Research Organizations Research Articles

Amidst Cytokine Storm in Metabolic Diseases: Can 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) Cure COVID-19?

Abstract: The SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2)-related pandemic disease COVID-19, which began in China in 2019, became the leading cause of fatalities globally. The transmission rate of the virus is directly proportional to the so-called ‘dance dynamic’ energy of the spike protein as this phenomenon favours the ligand-receptor binding. The clinical spectrum of the COVID-19 disease, which includes (inflammation, cytokine storm, and multi-organ dysfunction), puts Corona Warriors active in various aspects of the disease, such as the efficient management of critically ill COVID-19 patients, in danger of losing their lives. Due to its effects on an ancient oxygen-independent glycolytic pathway, anti-inflammatory properties, and competitive interaction with viral proteins, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), which is being developed in India at the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), has emerged as a ground-breaking agent for COVID-19 treatment. After a virus gains entry into host cells, it is found that metabolic reprogramming takes place to meet the nutritional and energy requirements for virus reproduction. The recent approval of 2-DG for adjunctive emergency usage by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) may mark a turning point in the management of mild to moderate COVID-19 infection.

Organizational learning and innovation: A bibliometric analysis and future research agenda

Organizational learning and innovation research have received increasing attention from researchers in recent years. However, there is a need to understand the research development of this topic and its trends. Therefore, this study aims to provide a comprehensive view of this field by conducting a bibliometric analysis of 773 research articles published over the past 41 years. The study identifies the journals, researchers, countries, institutions, and references in terms of productivity, citations, co-citations, common keywords, and their developments over three periods using the VOS viewer software. The results show a strong connection between organizational learning and organizational innovation. The number of publications related to organizational learning and innovation has continuously increased. The United States of America (USA) ranked first, contributing 21.86% of the total publications. Additionally, the "Universidad de Granada" has been ranked first in overall publication output (16 publications, 2.07%). The focus of researchers in this field has expanded to include different and new topics such as innovation performance and ambidexterity. The results of this paper may help academics and practitioners better understand research development trends and hotspots in the field of organizational learning and innovation and provide a comprehensive view of future research.

Effects of sintilimab plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment on health-related quality of life in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: results from the randomized phase 3 ORIENT-15 study

In ORIENT-15 study, sintilimab plus chemotherapy demonstrated significant improvement on overall survival (OS) versus placebo plus chemotherapy in first-line treatment of advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Here, we report effect of sintilimab plus chemotherapy on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with advanced ESCC. From December 14, 2018 to August 28, 2022, HRQoL was evaluated in all randomized patients using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 items (QLQ-C30), EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire Oesophageal Cancer Module 18 items (QLQ-OES18), and visual analogue scale (VAS) of the EuroQol five-dimensional five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). Mean scores of each scale were described by treatment group through week 60. Least-squares mean (LSM) score change from baseline through week 24 were analyzed using the mixed-model repeated-measures method. Time to the first onset of deterioration (TTD) and OS for each scale were estimated. Clinical Trials Registration: NCT03748134. As of August 28, 2022, 689 of 690 enrolled patients were assessed for HRQoL analysis (sintilimab group: 340, placebo group: 349). Median follow-up was 32.2 months. Differences in LSM favored sintilimab over placebo for QLQ-C30 social functioning (LSM difference: 3.06, 95% CI: 0.55 to 5.57; P=0.0170), pain (-2.24, 95% CI:-4.30 to-0.17; P=0.0337), fatigue (-2.24, 95% CI:-4.46 to-0.02; P=0.0479), constipation (-3.27, 95% CI-5.49 to-1.05; P=0.0039), QLQ-OES18 pain (-1.77, 95% CI-3.11 to-0.43; P=0.0097), trouble swallowing saliva (-2.09, 95% CI:-3.77 to-0.42; P=0.0146), and choked when swallowing (-3.23, 95% CI:-5.60 to-0.86; P=0.0076). TTD favored sintilimab over placebo for QLQ-OES18 dysphagia (Hazard ratio [HR]: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61-0.94, P=0.0104), and trouble swallowing saliva (HR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.35-0.67, P<0.0001). Improved OS were observed in patients with better performance in several functioning and symptom scales of QLQ-C30 and QLQ-QES18. The statistically significant differences of several HRQoL scales and improvements in delayed deterioration observed in our study further support the use of sintilimab plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced ESCC. This study was funded by Innovent Biologics and was co-funded by Eli Lilly.

Quality of Life and Nutritional Outcomes of Stomach-Preserving Surgery for Early Gastric Cancer: A Secondary Analysis of the SENORITA Randomized Clinical Trial.

The Sentinel Node Oriented Tailored Approach (SENORITA) randomized clinical trial evaluated quality of life (QoL) and nutritional outcomes between the laparoscopic sentinel node navigation surgery (LSNNS) and laparoscopic standard gastrectomy (LSG). However, there has been no report on the QoL and nutritional outcomes of patients who underwent stomach-preserving surgery among the LSNNS group. To compare long-term QoL and nutritional outcomes between patients who underwent stomach-preserving surgery and those who underwent standard gastrectomy and to identify factors associated with poor QoL outcomes in patients who underwent stomach-preserving surgery. This study is a secondary analysis of the SENORITA trial, a randomized clinical trial comparing LSNNS with LSG. Patients from 7 tertiary or general hospitals across the Republic of Korea were enrolled from March 2013 to December 2016, with follow-up through 5 years. Data were analyzed between August and September 2022. Among trial participants, patients who underwent actual laparoscopic standard gastrectomy in the LSG group and those who underwent stomach-preserving surgery in the LSNNS group were included. Patients who did not complete the baseline or any follow-up questionnaire were excluded. Stomach-preserving surgery vs standard gastrectomy. Overall European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and stomach module (STO22) scores, body mass index, hemoglobin, protein, and albumin levels. A total of 194 and 257 patients who underwent stomach-preserving surgery and standard gastrectomy, respectively, were included in this study (mean [SD] age, 55.6 [10.6] years; 249 [55.2%] male). The stomach-preserving group had better QoL scores at 3 months postoperatively in terms of physical function (87.2 vs 83.9), dyspnea (5.9 vs 11.2), appetite loss (13.1 vs 19.4), dysphagia (8.0 vs 12.7), eating restriction (10.9 vs 18.2), anxiety (29.0 vs 35.2), taste change (7.4 vs 13.0), and body image (19.5 vs 27.2). At 1 year postoperatively, the stomach-preserving group had significantly higher body mass index (23.9 vs 22.1, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) and hemoglobin (14.3 vs 13.3 g/dL), albumin (4.3 vs 4.25 g/dL), and protein (7.3 vs 7.1 g/dL) levels compared to the standard group. Multivariable analyses showed that tumor location (greater curvature, lower third) was favorably associated with global health status (β, 10.5; 95% CI, 3.2 to 17.8), reflux (β, -8.4; 95% CI, -14.7 to -2.1), and eating restriction (β, -5.7; 95% CI, -10.3 to -1.0) at 3 months postoperatively in the stomach-preserving group. Segmental resection was associated with risk of diarrhea (β, 40.6; 95% CI, 3.1 to 78.1) and eating restriction (β, 15.1; 95% CI, 1.1 to 29.1) at 3 years postoperatively. Stomach-preserving surgery after sentinel node evaluation was associated with better long-term QoL and nutritional outcomes than standard gastrectomy. These findings may help facilitate decision-making regarding treatment for patients with early-stage gastric cancer. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01804998.

Customer satisfaction antecedents in uncertain hospitality conditions: an exploratory data mining approach

PurposeInformed by trait and self-determination theories, the present study aims to extend the knowledge regarding the link between customer satisfaction (CS) and its antecedents, including job autonomy (JA), conscientiousness, customer uncertainty (CU) and extra-role customer service (E-RCS) in the hospitality industry.Design/methodology/approachA total of 306 frontline employees were selected from the hotels in North Cyprus, Turkey. Psychometric properties, including the validity and reliability of study variables, were assessed in the first step using confirmatory factor analysis. Then, the data were analyzed utilizing machine learning methods, mainly three exploratory data mining techniques, including lasso regression, decision trees and random forest, as well as partial dependence plots to visualize the role of suggested predictors on the outcome variable.FindingsData mining analysis shows that employees who can modify their job objectives are better equipped to satisfy customers in uncertain situations (JA8). In addition, the findings reveal that employees who believe they work hard to accomplish their personal and organizational goals (CON7) while also having the freedom to decide how to approach their job (JA1) and choose the procedures to utilize (JA2) are more likely to contribute to CS. In general, CS peaked when JA was high, but conscientiousness was moderate, while CU was low.Practical implicationsThis study bridges the gap among various factors at the employee and customer individual, corporate and macro-environmental levels. Hospitality organizations can cultivate a culture of autonomy and independence by promoting open communication and offering growth and development opportunities. This approach enhances conscientious employees’ engagement, leading to exceptional customer service performance, particularly, in uncertain situations.Originality/valueFrom the methodology perspective, this work proposes an opportunity for prospective scientists to broaden the trait and self-determination theories research model by relying on the riches of exploratory techniques without the limits imposed by traditional analytical techniques. Further, this study advances the current knowledge about service agility under uncertainty by extending organizational and service management research to consumer behavior literature.

Patient-Reported Outcomes From the Phase III HIMALAYA Study of Tremelimumab Plus Durvalumab in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

In the phase III HIMALAYA study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03298451) in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC), the Single Tremelimumab Regular Interval Durvalumab (STRIDE) regimen significantly improved overall survival versus sorafenib, and durvalumab monotherapy was noninferior to sorafenib. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs), a secondary outcome from HIMALAYA, are reported here. Participants were randomly assigned to receive STRIDE, durvalumab, or sorafenib. PROs were assessed (preplanned secondary outcome) using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 30-item Quality of Life Questionnaire and the 18-item HCC module. Time to deterioration (TTD), change from baseline and improvement rate in global health status/quality of life (GHS/QoL), functioning, and disease-related symptoms were analyzed. In total, 1,171 participants were randomly assigned to STRIDE (n = 393), durvalumab (n = 389), or sorafenib (n = 389) and were evaluable for PRO assessments. Across treatment arms, compliance rates for PROs were >77% at baseline and >70% overall. Baseline scores were comparable across treatment arms. TTD in GHS/QoL, physical functioning, fatigue, appetite loss, and abdominal pain was numerically longer for both STRIDE and durvalumab versus sorafenib. Clinically meaningful deterioration in PROs was not observed in any treatment arm. However, TTD in nausea and abdominal swelling was numerically longer for STRIDE versus sorafenib, and the likelihood of clinically meaningful improvement in GHS/QoL, role, emotional and social functioning, and disease-related symptoms was greater with STRIDE and durvalumab versus sorafenib. PROs with STRIDE and durvalumab were generally similar. Compared with sorafenib, STRIDE and durvalumab were associated with clinically meaningful, patient-centered GHS/QoL, functioning, and symptom benefits in people with uHCC. These findings support the benefits of the STRIDE regimen compared with sorafenib for a diverse population reflective of the global uHCC population.

Long-term follow-up of protective effects on salivary and swallowing structures and improvement of late xerostomia and dysphagia by level IIb optimisation in clinical target volume of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

This study aimed to assess the long-term effect of level IIb clinical target volume (CTV) optimisation on survival, xerostomia, and dysphagia in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Clinical data of 415 patients with NPC treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy between December 2014 and October 2018 were retrospectively analysed. The patients were categorised into modified and comparison groups. Late xerostomia and dysphagia were evaluated using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer scoring. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Differences in late toxicity and dose parameters between both groups were compared. Prognostic factors for survival and late toxicity were assessed using regression analyses. Patients in the modified group developed late xerostomia and dysphagia less frequently than those in the comparison group did (P < 0.001). The mean dose (Dmean) and V26 of parotid glands; Dmean and V39 of submandibular glands; and Dmean of sublingual glands, oral cavity, larynx, and superior, middle, and lower pharyngeal constrictor muscles were lower in the modified group than those in the comparison group (all P < 0.001). Both groups had no significant differences in overall, local recurrence-free, distant metastasis-free, or progression-free survival. The Dmean of the parotid and sublingual glands was a risk factor for xerostomia. The Dmean of the parotid and sublingual glands and middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle was a risk factor for dysphagia. Level IIb optimisation in NPC patients who meet certain criteria specially the exclusion of positive retropharyngeal nodes treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy has the potential to better protect the salivary and swallowing structures, decreasing the development of late radiation-induced xerostomia and dysphagia while maintaining long-term survival.

Elucidating the determinants of crowdsourcing adoption for organisation value creation

Purpose This research paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the determinants influencing organisations decisions to adopt crowdsourcing. By synthesising existing literature, it seeks to identify critical factors that act as enablers or inhibitors in the adoption process and propose a framework for understanding crowdsourcing adoption within organisational contexts. Design/methodology/approach This study employed a systematic literature review methodology to examine the determinants influencing organisations' decisions to adopt crowdsourcing. The review encompassed research articles from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, spanning 2006 to 2021. Additionally, morphological analysis was conducted to categorise the identified determinants into three distinct contexts: technological, organisational and environmental. This methodological approach facilitated a comprehensive exploration of the factors shaping crowdsourcing adoption within organisational settings, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the phenomenon across different dimensions. Findings The study identifies 12 determinants influencing crowdsourcing adoption, categorised into technological, organisational and environmental dimensions. These determinants include technological compatibility, organisational readiness, top management support, crowd readiness and availability of third-party platforms. While some determinants primarily act as enablers, others exhibit dual roles or serve as inhibitors depending on contextual factors. Research limitations/implications The findings offer valuable insights for scholars, practitioners, and organisational leaders seeking to leverage crowdsourcing as a strategic tool for innovation and competitiveness. The assessment scale of drivers and barriers developed in this research offers a systematic approach for evaluating the factors influencing crowdsourcing adoption, providing a nuanced understanding of innovation adoption dynamics. Theoretical implications include advancements in morphological analysis methodology and a nuanced understanding of innovation adoption dynamics. Managerial implications highlight strategies for enhancing organisational readiness, leveraging leadership support and mitigating adoption risks. Overall, the study provides a foundation for future empirical research and practical guidance for organisations planning to adopt crowdsourcing initiatives. Originality/value This research contributes significantly to crowdsourcing by presenting an integrated and theoretically grounded framework. By consolidating adoption determinants from diverse contexts, this study clarifies the understanding of crowdsourcing adoption. The framework offers practical value to managers and decision-makers, equipping them with a structured approach to assess and navigate the challenges associated with effectively adopting crowdsourcing. As such, this study contributes to advancing crowdsourcing practices and supports more informed managerial decision-making in innovation and knowledge sourcing.

A study on factors influencing churn at Enerlife India Private Limited

This research is about a study on factors influencing churn at Enerlife India Private Limited (Nabati). This company provides fast-moving consumer goods products all over India. The origin of the company is from Indonesia. Nabati Group is a business group that has a business focus in the field of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), especially food. The company was initially only engaged in the snack food business with a home industry scale. Assessing the impact of factors such as job satisfaction, cost Implications, leadership and management, employee burnout, career development, and flexible work arrangements. Proposing recommendations and best practices for reducing employee churn and fostering a more engaged and stable workforce. By studying the external factors, that influence churn in the organization, job security perceptions and career advancement opportunities on churn are the objectives. This study contributes valuable insights to the existing literature on employee churn in the company by identifying new factors or confirming existing ones that influence churn rates within the organization. In research methodology a questionnaire to collect data from the employees. Stratified random sampling is a type of probability method using which a research organization can branch off the entire population into multiple non-overlapping, homogenous groups (strata) and randomly choose final members from various strata for research which reduces cost and improves efficiency. This research study underscores the importance of churn at the company. As the employees always looking for new roles for their career growth, the company should ensure that the employee will have their career growth in the company. Giving importance to the employee’s insights and suggestions will make as one of the retention strategies used by the company. Churn poses significant challenges for organizations, impacting productivity, morale, and financial stability.

Local Cultures of Advice Tie Formation

Abstract Informal social networks and especially advice networks are a key subject of organizational sociological research. The formation of these networks has so far been explained on the basis of universal tie-formation mechanisms. However, recent conceptual contributions suggest that tie formation practices follow cultural rules that may vary across social contexts. In our paper, we substantiate this argument empirically. Based on rich qualitative data, we compare advice tie formation (a) between two entrepreneurial communities and (b) between three research and development departments of large enterprises. We show that both impact and configuration of tie formation mechanisms systematically differ between comparable contexts. Building on our findings, we finally formulate propositions describing which advice network structures can be expected in specific cultures.

Real-world treatment patterns and quality of life among patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma living in Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Turkey.

To evaluate demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and quality of life in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma in Asia. Data were drawn from the Adelphi Real World Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma Disease Specific Programme™, a cross-sectional survey of medical oncologists/urologists and their adult patients in Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Turkey. Exploratory patient-reported outcomes included the EQ-5D visual analog scale, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life of Patient Questionnaire global health, and Brief Pain Inventory. Analyses were descriptive. Overall, 175 physicians reported data for 988 patients. Mean (standard deviation) patient age was 66.3 (10.8) years, 77% were men, and 82% had bladder tumors at diagnosis. Of patients receiving first- (n = 988), second- (n = 290), and third-line (n = 87) treatments, 81%, 35%, and 59% received chemotherapy, respectively, and 17%, 63%, and 34% received programmed cell death protein 1/ligand 1 inhibitors, respectively. Patient-reported (n = 319) mean (standard deviation) EQ-5D visual analog scale score was 51.8 (15.6), European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life of Patient Questionnaire global health status score was 44.6 (19.9), and Brief Pain Inventory score was 6.5 (1.9; n = 315). The most common first- and second-line treatments for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma were chemotherapy and programmed cell death protein 1/ligand inhibitors, respectively. At third line, 10% of patients received best supportive care alone, underscoring an unmet need for effective third-line treatment options. Patients in all regions reported quality-of-life impairment.

P.127 Quality of life (QoL) using EORTC QoL-C30 and BN20 among patients who underwent brain tumor resection in a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is the awareness of individuals’ well-being in life in physical, personal, mental and social wellbeing and needs to be addressed in brain tumor patients. Methods: A retrospective study conducted in 2017 in a single academic center that included patients diagnosed with brain tumors in a 10 year period. The assessment of the QoL was done using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), a standardized model (QLQ-C30) that assess several domains (Global Health, Physical function, Role functioning, Emotional Functioning, Cognitive functioning, social functioning and symptoms domain) and Brain cancer model (BN20) to assess symptoms to evaluate all aspects of wellbeing. Results: The total number of patients included in this study is 76 patients with no gender predilection. The most common brain tumor was meningioma by 40% followed by glioma/ others. More than half of the brain tumor patients had a WHO grade I (65%), intermediate grading grade II (15%) and higher grading grade III/IV (20%). The scales and measurements of functioning in life were low in all types of brain tumors. Conclusions: Quality of life in brain tumor patients seemed poor regardless of the type. Further prospective studies are needed to assess QoL worldwide.

Quality of Life Evaluation after Partial Penile Amputation for Penile Cancer

Abstract Background: Penile cancer is most prevalent in developing countries. Both the physiological and psychological consequences for the patient are critical. These consequences result from both the cancer diagnosis and the treatment’s effects. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of patients who have undergone partial penile amputation in terms of general well-being, sexual function, and urinary function. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study included 32 patients who underwent partial penile amputation. The european organisation for research and treatment of cancer core quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ C-30) questionnaire was completed postoperatively. Erectile function and satisfaction were assessed retrospectively after partial penile amputation using the International Index of Erectile Function-15. Results: The mean age of the patients was 54.03 ± 16.02 years. The mean scores for erectile function, orgasm, sexual desire, satisfaction, and overall satisfaction were 16.28 ± 10.83, 7.50 ± 3.30, 5.72 ± 3.35, 8.84 ± 4.77, and 9.12 ± 0.83 preoperatively, and 14.03 ± 8.61, 6.88 ± 2.97, 5.72 ± 3.35, 7.94 ± 4.09, and 7.81 ± 1.00 postoperatively. Mean erectile function, orgasm, satisfaction, and overall satisfaction were significantly decreased postoperatively compared with preoperatively. Erectile function and overall satisfaction improved more in younger years from the preoperative to the postoperative period, whereas they improved less in older years. Conclusion: Although partial penile amputation for penile cancer provides adequate local disease management, appropriate counseling is crucial, especially when the QoL concerns general well-being, sexual function, and urinary function.

An analysis of health-related quality of life in children and adolescents after parotidectomy based on patient-reported outcomes.

To assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its influencing factors in these pediatric patients undergoing parotidectomy. This was a cross-sectional study that included 37 children and adolescents (≤ 19years) with parotid gland tumors who were treated in Sichuan Cancer Hospital between January 2006 and November 2021. HRQoL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to analyze the factors influencing patients' HRQoL. 37 children and adolescents were included in the study, including 22 cases of benign tumors and 15 cases of malignant tumors. All patients underwent surgery, and some patients with malignant tumors received radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Malignancy, permanent facial palsy, and Frey syndrome were associated with worse HRQoL in children and adolescents with parotid gland tumors. Radiotherapy and no cervical lymph node dissection were associated with worse HRQoL in pediatric patients with malignancy. The surgical approach of parotid is not a factor influencing HRQoL. Factors associated with HRQoL in children and adolescents with parotid gland tumors include pathological types, permanent facial palsy, and Frey syndrome. In addition, factors affecting patients with malignancy include lateral lymph node dissection and radiotherapy.

INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS OF THE TECHNOLOGIC ACADEMIC ENTREPRENEURSHIP DYNAMICS

The article deals with identifying the obstacles to the commercialization of academic research results generated by the differences in institutional environment for the production of scientific knowledge and the production of technological products by innovative start-ups. To do this, it gives the characteristics of the above-mentioned institutional environments, as well as patterns of behavior in them that do not have the character of formal or informal institutions. Particular attention is paid to psychological traits of entrepreneurs and their cognitive abilities, which may not be available to teachers and researchers at universities and research organizations. Comparison of the content of these environments gives grounds for distinguishing two types of institutional barriers: the first one is of a general economic nature and can generate significant costs for the work of innovative start-ups; the second one is intra-organizational in nature and can generate high risks of transition from science to commercial industry, preventing researchers and teachers from making decisions about creating innovative technology start-ups. The paper concludes with recommendations to reduce the level of barriers of the second type. In particular, to compensate for the risks associated with possible consequences of failure to create a startup and the difficulties of returning to the field of research activity, university management could legally guarantee a teacher or researcher a return to work in scientific or educational departments of faculties for at least five years after creating a startup.

CERN – The World’s Largest Laboratory

Poland in the European Organization for Nuclear Research: A&amp;nbsp;remarkable story of cooperation, success, and future opportunities at CERN.

Fewer Feedback Opportunities and Health Perception of Gastric Cancer Survivors: Opportunities for Patient Education.

This study aimed to estimate the impact of having fewer opportunities for patient education on health perception of gastric cancer survivors by examining quality-of-life (QoL) responses from patients who had been away for chemotherapy for a year. The full-surveillance (FullSV) group was comprised of gastric cancer survivors with stage I cancer who completed preoperative and postoperative 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month surveillances. The returning (RTN) group was comprised of 1-year survivors of stage II cancer who had been away for chemotherapy for a year. Surveillance periods were utilized to provide patient education about expected postoperative weight changes. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL questionnaires were used to assess QoL. The study included a total of 278 patients (243 in the FullSV group and 35 in the RTN group). The baseline QoL was not significantly different between the groups. Significant differences in postoperative QoL were revealed by some scales (global health status/QoL, physical functioning, fatigue, financial difficulties, anxiety, dry mouth, and body image), all in favor of the FullSV group. Despite no significant difference in their actual weight changes, stronger weight dissatisfaction was revealed among the RTN group. Patients with fewer educational inputs for postoperative adjustment of weight perception were the ones with stronger dissatisfaction about current weight. The health perception of cancer survivors is under the constant influence of clinician feedback during patient education. For the best cancer survivorship care, sufficient opportunities for adjustment of health perception through patient education need to be ensured.

Internal Responsiveness of EQ-5D-5L and EORTC QLQ-C30 in Dutch Breast Cancer Patients during the First Year Post-Surgery: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

The EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) are commonly used Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) for breast cancer. This study assesses and compares the internal responsiveness of the EQ-5D-5L and EORTC QLQ-C30 in Dutch breast cancer patients during the first year post-surgery. Women diagnosed with breast cancer who completed the EQ-5D-5L and EORTC QLQ-C30 pre-operatively (T0), 6 months (T6), and 12 months post-surgery (T12) were included. Mean differences of the EQ-5D-5L and EORTC QLQ-C30 between baseline and 6 months (delta 1) and between baseline and 12 months post-surgery (delta 2) were calculated and compared against the respective minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) of 0.08 and 5. Internal responsiveness was assessed using effect sizes (ES) and standardized response means (SRM) for both deltas. In total, 333 breast cancer patients were included. Delta 1 and delta 2 for the EQ-5D-5L index and most scales of the EORTC QLQ-C30 were below the MCID. The internal responsiveness for both PROMs was small (ES and SRM &lt; 0.5), with greater internal responsiveness for delta 1 compared to delta 2. The EQ-5D-5L index showed greater internal responsiveness than the EORTC QLQ-C30 Global Quality of Life scale and summary score. These findings are valuable for the interpretation of both PROMs in Dutch breast cancer research and clinical care.

Role of Standard Setting Organizations in the Indian Ict Sector: an Intellectual Property Law Analysis

Introduction: Standard-setting organizations (SSOs) are critical policy-making bodies that have a decisive bearing on technical sectors that are not just global, but also in Indian society. They form rules that become the reference point for stepping up the development and deployment of the tech. This study is designed to open the curtains and delve into SSOs' standard-setting process in the Indian ICT sector and assess the challenges that emerge. Objectives: The worldwide efficient methods employed by the global SSOs and contrast them with the Indian ones to spot correlations. Moreover, Indian SSOs' IPRs hidden under Indian patent laws will be also looked at. In the end, apart from the recommendations for upgrading and aligning the policies regarding the standardization of ICT equipment in India, we will also provide some suggestions. Theoretical Framework: The sequel of this process will be the exploration of IP laws such as patents in India focused solely on patent licensing - the standardization practice carried out by patentees. Results and Discussion: Emphasize the standard-setting actions of Indian SSOs by highlighting the problems encountered. A comparative analysis of substantive cooperation between inter-planetary and Indian anti-space security organizations will be carried out. Lectures covering how Indian SSOs match the Indian Patent Act and Rules will accordingly be given. The implications of the high effect of ICT standardization in India will be suggested. Considerable facts will be culled from doctrinal law, and each of the methods used in the licensing of education institutions will be examined. Research Implications: Improving standard-setting processes by key Indian SSOs such as BIS(Bureau of Indian Standards), ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and ISIF (Indian Standards and Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities) Moreover, the Indian IP legal system and licensing structure will be proposed to ensure integration barriers are addressed and the standardization of the ICT is improved.

Impact of Improved Maize and Bean Varieties on Household Income and Food Security in Uganda.

The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) and development partners have invested substantial resources in breeding maize and bean varieties over the years. However, the impact of the varieties on productivity, household income and food security is not well documented. This paper evaluated the ex-post impact of adopting NARO released bean and maize varieties over the last five years on the productivity, household income and food security in Uganda. Data were collected from 30 districts in Uganda through a cross-sectional household survey of 1445 households, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Using propensity score matching and endogenous switching regression models, the results showed that adoption of improved bean and maize varieties significantly increased crop productivity, household income and food security. This evidence suggests that there were tangible benefits from funding the development of bean and maize varieties in Uganda. The results indicate that although adoption of the improved bean and maize varieties increased productivity, it was still far below the research production output. This suggests that in addition to developing and disseminating the appropriate varieties, emphasis should be put on training farmers to use the complimentary inputs and practices to get the full benefit of the improved varieties.