bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTRACRANIAL ANEURYSMS IN CHILDREN - A NEW PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Ciurea Alexandru Vlad , Ples H. , Dobrin Nicolaie , Popa Andrei Adrian , Bratu Bogdan-Gabriel , Corlatescu Antonio-Daniel
Published: November 2024

Introduction
Intracranial aneurysms in children are very rare pathologic entities. (1200 cases presented in literature from 1939-2011).
 
Material and Methods
The authors present 51 cases of children (aged: 0-16) operated between January 1999 and December 2023 - 24 years in three neurosurgical centers: “Bagdasar Arseni” Emergency University Hospital (Bucharest), Sanador Clinical Hospital (Bucharest) and Timis County Emergency Hospital (Timisoara). We collected data from many children’s intracranial aneurysms cases because “Bagdasar-Arseni” Emergency University Hospital has the most important pediatric neurosurgical unit in the country.
 
Regarding our series, pediatric aneurysms represent 6.14% (51 cases) of all operated intracranial aneurysms (765 cases). The mean age of the patients was 14.3 years. There were 29 boys (58.7%) and 22 girls (41.2%). The clinical features are dominated by headache (48 cases - 95.7%), neck stiffness (45 cases - 91.4%), vomiting (44 cases - 89.3%), focal neurological deficit (24 cases - 44.6%), an altered level of consciousness (17 cases - 36.1%), seizures (24 cases - 44.6%, fever (20 cases - 34%). The majority of patients were Hunt & Hess Il at admittance (27 cases, 53%). All neuroimagistic investigations were done in the first 48 hours (CT, DSA, MRI). Locations: anterior communicating artery aneurysms (20 cases, 36.1%), followed by middle cerebral artery aneurysms (15 cases, 25.5%) and internal carotid artery bifurcation aneurysms (9 cases, 19.1%) and so on. Many aneurysms were large and giant (18 cases - 31.9%). Microsurgery approach was performed in 48 cases (99.7%) and 3 case (4.4%) were endovascular approached. This represents a new vision because the actual endovascular way is extremely efficient and performant in occluding pediatric intracranial aneurysms.
 
The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at six months postop. showed GR in 40 cases (78.5%), MD in 9 cases (17.2%), SD in 1 patient (2.1%) and (preoperative) death in 1 patient (2.1%).
 
Conclusions
Intracranial aneurysms in children are a very rare pathologic entity. Early microsurgical or endovascular approach is mandatory and has excellent results (good recovery).
MULTUM IN PARVO-THE GLASGOW COMA SCALE
Authors: Ciurea Alexandru Vlad , Saceleanu Vicentiu , Gramescu Ovidiu , Bentia Dan , Serban Matei
Published: November 2024

Introduction
Coma assessment scales have been developed to facilitate ease of communication between emergency team members and to facilitate ease of clinical assessment for patients with severe impairment of consciousness.
 
In 1974 Graham Teasdale and Bryan Jennett published in the Lancet a scale which theoretically helped physicians get a quick and accurate status of comatose patients. The scale they described assessed patient behaviour regarding three key aspects – motor reactivity, verbal communication and eye opening. As the two authors were working in Glasgow, the scale was dubbed the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) a name which all neurologists and neurosurgeons are well-accustomed with.
 
Material
The use of the GCS is based on the patient’s capacity to react using language and motion to external stimuli. Eye movement (1-4 points), Speech (1-5 points) and Motion (1-6 points) for a maximum total of 15 points or a minimum total of 3 points. A patient with a Glasgow Coma Score of 3 is completely non-reactive, while a patient with a Glasgow Coma Score of 15 is perfectly aware.
 
This scale introduced in neurotrauma has simplified enormously the communication in neurosurgery, accompanying neurotrauma to the whole spectrum of neurosurgical pathology.
 
Despite its wide use today, the GCS has been seriously criticised due to its incapacity to determine the functional status of brainstem structures. Therefore, various improvements and updates were performed for the Glasgow Coma Scale.
 
Conclusions
Over the years, the use of the GCS extended in the entire medical meme despite its criticism. The simplicity and ease of use which characterize the GCS made it a very useful instrument for neurological examination since the first moment a patient is seen by a medical professional.
 
The Glasgow Coma Scale which recently reached its 50th birthday became a universal language for physicians. Since it has been in use neurological status can be expressed with great ease and without loss of meaning.
RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF GLIOBLASTOMA OUTCOMES
Authors: Ciurea Alexandru Vlad , Onciul Razvan , Covache-Busuioc Razvan-Adrian , Glavan Luca-Andrei , Toader Corneliu
Published: November 2024

Background
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive brain cancers, with a median overall survival (OS) of about 15 months. This retrospective study focuses on 144 GBM cases treated over 12 years in our clinic in Romania, analyzing factors affecting progression-free survival (PFS) and OS, including genetic markers and treatment modalities.
 
Methods
This study involved patients treated between 2012 and 2024 at the National Institute of Neurology and Neurovascular Diseases in Bucharest. The cohort included 144 patients, with variables such as age, gender, tumor location, IDH mutation status, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), and genetic markers (MGMT methylation and EGFR amplification) analyzed. Survival outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests.
 
 
Results
-    Patient Demographics: The cohort included 64 males (44.4%) and 80 females (55.6%) with a mean age of 60.7 years.
-    Tumor Characteristics: The most common tumor location was the frontal lobe (31.9%), followed by multilobular GBM (26.3%). Right-side tumors were more prevalent (51.3%).
-    Genetic Markers: MGMT promoter was methylated in 46 patients (31.9%), and EGFR was amplified in 76 patients (52.7%).
-    Treatment Modalities: 105 patients (72.9%) received chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ), and 116 patients (80.5%) underwent radiotherapy.
-    Survival Outcomes: Median PFS was 5 months, and median OS was 8.5 months. Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicated significantly increased OS in patients with MGMT methylation undergoing chemotherapy (p<0.005) and radiotherapy (p<0.005). Similarly, OS was significantly higher in patients without EGFR amplification receiving chemotherapy (p<0.005) and radiotherapy (p<0.005).
 
Conclusion
The study emphasizes the importance of MGMT methylation and EGFR amplification in predicting survival outcomes in GBM patients. Immediate postoperative adjuvant therapy significantly improves PFS and OS. The findings underscore the need for coordinated care and timely access to adjuvant therapies to enhance survival rates in GBM patients. Second surgical interventions also showed a survival benefit, highlighting their potential role as salvage therapy in recurrent GBM cases.
INTRACRANIAL ARTERIAL LOOP WITH A COMPLEX PARTIALLY THROMBOSED LARGE ANEURYSM ON THE POSTERIOR CIRCULATION: WHAT TO DO NEXT?
Authors: Domahidi Julia-Melinda , Cosma George-Mihai , Chis Rafael-Florin , Florian Ioan Stefan
Published: November 2024

Introduction
Managing intracranial aneurysms in the posterior circulation is particularly challenging due to anatomical complexities and the high risk of rupture. The presence of a large, partially thrombosed aneurysm adds another layer of difficulty. This report details the case of a 66-year-old female patient presenting with a symptomatic intracranial arterial loop and a large, partially thrombosed aneurysm in the posterior circulation, successfully treated through microsurgical clipping.
 
Material and Methods
A 66-year-old female with a history of intermittent headaches, vertigo, and diplopia underwent neuroimaging, including computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Imaging revealed a large aneurysm in the posterior circulation, with partial thrombosis and an associated intracranial arterial loop. The patient was scheduled for a craniotomy to perform microsurgical clipping of the aneurysm. Two titanium aneurysm clips were applied to achieve complete occlusion.
 
Results
Intraoperative findings confirmed the large, partially thrombosed aneurysm arising from the basilar artery, with a complex arterial loop intricately intertwined with the aneurysm and adjacent neurovascular structures. The first clip was placed to secure the primary inflow, and the second clip provided additional reinforcement. Postoperative imaging demonstrated successful clipping with no residual aneurysm filling. The patient had an uneventful recovery with no immediate postoperative complications. Clinically, the patient reported significant improvement in symptoms, with a complete resolution of headaches and vertigo.
 
Conclusions
This case highlights the challenges and considerations in managing large, partially thrombosed aneurysms in the posterior circulation, particularly in the presence of an intracranial arterial loop. Successful management requires precise microsurgical technique and careful intraoperative decision-making. Further research is needed to optimize treatment strategies, potentially incorporating adjunctive endovascular techniques to enhance surgical outcomes.
CHALLENGES IN BRAIN METASTASES DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Authors: Florea Alina , Iftimie Dragoș , Moisescu Cristiana , Papacocea Toma
Published: November 2024

Although brain metastases are the most frequent type of intracranial tumors, their diagnosis and treatment is still challenging. They have poor prognosis and life expectancy is short, as brain metastases appear in advanced stage cancers.
 
In U.S., the rate of recently discovered cancer that will evolve with brain metastases is considered to be 6-14%. Left untreated, brain metastases become lethal in less than 2 months. The most common primary cancers that develop brain metastases are lung, breast, melanoma and colorectal.
 
In our department, approximately 60 patients with brain tumors were diagnosed after surgery with brain metastases in the last 10 years. The most common cancer to metastasize by far was lung cancer, with a mean age at diagnosis 60 years old, affecting mostly smoking men. The majority of patients presented with multiple metastases, unaware of the primary disease and without conducting any oncological treatment prior to admission in our departement.
 
We observed that COVID-19 pandemic period highly affected patients with cancer. The number of patients with brain metastases operated on in our department has drastically decreased in that period. There were a lot of reasons why cancer patients among which being the imposibility to reach emergency rooms without having COVID-19 symptoms and difficulty of reaching radiology centers for early imaging.
 
Most of the patients presented in the Emergency Department with multiple brain metastases, comatose or with focal neurological deficits installed long before presentation, regardless of their primary cancer, thus making neurosurgery an impractical option for most of these cases.
 
Although there have been significant advances in systemic oncological treatment and radiotherapy, surgery remains an essential method of managing brain metastases, even in cases presenting with multiple lesions. Careful patient selection is essential in obtaining the best outcome.
ADVANCING PRECISION
Authors: Ivanov Marcel
Published: November 2024

Augmented reality (AR) technology is revolutionizing spine surgery, offering unprecedented intraoperative image guidance and enhancing patient safety, particularly in complex procedures. This presentation explores the expanding applications of AR in spinal surgery, highlighting recent technological advances that have transformed surgical practices. In addition to improving surgical precision and accuracy, AR provides real-time visualization of critical anatomical structures, aiding in navigation and decision-making during intricate spinal procedures.
 
This presentation will delve into the benefits that AR brings compared to classical techniques, including enhanced visualization, improved spatial awareness, and reduced radiation exposure for both patients and surgical teams. By overlaying virtual information onto the surgeon’s view of the patient, AR facilitates a more intuitive understanding of complex spinal anatomy and pathology, leading to optimized surgical outcomes.
 
Furthermore, this session will cover the diverse applications of AR in a range of spinal conditions operated in Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK - including spinal tumors, calcified disc herniation, spinal CSF-venous fistula etc.
 
By showcasing the benefits of AR technology across various pathologies, this presentation aims to underscore its transformative potential in advancing spinal surgical care.
UNVEILING THE VEIN
Authors: Ivanov Marcel , Romanowski Charles , Martin Andrew , Blackburn Daniel
Published: November 2024

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-venous fistula represents a formidable yet often overlooked neurosurgical dilemma. Despite its disabling consequences, it remains significantly underdiagnosed.
 
This abstract sheds light on the clinical intricacies, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic interventions associated with CSF-venous fistula. Early diagnosis is paramount, yet hindered by its rarity and diverse and often unspecific clinical presentations. The importance of heightened awareness among clinicians and radiologists for timely detection and management cannot be overstated.
 
This presentation will draw upon a review of clinical cases operated in the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, supplemented by a concise surgical video which is focused on surgical technique and benefit of microscope mediated augmented reality.
NEW TECHNOLOGIES AVAILABLE FOR MICRONEUROSURGICAL REMOVAL OF ACOUSTIC NEUROMAS
Authors: Mastronardi Luciano
Published: November 2024

Introduction
The aim of this study was to analyze the results of microsurgery removal of acoustic neuromas (AN) using new technologies: flexible hand-held laser fiber, Sonopet Ultrasound Aspirator, Facial Nerve “detector” monopolar stimulation (for localize position and course of facial nerve), BAER’s with level specific (LS) CE-Chirp stimulus for hearing preservation, endoscope for IAC final check, and injectable bone substitute for closure. We report a retrospective nonrandomized clinical study on 300 cases consecutively operated on.
 
Material and Methods
From July, 2010 to December, 2023, 350 consecutive patients suffering from AN have been operated on with microneurosurgical technique by key-hole retrosigmoid approach. In majority of cases tumor resection was performed with the aid of a handheld flexible laser fiber. In the same period, Sonopet Ultrasound aspirator was used for tumor debulking and/or opening of the internal auditory meatus and canal. From May 2015, hearing preservation by means LS CE-Chirp BAER was attempted in patients with preoperative socially useful hearing (AAO-HNS class A and B). In addition, we check the removal of tumor inside the internal auditory canal (IAC) by using the flexible and/or rigid endoscope, for completing tumor removal near the fundus.
 
Results
Overall time from incision to skin suture changed in relation to size of tumor (from 165 to 575 minutes) and was not affected by the use of hand-held laser. Facial nerve function was clinically assessed with the House-Brackmann (HB) scale preoperatively, in the early postoperative period (after 1 week), and at 6-month follow-up. In 3 cases a preoperative facial nerve palsy was observed (HB III and HB IV, respectively). In the remaining cases, 6 months after surgery facial nerve preservation rate (HB I) was 92%, Hearing preservation rate (AAO-HNS A and B, pre- and postoperatively) was 52% in eligible cases. Total and “nearly total” removal of tumor was possible in about 80% of cases. Dura closure was performed with underlaying autologous pericranium. Injectable bone substitute in the gaps after bone flap repositioning minimized postoperative CSF leakage and improved the aesthetic result.
 
Conclusions
The use of new technologies (handheld flexible laser fibers, Sonopet Ultrasound Aspirator, fluoreceine, Nimbus facial nerve continuous monitoring, LS CE-Chirp BAER, endoscope for IAC final check) in AN microsurgery seems to be safe and efficacious and facilitates tumor resection, especially in ‘‘difficult’’ conditions (e.g., large size, highly vascularized, or hard tumors). The good functional outcome following conventional microsurgery seems to be further improved and the extent of tumor removal could be increased with the proper use of the new technologies available in the neurosurgical armamentarium.
ROLE OF NTMS BRAIN MAPPING IN PRESERVING FUNCTIONAL INTEGRITY OF MOTOR AND LANGUAGE AREAS AND PREVENTING POSTOPERATIVE DEFICITS IN PATIENTS WITH MALIGNANT BRAIN TUMORS
Authors: Petrescu George E. D. , Gorgan Cristina , Gorgan Radu M.
Published: November 2024

Introduction
Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) is a non-invasive preoperative mapping technique used to identify eloquent cortical areas. Malignant brain tumors often have an infiltrative growth pattern, making complete resection difficult, especially when these tumors are situated in eloquent regions. In this paper, we present our experience with nTMS cortical mapping for malignant brain tumors located in eloquent areas.
 
Material and Methods
Patients with malignant brain tumors located in motor or language eloquent areas who underwent nTMS mapping followed by surgery at our institution were included in the study. Patients were excluded if they presented TMS or MRI contraindications.
 
Results
Patients with gliomas and metastases located in motor or language eloquent areas were included in the study. The results of the nTMS brain mapping were integrated into the intraoperative neuronavigation system and used to guide surgical planning. nTMS was useful in determining the eloquent areas, especially for motor cortex. No patients suffered new-onset or worsening of the preexistent neurological deficits following surgery.
 
Conclusions
nTMS preoperative cortical mapping combined with intraoperative neuronavigation is a valuable tool for the resection of malignant brain tumors. It offers guidance for avoiding eloquent areas, thereby improving the functional outcomes for patients.
FRACTURES OF THE DENS
Authors: Pirogan Diana , Checiu Gheorghe , Serban2 Daniel
Published: November 2024

Introduction
The odontoid process has a peg-like conformation of the C2 vertebra. Fractures of the dens represent about 15% of all cervical injuries. The most common appears due to hyperextension of the neck, in older patients. The most obvious complication is nonunion, also high mortality in older patients.
 
Material and Methods
This retrospective study was created with medical records of 105 patients during 3 years, being gathered from the database of EHBA. Our series consisted of 65 males, 40 females, with the average age between 70-90. Data collection involved frequency of appearing cases depending on the season of the year, Frankel scale, type of fracture, the circumstances of the occurrence of the fracture, associated injuries, alcohol consumption and type of treatment. Also, was exemplified this topic through clinical cases, with pre- and postoperative status. Surgical procedures included philodesis C1-C2. Conservative treatment was tried for type I and III fractures.
 
Results
During 3 years, the most cases were in 2023, especially in autumn season. From all types of fractures - the most frequent was type II with dislocation, the least common was type I. The circumstances of the occurrence of the fractures included fall from the same level, from another level, also due to road accidents. According Frankel scale, about 73 cases were Frankel D and E, and only 6 cases were Frankel A. Besides this, were associated other injuries, cranio-facial lesions, other spinal lesions, thoracic and abdomino-pelvic injuries. A lot of cases were related with alcohol consumption - 22 cases. Surgical procedures included 26 cases, others -conservative option. Moreover, I considered a lot of clinical cases, and I mentioned imagistic section and their evolution accordingly type of treatment.
 
Conclusions
The dens fractures are quite frequent of the axis, especially in elderly patients, in low energy falls. Treatment varies on the type of fracture and risk factors for nonunion - philodesis C1-C2 or nonoperative technique. Unfortunately - there are few symptoms, many cases don’t have neurologic deficits, being missed the diagnosis of these fractures. Furthermore, many cases were polytraumatic, that needed a multidisciplinary team.
Mechanical behaviour of pineapple leaf fibers reinforced Lapox L-12 epoxy composites
Authors: Harigovindan Anitha Devi Sonepalli , Shenoy Hawanje Ghanashyam , Namdev Nagaraj , Valukula Balaraj
Published: November 2024

To meet the increasing need for composites in sectors such as medical, transportation, safety, and athletics, researchers continuously develop novel composites. This study investigated the effects of boron carbide filler particles in epoxy by fabricating composites from Lapox L-12 epoxy with 20 and 30 wt. % of pineapple leaf fibres (PALF) utilising the hand layup method. The mechanical parameters of the synthesised composites were evaluated according to ASTM standards, encompassing hardness, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and flexural strength. The addition of pineapple leaf fibres to epoxy Lapox L-12 resulted in enhanced hardness, tensile strength, and flexural strength, accompanied by a minor reduction in percentage elongation. Lapox L-12 composites supplemented with 30 wt.% of PALF exhibited enhancements of 60.8% in hardness, 66.2% in ultimate strength, and 101% in flexural strength.
Addressing Sustainability Reporting Frameworks: A Content Analysis of Western and Eastern European Companies
Authors: BANCU EMIL ADRIAN
Published: November 2024

Corporate reporting has developed globally in the last three decades, encompassing economic, social, and environmental information. From the GRI standing out as the first organization that offers companies guidelines to sustainability reporting, to the recent ESRS standards adopted by the EU, there is an increasing trend in the diversity of sustainability reporting frameworks. This empirical research attempts to provide insights into sustainability reporting frameworks used by European companies from six countries grouped into two regions of Europe, namely Western (France, Germany, Netherlands) and Eastern (Hungary, Poland, Romania) to highlight the directions of action of companies to achieve sustainable objectives. The sample includes 30 companies headquartered in Europe, 15 companies for each region of Europe. The reports of the companies during the period of 2018–2022 were used to extract the information on sustainability frameworks, resulting in 150 sustainability or annual reports used. To achieve the objective of the research, quantitative data were collected through the content analysis of the companies' sustainability or annual reports, the extracted information being applied in statistical analyses. The study finds that the trend of using sustainability reporting frameworks in Western and Eastern Europe increases from year to year. Western European companies stand out with better corporate performance by relying on multiple sustainability reporting frameworks in the preparation and publication of sustainability or annual reports. Most European companies have a low level of compliance with the requirements of sustainability frameworks and are economic science-oriented and business-oriented. Western European companies are more focused on investment and environmental aspects, while those in Eastern Europe are more focused on profitability and social aspects. This study fills the gap in corporate reporting research in relation to the sustainability frameworks used by Western and Eastern European companies.
Retrospective and Current in the Conceptual Approach to Financial and Non-financial Reporting
Authors: Stefan Alexandra
Published: November 2024

In a context where financial information provided by economic entities is no longer sufficient to illustrate an accurate picture of the factual situation, as well as health crises, climate change, increasing stakeholder interest in non-financial information, all these have led to the progressive development of literature especially in the field of non-financial reporting. However, the quality of financial reporting is also a topic of interest among authors, as international financial reporting standards have been adopted by a wide variety of countries, and other countries are likely to adopt such standards in the near future. The objective of the research is to investigate aspects of financial and non-financial reporting previously addressed in the literature. The current stage of the research is carried out by systematic analysis on publications indexed in the Scopus database, and the period analysed is from 2000 to 2023. The systematic literature review is conducted by following the steps defined in previous studies. Each subsequent adaptation will be explained in the paper. In order to carry out the analysis, the coding procedure is applied. The research will be conducted in a two-dimensional framework, focusing on financial and non-financial literature. The first dimension will consider the direction in which the perimeter of financial and non-financial reporting has developed in recent years. Taking also into account that interest in financial and non-financial reporting has gained more and more ground in most fields in recent years, it is expected that the results will show an increase in the number of relevant articles published in recent years in this area. The second dimension concerns factors that have led to changes in financial and non-financial reporting. In order to achieve this objective, I will carry out a detailed analysis by defining an analytical framework built on criteria previously used in other similar works, and adapted to the current sample of articles. I believe that the paper addresses a topical issue and will be of interest and relevance for future academic research on financial and non-financial reporting.
Enhancing Corporate Sustainability: ESG Reporting and Employee Competence Development
Authors: Walaszczyk Ludmila , Mazur Remigiusz
Published: November 2024

The increasing importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors in corporate management has highlighted the need for specific employee competences. While previous studies have focused on external reporting, and the indication what elements should be reported (with no hints how to collect this information), this research shifts the focus to internal uses of ESG information, such as goal setting, performance evaluation, and management. The paper explores the key competences required by employees to successfully implement these internal processes. The authors present the research results on competences needed in individual enterprises (n=53) in Poland, in which ESG reporting is already required or will be required soon. By examining the competence sets necessary for navigating the complexities of ESG reporting, this study contributes to bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in corporate sustainability endeavours. Through an investigation involving representatives from various sectors, including but not limited to, environmental advocacy, corporate governance, and social responsibility, this research identifies key competences relevant for ESG reporting and sustainability integration. By elucidating the intersection between employee competences and corporate sustainability objectives, this article offers valuable insights for organisational leaders, HR professionals, and policymakers aiming to foster a culture of sustainability within enterprises.
Investigating the Influence of Gender Diversity and Management Practices on the Introduction of Innovation in CEE countries
Authors: Soukupová Nikola , Dvořáková Anna , Kotková Stříteská Michaela
Published: November 2024

The role of management in any organizational context is to identify and exploit positive influences and opportunities that lead to the achievement of business objectives and competitive advantage. Those involved in effective management should be able to define the factors that have a decisive influence on the innovative activity of the enterprise. The identification of these influences is a key source of knowledge for defining or adjusting corporate strategies, resulting in long-term benefits and effective business development. As the market is constantly evolving, businesses must adapt to it. In recent years, researchers and experts have paid considerable attention to the study of gender issues in various areas of management. Much of the existing research has shown a positive correlation between gender diversity and innovation in developed countries. However, empirical studies in transition or developing countries remain limited. Therefore, we focus on Central and Eastern European countries. Based on regression analysis of data from the large-scale WBES survey, the aim of the study is to identify the relationships between gender structure of management, management practices and innovation. Unlike previous studies, this study uses a management practices index that combines data from eight indicators of management practices and assesses how well they are structured. This study thus enriches the ongoing research on the impact of gender and the structure of management practices on innovation in the EU member states of Central and Eastern Europe. The contribution of this study lies in the analysis of several different types of gender diversity and a composite index of managerial practices in relation to firms' innovation performance, and the specific context of the analysis in Central and Eastern Europe countries may provide new insights, as different factors affect innovation performance in these countries than in their Western counterparts. The results of this research provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics between gender diversity in management and innovation, which could provide a basis for the development of policies and corporate strategies to promote diversity and innovation in the business environment of Central and Eastern Europe countries.
The Impact of SME Financing Policies on Financial Reporting: A Case Study
Authors: Lemos Kátia , Neto Paulo Alexandre
Published: November 2024

Considering financing crucial for the daily survival of entities, it is fundamental to understand the impact of the measures taken by companies regarding the financing obtained. Therefore, the study aims to analyse the impact of financing policies on the financial reporting of entities through an analysis of the financial statements for the year 2021 of three entities. After analysing the results, it is demonstrated that bank loans are the main source of financing used by entities to fund their investments. However, it is noted that the entities under analysis seek external sources of financing, which has significantly increased their financial dependence. Therefore, when compared to their industry sector, these entities have a much lower level of financing via Equity. Regarding the financing costs incurred by their financing policies, it is observed that these are significantly high, mainly in relation to the weight of financing costs in total EBITDA, which impacts the net result of the period. Finally, the high impact of the rise in the Euribor rate on financing costs in 2023 was demonstrated. Thus, it is evident that in relation to other sources of financing, their respective expenses will increase dramatically, potentially greatly affecting the results of the companies.
Military Leadership in a VUCA Environment and BANI Scenario: A Systematic Literature review
Authors: Kiluange Felisberto , Rouco Carlos , Silva Ana Paula
Published: November 2024

The World has been subjected to successive and rapid changes that modified its order and given rise to a constant state of certainty of uncertainties, as a fluid state of accelerated change and vagueness in the global scenario. For some authors we are living in an environment of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity (VUCA), as for others in a Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear and Incomprehensible (BANI) scenario that affects organizations, with serious implications for their leadership and management. In the case of countries' military organizations, this affects the operations’ design, the type of equipment used and fundamentally their training, from which we highlight leadership. So, how is military leadership characterized in a VUCA world and BANI scenario? According to this research question we carried out a systematic literature review with a qualitative approach doing an update of a previous similar study carried out by the authors, looking for new publications that could enrich the comprehension of the topic. Thus, studies were searched in different databases, according to the selected criteria. Guided by the review question we adopt the PRISMA protocol for screening process divided into three phases: identification, screening and inclusion of studies. So, eleven studies were added . Data collected point out that as traditional leadership models are unable to faithfully reflect the modelling of new challenges and realities and military leadership in a VUCA world and BANI scenario is characterized by a complex combination of competencies in a personal, relational and organizational level. Among them the capacity to think out of the box, to be creative, innovative, intuitive, resilient, flexible and adaptative, based on a state of constant awareness and mindfulness to see the global situation and make the best decisions. No other study was found addressing the same research question. So, it seems to be the first study to systematically analyze military leadership in a VUCA environment. This way, it can be a contribution to understanding this topic and to frame future empirical studies.
Digital Transformation in the Agri-food Sector: A Comparative Analysis of Industry 4.0 Innovations by Italian Sustainability Leaders
Authors: Menichini Tamara , Salierno Gennaro , Strollo Nicoletta Maria
Published: November 2024

The agri-food sector is a key actor in the Italian economy and plays a crucial role in rescuing and accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, diverse sustainability challenges including environmental conservation, economic volatility, political changes and regulatory constraints affect the agri-food company’s competitiveness and their ability to face global sustainability challenges. Exploiting digital innovation is then essential. By facilitating more efficient management of resources, reducing waste and improving supply chain transparency, digital innovations contribute to more sustainable, inclusive and resilient agri-food systems. This paper aims to understand the ongoing digital transformation of the Italian agri-food sector through a comparative analysis of innovative practices by Italian agri-food companies that are recognized as sustainability leaders. Among the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, sensors, blockchain, cyber security, and artificial intelligence appear to be the most adopted I4.0 solutions to help companies influence the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.
The Perceived Impact of Leadership Practices of Academic Leaders on Student Success in a Higher Education Institution in South Africa
Authors: Taylor Simon , Durholz Cathy
Published: November 2024

The research reported on in this paper was motivated by the need to investigate student complaints in the higher education sector in South Africa regarding the poor quality of teaching and learning which has resulted in low student success rates in many institutions in the country. To mitigate poor student success rates, higher educational institutions in South Africa need to consider implementing effective leadership practices of academic leaders to support students in their academic journey. This study identified how academic leaders   leadership practices are perceived by students in a higher education institution in South Africa, and to identify which leadership practices are more impactful in supporting student success. According to Hoadley, Christie and Ward (2009) and Hallinger (2011), leadership practices are indeed aligned to academic performance. Grajfoner (2024) suggests that effective academic leadership is a key contributor to attaining academic excellence. However, Bryman (2007: 14) asserts that “one of the key problems in Higher Education is that not enough is known about exactly what makes an effective leader and what, in turn, may make them ineffective”. The theoretical framework upon which the study is based was developed by Mukan, Hawryluk and Stolyarchuk (2015: 42), who suggest that “leadership is a derivative quality of people collaborating, co-operating and supporting each other. It is characterized by openness and is a dynamic, inclusive, collegial process that occurs in a particular context”. In this research, a quantitative study was conducted using a purposeful sample selected from the target population of students at a higher education institution in South Africa. The final sample included 78 undergraduate students from the selected institution. The analysis undertaken in the study revealed that perceived leadership practices of academic leaders do have an impact on student success and that student success is not based on any one element of leadership practice alone; instead there are various perceived dimensions of leadership practices that play a role in promoting student performance. The findings of the study highlighted three key leadership practices that impact on student success, namely engagement, support and communication.
The Emperor and the New Clothes: Engaging the Frivolity of Ethical and Moral Leadership as Espoused Values Against the Values of use
Authors: Dwayi Valindawo Valile M
Published: November 2024

University Education in South Africa has been a subject of transformation in systematic ways and over time. This has had to call upon the multi-dimensional approaches (about MLG Systems and Practices) due to the complexity of the subject. While remarkable progress has been made, and can be evidenced by empirical data, such developments remain elusive for some universities within the sector. Strangely, even the considerable highly ranked universities have not been spared from what can be argued as the complexity of power relations in the politics of knowledge and of being and becoming. This article is based on this issue about complexity in university education, which can play out more as the continuities than what should be the discontinuities from the old regimes of power and of truth. A Case study approach was applied as a methodology, with the actual methods about data management including organisational records, content analysis and critical discourse analysis, over time. Informing such an approach was the ideal of ensuring the theory-methodology-practical program aspects of a potentially credible scholarship project. As such the social realist theory, informed by the critical realist philosophy, served as the anchor of the study that this article is reporting on. The findings relate to what can become the enduring management, leadership and governance crisis in the case of university education, thus constituting the micro politics of being and becoming, despite what can be reported about the same case at macro level. Such cases call upon scholarly critiques if the practical alternatives might constitute the realms of new possibilities. The potential value of the study can be the enhanced dialogue and sustained conversations about the role of management, leadership and governance systems in university education, which have to be maintained and sustained by the idea of ethical and moral practices in pursuit of what ought to be the public and common good.
Governance and Leadership in Enhancing SME Resilience in Ghana: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Nketsiah Isaac , Van der Westhuizen Thea
Published: November 2024

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are especially susceptible to pandemics. Consequently, resilience and adaptability to shocks from pandemics like COVID-19 are crucial. Nonetheless, although SMEs have strategies to cope with these, there is still a dearth of research on the nature and effectiveness of these coping strategies. Thus, it remains unclear how leadership and governance frameworks reduce SMEs’ vulnerability and increase their resilience to pandemic risk. This academic article provides a systematic literature review on the role of governance and leadership in enhancing the resilience of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. The review explores existing literature on SME resilience, environmental uncertainty, and the impact of governance frameworks. The article also focuses on how leadership practices in the Ghanaian context contribute to building SME resilience in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The study analysis revealed that there are opportunities for SMEs to adopt better governance and leadership practices that foster long-term resilience. Governance practices, such as formal structures, board diversity, and leadership, enable SMEs to respond to crises and navigate challenging situations. Moreover, leadership styles that prioritize governance procedures, especially transformational leadership, empower SMEs to maintain agility and innovation, thereby securing their survival and growth in a rapidly evolving environment. The review highlights the need for stronger governance frameworks and leadership development programs that equip SME owner-managers with the tools to navigate environmental uncertainties.
Learning From Mistakes in Project-based Organizations
Authors: Anandasivakumar Ekambaram
Published: November 2024

Knowledge sharing and learning play a pivotal role in improving performance in organizations. Organizational activities such as projects provide the necessary arena for creating new knowledge (knowledge exploration) as well as sharing of existing, well-proven solutions (knowledge exploitation). This can lead organizations to increase their productivity, innovation and profitability. Sustainable competitive advantage can also be gained by being keen on knowledge sharing and learning, since focusing on continuous learning and improvement can make organizations as learning organizations. Learning organizations, which are characterized as having a genuine interest, willingness and ability to learn and improve continuously, can effectively deal with typical organizational phenomena such as changes and uncertainty both reactively and pro-actively. As a result, they can quickly adapt to and master changing environments. This paper will look at the topic of learning from mistakes in an organizational context. “To err is human” – As the idiom points out how natural it is to make mistakes, organizations too are prone to make mistakes. Though mistakes can be seen as natural in organizations, it is important to look at how the person who has made a mistake as well as other relevant people can learn from the mistake. Learning from a mistake helps to avoid doing the same mistake in the future and hence contribute to save time, energy and cost. It can also trigger to find a correct or better alternative way / solution to deal with the situation at hand, resulting in providing opportunities for single- or double-loop learning. This paper will focus on (1) identifying barriers that hinder learning from own mistakes and sharing that knowledge with others and (2) how to facilitate learning from mistakes and sharing that knowledge with others in project-based organizations. The study on which this paper is based, uses qualitative research method. Data have been collected through conducting interviews with Norwegian public organizations.
Entrepreneurial Psychological Contracts: Shaping the Future of Work in Times of Uncertainty
Authors: Anna Lahtinen  , Lois M. Shelton
Published: November 2024

In the backdrop of a global work environment characterized by uncertainty, fragmentation, and precarization, this paper introduces the ‘entrepreneurial psychological contract’, a concept that reshapes our understanding of employment relations in new venture creation. The paper responds to the need for reimagining employment in an era where standard, stable employment is increasingly an exception. By extending psychological contract theory with insights from incomplete contracting literature, a nuanced perspective is provided on how entrepreneurs navigate the inherent uncertainties of new ventures to establish employment agreements. The paper is conceptual, and it reveals that entrepreneurial psychological contracts are markedly different from traditional bureaucratic contracts, characterized by their procedural, associational, constitutional, and polyarchic nature. This distinction is pivotal in comprehending the adaptive employment strategies in entrepreneurial environments, which mirror the global trends of work fissuring and employee precarization. This paper contributes to the broader discourse on how work and employment should be reorganized in contemporary capitalism. It offers theoretical advancements in entrepreneuring, human resource management, and contracting under uncertainty, and presents practical insights for entrepreneurs in crafting flexible and resilient employment relations. The paper aligns with the call for broadening perspectives on work, promoting sustainable organizational practices, and envisioning new ways of mobilizing workers in the face of global challenges.
Dramatic Change in the Gender Profile of Irish University Presidents: Possible Explanations?
Authors: Pat O' Connor  , Gemma Irvine
Published: November 2024

The gender profile of Irish university Presidents changed dramatically between 2020-2023. Since the 16th century, no woman had ever headed up an Irish public university: seven of the 12 are headed by women (58%), compared with roughly a quarter in the EU. Drawing on secondary data, the chapter explores four analytically distinct explanatory hypotheses: ‘glass cliff’; state interventions; the availability of qualified and interested candidates; and the characteristics and dynamics of specific institutions. There is considerable support for the glass cliff hypothesis with 100% of the nine processes run prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020) appointing men, while seven of the nine (78%) run post COVID-19 appointed women. State initiatives, and the availability of qualified interested candidates created a supportive context. Indicators in individual HEIs such as a tradition of courses in women’s studies, of gender equality champions, appointments of women at professorial and Vice-Presidential level were also important. Although change in the gender profile of Irish universities is to be welcomed, it does not indicate that gender inequality no longer exists.
Suetonius, Caligula 26,2: Senators Serving as Slaves at the Imperial Banquets
Authors: Vössing Konrad
Published: November 2024

According to Sueton (Cal. 26,2) Caligula allowed to be served once or several times by senators at a banquet treating them like slaves. They either stood behind the lounge where Caligula used to take his meal (ad pedes, i.e. like a slave who was owned by the guest and had to be at his master’s beck and call) or beside the lectus (ad pluteum, i. e. in order to act as a cupbearer). The pluteus is the rest at the narrow side of the lectus, the direction in which the heads of the guests were pointing. This allocation of tasks and the positioning of the servants – which was dependened on whether the slave belonged to the familia of the guest or the host – was not only a common habit at the emperors banquets but at every roman feast which was characterised, among other things, by the stantium servorum turba (Sen. epist. 47,2). Caligula’s conduct was solely exceptional in that he was deliberately treating the senator’s rank with contempt.