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PurposeIn recent years, sustainable supply chain practices (SSCPs), including corporate social responsibility (CSR), have been recognised as important means of developing firms’ sustainability performance (SP). However, empirical findings on the SSCP–SP interaction are inconsistent and even contradictory. This research presents a quantitative meta-analysis that aims to uncover SSCP–SP interactions based on the correlations found in previously published empirical studies.Design/methodology/approachBased on the main and moderating variables and selection criteria, 64 sample studies were selected after a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.FindingsThe findings confirm a positive correlation (0.438) between SSCP and SP. The results also reveal various critical moderators identified through meta-regression.Practical implicationsThis study provides insights for operations managers and policymakers regarding the significance of control variables (e.g. ISO certification, type of economy, innovation approach, data collection method) on the relationship between SSCP and SP for business operations. This research uncovers the impacts of ISO regulations and proposed hypotheses through the lens of the natural resource-based view (NRBV) and institutional-based view (IBV).Originality/valueThis research is unique in that it provides a systematic view of the SSCP–SP interaction, validates the results through a theoretical lens (NRBV and IBV) and generalises the results by evaluating the moderation effects via checking prior literature.

Mucormycosis is a very commonly encountered disease in the sinonasal region in patients with diabetes and immunocompromised status specially in the northern part of the Indian continent. Due to its fulminant nature and involvement in the rhino-orbital-cerebral region, prognosis is poor even after extensive debridement and amphotericin-B therapy. We present a case with diagnosis of sarcoidosis being treated with systemic steroids who developed sudden-onset ptosis and left lateral rectus palsy. On radiological evaluation with MRI, a heterogenously peripherally enhancing lesion was seen in the nasopharynx suggestive of nasopharyngeal abscess. The patient was taken up for emergency surgery; a necrotic lesion with destruction of sphenoid bone, pterygoids and clivus was seen originating in the nasopharynx. The lesion on fungal staining came out to be broad aseptate hyphae suggestive of mucormycosis.

Recently, CD26 have been identified as one of the promising and specific marker for the identification of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).This was a prospective, observational validation study. Peripheral blood (PB) samples from suspected cases of CML and other hematolymphoid neoplasm were evaluated for the expression of CD26 on stem cells (SC) (CD45 dim/CD34+/CD38-) fraction by flow cytometry (FCM) using a single tube four-color antibodies cocktail: CD45-V500 /CD26-PE/CD34-PerCPcy5.5/CD38-APC-H7. The diagnosis of CML was confirmed using cytogenetics and/or molecular studies. Additionally, 12 paired PB and bone marrow (BM) samples of CML cases were compared for the proportion of CD26+ LSCs.Expression of CD26 on the SC fraction was invariably noted in all cases (116/116) of CML, irrespective of the disease phase and transcript type. None of other neoplasm (0/26), including the Ph + ALLs expressed CD26. Proportion of SCs expressing CD26 was variable with a median (range) proportion being 61.3% (7.6%-98.6%). Evaluation of paired PB and BM samples showed similar proportion of CD26 + LSCs (RWe confirmed that FCM evaluation of CD26 expression in the PB LSCs is a rapid and specific tool for CML diagnosis. Its utility as a marker for residual disease evaluation can also be explored in the future.

This paper presents the design of a multi-band planar bandpass Frequency Selective Surface with the novel rings and a modified Jerusalem cross integrated structure. To begin, the proposed FSS array geometry is defined by constructing a unit cell size of order of 0.57 λ 0 × 0.57 λ 0 where λ 0 represents free-space wavelength of the first resonant frequency of the FSS periodic structure using novel concentric rings, leading to low profile design. The array structure is fabricated on the substrate material FR4 with a permittivity of 4.4 and having a thickness of 0.8 mm. Combination of concentric rings and Jerusalem Integrated Structure is examined. Low-profile, simpler design, improved angular and polarization stability are all benefits of the proposed FSS. The proposed FSS structure is designed to obtain a stable frequency response over entire Ku band. The simulated and experimental results are measured in a free space measurement setup, which indicate resonances at 12.39 GHz, 14.63 GHz, 16.11 GHz and 17.82 GHz, exhibits supported band pass frequency ratio 1.43 for Ku band applications. The simulated, equivalent circuit model and experimental results showed that the experimental results agree well with the simulated results for both TE (Transverse Electric) mode and TM (Transverse Magnetic) mode of polarization.

The determination of monoclonal protein (M-protein) by SPE, IFE and SFLC assay is fundamental in the diagnosis of Plasma cell proliferative disorder (PCPD). In the present study, we seek to assess the diagnostic performance and concordance of these three techniques in un-treated PCPD patients. All new patients with dysproteinemia and/or suspected PCPD were included in this retrospective observational study. The baseline parameters were retrieved from electronic medical records. SPE was performed on gel electrophoresis system; monoclonal component was identified by IFE. SFLC assays were performed by nephelometry using a latex-enhanced immunoassay. Total 402 patients of PCPD were included (10.9% of MGUS/SMM and 89.1% of multiple myeloma). The combination of SPE + rSFLC (ratio of kappa/lambda light chain) and SPE + IFE + rSFLC was able to detect M-protein across all subgroups of patients. In 61 patients, rSFLC values were within normal range (54.5% of MGUS/SMM and 10.3% of MM) and was more commonly seen with IgG lambda M-protein (57.4% vs. all-others). The median dFLC value, among these patients, was higher for MM than MGUS/SMM patients (23.8 vs. 14.4 mg/L, respectively). The combination of SPE and rSFLC can be reliably used to detect M-protein in PCPD patients. In a small subgroup of MM patients, despite the presence of an intact immunoglobulin (M-protein), the rSFLC is not abnormal. Historically, these patients should respond better to treatment. However, a further follow-up analysis with more number of such patients would be advantageous for better understanding.

PurposeThe prime aim of this paper is the identification and prioritization of performance indicators, which motivate the development of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based traceability system for the agriculture supply chain (ASC). Also, this research aims for checking the robustness of obtained results.Design/methodology/approachTen performance indicators have been identified based on the five “criteria in the IoT-based traceable system”. Further, based on five criteria, performance indicators were ranked by using grey-based “Additive Ratio Assessment”.FindingsSustainable practices obtained first rank, and certification of agri-products obtained worst ranking. Further, based on sensitivity analysis, tracking of agri-products and stakeholders' behavior have found high sensitivity. Also, information sharing and global distribution networks have found the least sensitive performance indicators.Research limitations/implicationsThis research has some limitations of taking only a few criteria and alternatives. This study may also contribute as a practical insight to the practitioners and managers in decision-making in the adoption of an IoT-based traceable system within the ASC.Originality/valueThis research may motivate the implementation of an IoT-based efficient traceability mechanism that improved the sustainability and consumer's trust in the ASC during different types of hazardous activities and other outbreaks (COVID-19). Also, this research has provided a theoretical insight based on the dynamic capability theory (DCT).

BACKGROUND: Fibular collateral ligament (FCL), popliteus tendon (PT) and popliteofibular ligament are key components of posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee. These structures play a vital role in stabilizing the knee against varus and external rotation. The Anatomical location of these structures should be well understood for adequate reconstruction of PLC injuries. Purpose of our study is to measure mean distance between femoral insertion of FCL and PT; femoral medio-lateral dimension (MLD) and antero-posterior dimension (APD) of lateral femoral condyle on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images and its relevance to anatomical reconstruction of PLC injuries of knee. METHODS: The knee MRI data of 68 patients (43 males and 25 females) were studied. Measurement of PT-FCL distance was done in sagittal proton density fat-saturated (PDFS) sequence images. The femoral MLD and APD were measured in axial PDFS sequence images. The mean of each parameter was calculated and analyzed. To identify inter-observer agreement, we calculated Intra-Class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for each parameter. RESULTS: The mean PT-FCL distance was 16.85 ± 1.55 mm (range 12.9–21.2 mm). In our observation, PT always inserts anteriorly and distally to FCL insertion on the lateral femoral condyle. The mean MLD was 78.74 ± 5.84 mm (range 65–90 mm). The Mean APD of the lateral femoral condyle was 60.47 ± 4.00 mm (range 52.5–69.5 mm). The difference between the mean values of all the above parameters in both genders was statistically significant (p-value

This study was conducted with the aim to assess the clinico-pathological profile, treatment outcomes and the challenges faced in Low Middle Income Countries (LMIC) during management of pediatric Burkitt lymphoma cases on intensive chemotherapy protocol. This was a single center retrospective analysis of pediatric Burkitt lymphoma cases (age18 years) managed uniformly with Lymphomes Malins B (LMB) 96 chemotherapy protocol between January 2015 and September 2019. 40 cases were analyzed with a median age 11.5 years (range 4-18 years) and male: female ratio =4.7:1. Patients belonging to different LMB risk groups were: A-3 (7.5%), B-31 (77.5%), and C-06 (15%). 25 (62.5%) patients had abdominal disease at presentation. The survival analysis of different treatment risk groups showed statistically significant difference in mean Overall Survival (OS) between group A-100%, group B- 87%±6.1% and group C-44.4%±16.2%; (

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is one of the key aspects of making agriculture sector more competitive in India. India and other developing countries arefacing issues for coordination of their Agriculture Food Supply Chain Management (AFSCM) as not having technical and resources support; especially in natural disaster condition like recent COVID-19 outbreak. The purpose of this research is to develop anInternet of Things (IoT) based efficient and supportive coordinating system for enhancing the coordinating mechanism in AFSC under natural outbreaks. With the help of a literature review and experts’ inputs, seven enablers have been identified by grouping thirty sub enablers. Further, ISM methodology has been employed for developing a framework for enablers’ relationships to improve the coordination in the AFSC for taking strategic and operational decisions. After that, DEMATELtechnique is utilised to develop the causal and effectrelationships between all the identified enablers of a coordination system in IoT based AFSC. It has been noticed that‘Top Management Support (TMS)’ is the main driver by MICMAC analysis and categorised in a cause group based on (R-C) value. Further, the coordination index of the entire model is calculated based on the Cleveland theory. This paper also discussed a case study of the sugar mill industry. This paper also discussed stakeholder theory in developing IoT based coordination system of AFSC. Further, theoretical contribution may also guide the managers of the organisation in developing their strategies by using Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis based on Cleveland index.

Large amount of food waste is generated from Indian kitchens and disposing off such a large amount possesses a great challenge in terms of environmental degradation and viable food waste processing technology. In this work, steam gasification was tested as an alternative viable technology to process the kitchen food waste. Preliminary study was carried out at low temperature on steam gasification in a fixed bed reactor to study the influence of steam flow rate (SFR) and temperature on the syngas yield, syngas composition, hydrogen yield. Performance parameters such as carbon conversion efficiency (CCE), and apparent thermal efficiency (ATE) are also calculated. Steam flow rates are varied from 0.125 mL/min to 0.75 mL/min and the temperatures are varied from 700 °C to 800 °C. The highest hydrogen yield is obtained at 0.5 mL/min SFR and 800 °C temperature and its highest value is 1.2 m3/kg. The highest value of performance parameters, CCE and ATE are found to be 63% and 1.8.

PurposePerformance measurement (PM) of any supply chain is prerequisite for improving its competitiveness and sustainability. This paper develops a framework for supply chain performance measurement (SCPM) for agriculture supply chain (ASC) based on internet of things (IoT). Moreover, this article explains the role of IoT in data collection and communication (SC visibility) based on the supply chain operation reference (SCOR) model.Design/methodology/approachThis research identifies various key performance indicators (KPIs) and also their role in SCPM for improving its sustainability by using SCOR. Further, Shannon entropy is utilized for weighing the basic processes of SCPM and by using weights, fuzzy TOPSIS is applied for ranking of identified KPIs at metrics level 2 (deeper level).Findings“Flexibility” and “Responsiveness” have been reported as two most important KPIs in IoT based SCPM framework for ASC towards achieving sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsIn this research, metrics are explained only at SCOR level 2. But, this research will guide the managers and practitioners of various organizations to set their benchmark for comparing their performance at different levels of business processes. Further, this paper has managerial implications to develop an effective system for PM of IoT based data-driven ASC.Originality/valueBy using IoT based data driven system, this article fills the gap between SCPM by measuring different SC strategies in their performance measurable form of reliable, responsive and asset management etc.