Cryptocurrencies in Modern Finance: A Literature Review

The focus on cryptocurrencies in the finance and banking sectors is gaining momentum. In this paper, we investigate the role of cryptocurrencies in modern finance. We apply a narrative literature review method to synthesize prior research and draw insights into the opportunities and challenges of leveraging cryptocurrencies. The results indicate that cryptocurrencies offer businesses and individuals’ lower transaction costs, higher efficiencies, increased security and privacy, meaningful diversification benefits, alternative financing solutions, and financial inclusion.Challenges exist related to the integration of cryptocurrencies in modern finance. These include the lack of regulatory standards, the risk of criminal activity, high energy and environmental costs, regulatory bans and usage restrictions, security and privacy concerns, and the high volatility of cryptocurrencies.The current review is useful for scholars and managers, including those seeking to have a more balanced understanding of these emerging financial instruments.JEL Classification: E42, F30, F65, G21, G23How to Cite:Rejeb, A., Rejeb, K., & Keogh, J. G. (2021). Cryptocurrencies in Modern Finance: a Literature Review. Etikonomi, 20(1), 93 – 118. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v20i1.16911

The Circular Economy and Marketing: A Literature Review

The focus on the circular economy (CE) is currently gaining momentum. In this paper, we examine how the objectives of the CE significantly overlap with those of the new generation of marketing, which emphasizes customer involvement in product design and responsible consumption. While the marketing function is essential for realizing the CE, there is still a lack of studies examining the intersection of these two critical concepts. Methodically, this paper aims to bridge this knowledge gap by conducting a systematic literature review that explains the CE-marketing nexus. In total, 45 studies were thoroughly analyzed, and findings indicate that the intersection between the CE and marketing spans four main research themes; (1) contribution of green marketing to the CE, (2) remanufacturing marketing, (3) product-service systems, and (4) neuromarketing tools. An agenda for future investigation of the CE and marketing concepts is suggested, followed by a brief conclusion. This review is valuable for scholars and managers, including those striving to have an increased understanding of the relationship between the CE and marketing. How to Cite:Rejeb, A., Rejeb, K., Keogh, J. G. (2022). The Circular Economy and Marketing: A Literature Review. Etikonomi, 21(1), 153-176. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v21i1.22216

The role of blockchain technology in the transition toward the circular economy: Findings from a systematic literature review

The circular economy (CE) has emerged as a paradigm to protect the environment and the well-being of future generations. In parallel, Blockchain technology (BC) has emerged as a critical enabler for accelerating the transition toward a CE. In order to understand and summarize prior research on the role of BC in the CE, we conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) of 70 seminal articles published before July 2022. Six main themes emerged: a) CE approaches and practices, b) BC and the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), c) sustainable supply chain management, d) BC and the CE in the COVID-19 era, e) sector-specific BC applications, and f) barriers to BC adoption in the CE. Furthermore, we develop a comprehensive framework that integrates stakeholders, strategies and practices, industrial sectors and a BC-enabled CE

Aortic valve replacement in octogenarians

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background and Aims</p> <p>As our population ages and life expectancy increases the number of people aged over 80 and more referred for cardiac surgery is growing. This study sought to identify the outcome of aortic valve replacement (AVR) in octogenarians.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>68 patients aged 80 years or more underwent AVR at the Freeman Hospital, between April 2001 and April 2004. A retrospective review of the notes and outcomes from the patients' GP and the NHS strategic tracking service was performed. 54% (37) underwent isolated AVR whilst 46% (31) underwent combined AVR and CABG.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Follow up was 100% complete. The mean age was 83.1 ± s.d. 2.9 years, a mean gradient of 83 ± s.d. 31 mmHg and mean AVA of 0.56 cm². The mean additive EuroSCORE was 8.6 ± s.d. 1.2, the logistic EuroSCORE mean 12.0 ± s.d. 5.9. In hospital 30 day mortality was 13 %. Survival was 80% at 1 year and 78% at 2 years. Median follow up was for 712 days. Stepwise logistic regression identified chronic obstructive airways disease as an independent predictor of mortality (p < 0.05). Survival was not adversely affected by the addition of coronary artery bypass grafts to aortic valve replacement, the presence of peripheral vascular disease, hypertension or diabetes. In this study duration of cross clamp or bypass time were not found to reach significance as independent predictors of mortality.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our study demonstrates that the operative mortality for AVR in the over eighties is good, whilst the mid to long term outcome is excellent There is a very low attrition rate with those undergoing the procedure living as long than their age matched population. This study confirms AVR is a safe, acceptable treatment for octogenarians with excellent mid term outcomes.</p

iPrevent®: a tailored, web-based, decision support tool for breast cancer risk assessment and management

We aimed to develop a user-centered, web-based, decision support tool for breast cancer risk assessment and personalized risk management. Using a novel model choice algorithm, iPrevent&reg; selects one of two validated breast cancer risk estimation models (IBIS or BOADICEA), based on risk factor data entered by the user. Resulting risk estimates are presented in simple language and graphic formats for easy comprehension. iPrevent&reg; then presents risk-adapted, evidence-based, guideline-endorsed management options. Development was an iterative process with regular feedback from multidisciplinary experts and consumers. To verify iPrevent&reg;, risk factor data for 127 cases derived from the Australian Breast Cancer Family Study were entered into iPrevent&reg;, IBIS (v7.02), and BOADICEA (v3.0). Consistency of the model chosen by iPrevent&reg; (i.e., IBIS or BOADICEA) with the programmed iPrevent&reg; model choice algorithm was assessed. Estimated breast cancer risks from iPrevent&reg; were compared with those attained directly from the chosen risk assessment model (IBIS or BOADICEA). Risk management interventions displayed by iPrevent&reg; were assessed for appropriateness. Risk estimation model choice was 100% consistent with the programmed iPrevent&reg;logic. Discrepant 10-year and residual lifetime risk estimates of &gt;1% were found for 1 and 4 cases, respectively, none was clinically significant (maximal variation 1.4%). Risk management interventions suggested by iPrevent&reg; were 100% appropriate. iPrevent&reg; successfully integrates the IBIS and BOADICEA risk assessment models into a decision support tool that provides evidence-based, risk-adapted risk management advice. This may help to facilitate precision breast cancer prevention discussions between women and their healthcare providers

Neuroinflammation and structural injury of the fetal ovine brain following intra-amniotic Candida albicans exposure.

BackgroundIntra-amniotic Candida albicans (C. Albicans) infection is associated with preterm birth and high morbidity and mortality rates. Survivors are prone to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The mechanisms leading to these adverse neonatal brain outcomes remain largely unknown. To better understand the mechanisms underlying C. albicans-induced fetal brain injury, we studied immunological responses and structural changes of the fetal brain in a well-established translational ovine model of intra-amniotic C. albicans infection. In addition, we tested whether these potential adverse outcomes of the fetal brain were improved in utero by antifungal treatment with fluconazole.MethodsPregnant ewes received an intra-amniotic injection of 10(7) colony-forming units C. albicans or saline (controls) at 3 or 5 days before preterm delivery at 0.8 of gestation (term ~ 150 days). Fetal intra-amniotic/intra-peritoneal injections of fluconazole or saline (controls) were administered 2 days after C. albicans exposure. Post mortem analyses for fungal burden, peripheral immune activation, neuroinflammation, and white matter/neuronal injury were performed to determine the effects of intra-amniotic C. albicans and fluconazole treatment.ResultsIntra-amniotic exposure to C. albicans caused a severe systemic inflammatory response, illustrated by a robust increase of plasma interleukin-6 concentrations. Cerebrospinal fluid cultures were positive for C. albicans in the majority of the 3-day C. albicans-exposed animals whereas no positive cultures were present in the 5-day C. albicans-exposed and fluconazole-treated animals. Although C. albicans was not detected in the brain parenchyma, a neuroinflammatory response in the hippocampus and white matter was seen which was characterized by increased microglial and astrocyte activation. These neuroinflammatory changes were accompanied by structural white matter injury. Intra-amniotic fluconazole reduced fetal mortality but did not attenuate neuroinflammation and white matter injury.ConclusionsIntra-amniotic C. albicans exposure provoked acute systemic and neuroinflammatory responses with concomitant white matter injury. Fluconazole treatment prevented systemic inflammation without attenuating cerebral inflammation and injury

Increased mortality in community-tested cases of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7.

SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7, a variant that was first detected in the UK in September 20201, has spread to multiple countries worldwide. Several studies have established that B.1.1.7 is more transmissible than pre-existing variants, but have not identified whether it leads to any change in disease severity2. Here we analyse a dataset that links 2,245,263 positive SARS-CoV-2 community tests and 17,452 deaths associated with COVID-19 in England from 1 November 2020 to 14 February 2021. For 1,146,534 (51%) of these tests, the presence or absence of B.1.1.7 can be identified because mutations in this lineage prevent PCR amplification of the spike (S) gene target (known as S gene target failure (SGTF)1). On the basis of 4,945 deaths with known SGTF status, we estimate that the hazard of death associated with SGTF is 55% (95% confidence interval, 39-72%) higher than in cases without SGTF after adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation, residence in a care home, the local authority of residence and test date. This corresponds to the absolute risk of death for a 55-69-year-old man increasing from 0.6% to 0.9% (95% confidence interval, 0.8-1.0%) within 28 days of a positive test in the community. Correcting for misclassification of SGTF and missingness in SGTF status, we estimate that the hazard of death associated with B.1.1.7 is 61% (42-82%) higher than with pre-existing variants. Our analysis suggests that B.1.1.7 is not only more transmissible than pre-existing SARS-CoV-2 variants, but may also cause more severe illness

Increased hazard of death in community-tested cases of SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern 202012/01.

VOC 202012/01, a SARS-CoV-2 variant first detected in the United Kingdom in September 2020, has spread to multiple countries worldwide. Several studies have established that this novel variant is more transmissible than preexisting variants of SARS-CoV-2, but have not identified whether the new variant leads to any change in disease severity. We analyse a large database of SARS-CoV-2 community test results and COVID-19 deaths for England, representing approximately 47% of all SARS-CoV-2 community tests and 7% of COVID-19 deaths in England from 1 September 2020 to 22 January 2021. Fortuitously, these SARS-CoV-2 tests can identify VOC 202012/01 because mutations in this lineage prevent PCR amplification of the spike gene target (S gene target failure, SGTF). We estimate that the hazard of death among SGTF cases is 30% (95% CI 9-56%) higher than among non-SGTF cases after adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation level, care home residence, local authority of residence and date of test. In absolute terms, this increased hazard of death corresponds to the risk of death for a male aged 55-69 increasing from 0.56% to 0.73% (95% CI 0.60-0.86%) over the 28 days following a positive SARS-CoV-2 test in the community. Correcting for misclassification of SGTF, we estimate a 35% (12-64%) higher hazard of death associated with VOC 202012/01. Our analysis suggests that VOC 202012/01 is not only more transmissible than preexisting SARS-CoV-2 variants but may also cause more severe illness