bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifocal tuberculosis revealed by a sternal swelling in an immunocompetent child
Authors: Chehrastane Ghizlane , Benaissa Elmostafa , Radi Abdelilah , EL Hassani Amal , Elouennass Mostafa
Published: August 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common pathogens of bacterial lung infections, especially in underdeveloped nations like Morocco, where the incidence of TB was 97 cases per 100 000 persons in 2019. Thanks to its national TB prevention and control plan, Morocco was able to achieve remarkable progress in the management of TB with an 80% reduction in the total number of patients diagnosed with TB between 1980 and 2018. The national plan also allowed us to reach and maintain a therapeutic rate above 86% since 2002. Sternal TB is a rare clinical condition accounting for 1% of all musculoskeletal TB cases. Due to its rarity and the lack of awareness of clinical presentations, the diagnosis of sternal TB can be quite complex. We describe the case of a 14-year-old Moroccan patient consulting in the Military Hospital Mohammed V-Rabat with central chest pain for 4 months which was not associated with breathing, physical exercise or eating. The patient also had a history of asthenia, fever and weight loss. A computed tomography scan of the chest showed a destructive lesion of the sternum. Afterward, a chirurgical biopsy was performed and enabled to confirm the microbiological diagnosis of TB with the realization of the real-time PCR. The antitubercular therapy was given to the patient who had complete resolution of symptoms. This condition should be included in the differential diagnosis of chronic chest pain that mimics costochondritis particularly in patients from endemic areas.
Trans-Golgi network-lipid droplet contacts maintain the TGN integrity and function via lipid transfer activities of VPS13B
Authors: Du Yuanjiao , Xiong Juan , Ji Wei-Ke
Published: August 2024

While the physical interactions between the Golgi apparatus (Golgi) and lipid droplets (LDs) have been suggested through system-level imaging, the bona fide and functional Golgi-LD membrane contact sites (MCSs) remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we demonstrate that vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein 13B (VPS13B) mediates trans-Golgi network (TGN)-LD interactions. VPS13B is specifically accumulated at TGN-LD MCSs with its C-terminal region targeting LDs via an amphipathic helix while a putative WD40 module and a C-terminal Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain independently recognizing TGN via directly binding to Rab6. A putative lipid transfer domain (LTD) at the N-terminal portion of VPS13B binds glycerophospholipidsin vitro. VPS13B suppression results in severe fragmentation of the TGN, an effect that can be almost completely rescued by the expression of VPS13B-LTD. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that VPS13B mediates lipid transfer at TGN-LD MCSs to maintain TGN integrity and function.
Elevated renin activity and change in sleep apnea with primary aldosteronism
Authors: Kidawara Yonekazu , Kadoya Manabu , Igeta Masataka , Kakutani-Hatayama Miki , Morimoto Akiko , Miyoshi Akio , Kanzaki Akinori , Konishi Kosuke , Daimon Takashi , Koyama Hidenori
Published: August 2024

Background

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is higher in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA), while elevated renin activity after treatment is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events. However, the association of PA with degree of OSA remains unclear and it is not known whether elevated renin activity in PA patients is associated with change in apnea condition.

Methods

Cross-sectional relationships between PA (n=176) and degree of OSA classified by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) with use of an apnomonitor were investigated, with the results compared with those obtained with non-PA patients (n=418). Additionally, the effects of elevated renin activity on change in AHI were prospectively examined in 45 patients with PA.

Results

Patients with PA were found to be significantly associated with severe OSA even after adjustment for other clinical risk factors (odds ratio 2.08, 95% confidence interval 1.09-3.95, p = 0.025) as compared to those without PA. Furthermore, the logarithm of the renin activity after treatment and change in AHI before and after treatment were significantly negatively correlated, with Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r = -0.364, p = 0.014).

Conclusions

Severe OSA is more commonly seen in PA patients with hypertension as compared to patients without PA, and elevated renin activity may contribute to improvement of sleep apnea in patients with PA.
Online education and its relation to hearing status among higher-secondary students in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Hridi Syeda Tasnim Tabassum , Iktidar Mohammad Azmain , Tamjid Arrafi , Ghosh Punam , Kabir Kazi Sudipta , Zaber Abdullah Al , Babu Rifat Tasnim , Mehzabeen Maliha , Gupta Aysharja Das , Chowdhury Sreshtha , Roy Simanta
Published: August 2024

Background

Online education gained its popularity in the education system during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The online platform, including social media, was institutionalized globally for the purpose of tutoring to keep the education process ongoing under feasible circumstances. However, the post-pandemic continuation of online education and prolonged usage of electronic devices imposed a greater risk of health issues related to sensory impairment. Our study aimed to determine the impact of online education on students’ hearing status and its associated factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1030 students of 11th grade and above who were undergoing online education in Dhaka and Chattogram. Data were collected through the online administration of a structured questionnaire containing questions on sociodemographic status, family history of diseases, personal history of comorbidities, information related to screentime exposure, and SSQ-12 (Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing -12) scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square test, two independent sample t-tests, and multiple linear regression analysis were employed to obtain the results.

Result

The mean SSQ score of the study participants was 7.74±1.37. In bivariate analysis, gender, family income, family history of diseases (e.g., obesity, headache, hearing problem), personal history of diseases (e.g., obesity, insomnia), device type (mobile/tablet, computer), average daily screen time with sound, and break pattern during online learning were significantly (p<0.05 for all) associated with hearing status. In multivariate analysis, being female (coefficient -0.293, p=0.001), using mobile/tablet (coefficient -0.836, p=0.001), and continuous screen use (coefficient -0.348, p=0.003) were significantly associated with poor hearing status.

Conclusion

This current study indicates the detrimental effect of online education on the hearing of young students in Bangladesh. Future studies should explore the long-term hearing effects of online education and guide the policy makers towards necessary preventive approaches.
New design techniques on matching couplers for traveling-wave accelerating structures
Authors: Huang Zhicheng , Wei Yelong , Cao Zexin , Sun Li , Feng Guangyao , Alesini David
Published: August 2024

Numerical optimizations on couplers of the traveling-wave (TW) accelerating structures usually require lots of calculation resources. This paper proposes a new technique for matching couplers to an accelerating structure in a more efficient and accurate way. It combines improved Kroll method with improved Kyhl method, thereby simplifying simulation process while achieving a high accuracy. This paper also presents the detailed design on couplers for a C-band constant-gradient (CG) accelerating structure based on this new technique. Such a new technique can be widely used for any TW accelerating structures working at different frequencies of S-band, C-band, and X-band including CG, constant-impedance (CI), and other structures with either electric couplers or magnetic couplers.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dalitz-plot analysis of
B±→K±K+K−
decays
Authors: Leśniak L. , Żenczykowski P.
Published: August 2024

We study B±→K±K+K− decays using the QCD factorization model with final state interactions between K+ and K− mesons taken into account. The parameters of the model are fitted to the data of the and LHCb collaborations. We describe the KK¯ effective mass distributions and examine the CP-violating asymmetry effects in the full range of the Dalitz plot.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Network analysis of graduate program support structures through experiences of various demographic groups
Authors: Dalka Robert P. , Zwolak Justyna P.
Published: August 2024

Physics graduate studies are substantial efforts on the part of individual students, departments, and institutions of higher education. Understanding the factors that lead to student success and attrition is crucial for improving these programs. One factor that has recently started to be investigated is the broadly defined students’ experiences related to support structures. The Aspects of Student Experience Scale (ASES), a Likert-style survey, was developed by researchers to do just that. In this study, we leverage the network approach for Likert-style surveys (NALS) methodology to provide a unique interpretation of responses to the ASES instrument for well-defined demographic groups. We confirm the validity of our findings by studying the stability of the NALS themes and investigating how they are expressed within demographic-based networks. We find that for all four themes in the original ASES study, certain thematic trends capturing students’ experiences vary across the demographic-based networks in meaningful ways. We also reveal that for some demographic groups, there is an interesting interplay between, and mixing of, the original themes. Finally, our study showcases how NALS can be applied to other Likert-style datasets.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Microstructure, corrosive wear and electrochemical properties of Al2O3 reinforced FeAl coatings by laser cladding
Authors: Haoming Yang , Dejun Kong
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influences of Al2O3 mass fraction on the corrosive wear and electrochemical behaviors of FeAl–xAl2O3 coatings.

Design/methodology/approach

FeAl–xAl2O3 coatings were prepared on S355 steel by laser cladding to improve its corrosive wear and electrochemical properties.

Findings

The average coefficients of friction and wear rates of FeAl–xAl2O3 coatings are decreased with the Al2O3 mass fraction, and the Al2O3 plays a positive role in the corrosion wear resistance. Moreover, the charge transfer resistance of FeAl–xAl2O3 coatings is increased with the Al2O3 mass fraction, showing the FeAl–15%Al2O3 coating has the best corrosion resistance. The findings show the corrosion resistance of FeAl–15%Al2O3 coating is the highest among the three kinds of coatings.

Originality/value

Al2O3 was first added into FeAl coatings to further improve its corrosive wear and electrochemical properties by laser cladding.
A question of longevity: ongoing value of documentary film in an academic library
Authors: Benedetti Susannah , Cross Jeanne G.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the use of physical and streaming documentary film collections available in a mid-sized academic library, specifically relating to the length of time that documentary films may remain relevant for curricular use.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors defined documentary film for the purposes of the study and created data sets of our non-fiction film holdings. They weeded out titles that could not be defined as documentaries and ran use reports for streaming and physical collections. They also used Power BI to visualize the data more clearly.

Findings

The authors found that documentary films could remain useful for 25 years, with certain films remaining relevant even longer.

Originality/value

These findings indicate that purchasing or licensing streaming documentary film packages provides value, including older content. In addition, the authors will continue to make purchases of physical DVD or Blu Ray content when necessary and keep these collections up to 30 years before heavily weeding them.
PetroSahand International Group: the dilemma of outsourcing for EPC activities
Authors: Salmasi Soroush Dehghan , Sepehri Mehran , Dadashzadeh Yashar
Published: August 2024

Learning outcomes

After reading the case and answering the case assignments, students will be able to understand and explain the challenges and opportunities for engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors and their subcontractors; understand and critically analyse the advantages and disadvantages of insourcing and outsourcing of engineering, procurement and construction in EPC projects; determine which situations merit insourcing or outsourcing within each of engineering, procurement and construction in EPC projects; understand and identify the competencies and qualifications that a subcontractor must possess if any EPC activity is outsourced to them; and develop a decision-making framework to determine which EPC activities must be kept in-house or outsourced in EPC projects.

Case overview/synopsis

In mid-March 2021, PetroSahand International Group, a leading EPC contractor specializing in the oil, gas and petrochemicals industries in Iran, encountered significant challenges with its subcontractors in engineering and construction. These issues resulted in widespread repercussions for the company, including project delays and mounting debts. At the peak of these crises, PetroSahand’s senior management embarked on a thorough examination of whether to insource or outsource various aspects of their operations, such as engineering, procurement and construction. Their objective was twofold: to prevent similar setbacks in future projects and to navigate existing projects with minimal disruption to the company’s reputation. To address this critical dilemma, PetroSahand enlisted the expertise of a consulting team from Sharif University of Technology. Comprising esteemed professors, graduates and students from one of Iran’s most respected institutions, this team undertook an exhaustive analysis of the insourcing versus outsourcing debate across EPC domains. Subsequently, they presented their comprehensive findings, thereby confronting PetroSahand’s senior management with a pivotal choice regarding the optimal approach for each activity.

Complexity academic level

The audience of this work is undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in project management courses, both fundamentals and advanced. In addition, this case helps senior managers of EPC contractors gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of insourcing or outsourcing different project activities.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 7: Management science.
Study of a combined Kairat-II-X equation: Painlevé integrability, multiple kink, lump and other physical solutions
Authors: Wazwaz Abdul-Majid , Alhejaili Weaam , El-Tantawy Samir
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore a novel model that integrates the Kairat-II equation and Kairat-X equation (K-XE), denoted as the Kairat-II-X (K-II-X) equation. This model demonstrates the connections between the differential geometry of curves and the concept of equivalence.

Design/methodology/approach

The Painlevé analysis shows that the combined K-II-X equation retains the complete Painlevé integrability.

Findings

This study explores multiple soliton (solutions in the form of kink solutions with entirely new dispersion relations and phase shifts.

Research limitations/implications

Hirota’s bilinear technique is used to provide these novel solutions.

Practical implications

This study also provides a diverse range of solutions for the K-II-X equation, including kink, periodic and singular solutions.

Social implications

This study provides formal procedures for analyzing recently developed systems that investigate optical communications, plasma physics, oceans and seas, fluid mechanics and the differential geometry of curves, among other topics.

Originality/value

The study introduces a novel Painlevé integrable model that has been constructed and delivers valuable discoveries.
Predicting construction schedule overruns during COVID-19 using ordinal logistic regression
Authors: Adepu Nikhitha , Kermanshachi Sharareh , Pamidimukkala Apurva , Nwakpuda Emily
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on the construction industry were formidable and far-reaching, as the construction sector is a major contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP), which balances various sectors of the global economy, and to infrastructure growth, which is a primary gauge of a nation’s advancement. The outbreak led to workforce disruptions, worker deficits, dwindling efficiency, elongated project durations, and scarce opportunities for training and mentorship, and despite endeavors to mitigate these challenges, construction timelines experienced significant interruptions. Various researchers have pinpointed contributing elements, but few have constructed a predictive model to gauge the degree of impact.

Design/methodology/approach

Therefore, this research intends to fill by introducing an ordinal logistic regression method to forecast the impacts of a pandemic or other similar type of crisis. To achieve this, an online survey was developed and distributed to collect the perceptions of the construction engineers and managers about the diverse contributors to the exceeding project timelines during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

Findings

Findings from this study indicate that financial liquidity, modifications to original plans, delays in securing governmental clearances, and a shortage of competent labor have medium-to-high levels of impact on project schedules.

Originality/value

This study will furnish decision-makers with crucial knowledge that will give them the tools to refine their strategies and judiciously allocate resources to overcome the unique hurdles encountered by various construction segments and will enhance the industry's capability to respond more effectively to challenges inherent in this type of crisis.
Research on the influencing factors and upgrading paths for innovation and entrepreneurship education in universities under the background of sustainable development goals: a QCA empirical study on new engineering of Chinese and foreign universities
Authors: Wang Xu
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The global COVID-19 epidemic has posed significant challenges to the development of innovation and entrepreneurship education in Chinese and foreign universities, and the application of artificial intelligence generated content (AIGC) technology has presented both opportunities and challenges to its development. The purpose of this study is to summarize advanced experiences and models of new engineering innovation and entrepreneurship education development in Chinese and foreign universities, as well as to analyze the influencing factors. Taking the sustainable development goals (SDGs) into account, this study qualitatively proposes enhancement paths and improvement suggestions based on the application of AIGC technology, providing a reference for promoting the sustainable development (SD) of innovation and entrepreneurship education in Chinese universities.

Design/methodology/approach

By using the qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), this paper studies the interaction mechanism between the influencing factors of innovation and entrepreneurship in universities under the background of SDGs. This paper selects 12 representative universities with different cultures and strengths. Meanwhile, this paper analyzes the content of 2,535 publications on innovation and entrepreneurship education and summarizes seven influencing factors as comparison criteria. Then, this paper codes, summarizes and uses configuration to assess the primary factors influencing the development of innovation and entrepreneurship in colleges and universities at home and abroad.

Findings

On the quality of new engineering innovation and entrepreneurship education, comprehensive, diverse influencing factors and upgrading paths are obtained. Furthermore, this research proposes that the SD of innovation and entrepreneurship education in universities should make effective use of “AI plus education” and actively construct practical and teaching platforms. Meanwhile, the ChatGPT is being used to strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurship curricular system and talent training mode. The research also makes recommendations for improving teachers’ ability to acquire intelligent tools and promotes three-way teaching modalities of “teacher-AI-student” by taking into account the influence of various aspects.

Originality/value

This research uses the QCA research method, which analyzes not only influencing factors on the SD of innovation and entrepreneurship education but also explores the interaction mechanisms among factors. Furthermore, the research incorporates SDGs and AIGC technology application scenarios into the field of domestic innovation and entrepreneurship education, which will be helpful in SDGs of innovation and entrepreneurship education on both theoretical and practical levels.
#Fakefamous: how do influencers use disinformation to establish long-term credibility on social media?
Authors: Bahar Varqa Shamsi , Hasan Mahmudul
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Credible influencers play a key role in shaping the views and preferences of social media users. However, many influencers intentionally use disinformation (e.g. false narratives) to deceive users and gain their trust. This can have serious repercussions, not only for the firms that associate with these influencers but also for users. Further, and alarmingly, many influencers who use disinformation can sustain their credibility over time. This research explores how influencers use disinformation to establish long-term credibility on social media.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on self-presentation theory, we use an in-depth qualitative case study to address our research question, primarily relying on archival data obtained from multiple sources.

Findings

Our findings suggest that three stages of self-presentation are required to establish influencer credibility based on disinformation: backstage (preparing to deceive), experimentation (testing deception), and frontstage (launching deceptive ideas on a large scale). We also find that when fraudulent influencers simultaneously weaponise a counterculture and mindfully encase disinformation, users view them as highly credible.

Practical implications

We offer practical suggestions for regulating fraudulent influencers, including enacting fact-checking procedures, using IT artefacts as reliability signals, and building awareness programmes to develop vigilance in social media communities.

Originality/value

We contribute to self-presentation theory by adding experimentation as a critical stage in developing disinformation that works for long periods. We also contribute to the literature at the intersection of social media influencers and disinformation research by revealing why social media users believe in fraudulent influencers.
World heritage brand: the importance of trust and authenticity to visitors' perceived world heritage site value
Authors: Sousa Ana , Rodrigues Paula
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This research analysed visitors’ trust in and perceptions of the authenticity and value of the World Heritage (WH) brand based on theories of information seeking behaviour and perceived value.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained through a self-administrated online survey and the 818 questionnaires completed. Quantitative methods were applied including PLS-SEM modelling.

Findings

The findings show that trust in the WH brand influences individuals’ perceptions of WH sites (WHSs), and brand authenticity is an important determinant of visitors’ perceived WHS value.

Originality/value

This study extends the existing theoretical research on WH brand management and tourism behaviour by evaluating data on natural, tangible and intangible WHSs.
Narratives of and for survival in family firms: family influence on narrative processing
Authors: Boyd Britta , Koellner Tobias , Ruesen Tom Arne , Kleve Heiko
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Resilience of long-lived family businesses has been widely acknowledged but the mechanisms enabling longevity need to be further investigated. This can be done by examining how narratives about crisis situations are processed in family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on narrative interviews, this qualitative study examines how crisis situations have been dealt with and narrated by long-lived German family firms.

Findings

Narratives of survival can have a strengthening effect so they become also narratives for survival. The analysis reveals how the constructive management of crises contributes to emotional attachment, identification and commitment and also strengthens resilience and longevity.

Originality/value

The study contributes to narrative identity theory by answering calls for narrative analysis and capturing the influence of narratives on family firms and business families. The discussion of the findings leads to the narrative processing model showing how past crises are processes to gain identity and resilience in the future and how the business family can influence this process.
Shaping anti-corruption strategies: investigator perspectives on electronic records
Authors: Lawan Aliyu Abubakar , Henttonen Pekka
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the specific difficulties involved in implementing electronic recordkeeping for anti-corruption investigations in Nigeria. It recognises the importance of technological advancements in such investigations and the need for efficient, internationally recognised services, especially in a country where manual processes are prevalent.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative, exploratory case study approach. Data were gathered through interviews with 15 anti-corruption investigators in Nigeria in the year 2020 and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

This study identified two main challenges: resistance to adopting technological change and indifference towards information technology.

Originality/value

This study highlights the transformative potential of technology, specifically cloud computing and forensic technology, in an investigative context. By intentionally integrating technology, existing deficiencies can be addressed, investigative processes can be streamlined and a culture of accountability can be cultivated. It contributes to ongoing discussions and emphasises the capacity of technology to drive significant transformation in the pursuit of integrity and justice.
A shadowy negotiation involving dams and its fiscal and legal implications: a Portuguese case study
Authors: Costa Dias Eva , Pinho Micaela , Preto Diana
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the intricate and controversial sale of six hydroelectric dams in the Douro hydrographic basin by Energias de Portugal (EDP), a prominent Portuguese energy company, to a French Consortium – ENGIE. The transaction, completed at the end of 2020, has sparked significant debate and scrutiny within the Portuguese legal and fiscal spheres due to its corporate and budgetary manoeuvres. The crux of the controversy lies in the complex corporate restructuring strategies used by EDP and the acquiring consortium to execute this transaction. These strategies, aimed at achieving tax neutrality, effectively circumvented the traditional tax liabilities typically associated with large-scale asset transfers. The paper delves into the legal intricacies of this operation, scrutinising the application of taxes such as stamp duty, corporate income tax, value added tax and property transfer tax, which were, in theory, applicable to the transaction. Furthermore, this study examines the broader implications of the deal, particularly concerning the principle of tax neutrality in corporate restructurings, the enforcement of anti-abuse clauses and the economic substance over legal form doctrine.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on secondary data supported by publicly reported evidence.

Findings

This case study highlights the challenges in taxing corporate transactions in the modern financial landscape and reflects these corporate manoeuvres' societal and ethical considerations.

Originality/value

Through an analysis of legal frameworks, corporate strategies and tax policies, this paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the transaction and its implications, offering insights valuable to legal professionals, policymakers and scholars in corporate law, taxation and business ethics.
Unraveling the dynamics: exploring the nexus between abusive supervision, counterproductive work behaviors and the moderating influence of mindfulness
Authors: Junça Silva Ana , Encarnação Clara
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Relying on the affective events theory, this study conceptualizes abusive supervision as a micro-affective event and tests a multilevel moderated mediation arguing that abusive behaviors from the supervisor trigger negative affective reactions that, in turn, will enhance the likelihood of counterproductive work behaviors (interpersonal and organizational). We further propose that mindfulness will shape how employees react to abusive behaviors from supervisors.

Design/methodology/approach

A daily diary study conducted for five consecutive days was developed with Portuguese working adults (N = 176*5 = 880).

Findings

The multilevel findings showed that abusive behaviors triggered negative affect and this, in turn, promoted both forms of counterproductive work behaviors. The indirect effect regarding interpersonal counterproductive work behavior was moderated by mindfulness in such a way that the indirect effect was stronger for those who scored lower on mindfulness (versus higher levels). The indirect effect on organizational counterproductive work behavior was not significantly moderated by mindfulness.

Practical implications

The examination of mindfulness as a moderating factor contributes significantly to management by delineating practical strategies to assist employees in effectively managing micro-events involving abusive behaviors from supervisors. Consequently, these findings may inform the development of research-backed strategies aimed at mitigating the affective and behavioral repercussions of an abusive supervisor.

Originality/value

The inclusion of mindfulness in the model is an added value.
Enhancing CSR and purchase intent in service recovery: investigating the interplay of prosocial compensation, hedonic and luxury purchases
Authors: Alhouti Sarah (Sa’arah) , Lindsey Hall Kristina (Kris) , Baker Thomas L.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

As a company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) image can protect from the backlash of a service failure, it is important to remind customers of the company’s CSR commitment when a service failure occurs. One novel mechanism for doing so is through a prosocial service recovery. However, explorations of such service recovery strategies are relatively unknown. Thus, this paper aims to examine how recoveries including prosocial elements compare to those only utilizing monetary compensation strategies and to explore boundary conditions for such effects.

Design/methodology/approach

This research utilizes an experimental design approach across three studies. Participants were recruited from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk.

Findings

This research demonstrates that a recovery including prosocial (vs only monetary) elements can positively impact purchase intent through the firms’ CSR perceptions. The authors show that the benefits of prosocial compensation are contingent on the motivation for visiting a company (e.g. hedonic vs utilitarian) as well as the degree to which the company is perceived as luxurious.

Originality/value

The series of studies provides important theoretical contributions to services marketers by advancing the understanding of novel recovery strategies and demonstrating when companies should initiate such strategies. Implications of the findings and directions for future research are explored.
Predicting students’ performance at higher education institutions using a machine learning approach
Authors: Mohd Zaki Suhanom , Razali Saifudin , Awang Kader Mohd Aidil Riduan , Laton Mohd Zahid , Ishak Maisarah , Mohd Burhan Norhapizah
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Many studies have examined pre-diploma students' backgrounds and academic performance with results showing that some did not achieve the expected level of competence. This study aims to examine the relationship between students’ demographic characteristics and their academic achievement at the pre-diploma level using machine learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data analysis was used in this study, which involved collecting information about 1,052 pre-diploma students enrolled at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pahang Branch between 2017 and 2021. The research procedure was divided into two parts: data collecting and pre-processing, and building the machine learning algorithm, pre-training and testing.

Findings

Gender, family income, region and achievement in the national secondary school examination (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia [SPM]) predict academic performance. Female students were 1.2 times more likely to succeed academically. Central region students performed better with a value of 1.26. M40-income students were more likely to excel with an odds ratio of 2.809. Students who excelled in SPM English and Mathematics had a better likelihood of succeeding in higher education.

Research limitations/implications

This research was limited to pre-diploma students from UiTM Pahang Branch. For better generalizability of the results, future research should include pre-diploma students from other UiTM branches that offer this programme.

Practical implications

This study is expected to offer insights for policymakers, particularly, the Ministry of Higher Education, in developing a comprehensive policy to improve the tertiary education system by focusing on the fourth Sustainable Development Goal.

Social implications

These pre-diploma students were found to originate mainly from low- or middle-income families; hence, the programme may help them acquire better jobs and improve their standard of living. Most students enrolling on the pre-diploma performed below excellent at the secondary school level and were therefore given the opportunity to continue studying at a higher level.

Originality/value

This predictive model contributes to guidelines on the minimum requirements for pre-diploma students to gain admission into higher education institutions by ensuring the efficient distribution of resources and equal access to higher education among all communities.
Reconsidering the impact of environmental, social and governance practices on firm profitability
Authors: Agnese Paolo , Carè Rosella , Cerciello Massimiliano , Taddeo Simone
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates the relationship between commitment to ESG practices and firm performance using a synthetic index based on ESG disclosure and ESG performance scores.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Mazziotta-Pareto aggregation method, we develop a novel synthetic index of ESG engagement based on ESG rating and disclosure. This index is employed in a dynamic panel regression, implemented using the Arellano-Bond estimator, to explain profitability in a sample of 146 listed Canadian firms over the period spanning from 2014 to 2021.

Findings

ESG practices may either foster or hinder firm performance. In particular, a synergy emerges between the social and environmental dimensions of ESG practices, shedding light on the relevance of high standards in terms of environmental and social activities.

Practical implications

The study emphasizes the significance of acknowledging the various facets of ESG engagement and the necessity of transcending the current constraints of accessible ESG data and ratings. Synthetic indices combining different types of ESG information may contribute to mitigating the problems created by strategic disclosure on the part of firms, which typically results in undesirable practices such as greenwashing and social washing.

Originality/value

This is the first study that applies the Mazziotta-Pareto method to develop a synthetic index of ESG engagement, tackling each pillar separately. Moreover, when investigating the effect of ESG engagement on profitability, we allow for cross-pillar synergies and/or trade-offs.
Relationship between phase angle measured with bioelectrical impedance analysis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in adults
Authors: Memiç İnan Cansu , Çapraz Mustafa
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The phase angle (PhA) measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is associated with nutritional status and cellular health, and it is a clinically important parameter used to assess the risk of various diseases. It remains unclear whether PhA is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the BIA parameter PhA and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 adults aged 20–64 years (NAFLD: 196, normal: 104). Some biochemical findings of the participants were collected, and whole-body and segmental PhAs were measured using Tanita (MC-780) at 50 kHz.

Findings

The PhA values of the whole body (p = 0.003), trunk (p < 0.001), right and left legs (p < 0.001 for both) were found to significantly differ according to the degrees of fatty liver. It was observed that the highest PhA values were in normal individuals. Logistic regression analysis showed that the reduction in PhAs of the whole body (p = 0.038), right (p = 0.019) and left legs (p = 0.049) and trunk (p = 0.001) after adjusting for all confounding factors increased the risk of NAFLD. Additionally, whole body PhA was significantly associated with age (year, p = 0.02), BMI (kg/m2; p < 0.001), fat mass (kg; p = 0.001), fat mass (%; p < 0.001), albumin (g/L; p < 0.001) and CRP (mg/dL; p = 0.001).

Originality/value

The results of this study showed that PhA can be used in the management of NAFLD. To identify potential mechanisms in the relationship between the angle of the liver and NAFLD, large-scale prospective studies are needed.
Poverty-free urbanism: six qualitative normative factors and 36 procedures for measuring urban poverty from a deprivation perspective
Authors: Elshater Abeer , Abusaada Hisham
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This review article advocates for a holistic approach to interpreting and addressing urban poverty through the proposal of “poverty-free urbanism” (PFU). By introducing PFU as a holistic approach to measuring poverty from a deprivation perspective, this article confronts the multifaceted challenges of urban poverty, transcending mere material limitations.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an exhaustive qualitative literature review and content analysis, the study identifies six qualitative normative factors: availability, productivity, innovativeness, diversity, fairness, and well-being.

Findings

While promising, the applicability and effectiveness of PFU across diverse urban contexts necessitate further refinement and empirical validation. Future research endeavors should prioritize clarifying the concept of PFU, exploring its practical implementation in varied urban settings, and offering actionable recommendations for fostering inclusive and equitable urban development.

Originality/value

These factors, rooted in critical processes such as ensuring essential services, promoting entrepreneurial activities, fostering bottom-up community development, facilitating dynamic typo-morphological transformations, addressing social exclusion and inequality, and promoting healthy communities, offer a holistic approach for policymakers and practitioners in devising sustainable poverty alleviation strategies.
Price delay and herding: evidence from the cryptocurrency market
Authors: Abou Tanos Barbara , Meharzi Omar
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how the price delay of cryptocurrencies to market news affects the herding behavior of investors, particularly during turbulent events such as the COVID-19 period.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates the presence of herding behavior by using Cross-Sectional Absolute Deviation (CSAD) measures. We also investigate the herding activity in the crypto traders’ behavior during up and down-market movements periods and under investor extreme sentiment conditions. The speed of cryptocurrencies’ price response to the information embedded in the market is assessed based on the price delay measure proposed by Hou and Moskowitz (2005).

Findings

Our findings suggest that cryptocurrencies characterized by high price delays exhibit more herding among investors, thereby highlighting higher degrees of market inefficiencies. This is also apparent during periods of extreme investor sentiment. We also document an asymmetric herding behavior across cryptocurrencies that present different levels of price speed adjustments to market news during bullish and bearish market conditions. Our results are consistent and robust across different sub-periods, various market return estimations and different price delay frequencies.

Practical implications

The study provides crucial guidelines for investors’ asset allocation and risk management strategies. This study is also valuable to regulators and policymakers, particularly in light of the increasing importance of financial reforms aimed at mitigating market distortions and enhancing the resilience of the cryptocurrency market. More specifically, regulations that improve the market’s information efficiency should be prioritized to speed up the response time of cryptocurrency prices to market information, which can help reduce the investors' herding behavior.

Originality/value

This paper makes a novel contribution to the academic literature by investigating the unexplored relationship between cryptocurrency price delays and the presence of herding behavior among investors, especially in times of uncertainty such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thin lines between native and invasive aquatic plants are common, posing challenges for response efforts
Authors: Larkin Daniel J.
Published: August 2024

Lines separating native and invasive plant species can be thin due to close relatedness, obscured by cryptic invasions, or breached by hybridization. Past work suggests these phenomena are especially prevalent in aquatic systems. This could arise from strong filters imposed by aquatic environments magnifying the importance of ‘preadaptation’—non‐native species succeeding where closely related native species occur due to shared traits. If so, there should be stronger signals of preadaptation in aquatic than terrestrial plant invasions, with implications for management.

I tested for stronger influence of preadaptation in aquatic than terrestrial invasions by comparing relatedness of invasive and native species in aquatic versus terrestrial flora of the Midwestern USA using herbarium records and taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses. I predicted that aquatic species would constitute an evolutionarily distinct subset of plants; aquatic invaders would be more closely related, taxonomically and phylogenetically, to native aquatic plants than terrestrial invaders are to their native counterparts; and aquatic invaders from the Midwest's primary donor region (the Palearctic) would be more closely related to Midwestern species than are Palearctic aquatic plants that are not invasive in the Midwest.

Findings supported the evolutionary legacy of adaptation to aquatic environments being reflected in thin lines separating invasive and native aquatic plants. Aquatic species constituted an evolutionarily distinct subset of plants, and invasive aquatic plants were more closely related to native aquatic plants (taxonomically and phylogenetically) than terrestrial invaders were to terrestrial native species.

Additionally, aquatic plants of the Palearctic that are invasive in the Midwest were more closely related to Midwestern natives (phylogenetically, but not taxonomically) than were their non‐invasive counterparts, reinforcing the role of preadaptation.

Synthesis and applications: Thin lines separating native from invasive aquatic plants pose challenges for response efforts. For resource managers, the prevalence of cryptic invasions requires dedicated, robust approaches to surveillance. For outreach, finer distinctions between native and invasive necessitate nuanced approaches to communication and education. And when control is needed, it should be implemented cautiously to minimize nontarget impacts to close native relatives, but thoroughly enough to prevent native relatives being displaced by competition and/or introgression.
Factors associated with difficult intravenous access in the paediatric emergency department: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Dunstan Lucy , Sweeny Amy L , Lam Clayton , Goucher Bianca , Watkins Stuart , George Shane , Snelling Peter J
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Although it is the most performed invasive procedure, peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion in children can be difficult. The primary objective of the study was to identify the factors associated with difficult intravenous access (DIVA) in the paediatric ED, including patient, proceduralist and situational factors.

Methods

This was a single‐centre prospective observational cohort study conducted over 28 consecutive days. Research assistants observed PIVC insertion attempts for children under 16 years of age and recorded data for variables relating to the patient, proceduralist and event. Univariate logistic regression modelling was performed to identify factors associated with DIVA, defined as unsuccessful PIVC insertion on the first attempt.

Results

A total of 134 participants were recruited; 66 were male (49%) with a median age of 5.7 years. Fifty‐two (39%) were classified as having DIVA. There was a total of 207 PIVC insertion attempts with two or more attempts needed for 48 children (36%). Patient factors associated with DIVA included age of 3 years or less and limited vein options. Proceduralist factors included gestalt of 50% or less chance of success, use of a larger gauge (smaller bore) PIVC and less PIVC insertion experience. Situational factors included a combative child, higher pain score and loud ambient noise.

Conclusions

The present study identified multiple patient, proceduralist and situational factors that were associated with DIVA in the paediatric ED. Future studies should explore the development and implementation of a package to address DIVA in children, with the patient‐centred goals of reducing pain and improving success.
Do Green Patent and Renewable Energy Consumption Matter for Sustainable Green Growth in the African Region?
Authors: Danta Subal , Rath Badri Narayan
Published: August 2024

The central idea behind the attainment of green growth is to attain sustained long‐run economic growth without producing any harm to the environment. Green patents and renewable energy consumption are crucial to attaining green growth. As a result, this paper investigates the role of green patents and renewable energy consumption in promoting green growth in forty African countries. Keeping the cross‐sectional dependence and heteroscedasticity among the panel in mind, the study employs the Panel Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE) model to examine its empirical exercise. The results based on the PCSE model find that both variables positively affect green growth in Africa. Consequently, our findings emphasise the significance of promoting green patents and renewable energy consumption as key policy measures to drive sustainable, long‐term growth and elevate green growth within the African region.