bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-shot spectrometer using diamond microcrystals for X-ray free-electron laser pulses
Authors: Inoue Ichiro , Iwai Eito , Hara Toru , Inubushi Yuichi , Tono Kensuke , Yabashi Makina
Published: March 2022

A simple spectrometer using diffraction from diamond microcrystals has been developed to diagnose single-shot spectra of X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) pulses. The large grain size and uniform lattice constant of the adopted crystals enable characterizing the XFEL spectrum at a resolution of a few eV from the peak shape of the powder diffraction profile. This single-shot spectrometer has been installed at beamline 3 of SACLA and is used for daily machine tuning.
Environmental orientation, relational capital and SMEs performance: do religious, cultural and mimetic orientations matter in a Sub-Saharan African economy?
Authors: Baah Charles , Afum Ebenezer , Agyabeng-Mensah Yaw , Dacosta Essel , Opoku-Agyeman Douglas , Nyame Collins
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Using the institutional and natural resource-based view theories, the purpose of this study is to examine the influence of religious, cultural and mimetic orientations on proactive environmental strategy, corporate environmental responsibility and traditional environmental strategy. Relying on data collected from managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the study further examines how proactive environmental strategy, corporate environmental responsibility and traditional environmental strategy drive relational capital and firm performance of SMEs operating in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a survey research design, a quantitative approach and a partial least square structural equation modelling technique in making data analysis and interpretations due to its appropriateness for predictive research models.

Findings

The results suggest that mimetic orientation robustly and significantly influence the dimensions of environmental orientation. While religious orientation only had a robust and significant influence on proactive environmental strategy, cultural orientation robustly and significantly influences both proactive and traditional environmental strategies. Despite the positive and significant interactions that exist between proactive environmental strategy, corporate environmental responsibility, traditional environmental strategy, relational capital and firm performance, the findings particularly revealed that proactive and environmental strategies insignificantly correlated with relational capital contrary to past study findings.

Originality/value

The study is among the few to examine how religious, cultural and mimetic orientations interrelate with proactive and traditional environmental orientations, relational capital and firm performance in an emerging economy. Based on the findings, implications and directions for future research are discussed while also providing guidance for policymakers, regulatory bodies, scholars and practitioners.
Uncertainty quantification for correlated variables combining p-box with copula upon limited observed data
Authors: Shen Zhanpeng , Zang Chaoping , Chen Xueqian , Hu Shaoquan , Liu Xin-en
Published: March 2022

Purpose

For fast calculation of complex structure in engineering, correlations among input variables are often ignored in uncertainty propagation, even though the effect of ignoring these correlations on the output uncertainty is unclear. This paper aims to quantify the inputs uncertainty and estimate the correlations among them acorrding to the collected observed data instead of questionable assumptions. Moreover, the small size of the experimental data should also be considered, as it is such a common engineering problem.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a novel method of combining p-box with copula function for both uncertainty quantification and correlation estimation is explored. Copula function is utilized to estimate correlations among uncertain inputs based upon the observed data. The p-box method is employed to quantify the input uncertainty as well as the epistemic uncertainty associated with the limited amount of the observed data. Nested Monte Carlo sampling technique is adopted herein to ensure that the propagation is always feasible. In addition, a Kriging model is built up to reduce the computational cost of uncertainty propagation.

Findings

To illustrate the application of this method, an engineering example of structural reliability assessment is performed. The results indicate that it may significantly affect output uncertainty whether to quantify the correlation among input variables. Furthermore, an additional advantage for risk management is obtained in this approach due to the separation of aleatory and epistemic uncertainties.

Originality/value

The proposed method takes advantage of p-box and copula function to deal with the correlations and limited amount of the observed data, which are two important issues of uncertainty quantification in engineering. Thus, it is practical and has the ability to predict accurate response uncertainty or system state.
Earnings of persons with disabilities: Who earns more (less) from entrepreneurial pursuit?
Authors: Yang Yang , Kulkarni Mukta , Baldridge David , Konrad Alison M.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Persons with disabilities (PWD) are among the largest and most diverse minority groups and among the most disadvantaged in terms of employment. Entrepreneurial pursuit is often advocated as a path toward employment, inclusion, and equality, yet few studies have investigated earning variation among PWD.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on social cognitive career theory (SCCT), and the disability employment and entrepreneurship literature to develop hypotheses about who among PWD are likely to earn more (less) from entrepreneurial pursuits. The authors then conduct analyses on the nationally representative sample of the Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD) by including all PWD engaged in entrepreneurial pursuit, and matching each to an organizationally employed counterpart of the same gender and race and of similar age and disability severity (n ≈ 810).

Findings

Entrepreneurial pursuit has a stronger negative association with the earnings of PWD who experience earlier disability onset ages, those who report more unmet accommodation needs, and those who are female.

Originality/value

First, this study applies SCCT to help bridge the literature on organizational employment barriers for PWD and entrepreneurs with disabilities. Second, we call into question the logic of neoliberalism about entrepreneurship by showing that barriers to organizational employment impact entrepreneurial pursuit decisions and thereby earnings. Third, we extend the understanding of entrepreneurial earnings among PWD by examining understudied disability attributes and demographic attributes. Lastly, this study is among the first to use a matched sample to empirically test the impact of entrepreneurial pursuit on the earnings of PWD.
Bridging leadership and transformation in Dumingag, Zamboanga Del Sur, Philippines
Authors: De Vera Manuel , Ramos Donn David , Soriano Junica , Piosang Tristan
Published: March 2022

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the participants are expected to be able to: understand and explain what is bridging leadership (BL); understand stakeholder, stakeholder engagement and stakeholder management; conduct a stakeholder analysis based on the details of the case; evaluate the BL processes based on the details of the case; and communicate how BL was used in Dumingag.

Case overview/synopsis

Mayor Nacianceno “Jun” Pacalioga’s journey towards the transformation of the municipality of Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur in Mindanao, Philippines has been rooted in his daily interaction with its residents by way of morning walks around the town. He has always been involved in organizing people in his youth and as a public servant, improving the plight of the people of the 4th class landlocked and agriculture-dependent municipality has always been his primary concern. There are currently an estimated 50,000 people from forty-four (44) barangays (communities/villages) in the Municipality of Dumingag. In 2007, most farming households of the municipality earned US$ 60 monthly. By 2016, after Pacalioga’s 9-year stint as local chief executive or as mayor, the percentage of households with income below the poverty threshold have significantly decreased to 38%. Local health indicators have also become exemplary with only 0.77% of children between 0-5 years old recorded as malnourished, with maternal mortality death rate. When it comes to food, only 0.25% of households experience food shortage.

This case highlights the Bridging Leadership Framework as a paradigm to help address social divides and inequities in complex environments such as Dumingag. In realizing bridging leadership as a community of practice, Pacalioga employed participatory processes to develop the Genuine People’s Agenda, and the integrated Transformative Education to build the capacity of different stakeholders in the municipality. These processes mobilized different stakeholders to move towards the common goal of improving the plight of the Duminganogs. Now Dumingag is enjoying the broad-based benefits of the program; including recognition by numerous local and international organizations and civic groups on the efforts of Pacalioga and the people of Dumingag in transforming their once poverty-stricken town in Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines.

Complexity academic level

Masters Level/Executive Education.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 10: Public Sector Management.
“We can’t breathe!” – A dilemma faced by Total Technologies (Pvt.) Ltd. amid oxygen cylinder crisis
Authors: Tahir Saad , Ramish Asher , Mehmood Talha
Published: March 2022

Learning outcomes

This case study aims to be taught at an MBA level. Students who are majoring in the supply chain would benefit the most from this case study. This case study has elements of logistics management, supply chain management, supply chain strategies, warehouse and logistics and responsible supply chain. The learning outcome of this case study could be seen if the students identify the gaps in the real market setting and come up with strategies that would connect and/or fill the areas missing. Teaching objective 1: students should be able to identify unstable demand scenarios and learn how demand collaboration could be implemented in that setting. Teaching objective 2: students should identify how a transparent and interconnected supply chain, both upstream and downstream, can be created. Teaching objective 3: students should be able to understand the role of a responsible supply chain and to define the role and responsibility of each party. Teaching objective 4: students should be able to learn the dynamics of safety stocks, reorder points and incorporate that in warehouse management decisions.

Case overview/synopsis

Based in Lahore, Pakistan, Total Technologies (Pvt.) Ltd is a company that supplies medical equipment and provides solutions in the health-care industry. This case explores the supply chain issues faced by Tallat Mehmood, who is the Managing Director of the company, during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2021. Oxygen cylinders have become the need of the hour as more and more patients need oxygen. The supply of medical gases across Pakistan has become a logistical issue, causing hospital reserves to be drained without timely replenishment. Increasing the number of beds in hospitals, with limited oxygen outlets, has increased the demand for oxygen cylinders. Operating under unstable demand and not being able to meet it has caused Tallat to realize that the company is out of its comfort zone and is not responding well to the environment. The company needs to redesign the supply chain as well as collaborate with the supplier and buyer to provide better levels of service.

Complexity academic level

Masters level supply chain courses.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 9: Operations and logistics.
AI adoption by human resource management: a study of its antecedents and impact on HR system effectiveness
Authors: Agarwal Alpana
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore and examine the determinants of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption by human resource management (HRM). Further, the impact of AI adoption by HR department on their effectiveness has also been tested.

Design/methodology/approach

A model explaining the antecedents of AI adoption by HRM is proposed in this study. The proposed model is based on task–organization–environment and task–technology fit models. A two-step partial least square-based structural equational modelling (PLS-SEM) has been used for testing the model. Data was collected from 210 HRM employees (only senior level or specialized HR positions), working in IT firms located in Delhi-NCR region.

Findings

Literature review shows that among others, organizational preparedness, perceived benefits and technology readiness determine AI adoption which in turn can make HR system more effective. Results of PLS-SEM support all hypothesized relationships and validate the proposed model.

Originality/value

Considering paucity of research on antecedents of AI adoption by human resource department, this study adds significantly to the body of knowledge. Additionally, based on the findings of statistical analysis, certain AI-related recommendations are given to HRM.
Mortgage credit and house prices: the Turkish case
Authors: Akçay S. Belgin , Karul Cagin , Akyuz Mert
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether there is a causal relationship between mortgage credit and house prices in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

Granger causality test, Toda–Yamamoto causality test, Fourier Granger causality test and Fourier Toda–Yamamoto causality tests are applied.

Findings

The findings show that there is a strong one-way causality between mortgage credit and house prices and that the developments in credit markets are more decisive in the relationship between mortgage credit and house prices than the developments in the housing markets.

Practical implications

Considering a causal relationship between mortgage credit and house prices may contribute to more efficient use of the tools of both macroeconomic and microeconomic policies for the mortgage credit and housing markets in Turkey. Furthermore, by understanding the importance of the direction of causality between both dynamics, it may be possible to prevent and/or mitigate the negative effects of large house price movements on both Turkish housing and mortgage markets as well as on Turkish economy.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the contribution of this study is to examine for the first time whether the causal relationship between mortgage credit and house prices in Turkey is mutual as well as to apply four different causality tests and to compare their results for the first time.
Eco-market orientation in the logistics industry: a conveyor belt for achieving organizational outcomes via green logistics practices
Authors: Afum Ebenezer , Agyabeng-Mensah Yaw , Baah Charles , Asamoah George , Kusi Lawrence Yaw
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The compounding impacts of climate change has mobilised unstinting endeavours of researchers, ecologists and corporate leaders to explore new ways for the logistics industry to manage environmental problems, improve social outcomes and gain competitive advantage. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mediation roles of inbound green logistics practices and outbound green logistics practices between eco-market orientation, green value competitiveness and social sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

By employing explanatory research design, with questionnaire-based survey, data for the study was collected from Ghanaian logistics firms. The data is analysed using the partial least square structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results indicate that eco-market orientation has a significant positive impact on green value competitiveness. However, eco-market orientation was found to have an insignificant impact on social sustainability. The results further confirmed the notion that eco-market orientation substantially strengthens the implementation of inbound green logistics practices and outbound green logistics practices. Specifically, the mediation analysis confirmed that inbound green logistics practices and outbound green logistics practices serve as indirect mechanisms through which eco-market orientation significantly influences green value competitiveness and social sustainability.

Originality/value

Compared to previous literature, this is a pioneer study that develops an explanatory research framework under the lenses of the natural resource-based theory, stakeholder theory and resource advantage theory in illuminating how inbound green logistics practices and outbound green logistics practices act as mediation mechanisms between eco-market orientation and green value competitiveness and eco-market orientation and social sustainability.
The impact of predicted quality and customer cost on quality assurance behavior
Authors: Cho Woohyun , Min Dong-Jun , Dresner Martin
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Based on cost of quality (CoQ) research, this study aims to highlight the importance of incorporating the costs to customers in contributing to service quality when examining how customers respond to possible service failures [quality assurance behavior (QAB)]. Consequently, this study also aims to show how the CoQ framework can be a useful tool to the service industry in determining enhancements in quality and related expenditures.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the airline industry as a case example, this study empirically tests the impact of predicted service quality and its associated costs on an individual’s QAB (wait time spent at the departing airport) through revealed preferences. The study uses survey data from more than 4,000 passengers matched with travel-specific quality information archived by the US Department of Transportation (DOT).

Findings

This study finds that customers are willing to increase their level of QAB when informed of an increased probability of service failure. This study also finds that the level of QAB varies depending on anticipated customer costs of avoiding or responding to service failures.

Practical implications

Findings of this study emphasize the need for shared responsibility between service providers and their customers in making decisions on the provision of service quality, as helping customers adjust the appropriate level of QAB may result in greater efficiency and higher quality of service.

Originality/value

This study conceptualizes and empirically tests causal relationships between expected quality and customer efforts (QAB), thus contributing to operations literature examining CoQ in a service setting. This study argues that it is critical to consider shared responsibilities between co-producers (service providers and customers) in service operations studies.
Promoting users’ smartphone avoidance intention: the role of health beliefs
Authors: Zhao Haiping , Deng Shengli , Liu Yong , Xia Sudi , Lim Eric Tze Kuan , Tan Chee-Wee
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Drawing on the Health Belief Model (HBM), this study aims to investigate the roles of health beliefs (i.e. perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, health self-efficacy and cues to action) in promoting college students’ smartphone avoidance intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data were collected through a cross-sectional survey questionnaire administered to 4,670 student smartphone users at a large university located in Central China. Further, a two-step Structural Equation Modeling was conducted using AMOS 22.0 software to test the hypothesized relationships in the research model.

Findings

Analytical results indicate that (1) perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits and health self-efficacy positively influence users’ smartphone avoidance intention; (2) perceived barriers negatively influence smartphone avoidance intention, while (3) cues to action reinforce the relationships between perceived susceptibility/perceived benefits and smartphone avoidance intention, but attenuate the relationships between perceived barriers/health self-efficacy and smartphone avoidance intention.

Research limitations/implications

This study demonstrates that HBM is invaluable in explaining and promoting users’ smartphone avoidance intention, thereby extending extant literature on both HBM and smartphone avoidance.

Originality/value

Research on smartphone avoidance is still in a nascent stage. This study contributes to the field by offering a fresh theoretical lens for pursuing this line of inquiry together with robust empirical evidence.
Influence of travel distance and travel experience on travelers' online reviews: price as a moderator
Authors: Xu DaPeng , Deng Lingfei , Fan Xiao , Ye Qiang
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Building on a small body of work, the authors' study aims to investigate some important antecedents of online review characteristics in the Chinese restaurant industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a data set of restaurant reviews collected from a most popular review platform in China, the authors conduct a series of analyses to examine the influence of travel experience and travel distance on travelers' review characteristics in terms of review rating and media richness. The moderating effect of restaurant price on the influence is also investigated.

Findings

Travelers with a longer travel distance and more travel experience tend to provide higher and lower online ratings, respectively, which can be explained by the construal level theory (CLT) and the expectation-confirmation theory (ECT), respectively. Furthermore, these strong feelings can then induce travelers to post enriched reviews with more pictures, more words and more affective words to release consumption tension. Besides, restaurant price can moderate these relationships.

Originality/value

Distinguished from most studies which mainly focus on the consequences of online review characteristics or antecedents of review helpfulness, the authors pay attention to the effects of travelers' individual differences in terms of travel distance and travel experience on travelers' online reviewing behavior. In addition to review rating, the authors also focus on media richness in terms of visual and textual information. The authors' research findings can benefit restaurant consumers and managers for their online word-of-mouth utilization and management.
Caregivers’ perspectives on preparing girls to leave care in Ethiopia
Authors: Van Breda Adrian D. , Takele Anduamlak Molla , Kotecho Messay Gebremariam
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Research on caregivers’ experiences of and perspectives on preparing young people to leave care in Africa is lacking. A clearer understanding of caregivers’ practice and experience is important for developing improved care-leaving services. The aim of this study is to describe the experiences and perceptions of caregivers providing care-leaving services at one residential care institution in Addis Abba, Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative description research design was used to examine the perspectives of seven caregivers and three key informants concerning the preparation of female care-leavers for leaving care and their readiness to lead an adult life in Ethiopia. Participants were purposively selected and data were collected through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. The generated data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Caregivers are passionate about their work, seeing it more as a calling than as a job, and think of themselves as parents to the children. Most reported receiving at least some training, albeit informal or ad hoc, and faced challenges because of lack of resources. Regarding their preparation of the girls for leaving care, caregivers reported inadequate success in financial literacy and savings, continued schooling, cooking, cultural literacy and aftercare support.

Originality/value

This study thus underscores the absence of a preparation for leaving care practice guideline and an independent policy that guides care-leaving in Ethiopia. Policy improvement on caregiving that recognises and values the complexity of the job of caregiving, and thus the need for greater education, is highly needed. This paper sheds light on the issue of supporting caregivers’ attempt to mentor female care-leavers in Ethiopia.
How well designed is your servicescape?
Authors: Nair K. Unnikrishnan , Kumar Deepak S. , Purani Keyoor
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Through empirical research anchored in environmental psychology, the paper presents formative indicators that form an evaluation set “S.E.E.” (service environment evaluation), to simplify and systematize the measurement of visual aesthetics of servicescapes through consumers' perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted formative index development methodology, employing a one-shot experimental design using photographic surrogates of four different servicescapes (n = 1400), and testing the index with eight noted global servicescape images.

Findings

Findings reveal that visual aesthetics of servicescapes can be captured using the composite index we developed with five dimensions: complexity, coherence, legibility, mystery and novelty. Also, service type: hedonic/utilitarian, does influence how consumers evaluate servicescape visual appeal.

Originality/value

Formative indicators constituting S.E.E. enables assessment of subjective visual aesthetics of servicescapes holistic, objective and an effortless task for marketers, designers and decision-makers; and helps them reliably decide on and skillfully design servicescapes with the required visual appeal.
Shopping with perceived benefits of sustainable consumption in online resale platforms
Authors: Ahn Jiseon , Kwon Jookyung
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Interest is increasing in sustainable consumption, including the purchase of used products instead of new ones. This study aims to examine customer behaviors in the context of resale websites. Specifically, it aims to identify the relative role of multidimensional perceived benefits associated with customer attitudes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are derived from a survey conducted among 169 resale website customers in the USA. Structural equation modeling (using SmartPLS software) is used to examine the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Results show that epistemic benefits mostly serve to create positive attitudes, followed by economic and functional benefits. However, emotional and social benefits from purchase experience with resale websites fail to influence customers' positive attitudes.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the study lies in the generalizability of findings given that the results and conclusions are based on the study of a single industry. More studies would help to provide a deeper understanding of sustainable consumption across different types of product categories.

Originality/value

This study shows that customers' positive attitudes increase their intention to repurchase from resale websites, suggesting an area of opportunity for resale service providers to design websites to facilitate customer self-expression, to reinforce economic efficiency and to highlight the performance of products and services.
Eating behavior among remote working adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Tan Chin Xuan , Goh Shuen Dee , Tan Seok Shin , Tan Seok Tyug
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The Malaysian movement control order is a series of national lockdowns implemented by the Malaysian federal government to contain the spread of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). The government has made it mandatory for all non-essential sectors to work remotely to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The eating behavior of working adults may have altered following the changes in working norms. This study aimed to assess the eating behavior of remote working adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 159 remote working adults were recruited through a convenience sampling approach. Bodyweight and body height were self-reported by the respondents. Body mass index was calculated according to the cut-off of World Health Organization standards. The eating behavior was evaluated using the eating behavior questionnaire.

Findings

Results revealed more than half of the remote working respondents did not practice meal skipping. Irrespective of the gender, more than 70% of the respondents consumed either breakfast, lunch or dinner every day. Most of the respondents consumed vegetables, bread/rice/noodles and meat/chicken at least two times per day. Regression analysis revealed meal skipping was associated with younger people, overweight status and median monthly household income.

Originality/value

Many sectors adopted remote working systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is postulated that working remotely will be a new normal even after this pandemic. Until now, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, little or no data are available on assessing the eating behavior of remote working adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study could provide an insight into the eating behavior of adults during remote working.
Corporate social responsibility and customer loyalty during the Covid-19 pandemic: evidence from pharmacy practice
Authors: Abbasi Sahar , Aghakhani Hamed , Azizi Shahriar , Peikanpour Mohammad , Mehralian Gholamhossein
Published: March 2022

Purpose

In recent years, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has taken on a more prominent role in both large and small businesses because of its significant impact on various aspects of business performance. To date, a growing body of literature has demonstrated the mechanisms whereby CSR practices affect organizational outcomes; however, there has been little research examining how CSR practices contribute to customer loyalty within the pharmacy context. As such, this study aims to explore how CSR practices influence the loyalty of pharmacy customers, particularly in relation to the mediatory effects of customer-company identification (CCI) and customer trust.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was developed and administered to collect the required data from the pharmacy context. The resultant data were subjected to exploratory factor analysis to identify the scale dimensions, followed by multiple regression analysis to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Analysis of the results (n = 528) revealed that perceived CSR indirectly impacts loyalty through the mediatory effects of trust and CCI. All hypothesized effects were also confirmed via empirical testing.

Originality/value

The findings of this research suggest that not only are CSR activities responsive to societal concerns, but they can also promote customer identification with pharmacies and strengthen customer trust, which can, in turn, lead to long-term customer loyalty.
Quantifying the relationship between prey density, livestock and illegal killing of leopards
Authors: Soofi Mahmood , Qashqaei Ali T. , Mousavi Marzieh , Hadipour Ehsan , Filla Marc , Kiabi Bahram H. , Bleyhl Benjamin , Ghoddousi Arash , Balkenhol Niko , Royle Andrew , Pavey Chris R. , Khorozyan Igor , Waltert Matthias
Published: March 2022

Many large mammalian carnivores are facing population declines due to illegal killing (e.g. shooting) and habitat modification (e.g. livestock farming). Illegal killing occurs cryptically and hence is difficult to detect. However, reducing illegal killing requires a solid understanding of its magnitude and underlying drivers, while accounting for the imperfect detection of illegal killing events. Despite the importance of illegal killing of large carnivores in comparison with other causes of mortality, its relationship with potential drivers such as livestock density and wild prey abundance is rarely described.

Using ranger‐collected data (2007–2019) of leopard killing events and data on covariates (livestock density, wild prey abundance, road length, protected area size, elevation) across Iran, we applied a single‐visit N‐mixture model to jointly model variation in detection probability and expected annualized number of leopard killing events.

Over the study period, we estimated 428 leopard mortalities (95% CI 184 to 1,014), which was 45% larger than the observed number. Expected intensity of leopard killing was positively related to protected area size, livestock density and wild prey abundance. Detection of leopard killing was higher in areas with more developed road networks.

Synthesis and applications. Ranger‐based monitoring data on poaching of carnivores are cost effective, but traditional analysis does not take into account imperfect detection. We show that innovative statistics (single‐visit N‐mixture modelling) can reliably quantify poaching events and address their drivers, at large geographical scales. We used the example of the Persian leopard across Iran, but our approach is also applicable to understand killing dynamics of other species. Results suggest that a high frequency of leopard killing is likely to occur in areas with >100 livestock per km2and >450 individuals of wild prey per km2. This highlights the need for improved management of livestock grazing and effective measures around high‐risk protected areas to mitigate human–leopard conflict and reduce killing of leopards.
Well-being in the Irish secondary school: Reflections on a curricular approach
Authors: Farrell Emma , Mahon Áine
Published: March 2022

Schools and centres for education are increasingly positioned as playing a vital role in the promotion of young people's mental health and well-being. Drawing on the example of Ireland's reformed Junior Cycle curriculum (ages 12-15), we ask if the curriculum is the best means of nurturing positive mental health and well-being in schools.
A sensitive sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (sELISA) targeted multiple wheat protein fractions for the detection of several cereal grains in processed foods
Authors: Zhao Jinlong , Khan Mati Ullah , Chen Jin , Li Siyue , Dasanayaka Binaka Prabashini , Timira Vaileth , Li Yonghong , Zhang Jiukai , Lin Hong , Li Zhenxing
Published: March 2022

Wheat allergy has become a global public health and food safety concern; however, there is no accessible cure for wheat allergy. The complete exclusion of wheat‐containing foods and environmental exposure is the most efficient allergy management to avoid the adverse reactions, which can be severe and occasionally life threatening. Therefore, the assay for accurate detection of wheat residues is demanded urgently for appropriate labeling guidelines and consumer safety. Thus, a sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (sELISA) targeting multiple wheat protein fractions was fabricated in the present study. The results showed that the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of the constructed sELISA were 0.25 and 0.5 µg/g with high specificity for wheat. No cross‐reactivity was observed in 32 foods or food ingredients tested, except barley and rye. The developed sELISA can also discriminate against many commercial foods containing declared or undeclared wheat residues except for Chinese yellow wine. Furthermore, high heat also can obtain a higher level of proteins extracted with corresponding enhanced detectability up to 100°C from heated samples and 160 °C in baked samples.

Practical Application

Wheat is the most common food ingredient and wildly applied in various processed foods. However, wheat can cause severe and life‐threatening symptoms in some allergic patients and must be labeled and tested accurately to protect those with a wheat allergy. Developing a new test assay can serve as a powerful tool for food manufacturers and regulatory agencies to accurately quantify wheat residues in processed foods and ensure their absence due to unintended contamination.
Tree‐Ring Perspectives on the Colorado River: Looking Back and Moving Forward
Authors: Meko David M. , Woodhouse Connie A. , Winitsky Anabel G.
Published: March 2022

Tree rings have been central to the understanding of variability of flow of the Colorado River. Spurred by steadily declining flows after the 1920s, early tree‐ring research drew attention to the importance of climate variability to water supply by identifying episodes in the past that were even drier. Application of modern statistical methods to tree‐ring data later yielded a reconstruction of annual flows at Lees Ferry back to the early 1500s that highlighted the unprecedented wetness of the base period for the 1922 Colorado River Compact. That reconstruction served as the framework for a collection of papers in a 1995 special issue of Water Resources Bulletin on coping with severe sustained drought on the Colorado River. This retrospective paper reviews historical aspects of the dendrohydrology of the Colorado River, and the updates since 1995. A constantly expanding tree‐ring network has been subjected to an array of new statistical approaches to reconstruction. Climate change and increasing demand for water have meanwhile driven increased interest in the processing and presentation of reconstructions for optimal use in water resources planning and management. While highlighting the robustness of main findings of earlier studies, recent research yields improved estimates of magnitudes of flow anomalies, extends annual flows to more than 1200 years, and underscores unmatched drought duration in the medieval period.
Assessment of textbook outcome after lobectomy for early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer in a Korean institution: A retrospective study
Authors: Yu Woo Sik , Shin Jaeyong , Son Jung A , Jung Joonho , Haam Seokjin
Published: March 2022

Background

Textbook outcome (TO) has been introduced as a novel composite measure for lung cancer surgery. We investigated TO after lobectomy for early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in a Korean tertiary hospital and its prognostic implications for overall survival and recurrence.

Methods

Between January 2012 and December 2017, 418 consecutive patients who underwent lobectomy for clinical stages I and II NSCLC were identified and retrospectively reviewed. TO was defined as complete resection (negative resection margins and sufficient lymph node dissection), no 30‐day or in‐hospital mortality, no reintervention within 30 days, no readmission to the intensive care unit, no prolonged hospital stay (<14 days), no hospital readmission within 30 days, and no major complications. Propensity score matching analysis was performed to investigate the association between TO, medical costs, and long‐term outcomes.

Results

Of 418 patients, 277 (66.3%) achieved TO. The most common events leading to TO failure were prolonged air leakage (n = 54, 12.9%) and prolonged hospital stay (n = 53, 12.7%). Male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.148, p = 0.036) and low diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (OR = 0.986, p = 0.047) were significant risk factors for failed TO in multivariate analysis. In matched cohorts, achieving TO was associated with lower medical costs and better overall survival but not cancer recurrence.

Conclusions

TO is associated with low medical cost and favorable overall survival; thus, surgical teams and hospitals should make efforts to improve the quality of care and achieve TO.
Modelling multilevel nonlinear treatment‐by‐covariate interactions in cluster randomized controlled trials using a generalized additive mixed model
Authors: Cho Sun‐Joo , Preacher Kristopher J. , Yaremych Haley E. , Naveiras Matthew , Fuchs Douglas , Fuchs Lynn S.
Published: March 2022

A cluster randomized controlled trial (C‐RCT) is common in educational intervention studies. Multilevel modelling (MLM) is a dominant analytic method to evaluate treatment effects in a C‐RCT. In most MLM applications intended to detect an interaction effect, a single interaction effect (called a conflated effect) is considered instead of level‐specific interaction effects in a multilevel design (called unconflated multilevel interaction effects), and the linear interaction effect is modelled. In this paper we present a generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) that allows an unconflated multilevel interaction to be estimated without assuming a prespecified form of the interaction. R code is provided to estimate the model parameters using maximum likelihood estimation and to visualize the nonlinear treatment‐by‐covariate interaction. The usefulness of the model is illustrated using instructional intervention data from a C‐RCT. Results of simulation studies showed that the GAMM outperformed an alternative approach to recover an unconflated logistic multilevel interaction. In addition, the parameter recovery of the GAMM was relatively satisfactory in multilevel designs found in educational intervention studies, except when the number of clusters, cluster sizes, and intraclass correlations were small. When modelling a linear multilevel treatment‐by‐covariate interaction in the presence of a nonlinear effect, biased estimates (such as overestimated standard errors and overestimated random effect variances) and incorrect predictions of the unconflated multilevel interaction were found.
Updates in the classification of ependymal neoplasms: The 2021 WHO Classification and beyond
Authors: Kresbach Catena , Neyazi Sina , Schüller Ulrich
Published: March 2022

Ependymal neoplasms occur at all ages and encompass multiple tumor types and subtypes that develop in the supratentorial compartment, the posterior fossa, or the spinal cord. Clinically, ependymomas represent a very heterogeneous group of tumors from rather benign subependymomas to very aggressive and often deadly childhood ependymomas of the posterior fossa. Newly identified biological markers and classification schemes, e. g. based on global DNA methylation profiling, have led to the definition of 10 types of ependymal tumors and an improved prediction of patients’ outcome by applying the new classification system. While the exact genetic basis for several ependymoma types still remains unclear, the knowledge about ependymoma driving events has significantly increased within the last decade and contributed to a classification based on molecular characteristics and localization rather than histological features alone. Convincing evidence is now pointing towards gene fusions involving ZFTA or YAP1 causing the development of supratentorial ependymomas. Also, H3, EZHIP, or TERT mutations have been detected in a fraction of infratentorial ependymal tumors. Finally, MYCN amplifications have recently been identified in spinal ependymomas, in addition to the previously known mutations in NF2. This review summarizes how recent findings regarding biology, molecular tumor typing, and clinical outcome have impacted the classification of ependymomas as suggested by the updated 2021 WHO CNS tumor classification system. We focus on changes compared to the previous classification of 2016 and discuss how a formal grading could evolve in the future and guide clinicians to treat ependymoma patients.
2‐Aminothiophene derivatives as a new class of positive allosteric modulators of glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor
Authors: Redij Tejashree , McKee James A. , Do Phu , Campbell Jeffrey A. , Ma Jian , Li Zhiyu , Miller Nicholas , Srikanlaya Chananchida , Zhang Dianzheng , Hua Xianxin , Li Zhijun
Published: March 2022

We report the discovery of two new 2‐aminothiophene based small molecule positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor (GLP‐1R) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. One of the chemotypes, (S‐1), has a molecular weight of 239 g/mol, the smallest molecule among all reported GLP‐1R PAMs. When combined with GLP‐1 peptide, S‐1 increased the GLP‐1R activity in a dose‐dependent manner in a cell‐based assay. When combined with the peptide agonist of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide receptor 1 (VIPR1), S‐1 showed no specific activity on VIPR1, another class B GPCR present in the same HEK293‐CREB cell line. Insulin secretion studies found S‐1 combined with GLP‐1 increased insulin secretion by 1.5‐fold at 5 μM. In a mechanistic study, evidence is provided that the synergistic effect of S‐1 with GLP‐1 may be partly due to the enhanced impact on CREB based phosphorylation. Given the favorable profile of these chemotypes, the work reported herein suggests that 2‐aminothiophene derivatives are a new and promising class of GLP‐1R PAMs.
Charity or empowerment? The role of COVAX for low and middle‐income countries
Authors: Holzer Felicitas , Roa Tania Manríquez , Germani Federico , Biller‐Andorno Nikola , Luna Florencia
Published: March 2022

What has the past reaction to the COVID‐19 pandemic taught us? We have seen that many low and middle‐income countries (LMICs) still lack access to vaccines, and it seems little progress has been made in the last few months and year. This article discusses whether the current strategies, most notably, vaccine donations by the international community and the COVID‐19 global access facility COVAX, offer meaningful solutions to tackle the problem. At the centre of our analysis, we compare the concepts of “donations” and “charity” with “vaccine equity” and the “empowerment” of poorer countries. We suggest that the achievement of fair global vaccine production requires that our global approach is supportive of the idea of empowerment. We, therefore, need structural reforms, which would most importantly include capacity building, to positively impact this goal and to take the interests of the global poor seriously.
Impact of COVID‐19 lockdown on diabetes management and follow‐up in a broad population in Spain
Authors: Palanca Ana , Quinones‐Torrelo Carmen , Girbés Juan , Real José T. , Ampudia‐Blasco F. Javier
Published: March 2022

Background

To evaluate the impact of COVID‐19 lockdown on glycaemic control and diabetes follow‐up in a Spanish metropolitan area with a total general population of 340,000.

Methods

A retrospective real‐world study comparing HbA1c testing, an indicator of diabetes control, and mean HbA1c during different COVID‐19 restriction periods in 2020 (full lockdown, post‐lockdown, partial lockdown) with the same periods in 2019. HbA1c testing was analysed per study period and according to gender, age and clinical setting. Associations between HbA1c testing and different covariables were investigated using logistic regression analysis. Changes in HbA1c were evaluated by repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

During full lockdown, 6847 individuals, of which 56.7% were over 65 and 6.5% below 40, were tested for HbA1c compared to 14,180 in 2019 (OR 0.47, 95% CI:0.46–0.49). Reduction in HbA1c testing was greater among older individuals (OR 0.44, 95% CI:0.42–0.45). No differences were observed for post‐lockdown (OR 1.01, 95% CI:0.99–1.04). During partial lockdown, 10,816 individuals had at least one HbA1c measured compared to 12,749 in 2019 (OR 0.84, 95% CI:0.82‐0.87). Mean HbA1c during full lockdown was 7.26% (±1.06) compared to 7.50% (±1.14) in 2019 (p < .0001). For gender and across all age groups, HbA1c levels were lower during full lockdown. HbA1c changes were not significantly different during post‐lockdown and partial lockdown.

Conclusions

COVID‐19 restriction measures affected HbA1c testing. During complete lockdown, HbA1c testing decreased by half across all gender and age groups. No deleterious effect on glycaemic control was observed during lockdown and post‐lockdown among those tested.