bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amber in Italy
Authors: Bonfante Larissa
Published: February 2024

The amber in Italy came from the Baltic Sea along routes that connected Europe with the Mediterranean. It entered the Italian peninsula from the northeast by way of the eastern Alpine passes. Its brilliance, transparency, fiery colors, fragrance, magnetic properties, and occasional inclusions earned it a special place as a valuable import in Italy, where it was used continuously from the Bronze Age all the way up to the Roman Empire. This situation is not found anywhere else, and it allows us to see some of the aesthetic and religious manifestations of amber in different regions. This chapter examines the craftsmanship, style, and type of material used in different phases, which allow us to trace the influences at work on the peninsula.
Salvation and Bliss
Authors: Isler-Kerényi Cornelia
Published: February 2024

The penetration of the ideas and imagery of Dionysus/Bacchus and Demeter into Italy and the Roman republic occurred because of the growing cultural and commercial ties between the centers of Magna Graecia and southern Etruria and Latium. What these deities had in common was that they were closer to the personal lives of their worshippers than the other deities, especially since they were believed to affect the life and death of individuals—indeed, only Dionysus/Bacchus in his role as initiator and guide, and the great daughter Kore/Persephone, along with Demeter, could promise salvation and bliss beyond death to the inhabitants of pre-Roman Italy in the first millennium BCE. This chapter traces the evidence for their cults in pre-Roman Italy, and examines their identification with local divinities.
Bodies in Pieces in Central Italy
Authors: Papini Massimiliano
Published: February 2024

Anatomical votives were deposited by offerants in pre-Roman Italy from the seventh century until roughly the first half of the first century BCE. The most vital ideation phase—at least of the prototype, from which molds that were used for multiple decades and generations were derived—coincides with the proto-Hellenistic phase. The period was distinguished by a close relationship between craftsmanship and the most refined figurative manifestations in a central Italic culture characterized by an increasingly strong koine. A variety of body parts were depicted, from whole and half heads to external body parts and internal organs. The votives are found at sanctuaries throughout the Etrusco-Italic region. Dedicatory inscriptions are scarce, so the meaning of these anatomical votives is debated. This chapter examines how the practice changed over time and explores the reasons for its decline.
Agrin Inhibition in Enteric Neural Stem Cells Enhances Their Migration Following Colonic Transplantation
Authors: Mueller Jessica L , Stavely Rhian , Guyer Richard A , Soos Ádám , Bhave Sukhada , Han Chris , Hotta Ryo , Nagy Nandor , Goldstein Allan M
Published: February 2024

Regenerative cell therapy to replenish the missing neurons and glia in the aganglionic segment of Hirschsprung disease represents a promising treatment option. However, the success of cell therapies for this condition are hindered by poor migration of the transplanted cells. This limitation is in part due to a markedly less permissive extracellular environment in the postnatal gut than that of the embryo. Coordinated interactions between enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCDCs) and their local environment drive migration along the embryonic gut during development of the enteric nervous system. Modifying transplanted cells, or the postnatal extracellular environment, to better recapitulate embryonic ENCDC migration could be leveraged to improve the engraftment and coverage of stem cell transplants. We compared the transcriptomes of ENCDCs from the embryonic intestine to that of postnatal-derived neurospheres and identified 89 extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated genes that are differentially expressed. Agrin, a heparin sulfate proteoglycan with a known inhibitory effect on ENCDC migration, was highly over-expressed by postnatal-derived neurospheres. Using a function-blocking antibody and a shRNA-expressing lentivirus, we show that inhibiting agrin promotes ENCDC migration in vitro and following cell transplantation ex vivo and in vivo. This enhanced migration is associated with an increased proportion of GFAP + cells, whose migration is especially enhanced.
DRESS syndrome
Authors: Beck James
Published: February 2024

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is rare but carries significant mortality and morbidity, making early identification and definitive management crucial. The diagnosis of DRESS is made clinically and involves consideration of a broad list of differential diagnoses. Given variable clinical presentations among patients with DRESS syndrome, clinicians should look for common findings and other hallmarks of the syndrome while monitoring for known complications. Additionally, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion to avoid missing more mild presentations, such as in this case patient with DRESS syndrome minor.
Animal-assisted therapy in pediatric autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kilmer Michele , Hong Minju , Randolph Danielle , Reichel Allison , Huetter Sarah , Bowden Madelyn , Kilmer Clay
Published: February 2024

The use of therapy or service dogs to assist children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing in clinical settings. Research studies indicate that children with ASD display enhanced prosocial behavior and emotional regulation when canines are included in therapy. Despite increased application of animal-assisted therapy in clinical and inpatient settings, healthcare providers show limited understanding of best practices for its use and require a research-based approach to incorporate animals effectively into therapeutic plans of care for pediatric patients with ASD.
Postpartum Navigation Decreases Severe Maternal Morbidity Most Among Black Women
Authors: Brown Zenobia , Messaoudi Choukri , Silvia Emily , Bleau Hallie , Meskill Ashley , Flynn Anne , Abel-Bey Amparo C. , Ball Trever J.
Published: February 2024

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023;229:160.e1–8)

Rates of maternal morbidity and mortality are the highest in the United States of any developed country; along with this, many racial and ethnic disparities exist in obstetric care. Postpartum interventions are important in reducing disparities and improving outcomes.
Prenatal Intravenous Magnesium at 30–34 Weeks' Gestation and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Offspring: The MAGENTA Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Crowther Caroline A. , Ashwood Pat , Middleton Philippa F. , McPhee Andrew , Tran Thach , Harding Jane E.
Published: February 2024

(Abstracted from JAMA 2023;330(7):603–614)

Preterm birth is a focus of many studies and interventions but remains the leading cause of global neonatal morbidity and mortality. One particular risk that is elevated in preterm infants is cerebral palsy, which affects movement and/or posture, causing health problems and high health care costs for children and their families.
Risk of Endometrial Cancer in Asymptomatic Postmenopausal Women in Relation to Ultrasonographic Endometrial Thickness: Systematic Review and Diagnostic Test Accuracy Meta-analysis
Authors: Vitale Salvatore Giovanni , Riemma Gaetano , Haimovich Sergio , Carugno Jose , Pacheco Luis Alonso , Perez-Medina Tirso , Parry John Preston , Török Peter , Tesarik Jan , Corte Luigi Della , Cobellis Luigi , Sardo Attilio Di Spiezio , De Franciscis Pasquale
Published: February 2024

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023;228:22–35.e2)

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) can be suspected in cases of postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) with a thickened endometrium on transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) examination. Typical guidelines recommend further investigation of PMB when the endometrial lining is greater than 4–5 mm, indicating an elevated risk of EC.
Risk for Congenital Anomalies in Children Conceived With Medically Assisted Fertility Treatment
Authors: Venetis Christos , Choi Stephanie K. Y. , Jorm Louisa , Zhang Xian , Ledger William , Lui Kei , Havard Alys , Chapman Michael , Norman Robert J. , Chambers Georgina M.
Published: February 2024

(Abstracted from Ann Intern Med 2023;176:1308–1320)

In the United States, more than 2% of all infants are conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART). Children born from ART have been shown to have up to 50% increased risk for congenital anomalies (CAs) compared with naturally conceived children.
The Anterior Modified San Diego Acetabuloplasty Does Not Increase Superior-Anterior Coverage in Patient-Specific 3D-Printed Models
Authors: Tadlock Joshua C. , Rupp Garrett E. , Farnsworth Christine L. , Bomar James D. , Caffrey Jason P. , Upasani Vidyadhar V.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip may require pelvic osteotomies to improve acetabular coverage. The purpose of this study was to compare the changes in acetabular version, tilt, and regional coverage angles following the San Diego acetabuloplasty (SDA), the modified San Diego acetabuloplasty (mSDA), and the Pemberton acetabuloplasty (PA).

Methods:

Fourteen patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip and computed tomography (CT) imaging were identified. From CT images, 2 identical pelvises were 3-dimensional-printed for each patient. Bone was printed with rigid material, and cartilage with flexible material. For each model pair, the SDA was performed on one and the PA was performed on the other. CT scans were obtained before and after acetabuloplasties. Next, the bone graft in the SDA model was moved anteriorly, representing the mSDA, and the model was rescanned. Acetabular version, tilt, and coverage angles (posterior, superior-posterior, superior, superior-anterior, and anterior) were calculated. Preoperative to postoperative differences were compared (repeated measures analysis of variance or Wilcoxon signed rank test). The significance was set to P<0.05.

Results:

The mean age at CT was 5.8±1.2 years (range: 3.9 to 7.5 y). All 3 procedures (SDA, mSDA, and PA) significantly increased acetabular tilt; P<0.045), with a similar change observed for all 3 (P=0.868). PA was the only procedure to significantly decrease relative acetabular version (6.5±6.5 degrees, preoperative: 12.9±5.3 degrees; P=0.004). Both the SDA and mSDA procedures significantly increased coverage in the superior-posterior octant (SDA: 92.6±9.3 degrees, mSDA: 92.3±9.8 degrees, preoperative: 81.9±9.5 degrees; P<0.02), with a similar percent change among the 2 (P=1.0). All 3 procedures significantly increased superior coverage (P<0.04); the increase was similar among the 3 (P=0.205). The PA was the only procedure to produce a significant increase in coverage in the superior-anterior octant (91.0±16.7 degrees, preoperative: 74.0±12.1 degrees; P=0.005) or the anterior octant (50.7±11.7 degrees, preoperative: 45.8±8.9 degrees; P=0.012).

Conclusions:

The SDA and mSDA procedures produced similar postoperative changes, primarily in the superior and superior-posterior acetabular octants. Placing the graft more anteriorly did not increase anterior coverage in the mSDA, and only the PA increased coverage in the superior and superior-anterior acetabular octants.
Zilebesiran: A Promising Antihypertensive Therapy Inhibiting Angiotensinogen Synthesis
Authors: Khan Rida S. , Frishman William H.
Published: February 2024

Systemic hypertension is one of the most common noncommunicable diseases globally, with over one billion people affected. Despite the widespread use of numerous antihypertensive drugs, it is estimated that only a fifth of diagnosed patients achieve adequate blood pressure control. For this reason, the pursuit for novel antihypertensive therapies is ongoing. Zilebesiran, an siRNA designed to target the liver, is the newest potential addition to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system-inhibiting drugs. This subcutaneous injection post-transcriptionally silences the AGT gene responsible for the synthesis of angiotensinogen. By preventing the progenitor protein of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, zilebesiran blocks the downstream production of angiotensin II, which plays multiple roles in blood pressure elevation. Phase I clinical trials have demonstrated a dose-dependent negative relationship between zilebesiran and blood pressure/serum angiotensinogen levels—with sustained effects up to 6 months. Researchers also demonstrated a promising safety profile, as most of the adverse events were mild to moderate in nature. Phase II trials assessing efficacy and optimal dosing are currently underway, with a predicted completion by 2025.
Core Leadership Competencies in Navigating the Healthcare Landscape: Engaging Our Workforce
Authors: Werft Ron C.
Published: February 2024

It comes as no surprise that healthcare leaders today face unprecedented challenges. Some are immediate. Others are long-term. Many are interrelated. All are complex. None of them are small, as they include financial sustainability, mission, quality and patient safety, rapidly advancing technology, changing consumer expectations, new market entrants, healthcare inequities, and more regulation. One challenge, though, tops that list: workforce shortages. Although many individuals continue to be drawn to healthcare, the numbers are insufficient to meet increasing demand. Transforming care models will be crucial in meeting the needs of communities. The development of core competencies in driving transformation—embracing innovation and technology, creating a shared vision, and engaging teams in this process—is essential in leading this transformation.
Patients and Providers Win with a Collaborative Community-Based, Health Education and Wellness Program
Authors: Hunter Byron , Torrence Kandra , Keller Laura , Parker Joy
Published: February 2024

At the downturn of the COVID-19 pandemic, JPS Health Network sought creative ways to ramp up services and reengage patients in care. The network's strategies for population health management, community engagement, and access to care came together in 2022 with the initial development of the JPS Health and Wellness Program. Today, the program supports patients—particularly those most in need—in navigating the continuum of care. Offerings include classes and resources covering behavioral health, heart disease, diabetes, COVID-19, nutrition, and injury prevention. The program also provides referrals to partner agencies to address social determinants of health. Another important aspect of the JPS Health and Wellness Program is its role in workforce development to accommodate these vital new offerings.
Severe Corneal Damage After Minor Eyelid Surgery: A Case Series
Authors: Bonte Anne-Sophie , Ni Dhubhghaill Sorcha , Leysen Inge , Koppen Carina
Published: February 2024

Objectives:

To present three cases of serious corneal complications after seemingly minor and uncomplicated eyelid surgery.

Methods:

These cases emphasize the real-world risk of corneal damage after oculoplastic surgery.

Results:

The first case is a 46-year-old man referred to our department with a corneal perforation after bilateral blepharoplasty of both upper and lower eyelids. The second case concerns a 51-year-old woman who suffered an accidental coagulation of the cornea during the removal of upper eyelid papillomas, and the third case is a 55-year-old woman who had severe corneal thinning accompanied by visual loss after an upper lid blepharoplasty. All patients were stabilized without the need for corneal transplantation, although there were significant corneal scars and sequelae.

Conclusions:

Although complications after esthetic oculoplastic surgery are rare, the reported cases show that corneal damage can have a major impact on the patient's vision and quality of life. Strategies such as the use of a corneal shield can be used to mitigate these risks, but their use is debated. Nevertheless, diligent postoperative care is paramount. At the first postoperative visit, a basic visual acuity measurement should be performed. In cases where reduced vision is reported, particularly when accompanied by pain, patients should be urgently referred for specialized eye care.
Validated Calculators Predicting Cesarean Delivery After Induction: Accuracy in an External Population
Authors: Shao Shirley J. , Teal E. Nicole , Lewkowitz Adam K. , Gaw Stephanie L. , Sobhani Nasim C.
Published: February 2024

(Abstracted from Obstet Gynecol 2023;142:99–107)

A variety of pregnancy conditions result in induction of labor; usually this method is used when the risks of continuing pregnancy outweigh the risks of delivery and to alleviate risk of perinatal death or other adverse outcomes. A significant proportion of labor inductions end in cesarean delivery due to a myriad of factors, but predicting these factors or the likelihood of cesarean delivery at the time of induction is difficult.
Elevated Plasma CXCL8 Concentrations in Significant Fibrosis but Not in Subclinical Rejection After Adult Liver Transplantation
Authors: Campos-Murguia Alejandro , Hupa-Breier Katharina Luise , Hartleben Björn , Wedemeyer Heiner , Taubert Richard , Engel Bastian
Published: February 2024

Background.

The noninvasive detection of subclinical graft injury including subclinical T cell–mediated rejection (subTCMR) is one of the unresolved challenges after liver transplantation. Recently, serum C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) was proposed as a highly accurate marker of subTCMR in pediatric liver transplant recipients. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the quantification of this chemokine for predicting subTCMR in adult liver transplant recipients, as well as its capacity to classify patients who could benefit from immunosuppression reduction.

Methods.

Plasma CXCL8 concentrations were measured retrospectively in a prospectively collected cohort of adult liver transplant recipients with well-characterized histologic phenotypes.

Results.

In total, 78 patients were included. Median plasma CXCL8 concentrations did not differ (P = 0.24) between patients without histological evidence of rejection (3.6 [0.4–22.0] pg/mL), subTCMR (11.5 [0.4–41.0] pg/mL), clinical TCMR (9.4 [0.4–40.5] pg/mL), and other etiologies of graft injury (8.7 [0.4–31.2] pg/mL). Likewise, plasma CXCL8 concentrations did not discriminate between patients within and outside histologic criteria for immunosuppression reduction that were proposed by the 2016 Banff Working Group on Liver Allograft Pathology (cutoff: 10.9 pg/mL, sensitivity: 0.48, and specificity: 0.79). Furthermore, weak correlation was found between plasma CXCL8 and alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (Spearman ρ = 0.18 and 0.25). Patients with significant fibrosis (17.8 [0.4–40.5] pg/mL) showed higher plasma CXCL8 concentrations than patients without fibrosis (8.2 [0.4–41.0] pg/mL; P = 0.05).

Conclusions.

Plasma CXCL8 concentrations are not predictive of subclinical graft injury or of histological criteria for the minimization of immunosuppression in adult liver transplant recipients.
Ecological dependencies and the illusion of cooperation in microbial communities
Authors: Hesse Elze , O’Brien Siobhán
Published: February 2024

Ecological dependencies – where organisms rely on other organisms for survival – are a ubiquitous feature of life on earth. Multicellular hosts rely on symbionts to provide essential vitamins and amino acids. Legume plants similarly rely on nitrogen-fixing rhizobia to convert atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia. In some cases, dependencies can arise via loss-of-function mutations that allow one partner to benefit from the actions of another. It is common in microbiology to label ecological dependencies between species as cooperation – making it necessary to invoke cooperation-specific frameworks to explain the phenomenon. However, in many cases, such traits are not (at least initially) cooperative, because they are not selected for because of the benefits they confer on a partner species. In contrast, dependencies in microbial communities may originate from fitness benefits gained from genomic-streamlining (i.e. Black Queen Dynamics). Here, we outline how the Black Queen Hypothesis predicts the formation of metabolic dependencies via loss-of-function mutations in microbial communities, without needing to invoke any cooperation-specific explanations. Furthermore we outline how the Black Queen Hypothesis can act as a blueprint for true cooperation as well as discuss key outstanding questions in the field. The nature of interactions in microbial communities can predict the ability of natural communities to withstand and recover from disturbances. Hence, it is vital to gain a deeper understanding of the factors driving these dynamic interactions over evolutionary time.
The impact of environmental innovation and national culture on ESG practices: a study of Latin American companies
Authors: Souza Paulo Vitor Souza de , Dalcero Kátia , Ferreira Denize Demarche Minatti , Paulo Edilson
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices are influenced by environmental innovations and how cultural dimensions moderate this interaction in Latin American companies.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper 157 companies from 6 Latin American countries were studied between 2010 and 2021, with a total of 1,204 observations. Data were collected from Refinitiv Eikon®, and results were generated using ordinary least squares regression, with country and year as controls.

Findings

ESG performance is higher in companies that invest in environmental innovation; innovation positively affects individual ESG factors; and masculinity, individualism, indulgence and power distance positively or negatively moderate the relationship between innovation and ESG performance, as well as environmental and social dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

Our findings contribute to the body of knowledge on sustainable practices in different cultures. We draw the attention of standard setters to the impact of innovation and culture on ESG practices in different countries.

Practical implications

Better understanding of how environmental innovation can mitigate inequality, poverty and environmental issues in Latin America, promoting equitable development and environmental preservation.

Social implications

Latin American countries show significant levels of poverty, social and productive heterogeneity, and deficiencies in sustainable practices. Therefore, providing information on innovation as an incentive for better sustainable policies can promote these practices.

Originality/value

Our study fills a gap by examining the specific influence of environmental innovation on ESG performance, particularly through its interactions with cultural dimensions, in a sample of Latin American firms.
A path to success: educational board diversity and its influence on MENA banks’ efficiency and stability
Authors: Issa Ayman , Sahyouni Ahmad , Mateev Miroslav
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how the diversity of educational levels within bank boards influences the efficiency and stability of banks operating in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Unlike previous studies, this analysis also investigates the role of board gender diversity in moderating the relationship between board educational level diversity and bank efficiency and financial stability in MENA.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a sample of 77 banks in the MENA region spanning the years 2011 to 2018 is used. The relationship between the presence of highly educated directors on the board, bank efficiency and stability is assessed using the ordinary least squares method. Additionally, the authors use the Generalized Method of Moments technique to correct endogeneity problem.

Findings

This study establishes a positive association between the presence of directors with advanced educational backgrounds on bank boards and bank efficiency and stability. Furthermore, the inclusion of women on the board strengthens this relationship.

Practical implications

These findings have important implications for policymakers and regulators in the MENA region, suggesting that promoting diversity policies that encourage the participation of highly educated directors on bank boards can contribute to enhanced efficiency and financial stability. Policymakers may also consider implementing quotas or guidelines to improve gender diversity in board appointments, thereby fostering bank performance in the region.

Originality/value

This study stands out for its innovation and distinctiveness, as it delves into the connection between board educational level diversity and bank efficiency in the MENA region. Notably, it surpasses previous research by investigating the moderating role of board gender diversity, thus offering valuable insights into the complex interplay between these two facets of board diversity. This contribution enriches the existing literature by providing novel perspectives on board composition dynamics and its influence on bank efficiency and stability.
Designing for identity: how and when brand visual aesthetics enable consumer diasporic identity
Authors: Buschgens Mark , Figueiredo Bernardo , Blijlevens Janneke
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how and when visual referents in brand visual aesthetics (i.e. colours, shapes, patterns and materials) serve as design applications that enable consumer diasporic identity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses an innovative methodology that triangulates 58 in-depth interviews with diasporic consumers, 9 interviews with brand managers and designers and a visual analysis of brands (food retailer, spices and nuts, skincare, hair and cosmetics, ice cream and wine) to provide a view of the phenomenon from multiple perspectives.

Findings

This study illustrates how and when particular applications and compositions of product and design referents support diasporic identity for Middle Eastern consumers living outside the Middle East. Specifically, it illustrates how the design applications of harmonising (applying separate ancestral homeland and culture of living product and design referents simultaneously), homaging (departing from the culture of living product and design referents with a subtle tribute to ancestral homeland culture) and heritaging (departing from the ancestral homeland culture product and design referents with slight updates to a culture of living style) can enable diasporic identity in particular social situations.

Research limitations/implications

Although applied to the Middle Eastern diaspora, this research opens up interesting avenues for future research that assesses diasporic consumers’ responses to brands seeking to use visual design to engage with this market. Moreover, future research should explore these design applications in relation to issues of cultural appreciation and appropriation.

Practical implications

The hybrid design compositions identified in this study can provide brand managers with practical tools for navigating the design process when targeting a diasporic segment. The design applications and their consequences are discussed while visually demonstrating how they can be crafted.

Originality/value

While previous research mainly focused on how consumption from the ancestral homeland occurred, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine how hybrid design compositions that combine a diaspora’s ancestral homeland culture and their culture of living simultaneously and to varying degrees resonate with diasporic consumers.
Higher education managers’ perception of university reputation components: a model for Middle Eastern countries
Authors: Romiani Yones , Ghoraishi Khorasgani Maryam Sadat , Norollahee Saeid
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Nowadays, universities increasingly consider reputation as a key component for improving quality and rankings. A positive reputation opens doors to added value and diverse opportunities. This paper aims to explore Middle Eastern higher education managers' perceptions of university reputation components.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the significance of this concept in Middle Eastern universities, a descriptive phenomenological qualitative approach is adopted to identify these key components. The study includes interviews with university managers, and data are collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically.

Findings

The findings reveal that, from the perspective of higher education managers, university reputation is influenced by four main components: university management and leadership, quality and performance, identity and image and social responsibility. These components are tailored to the context of Middle Eastern countries.

Practical implications

Practical implications are clearly laid out in the form of four key themes for higher education managers in Middle Eastern countries to manage reputation.

Originality/value

The study’s outcomes can be used as a guide for university managers in developing countries to change the situation in their favor and achieve great success in the competitive condition of universities by planning and making policies in this direction. Also, the managers of higher education in the Middle Eastern countries can take advantage of the components of this study to improve the quality and quantity of their universities and take an important step towards increasing the university’s reputation at the international level.
Exploring the mediating role of big data in the relationship between servant leadership and firm performance: insights from private hospitals in India
Authors: Kumar Anup , Chauhan Vinit Singh
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between servant leadership and its dimensions on firm performance, with big data playing the role of a mediator.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey responses used for analysis in this study have been taken from business managers associated reputed private sector organizations in India. A conceptual model is proposed grounded to the Conservation of Resource Theory (COR). Structural equation modeling has been used to test the proposed model.

Findings

Servant leadership significantly relates to firm performance, whereby Big Data is seen to play the role of a mediator. The results also indicate that none of the dimensions of servant leadership independently affect firm performance.

Originality/value

The study adds to extant research by examining the mediating mechanism of Big Data in servant leadership and firm performance. It also suggests that each dimension of servant leadership gets reflected in overall servant leadership. Here it is important to note that Big Data analytics partially mediate the effectiveness of servant leadership.
National and sectoral information technology planning: a systematic literature review
Authors: Alidousti Sirous , Sahli Farzane
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The public sector (PS) has extensively utilized information technology (IT); however, research reveals that the failure rate remains high, particularly for national and sectoral IT (NaSIT) applications. To this end, numerous studies have been conducted to gauge the success of IT applications, where a significant number have demonstrated the importance of planning in this regard. Consequently, the current study aims to investigate the factors that influence the success of NaSIT planning and implementation within this sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology and a systematic literature review encompassing papers indexed in seven databases until November 2022 were utilized.

Findings

The review of 92 selected papers revealed that the success of NaSIT planning and implementation is influenced by a number of factors divided into nine main categories. These include vision, goals and objectives; alignment; interoperability; infrastructure; involvement; equity and digital divide; privacy, security and trust; administration; and culture. Human, social, economic and organizational factors comprise the vast majority of these factors. By addressing these factors, the failure rate of IT plans can be reduced. Governments will be able to effectively employ this technology to accomplish their missions if these factors are considered in order to decrease the failure rate of IT plans.

Originality/value

By examining the factors that influence the success of NaSIT planning and implementation in the PS, this study attempts to provide a comprehensive view of various types of research. Furthermore, policymakers can employ this perspective to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the PS.
Corporate social responsibility and bank value: evidence from bank capital
Authors: Low Grace , Li Qi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on banks’ capital, value and risk by investigating its impact on capital inflows and asset quality. The authors aim to investigate the value-protective characteristics of socially responsible performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a two-stage least squares approach with instrumental variables, with bank and year fixed effects to address concerns regarding endogeneity, specifically reverse causality and unobservable factors.

Findings

The results confirm a positive association of CSR with capital adequacy, including higher quality Tier 1 Capital. The authors find strong evidence that banks with higher CSR scores are associated with greater bank value and lower risk. The extended analyses find that the improvement in capital is from annual growth in capital and lower risky assets.

Originality/value

The research advances the field by providing new empirical evidence of a positive association between CSR and capital, including high-quality Tier 1 Capital. This study complements the prior research by simultaneously examining the dynamic links between CSR and capital, bank risk and bank value. The findings are consistent with the view that there is a dynamic link in which CSR affects the operations of banks.
Effect of incorporation of “Licorice powder” on storage stability of curd balls at refrigeration temperature
Authors: Vihan Varsha , Singh V.P. , Umaraw Pramila , Verma Akhilesh Kumar , Verma Shardanand , Singh Chirag
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of integrating “Licorice powder” into curd balls on their storage stability under refrigeration conditions. Through this examination, this study aims to evaluate the potential effects of licorice powder on extending the shelf life, maintaining quality attributes and preserving the overall stability of curd balls when stored at refrigeration temperatures.

Design/methodology/approach

Licorice powder, in varying quantities (1%, 2% and 3%), was incorporated into curd balls alongside a control group lacking licorice (0%). These batches were subsequently stored for 25 days under refrigeration at a temperature of 4 ± 1ºC, using aerobic packaging conditions. During this storage period, the samples were regularly monitored and analyzed for various parameters to assess changes in their properties and qualities.

Findings

The findings indicated that in the treatment groups, pH and titratable acidity were notably lower than those in the control group (p = 0.05). Curd balls enriched with licorice powder exhibited significantly higher levels of 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2-2-azinobis-3ethylbenthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid and total phenolic contents compared to the control (p = 0.05). Furthermore, curd balls containing licorice powder displayed notably lower levels of peroxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and free fatty acids in comparison to the control (p = 0.05). Among all samples, T3 (3%) demonstrated significantly less microbial growth (p = 0.05) than the other groups. Conversely, the sensory panel rated T2 significantly higher than T3 (p = 0.05).

Originality/value

The investigation highlights that curd balls enriched with 2.0% licorice powder demonstrated significant efficacy in preventing the deterioration of physicochemical attributes, enhancing antioxidant capacity, restraining lipid oxidation, curbing microbial growth and ultimately exhibiting the most favorable organoleptic properties among the tested variations. This finding underscores the potential of incorporating 2.0% licorice powder as an effective agent for bolstering the storage stability and overall quality of curd balls during refrigerated storage.
Research on uninterruptable power supply technology for auxiliary winding of electric locomotive while passing the neutral section
Authors: Du Yuliang
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Auxiliary power system is an indispensable part of the train; the auxiliary systems of both electric locomotives and EMUs mainly are powered by one of the two ways, which are either from auxiliary windings of traction transformers or from DC-link voltage of traction converters. Powered by DC-link voltage of traction converters, the auxiliary systems were maintained of uninterruptable power supply with energy from electric braking. Meanwhile, powered by traction transformers, the auxiliary systems were always out of power while passing the neutral section of power supply grid and control system is powered by battery at this time.

Design/methodology/approach

Uninterrupted power supply of auxiliary power system powered by auxiliary winding of traction transformer was studied. Failure reasons why previous solutions cannot be realized are analyzed. An uninterruptable power supply scheme for the auxiliary systems powered by auxiliary windings of traction transformers is proposed in this paper. The validity of the proposed scheme is verified by simulation and experimental results and on-site operation of an upgraded HXD3C type locomotive. This scheme is attractive for upgrading practical locomotives with the auxiliary systems powered by auxiliary windings of traction transformers.

Findings

This scheme regenerates braking power supplied to auxiliary windings of traction transformers while a locomotive runs in the neutral section of the power supply grid. Control objectives of uninterrupted power supply technology are proposed, which are no overvoltage, no overcurrent and uninterrupted power supply.

Originality/value

The control strategies of the scheme ensure both overvoltage free and inrush current free when a locomotive enters or leaves the neutral section. Furthermore, this scheme is cost low by employing updated control strategy of software and add both the two current sensors and two connection wires of hardware.
Transition to adulthood of youth with disabilities: Mapping declared practices to recommended practices
Authors: Ross‐Lévesque Élody , Martin‐Roy Sarah , Julien‐Gauthier Francine , Jacob Steve , Grandisson Marie , St‐Pierre Marie‐Catherine , Dahan‐Oliel Noémie , Lamontagne Marie‐Ève , Desmarais Chantal
Published: February 2024

Positive transition to adulthood of youth with disabilities is influenced by the type of support they receive. This study aims to analyse current transition to adulthood practices in the province of Quebec to map them to recommended practices and present an overview of the situation and needs. A multiple case study methodology included focus groups in six schools with 65 participants as well as internet searches and interviews with experts. A thematic analysis within and across cases was used. Results underscore the best practices in place concerning student‐focused planning, student development, interagency collaboration and family engagement. They also highlight youths' and parents' opinions about strategies to better support transition. While inspiring practices are present, further efforts with regards to programme structures are required to ensure adequate support for transition to adulthood.
Multidimensional and intersectional cultural grievances over gender, sexuality and immigration
Authors: OFF GEFJON
Published: February 2024

In addition to immigration grievances, research shows that radical right voters grieve societal developments regarding gender equality and sexual freedom. Adding to research treating these grievances separately, this article advances a joint understanding of these grievances. I analyse interviews with voters of the German radical right Alternative für Deutschland for perceptions about discrimination and (dis)advantages of natives versus immigrants, men versus women and cis‐hetero versus LGBTQI+ people. I find similar argumentations about these social groups: Most interviewees do not perceive existing structural discrimination. They further perceive zero‐sum dynamics between advances for outgroups and losses for ingroups. In doing so, they consider different ingroup and outgroup characteristics, resulting in perceptions of different material and symbolic (dis)advantages for different groups and a hitherto under‐researched perception of legal (dis)advantages. Additionally, some interviewees jointly refer to various social groups in an expression of ‘multidimensional’ grievances, and some refer to the intersections between several ingroup and outgroup identities in determining a person's (dis)advantages. The parallels in argumentation and the perceptions of multidimensional and intersectional grievances highlight the importance of jointly studying different kinds of cultural grievances.
Policy and hope: The millennium development goals
Authors: Greig Alastair , Turner Mark
Published: February 2024

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were a set of measurable goals and targets agreed to by all United Nations (UN) member countries in 2001 or thereafter to achieve substantial socio‐economic improvement for all developing countries by 2015. The MDGs were defined by some as an ‘international super‐norm’ that made the eradication of extreme poverty a global policy and responsibility. In this article, we examine the broader historical and discursive context that facilitated this institutional emergence and draw on Rorty and Braithwaite to suggest that the MDGs can be considered an ‘institution of hope.’ The paper contextualises the political economy of despair that prevailed in the 1990s before outlining Rorty's critique of neo‐liberalism and post‐developmentalism and explaining the political value of hope as a collective motivating emotion. The paper then examines critiques of the MDGs before concluding that the MDGs performed a valuable function in reinvigorating global concern over poverty eradication, even if, in retrospect, the MDGs themselves remained only what Rorty referred to as a ‘plausible narrative of progress.’
A kernel integral method to remove biases in estimating trait turnover
Authors: Latombe Guillaume , Boittiaux Paul , Hui Cang , McGeoch Melodie A.
Published: February 2024

Trait diversity, including trait turnover, that differentiates the roles of species and communities according to their functions, is a fundamental component of biodiversity. Accurately capturing trait diversity is crucial to better understand and predict community assembly, as well as the consequences of global change on community resilience. Existing methods to compute trait turnover have limitations. Trait space approaches based on minimum convex polygons only consider species with extreme trait values. Tree‐based approaches using dendrograms consider all species but distort trait distance between species. More recent trait space methods using complex polytopes try to harmonise the advantages of both methods, but their current implementation has mathematical flaws.

We propose a new kernel integral method (KIM) to compute trait turnover, based on the integration of kernel density estimators (KDEs) rather than using polytopes. We explore how this approach and the computational aspects of the KDE computation can influence the estimates of trait turnover. The novel method is compared with existing ones using justified theoretical expectations for a large number of simulations in which the number of species and the distribution of their traits is controlled for. The practical application of KIM is then demonstrated using data on plant species introduced to the Pacific Islands of French Polynesia.

Analyses on simulated data show that KIM generates results better aligned with theoretical expectations than other methods and is less sensitive to the total number of species. Analyses for French Polynesia data also show that different methods can lead to different conclusions about trait turnover and that the choice of method should be carefully considered based on the research question.

The mathematical properties of methods for computing trait turnover are crucial to consider because they can have important effects on the results, and therefore lead to different conclusions. The novel KIM method provided here generates values that better reflect the distribution of species in trait space than other methods. We therefore recommend using KIM in studies on trait turnover. In contrast, tree‐based approaches should be kept for phylogenetic diversity, as phylogenetic trees will then reflect the speciation process.
Lead isotope analysis of native copper deposits in the Lake Superior Basin
Authors: Peterson Ryan Edward
Published: February 2024

This paper is a pilot study using lead isotope analysis to source native copper in the Lake Superior Basin. Forty Pb isotope samples are sampled from native copper deposits across the Lake Superior Basin and analyzed via MC‐ICP‐MS at Indiana University's Metal Isotope Lab. The result of this analysis demonstrates that there is a significant overlap between Pb signatures of native copper sources within the Lake Superior Basin. As a result, lead isotope analysis is not recommended as an alternative for sourcing native copper within the Lake Superior Basin.
Differential impact on parental quality of life: Comparing parents to children with autism spectrum disorder and those with other disabilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Laufer Avital , Isman Esther
Published: February 2024

Background

Limited research has examined parental quality of life (QoL) for caregivers of children with special needs, mostly comparing parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to those with typical development. This study examines QoL and related variables during the COVID‐19 pandemic among two comparable groups: parents of children with ASD and parents of children with other diagnoses (non‐ASD).

Method

The sample included 175 Israeli parents (ASD = 101; non‐ASD = 74). The parents were surveyed about the pandemic's effects on family life, child's function, and their own psychological distress, resilience, and QoL.

Results

Parents in both groups reported deterioration in their child's academic, emotional, social, and functioning performance. However, higher psychological distress and more deterioration in child behaviour were reported in the ASD group. In both groups, QoL was positively associated with the introduction of distance learning and parental resilience and negatively associated with psychological distress, deterioration in the child's behaviour and functioning, and increased time spent with the child at home. An interaction analysis indicated that deterioration in a child's behaviour was linked to QoL solely within the ASD group, while home atmosphere was associated with QoL in the non‐ASD group.

Conclusion

While the COVID‐19 pandemic imposed similar challenges on both parental groups, there is evidence that it may have been more challenging for the ASD group. This calls for further examination concerning parents with special needs children, and accordingly, tailoring targeted and specific help for them.