Line Approach Research Articles

A Dedicated Algorithm for Endovascular Approach as a First-Line Treatment Option for Visceral Artery Aneurysms

Few data are reported in literature about visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) management. The aim of the present study was to analyze VAAs management in a single institution, with a dedicated algorithm for endovascular approach as the first line treatment. A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed. Patients with a VAA submitted to either endovascular repair or open surgery from 2016 to 2023 were included. A dedicated algorithm was used to evaluate the endovascular approach feasibility assessing on the preoperative computed tomography angiography the following parameters: (a) the tortuosity of the involved artery (<150°), (b) the healthy arterial diameter (>4mm), (c) the VAA proximity to the hilum and/or the presence of a bifurcation of the aneurysmatic artery, and (d) the circumferential calcium presence. An endovascular approach was chosen if (a) and (b) criteria were satisfied without (c) and (d) ones. Otherwise, it was deemed a challenging anatomy, and an open surgical treatment was considered. In the absence of (a) and/or (b) criteria open surgery was the preferred option. Thirty-one asymptomatic aneurysms (28 patients) were treated electively. The most frequent VAA location was the splenic artery (18 cases; 58%), followed by the renal arteries (6 cases; 19%), the common hepatic artery (5 cases; 16%), the gastroepiploic artery (1 case, 3.2%) and the pancreatoduodenal artery (1 case; 3%). Twenty-two aneurysms (71%) were initially treated by an endovascular approach (stent-graft deployment and/or transcatheter embolization) with 3 (13%) of them needing a surgical conversion. Nine aneurysms (29%) were submitted directly to a surgical treatment (aneurysm resection with or without interposition bypass) with no peri-operative and long-term complications. Technical success was 90.3%. Endovascular management as a first line approach is safe and effective in most cases. A preoperative dedicated algorithm is useful to identify suitable cases. Open surgery can be considered an alternative option in specific challenging anatomical situations or in case of endovascular failure.

EVALUATING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF SUGAR VALUE CHAIN: EVIDENCE FROM VIETNAM

This paper investigates the sugar value chain in Vietnam and evaluates its sustainability using integrative indicators based on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach. A set of 27 indicators were used in our survey of key stakeholders in the sugar value chain of Vietnam. After 2 months, we received 482 quetionnaires and retained 473 valid responses. Our findings show that there are still many challenges for the Vietnamese sugar value chain to grow sustainably. Thus, we proposed some suggestions to enhance the sustainability of the Vietnamese sugar value chain.

Enhancing Global Sustainable Higher Education Through Sustainability Window Approach

The sustainability window approach began as a model that could explain the way to sustainable economic development. This theory places emphasis on ecological, economic and social linkages for making comprehensive analysis and policy towards United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. It identifies four theoretically sustainable paths; two associated with economic growth and the others requiring growth conditional or strict adherence to environmental and social criteria. Many studies confirm that higher education institutions have not been able to completely embrace the concept of sustainability window approach. The paper asserts that these are the most effective ways through which global higher education establishments can achieve sustainability: well-being of society, environmental protection, low consumption, and limited social usage. Finally, it concludes by calling on high education institutions to incorporate sustainability window and integrate it with triple bottom line and responsible management education approaches. The paper argues that in order to determine whether such a change might be suitable in different settings, it is recommended that we test this revised framework using empirical evidence

Implicit-Explicit Schemes for Compressible Cahn–Hilliard–Navier–Stokes Equations

The isentropic compressible Cahn–Hilliard–Navier–Stokes equations are a system of fourth-order partial differential equations that model the evolution of some binary fluids under convection. The purpose of this paper is the design of efficient numerical schemes to approximate the solution of initial-boundary value problems with these equations. The efficiency stems from the implicit treatment of the high-order terms in the equations. Our proposal is a second-order linearly implicit-explicit time stepping scheme applied in a method of lines approach, in which the convective terms are treated explicitly and only linear systems have to be solved. Some experiments are performed to assess the validity and efficiency of this proposal.

Managing sustainability-oriented innovation in services: proposal of a scale for the future of hotel companies and travel agencies

PurposeThe concept of Sustainability-Oriented Service Innovation (SOSI) has been recently suggested from a conceptual reflection approach in an attempt to integrate innovation and sustainability in services, being an emerging field of innovation in services. This study aims to propose a scale to measure Sustainability-Oriented Service Innovation from the perspective of the company. Because the whole is different from the sum of its different parts, we need to better understand the synergy between sustainability and innovation for the future of tourism companies.Design/methodology/approachUpon a literature review, we propose a scale and explore its dimensionality with data from 268 to 256 Spanish hotel and travel agency managers, respectively. The dimensionality of the scale for measuring Sustainability-Oriented Service Innovation is similar in hotels and travel agencies.FindingsFive factors emerge from the principal component analyses carried out: two dimensions referred to technological and non-technological innovation, respectively, and three dimensions labelled as economic, social and environmental sustainability.Practical implicationsTo guide managers towards their operations, the proposed scale is expected to inspire models to assess the impact of SOSI practices in such a highly competitive industry and to identify the most influencing dimensions on the future performance of the tourism company.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, no scale has been presented so far that brings together the dimensions of technological and non-technological innovation, as well as sustainability from a Triple Bottom Line approach.

Sustainability and Capability Building in Organizations: A Focused Group Approach

This study investigates business sustainability and the development of comprehensive capabilities that are crucial for future-ready organizations. It delineates the sustainable business practices that are necessary to enhance the functional, operational, technological and strategic dimensions of an organization. Furthermore, we examine methods to augment a firm’s capacity to foster sustainable growth. The authors utilized a structured approach; four focused group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with experts from multinational firms to garner real-time industry insights in the context of the new normal. The discussions emphasized key practices such as change management, competency building, green business functions, regenerative strategies, empathetic leadership and the triple bottom line approach. This research underscores the real-time business practices implemented during and after the pandemic to address and mitigate the disruptions caused by the outbreak.

Corrigendum to “How does consumer awareness of the waste of electrical and electronic equipment affect reverse logistics? Extended triple bottom line approach”

Corrigendum to “How does consumer awareness of the waste of electrical and electronic equipment affect reverse logistics? Extended triple bottom line approach”

The university as an intellectual capital catalyst for sustainable organisations: conceptualising the nexus

Purpose Intellectual capital (IC) is an increasingly important strategic asset for sustainable value creation in organisations. This paper aims to provide a conceptual perspective on the university’s role as a catalyst for IC creation and development within the dynamic landscape of organisations, exploring the nexus to capture its essence. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a conceptual framework development approach, key concepts were cohesively and coherently synthesised from various theoretical underpinnings, namely, the multiple capitals approach to maximising corporate value creation, the evolved triple bottom line approach to corporate sustainability, the triple helix innovation model and its subsequent extensions, the upper echelons theory and the social licence construct linked to stakeholder, legitimacy and institutional theories. Findings A comprehensive conceptual framework was developed that outlines universities’ role in catalysing four corporate IC forms crucial to sustainable organisational value creation: human capital, governance capital, social/relational capital and structural/organisational capital. The framework interprets this role of universities as dynamic IC reservoirs serving regional ecosystems for sustainable development. It highlights the synergistic sustainable value creation between universities and organisations in host communities and broader society, with university governance acting as a key driver. Originality/value This paper offers a theoretically grounded interpretation of universities’ pivotal role in catalysing essential forms of IC to support contemporary organisations’ sustainable value-creation processes. The proposed framework has the potential to ignite conversations on the crucial connection between universities and corporate IC development relevant to sustainable organisations, inspiring future empirical research, reflection and discussion.

Positional plagiocephaly: results of the osteopathic treatment of 424 infants. An observational retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPositional plagiocephaly is an asymmetrical flattened skull deformity whose incidence increased significantly in the last decades. Osteopathic treatment has been suggested to tackle early deformational sequences, in order to ensure the correct development of the child.The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of osteopathic treatment of positional cranial deformities in infants.MethodsRetrospective observational study carried out at the Section of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine of University of Bari, Italy in collaboration with a specialized pediatric osteopath.Results424 infants were enrolled. Isolated positional plagiocephaly affected the vast majority of infants (n. 390, 91.98%); 34 patients (8.02%) were diagnosed with positional brachycephaly. Both infant groups (positional plagiocephaly and positional brachycephaly) had a median severity score of 3 (IQR: 3 – 3 and 2 – 3, respectively) and benefited from a median of 3 osteopathic sessions (IQR 3–4 and 2–4, respectively). Higher severity scores of positional asymmetries were significantly more common in preterm neonates (Pearson chi2: 11.58; p-value: 0.021) and in males (Pearson chi2: 10.06; p-value: 0.039).ConclusionsSignificant improvements in positional cranial deformations of children were obtained after only five osteopathic treatments provided in the first months of life. The osteopathic treatment could positively impact the clinical history of patients with positional plagiocephaly and positional brachycephaly.Implication for practice• Positional plagiocephaly is increasingly common among infants and may cause moderate to severe neurodevelopmental adverse effects.• Osteopathic treatment may tackle early deformational sequences, in order to ensure the correct development of the child.• Our study reveals that cranial asymmetry of infants with positional plagiocephaly is significantly reduced after only five osteopathic treatments provided in the first months of life.• Osteopathic treatment should be offered as a first line approach to young infants diagnosed with positional plagiocephaly.

Principles for Incorporating Recycled Materials into Airport Pavement Construction for More Sustainable Airport Pavements

Current international waste policy promotes the reduction and re-use of waste materials, and in some cases, specifically calls for the use of recycled materials in pavements. Consequently, there is a need to understand the performance of recycled materials in airport pavements, as well as the overall sustainability benefit. This paper reviews several recycled materials and their applications to asphalt concrete, cement concrete, and bound and unbound granular materials in the context of airport pavements. Additionally, it reviews sustainability quantification methods, as well as implementation challenges for using recycled materials in airport pavements. For comparing pavements with and without recycled materials, a triple bottom line approach is appropriate. The triple bottom line approach should use life cycle cost assessment and life cycle assessment for the financial and environmental impacts, respectively, as best-practice, with frameworks and guidelines already established. For social impacts, it is recommended to quantify the reduction in virgin material use which relates to intergenerational equity by ensuring access to materials by future generations. Because there are still implementation challenges for the airport pavement industry, principles are developed that aim to promote uptake of recycled materials. These principles include sorting and processing, minimising haulage distances, and ensuring performance of pavement layers through performance testing and performance-related specifications.

Ethnomethodology Study on The Implementation of Social Responsibility Activities at PT Pertamina Lubricants

Financial Services Authority Regulation No. 51/POJK.03/2017, social and environmental responsibility or abbreviated as TJSL is a commitment to participate in sustainable economic development in order to improve the quality of life and the environment that is beneficial, both for the company itself, the local community, and the community in general TJSL or what we commonly know as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is part of sustainable development that must be carried out by all development actors, namely the government, the community, and also the business community. This study uses a qualitative method with ethnomethodology studies to reveal the practice of CSR implementation at PT Pertamina Lubricants from 2019 to 2023. The purpose of this study is to reveal CSR practices in an effort to maintain sustainability activities at PT Pertamina Lubricants. The triple bottom line and good corporate governance approach are used in this study. Data collection was carried out through interviews, field observations, and literature studies. The results show that PT Pertamina Lubricants has transformed its CSR practices by emphasizing Creating Shared Value (CSV). CSR practices during the Covid-19 pandemic are still ongoing by implementing applicable protocols. The triple bottom line bottom line approach, namely profit, people, and planet, and good corporate governance , has also been implemented.

A Decomposition Approach for Sequencing Mixed-Model Two-Sided Assembly Line with Stochastic Processing Time

This study tackles the challenge of optimizing mixed-model two-sided assembly lines, where task processing times are uncertain. The objective is to reduce the expected cycle time the average time to complete one product across the assembly line. Given the complexity of assessing objectives amidst stochastic conditions, we formulate the problem as a simulation optimization problem. We introduce a strategic decomposition method that breaks down the core problem into two discrete sub-tasks: allocating tasks to respective work-stations, and determining the sequence of tasks at each station. The decomposition framework systematically partitions the solution space, though it does not ensure a global optimum, it can efficiently guide the search towards a high-quality near-optimal solution with a practical time frame. Based on this framework, we develop a novel simulation-optimization algorithm, termed the Decomposition Approach with Harmony Search (DAHS), which incorporates a harmony search heuristic to effectively navigate the partitioned solution space. Additionally, we implement two innovative strategies to improve the search and simulation procedures. Numerical experiments reveal that our DAHS algorithm outperforms benchmark algorithms in terms of solution quality and computational efficiency.

A strategic model for attracting and retaining environmentally conscious customers in E-retail

The study offers a thorough investigation on the strategies necessary to attract and retain environmentally conscious customers in the E-Retail market in Southeast Asia. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) have been deployed to analyze the intricate relationships among the sustainable business practices, consumer engagement strategies, technological interventions for sustainability, integration of a triple bottom line approach, and the balance between sustainability and profitability. Hypotheses testing on the empirical data have revealed that there is no significant relationship between sustainable business practices and attracting and retaining environmentally conscious customers. However, there are positive correlations between consumer engagement strategies, technological interventions for Sustainability, and the integration of triple bottom line approach with client attraction and retention. The work highlights the importance of a thorough sustainability plan, in-line with consumer expectations. Practical consequences emphasize the importance of tailoring marketing efforts, ensuring effective communication, and implementing technological advancements to improve the eco-friendly shopping experience. Difficulty in establishing a balance between sustainability and profitability have been highlighted as a prominent challenge for the e-retailers.

Simulation of coupled groundwater flow and contaminant transport using quintic B-spline collocation method

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to introduce a new numerical scheme with no stability condition and high-order accuracy for the solution of two-dimensional coupled groundwater flow and transport simulation problems with regular and irregular geometries and compare the results with widely acceptable programs such as Modular Three-Dimensional Finite-Difference Ground-Water Flow Model (MODFLOW) and Modular Three-Dimensional Multispecies Transport Model (MT3DMS).Design/methodology/approachThe newly proposed numerical scheme is based on the method of lines (MOL) approach and uses high-order approximations both in space and time. Quintic B-spline (QBS) functions are used in space to transform partial differential equations, representing the relevant physical phenomena in the system of ordinary differential equations. Then this system is solved with the DOPRI5 algorithm that requires no stability condition. The obtained results are compared with the results of the MODFLOW and MT3DMS programs to verify the accuracy of the proposed scheme.FindingsThe results indicate that the proposed numerical scheme can successfully simulate the two-dimensional coupled groundwater flow and transport problems with complex geometry and parameter structures. All the results are in good agreement with the reference solutions.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, the QBS-DOPRI5 method is used for the first time for solving two-dimensional coupled groundwater flow and transport problems with complex geometries and can be extended to high-dimensional problems. In the future, considering the success of the proposed numerical scheme, it can be used successfully for the identification of groundwater contaminant source characteristics.

Assessing the sustainability of composite liner systems for municipal solid waste landfills: a triple bottom line approach

Assessing the sustainability of composite liner systems for municipal solid waste landfills: a triple bottom line approach

Pengaruh Kualitas Sustainability Report dan Board Gender Diversity terhadap Kualitas Laba: Studi Empiris pada Perusahaan yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia pada Tahun 2018-2021

This research aims to examine the influence of the quality of the Sustainability Report and Board Gender Diversity on earnings quality. The population used in this research is all companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in the 2018-2021 period. The sampling technique was carried out using a purposive sampling technique, there were 58 companies sampled with observations for 4 years (2018-2021). Profit quality with the Quality Sustainability Report is measured by a disclosure index based on the GRI Standard with a Triple Bottom Line approach (economic, environmental and social). The research results show that in the 2018-2021 observations, the quality of the Sustainability Report had a positive effect on earnings quality and Board Gender Diversity had a negative effect on earnings quality. Future research, focusing on one industrial sector, adding other independent variables and adding a longer time span to the research will provide better results.

Anisotropic spreading on chemically heterogeneous surfaces: Insights from contact line approach

Studying the spreading of droplets on heterogeneous surfaces is significant for understanding various phenomena, from petroleum engineering to material science, due to its implications for wetting behavior, surface interactions, and functional coating applications. In this work, we investigated the spread of droplets on heterogeneous surfaces using molecular dynamics simulations. The results showed that the contact line approach can predict the equilibrium contact angle of droplet well. We found significant differences in the spreading of droplets on heterogeneous surfaces with different lyophilic pattern sizes, and then we explained the difference in droplet spreading on different heterogeneous surfaces by the proportion of lyophobic and lyophilic regions covered by contact lines. This study emphasizes the importance of contact lines in droplet spreading dynamics and enhances our understanding of the relationship between contact lines and droplet spreading.

Sustainable Building Construction Materials in the United Arab Emirates: A Review

The construction industry, a major player in economic development, is facing increased pressure to address sustainability concerns amidst rapid population growth and urbanization. With global projections indicating a significant rise in building demand by 2050, sustainability has emerged as a crucial focus area and paradigm shift to enhance environmental friendliness, quality, and project outcomes. The UAE, renowned for its vibrant construction industry, offers a unique context for examining the integration of sustainable practices. The use of sustainable construction practices is growing in the UAE, where the built environment plays a key role in economic growth and environmental stewardship. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) aims to foster long-term sustainability while enhancing the standard of living for current and future generations by integrating social, environmental, and economic aspects within construction projects, while also reevaluating conventional sustainable development frameworks and embracing a triple bottom line approach. This research was conducted to explore sustainable construction material usage and evaluation in the United Arab Emirates. The literature was reviewed for sustainable building construction materials across the UAE in the SCOPUS index from 2014 to 2024, as well as the regional regulations concerning the subject. This study evaluated the increasing trend of sustainable construction material research works, as well as the sound regional parameters of sustainable construction materials implemented across the country. Through an exploration of the significance of sustainable construction materials, this research underscores the multifaceted benefits of locally sourced, recyclable, and renewable materials in reducing environmental impacts, fostering economic and social well-being, and improving overall project performance and project management practices. The construction sector’s role in economic development and its substantial environmental impact are discussed in alignment with sustainable construction materials, sustainable construction practices, and the need to enhance environmental sustainability and create healthier built environments. In the realm of sustainable construction materials, project management knowledge areas encompass a range of factors. These include the properties of materials sourced regionally; the incorporation of recycled content; considerations for indoor air quality, energy, and water efficiency parameters; and how these properties relate to project scopes, scheduling constraints, and challenges. Additionally, the availability of resources and competency levels, quality control standards, specifications, communication strategies, and stakeholder involvement play crucial roles. It is important to assess both the positive and negative risks associated with these elements across construction projects.

Development of Energy Poverty and Its Solutions through the Use of Renewables: The EU Case with a Focus on Slovakia

The problem of energy poverty (EP), when energy becomes unaffordable for some population groups, is not only a problem for developing countries, but this phenomenon is appearing more and more often in European countries. In Europe, it is estimated that 50 to 125 million people are living in energy poverty. We hear more and more about energy poverty in connection with the current energy crisis and rising energy prices, but also because of insufficient renewable use. Due to increasing energy prices, we are increasingly hearing about the deepening energy poverty in Slovakia. This study aims to evaluate the development of energy poverty in Slovakia compared to other EU countries. The situation is studied from the view of the number of heating and cooling days, the percentage of the population that cannot maintain adequate heat at home, the percentage of the population that lacks heat, and the percentage of residents without enough heat. During the research, we used distribution analysis, trend analysis, analysis of variance, and one-way analysis. The main results show that the heating degree days (HDD) index recorded a decrease, the cooling degree days (CDD) index recorded an increase, and energy poverty is most obvious in a low-income group of inhabitants, having shortage of heat, when renewable energy sources (RES) use contributes to the mitigation of energy poverty. Solving the unfavorable situation of energy poverty is possible by increasing the share of renewables used in the gross final energy consumption for heating and cooling, primarily in residential buildings. The results provide information for policymakers regarding the triple bottom line approach (people, planet, and profit).

How does consumer awareness of the waste of electrical and electronic equipment affect reverse logistics? Extended triple bottom line approach

This study explores how government support and consumer awareness affect the waste of electrical and electronic equipment reverse logistics in the circular economy framework. To improve waste of electrical and electronic equipment reverse logistics consumer awareness, the extended triple bottom line concept introduces technology with traditional economic, social, and environmental aspects. The impact of government initiatives on consumer awareness and socioeconomic factors on the intention to reuse the waste of electrical and electronic equipment reverse logistics is examined. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze survey data from 330 Chinese participants. The results revealed that government policies significantly influence extended triple bottom line awareness while socioeconomic factors impact waste of electrical and electronic equipment reverse logistics reuse intentions. However, direct government support does not significantly impact the expected service quality of waste of electrical and electronic equipment reverse logistics. These findings improve the literature by identifying relevant factors and boosting waste of electrical and electronic equipment reverse logistics comprehension in a circular economy environment, driving the development of efficient and sustainable waste management strategies.