bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexually Transmitted Infection Partner Services Outcomes Before and During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in King County, WA
Authors: Fenelon Hannah T. , Berzkalns Anna , Amiya Rachel M. , Barbee Lindley A. , Dombrowski Julia C. , Golden Matthew R. , Kerani Roxanne P.
Published: February 2024

Background

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic mitigation efforts resulted in reallocation of public health personnel, likely impacting provision of timely sexually transmitted infection partner services (PS). We describe PS outcomes before and during the pandemic in King County, WA.

Methods

We examined PS outcomes for syphilis and gonorrhea cases diagnosed in 2019 and 3 periods in 2020 (pre-lockdown: January 1, 2020–March 23, 2020; lockdown: March 24, 2020–June 5, 2020; post-lockdown: June 6, 2020–December 31, 2020). We described changes over time in 3 PS outcomes: cases initiated, interviewed, and with named sex partners. We calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with Poisson regression comparing these outcomes in the 2020 periods with 2019.

Results

Reported gonorrhea (4611 vs. 4179) and syphilis (665 vs. 586) cases declined from 2019 to 2020. In 2019, 60.7% of cases were initiated, compared with 42.1% before lockdown (aPR, 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70%–0.78%), 41.7% during lockdown (aPR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.73–0.85), and 41.7% after lockdown (aPR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.77–0.85). Among initiated cases, the proportion interviewed also seemed to drop in the 3 lockdown periods (52.4%, 41.0%, 44.1%) compared with 2019 (55.7%). However, in adjusted analyses, the prevalence of interview among case patients was only lower pre-lockdown (aPR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85–0.99), and higher during (aPR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01–1.20) and after (aPR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.06–1.19). Interviewed patients named partners more often during (21.4%; aPR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.05–1.74) and less often after lockdown (16.0%; aPR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.51–0.79), compared with 2019 (26.6%).

Conclusions

These results underscore the need for a trained public health worker reserve, and plans for deployment of existing workers and prioritization of cases to continue essential sexually transmitted infection public health activities during public health crises.
Primary Pulmonary Myxoid Sarcoma and Thoracic Angiomatoid Fibrous Histiocytoma
Authors: Kerper Allison L. , Larsen Brandon T. , Folpe Andrew L. , Roden Anja C. , Torres-Mora Jorge , Lo Ying-Chun , Aubry Marie-Christine , Boland Jennifer M.
Published: February 2024

Primary pulmonary myxoid sarcoma (PPMS) and thoracic angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) are rare neoplasms with EWSR1 fusions and overlapping morphology. Both tumor types often show epithelial membrane antigen expression, but AFH characteristically co-expresses desmin. We encountered a case of PPMS with the unexpected finding of patchy, strong anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) (previously reported in AFH) and synaptophysin expression. We evaluated a cohort of PPMS and thoracic AFH with systematic morphologic comparison and surveyed for aberrant expression of ALK and synaptophysin. Medical records and slides were reviewed for 16 molecularly confirmed cases of PPMS (n=5) and thoracic AFH (n=11). Each case was scored for morphologic characteristics typical of PPMS and/or AFH. ALK, synaptophysin, chromogranin, desmin, and epithelial membrane antigen immunostains were performed on cases with available tissue. AFH and PPMS cases showed similar age at presentation and long-term tumor behavior. Almost all cases of PPMS and AFH had a fibrous pseudocapsule and lymphoid rim. All PPMS had myxoid stroma and reticular growth pattern, but these features were also present in a subset of AFH. Synaptophysin expression was present in 6 of 11 AFH and 1 of 5 PPMS; all tested cases were negative for chromogranin (n=15). One case of AFH and 1 case of PPMS showed focally strong coexpression of synaptophysin and ALK. AFH and PPMS show considerable clinicopathologic overlap. When supportive, the immunohistochemical findings described may aid in diagnosis before molecular confirmation. PPMS and AFH may be morphologic variants of the same clinicopathologic entity, which can show more immunophenotypic variability than previously reported.
TRENDS IN CHOLESTEROL AND LIPOPROTEINS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME INCIDENCE AND DEATH AMONG SEPSIS PATIENTS
Authors: Black Lauren Page , Hopson Charlotte , Barker Grant , Munson Taylor , Henson Morgan , Bertrand Andrew , Daly-Crews Kimberly , Reddy Srinivasa T. , Guirgis Faheem W.
Published: February 2024

Objective: Compare changes in cholesterol and lipoprotein levels occurring in septic patients with and without acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and by survivorship. Methods: We reanalyzed data from prospective sepsis studies. Cholesterol and lipoprotein levels were analyzed using univariate testing to detect changes between septic patients with or without ARDS, and among ARDS survivors compared with nonsurvivors at enrollment (first 24 h of sepsis) and 48 to 72 h later. Results: 214 patients with sepsis were included of whom 48 had ARDS and 166 did not have ARDS. Cholesterol and lipoproteins among septic ARDS versus non-ARDS showed similar enrollment levels. However, 48 to 72 h after enrollment, change in median total cholesterol (48/72 h − enrollment) was significantly different between septic ARDS (−4, interquartile range [IQR] −23.5, 6.5, n = 35) and non-ARDS (0, −10.0, 17.5, P = 0.04; n = 106). When compared by ARDS survivorship, ARDS nonsurvivors (n = 14) had lower median total cholesterol levels (75.5, IQR 68.4, 93.5) compared with ARDS survivors (113.0, IQR 84.0, 126.8, P = 0.022), and lower median enrollment low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (27, IQR 19.5–34.5) compared with ARDS survivors (43, IQR 27–67, P = 0.013; n = 33). Apolipoprotein A-I levels were also significantly lower in ARDS nonsurvivors (n = 14) (87.6, IQR 76.45–103.64) compared with ARDS survivors (130.0, IQR 73.25–165.47, P = 0.047; n = 33). At 48 to 72 h, for ARDS nonsurvivors, median levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (9.0, IQR 4.3, 18.0; n = 10), LDL-C (17.0, IQR 5.0, 29.0; n = 9), and total cholesterol (59.0, 45.3, 81.5; n = 10) were significantly lower compared with ARDS survivors’ (n = 25) levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (20.0, IQR 12.0–39.0, P = 0.014), LDL-C (42.0, IQR 27.0–58.0, P = 0.019), and total cholesterol (105.0, IQR 91.0, 115.0, P = 0.003). Conclusions: Change in total cholesterol was different in septic ARDS versus non-ARDS. Total cholesterol, LDL-C, and apolipoprotein A-I levels were lower in ARDS nonsurvivors compared with survivors. Future studies of dysregulated cholesterol metabolism in septic ARDS patients are needed to understand biology and links to potential therapies.
Disparities in Access, Quality, and Clinical Outcome for Latino Californians With Colon Cancer
Authors: Dawes Aaron J. , Rajasekar Ganesh , Arnow Katherine D. , Trickey Amber W. , Harris Alex H.S. , Morris Arden M. , Wagner Todd H.
Published: February 2024

Objective:

To compare access, quality, and clinical outcomes between Latino and non-Latino White Californians with colon cancer.

Background:

Racial and ethnic disparities in cancer care remain understudied, particularly among patients who identify as Latino. Exploring potential mechanisms, including differential utilization of high-volume hospitals, is an essential first step to designing evidence-based policy solutions.

Methods:

We identified all adults diagnosed with colon cancer between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2020 from a statewide cancer registry linked to hospital administrative records. We compared survival, access (stage at diagnosis, receipt of surgical care, treatment at a high-volume hospital), and quality of care (receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy and adequacy of lymph node resection) between patients who identified as Latino and non-Latino White.

Results:

A total of 75,543 patients met inclusion criteria, including 16,071 patients who identified as Latino (21.3%). Latino patients were significantly less likely to undergo definitive surgical resection [marginal difference (MD): −0.72 percentage points, 95% CI: −1.19, −0.26], have an operation in a timely manner (MD: −3.24 percentage points, 95% CI: −4.16, −2.32), or have an adequate lymphadenectomy (MD: −2.85 percentage points, 95% CI: −3.59, −2.12) even after adjustment for clinical and sociodemographic factors. Latino patients treated at high-volume hospitals were significantly less likely to die and more likely to meet access and quality metrics.

Conclusions:

Latino patients with colon cancer experienced delays, segregation, and lower receipt of recommended care. Hospital-level colectomy volume appears to be strongly associated with access, quality, and survival—especially for patients who identify as Latino—suggesting that directing at-risk patients with cancer to high-volume hospitals may improve health equity.
Handoffs and Transitions of Care: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Practice Management Guideline from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma
Authors: Appelbaum Rachel D. , Puzio Thaddeus J. , Bauman Zachary , Asfaw Sofya , Spencer Audrey , Dumas Ryan P. , Kaur Kavneet , Cunningham Kyle W. , Butler Dale , Sawhney Jaswin S. , Gadomski Stephen , Horwood Chelsea R. , Stuever Mary , Sapp Alyssa , Gandhi Rajesh , Freeman Jennifer
Published: February 2024

Background

The Joint Commission reports at least half of communication breakdowns occur during handovers or transitions of care. There is no consensus on how best to approach the transfer of care within Acute Care Surgery (ACS). We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current data on handoffs and transitions of care in ACS patients and evaluate the impact of standardization and formalized communication processes.

Methods

Clinically relevant questions regarding handoffs and transitions of care with clearly defined patient Population(s), Intervention(s), Comparison(s), and appropriately selected Outcomes (PICO) were determined. These centered around specific transitions of care within the setting of ACS – specifically perioperative interactions, EMS and trauma team interactions, and intra/inter floor and ICU interactions. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was conducted utilizing the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology.

Results

A total of 10 studies were identified for analysis. These included 5,113 patients in the standardized handoff group and 5,293 in the current process group. Standardized handoffs reduced handover errors for perioperative interactions and preventable adverse events for intra/inter floor and ICU interactions. There was insufficient data to evaluate outcomes of clinical complications and medical errors.

Conclusion

We conditionally recommend a standardized handoff in in the field of ACS, including perioperative interactions, EMS and trauma team interactions, as well as intra-inter floor and ICU interactions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Guideline; Systematic review/meta-analysis, Level III
Taxogenomic analyses of Starmerella gilliamiae f.a, sp. nov. and Starmerella monicapupoae f.a., sp. nov., two novel species isolated from plant substrates and insects
Authors: Rosa Carlos A. , Santos Ana Raquel O. , Palmier Kirsten , Duell Meghan , Carvalho Andrea O. S. , Fernadez Natalia V. , Pimenta Raphael S. , Morais Paula B. , Araya Macarena , Cubillos Francisco A. , Pontes Ana , Aires Andreia , Gonçalves Carla , Gonçalves Paula , Sampaio José Paulo , Lachance Marc-André
Published: February 2024

Four yeast isolates collected from flowers from different ecosystems in Brazil, one from fruit of Nothofagus alpina in Argentina, three from flowers of Neltuma chilensis in Chile and one obtained from the proventriculus of a female bumblebee in Canada were demonstred, by analysis of the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene, to represent two novel species of the genus Starmerella. These species are described here as Starmerella gilliamiae f.a, sp. nov. (CBS 16166T; Mycobank MB 851206) and Starmerella monicapupoae f.a., sp. nov. (PYCC 8997T; Mycobank MB 851207). The results of a phylogenomic analysis using 1037 single-copy orthogroups indicated that S. gilliamiae is a member of a subclade that contains Starmerella opuntiae, Starmerella aceti and Starmerella apicola. The results also indicated that S. monicapupoae is phylogenetically related to Starmerella riodocensis. The two isolates of S. monicapupoae were obtained from flowers in Brazil and were probably vectored by insects that visit these substrates. Starmerella gilliamiae has a wide geographical distribution having been isolated in flowers from Brazil and Chile, fruit from Argentina and a bumblebee from Canada.
Interchange of Weyl points in the phonon bands of a half-metal alloy
Authors: Jenkins Stephen J. , Srivastava G. P.
Published: February 2024

We demonstrate that the topological charge associated with nontrivial phononic Weyl points may be interchanged between nonadjacent locations within the Brillouin zone of a strained crystal. This occurs in our NiMnSb test case upon passing between tensile and compressive uniaxial strain through the higher-symmetry unstrained geometry, and compensates for what would otherwise appear to be nonconservation of topological charge. The phenomenon is dictated by the material's crystallographic point group, and should be replicated in other crystals of similar symmetry.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Hosting and hoping on social media – a study on SoMe communication strategies among Danish cultural institutions and tourist attractions during COVID-19
Authors: Villumsen Karina , Elmer Hanne , Schmeltz Line
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 lockdown severely impacted organizations in the cultural and tourist business as their products all of a sudden “disappeared”. This study aims to explore if and how the unexpected and disruptive nature of the pandemic accelerated the development of new communication strategies on their social media.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on data from 24 midsize cultural institutions and tourist attractions in Denmark over the first two months of the lockdown in 2020. Approximately 900 posts on Facebook were collected and analyzed through the netnographic method. The analysis followed a two-layered qualitative approach. First, open coding to identify typologies and enable a comparison with established strategies from the literature review. Then, an exploratory examination was conducted across the typologies.

Findings

Nine different content categories were identified in the data and subsequently assessed and discussed in relation to the literature on strategies and dialogic intentions. This resulted in the emergence of two new overarching strategies: hope and host.

Practical implications

While hope is particularly relevant in crisis situations, the utilization of employees in the host role presents an opportunity for further development and engagement. Further, the results call for future research that breaks with the traditional quest for ideal strategies for the benefit of exploring the notion of “strategic doers”.

Originality/value

The identification of the hope and host strategies, along with the analysis of content categories and their alignment with various strategic intentions, contributes to the existing knowledge in this field. Further, the classic perception of engagement as driven by explicit interaction and dialogue is also challenged.
Does the board of directors play a role in mitigating real and accrual-based earnings management in the MENA context?
Authors: Almarayeh Taha , Aibar-Guzman Beatriz , Suárez-Fernández Óscar
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In light of the key role attributed to the board of directors as a monitoring tool to constrain earnings management practices, this study aims to examine the effect of some board attributes on accrual-based earnings management and real earnings management in the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) context, whose institutional, economic and legal environment is markedly different from that of most organization for economic cooperation and development countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors selected a sample of 161 nonfinancial companies from nine MENA countries between 2014 and 2021 (corresponding to an unbalanced data panel of 486 observations). The authors used the generalized least squares regression test to examine the relationship between board attributes and earnings management.

Findings

The authors found that three board attributes (size, independence and gender diversity) have no effect on both types of earnings management practices, while CEO duality has no effect on accrual-based earnings management but has a significant and negative effect on real earnings management. Overall, the results suggest that most board attributes do not play a crucial role in reducing earnings management.

Research limitations/implications

The results provide valuable insights into the universal role of corporate governance mechanisms and raise questions about the role of the board of directors in improving reporting quality in the MENA context.

Practical implications

Regulators should adapt corporate governance mechanisms to the characteristics of the institutional context in which they are inserted.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the effect of various board characteristics on both types of earnings management practices in the MENA context. It also provides the first empirical evidence of the relationship between board gender diversity and earnings management in the MENA region.
Diffusion of BIM policies in China: an event history analysis
Authors: Yang Yu , Shao Shiting , Cao Dongping
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Despite the critical role of the policy environment in facilitating the advancement of building information modeling (BIM) as a systemic innovation to reshape traditional facility design, construction and operation processes, scant scholarly attention has been paid to systematically investigating how and why complex BIM policies are concretely and gradually implemented in different regional contexts from a dynamic policy diffusion perspective. This study aims to empirically investigate how different types of BIM policy instruments are dynamically implemented in heterogeneous regions over time and how the diffusion of BIM policies across different regions is comprehensively impacted by both internal efficiency needs and external legitimacy pressures.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a positivist research paradigm in which BIM policy data from 182 prefecture-level and above cities in China during 2011–2022 were analyzed with quantitative approaches for theory verification. Based on the content analysis of the evolutionary characteristics of the adopted BIM policy instruments in heterogeneous regions over time, the event history analysis (EHA) method was then used to further examine the mechanisms underlying the diffusion of BIM policies across different regions.

Findings

The content analysis results show that while environmental instruments (such as technological integration and goal planning) are the primary policy instruments currently adopted in China, recent years have also witnessed increasing adoptions of supply-side instruments (such as fiscal support and information support) and demand-side instruments (such as demonstration projects and tax incentives). After controlling for the impacts of regional fiscal and technical resources, the EHA results illustrate that BIM policy adoption positively relates to regional construction industry scale but negatively relates to regional industry productivity and that compared with public pressures from industry participants, vertical pressures from the central government and horizontal pressures from neighboring regions are more substantial drivers for policy adoption.

Originality/value

As an exploratory effort of using a dynamic policy diffusion perspective to systematically investigate how BIM policies are adopted in heterogeneous regional contexts to facilitate BIM advancement, this study not only characterizes the complexity and dynamics of BIM policies but also provides deepened understandings of the mechanisms underlying policy adoption in the conservative construction industry. The findings hold implications for how multifarious policy instruments can be more effectively and dynamically adopted to facilitate the advancement of BIM and related technologies as innovative solutions in the construction domain.
Assessing the evolution of banking reputation literature: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Carè Rosella , Fatima Rabia , Lèvy Nathalie
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The concept of banking reputation has gained significant attention due to its relevance in the banking industry. A strong reputation has become crucial for a bank’s success, as it affects trust, credibility and stakeholders' perceptions. However, understanding and managing reputation in the banking sector involves several challenges. This study aims to analyze the field of banking reputation research through bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

It explores the evolution of research in this area, identifies key journals, articles and authors, examines the main research streams, and identifies research fronts and opportunities for future advancement.

Findings

The findings reveal that banking reputation research has evolved over time, with multiple perspectives and viewpoints. Key journals and authors in the field are identified, and leading research streams are highlighted. The study also uncovers the conceptual and intellectual structure of the research domain, providing insights into the complex and multidimensional nature of banking reputation. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of corporate social responsibility, sustainability practices and gender diversity in shaping a bank’s reputation. These factors play a significant role in attracting and retaining customers, accessing financial markets and securing funding.

Research limitations/implications

The results contribute to the existing body of knowledge and provide researchers and practitioners with valuable insights for further exploration.

Originality/value

The paper concludes by outlining potential avenues for future research in the field of banking reputation.
Empowering urban sustainability: unveiling the crucial role of project managers in attaining Sustainable Development Goal 11
Authors: Opoku Alex , Saddul Kelvin , Kapogiannis Georgios , Kugblenu Godwin , Amudjie Judith
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper explores project managers' (PMs') role in contributing to and achieving sustainability within construction projects, particularly focusing on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 PMs working with construction firms in the UK. Thematic analysis was also performed on the qualitative data retrieved using the NVivo software.

Findings

The study’s findings revealed that PMs working on construction projects considered various sustainable construction processes in attempts to solve problems with traditional construction technology. Furthermore, it was revealed that the PM’s role was key in achieving the SDGs in general and SDG 11 in particular through the process of perfecting the client brief, ensuring the client’s financial stability and creating an environment of teamwork. In terms of specific competencies, sustainability leadership and sustainable innovative capability were revealed to suggest that a PM is the leader of change.

Originality/value

The study highlights the essential role of the PM in delivering sustainable construction projects as part of the drive to achieve SDG 11. The study impacts the construction industry in developing strategies and training programs that build PMs' competencies and skills for contributing to the world we want.
The Incas have no end: women artisans in Peru and the continuity of their entrepreneurial activity
Authors: Mousa Mohamed , Avolio Beatrice , Molina-Moreno Valentín
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Through focusing on the Peruvian context, this paper aims to identify the main determinants of the continuity of entrepreneurial activity among women artisans.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical sample comprises semi-structured interviews with 28 women artisans in Peru during their participation in a fair organized by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture in Lima (Peru). Thematic analysis was subsequently used to determine the main ideas in the transcripts from the interviews conducted.

Findings

The findings empirically identified the following job-related (number of work hours, perceived income, future of artisanal jobs), functional (availability and relevance of workstations, the necessity to travel) and socio-cultural determinants (government support, perceived recognition, level of affiliation with Peruvian traditions) as the main drivers of the continuity of entrepreneurial activities among women artisans.

Originality/value

This paper contributes by filling a gap in the literature on women entrepreneurship and artisan entrepreneurship in which empirical studies of Latin American women artisans continuing with their entrepreneurial activities have been limited so far.
The lean link: exploring industry 4.0's influence on sustainable operational performance for services
Authors: Sharma Sharad , Gupta Narain , Thakur Pooja
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This empirical study explores the intricate relationships between Industry 4.0 (I4), Lean practices and sustainable operational performance (SOP) within the dynamic context of the services sector. Rooted in the theoretical framework of Resource Orchestration Theory (ROT), the research investigates the nuanced interplay between these paradigms and their collective impact on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methods included creation of a structural model, hypothesis formulation and advanced data analysis. Primary data were gathered through an online questionnaire distributed among service sector professionals. Analysis was completed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using the Smart-PLS software.

Findings

The results underscore the mediating role of Lean practices between I4 and SOP, emphasizing the imperative of harmonized integration to enhance overall firm performance. In alignment with ROT principles, the study illuminates the positive influence of Lean practices on sustainable operational outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to the scholarly discourse on I4, Lean and Services, emphasizing the strategic necessity of integrating I4 capabilities with Lean practices. Practical insights guide practitioners in orchestrating a balanced adoption of I4 and Lean practices for SOP. This research offers actionable insights for industry leaders seeking to cultivate SOP within their organizational contexts.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the evolving understanding of the interplay between I4, Lean practices and SOP within the services sector, offering novel insights for both academia and industry practitioners.
Research on optimization of case adaptation and enhancement of knowledge application benefits for multi-decision class cases based on FASS-NRS and SAGA-FCM
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Li Liangchen , Boamah Fredrick Ahenkora , Wen Dandan , Li Jiake , Guo Dandan
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Traditional case-adaptation methods have poor accuracy, low efficiency and limited applicability, which cannot meet the needs of knowledge users. To address the shortcomings of the existing research in the industry, this paper proposes a case-adaptation optimization algorithm to support the effective application of tacit knowledge resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The attribute simplification algorithm based on the forward search strategy in the neighborhood decision information system is implemented to realize the vertical dimensionality reduction of the case base, and the fuzzy C-mean (FCM) clustering algorithm based on the simulated annealing genetic algorithm (SAGA) is implemented to compress the case base horizontally with multiple decision classes. Then, the subspace K-nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithm is used to induce the decision rules for the set of adapted cases to complete the optimization of the adaptation model.

Findings

The findings suggest the rapid enrichment of data, information and tacit knowledge in the field of practice has led to low efficiency and low utilization of knowledge dissemination, and this algorithm can effectively alleviate the problems of users falling into “knowledge disorientation” in the era of the knowledge economy.

Practical implications

This study provides a model with case knowledge that meets users’ needs, thereby effectively improving the application of the tacit knowledge in the explicit case base and the problem-solving efficiency of knowledge users.

Social implications

The adaptation model can serve as a stable and efficient prediction model to make predictions for the effects of the many logistics and e-commerce enterprises' plans.

Originality/value

This study designs a multi-decision class case-adaptation optimization study based on forward attribute selection strategy-neighborhood rough sets (FASS-NRS) and simulated annealing genetic algorithm-fuzzy C-means (SAGA-FCM) for tacit knowledgeable exogenous cases. By effectively organizing and adjusting tacit knowledge resources, knowledge service organizations can maintain their competitive advantages. The algorithm models established in this study develop theoretical directions for a multi-decision class case-adaptation optimization study of tacit knowledge.
Sustainability performance disclosure and family businesses: a perspective article
Authors: Caccialanza Andrea
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The deeper understanding of the disclosure of external and internal dynamics of family firms necessarily places the issue of sustainability as one of the most pressing needs from both a research and managerial perspective. Therefore, this perspective article contributes to the debate of sustainability performance disclosure in family firms, proposing a research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has organized the discussion around those elements that most significantly impact the propensity to disclose, with a specific focus on the interconnections and interrelations within them. The proposed research agenda is developed around three key elements: “how” firms disclose, “the reason why” they do it and “what” disclose of their performance(s).

Findings

To better understand “how” family firms should disclose their performance, it is suggested to engage in proactive stakeholder engagement to preserve long-term socioemotional wealth. “The reason why” for disclosure is still associated with the legitimization of family firms from an economic, social and environmental point of view. Finally, the “what” depends on several factors, such as the regulatory framework and the market involved.

Practical implications

This paper contains suggestions for family firm managers, consultants and policymakers that are approaching corporate social responsibility (CSR) and non-financial reporting or sustainability disclosure overall, providing an overview of relevant factors influencing this transition process.

Originality/value

This paper suggests a logical framework to combine these three elements of the debate as strictly interrelated to foster the sustainability performance disclosure of family firms.
Auditor’s response to firm’s environmental violations and engagement in supplemental environmental projects
Authors: Ahmed Ammad , Hussain Atia
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In this study, the authors investigate a pressing concern: how auditors react to their clients facing repercussions due to environmental violations. More specifically, this study aims to examine how environmental engagements, which carry potential risks and liabilities, influence auditors’ decision-making and fee structure.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses unique, reliable and actual violation data from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) from 2000 to 2015, focusing on clients involved in environmental violations that led to legal prosecution and penalties and those who subsequently engaged in voluntary supplemental environmental projects (SEPs). The authors use the ordinary least squares method to test the authors’ main research question and later use propensity score matching and alternate data source (ASSET4) to check the robustness of the authors’ results.

Findings

The authors find that firms with environmental violations are more susceptible to auditor resignation. Moreover, the environmental violator firms that maintain their engagement with auditors pay significantly higher audit fees compared to non-environmental violator firms. Furthermore, these environmental violator firms also face extended audit report delays and take longer to appoint a new auditor.

Originality/value

This study provides an additional consequence of environmental violations, namely, increased chances of auditor resignation and higher audit fees, alongside the penalties imposed by the US-EPA. Moreover, the authors’ findings position environmental violations and participation in SEPs as important factors in auditors’ business risk assessment.
Entrepreneurial performance and marketing analytics: the role of new product innovation
Authors: Lin Fenfang , Eng Teck-Yong
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Previous studies focus on the direct effects of marketing analytics on entrepreneurial performance, but few explore the underlying mechanisms. Drawing on affordance theory, this study explores pathways through new product innovation (NPI) for the effects of marketing analytics on business performance. NPI is a market-based innovation concept comprising customer- and competitor-driven NPD and incremental innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data collected from UK-based entrepreneurial firms operating in the IT and telecoms industries, we apply confirmatory factor analysis and a sequential structural equation model to test the mediating role of NPI in the effect of marketing analytics on market performance and financial performance.

Findings

The results show that marketing analytics enhances business performance through competitor-driven but not customer-driven NPD. Although using marketing analytics to generate customer knowledge for existing product innovation may enhance market performance, this positive effect becomes negative when competitor-driven NPD is undertaken to improve existing product innovation.

Originality/value

This study makes significant contributions to the innovation and NPD literature. It delves deeper into the existing view on the positive contributions of customer engagement to business value creation, revealing the significance of competitor knowledge to enhance business performance through marketing analytics, particularly in the context of IT and telecoms entrepreneurial firms.
Social media use and subjective well-being among university students in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ye Shaoyu , Ho Kevin K.W.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study explored how the use of different social media is related to subjective well-being among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

We surveyed 1,681 university students in the Kanto region of Japan in May 2021 to investigate how social media use relates to subjective well-being. We also examined the effects of self-consciousness and friendship, self-presentation desire, generalized trust, online communication skills, depression tendency and social support from others.

Findings

The responses revealed 15 possible patterns of social media usage on four widely used social media in Japan (LINE, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook). We selected users with the top five patterns for further statistical analyses: LINE/Twitter/Instagram/Facebook, LINE/Twitter/Instagram, LINE/Twitter, LINE/Instagram and LINE only. Overall, self-establishment as a factor of self-consciousness and friendship, and social support from others had positive effects on the improvement of subjective well-being, whereas depression tendency had negative effects on their subjective well-being regardless of their usage patterns, of which the results of social support from others and depression tendency were consistent with the results of previous studies. Regarding other factors, they had different effects on subjective well-being due to different patterns. Effects on subjective well-being from self-indeterminate and self-independency as factors of self-consciousness and friendship, praise acquisition, self-appeal and topic avoidance as factors of self-presentation desire were observed.

Originality/value

This is among the earliest studies on the relationship between young generations’ social media use and subjective well-being through social media usage patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.
Social interaction and cultural exchange among educational tourist and local community: the case of Famagusta, North Cyprus
Authors: Yorganci Ilkay , Ndukauba Precious
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the social interaction between international students and the local community in the small university town of Famagusta, North Cyprus. The objectives of the study are, firstly, to investigate the nature of interaction between two communities; secondly, to ascertain the main factors impacting social interaction and, finally, to identify the impact of this interaction on cultural exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative approach, the researchers conducted 39 semi-structured interviews with international students and members of the local community to gain depth and detail.

Findings

The results showed that there was a lack of interaction between the international students and locals due mainly to language barriers.

Originality/value

This study addresses a gap in the literature on educational tourism by focusing on the social interaction between foreign students and the host community in a nontraditional destination. It also provides guidelines for universities, local and national governments on how to build a better quality of life for the community and for international students.
High‐resolution reservoir prediction method based on data‐driven and model‐based approaches
Authors: ZeYang Liu , Wei Song , XiaoHong Chen , WenJin Li , Zhichao Li , GuoChang Liu
Published: February 2024

The Jiyang depression in the southeastern part of the Bohai Bay Basin has a relatively large scale set of shale oil in the Paleogene Shahejie Formation, but the complex internal components lead to narrow frequency bands, low resolution and difficulty in reservoir information extraction. Impedance is important information for reservoir characterization, and how to predict high‐resolution impedance using available information is particularly important. Deep learning, known for its effectiveness in addressing non‐linear problems, has found extensive applications in various fields of oil and gas exploration. However, the challenges of overfitting and poor generalization persist due to the limited availability of training datasets. Besides, existing methods often use networks to solve a single problem in fact, deep learning can deal with a series of problems intelligently. In order to partially solve the above problems, an intelligent storage prediction network framework is proposed in this paper. Physical information is introduced to realize data‐driven and model‐based approaches, thus solving the problem of difficult construction of training datasets. The processing part accomplishes the high‐resolution processing of seismic records, thus solving the problems of narrow bandwidth and low resolution. Initial model constraints are introduced so as to obtain more stable inversion results. Finally, the well data is compared and analysed to identify and predict the lithology and complete the intelligent prediction of unconventional reservoirs. The results are compared with the traditional model‐driven inversion method, revealing that the approach presented in this paper exhibits higher resolution in predicting dolomite. This contributes to the establishment of a robust data foundation for reservoir evaluation.
Identifying critical employability skills for employment success of autistic individuals: A content analysis of job postings
Authors: Griffiths Amy Jane , Hurley‐Hanson Amy E. , Giannantonio Cristina M. , Nash Angel Miles , Walrod Wallace , Walrod Petersen , Torres Rachel , Delgado Raquel
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to examine the literature on the skill sets of autistic individuals and determine how these skills align with current and projected future labour market needs. Based on a literature review, researchers identified the following skill categories common to autistic individuals: visual skills, attention to detail and systemizing composite skills. Researchers then gathered aggregated data on occupations and industries from over 90 state and federal sources in the United States. Next, they collected data on the most in‐demand jobs, their industries and relevant skills by analysing hundreds of millions of online job postings. The results indicate the most viable occupations aligned with each skill category. There is minimal available research using labour market data to generate special education goals and transition plans for autistic students. By providing educators and practitioners with critical information regarding viable employment pathways, all stakeholders can more effectively and equitably prepare autistic individuals for the 21st‐century workforce.
The development of social competence in students with General Learning Difficulties in early primary grades: The necessity of psychological support programmes in schools
Authors: Vasileiadis Ilias , Dimitriadou Ioanna , Koutras Spyros , Vleioras Georgios
Published: February 2024

Students with General Learning Difficulties present low levels of social competence. In order to increase them, students participate in school psychological support programmes. There are no research data available in Greece regarding social competence in students with General Learning Difficulties in the first grades of elementary school. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of an intervention programme, which focused on strengthening their social competence, in the first grades of primary school. The levels of social competence of the students were evaluated before and after the implementation of an 8‐month social empowerment programme, following a mixed‐methods approach with the use of semi‐structured interviews and observation in the school context. The participants were 21 students with General Learning Difficulties, 18 education professionals, whose classes the 21 students attended, together with the 21 parents of these students (one parent per student). The results showed that the social competence of the participants was low before and that it increased after their participation in the intervention programme. In addition, girls had higher social competence than boys both before and after their participation in the intervention programme. These results highlight the benefits of classroom intervention programmes for children with General Learning Difficulties.
Profiling microbial communities in an extremely acidic environment influenced by a cold natural carbon dioxide spring: A study of the Mefite in Ansanto Valley, Southern Italy
Authors: De Castro Olga , Avino Mariano , Carraturo Federica , Di Iorio Emanuela , Giovannelli Donato , Innangi Michele , Menale Bruno , Mormile Nicolina , Troisi Jacopo , Guida Marco
Published: February 2024

The Ansanto Valley's Mefite, one of the Earth's largest non‐volcanic CO2 gas emissions, is distinguished by its cold natural carbon dioxide springs. These emissions originate from the intricate tectonics and geodynamics of the southern Apennines in Italy. Known for over two millennia for its lethal concentration of CO2 and other harmful gases, the Mefite has a reputation for being toxic and dangerous. Despite its historical significance and unique geological features, there is a lack of information on the microbial diversity associated with the Mefite's gas emissions. This study presents an integrated exploration of the microbial diversity in the mud soil, using high‐throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA (Prokaryotes) and ITS2 (Fungi), alongside a geochemical site characterisation. Our findings reveal that the Mefite's unique environment imposes a significant bottleneck on microbial diversity, favouring a select few microbial groups such as Actinobacteria and Firmicutes for Prokaryotes, and Basidiomycota for Fungi.
A comparison of direct listings andIPOs
Authors: Brown Anna Bergman , Byard Donal , Suh Jangwon
Published: February 2024

IPOs and direct listings (DLs) offer two different mechanisms for firms to go public. In contrast to IPOs, DLs do not employ an underwriter or raise new capital. Using a sample of IPOs and DLs on major stock markets in the European Union, we document that firms that choose to go public via DLs are larger, more profitable, and less levered, on average, than IPO firms. These pre‐listing differences suggest that DL firms should be less risky than IPO firms; however, controlling for this selection effect, we find that DLs have higher aftermarket price volatility than IPOs. This is consistent with some policy‐makers' concerns that, because they lack an underwriter, DLs expose investors to higher risk than IPOs in the immediate post‐listing period. We show that this heightened price volatility persists, on average, for the first 20 trading days after listings, and is larger in industries where listed peer firms provide relatively low‐quality disclosures. Our results provide new evidence regarding the types of firms that choose to list via DLs versus IPOs and the riskiness of IPOs versus DLs in the immediate post‐listing period; additionally, our results are consistent with underwriters improving the quality of information available to investors for IPO firms in the pre‐listing period.
Empirical dynamic programming for model‐free ecosystem‐based management
Authors: Munch Stephan B. , Brias Antoine
Published: February 2024

Quantitative ecosystem‐based management typically relies on hypothetical ecosystem models that are difficult to validate for all but the best‐studied systems.

Here, we develop a management scheme that is based on predictive models driven by the observed dynamics.

We show that near‐optimal management policies can be constructed from time‐series data by merging empirical dynamic modelling and stochastic dynamic programming. The Empirical Dynamic Programming approach performs well in cases we examined and outperformed a commonly used single‐species alternative.

We expect model‐free ecosystem‐based management to be of use wherever ecosystem dynamics are uncertain or observations of the system do not cover all relevant species.