bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The apoplastic space of two wheat genotypes provide highly different environment for pathogen colonization: Insights from proteome and microbiome profiling
Authors: Francisco Carolina Sardinha , Abukhalaf Mohammad , Igelmann Clara , Gustke Johanna , Habig Michael , Cassidy Liam , Tholey Andreas , Stukenbrock Eva Holtgrewe
Published: June 2023

The intercellular space comprising the plant apoplast harbors a diverse range of microorganisms. The apoplastic interface represents the main compartment for interactions between proteins produced and secreted by the plant and the microbial endophytes. The outcomes of these interactions can play a role in plant cell wall metabolism, stress tolerance, and plant-pathogen resistance. So far the underlying factors that determine microbiota composition in the apoplast are not fully understood. However, it is considered that cell wall composition, nutrient availability, and the plant immune system are main determinants of microbiota composition. The plant immune system is considered to play a crucial role in modulating microbiota composition through the recognition of specific microbe-associated molecular patterns and the activation of defense responses. Hereby the plant may restrict non-beneficial microbial members and facilitate the propagation of beneficial ones. In this study, we investigated changes in the apoplastic environment during pathogen invasion using wheat as a model system. Infection of wheat with Zymoseptoria tritici, a fungal pathogen, resulted in notable alterations in the apoplast composition, reduced microbial diversity, and the accumulation of antimicrobial defense metabolites. Intriguingly, certain core microbial members persisted even in the presence of pathogen-induced immune responses, indicating their ability to evade or tolerate host immune defenses. To further explore these dynamics, we developed a protocol for extracting apoplastic fluids from wheat leaves and conducted proteome analyses to characterize the dynamic environment of the wheat leaves. Our findings uncovered a highly variable apoplastic environment that selects for microbes with specific adaptations. Notably, a core microbial community enriched in the resistant wheat cultivar exhibited antagonistic activity against Z. tritici, suggesting a potential role in conferring pathogen defense. This study advances our understanding of the dynamic interactions and adaptations of the wheat apoplastic microbiota during pathogen invasion, emphasizing the pivotal role of microbial interactions in pathogen defenses.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld-surface analysis of a monoclinic polymorph of 2-amino-5-chlorobenzophenone oxime at 90 K
Authors: Geetha Doreswamy , Kavitha Channappa N. , Divakara Thayamma R. , Basavaraju Yeriyur B. , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Parkin Sean
Published: June 2023

The synthesis and crystal structure of a monoclinic polymorph of 2-amino-5-chlorobenzophenone oxime, C13H11ClN2O, are presented. The molecular conformation results from twisting of the phenyl and 2-amino-5-chloro benzene rings attached to the oxime group, which subtend a dihedral angle of 80.53 (4)°. In the crystal, centrosymmetric dimers are formed as a result of pairs of strong O—H...N hydrogen bonds. A comparison is made to a previously known triclinic polymorph, including differences in atom–atom contacts obtained via a Hirshfeld-surface analysis.
Application of ethical AI requirements to an AI solution use-case in healthcare domain
Authors: Pourzolfaghar Zohreh , Alfano Marco , Helfert Markus
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the results of applying ethical AI requirements to a healthcare use case. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of using open educational resources for Trustworthy AI to provide recommendations to an AI solution within the healthcare domain.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes the Hackathon method as its research methodology. Hackathons are short events where participants share a common goal. The purpose of this to determine the efficacy of the educational resources provided to the students. To achieve this objective, eight teams of students and faculty members participated in the Hackathon. The teams made suggestions for healthcare use case based on the knowledge acquired from educational resources. A research team based at the university hosting the Hackathon devised the use case. The healthcare research team participated in the Hackathon by presenting the use case and subsequently analysing and evaluating the utility of the outcomes.

Findings

The Hackathon produced a framework of proposed recommendations for the introduced healthcare use case, in accordance with the EU's requirements for Trustworthy AI.

Research limitations/implications

The educational resources have been applied to one use-case.

Originality/value

This is the first time that open educational resources for Trustworthy AI have been utilized in higher education, making this a novel study. The university hosting the Hackathon has been the coordinator for the Trustworthy AI Hackathon (as partner to Trustworthy AI project).
Unmasking healthcare supply chain cost drivers in the United States
Authors: Essila Jean C. , Motwani Jaideep
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the supply chain (SC) cost drivers of healthcare industries in the USA, as SC costs have increased 40% over the last decade. The second-most significant expense, the SC, accounts for 38% of total expenses in a typical hospital, while most other industries can operate within 10% of their operating cost. This makes healthcare centers supply-chain-sensitive organizations with limited facilities for high-quality healthcare services. As the cost drivers of healthcare SC are almost unknown to managers, their jobs become more complex.

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by pragmatism and positivism paradigms, a cross-sectional study has been designed using quantitative and deductive approaches. Both primary and secondary data were used. Primary data were collected from health centers across the country, and secondary data were from healthcare-related databases. This study examined the attributes that explain the most significant variation in each contributing factor. With multiple regression analysis for predicting cost and Student's t-tests for the significance of contributing factors, the authors of this study examined different theories, including the market-based view and five-forces, network and transaction cost analysis.

Findings

This study revealed that supply, materials and services represent the most significant expenses in primary care. Supply-chain cost breakdown results in four critical factors: facility, inventory, information and transportation.

Research limitations/implications

This study examined the data from primary and secondary care institutions. Tertiary and quaternary care systems were not included. Although tertiary and quaternary care systems represent a small portion of the healthcare system, future research should address the supply chain costs of highly specialized organizations.

Practical implications

This study suggests methods that can help to improve supply chain operations in healthcare organizations worldwide.

Originality/value

This study presents an empirically proven methodology for testing the statistical significance of the primary factors contributing to healthcare supply chain costs. The results of this study may lead to positive policy changes to improve healthcare organizations' efficiency and increase access to high-quality healthcare.
What do online reviews communicate? An evidence from emerging economy
Authors: Ahmed Salahuddin , Singh Sapna , Samala Nagaraj
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Online brand is becoming a popular and major gateway for consumers for booking various services specifically when they travel for several purposes. The present study aims to explore whether exposure to two separate yet similar modes of communication intervene consumer's brand trust and their subsequent loyalty intention toward the brand. The study further aims to investigate whether consumer's price consciousness has any influence on association between brand trust and brand loyalty in the process of decision -making.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study follows a different approach to data collection. The data have been retrieved from online brand (Oyo) page on Facebook through Google Form application. In all, 289 useable responses were retrieved from the travelers aged between 18 and 30. Structural equation modeling using SPSS 25.0 and Amos 26.0 has been applied to examine the effects of brand communication and online reviews on brand loyalty through brand trust.

Findings

Empirical evidence supports that even after having strong brand communication, online reviews play a crucial role in consumer's brand loyalty through brand trust. The study further reveals that price consciousness acts as a significant moderator in the relationship between consumer's brand trust and brand loyalty.

Practical implications

The current research contributes to the online brand and marketing knowledge by empirically showing the pertinence of consumer–brand relationship in an online brand context through a parsimonious model by examining how the two distinct mechanisms of communication influences consumer brand trust and loyalty intention.

Originality/value

The parsimonious framework of consumer–brand relationship adds to explicating the dual marketing challenges of communication and to draw a positive consumer response (i.e. consumer brand loyalty). The study attempts to examine the impact of two distinct yet identical modes of communication which facilitate shaping consumer brand trust that reinforce the strategic value of the circumstance and equips it with solid theoretical structure within an endeavor of the strategic significance of online brand managers.
The Beijing Winter Olympics is different! Or is it?: integration and revalidation of residents’ mega-event perceptions and support models
Authors: Chen Ning (Chris) , Chen Xi , Hall Colin Michael , Li Biyun , Wang Xueli , Wang Lingen
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to integrate and revalidate previously proposed various structural models in understanding residents’ attitudes and behaviors in relation to mega-events before the events.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focussed on the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and used a questionnaire-based quantitative survey prior these events. A PLS-SEM analysis was run on a sample of 473 residents, in testing relationships between residents’ trust, perceived impacts, support for hosting and subjective well-being.

Findings

Results revalidate propositions from previous research, but suggest key contextual differences in light of biosecurity risks. Residents’ perceived positive (cultural) and negative (environmental) impacts affect their support for mega-events, and their perceived positive (economic and cultural) and negative (social) impacts affect their subjective well-being. Variances in the relationships were found for those who perceive a high biosecurity risk.

Research limitations/implications

The data were collected from one mega-event, and thus the findings of this study are highly contextualized.

Practical implications

This research suggest that mega-event organizers should put effort into promoting the benefits of hosting mega-events and work collaboratively with stakeholders to reduce potential negative costs and risks as well as increase resident well-being via bringing in economic and cultural benefits.

Social implications

This research focusses on social well-being during and post COVID in relation to the hosting of a mega-event.

Originality/value

The data were collected from the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, a mega-event that, because of COVID-19 and restricted spectator flows, potentially had characteristics quite different from that of other Winter Olympics or sporting mega-events.
The paradigm of peace enhancing peace culture
Authors: Esho Esther Oreofeoluwa
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine peace as a paradigm for promoting peace culture.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper amalgamates paradigmatic concepts, insights and analytical writing while building on existing literature.

Findings

The findings of this research suggest that the paradigm of peace can be used as a model to promote peace culture and harmony in the 21st century, which is characterized by “hyper” and “super” diversity. Diversity is everywhere, including schools, workplaces and marketplaces. Diversity is very complex and encompasses nearly every element of human life. Diversity should not only be based on the race, culture, ethnicity, religion or gender of an individual. Diversity should be based on the uniqueness of an individual. The fact that we live in a diverse world does not mean that we cannot coexist harmoniously. This paper explores the paradigm of peace research by focusing on how it enhances peace culture to thrive amidst diversity. This study also illustrates that peace and conflict studies cannot be restricted to the resolution of war, violence and conflict. It can likewise aid us in addressing cultural, racial, religious and ethnic concerns. In addition, this research demonstrates that encouraging positive peace (and discouraging negative peace) can be used as a deterrent against violence, including war and conflict. Furthermore, this paper demonstrates the significance of personal peace and some other types of peace. It demonstrates that inner peace combined with external peace yields personal peace. Therefore, an individual may not be able to enjoy the holistic values of personal peace without inner and external peace. Also, this research indicates that encouraging a daily culture of peace can assist us in becoming quotidian agents of peace.

Originality/value

Most publications focused on peace and conflict but made no connection between peace and culture. In addition, the majority of publications did not discuss peace as a paradigm that can aid in promoting a culture of peace and nonviolence. In addition, most papers did not link peace culture with diversity. Moreover, the majority of studies did not connect peace with the environment. This study addresses these gaps by introducing peace as a paradigm for fostering a culture of peace amidst diversity in the 21st century. This paper introduces peace as a paradigm for promoting nonviolence, peace culture and harmony. This study also emphasizes the need for environmental peace, thereby increasing awareness of the problems that affect the planet. This study also includes a discussion of positive and negative peace, as well as other definitions and viewpoints of peace. It also underlines the importance of establishing positive peace. This paper can be used as an introductory pathway to understanding the intriguing aspect of peace that fosters a peace culture if practiced adequately and why a peace culture is important in a world of diversity.
Inflation and energy poverty: threshold effect of governance quality in Africa
Authors: Mawutor John Kweku Mensah , Gborse Freeman Christian , Agbanyo Richard , Sogah Ernest
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to test the modulating role and threshold of governance quality in the cost of living–energy poverty nexus.

Design/methodology/approach

Two-step System Generalized Methods of Moment empirical model with linear interaction between cost of living and governance quality was estimated. This study used data on 40 African countries over 20 years (2000–2019).

Findings

The paper shows that the conditional effect of inflation on energy poverty is negative. Thus, governance quality acts as a moderator on the relationship between inflation and energy poverty beyond a threshold. The study's principal practical implication is that governance quality reverses inflation's positive unconditional effect on energy poverty, and governance quality may be improved beyond specific policy-defined thresholds to achieve the desired goal of lowering energy poverty. Nonetheless, governance quality at initial stages would not drive the needed reduction in energy poverty unless it goes beyond the threshold of 0.03, 0.02 and 0.07.

Research limitations/implications

This study recommends that policymakers should initiate policies that would ensure increased access to clean energy.

Originality/value

This study's main contributions are that the authors estimated the threshold beyond which governance quality reverses the adverse impact of inflation on energy poverty. Further, the authors have shown that governance quality is a catalyst to reduce energy poverty.
On improving the adoption of Bai’ Salam by Islamic banks of Pakistan: an interpretive phenomenological analysis
Authors: Mahmood Tahir , Arshed Noman
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The ailing agriculture sector in Pakistan demands a supportive financial sector. The low adoption of Salam financing by Islamic banks does not match the potential demand. Empirical studies identified demand-led issues that led to a low proportion of Salam financing, but the exploration of supply-side constraints is overlooked.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has applied Interpretive Phenomenological Analyses on 20 interviews with the experts in the Islamic banking industry who play a role in decisions on Salam financing to the agriculture sector. The purpose of the study is to explore the determinants of low adoption of Salam financing by Islamic banks.

Findings

The experiences led to the major reasons for the low adoption of Salam financing categorized as intentions, attitudes and behavior control which corresponds to the theory of planned behavior.

Originality/value

This study is instrumental in exploring the supply-side constraints to Salam financing and helps find aligning theory to intervene via Islamic banking regulations.
Enhancing knowledge brokerage drivers for dynamic capabilities: the effects on sustainable supply chain ecosystem
Authors: Fait Monica , Palladino Rosa , Mennini Francesco Saverio , Graziano Domenico , Manzo Martina
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Sustainable development involves companies on an individual, organizational and social level requiring the adoption of business models or innovations capable of privileging the co-creation of mutual value with a view to sustainability. From an organizational perspective, this paper aims to show that knowledge brokers, by making explicit their roles as mediators of interactions and acting on dynamic capabilities (DCs), can generate a proactive approach to the three dimensions of sustainability and specifically allows capabilities to positively impact the propensity toward sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study offers an empirical analysis of 200 companies in the agro-food sector participating in a knowledge brokerage system activated by protection consortia. It uses a multiple regression technique that allows for observing relationships between DCs and SSCM.

Findings

Absorptive, adaptive and innovative capabilities, when understood and brokered, have a positive and direct impact on the SSCM.

Originality/value

As there have rarely been frameworks developed that correlate knowledge brokerage, DCs and sustainability, this paper suggests that DCs, when adequately valued by the knowledge broker, allow for identifying the requirements of the various stakeholders regarding sustainability and changes in market scenarios to generate sustainability practices along the supply chain.
Inducing AI-powered chatbot use for customer purchase: the role of information value and innovative technology
Authors: Le Xuan Cu
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to understand a customer-purchase mechanism in the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot context based on the elaboration likelihood model (ELM) and technology acceptance model (TAM). The first objective is to examine how to boost chatbot adoption. The second objective is to investigate the role of information characteristics, technology-related characteristics and attitude toward AI in purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from a sample of 492 users in Vietnam, who are potential customers of chatbots for purchase. Structural equation modeling was applied for data analysis.

Findings

Results illustrate that chatbot adoption is significantly influenced by information credibility, technology-related factors (i.e. interactivity, relative advantage and perceived intelligence), attitude toward AI and perceived usefulness. Moreover, information quality and persuasiveness motivate information credibility. Information credibility and attitude toward AI are the essential motivations for perceived usefulness. Finally, chatbot adoption and information credibility determine purchase intention.

Practical implications

The results are insightful for practitioners to envisage the importance of chatbot use for customer purchase in the AI scenario. Additionally, this research offers a framework to practitioners for shaping customer engagement in chatbots.

Originality/value

The value of this work lies in the incorporation of technology-related characteristics into the two well-established theories, the ELM and TAM, to identify the importance of AI and its applications (i.e. chatbots) for purchase and to understand the formation of perceived usefulness and chatbot use through information credibility and attitude toward AI.
Business types matter: new insights into the effects of anthropomorphic cues in AI chatbots
Authors: Youn Kibum , Cho Moonhee
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationships between anthropomorphic cues (i.e. degrees of the humanized profile picture and naming) in artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and business types (utilitarian-centered business vs hedonic-centered business) on consumers’ attitudes toward the AI chatbot and intentions to use the AI chatbot app and to accept the AI chatbot’s recommendation.

Design/methodology/approach

An online experiment with a 2 (humanized profile pictures: low [semihumanoid] vs high [full-humanoid]) × 2 (naming: Mary vs virtual assistant) × 2 (business types: utilitarian-centered business [bank] vs hedonic-centered business [café]) between-subjects design (N = 520 Mturk samples) was used.

Findings

The results of this study show significant main effects of anthropomorphic cues (i.e. degrees of profile picture and naming) in AI chatbots and three-way interactions among humanized profile pictures, naming and business types (utilitarian-centered business vs hedonic-centered business) on consumers’ attitudes toward the AI chatbot, intentions to use the AI chatbot app and intentions to accept the AI chatbot’s recommendation. This indicates that the high level of anthropomorphism generates more positive attitudes toward the AI chatbot and intentions to use the AI chatbot app and to accept the AI chatbot’s recommendation in the hedonic-centered business condition. Moreover, the mediated role of parasocial interaction occurs in this relationship.

Originality/value

This study is the original endeavor to examine the moderating role of business types influencing the effect of anthropomorphism on consumers’ responses, while existing literature overweighted the value of anthropomorphism in AI chatbots without considering the variation of businesses.
The impact of social media use on customer experiences within physical service environments
Authors: Johns Raechel , Walsh Michael J. , Dale Naomi F.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To understand the impact of mobile social media use on absorption within the customer experience, and overall engagement with the physical service context, a qualitative research study was undertaken. In particular, this study aims to understand the impact of mobile technology use on service engagement by tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, two groups of tourists were sent to a zoo wildlife lodge for one night. Half the group were permitted to use social media during their stay while the other half were instructed to refrain from actively using their social media accounts for the duration of their visit. The following day, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with each couple to explore how the use of social media or refraining from social media use impacted on their absorption within the service customer experience.

Findings

The findings suggest that engagement with their physical surroundings and the overall customer experience was increased when refraining from social media; however, respondents marketed the tourism provider enthusiastically when using mobile social media during their stay, compared with the group that was not using social media during the stay.

Research limitations/implications

Despite a relatively small sample, a series of recommendations for service researchers and service providers have been generated through this research. For example, the methodology used can provide new ideas for researchers seeking to explore service customer experiences and engagement with the physical context. Service providers can also use recommendations around device free days to provide more immersive service customer experiences.

Originality/value

Research within marketing typically does not use quasi-experimental design or paired interviews, as used in this study. Furthermore, the understanding of the impact of mobile social media use on engagement with a physical service environment has received very little attention in the academic literature.
Demystifying employee co-creation: optimism and pro-social behaviour as moderators
Authors: Bangun Yosafat , Fatima Johra Kayeser , Talukder Majharul
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The human side of the job demands–resources (JD-R) model was this study's focus, examining job resources' impact on employees' co-creation intention. It considered employee satisfaction, engagement (vigour, absorption and dedication) and self-construal affect as mediators, with optimism and employee pro-social behaviour as moderators.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 214 responses from a survey questionnaire among service employees in Indonesia and Singapore were analysed with the partial least squares (PLS) method. Moderation and mediation analyses used multi-group analyses and bootstrapping.

Findings

Most job resource indicators were found to be significant antecedents of employee co-creation intention. Optimism and pro-social behaviour significantly moderated the relationships between job support, vigour and absorption. A partial mediation effect was evident in the employee satisfaction–engagement relationship. Employees' self-efficacy and self-construal affect had a higher influence on employee co-creation intention than satisfaction or engagement.

Research limitations/implications

The study considered only job resource-based indicators of the JD-R model and not those based on job demands. The moderation effect in the optimism–pro-social behaviour relationship considered job support but not interpersonal relationships and job autonomy.

Practical implications

The study's findings would assist practitioners to motivate employees' co-creation intention through job resources and the employees' self-assessed emotions, such as optimism, pro-social behaviour and self-construal affect.

Originality/value

This study relates the JD-R model's job resources to service employees' co-creation intention, considering self-assessed emotions as mediators, while applying optimism and pro-social behaviour as moderators.
Redesigning library websites using the MDA framework
Authors: Saeidnia Hamid Reza , Kozak Marcin , Elango Bakthavachalam , Keshavarz Hamid
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine the structure and determine the MDA framework for use in the development and design of library websites. The topic of innovation in libraries is frequently discussed; thus, we have tried to offer techniques for innovation in website design for libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study compares these two approaches to determine if the mechanical, dynamic and aesthetic (MDA) framework can also be used to create library websites. Each of the MDA framework’s three components was assessed for their applicability to the development of a library website.

Findings

When building a library website, three crucial characteristics that must be carefully taken into account are, among other things, being supporting and safety-oriented; adaptable and accessible; and aesthetically pleasing to the user. Studies have also revealed several additional criteria that may be regarded as success factors for library websites. In addition, there is also a framework for creating touch- and gesture-based interactions. It is also a method for understanding the creation and playing of video games. The acronym MDA stands for the three components of its structure: mechanical, dynamic and aesthetic.

Originality/value

Many kinds of library websites exist, including those for academic, public, school and special libraries. So far, models and approaches for designing pages have been offered for each of these library website categories.
Towards a green Agri-food supply chain through ANP and ELECTRE I
Authors: Elhidaoui Sana , Kota Srinivas
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This research aims to comprehensively analyse the Agri-food supply chain, by identifying the barriers, and considering effective pathways towards a green supply chain. To the best of our knowledge, in the research area of supply chain, the majority of the research is oriented towards the evaluation of barriers and pathways or drivers to the implementation of green supply chain management in the manufacturing industry. The field of Agri-food is among the sectors of concern due to the quantum and basic necessity of the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The contribution of this paper is to develop and evaluate a general framework of the most relevant barriers and possible pathways towards the green Agri-food supply chain, with the help of a hybrid approach combining both the ANP and ELECTRE I methods, via a case study of the fish canning industry.

Findings

Furthermore, the study findings will help both academicians and practitioners in developing and evaluating green supply chain frameworks in this area of study.

Originality/value

The results of this study show that the cost of greening the supply in terms of implementing sustainability standard, or advanced technology are the most relevant barriers, and that the social and operational pathways family is among the best effectives pathways.
Identifying gratification behind the consumption of the OTT platforms in an emerging market: a means-end theory approach
Authors: Sharma Ankita , Sreen Naman , Baishya Kuldeep
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Millions of dollars are being spent by over-the-top platform (OTT) providers to produce content for the Indian market. These circumstances highlight the necessity for a solution that attracts and maintains customers, enabling OTT providers to generate revenues and profits. This study explores the underlying gratifications (e.g. informative; connectivity) obtained from over-the-top platform (OTT) attributes (e.g. global content; regional and cultural content) through consequences (e.g. create awareness; related to reality).

Design/methodology/approach

Means-end chain theory uncovered gratifications consumers fulfill through the use of OTT platforms. The laddering technique explores the linkage among attributes, consequences and gratifications that influence OTT platforms' consumers' consumption patterns. In total, 27 interviews were conducted in India, and participants responded to questions regarding attributes of OTT platforms, consequences and gratifications in a one-on-one interview procedure. Hierarchical value maps were built to better understand customer selection of OTT platforms based on the replies.

Findings

The results suggested that six attributes of OTT platforms (for ex-global content; regional and rural content; rating before watching) were associated with the four consequences (for ex-create awareness; related to reality; saves time), which were associated with four gratifications, which are informativeness, connectivity, social enhancement and productivity.

Originality/value

The prospective function of OTT services in the entertainment and media business has grabbed consumer attention. However, limited literature focuses on identifying gratifications consumers gain from OTT attributes. Through these findings, managers and practitioners can gain insights regarding strategies to increase OTT adoption and help develop a loyal consumer base.
The impact of Prognostic Nutritional Index on mortality in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Nergiz Sebnem , Ozturk Onder
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Malnutrition has a significant effect on the onset and progression of infective pathology. The malnutrition status in COVID-19 cases are not understood well. Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) is a new and detailed assessment of nutrition and inflammation cases. This study aims to investigate the effect of PNI on mortality in COVID-19 patients.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 334 patients (males, 142; females, 192; 64.5 ± 12.3 years of age) with COVID-19 bronchopneumonia were enrolled in this investigation. Cases were divided into two groups with respect to survival (Group 1: survivor patients, Group 2: non-survivor patients). Demographic and laboratory variables of COVID-19 cases were recorded. Laboratory parameters were calculated from blood samples taken following hospital admission. PNI was calculated according to this formula: PNI = 5 * Lymphocyte count (109/L) + Albumin value (g/L).

Findings

When the patients were assessed with respect to laboratory values, leukocytes, neutrophils, CRP, ferritin, creatinine and D-Dimer parameters were significantly lower in Group 1 patients than Group 2 patients. Nevertheless, serum potassium value, lymphocyte count, calcium and albumin values were significantly higher in Group 1 cases than in Group 2 cases. PNI value was significantly lower in Group 2 cases than in Group 1 cases (39.4 ± 3.7 vs 53.1 ± 4.6).

Originality/value

In this retrospective study of COVID-19 cases, it can be suggested that PNI may be a significant risk factor for mortality. In conclusion of this research, high-risk patients with COVID-19 can be determined early, and suitable medical therapy can be begun in the early duration.
Research on the construction history and architectural characteristics of the Bugok Railway Official Residences in Sam-dong, South Korea
Authors: Seo Myengsoo
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study traced the architectural, urban and social characteristics of the Bugok Railway Official Residences (BRORs) in South Korea. It also explored the modern elements of Western (or Japanized Western) or traditional Korean characteristics embodied in the BRORs in the modernization process of Korea in the early 20th century.

Design/methodology/approach

Through literature reviews, field trips and archive investigation, this study uncovered new critical facts concerning the origin of the BRORs’ construction plan and architectural characteristics.

Findings

The BRORs’ value can be described as follows. First, the BRORs are the first modern housing complex in the Uiwang region. Second, they are meaningful as a housing area built during the Japanese colonial period, and many houses were concentrated in the center of a large city. Third, each official residence shows that various phenomena (mass production, standardization, efficiency and so on) are concentrated in buildings from premodern to modern period. Finally, the image of a group residential complex about to be demolished due to redevelopment is recorded in detail.

Social implications

In the 1940s, the Railway Bureau of the Japanese Government-General of Korea planned a new small-scale town where mainly railway workers would live. The BRORs in Sam-dong, Uiwang were the first-phase plan. Specifically, 200 households in 100 buildings (two households per building) were built in 1943 during the end of the Japanese colonial period. After the liberation in 1945, these residences were made available to the general public and only 27 households remained through modification and renovation. The remaining residences will be demolished in 2023.

Originality/value

This research examined the meaning of the BRORs, which had not previously been researched in-depth, from diverse perspectives; accordingly, the basic research required for sustainable archiving can be performed after demolition using the study data.
The history of natural dyeing and investigation of the antibacterial activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on woolen fabrics
Authors: Berkli Yunus , Zencirkıran Ayşegül , Yılmaz Fazlıhan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Natural dyeing has existed in human life from past to present. Although it lost its importance after the industrial revolution, it has started to make again a name for itself today with the increase in environmental awareness. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the Hibiscus sabdariffa L. can be used in the coloring of woolen fabrics and as a natural antibacterial agent for these fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the scope of the study, it was investigated whether the antibacterial activity of the Hibiscus sabdariffa L. can be transferred to woolen fabrics. In the study, woolen fabric samples were dyed with and without mordant with the help of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. extract. After the dyed fabric samples were washed and dried, their color values were measured, and antibacterial effect tests (against Staphylococcus aureus – Escherichia coli), washing and rubbing fastness tests were carried out. In addition to these, scanning electron microscopy images of dyed fabric samples were taken and Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy analyzes were also performed.

Findings

As a result of the study, it has been determined that the antibacterial activity of the Hibiscus sabdariffa L. can be transferred to woolen fabrics without the use of any chemicals.

Originality/value

Natural antibacterial agent for woolen fabrics was obtained within the scope of the study without the use of chemicals.
The age of automation: what skills do employees need to stay relevant?
Authors: Murphy Liam
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This viewpoint paper envisions the key competencies that employees should cultivate to thrive amidst the age of automation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper synthesises recent academic and contextual papers on the topic of workplace automation, alongside the author’s practical knowledge as a Global Program Manager for Robotic Process Automation projects in an S&P 500 company.

Findings

Four skill building blocks are created which will help employees stay relevant in the age of automation: process engineering, automation technology, self-leadership and humanistic.

Originality/value

In this new era of automation, the skills of today will no longer be sufficient for employees to remain competitive in future. This paper contributes to literature by envisioning and presenting four skill blocks that could serve as a blueprint for human resources officers and executives to create the future learning plans and hiring strategies of their organisations, as they grow along the automation maturity curve.
Women, Gender and Human Rights: Women's International Organisations and Solidarity with Chile
Authors: Lanfranco González María Fernanda
Published: June 2023

This article analyses the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom's (WILPF) and Women's International Democratic Federation's (WIDF) fact‐finding missions sent to Chile in 1974. It explains how women's international organisations presented reports and information about human rights abuses during Genera Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship (1973–1990). By using their publications, oral interviews, memoirs and press reports, the study sheds light on the extensive efforts deployed by the WILPF and WIDF to disseminate knowledge and promote actions designed to improve the lives of Chilean women. The article shows that women's international organisations promoted inclusive ideas of rights, including women's particular experiences under military rule, and that such efforts built in the organisations' previous experiences of human rights activism.
The effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic uterosacral ligament suspension: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vermeulen Carolien K. M. , Schuurman Britt , Coolen Anne‐Lotte W. M. , Meijs‐Hermanns Puck R. , van Leijsen Sanne A. L. , Veen Joggem , Bongers Marlies Y.
Published: June 2023

Background

Laparoscopic uterosacral ligament suspension (LUSLS) is a technique to correct apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) by shortening the uterosacral ligaments with sutures.

Objective

A systematic review with meta‐analysis of the effectiveness and safety of LUSLS as treatment for apical POP.

Search strategy

PubMed and Cochrane search using ‘pelvic organ prolapse’, ‘laparoscopy’ and ‘uterosacral’, including synonyms.

Selection criteria

All articles in English presenting outcome of an original series of women with LUSLS as treatment of apical POP. Case reports were excluded.

Data collection and analysis

Study enrollment was performed by two reviewers. Our primary outcome measures were objective and subjective effectiveness of the procedure. Secondary outcome measures regarded complications and recurrence. Bias was assessed with the Newcastle Ottawa Scale.

Main results

Of 138 hits, 13 studies were included with 933 LUSLS patients. The average follow‐up was 22 months. All were nonrandomised cohort studies. The pooled anatomic success rate is 90% for all LUSLS procedures (95% confidence interval [CI] 83.3–95.5). LUSLS with hysterectomy resulted in an anatomic success rate of 96.6% (95% CI 87.5–100) and LUSLS with uterus preservation 83.4% (95% CI 67.7–94.6). The pooled subjective cure rate was 90.5% (95% CI 81.9–96.5). The rate of major complications was 1%.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic uterosacral ligament suspension (with or without uterus preservation) seems to be an effective and safe treatment for women with apical POP, but long‐term prospective trials and randomised controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings.
Real‐world data on patterns and outcomes of radiation therapy for brain metastases in a population‐based cohort of lung cancer patients in Victoria
Authors: Kang Therese Min Jung , Ratnayake Gishan , Wada Morikatsu , Phillips Claire , Ruben Jeremy , Senthi Sashendra , Foroudi Farshad , Millar Jeremy , Ong Wee Loon
Published: June 2023

Introduction

We evaluated real‐world data on the patterns and outcomes of radiotherapy (RT) for brain metastases (BM) in a population‐based cohort of patients with lung cancer (LC) in Victoria.

Methods

The Victorian Radiotherapy Minimum Data set (VRMDS) and the Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR) were linked to identify patients with LC who underwent RT for BM between 2013 and 2016. We determined: (i) proportion of patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS); (ii) overall survival (OS); and (iii) 30‐day mortality (30M) following RT for BM.

Results

Of the 1001 patients included in the study, 193 (19%) had SRS. There was no significant increase in SRS use over time – from 18% in 2013 to 21% in 2016 (P‐trend = 0.8). In multivariate analyses, increased age (P = 0.03) and treatment in regional centres (P < 0.001) were independently associated with lower likelihood of SRS treatment. The median OS following RT for BM was 3.6 months. Patients who had SRS had better OS than those who did not have SRS (median OS 8.9 months vs. 3 months, P < 0.01). SRS use, age, sex and year of treatment were independently associated with OS in multivariate analyses. A total of 184 (18%) patients died within 30 days of RT for BM, and the proportion was higher in older (P = 0.001) and male patients (P = 0.004).

Conclusion

One‐in‐five LC patients who received RT for BM had SRS. The improved OS with SRS is likely confounded by patient selection. It is important to reduce 30M by better selecting patients who may not benefit from RT for BM.
Adults born prematurely prefer a periviability guideline that considers multiple prognostic factors beyond gestational age
Authors: De Proost L. , de Boer A. , Reiss I. K. M. , Steegers E. A. P. , Verhagen A. A. E. , Hogeveen M. , Geurtzen R. , Verweij E. J. (Joanne)
Published: June 2023

Aim

The aim of the study was to explore the perspectives of adults born prematurely on guidelines for management at extreme premature birth and personalisation at the limit of viability.

Methods

We conducted four 2‐h online focus group interviews in the Netherlands.

Results

Twenty‐three participants born prematurely were included in this study, ranging in age from 19 to 56 years and representing a variety of health outcomes. Participants shared their perspectives on different types of guidelines for managing extremely premature birth. They agreed that a guideline was necessary to prevent arbitrary treatment decisions and to avoid physician bias. All participants favoured a guideline that is based upon multiple prognostic factors beyond gestational age. They emphasised the importance of discretion, regardless of the type of guideline used. Discussions centred mainly on the heterogeneity of value judgements about outcomes after extreme premature birth. Participants defined personalisation as ‘not just looking at numbers and statistics’. They associated personalisation mainly with information provision and decision‐making. Participants stressed the importance of involving families in decision‐making and taking their care needs seriously.

Conclusion

Adults born prematurely prefer a periviability guideline that considers multiple prognostic factors and allows for discretion.
Genetic diagnosis of kidney disease by whole exome sequencing and its clinical application
Authors: Jung Jiwon , Lee Joo Hoon , Seo Go Hun , Keum Changwon , Kang Hee Gyung , Cho Heeyeon , Lee Hajeong , Park Su‐Kil , Baek Chung Hee , Han Ro , Lee Sang Taek , Cho Min Hyun , Yim Hyung Eun , Koo Ja wook , Lee Beom Hee
Published: June 2023

The genetic spectrum of genetic kidney diseases (GKD) and the application of genetic diagnoses to patient care were assessed by whole exome sequencing (WES) of the DNA of 172 pediatric or adult patients with various kidney diseases. WES diagnosed genetic diseases in 63 (36.6%) patients. The diagnostic yields in patients with glomerulopathy were 33.8% (25/74 pts) due to variants in 10 genes, 58.8% (20/34) in patients with tubulointerstitial disease due to variants in 18 genes, 33.3% (15/45) in patients with cystic disease/ciliopathy due to variants in 10 genes, 18.2% (2/11) in patients with congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) due to variants in two genes, and 12.5% (1/8) in patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD). The diagnosis rate was high in patients aged <1–6 years (46–50.0%), and low in patients aged ≥40 years (9.1%). Renal phenotype was reclassified in 10 (15.9%) of 63 patients and clinical management altered in 10 (15.9%) of 63 patients after genetic diagnosis. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated the diagnostic utility of WES and its effective clinical application in patients, with various kinds of kidney diseases, across the different age groups.