been accelerated--saving millions of lives and trillions of dollars--had more vaccine capacity been available prior to the pandemic. Combining estimates of the frequency and intensity of pandemics with estimates of mortality, economic-output, and human-capital losses from pandemics of varying severities, we calculate that the present value of global social losses from the stream of future pandemics can be expected to be nearly $18 trillion--over $700 billion each year going forward. According to our model, a program spending $60 billion up front to expand production capacity and supply-chain inputs for vaccines and $5 billion annually thereafter would be sufficient to ensure production capacity to vaccinate 70% of the global population against a new virus within six months. The program would generate an expected net present value (NPV) gain of more than $500 billion over the status quo of delaying investment until a pandemic arrives. A program undertaken by the USA alone would generate an expected NPV gain of over $60 billion. JEL Classification 115 * 118 ? L65 * H44, 1 Introduction By 2024, it is estimated that the Covid-19 pandemic will have reduced economic output by $13.8 trillion relative to pre-pandemic forecasts (International Monetary Fund 2022). The pandemic resulted [...]

Purpose: The study aims to explore the key factors that influence smart water technology adoption. Design/methodology/approach: This study utilised a case study approach to gain an in-depth understanding of stakeholders' perceptions towards smart water technology adoption within the selected water supply company. The researchers interviewed 15 key stakeholders in the company to collect primary data for the study. The stakeholders included top management, the management team, and engineers involved in the decision-making process and implementation of smart water technology. The interviews were semi-structured, allowing flexibility in exploring the stakeholders' perspectives on smart water technology adoption. The use of a case study approach allowed the researchers to analyze the complex interactions and contextual factors that influenced the adoption of smart water technology in the company. Findings: The study found that management support, water tariffs, knowledge management, and system complexity are key factors in smart water technology adoption in a water supply company, but their interests, attitudes, and influence vary. The company needs a Smart Water leader to support adoption, especially in water-scarce states, but low tariffs and financial constraints can slow adoption. Integration of existing and new systems remains a challenge. An extensive pool of experts is needed for knowledge sharing and learning from mistakes. Technical and maintenance support is essential for continuous improvement and expansion. However, a lack of formalized approach to measurement and reward technology knowledge sharing among staff and management, as well as retiring staff's lack of motivation to keep up with fast-changing technology, contribute to challenges in adopting smart water technology. The study used Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) to guide the direction of the study and develop interview questions. Research limitations/implications: This study only involved a single water supply company in Malaysia. Future research might consider all of the 12 water companies in Malaysia to extend the findings. Originality/value: This study provided insights into the main factors influencing smart water technology adoption in water utility companies by developing the proposition for future research. Keywords: Water supply, Smart Water technology, Support, Challenges, Industry 4.0 Classification: Case study, 1. INTRODUCTION Traditionally, the water industry has been slow to embrace change because water has been treated as an undervalued resource. While many industries have already transformed their processes to [...]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to provide a conceptual model that links several key variables including employee empowerment & involvement, communication, and teamwork of organisational factors (OF) and organisational culture (OC) to enhance quality performance (QP) of Hong Kong watchmaking industry. Design/methodology/approach: Literature review was conducted extensively, and the approach employed was conceptualized into a proposed conceptual framework. Findings: A conceptual framework was suggested in this paper to enhance QP of Hong Kong watchmaking industry through employee empowerment & involvement, communication, and teamwork of OF, and a moderator OC. The literature review was performed extensively to provide two hypotheses including 1) the OF-QP relationship, and 2) the OF-QP relationship through the moderator OC. Research limitations/implications: More opportunities were provided in this study for researchers to expand further the research in QP of Hong Kong watchmaking industry on the basis of the theories from Hofstede's cultural dimensions in the organisations. Practical implications: The study attempted to explore good employee empowerment & involvement, communication, and teamwork together with strategic OC to enhance QP of Hong Kong watchmaking industry. Originality/value: According to this study, the moderator OC for the OF-QP relationship can be expected to enhance QP of Hong Kong watchmaking industry since OC moderates the OF-QP relationship. In this connection, the study is significant with both theoretical perspective and practical perspective. A research gap is existed to find out a moderating role of OC in the OF-QP relationship. Keywords: Quality Performance, Organisational Factors, Organisational Culture, 1 INTRODUCTION Hong Kong watchmaking industry is mainly in the middle segment and focuses on the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) production, although some have expanded into the original design manufacturer [...]

Purpose: This study reviews available literature on how Jackie Chan applied the personal branding concept as an innovative strategy for him to gain global recognition and a megastar position. Design/methodology/approach: This is a literature search type study focusing on Jackie Chan as the case subject of successful personal branding. Various literature sources including Jackie Chan's (1998) own autobiography ('I am Jackie Chan: My Life in Action') and published news reportage are used for content analysis. Findings: Five factors are identified as drivers of Jackie Chan's personal branding success: a) the ambition that has been conceived and announced to the world, b) co-authored his own autobiography in English, c) creating unique values to differentiate himself from others as a way of defining his own identity, d) negotiating between the role of a celebrity and a star, and lastly, e) strategy to utilize social media and participating in it. In sum, his strategic and innovative use of personal branding actions helped him to promote his aforesaid uniqueness and persona to amass global recognition, thereby developing his great stardom for the last four decades. Research limitations/implications: The study relies heavily on the content of Jackie Chan's autobiography which may limit the study's comprehensiveness of review and analysis. Personal encounters of the subject person might be too unique and situational to be generalized. Practical implications: Strategies used by Jackie Chan in how he builds his personal branding benefit performing artists to be used as their pre-requisite skill set in the film industry rather than totally dependent upon film production companies. Originality/value: This study has built on Jackie Chan's example to demonstrate the liberation of performing artists in unleashing their potential energies and personal uniqueness; establishing and promoting themselves strategically toward their targeted audience; and innovatively steering their fate and future in view of different challenges under different contexts along their career journey. Keywords: Personal Branding, Strategy, Innovation, Global Recognition, Performing Artists, Introduction The Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) that was signed on 29 June 2003 between Hong Kong and China governments study has opened a new market for Hong Kong's performing [...]

Purpose: Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending has evolved into a viable alternative investment option that is predicted to develop rapidly as technology solutions improve and people become more digitally connected. As a result of their increased exposure to digital technology, millennials have emerged as the most fascinating target group for P2P lending platforms. As a result, the goal of this study is to identify the factors influencing millennials' intention to use Malaysia's peer-to-peer lending platforms. Design/methodology/approach: This study used perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived expertise, trustworthiness, reciprocity, and security as independent variables. The data was collected from 183 millennials through online questionnaires. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) programme was used to conduct descriptive analysis, reliability testing, and multiple linear regression analysis. Findings: Our findings revealed that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and reciprocity have a favourable influence on millennial's intentions to use peer-to-peer lending platforms. Research limitations/implications: This study may be extended to other age categories as the current research only focus on millennials. Practical implications: Peer-to-peer platform's operators may consider those relevant factors to invite and attract more businesses and investors to join in the peer-to-peer lending platform. Originality/value: The extended Technology Acceptance Model, Source Credibility Theory, and Social Exchange Theory were used in the current study to explore the variables that affect millennials' inclination to use peer-to-peer lending platforms. Keywords: Peer-to-peer lending, Intention, Perceived ease of use, Perceived usefulness, Reciprocity, Introduction Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending can be categorised as a type of decentralized lending. There are two main business models for P2P lending platforms. The first is that lenders and investors [...]

Purpose: The main aim of this study is to develop a working framework that represents patients' screening decision for oral cancer based on dental service quality. This is done by evaluating the various dimensions of dental services offered by dental clinics and the impact it has on patient's decision to undergo future oral cancer screenings. Design/methodology/approach: This paper compiled research articles from the last 10 years using a consistent method from online databases. Only papers cited under the SOR theory were analyzed to identify various elements used in the SOR model. Three commonly used online databases were selected - Emerald, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink - to identify research articles citing the full name 'Stimulus-Organism-Response Theory' and reviewed to ensure their application of the SOR theory. Findings: The outcomes of this study will be of great aid for future researchers, dental services providers and the government in understanding how the dimensions of current dental services quality are able to motivate and guide current dental patients in opting for oral cancer screenings in the future which shall subsequently result in reducing the overall oral cancer in Malaysia and even in other parts of the world through early detection and treatment. Research limitations/implications: The framework may not account for contextual or cultural factors that could impact patients' attitudes and behaviors related to oral cancer screening. Originality/value: This study complements and aids towards the direction of the 11 th Malaysian Plan as well as Malaysia's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which calls for the improvement of good health and well-being of Malaysia and its people. Keywords: Oral Cancer, Screening Decision, Healthscape, Dentists Concern, Waiting Time, Stimulus Organism Response Theory, Introduction With its world-class and top-notch healthcare services, Malaysia ranked first among the other 6 countries for the Best Healthcare in the World category of the 2019 International Living Annual [...]

Un homme de 80 ans traite par ruxolitinib pour myelofibrose a ete oriente vers la clinique d'infectiologie pour une masse evolutive subaigue au cote gauche du front. L'homme souffrait egalement [...]

Amy Tan likes to stress that she's a bird-watcher, not a birder. While a birder might travel the world in search of a specific species, Tan prefers to stick to [...]

Purpose: To evaluate rural community-based eye care models from the perspective of community ophthalmology experts and suggest sustainable technological solutions for enhancing rural eye care delivery. Methods: A semi-structured descriptive survey, using close-ended and open-ended questions, was administered to the experts in community ophthalmology sourced through purposive sampling. The survey was self-administered and was facilitated through online platforms or in-person meetings. Uniform questions were presented to all participants, irrespective of their roles. Results: Surveyed participants (n = 22 with 15 from India and 7 from Nepal) in high-volume tertiary eye hospitals faced challenges with resources and rural outreach. Participants had mixed satisfaction with pre-operative screening and theatre resources. Delayed presentations and inexperienced surgeons contributed to the surgery complications. Barriers to rural eye care included resource scarcity, funding disparities, and limited infrastructure. In rural/peri-urban areas 87% of participants agreed with providing primary eye care services, with more than 60% of the experts not in agreement with the makeshift center model of eye care delivery. Key components for an effective eye care model are sustainability, accessibility, affordability, and quality. These can be bolstered through a healthcare management platform and a human-chain supply distribution system. Conclusion: Tailored interventions are crucial for rural eye care, emphasizing the need for stronger human resources, optimized funding, and community awareness. Addressing challenges pertinent to delayed presentation and surgical training is vital to minimizing complications, especially with advanced cataracts. Enhancements in rural eye care demand a comprehensive approach prioritizing accessibility, affordability, and consistent quality. Keywords: Community ophthalmology, eye care, eye care barrier, perspectives, primary eye care, Author(s): Renee Liu [1]; Ashita A Sule [2]; Choo Sheriel Shannon [3]; Thulasiraj Ravilla [4]; Hugh Taylor [5]; William Rojas-Carabali [3,13]; Rohit C Khanna [6]; Chitaranjan Mishra [7]; Alok Sen [...]

1 Il est possible de traiter efficacement le VIH-1 au moyen d'un antiretroviral injectable a action prolongee Un double schema d'association reunissant le cabotegravir (un inhibiteur de transfert de brin [...]

An 80-year-old man on ruxolitinib for myelofibrosis was referred to the infectious diseases clinic with a subacute, progressive mass over his left forehead. He also had type 2 diabetes mellitus [...]

The entry mode decision is a critical topic in international business. Several studies have tested the antecedents of entry mode choices and compared the outcomes after entry. However, the results reported in these studies are contradictory and difficult to explain. Furthermore, the reviews using qualitative approaches cannot statistically combine empirical results and fail to fully discuss these relationships. Additionally, the mediating effects remain unexamined in the existing studies. Drawing upon transaction cost economics and the resource-based view, this paper presents a meta-analysis that combines entry mode choices, antecedents and post-entry outcomes to address these issues. This meta-analysis is based on 1499 effect sizes from 230 published empirical studies. This study focuses on 15 antecedents as well as post-entry performance and survival of entry mode choices. In addition to bivariate relationships (i.e. how a single antecedent affects entry mode choices), the paper uses meta-analytic structural equation modelling to analyse the mediating effects of entry mode choices on the antecedent - outcome relationship. Keywords Meta-analysis * Ownership mode choice * Establishment mode choice * Post-entry outcome, 1 Introduction A growing number of multinational enterprises (MNEs) are attracted by the opportunities and resources of international markets. In this context, choosing a suitable entry mode into a foreign [...]

The longlist for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction has been revealed, with 12 books in contention for the British literary award. Zadie Smith was nominated for The Fraud, [...]

The study explores the effects of COVID-19 vaccine fake news on social media from the perspective of the elaboration likelihood model (ELM). The research model theorizes that factors of the central route and factors of the peripheral route influence panic vaccination intention through the third-person effect of fake news, personal norm, and the individual's attitude toward panic vaccination (i.e., the vaccination equivalent of 'panic buying'). Data were collected via an online survey with 409 valid responses. The study applies partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the hypotheses. The findings have theoretical and practical implications and provide insights to help reduce the spread of fake news on social media during an outbreak to better ensure that people are not misled by fake news., Author(s): Hsiang-Lan Cheng, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, Taiwan, Chiew Mei Tan, National Sun Yat-sun University, Taiwan, Chao-Min Chiu, National Sun Yat-sun University, Taiwan, Hsin-Yi Huang, Soochow University, Taiwan, Yi-Chien [...]

December saw Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting the leaders of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. During the meeting, Xi said Beijing had unveiled five 'priority' areas [...]

ABSTRACT Context and Aims: Which cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) involved in the progress of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) need to be further clarified. To identify prognostic-relevant biomarkers in HCC through a systematic investigation of the prognostic value of CDKs. Methods and Material: We explored the relationship between CDKs expression and the prognosis of patients with HCC using multiple online databases. In addition, their biological functions and correlation with the immune system and drug response were investigated. Results: Among the 20 CDKs (CDK1 ~20) altered in HCC, the significantly high expression of CDK1 and CDK4 in patients with HCC was significantly associated with worse prognosis. Interestingly, CDK1 had significant co-occurrence with CDK4 and CDK1-related and CDK4-related signaling pathways are closely related to hepatitis virus-related HCC. We identified multiple transcription factors of CDK1 and CDK4; of those, only four (E2F1, PTTG1, RELA, and SP1) were significantly associated with the prognosis of HCC patients. Genetic alterations in CDKs were significantly correlated with disease-free and progression-free survival, which may be associated with aberrant expression of progesterone receptor. Moreover, we found a significantly positive correlation between CDK1 and CDK4 expression and tumor-infiltrating activated CD4+ T cell and exhausted T cell-related signature. Finally, we identified drugs with good potential prognostic value predicted by CDK1 and CDK4 levels. Conclusions: CDK1 and CDK4 may be potential prognostic biomarkers for HCC. Moreover, targeting four transcription factors (E2F1, PTTG1, RELA, and SP1) combined with immunotherapy may be a new therapeutic strategy for treating HCC patients with high CDK1 and CDK4 expression, especially hepatitis-related HCC. Keywords: Biomarkers, comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, cyclin-dependent kinases, hepatocellular carcinoma, potential drug, prognosis, Author(s): Shuanggang Chen [1,2]; Binyan Shen [3]; Ying Wu [4]; Lujun Shen [2,5]; Han Qi [2,5]; Fei Cao [2,5]; Tao Huang [2,5]; Hongtong Tan [2,5]; Guoping Zhang [1]; Weijun Fan [...]