bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fall prevention in a pediatric unit: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Lawrence Nydjia , Christian Robin , Palokas Michelle , Upchurch Linda
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Inpatient falls account for 6% to 24% of pediatric safety incidents and can lead to increased length of hospital stay, increased cost of care, and decreased satisfaction with care. A review of a pediatric hematology, oncology, neurology, and rehabilitation unit in a hospital in the southern United States revealed an average of one to two falls monthly.

Objective:

This project aimed to promote evidence-based practices (EBPs) regarding fall prevention in the pediatric unit.

Methods:

This project used the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework to promote EBPs regarding pediatric fall prevention. A baseline audit was conducted to identify gaps between evidence and current practice. Barriers to EBPs were identified, strategies were implemented to promote EBPs, and a follow-up audit was conducted to measure the effectiveness of the improvement strategies.

Results:

The baseline audit revealed 100% compliance with all criteria except for Criterion 1 (using a validated assessment tool), which scored 0%, and Criterion 5 (communication between nurses at shift handover), which scored 69%. In the follow-up audit, Criterion 1 remained at 0%, but Criterion 5 rose to 82%.

Conclusions:

This project identified areas of non-compliance with best practice recommendations for the prevention and assessment of pediatric fall risk. Interventions were implemented, with positive results. Further investigation is needed to assess the long-term effectiveness of the interventions.

Spanish abstract:

http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A196
Do you really believe that? The effect of economic incentives on the acceptance of real-world data in a polarized context
Authors: Farjam Mike , Bravo Giangiacomo
Published: April 2024

Attitudes and expectations towards others are major drivers of political polarization. However, there is limited understanding of their relevance when decisions with high stakes are taken. In this study, we compare self-reported attitudes against economically incentivized estimates of data coming from official sources and offer participants financial rewards for accuracy. Our methodology yields three principal findings. (i) Extreme attitudes from a small partisan subgroup primarily account for the observed partisan divide; this subgroup diminishes when incentivized estimates are considered. (ii) There is a weak correlation between economically incentivized and unincentivized measures within individual respondents. (iii) We introduce a novel metric for assessing perceived polarization. This metric allows participants to estimate data points for those with opposing political views, rewarding accurate predictions financially. Interestingly, this measure of perceived polarization correlates with attitudes but not with incentivized data estimates. This is in line with the concept of ‘false polarization’, attributing polarization more to expectations towards others than to genuine differences. These findings challenge the reliability of standard attitude surveys and suggest avenues for mitigating perceived polarization in contentious issues.
The evolution and ecology of gigantism in terror birds (Aves, Phorusrhacidae)
Authors: LaBarge Thomas W. , Gardner Jacob D. , Organ Chris L.
Published: April 2024

Terror birds (Aves, Phorusrhacidae) were large flightless apex predators in South America during the Cenozoic. Here, we estimate a new phylogeny for phorusrhacids using Bayesian inference. We demonstrate phylogenetic evidence for a monophyletic Patagornithinae and find significant support for a distinct crown group associated with the quintessential ‘terror bird’ characteristics. We use this phylogeny to analyse the evolution of body size and cursoriality. Our results reveal that size overlap was rare between co-occurring subfamilies, supporting the hypothesis that these traits were important for niche partitioning. We observe that gigantism evolved in a single clade, containing Phorusrhacinae and Physornithinae. The members of this lineage were consistently larger than all other phorusrhacids. Phorusrhacinae emerged following the extinction of Physornithinae, suggesting the ecological succession of the apex predator niche. The first known phorusrhacine,
Phorusrhacos longissimus
, was gigantic but significantly smaller and more cursorial than any physornithine. These traits likely evolved in response to the expansion of open environments. Following the Santacrucian SALMA, phorusrhacines increased in size, further converging on the morphology of Physornithinae. These findings suggest that the evolution and displacement of body size drove terror bird niche partitioning and competitive exclusion controlled phorusrhacid diversity.
Interaction with refuse piles drives co-occurrence of core gut microbiota in workers of the ant Aphaenogaster picea
Authors: Pagalilauan Alison , Pavloudi Christina , Ospina Santiago Meneses , Smith Adam , Saw Jimmy
Published: April 2024

Comparing the diversity of gut microbiota between and within social insect colonies can illustrate interactions between bacterial community composition and host behavior. In many eusocial insect species, different workers exhibit different task behaviors. Thus, these workers may benefit from symbiotic relationships with certain bacteria that augment the metabolic processes underlying their specific behaviors. Evidence of compositional differences between core microbiota in different worker types could suggest a microbial association with division of labor among workers. Here we present the core microbiota of Aphaenogaster picea ant workers with different task behaviors. The genus Aphaenogaster is abundant worldwide, yet the associated microbiota of this group is unstudied. Bacterial communities from A. picea gut samples in this study consist of 19 phyla, dominated by Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Firmicutes. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences reveals distinct similarity clustering of A. picea gut bacterial communities in workers that have more interactions with the refuse piles. Though gut bacterial communities of nurse and foraging ants are similar in overall composition and structure, the worker groups differ in relative abundances of dominant taxa. Interaction with fecal matter via refuse piles seems to have the greatest impact on taxa distribution, and this effect appears to be independent of worker type. This is the first report surveying the gut microbiome community composition of Aphaenogaster ants.
Detection of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Reads in the Human Upper Respiratory Tract Microbiome Requires Further Investigation
Authors: Tomar Siddharth Singh , Khairnar Krishna
Published: April 2024

Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), a double-stranded DNA virus from the Capripoxvirus genus, primarily affects Bos indicus, Bos taurus breeds, and water buffalo. Arthropod vectors, including mosquitoes and biting flies, are the main LSDV transmitters. Although LSDV is not zoonotic, this study unexpectedly detected LSDV reads in the upper respiratory tract microbiome of humans from rural and urban areas in Maharashtra, India. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab samples collected for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance underwent whole-genome metagenomics sequencing, revealing LSDV reads in 25% of samples. SKA analysis provided insights into sample relatedness despite the low coverage of LSDV reads with the reference genome. Our findings, which include the detection of LSDV contigs aligning to specific locations on the reference genome, suggest a common source for LSDV reads, potentially shared water sources or milk/milk products. Further investigation is needed to ascertain whether these reads indicate actual LSDV infections, environmental uptake, or cross-reactivity with related viral sequences.
Biochemical Impact of p300-Mediated Acetylation of Replication Protein A: Implications for DNA Metabolic Pathway Choice
Authors: Ononye Onyekachi , Surendran Sneha , Howald Olivia K. , Kantartzis-Petrides Athena , Jordan Matthew R. , Ainembabazi Diana , Wold Marc S. , Turchi John J. , Balakrishnan Lata
Published: April 2024

Replication Protein A (RPA), a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding protein, is vital for various aspects of genome maintenance such as replication, recombination, repair and cell cycle checkpoint activation. Binding of RPA to ssDNA protects it from degradation by cellular nucleases, prevents secondary structure formation and illegitimate recombination. In our current study, we identified the acetyltransferase p300 to be capable of acetylating the 70kDa subunit of RPA in vitro and within cells. The acetylation status of RPA was increased specifically during the G1/S phase of the cell cycle and also following exposure to UV-induced damage. Furthermore, we were able to specifically identify RPA directly associated with the replication fork during the S phase and UV damage to be acetylated. Based on these observations, we evaluated the impact of lysine acetylation on the biochemical properties of RPA. Investigation of binding properties of RPA revealed that acetylation of RPA increased its binding affinity to ssDNA compared to unmodified RPA. The improvement in binding efficiency was a function of DNA length with the greatest increases observed on shorter length ssDNA oligomers. Furthermore, the mechanism of acetylated RPAs’ increased affinity for ssDNA was shown to be a function of a slower rate of dissociation compared to the unmodified form of the RPA. Our findings demonstrate that p300-dependent, site-specific acetylation enhances RPA’s DNA binding properties, potentially regulating its function during various DNA transactions.
Remote Neuroinflammation in Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Correlates with Unfavorable Clinical Outcome
Authors: Bartos Laura M , Quach Stefanie , Zenatti Valerio , Kirchleitner Sabrina V , Blobner Jens , Wind-Mark Karin , Kolabas Zeynep Ilgin , Ulukaya Selin , Holzgreve Adrien , Ruf Viktoria C , Kunze Lea H , Kunte Sebastian T , Hoermann Leonie , Härtel Marlies , Park Ha Eun , Groß Mattes , Franzmeier Nicolai , Zatcepin Artem , Zounek Adrian , Kaiser Lena , Riemenschneider Markus J , Perneczky Robert , Rauchmann Boris-Stephan , Stöcklein Sophia , Ziegler Sibylle , Herms Jochen , Ertürk Ali , Tonn Joerg C , Thon Niklas , von Baumgarten Louisa , Prestel Matthias , Tahirovic Sabina , Albert Nathalie L , Brendel Matthias
Published: April 2024

Local therapy strategies still provide only limited success in the treatment of glioblastoma, the most frequent primary brain tumor in adults, indicating global involvement of the brain in this fatal disease. To study the impact of neuroinflammation distant of the primary tumor site on the clinical course of patients with glioblastoma, we performed translocator protein (TSPO)-PET in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, glioma WHO 2 and healthy controls and compared signals of the non-lesion (i.e. contralateral) hemisphere. Back-translation in syngeneic glioblastoma mice was used to characterize PET alterations on a cellular level. Ultimately, multiplex gene expression analyses served to profile immune cells in remote brain. Our study revealed elevated TSPO-PET signals in contralateral hemispheres of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma compared to healthy controls. Contralateral TSPO was associated with persisting epilepsy and short survival independent of the tumor phenotype. Back-translation pinpointed myeloid cells as the source of TSPO-PET signal increases and revealed a complex immune signature comprised of joint myeloid cell activation and immunosuppression in distant brain regions. In brief, neuroinflammation within the contralateral hemisphere is associated with poor outcome in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. TSPO-PET serves to detect patients with global neuroinflammation who may benefit from immunomodulatory strategies.
Defining the multiplex probe panel for detecting mutating viruses with high clinical sensitivity
Authors: Kozlowski Hannah N. , Lekuti Ayokunle A. , Zahoor Muhammad Atif , Feld Jordan J. , Chan Warren C. W.
Published: April 2024

Nucleic acid technology has emerged as an important diagnostic for infectious diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other diseases. However, mismatches between the probes and targets can lead to misdiagnosis. Here we determine how many mismatches between the probe and target lead to poor clinical performance and respond by developing a rationale multiplex strategy to overcome this detection problem. We found that the probe-target mismatches of greater than 20% yielded clinical sensitivity of 22% or less, rendering the diagnostic test useless. We designed probe panels to improve the clinical sensitivity. We tested our multiplex probe strategy using hepatitis C virus as the model pathogen because this virus has high mutation rates. We showed that we can improve the clinical sensitivity for detecting hepatitis C virus from 31 to 89% when we designed and applied a four-probe panel to the diagnostic test instead of a single probe system. Interestingly, increasing beyond four probes did not significantly increase the clinical sensitivity. We present a strategy to overcome the poor clinical sensitivity of nucleic acid tests for mutating genetic targets. Incorporating this panel design strategy can lead to improved diagnostic test performance, fewer false negatives and more accurate treatment planning for patients.
PRC2 Promotes Canalisation During Endodermal Differentiation
Authors: Hölzenspies Jurriaan J. , Sengupta Dipta , Bickmore Wendy A. , Brickman Joshua M. , Illingworth Robert S.
Published: April 2024

The genetic circuitry that encodes the developmental programme of mammals is regulated by transcription factors and chromatin modifiers. During early gestation, the three embryonic germ layers are established in a process termed gastrulation. The impact of deleterious mutations in chromatin modifiers such as the polycomb proteins manifests during gastrulation, leading to early developmental failure and lethality in mouse models. Embryonic stem cells have provided key insights into the molecular function of polycomb proteins, but it is impossible to fully appreciate the role of these epigenetic factors in development, or how development is perturbed due to their deficiency, in the steady-state. To address this, we have employed a tractable embryonic stem cell differentiation system to model primitive streak formation and early gastrulation. Using this approach, we find that loss of the repressive polycomb mark H3K27me3 is delayed relative to transcriptional activation, indicating a subordinate rather than instructive role in gene repression. Despite this, chemical inhibition of polycomb enhanced endodermal differentiation efficiency, but did so at the cost of lineage fidelity. These findings highlight the importance of the polycomb system in stabilising the developmental transcriptional response and, in so doing, in shoring up cellular specification.
Capsular Polysaccharide Restrains Type VI Secretion inAcinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Flaugnatti Nicolas , Bader Loriane , Croisier-Coeytaux Mary , Blokesch Melanie
Published: April 2024

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a sophisticated, contact-dependent nanomachine involved in interbacterial competition. To function effectively, the T6SS must penetrate the membranes of both attacker and target bacteria. Structures associated with the cell envelope, like polysaccharides chains, can therefore introduce spatial separation and steric hindrance, potentially affecting the efficacy of the T6SS. In this study, we examined how the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) ofAcinetobacter baumanniiaffects T6SS’s antibacterial function. Our findings show that the CPS confers resistance against T6SS-mediated assaults from rival bacteria. Notably, under typical growth conditions, the presence of the surface-bound capsule also reduces the efficacy of the bacterium’s own T6SS. This T6SS impairment is further enhanced when CPS is overproduced due to genetic modifications or antibiotic treatment. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the bacterium adjusts the level of the T6SS inner tube protein Hcp according to its secretion capacity, by initiating a degradation process involving the ClpXP protease. Collectively, our findings contribute to a better understanding of the dynamic relationship between T6SS and CPS and how they respond swiftly to environmental challenges.
Beyond A and B Compartments: how major nuclear locales define nuclear genome organization and function
Authors: Gholamalamdari Omid , van Schaik Tom , Wang Yuchuan , Kumar Pradeep , Zhang Liguo , Zhang Yang , Gonzalez Gabriela A. Hernandez , Vouzas Athanasios E. , Zhao Peiyao A. , Gilbert David M. , Ma Jian , van Steensel Bas , Belmont Andrew S.
Published: April 2024

Models of nuclear genome organization often propose a binary division into active versus inactive compartments yet typically overlook nuclear bodies. Here we integrated analysis of sequencing and image-based data to compare genome organization in four human cell types relative to three different nuclear locales: the nuclear lamina, nuclear speckles, and nucleoli. Whereas gene expression correlates mostly with nuclear speckle proximity, DNA replication timing correlates with proximity to multiple nuclear locales. Speckle attachment regions emerge as DNA replication initiation zones whose replication timing and gene composition vary with their attachment frequency. Most facultative LADs retain a partially repressed state as iLADs, despite their positioning in the nuclear interior. Knock out of two lamina proteins, Lamin A and LBR, causes a shift of H3K9me3-enriched LADs from lamina to nucleolus, and a reciprocal relocation of H3K27me3-enriched partially repressed iLADs from nucleolus to lamina. Thus, these partially repressed iLADs appear to compete with LADs for nuclear lamina attachment with consequences for replication timing. The nuclear organization in adherent cells is polarized with nuclear bodies and genomic regions segregating both radially and relative to the equatorial plane. Together, our results underscore the importance of considering genome organization relative to nuclear locales for a more complete understanding of the spatial and functional organization of the human genome.
Frequency-domain distribution of astrophysical gravitational-wave backgrounds
Authors: Ginat Yonadav Barry , Reischke Robert , Rapoport Ivan , Desjacques Vincent
Published: April 2024

The superposition of many astrophysical gravitational wave (GW) signals below typical detection thresholds baths detectors in a stochastic gravitational wave background (SGWB). In this work, we present a Fourier space approach to compute the frequency-domain distribution of stochastic gravitational wave backgrounds produced by discrete sources. Expressions for the moment-generating function and the distribution of observed (discrete) Fourier modes are provided. The results are first applied to the signal originating from all the mergers of compact stellar remnants (black holes and neutron stars) in the Universe, which is found to exhibit a −4 power-law tail. This tail is verified in the signal-to-noise ratio distribution of Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalogue (GWTC) events. The extent to which the subtraction of bright (loud) mergers gaussianizes the resulting confusion noise of unresolved sources is then illustrated. The power-law asymptotic tail for the unsubtracted signal, and an exponentially decaying tail in the case of the SGWB, are also derived analytically. Our results generalize to any background of gravitational waves emanating from discrete, individually coherent, sources.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Distinguishing Quasiparticle-Phonon Interactions by Ultrahigh-Resolution Lifetime Measurements
Authors: Liu Boyao , Allison William , Peng Bo , Avidor Nadav , Monserrat Bartomeu , Jardine Andrew P.
Published: April 2024

We present a determination of quasiparticle-phonon interaction strengths at surfaces through measurements of phonon spectra with ultrahigh energy resolution. The lifetimes of low energy surface phonons on a pristine Ru(0001) surface were determined over a wide range of temperatures and an analysis of the temperature dependence enables us to attribute separate contributions from electron-phonon interactions, phonon-phonon interactions, and defect-phonon interactions. Strong electron-phonon interactions are evident at all temperatures and we show they dominate over phonon-phonon interactions below 400 K.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Structural insights into the molecular mechanism of phytoplasma immunodominant membrane protein
Authors: Liu Chang-Yi , Cheng Han-Pin , Lin Chan-Pin , Liao Yi-Ting , Ko Tzu-Ping , Lin Shin-Jen , Lin Shih-Shun , Wang Hao-Ching
Published: April 2024

Immunodominant membrane protein (IMP) is a prevalent membrane protein in phytoplasma and has been confirmed to be an F-actin-binding protein. However, the intricate molecular mechanisms that govern the function of IMP require further elucidation. In this study, the X-ray crystallographic structure of IMP was determined and insights into its interaction with plant actin are provided. A comparative analysis with other proteins demonstrates that IMP shares structural homology with talin rod domain-containing protein 1 (TLNRD1), which also functions as an F-actin-binding protein. Subsequent molecular-docking studies of IMP and F-actin reveal that they possess complementary surfaces, suggesting a stable interaction. The low potential energy and high confidence score of the IMP–F-actin binding model indicate stable binding. Additionally, by employing immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, it was discovered that IMP serves as an interaction partner for the phytoplasmal effector causing phyllody 1 (PHYL1). It was then shown that both IMP and PHYL1 are highly expressed in the S2 stage of peanut witches' broom phytoplasma-infected Catharanthus roseus. The association between IMP and PHYL1 is substantiated through in vivo immunoprecipitation, an in vitro cross-linking assay and molecular-docking analysis. Collectively, these findings expand the current understanding of IMP interactions and enhance the comprehension of the interaction of IMP with plant F-actin. They also unveil a novel interaction pathway that may influence phytoplasma pathogenicity and host plant responses related to PHYL1. This discovery could pave the way for the development of new strategies to overcome phytoplasma-related plant diseases.
The inhibitor effect of migrating corrosion inhibitors on Q235 steel in high alkaline environment under cathodic polarization
Authors: Jia Hang , Gao Zhiming , Wu Shixiong , Liu Jia Liang , Hu Wenbin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the corrosion inhibitor effect of migrating corrosion inhibitor (MCI) on Q235 steel in high alkaline environment under cathodic polarization.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigated the electrochemical characteristics of Q235 steel with and without MCI by polarization curve and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Besides, the surface composition of Q235 steel under different environments was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, the migration characteristic of MCI and the adsorption behavior of MCI under cathodic polarization were studied using Raman spectroscopy.

Findings

Diethanolamine (DEA) and N, N-dimethylethanolamine (DMEA) can inhibit the increase of Fe(II) in the oxide film of Q235 steel under cathodic polarization. The adsorption stability of DMEA film was higher under cathodic polarization potential, showing a higher corrosion inhibition ability. The corrosion inhibition mechanism of DEA and DMEA under cathodic polarization potential was proposed.

Originality/value

The MCI has a broad application prospect in the repair of damaged reinforced concrete due to its unique migratory characteristics. The interaction between MCIs, rebar and concrete with different compositions has been studied, but the passivation behavior of the steel interface in the presence of both the migrating electric field and corrosion inhibitors has been neglected. And it was investigated in this paper.
An empirical investigation of the impact of marketing analytics capability on SME performance: a resource-based view approach
Authors: Abrokwah-Larbi Kwabena
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to empirically investigate the impact of marketing analytics capability on business performance from the perspective of RBV theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a survey method to gather information from 225 food processing SMEs registered with the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA) in Ghana’s eastern region. A structural equation modeling (SEM) path analysis was used to assess the impact of marketing analytics capability (MAC) on the performance of SMEs.

Findings

The results of the study show that MAC significantly and positively affect the financial performance (FP), customer performance (CF), internal business process performance (IBPP) and learning and growth performance (LGP) of Ghanaian SMEs. The findings of this study also illustrated the significance of MAC determinants, including marketing analytics skills (MAS), data resource management (DRM) and data processing capabilities (DPC), in achieving SME success in Ghana.

Originality/value

The research’s conclusions give RBV theory strong credence. The results of this study also provide credence to previous research finding that SMEs should view MAC and its determinants (i.e. DRM, DPC, MAS) as a crucial strategic capability to improve their performance (i.e. FP, CF, IBPP, LGP). With regard to its contribution, this study broadens the body of knowledge on MAC and SME performance, particularly in the context of an emerging economy.
Challenges in the quantification of household food waste: the need for consistent methodologies
Authors: Wunderlich Shahla M. , Feldman Charles H.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this short communication is to shed light on the accuracy of quantification methods of household food waste (HFW).

Design/methodology/approach

Thirty-seven recently published studies in HFW were surveyed for this commentary. Exemplary methods and findings of these studies were compared.

Findings

It is challenging to draw conclusions on the amount of the HFW per person/town/country due to the inconsistent and heterogeneous methodologies used. We recommend using direct measurements or triangulation of methods to help ensure valid findings. Governments should incentivize consumers to deliver their food waste to designated locations where weights could accurately be assessed. Monetary or tax incentives could help stimulate an accurate accounting of waste and encourage reductions. Food waste measurements should be consistently reported as kg/person/week.

Social implications

Food and water security must be provided for all. It is estimated that one-third of edible food for humans is currently lost or wasted globally. According to the World Food Program (WFP), this is about 1.3 billion tons of food per year and at the same time this wasted food could be sufficient to feed two billion people.

Originality/value

The aim of this paper is to fill a gap in the literature about the magnitude and significance of HFW and its impact on the environment and social welfare. Currently, there are no generally accepted uniform methods of food waste quantification at the household level. This original communication brings the importance and challenges of the quantification of HFW to light.
Predicting ground vibrations from railway tunnels using an improved 2.5D FEM-PML model with soil spatial variability
Authors: Di H.G. , Xu Pingbao , Gong Quanmei , Guo Huiji , Su Guangbei
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study establishes a method for predicting ground vibrations caused by railway tunnels in unsaturated soils with spatial variability.

Design/methodology/approach

First, an improved 2.5D finite-element-method-perfect-matching-layer (FEM-PML) model is proposed. The Galerkin method is used to derive the finite element expression in the ub-pl-pg format for unsaturated soil. Unlike the ub-v-w format, which has nine degrees of freedom per node, the ub-pl-pg format has only five degrees of freedom per node; this significantly enhances the calculation efficiency. The stretching function of the PML is adopted to handle the unlimited boundary domain. Additionally, the 2.5D FEM-PML model couples the tunnel, vehicle and track structures. Next, the spatial variability of the soil parameters is simulated by random fields using the Monte Carlo method. By incorporating random fields of soil parameters into the 2.5D FEM-PML model, the effect of soil spatial variability on ground vibrations is demonstrated using a case study.

Findings

The spatial variability of the soil parameters primarily affected the vibration acceleration amplitude but had a minor effect on its spatial distribution and attenuation over time. In addition, ground vibration acceleration was more affected by the spatial variability of the soil bulk modulus of compressibility than by that of saturation.

Originality/value

Using the 2.5D FEM-PML model in the ub-pl-pg format of unsaturated soil enhances the computational efficiency. On this basis, with the random fields established by Monte Carlo simulation, the model can calculate the reliability of soil dynamics, which was rarely considered by previous models.
Experimental and numerical analysis of the behavior of rehabilitated aluminum structures using chopped strand mat GFRP composite patches
Authors: Althahban Sultan Mohammed , Nowier Mostafa , El-Sagheer Islam , Abd-Elhady Amr , Sallam Hossam , Reda Ramy
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper comprehensively addresses the influence of chopped strand mat glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) patch configurations such as geometry, dimensions, position and the number of layers of patches, whether a single or double patch is used and how well debonding the area under the patch improves the strength of the cracked aluminum plates with different crack lengths.

Design/methodology/approach

Single-edge cracked aluminum specimens of 150 mm in length and 50 mm in width were tested using the tensile test. The cracked aluminum specimens were then repaired using GFRP patches with various configurations. A three-dimensional (3D) finite element method (FEM) was adopted to simulate the repaired cracked aluminum plates using composite patches to obtain the stress intensity factor (SIF). The numerical modeling and validation of ABAQUS software and the contour integral method for SIF calculations provide a valuable tool for further investigation and design optimization.

Findings

The width of the GFRP patches affected the efficiency of the rehabilitated cracked aluminum plate. Increasing patch width WP from 5 mm to 15 mm increases the peak load by 9.7 and 17.5%, respectively, if compared with the specimen without the patch. The efficiency of the GFRP patch in reducing the SIF increased as the number of layers increased, i.e. the maximum load was enhanced by 5%.

Originality/value

This study assessed repairing metallic structures using the chopped strand mat GFRP. Furthermore, it demonstrated the superiority of rectangular patches over semicircular ones, along with the benefit of using double patches for out-of-plane bending prevention and it emphasizes the detrimental effect of defects in the bonding area between the patch and the cracked component. This underlines the importance of proper surface preparation and bonding techniques for successful repair.

Graphical abstract
What goes around comes around: an in-depth analysis of how respondents interpret ISP non-/compliance questionnaire items
Authors: Gerdin Marcus , Kolkowska Ella , Grönlund Åke
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Research on employee non-/compliance to information security policies suffers from inconsistent results and there is an ongoing discussion about the dominating survey research methodology and its potential effect on these results. This study aims to add to this discussion by investigating discrepancies between what the authors claim to measure (theoretical properties of variables) and what they actually measure (respondents’ interpretations of the operationalized variables). This study asks: How well do respondents’ interpretations of variables correspond to their theoretical definitions? What are the characteristics of any discrepancies between variable definitions and respondent interpretations?

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on in-depth interviews with 17 respondents from the Swedish public sector to understand how they interpret questionnaire measurement items operationalizing the variables Perceived Severity from Protection Motivation Theory and Attitude from Theory of Planned Behavior.

Findings

The authors found that respondents’ interpretations in many cases differ substantially from the theoretical definitions. Overall, the authors found four principal ways in which respondents interpreted measurement items – referred to as property contextualization, extension, alteration and oscillation – each implying more or less (dis)alignment with the intended theoretical properties of the two variables examined.

Originality/value

The qualitative method used proved vital to better understand respondents’ interpretations which, in turn, is key for improving self-reporting measurement instruments. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is a first step toward understanding how precise and uniform definitions of variables’ theoretical properties can be operationalized into effective measurement items.
Awareness of enterprise finance support programmes: the role of networks, gender and ethnicity
Authors: Mwaura Samuel , Knox Stephen
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates how gender, ethnicity, and network membership interact to influence how small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owner-managers become aware of finance support programmes developed by government policy and/or support schemes advanced by the banking industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on expectation states theory (EST), we develop eight sets of hypotheses and employ the UK SME Finance Monitor data to test them using bivariate probit regression analysis.

Findings

In general, network membership increases awareness, but more so for government programmes. We also find no differences between female and male owner-managers when in networks. However, we identify in-network and out-network differences by ethnicity, with minority females seemingly better off than minority males.

Practical implications

Business networks are better for disseminating government programmes than industry-led programmes. For native White women, network membership can enhance policy awareness advantage further, whilst for minorities, networks significantly offset the big policy awareness deficits minorities inherently face. However, policy and practice need to address intersectional inequalities that remain in access to networks themselves, information access within networks, and the significant out-network deficits in awareness of support programmes afflicting minorities.

Originality/value

This study provides one of the first large-scale empirical examinations of intersectional mechanisms in awareness of government and industry-led enterprise programmes. Our novel and nuanced findings advance our understanding of the ways in which gender and ethnicity interact with network dynamics in entrepreneurship.
Unpacking sustainability reporting dimensions: the impact of board characteristics
Authors: Alta’any Mohammad , Tauringana Ven , Zalata Alaa , Achiro Laura Obwona
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to document international evidence of the impact of a board-level governance bundle [size, independence, CEO duality, gender diversity and sustainability committee (SC)] on sustainability reporting (SR) and, separately, on its three dimensions (economic, environmental and social).

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes 370 listed firms from 50 countries. A GRI standards-based disclosure index was constructed to quantify SR across various reporting media.

Findings

The baseline findings show that SC positively affects SR and its three dimensions. Board size also has a significant and positive impact on SR and two of its dimensions (economic and social). Similarly, board independence and CEO duality have a significant but negative association with SR and the same two dimensions. Finally, board gender diversity has no significant impact on SR and all its three dimensions.

Practical implications

The findings that only SC significantly influences SR, and its three dimensions, have important implications for corporate governance reforms internationally to improve SR in countries where such committees are not yet part of the board of directors’ sub-committees.

Originality/value

Overall, this study contributes to board characteristics–SR literature and holds significant theoretical and practical implications.
The organization dilemma: investing in effectiveness versus efficiency?
Authors: Dreyfuss Michael , Pinto Gavriel David
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Every business company deals with the dilemma of how much to invest in long-term (LT) versus short-term (ST) problem (LTvST problem). LT operations increase the reputation of the company, and revenue is rewarded in the future. In contrast, ST operations result in immediate rewards. Thus, every organization faces the dilemma of how much to invest in LT versus ST activities. The former deals with the “what” or effectiveness, and the latter deals with the “how” or efficiency. The role of managers is to solve this dilemma; however, they often fail to do so, mainly because of a lack of knowledge. This study aims to propose a dynamic optimal control model that formulates and solves the LTvST problem.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a dynamic optimal control model that formulates and solves the dilemma whether to invest in short- or LT operations.

Findings

This model is illustrated as an example of an academic institute that wants to maximize its reputation. Investing in effectiveness in the academy translates into investing in research, whereas investing in efficiency translates into investing in teaching. Universities and colleges with a good reputation attract stronger candidates and benefit from higher tuition fees. Steady-state conditions and insightful observations were obtained by studying the optimal solution and performing a sensitivity analysis.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first one to explore the optimal strategy when trying to maximize the short and LT activities of a company and solve the LTvST problem. Furthermore, it is applied on universities where teaching is the ST activity and research the LT activity. The insights gleaned from the application are relevant to many different fields. The authors believe that the paper makes a significant contribution to academic literature and to business managers.
Cross-cultural training and expatriate adjustment: an assessment of expatriates on assignment in African countries
Authors: Iheanachor Nkemdilim , Costa-Climent Ricardo , Ulrich Klaus , Ozegbe Elvis
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to contribute to the enrichment of the literature by examining the impact of cross-cultural training on expatriates’ adjustment of Nigerian bankers on expatriate assignments in other African countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on cross-cultural adjustment from expatriate employees in five banks that collectively accounted for over 80 per cent of Nigerian banks with subsidiaries in other African were systematically selected for the investigation. This data was collected quantitatively via a survey instrument. Independent sample t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis were deployed in analyzing the data.

Findings

The study found that cross-cultural adjustment varied significantly across the different categories of gender, age, marital status, previous expatriate training, previous expatriate experience, and duration of expatriation. The study concludes that in order to attain higher levels of adjustment African banks and other organizations should provide a more comprehensive cross-cultural training program that mirrors the needs of employees following a detailed needs analysis. Also, the training must be sequential and not a one-off approach.

Originality/value

The literature though still nascent is largely focused on expatriate preparation and adjustment for expatriates moving from Western-to-western contexts and very little exists in the literature on how multinationals from Non-Western contexts like Africa prepare their staff for expatriation and its consequent impact on their adjustment. This study aims to enrich the literature by examining the impact of cross-cultural training on expatriates’ adjustment of Nigerian bankers on expatriate assignments in other African countries.
Exploring artificial intelligence robo-advisor in banking industry: a platform model
Authors: Barile Domenica , Secundo Giustina , Bussoli Candida
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study examines the Robo-Advisors (RA) based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), a new service that digitises and automates investment decisions in the financial and banking industries to provide low-cost and personalised financial advice. The RAs use objective algorithms to select portfolios, reduce behavioural biases, and improve transactions. They are inexpensive, accessible, and transparent platforms. Objective algorithms improve the believability of portfolio selection.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a qualitative approach consisting of an exploratory examination of seven different RA case studies and analyses the RA platforms used in the banking industry.

Findings

The findings provide two different approaches to running a business that are appropriate for either fully automated or hybrid RAs through the realisation of two platform model frameworks. The research reveals that relying solely on algorithms and not including any services involving human interaction in a company model is inadequate to meet the requirements of customers in decision-making.

Research limitations/implications

This study emphasises key robo-advisory features, such as investor profiling, asset allocation, investment strategies, portfolio rebalancing, and performance evaluation. These features provide managers and practitioners with new information on enhancing client satisfaction, improving services, and adjusting to dynamic market demands.

Originality/value

This study fills the research gap related to the analysis of RA platform models by providing a meticulous analysis of two different types of RAs, namely, fully automated and hybrid, which have not received adequate attention in the literature.
Evaluation of agile attributes for low-cost carriers to achieve sustainable development using an integrated MCDM approach
Authors: Seker Sukran
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Since conducting agile strategies provides sustainable passenger satisfaction and revenue by replacing applied policies with more profitable ones rapidly, the focus of this study is to evaluate agile attributes for managing low-cost carriers (LCCs) operations by means of resources and competences based on dynamic capabilities built on resource-based view (RBV) theory and to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in a volatile and dynamic air transport environment. LCCs in Turkey are also evaluated in this study since the competition among LCCs is high to gain market share and they can adapt quickly to all kinds of circumstances.

Design/methodology/approach

Two well-known Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods (MCDM) named as the Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) and multi-attributive border approximation area comparison (MABAC) methods by employing Picture fuzzy sets (PiFS) are employed to determine weight of agile attributes and superiority of LCCs based on agile attributes in the market, respectively. To check the consistency and robustness of the results for the proposed approach, comparative and sensitivity analysis are performed at the end of the study.

Findings

While the ranking orders of agile attributes are Strategic Responsiveness (AG1), Financial Management (AG4), Quality (AG2), Digital integration (AG3) and Reliability (AG5), respectively, LCC2 is selected as the best agile airline company in Turkey with respect to agile attributes. SWARA and MABAC method based on PiFS is appropriate and effective method to evaluate agile attributes that has important reference value for the airline companies in aviation industry.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will support managers in the airline industry to conduct airline operations more flexibly and effectively to take sustainable competitive advantage in unexpected and dynamic environment.

Originality/value

To the author' best knowledge, this study is the first developed to identify the attributes necessary to increase agility in LCCs. Thus, as a systematic tool, a framework is developed for the implementation of agile attributes to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the airline industry and presented a roadmap for airline managers to deal with crises and challenging situations by satisfying customer and increasing competitiveness.
Role of responsible leadership influence to reduce turnover intentions: a double-mediation framework
Authors: Khanam Zeba , Tarab Sheema
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to propose a double-mediation effect of organizational justice and affective commitment (AC) through which responsible leadership (RL) influences to reduce turnover intention (TI).

Design/methodology/approach

The association between responsible leadership and TI, as well as the double-mediating effect of organizational justice and AC, was investigated using an integrated model. Structural equation modeling and Process Macro were used to validate the hypothesized correlations by analyzing the responses of 391 employees working in the Indian health-care sector.

Findings

The outcomes revealed a significant positive association between responsible leadership, organizational justice and AC, as well as a negative association between organizational justice, AC and TI. Moreover, the findings verified the association between responsible leadership and TI.

Practical implications

This study explored the double-mediating impact of organizational justice and AC on the association between responsible leadership and TI. It also supports the expert in guiding and performing the policy review as an outcome of this relationship.

Originality/value

The primary theoretical contribution of this study is to examine the relationship between RL and TI. This study examined the role of organizational justice (OJ) and AC as double mediators in the relationship between RL and TIs. Moreover, it has significant effects on the development of literature about RL, OJ, AC and TI.