bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The COVID-19 epidemic and evaluating the corresponding responses to crisis management in refugees: a system dynamic approach
Authors: Allahi Fahimeh , Fateh Amirreza , Revetria Roberto , Cianci Roberto
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic is a new crisis in the world that caused many restrictions, from personal life to social and business. In this situation, the most vulnerable groups such as refugees who are living in the camps are faced with more serious problems. Therefore, a system dynamic approach has been developed to evaluate the effect of applying different scenarios to find out the best response to COVID-19 to improve refugees’ health and education.

Design/methodology/approach

The interaction of several health and education factors during an epidemic crisis among refugees leads to behavioral responses that consequently make the crisis control a complex problem. This research has developed an SD model based on the SIER model that responds to the public health and education system of Syrian refugees in Turkey affected by the COVID-19 virus and considered three policies of isolation, social distance/hygiene behavior and financial aid using the available data from various references.

Findings

The findings from the SD simulation results of applying three different policies identify that public health and education systems can increase much more by implementing the policy of social distance/hygiene behavior, and it has a significant impact on the control of the epidemic in comparison with the other two responses.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to humanitarian organizations, governments and refugees by discussing useful insights. Implementing the policy of social distance and hygiene behavior policies would help in a sharp reduction of death in refugees group. and public financial support has improved distance education during this pandemic.
Intellectual capital as a predictor of cooperative prominence through human capital in the Spanish agrifood industry
Authors: Sánchez-Hernández M. Isabel , Castilla-Polo Francisca
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Intellectual capital (IC) has been shown to play a crucial role in promoting competitive success among cooperatives as well as in other types of organizations. However, cooperatives are rarely included in this line of research. This paper aims to analyze how IC in agrifood cooperatives influences their prominence by fostering responsible research and innovation (RRI), reputation and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model was developed based on a literature review, and a quantitative study was conducted, including a representative sample of the current most prominent Spanish agrifood cooperatives. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the validity of constructs, path relationships and recent advances in the predictive model assessment.

Findings

This study’s findings show the specific role of human capital (HC) for enhancing social and structural capital in cooperatives. It was concluded that there is a need to revise and reconsider the role-played by IC in the cooperative movement.

Research limitations/implications

The main practical contribution is to offer a specific vision of IC for agrifood cooperatives in order to maximize their market prominence. Since the study was conducted in Spain and based on a cross-sectional research approach, even though the new methodological tool partial least squares (PLS) predict was used, the authors cannot affirm whether IC will have the long-term expected effects as assumed in this research and in all contexts of the agrifood industry.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical study that has examined IC in agrifood cooperatives in Spain, with attention focused on the role of HC as a predictor of market success.
Enhancing students’ global competence through international business study missions
Authors: Chong Mark , Gan Benjamin Kok Siew , Menkhoff Thomas
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to share how an Asian university enhanced students’ global competence through international business study missions (BSMs). More specifically, it focuses on how the design of these BSMs enabled “deep” learning beyond industry tourism and how 21st-century competencies such as “global competence” can be acquired through participation in short-term, faculty-led study missions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the case study approach, it critically analyzes the learning goals and objectives, design decisions, implementation details and learning outcomes underlying three BSMs led by three instructors from the same university to the USA (New York), Germany (Berlin and Stuttgart) and South Korea (Seoul).

Findings

The study shows that students gained global competencies related to specific fields of study such as the creative industries, urban sustainability and entrepreneurship. It shows how design choices such as destination, range of organizations, length of individual visits, range of pedagogical techniques, intensity of preparation and quality of management contribute to students’ acquisition of global competencies.

Research limitations/implications

This research presents a subset of case studies that may limit the generalization of the findings; the bias that results from an unrepresentative, opportunistic sample (selection bias); and lack of quantitative causality in a qualitative evaluation.

Practical implications

The course design described here provides practical information for designing study abroad “deep” learning goals, objectives and outcomes focusing on global competence.

Originality/value

The detailed case studies of three instructors from different disciplines to achieve the country’s education vision of globally competent students.
Blockchain technology: uninvestigated issues emerging from an integrated view within accounting and auditing practices
Authors: Maffei Marco , Casciello Raffaela , Meucci Fiorenza
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore the effects of adopting and implementing blockchain technology (BT) in accounting and auditing practices in terms of benefits and threats, thus discovering new and upcoming risks and issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a critical perspective to investigate how the implementation of BT could affect accounting and auditing practices, providing a reflection on the role of accountants and auditors during such a technological revolution.

Findings

This paper highlights the importance of the unreplaceable professional conscience and experience of accountants and auditors compared to the impersonal and standardised operating system of artificial intelligence provided by BT. The development and diffusion of BT are leading professionals to acquaint themselves with new accounting and auditing systems, such as reinventing old practices and finding new ways of taking advantage of blockchain instead of being overwhelmed.

Originality/value

Different from the majority of previous literature contributions, this study looks beyond the potential and undeniable benefits that BT can offer to accounting and auditing environments by focussing especially on the threats and risks caused by its implementation.
Repair in the private rented sector: where now?
Authors: Walsh Emily
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the extent to which recent changes in the law, most notably the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and proposals for changes in tenant redress, will help tenants living in the private rented sector (PRS) with issues of disrepair and poor living conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

It applies theoretical scholarship on procedural justice, to two proposals for reform, namely, compulsory membership of redress schemes and a new housing court or use of the first-Tier Tribunal for claims relating to disrepair.

Findings

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 will not provide decent private rented homes without increased security of tenure and a requirement for inspection prior to letting. Tenants should have the right to a fit home at the time of moving in and a cheap and relatively fast method of redress when things go wrong. A combination of compulsory licencing, membership of an ombudsman scheme and either the transfer of disrepair cases to the first-tier tribunal or a new housing court would provide the best overall solution for tenants with regard to repair and condition.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the important scholarship on procedural justice and applies it to ongoing current debates regarding disrepair in the PRS.
Service conversation: advisory, relational and transformative approaches
Authors: Gopaldas Ahir , Carnevale Marina , Kedzior Richard , Siebert Anton
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The marketing literature on service conversation in dyadic services has elaborated two approaches. An advisory approach involves providers giving customers expert advice on how to advance difficult projects. By contrast, a relational approach involves providers exchanging social support with customers to develop commercial friendships. Inspired by the transformative turn in service research, this study aims to develop a third approach, one that helps customers to cultivate their own agency, potential and well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The emergent model of service conversation is based on in-depth interviews with providers and clients of mental health services, including psychological counseling, psychotherapy and personal coaching.

Findings

A transformative approach to service conversation involves the iterative application of a complementary pair of conversational practices: seeding microtransformations by asking questions to inspire new ways of thinking, feeling and acting; and nurturing microtransformations via non-evaluative listening to affirm customers’ explorations of new possibilities. This pair of practices immediately elevates customers’ sense of psychological freedom, which, in turn, enables their process of self-transformation, one microtransformation at a time.

Practical implications

This study offers dyadic service providers a conceptual framework of advisory, relational and transformative approaches to service conversation for instrumental, communal and developmental service encounters, respectively. This framework can help dyadic service providers to conduct more collaborative, flexible and productive conversations with their customers.

Originality/value

Three approaches to service conversation – advisory, relational and transformative – are conceptually distinguished in terms of their overall aims, provider practices, customer experiences, customer outcomes, allocations of airtime, designations of expertise, application contexts, prototypical examples and blind spots.
ESD for managers in the Danish lower secondary educational curriculum
Authors: Paaske David Mathias , Segura-Bonilla Olman , Hernandez-Milian Jairo
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to challenge the current educational methods taking place in Danish lower secondary school by introducing the concept of education for sustainable development (ESD) to help managers and teachers facilitate an action-oriented approach aimed at potentiating the level of sustainability and environmental awareness.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper is based on the relevant literature and examines the necessity to move beyond traditional education curricula by offering a new practical sustainable framework for facilitating ESD at Danish lower secondary schools. A particular focus relates to evaluating and adopting sustainable approaches in the educational literature that is sufficiently sensitive to practical changes in Danish lower secondary teaching methods.

Findings

With the purpose of generating awareness about climate change and students’ ecological footprint to lower secondary school students in Denmark, it was found that embedding ESD in the Danish curriculum would be an important tool for this purpose. The authors outline practical recommendations for managers at the lower secondary school level.

Originality/value

This conceptual paper addresses the core issue of traditional education in Danish lower secondary schools by suggesting to adopt the educational framework of ESD. To this end, the authors have offered a variety of specific practical suggestions accordingly to how traditional education can be redesigned by focusing on action-oriented learning and future-oriented ESD. Furthermore, the authors propose that certain educational components of smart cities might promote an underlying commitment to meet the core issues of climate change, as this has yet to be examined. The research on ESD for managers at the Danish lower secondary school level is fairly limited to date.
Using adaptive leadership principles to support Public Health 3.0 in multidisciplinary undergraduate education
Authors: Hawley Suzanne R.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has uncovered public health vulnerabilities worldwide, particularly in the hard-hit USA. US public health professionals, regardless of role, may need to exercise leadership in both planned and unexpected situations. This model of practice outside of traditional roles, known as Public Health 3.0, requires adaptive leadership – a systems approach to making progress on complex challenges. Educational programs should improve students’ adaptive leadership competency to prepare them for the public health workforce. This paper aims to provide an educational framework for implementing adaptive leadership instruction for undergraduate students.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used experiential and traditional instructional strategies and adaptive leadership competencies to develop a semester-length leadership course for undergraduate students in health, nursing, social science, business and education. Adaptive leadership principles were learned and practiced, preparing students for systemic challenges through the lens of Public Health 3.0. Competencies were assessed pre- and post-semester.

Findings

Of 248 students, 72% were health professions majors. Students reported pre-post scores on 29 measures of competency, interest, learning and behavioral change. Quantitative evaluations identified statistically significant improvement in all domains. Additional quantitative feedback indicated improvement on the three Kirkpatrick levels of evaluation assessed (reaction, learning and behavior).

Originality/value

Tiered evaluation methods indicated that this leadership course enhanced participants’ self-reported adaptive leadership learning and competency, as well as intention and ability to translate learning into practice. A broad spectrum of competency development is needed for students entering practice in the Public Health 3.0 era, particularly related to pandemic response.
The challenges of sustainability reporting and their management: the case of Estra
Authors: De Micco Patrice , Rinaldi Loredana , Vitale Gianluca , Cupertino Sebastiano , Maraghini Maria Pia
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the challenges that companies could face over time when dealing with sustainability reporting (SR) and focusses on potential mechanisms they may adopt to cope with them.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation is conducted adopting the theoretical framework proposed by Baret and Helfrich (2018) and using a longitudinal case study.

Findings

The authors found that the challenges that gradually arose induced the evolution of SR. Dissemination, employees’ involvement, managerial commitment and routinization/institutionalization of reporting practices appeared to be useful mechanisms to face the related challenges. Conversely, the authors found that stakeholders’ engagement scarcely affected SR. Furthermore, the legislation impacted the extent and quality of disclosed contents and fostered the standardization of the reporting process.

Practical implications

In analysing how Estra faced SR challenges, this paper emphasizes the mechanisms that can be used to properly manage them, in a gradual and holistic way. Hence, this study offers a useful example for companies approaching SR for the first time.

Originality/value

The authors adopt a holistic theoretical perspective providing evidence on how SR development within a company depends on the continuous and integrated management of its multiple challenges, also suggesting that its interdependencies with the definition and execution of sustainability should be exploited.
For whom the bell CHIMEs: a synthesis of remarkable student lives
Authors: Hurst Robert , Carson Jerome
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the 20 remarkable lives of student accounts published in this journal. These recovery narratives (RNs) are examined first in terms of whether they meet the five elements of the connectedness, hope, identity, meaning and empowerment (CHIME) model of recovery and then in terms of what makes each account remarkable.

Design/methodology/approach

Two Excel spreadsheets were created. One had each author’s name and the five elements of the CHIME model, the other the features of a remarkable life.

Findings

All 20 accounts fulfilled the criteria for the CHIME model, independently validating this model of recovery. Hence, each account showed evidence of connectedness, hope, identity, meaning and empowerment. A number of additional characteristics stood out from the accounts such as the importance of motherhood and of education.

Research limitations/implications

All 20 accounts were only reviewed by the two authors, who may be subject to bias. To reduce this, the first author did the bulk of the ratings. This paper shows the importance of education for recovery.

Practical implications

Some 15/20 accounts reported problems with mental health services, mainly around waiting lists. Must mental health always remain a Cinderella service?

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to synthesise this particular set of recovery narratives, entitled remarkable lives. These accounts show the richness of the recovery journeys embarked on by many sufferers and these are just drawn from one University. Like the authors of these stories, we too as recovery specialists have much to learn from their inspiring accounts.
Optimal duration, rate and price when online retailers offer installment payment services
Authors: Wang Li , Tian Junfeng , Si Yanhong , Sun Xixiu
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Online retailers have become gradually popular to offer consumers installment payment services in the past few years. This paper aims to study how to determine the duration and rate of installment payment services, as well as the price of products to increase online retailers’ profits.

Design/methodology/approach

By modeling the utility functions, the behavior of consumers for strategic choosing the payment method and payment timing is analyzed. Thus, the market segments are obtained through the comparison of the consumer’s utilities. Combined with the given assumptions, the installment payment strategies for online retailers is investigated. This paper focuses on the impact of installment payment services on consumers’ purchasing behavior and online retailers’ profits by modeling and comparative analysis. No installment payment service as a benchmark, it is demonstrated whether online retailers can obtain more profits by offering installment payment services or what are the applicable conditions for installment payments.

Findings

If the installment payment service is offered, online retailers can gain more profits and need to adopt appropriate strategies based on different market conditions. During the depression or the peak shopping season, online retailers should take the strategy of free installment rate, and moderately increasing the product price of no installment service. When market demand is stable or during non-peak season, online retailers need to set a higher installment rate and maintain the product price without installment service. Finally, online retailers should determine the maximum duration of installments they can afford based on own risk control cost and allow consumers to freely choose the length of the installment within the duration limit.

Originality/value

First, the authors deeply analyze consumers’ payment and purchase behavior when the online retailer offers the installment payment service. Then, it is theoretically proved why many online retailers have offered installment payment services to consumers from a profit perspective. Finally, this paper proposes the optimal duration of installments, installment rate and product price in different market environments for online retailers, to provide theoretical basis and managerial insights for the development of installment payment service in online shopping.
Freelance job search during times of uncertainty: protean career orientation, career competencies and job search
Authors: Ayoobzadeh Mostafa
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Freelancers are a growing population of working adults with limited to no organizational support. Yet, their strategies to navigate job search, especially in turbulent times, are unknown. To address this gap, the author hypothesized and examined a sequential mediation model whereby freelancer protean career orientation (PCO) influences job search strategies through career competencies (i.e.knowing why,howand withwhomto work) and job search self-efficacy (JSSE).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a sample of 87 Canadian freelancers during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

The results supported the sequential mediation from PCO to job search strategies through two of the career competencies (knowing whyandhow) and JSSE. The mediating role ofknowing whomwas not supported.

Practical implications

Policy makers and learning institutions can provide freelancers with opportunities to develop transferable skills through massive open online courses (MOOCs). Employers of freelancers can design motivating jobs that provide freelancers with on-the-job learning and development opportunities.

Social implications

The insignificant mediating role of knowing whom (i.e. professional networks) implies that large networks might not be necessarily beneficial in times of crisis. Thus, the role of networks might be more complex than the literature has proposed.

Originality/value

This study brings into focus an overlooked population of workers: freelancers. It investigates a sequential mediation through which freelancer PCO impacts job search strategies. In addition, it compares the effectiveness of career competencies in unfolding the proposed sequential mediation.
Additive manufacturing of 316L stainless-steel structures using fused filament fabrication technology: mechanical and geometric properties
Authors: Caminero Miguel Ángel , Romero Ana , Chacón Jesús Miguel , Núñez Pedro José , García-Plaza Eustaquio , Rodríguez Gloria Patricia
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique using metal filled filaments in combination with debinding and sintering steps can be a cost-effective alternative for laser-based powder bed fusion processes. The mechanical behaviour of FFF-metal materials is highly dependent on the processing parameters, filament quality and adjusted post-processing steps. In addition, the microstructural material properties and geometric characteristics are inherent to the manufacturing process. The purpose of this study is to characterize the mechanical and geometric performance of three-dimensional (3-D) printed FFF 316 L metal components manufactured by a low-cost desktop 3-D printer. The debinding and sintering processes are carried out using the BASF catalytic debinding process in combination with the BASF 316LX Ultrafuse filament. Special attention is paid on the effects of build orientation and printing strategy of the FFF-based technology on the tensile and geometric performance of the 3-D printed 316 L metal specimens.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a toolset of experimental analysis techniques [metallography and scanning electron microcope (SEM)] to characterize the effect of microstructure and defects on the material properties under tensile testing. Shrinkage and the resulting porosity of the 3-D printed 316 L stainless steel sintered samples are also analysed. The deformation behaviour is investigated for three different build orientations. The tensile test curves are further correlated with the damage surface using SEM images and metallographic sections to present grain deformation during the loading progress. Mechanical properties are directly compared to other works in the field and similar additive manufacturing (AM) and Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) manufacturing alternatives from the literature.

Findings

It has been shown that the effect of build orientation was of particular significance on the mechanical and geometric performance of FFF-metal 3-D printed samples. In particular, Flat and On-edge samples showed an average increase in tensile performance of 21.7% for the tensile strength, 65.1% for the tensile stiffness and 118.3% for maximum elongation at fracture compared to the Upright samples. Furthermore, it has been able to manufacture near-dense 316 L austenitic stainless steel components using FFF. These properties are comparable to those obtained by other metal conventional processes such as MIM process.

Originality/value

316L austenitic stainless steel components using FFF technology with a porosity lower than 2% were successfully manufactured. The presented study provides more information regarding the dependence of the mechanical, microstructural and geometric properties of FFF 316 L components on the build orientation and printing strategy.
Design, additive manufacture and clinical application of a patient-specific titanium implant to anatomically reconstruct a large chest wall defect
Authors: Gonzalez Alvarez Alba , Evans Peter Ll. , Dovgalski Lawrence , Goldsmith Ira
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Chest wall reconstruction of large oncological defects following resection is challenging. Traditional management involves the use of different materials that surgeons creatively shape intraoperatively to restore the excised anatomy. This is time-consuming, difficult to mould into shape and causes some complications such as dislocation or paradoxical movement. This study aims to present the development and clinical implantation of a novel custom-made three-dimensional (3D) laser melting titanium alloy implant that reconstructs a large chest wall resection and maintains the integrity of the thoracic cage.

Design/methodology/approach

The whole development process of the novel implant is described: design specifications, computed tomography (CT) scan manipulation, 3D computer-assisted design (CAD), rapid prototyping, final manufacture and clinical implantation. A multidisciplinary collaboration in between engineers and surgeons guided the iterative design process.

Findings

The implant provided excellent aesthetical and functional results. The virtual planning and production of the implant prior to surgery reduced surgery time and uncertainty. It also improved safety and accuracy. The implant sited nicely on the patient anatomy after resection following the virtual plan. At six months following implantation, there were no implant-related complications of pain, infection, dislocation or paradoxical movement. This technique offered a fast lead-time for implant production, which is crucial for oncological treatment.

Research limitations/implications

More cases and a long-term follow-up are needed to confirm and quantify the benefits of this procedure; further research is also required to design a solution that better mimics the chest wall biomechanics while preventing implant complications.

Originality/value

The authors present a novel custom thoracic implant that provided a satisfactory reconstruction of a large chest wall defect, developed and implanted within three weeks to address a fast-growing chondrosarcoma. Furthermore, the authors describe its development process in detail as a design guideline, discussing potential improvements and critical design considerations so that this study can be replicated for future cases.
Economic policy uncertainty and corporate social responsibility performance: evidence from China
Authors: Zhao Tianjiao , Xiao Xiang , Zhang Bingshi
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how the external issue of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) affects enterprises’ corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the relationship between EPU and CSR based on the Chinese capital market from 2010 to 2018. Following the most recent studies focused on economic policy uncertainty, this paper uses the news-based method proposed by Baker et al. (2016) to measure EPU and explore the effect of EPU on CSR, as well as the mediating role of state ownership in such a relationship.

Findings

Empirical results show that increasing EPU will restrain enterprises’ social responsibility behaviour and the inhibitory effect is more obvious for state-owned enterprises. Further analyses reveal that the inhibitory effect of EPU on CSR is stronger for enterprises that face severe financial constraints and is significant for various components of CSR, and trade policy uncertainty could also curb enterprises’ social responsibility behaviour.

Practical implications

As a stable economic environment is important for enterprises’ CSR engagement, the present study’s conclusions can help policymakers better understand the implications of policy stability for enterprises’ financial and non-financial decisions and especially their CSR decisions.

Social implications

With the increasing attention paid to the CSR of enterprises, this study provides evidence that enterprises should develop appropriate CSR strategies according to the economic policy environment and enhance their capacity to withstand the risks generated by EPU.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to analyse the relationship between EPU and CSR. The results contribute to a better understanding of what issues influence enterprises’ CSR engagement, highlighting the importance of a stable economic policy environment and of enterprises’ ability to withstand risks.
Working with marginalized groups: towards more holistic strategies for social exclusion reduction of the Roma community in Kosovo
Authors: Balidemaj Albina
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the successful strategies, through literature review, to be used in Kosovo to help integrate the Roma community and to reduce the community’s overall social exclusion. This paper further examines the gaps between strategies and implementation results in reducing the social exclusion of the Roma through experiences of other European countries with similar political and socio-economic history as Kosovo.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a literature review and further examines the experiences of other European countries, with similar political and socio-economic history as Kosovo and their strategies in eliminating the social exclusion for Roma communities. A holistic socio-ecological approach is used as a recommended model to be used for the development of a strategy to reduce social exclusion among Roma Communities in Kosovo.

Findings

The social and economic implications are extremely negative for countries with large Roma minorities, such as Western Balkan countries and the European Union (EU) as a whole. Roma inclusion policies both in the EU and Western Balkans contain considerable flaws and tend to ignore the variables of discrimination and antigypsyism. There is an obvious need to act more urgently to prevent the exclusion of Roma and to create strategies for better inclusion. Overall, gaps seem to remain between the strategies and implementation results.

Practical implications

This paper aims to add to the existing literature about the ongoing efforts of the international development assistance community and communities in the developing world. This paper also aims to show the gaps in ongoing efforts and provide generic recommendations that may be applicable in many diverse situations with the aim of leading communities toward a self-sufficient sustainable future.

Originality/value

The Kosovo anti-discrimination law protects all individuals from discrimination; however, in practice, studies show that the Roma exclusion is very high in Kosovo. This paper stands among the first to analyze comparative literature and policy reviews.
Policies, politics and pandemics: course delivery method for US higher educational institutions amid COVID-19
Authors: Johnson Andrew Franklin , Roberto Katherine J. , Rauhaus Beth M.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to consider decisions by administrators about how to open US campuses for the 2020–2021 academic year during the COVID-19 pandemic. Proposed course delivery method is considered in relation to the political environment of the respective university/college’s state.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected on 451 public institutions. H1 and H3 were tested using multinomial logistic regressions. H2 and H4 were tested using moderated binary logistic regressions with Hayes’s PROCESS model.

Findings

Results suggest that states with liberal governments were more likely to promote online openings for fall 2020, with the strength of the voting electorate moderating the relationship. Further, state appropriations moderated the relationship between the political party in control of the state legislature and method of opening.

Research limitations/implications

This paper advances work on the relationship between politics and administration by considering political pressures exerted on decision makers.

Practical implications

Results suggest that political forces may influence university administrators’ decisions for how higher education institutions may open for the fall 2020 semester.

Originality/value

This paper addresses one of the numerous social changes caused by COVID-19. It considers the short-term practical implications as well as the long-term theoretical ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on decision-making in higher education.
Capacity utilization in industrial sector: a structured review and implications for future research
Authors: Singh Mahipal , Rathi Rajeev , Singh Kaswan Mahender
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to uncover the significance of capacity, capacity utilization (CU) and its role in the quality and productivity improvement in an industrial environment. Besides, the current study is also aiming to explore the various ways to estimate CU and its status across the world.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, a comprehensive literature review on capacity and CU is carried out to expose the research direction in the field of CU. This work is primarily focused on capacity, CU and their estimation methods based on the research in various industries of different countries and current status in present scenario across the world.

Findings

The literature reveals that CU estimation is carried out by some government/central agencies at the national or sector level rather than the industry level in most of the productive nations. As far as industrial growth is concerned, capacity management should be carried out at a particular industry level so that engineering managers can be able to find out loopholes for huge capacity waste within the plant. It is observed that CU in the industrial sectors mainly computed by time series method, survey method, economic approach and engineering approach worldwide.

Research limitations/implications

This paper tries to cover almost all research work in the field of CU in various industrial sectors. However, the organizations which are producing the product with limited demand may get benefit inadequately.

Practical implications

This paper provides a vision to management toward productivity improvement through optimal utilization of available resources. As in most organizations, CU issues are much neglected areas.

Originality/value

This paper provides valuable insights on capacity and CU in the industrial sector across the world. Besides, it focused on comprehensive literature of capacity and various methods to estimate CU in industrial sectors.
The performance of noninvasive indexes of adults in identification of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children
Authors: Shi Mengte , Liu Peining , Li Jushuang , Su Yue , Zhou Xinhe , Wu Chenwei , Chen Xia , Zheng Chao
Published: February 2021

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of three existing prediction scores which are applicable to adults for identifying nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Chinese children.

Methods

We used data from routine check‐up based medical records of 1845 children to validate the performance of three existing scoring systems including the hepatic steatosis index (HSI), Zhejiang University index (ZJU index), and triglyceride‐glucose index (TyG index) in detection of NAFLD in children. Propensity score matching was applied to adjust for potential confounding effects in both training and validation cohorts. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was utilized to assess the performance of the three scoring systems.

Results

Children with NAFLD had higher scores of HSI, ZJU index, and TyG index when compared with the control group (children without NAFLD). Elevated HSI, ZJU index, and TyG index scores were significantly associated with the presence of pediatric NAFLD since adjusted odds ratio and 95% CI with per interquartile range elevation of the HSI, ZJU index, and TyG index were 32.81 (20.48, 52.55), 26.31 (16.97, 40.79), and 1.83 (1.57, 2.13), respectively. In terms of discrimination of NAFLD in children, the AUC of the HSI, ZJU index, and TyG index depending on the validation cohort were 0.964, 0.960, and 0.769, respectively.

Conclusions

The HSI and ZJU index could be appropriate noninvasive biomarkers in distinguishing NAFLD in children from their controls with satisfied accuracy, which would emphasize the clinical and public health policy relevance of pediatric NAFLD. Our findings need to be confirmed by additional longitudinal studies.
Quick detection of a rare species: Forensic swabs of survey tubes for hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius urine
Authors: Priestley Victoria , Allen Robert , Binstead Matthew , Arnold Richard , Savolainen Vincent
Published: February 2021

Effective conservation decisions rely on accurate survey data, but methods can be resource‐intensive and risk false negative results. Presence of the threatened hazel dormouse (England, UK) is typically confirmed by looking for its nest in survey tubes, over a 6‐month period. As an alternative, environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys have proven benefits in efficiency and accuracy for other taxa, but generally rely on the extraction and amplification of DNA from water, soil or sediment, which are not yet dependable samples for rare terrestrial mammals like the hazel dormouse.

At a known occupancy site, paper‐lined survey tubes were used to capture a DNA sample. Like other species of rodent, the hazel dormouse excretes urine freely, and this was highlighted by ultraviolet torch, swabbed from the paper, extracted and hazel dormouse eDNA amplified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Hazel dormouse presence was confirmed in this way in three out of 50 tubes within 8 days. Detection by conventional nest survey occurred on day 63 when a hazel dormouse nest was found in a single survey tube. We calculate that amplification of eDNA left behind in tubes increased survey efficiency here at least 12‐fold.

Synthesis and applications. In this study we demonstrate that eDNA swabbed from a clean substrate placed in survey apparatus can significantly hasten the detection of a rare species. This method has the potential to broaden the application of eDNA to other terrestrial vertebrates, including surveys at large spatiotemporal scales. Beyond presence/absence, the non‐invasive DNA sample could also offer insights into sex ratio, abundance, behaviour and population genetics.
Ocular motility changes and diplopia in sutured versus unsutured implantation of the Baerveldt glaucoma device
Authors: Islamaj Esma , Jordaan‐Kuip Caroline P. , De Waard Peter W.T. , Vermeer Koen A. , Lemij Hans G.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To investigate the effect of two surgical techniques in primary Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) surgery, that is the sutured technique and the unsutured (free) plate technique, on the ocular motility and prevalence of diplopia. We hypothesize that the free plate technique results in a lower diplopia prevalence.

Methods

We performed a prospective study of patients who underwent BGI surgery with the free plate technique and compared them with patients from a previous study who had undergone BGI surgery with the sutured technique. Their ductions, ocular alignment and fusion range and the prevalence of diplopia were measured before surgery and at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year postoperatively.

Results

We analysed 57 free plate and 51 sutured plate patients. One year postoperatively, we found no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of diplopia between the two techniques. All duction changes between baseline and 1‐year follow‐up were restrictions and occurred statistically significantly more frequently in the free plate than in the sutured plate group (p = 0.03; 60% versus 34%). About the ocular alignment, in the horizontal direction, a change in exodirection was more common in both groups, while in the vertical direction, a hyperdeviation of the operated eye was more common. The vertical ocular alignment change was smaller in the free plate group than in the sutured plate group (p = 0.04 at near and p = 0.02 at distance).

Conclusions

One year postoperatively, the prevalence of diplopia was not significantly different between patients with the sutured plate and patients with the free plate technique. Both surgical techniques induce diplopia and changes in ocular motility and/or in ocular alignment.
Lung segmentectomy with novel microwave surgical instrument (Acrosurg. Revo)
Authors: Mimura Takeshi , Kamigaichi Atsushi , Kagimoto Atsushi , Yamashita Yoshinori
Published: February 2021

A novel model of a microwave surgical instrument (Acrosurg. Revo) which is an energy device using microwave technology and 2450 MHz microwave has recently been developed for endoscopic surgery. Herein, we describe the technique of pulmonary segmentectomy with a novel device.
Constitutive activity of GPR26 regulated by ubiquitin‐dependent degradation and its antitumor role
Authors: Liu Fang , Yang Wei , Hu Minghui , Zhang Yong , Sun Beicheng , Yang Hao , Brosius Juergen , Deng Cheng
Published: February 2021

G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) play important roles in many physiological functions and numerous diseases. In addition to the classic ligand‐stimulated receptor activity, an increasing number of studies have established that many GPCRs function constitutively in a receptor dose‐dependent manner. Previous observations showed that following gene transfection, little or no protein was detectable for certain GPCRs (designated apparent state A), such as GPR26, GPR39, GPR78, GPR133, GPR139, BRS3, and LGR5, which showed strong constitutive activities. When we lysed cells in the immediate presence of western blot loading buffer, a significant increase of protein levels was detected (actual state B), which was much closer to the true expression levels under physiological conditions. GPR26 was chosen for further functional experiments as the actual state B. We identified an important ubiquitination site, K286, as well as the ubiquitin ligase E3 homologous to the E6‐associated protein carboxyl terminus domain containing 3 interacting with GPR26. The pronounced differences in the protein expression and constitutive activity of GPR26 were a consequence of the ubiquitin‐mediated rapid degradation mechanism. Furthermore, we identified in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity associated with high expression levels and constitutive activity of GPR26 in liver cancer cells. Hence, GPR26 could act as an antitumor gene for hepatocellular carcinoma. This study also represents the actual state B of a batch of GPCRs that actually play potentially important roles in physiological functions by their constitutive activity, which is controlled by rapid ubiquitin‐dependent degradation.
An advance care planning long‐term care initiative in response to COVID‐19
Authors: Berning Michelle J. , Palmer Emily , Tsai Timothy , Mitchell Susan L. , Berry Sarah D.
Published: February 2021

Objective

Describe a systematic approach to address advance care planning (ACP) during a COVID‐19 outbreak and its impact on the incidence of new do‐not‐hospitalize (DNH) directives among long‐term care (LTC) residents.

Design

Prospective quality improvement initiative.

Setting

Two long‐term chronic care campuses within a large academic healthcare organization.

Participants

LTC residents with activated healthcare proxies who lacked DNH directives based on documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR) as of April 13, 2020.

Intervention

Using a structured discussion guide, trained healthcare staff from various disciplines contacted the residents' proxies to conduct COVID‐19 focused ACP discussions. Residents without DNH directives with COVID‐19 were prioritized. Preferences ascertained in the discussion were communicated to the residents' primary care teams and directives were updated in the EMR accordingly.

Measurements

Residents who acquired a new DNH directive during the study initiative were determined using the EMR. Subsequent changes in DNH orders, hospitalizations, and deaths were ascertained by retrospective chart review from the date of new DNH through August 5, 2020.

Results

At baseline, 315/581 (54%) of LTC residents did not have a DNH directive. Their mean age was 87 (±9) years and 70% were female. Following ACP discussions, 124/315 (39%) of residents acquired a new DNH directive. Among residents with new DNH directives, 65/124 (52%) were diagnosed with COVID‐19 from April 2, 2020 to May 21, 2020. During follow‐up, only 6/124 (4.8%) residents had their DNH order reversed, 2/124 (1.6%) residents were hospitalized with illnesses unrelated to COVID‐19, and 29/124 (23%) died.

Conclusions

There was substantial opportunity to increase the proportion of LTC residents with DNH orders during the COVID‐19 pandemic through a systematic ACP initiative which utilized real‐time EMR data. New directives to avoid hospitalizations were sustained among the majority of residents beyond the peak of the pandemic.