bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contributions of attention to learning in multidimensional reward environments
Authors: Wang Michael Chong , Soltani Alireza
Published: April 2023

Real-world choice options have many features or attributes, whereas the reward outcome from those options only depends on a few features/attributes. It has been shown that humans learn and combine feature-based with more complex conjunction-based learning to tackle challenges of learning in complex reward environments. However, it is unclear how different learning strategies interact to determine what features should be attended and control choice behavior, and how ensuing attention modulates future learning and/or choice. To address these questions, we examined human behavior during a three-dimensional learning task in which reward outcomes for different stimuli could be predicted based on a combination of an informative feature and conjunction. Using multiple approaches, we first confirmed that choice behavior and reward probabilities estimated by participants were best described by a model that learned the predictive values of both the informative feature and the informative conjunction. In this model, attention was controlled by the difference in these values in a cooperative manner such that attention depended on the integrated feature and conjunction values, and the resulting attention weights modulated learning by increasing the learning rate on attended features and conjunctions. However, there was little effect of attention on decision making. These results suggest that in multidimensional environments, humans direct their attention not only to selectively process reward-predictive attributes, but also to find parsimonious representations of the reward contingencies for more efficient learning.

Significance Statement

From trying exotic recipes to befriending new social groups, outcomes of real-life actions depend on many factors, but how do we learn the predictive values of those factors based on feedback we receive? It has been shown that humans simplify this problem by focusing on individual factors that are most predictive of the outcomes but can extend their learning strategy to include combinations of factors when necessary. Here, we examined interaction between attention and learning in a multidimensional reward environment that requires learning about individual features and their conjunctions. Using multiple approaches, we found that learning about features and conjunctions control attention in a cooperative manner and that the ensuing attention mainly modulates future learning and not decision making.
Conserved neural dynamics and computations across species in olfaction
Authors: Ling Doris , Moss Elizabeth H , Smith Cameron L , Kroeger Ryan , Reimer Jacob , Raman Baranidharan , Arenkiel Benjamin R
Published: April 2023

Interpreting chemical information and translating it into ethologically relevant output is a common challenge of olfactory systems across species. Are computations performed by olfactory circuits conserved across species to overcome these common challenges? To understand this, we compared odor responses in the locust antennal lobe (AL) and mouse olfactory bulb (OB). We found that odors activated nearly mutually exclusive neural ensembles during stimulus presentation (‘ON response’) and after stimulus termination (‘OFF response’). Strikingly, ON and OFF responses evoked by a single odor were anticorrelated with each other. ‘Inverted’ OFF responses enhanced contrast between odors experienced close together in time. Notably, OFF responses persisted long after odor termination in both AL and OB networks, indicating a form of short-term memory. Taken together, our results reveal key neurodynamic features underlying olfactory computations that are conserved across insect and mammalian olfactory systems.
Dysregulated expression ofHoxa1isoforms in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells causes myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Tan ShuhYing , Joseph Chacko , Chalk Alistair M. , Hendy Jean , Fabb Stewart , Schleibs Kelli , Lee Samuel C. , Tjin Gavin , Grace Clea S. , Madugalle Vinodini , Smeets Monique F. , Maluenda Ana C. , Rice Kim L. , Baker Emma K. , Nandurkar Harshal , Slape Christopher I. , Parker Michael W , Unnikrishnan Ashwin , Mufti Ghulam J. , Tobiasson Magnus , Hellstrom-Lindberg Eva , Pimanda John E. , Gudas Lorraine J. , Holien Jessica K. , Walkley Carl R. , Wall Meaghan , Purton Louise E.
Published: April 2023

The homeobox gene,Hoxa1, has two different isoforms generated by alternative splicing: a full-length homeodomain-containingHoxa1(Hoxa1-FL), and a truncatedHoxa1(Hoxa1-T), that lacks the homeodomain. Oncoretroviral overexpression of wildtypeHoxa1cDNA (WT-Hoxa1), which generates bothHoxa1isoforms, in murine hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) perturbed hematopoiesis, resulting in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in mice. Overexpression of a mutatedHoxa1cDNA (MUT-Hoxa1) that generatesHoxa1-FLbut notHoxa1-Tled to a more severe MDS capable of transforming to secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML). Similar to human MDS, DNA damage repair pathways were downregulated inHoxa1-overexpressing hematopoietic progenitor cells. Conditional knock-in mouse models revealed aHoxa1-FLdosage-dependent effect on MDS disease severity. Our data reveal that increased expression ofHoxa1-FLin HSPCs is sufficient to initiate MDS in mice. CD34+ cells from up to 50% of patients with MDS had elevatedHOXA1-FLexpression, highlighting the clinical relevance of our mouse models.

Statement of Significance

Our study demonstrates thatHoxa1is a key regulator of HSPCs and that increased expression of the transcriptionally activeHoxa1-FLcan initiate MDS in mice. Furthermore,HOXA1-FLexpression is upregulated in a significant proportion of human MDS patients and likely contributes to the disease in these patients.
What outcomes are important when evaluating people with hand scars? Results of an international clinician and researcher survey
Authors: Kennedy Donna L. , Chism-Balangue Tracy , Dereham Lucy , Furniss Dominic
Published: April 2023

Background

Outcome evaluation in people with hand and wrist scars is not standardised. To improve clinical care and research rigour, the authors are developing a core outcome set (COS) for the evaluation of hand scars. This survey identified what international clinicians and academics consider important outcomes for inclusion when evaluating people with hand scarring.

Methods

An electronic survey was developed, peer reviewed and disseminated via professional networks and social media. Professionals of diverse clinical backgrounds and geographical location with experience in the evaluation of hand and wrist scar outcomes in adults were invited to participate. The survey opened in February and closed in May 2022.

Results

162 participants, representing all World Health Organisation geographical regions, completed the survey. 32% of respondents reported using standardised scar patient reported outcome measures (PROMs); 31% using standardised scar clinician reported outcome measures (CROMs). In assessing physical symptoms of scar, sensitivity/hypersensitivity received the highest importance rating, and 36 additional physical symptom constructs were added as free text items by 72 participants. Regarding physical characteristic of scar, evaluation of adhesions was rated as most important and 19 additional physical characteristics were reported by 21 participants. Active range of motion was rated the most important impairment evaluation. In the domain of psychological impact of scarring, satisfaction with scarring and appearance acceptability were rated equally important. Sixty percent of participants reported using a standardised patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for evaluating the functional impact of scars in the hand and wrist.

Discussion

This survey identified items for inclusion in the first round of a stakeholder Delphi consensus study, to agree a COS for the evaluation of hand and wrist scars. Frequency of importance ratings for evaluation constructs were determined to gauge the priorities of survey participants, not to exclude constructs. The disparate outcomes reported by free text within outcome domains highlights the lack of an agreed scar evaluation taxonomy, an important consideration for future consensus work. 107 (66%) of survey respondents consented to contact regarding further scar outcome evaluation consensus work, highlighting this work as a clinical priority.
Microstructure predicts non-motor outcomes following Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Loehrer Philipp A. , Bopp Miriam H. A. , Dafsari Haidar S. , Seltenreich Sieglinde , Knake Susanne , Nimsky Christopher , Timmermann Lars , Pedrosa David J. , Belke Marcus
Published: April 2023

Background

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) is an effective treatment for motor and non-motor symptoms in advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, considerable interindividual variability of outcomes exists. Neuroimaging based biomarkers, such as neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), a biophysical model based MRI-technique, have been proposed to predict clinical outcomes and therefore inform preoperative patient counselling.

Objective

To detect microstructural properties of brain areas associated with short-term non-motor outcomes following STN-DBS in PD.

Methods

In this prospective open-label study, 37 PD patients underwent diffusion MRI and comprehensive clinical assessments at preoperative baseline and 6-month follow-up. Neurite density index (NDI), orientation dispersion index (ODI), and fractional anisotropy (FA) were derived. Whole brain voxel-wise analysis assessed associations between microstructural metrics and non-motor outcomes corrected for multiple comparisons using a permutation-based approach.

Results

Intact microstructure within specific areas including right insular cortex, right putamen, right cingulum, and bilateral corticospinal tract were associated with greater postoperative improvement of non-motor symptom burden. Furthermore, microstructural properties of distinct brain regions were associated with postoperative changes in sleep, attention/memory, and urinary symptoms.

Conclusion

Microstructural properties of distinct brain areas predict non-motor outcomes in DBS for PD. Therefore, diffusion MRI can support preoperative patient counselling and treatment selection by identifying patients with above-or below-average non-motor responses.
Voltage imaging reveals that hippocampal interneurons tune memory-encoding pyramidal sequences
Authors: Taxidis Jiannis , Madruga Blake , Melin Maxwell D , Lin Michael Z , Golshani Peyman
Published: April 2023

Hippocampal spiking sequences encode and link behavioral information across time. How inhibition sculpts these sequences remains unknown. We performed longitudinal voltage imaging of CA1 parvalbumin- and somatostatin-expressing interneurons in mice during an odor-cued working memory task, before and after training. During this task, pyramidal odor-specific sequences encode the cue throughout a delay period. In contrast, most interneurons encoded odor delivery, but not odor identity, nor delay time. Population inhibition was stable across days, with constant field turnover, though some cells retained odor-responses for days. At odor onset, a brief, synchronous burst of parvalbumin cells was followed by widespread membrane hyperpolarization and then rebound theta-paced spiking, synchronized across cells. Two-photon calcium imaging revealed that most pyramidal cells were suppressed throughout the odor. Positive pyramidal odor-responses coincided with interneuronal rebound spiking; otherwise, they had weak odor-selectivity. Therefore, inhibition increases the signal-to-noise ratio of cue representations, which is crucial for entraining downstream targets.
Efficacy of a phage cocktail preparation for chronic lung infection withPseudomonas aeruginosain mice
Authors: Gao Ru-yue , Tan Xin , Pan Yong-jun , Yu Jia-lin , Ma Ying-fei
Published: April 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosais a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections, and the emergence of multi-drug resistant strains has prompted the search for alternative treatments such as phage therapy. In this study, we combined host range and genomic information to design a four-phage cocktail that effectively killed several clinical strains (79%, 23/29) ofP. aeruginosa. We demonstrated that the cocktail, composed of three novel phages (PA_ZH1, PA_GL1, and PA_CQ9) and one previously characterized phage (PA_LZ7), was able to lyseP. aeruginosaboth in planktonic cultures and in alginate microbeads (an in vivo-like biofilm model). Additionally, we showed that the phage cocktail administered intranasally or intraperitoneally effectively rescued mice from chronic lung infection withP. aeruginosa. Our work explores the potential use of phages as an alternative therapeutic agent against chronic lung infections caused byP. aeruginosastrains.
Orientation relationships, orientational variants and the embedding approach
Authors: Arnold Richard , Jupp Peter , Schaeben Helmut
Published: April 2023

For phase transformations within polycrystalline materials, the connection between the crystal orientations of parent grains and those of child grains is usually expressed in terms of (theoretical or measured) orientation relationships. This paper introduces a new approach to various problems associated with orientation relationships: (i) estimation, (ii) whether or not a single orientation relationship fits the data adequately, (iii) whether or not a set of children comes from a common parent, and (iv) reconstruction of a parent or of grain boundaries. The approach is an extension to the crystallographic context of the well established embedding approach to directional statistics. It is inherently statistical, producing precise probabilistic statements. Explicit coordinate systems are not used and arbitrary thresholds are avoided.
Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of N-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-isopropyl-2-(methylsulfonyl)acetamide
Authors: Geetha Doreswamy , Anil Kumar Haleyur G. , Mohan Kumar Thaluru M. , Srinivasa Gejjalagere R. , Basavaraju Yeriyur B. , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Parkin Sean
Published: April 2023

The synthesis and crystal structure of the title compound, C12H16FNO3S, which is related to the herbicide flufenacet, are presented. The dihedral angle between the amide group and the fluorinated benzene ring is 87.30 (5)° and the N—C—C—S torsion angle defining the orientation of the methylsulfonyl substituent relative to the amide group is 106.91 (11)°. In the crystal, inversion-related molecules form dimers as a result of pairwise C—H...O hydrogen bonds, which appear to be reinforced by short O...π contacts [O...Cg = 3.0643 (11) Å]. A Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to quantify the various types of intermolecular contacts, which are dominated by H atoms.
Synthesis and crystal structure of a PdII complex of ortho-xylylenebis(pyridyltriazole)
Authors: Pokharel Uttam , Naquin Aaron , Fronczek Frank
Published: April 2023

A tetradentate ligand, namely, ortho-xylylenebis(pyridyltriazole), o-xpt, was synthesized using the `click' method and complexed with Pd(BF4)2. In the title complex, bis{μ-1,1′-(o-xylylene)bis[4-(pyridin-2-yl)triazole]-κN
3:N
3′}dipalladium(II) tetrakis(tetrafluoridoborate)–dimethylformamide–diethyl ether (1/2/1), as the BF4 salt, and including dimethylformamide and diethyl ether solvent molecules, with stoichiometry [Pd2(C22H18N8)2](BF4)4·2C3H7NO·C4H10O, the Pd complex and the disordered diethyl ether molecule lie on inversion centers. The ligand coordinates to the PdII centers with square-planar geometry, forming a dimeric macrocycle. The Pd...Pd separation in the complex [Pd2(o-xpt)2]4+ cation is 3.6184 (4) Å. In the crystal, the complex molecules are stacked along the b axis, with π–π interactions between the pyridyltriazole ligands of two molecules.
What is in a game? The impact of advergame design and reward elements on gamers' brand patronage
Authors: Sarkar Juhi Gahlot , Sarkar Abhigyan , Sreejesh S.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This research investigates how advergame design elements (fantasy vs realistic advergame experiences) may impact players' brand patronage (BP), under the influence of mediators (hot and cold brand relationship quality [BRQ]) and moderators (advergame reward system and brand personality).

Design/methodology/approach

This research comprises of a survey (study 1) and a lab experiment (study 2).

Findings

Study 1 shows that fantasy (reality) based advergame experience leads to brand patronage through strong mediation of hot (cold) BRQ and weak mediation of cold (hot) BRQ. Introducing a utilitarian (hedonic) advergame reward system positively moderates the effect of fantasy (reality) based advergame experience on cold (hot) BRQ. Study 2 shows that an advergame that elicits fantasy (realistic) experience and offers hedonic (utilitarian) rewards for a brand having affective (vs cognitive) brand personality strongly impacts hot (cold) BRQ.

Originality/value

This research is an effort to understand how gamification as leisure information systems may be used to create gamers' advergame experiences that elicit BP by strategically designing advergame reward systems specific to brand personality types.
Industry 4.0 and Six Sigma: a systematic review of the literature and research agenda proposal
Authors: Maia Daniele dos Reis Pereira , Lizarelli Fabiane Letícia , Gambi Lillian Do Nascimento
Published: April 2023

Purpose

There is increasing interest in the connection between Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and operational excellence approaches; however, studies on the integration between Six Sigma (SS) and I4.0 have been absent from the literature. Integration with I4.0 technologies can maximize the positive effects of SS. The purpose of this study is to understand what types of relationships exist between SS and I4.0 and with I4.0's technologies, as well as the benefits derived from this integration and future directions for this field of study.

Design/methodology/approach

A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was carried out to analyze studies about connections between I4.0 technologies and SS. SLR analyzed 59 articles from 2013 to 2021 extracted from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, including documents from journals and conferences.

Findings

The SLR identified relationships between SS and several I4.0 technologies, the most cited and with the greatest possibilities of relationships being Big Data/Big Data Analytics (BDA) and Internet of Things (IoT). Three main types of relationships were identified: (1) support of I4.0 technologies to SS; (2) assistance from the SS to the introduction of I4.0 technologies, and, to a lesser extent; (3) incompatibilities between SS and I4.0 technologies. The benefits are mainly related to availability of large data sets and real-time information, enabling better decision-making in less time.

Practical implications

In addition, the study can help managers to understand the integration relationships, which may encourage companies to adopt SS/Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in conjunction with I4.0 technologies. The results also drew attention to the incompatibilities between SS and I4.0 to anticipate potential barriers to implementation.

Originality/value

The study focuses on three previously unexplored subjects: the connection between SS and I4.0, the existing relationships with different technologies and the benefits resulting from the relationships. In addition, the study compiled and structured different types of relationships for SS and I4.0 and I4.0's technologies, identifying patterns and presenting evidence on how these relationships occur. Finally, exposes current trends and possible research directions.
Corporate digitalization, managerial power distance and corporate sustainability performance: evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Chengwei , Mirza Sultan Sikandar , Ahsan Tanveer , Usman Sardar Muhammad
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of managerial power distance on the corporate sustainability performance of Chinese firms and to explore the regulatory role of corporate digitalization in the Chinese capital market.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collects data from 2,632 A-share Chinese non-financial firms listed on Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges during the period from 2010 to 2020. The authors apply different panel data regression techniques (fixed effects, GMM-System) to investigate the impact of managerial power distance on corporate sustainability performance and to explore the regulatory role of corporate digitalization in the Chinese capital market.

Findings

The results of the study show a positive relationship between high managerial power distance and the sustainability performance of Chinese non-financial firms. This positive relationship is particularly pronounced in Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The results also show that corporate digitalization increases the sustainability performance of Chinese firms. Further, corporate digitalization weakens the positive relationship between high-power distance and the sustainability performance of Chinese firms. These results are robust to alternate sustainability performance measures and various regression techniques.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the regulating impact of corporate digitalization on the relationship between managerial power distance and corporate sustainability performance in China.
Effect of porosity distribution on vibration and damping behavior of inhomogeneous curved sandwich beams with fractional derivative viscoelastic core
Authors: Taşkin Mustafa , Demir Özgür
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to parametrically investigate the vibration and damping characteristics of a functionally graded (FG) inhomogeneous and porous curved sandwich beam with a frequency-dependent viscoelastic core.

Design/methodology/approach

The FG material properties in this study are assumed to vary through the beam thickness by power law distribution. Additionally, FG layers have porosities, which are analyzed individually in terms of even and uneven distributions. First, the equations of motion for the free vibration of the FG curved sandwich beam were derived by Hamilton's principle. Then, the generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM) was used to solve the resulting equations in the frequency domain. Validation of the proposed FG curved beam model and the reliability of the GDQ solution was provided via comparison with the results that already exist in the literature.

Findings

A series of studies are carried out to understand the effects on the natural frequencies and modal loss factors of system parameters, i.e. beam thickness, porosity distribution, power law exponent and curvature on the vibration characteristics of an FG curved sandwich beam with a ten-parameter fractional derivative viscoelastic core material model.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on the vibration and damping characteristics of FG inhomogeneous and porous curved sandwich beam with frequency dependent viscoelastic core by GDQM – for the first time, to the best of the authors' knowledge. Moreover, it serves as a reference for future studies, especially as it shows that the effect of porosity distribution on the modal loss factor needs further investigation. GDQM can be useful in dynamic analysis of sandwich structures used in aerospace, automobile, marine and civil engineering applications.
Do not settle for simple assessment: the effects of marketing metric uses on market-sensing capability
Authors: Liang Xiaoning , Frösén Johanna , Gao Yuhui
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Despite the availability of many metrics and tools for marketing performance measurement, the way in which firms use their marketing metrics remains underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by empirically establishing the differing effects of the diagnostic and interactive uses of marketing metrics on firms’ market-sensing capability, contingent on competitive intensity and focus on market-related metrics.

Design/methodology/approach

This study builds on survey data collected from 210 Irish-based firms, complemented by 21 in-depth interviews with business managers. Survey data are analysed using regression analysis.

Findings

This study finds that firms using marketing metrics interactively to communicate organizational focus are better able to sense their markets, especially under high competition. The authors observe a positive impact of the interactive use of metrics on market-sensing capability, but a U-shaped impact of their diagnostic use, the magnitudes of which further depend on competitive intensity and firms’ focus on market-related metrics.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides a nuanced view of marketing performance measurement (MPM) practices within firms, particularly focussing on diagnostic versus interactive uses of marketing metrics. It also sheds further light on how two diverse uses of marketing metrics – diagnostic and interactive uses – influence a firm’s market-sensing capability. Moreover, the identification of boundary conditions also contributes to the discussion of contextuality in MPM, highlighting the importance of aligning a firm’s uses of marketing metrics with its business environment.

Practical implications

This study provides novel insights into how diverse uses of marketing metrics may benefit firms. The differing effects of diagnostic and interactive uses of marketing metrics on market sensing highlight a primary need for developing the latter and for using the former only with caution. It establishes that all firms would equally benefit from an interactive use of marketing metrics that is pivotal to improving their ability to anticipate, detect and sense market changes.

Originality/value

This study provides novel understanding of the role of marketing metric uses in firms’ market-sensing capability and contributes to the discussion of contextuality in marketing performance measurement. It highlights the importance of aligning a firm’s use of marketing metrics with its business environment.
Low-income logics: institutions' varying impact on entrepreneurship
Authors: Smith Adam , Lanivich Stephen
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The authors address the role that income plays in allowing individuals to resist dominant institutional norms and engage in entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual article that develops propositions about the relationship of institutional logics and income level with opportunity entrepreneurship.

Findings

The authors suggest that high-income individuals are less impacted than low-income individuals by institutional logics that do not support opportunity entrepreneurship. More specifically, the positive effects of a national business system that reflects and replicates market logics within a society have a greater impact on the proclivity to pursue opportunity entrepreneurship of low-income individuals than those with high incomes.

Social implications

Policymakers addressing poverty need to understand that examining the overall societal impact of institutions is not enough. Weak institutions have a disproportionately negative impact on low-income individuals. In addition to critical resources, the accessibility of market logics is key.

Originality/value

This study is the first in the entrepreneurship domain to theorize how and why institutions matter more for low-income individuals. This occurs via two mechanisms: (1) market logic accessibility and (2) the degree to which institutionalized market logics decrease opportunity cost. In so doing, this study contributes to the literature on embedded agency within the institutional logic perspective.
How does high-performance work system influence employees' creativity? The role of critical reflection and human resource management attribution
Authors: Tran Huy Phuong
Published: April 2023

Purpose

High-performance work system (HPWS) is considered a solid predictor of both organizational and individual outcomes. The current study examines the impact of employees' perception of HPWS and supervisor-rated employee creativity (EC). Critical reflection is hypothesized as a mediator of the above relationship. Human resource management (HRM) attribution moderates the indirect relationship between HPWS and EC and completes a moderated mediation model.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research design is adopted with data collected from 531 employees and their direct supervisors from 12 firms in Vietnam. Partial least square structural equation modelling is used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Employees' perception of HPWS is significantly associated with supervisor-rated creativity. Critical reflection has been found to partially mediate the above relationship. In addition, employees' exploiting attribution of HPWS intensifies the positive relationship between HPWS and critical reflection.

Research limitations/implications

The research suggests that HPWS can be viewed from both the bright and dark sides. The resource offered by HPWS goes hand in hand with pressure from high-performance expectations. Employees may need to engage in a resource investment decision to avoid net resource loss. In addition, attention should be paid to employees' perception of the justification for HPWS implementation.

Originality/value

This study offers an alternative way to explain the association between HPWS and employee creativity. Based on the Conservation of Resource Theory, employee creativity is viewed as a stress coping strategy with HPWS conceptualized as a stressor. In addition, the mediating role of critical reflection represents a novelty. Furthermore, the role of HRM attributions is explained.
Dynamic change of international arms trade network structure and its influence mechanism
Authors: Wang Xin-Yi , Chen Bo , Song Yu
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the dynamic changes of the arms trade network not only from the network structure but also the influence mechanism from the aspects of the economy, politics, security, strategy and transaction costs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the Temporal Exponential Random Graph Model and the Separable Temporal Exponential Random Graph Model to analyze the endogenous network structure effect, the attribute effect and the exogenous network effect of 47 major arms trading countries from 2015 to 2020.

Findings

The results show that the international arms trade market is unevenly distributed, and there are great differences in military technology. There is a fixed hierarchical structure in the arms trade, but the rise of emerging countries is expected to break this situation. In international arms trade relations, economic forces dominate, followed by political, security and strategic factors.

Practical implications

Economic and political factors play an important role in the arms trade. Therefore, countries should strive to improve their economic strength and military technology. Also, countries should increase political mutual trust and gain a foothold in the industrial chain of arms production to enhance their military power.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is to analyze the special trade area of arms trade from a dynamic network perspective by incorporating economic, political, security, strategic and transaction cost factors together into the TERGM and STERGM models.
Sensitivities-based method and expected shortfall for market risk under FRTB: its impact on options risk capital
Authors: Grajales Carlos Alexander , Medina Hurtado Santiago
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper measures different market risk impacts on options portfolios under the new Fundamental Review of the Trading Book (FRTB) regulation, issued in Basel and coming into effect in 2023.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first suggests an algorithm for implementing the FRTB standardised approach via the sensitivities-based method to estimate a portfolio's risk capital and presents an illustration applied to an option position. Second, it proposes a methodology to estimate the expected shortfall in options portfolios from the FRTB internal models approach. In this regard, an application is developed to measure expected shortfall (ES) and value at risk (VaR) impacts under FRTB versus conventional VaR in a currency option position by considering stress scenarios from the 2007–9 and 2020–1 crises and back-testing procedures.

Findings

The suggested algorithm satisfactorily captures impacts via the sensitivities-based method, and higher risk capital demands are expected for emerging economies. Also, the planned FRTB methodology to measure ES and VaR is appropriate; in particular, historical metrics perform well. Astonishingly, their revealed impacts are more significant under the 2020–1 pandemic crisis than the 2007–9 financial crisis.

Originality/value

The proposals developed weave a communication bridge between the standardised and internal approaches of FRTB regulation, which can be scaled up technologically and institutionally.
Studies on the post cracking behaviour of Recycled Aggregate Concrete beams at elevated temperature
Authors: Rao Vadiraj , Suresh N. , Arun Kumar G.P.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The majority of previous studies made on Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA) are limited to the utilisation of non-structural grade concrete due to unfavourable physical characteristics of RCA including the higher absorption of water, tending to increased water requirement of concrete. This seriously limits its applicability and as a result it reduces the usage of RCA in structural members. In the present study, the impact of hybrid fibres on cracking behaviour of RCA concrete beams along with the inclusion of reinforcing steel bars under two-point loading system exposed to different sustained elevated temperatures are being investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

RCA is substituted for Natural Coarse Aggregates (NCA) at 0, 50 and 100 percentages. The study involves testing of 150 mm cubes and beams of size (700 × 150 × 150) mm, i.e. with steel reinforcing bars along with the addition of 0.35% Steel fibres+ 0.15% polypropylene fibres. The specimens are being exposed to temperatures from 100° to 500°C with 100° interval for 2 h. Studies were made on the post crack analysis, which includes the measurement of crack width, crack length and load at first crack. The crack patterns were analysed in order to understand the effect of fibres and RCA at sustained elevated temperatures.

Findings

The result shows that ultimate load carrying capacity of reinforced concrete beams and load at first crack decreases with the raise in temperatures and increased percentage of RCA content in the mix. Further that 100% RCA replacement specimens showed lesser cracks when compared to the other mixes and the inclusion of fibres enhances the flexural capacity of members highlighting the importance of fibres.

Practical implications

RCA can be used for structural purposes and the study can be projected for assessing the performance of real structures with the extent of fire damage when recycled aggregates are used.

Social implications

Most of recycled materials can be used in the regular concrete which solves two problems namely avoiding the dumping of C&D waste and preventing the usage of natural aggregates. Hence the study provides sustainable option for the production of concrete.

Originality/value

The reduction in capacity of flexural members due to the utilisation of recycled aggregates can be negated by the usage of fibres. Hence improved flexural performance is observed for specimens with fibres at sustained elevated temperatures.
Examining the adoption of telehealth during public health emergencies based on technology organization environment framework
Authors: Anthony Jnr Bokolo
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Disasters and pandemics pose challenges to health-care provision. Accordingly, the need for adopting innovative approach is required in providing care to patient. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to present telehealth as an innovative approach for providing care to patients and reducing spread of the infection and advocates for the adoption of telehealth for digitalized treatment of patients.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrative review methodology of existing evidence was conducted to provide implications for integration of telehealth for digitalized treatment of patients. This paper draws on Technology Organization Environment (TOE) framework to develop a model and propositions to investigate the factors that influence telehealth adoption from the perspective of the supply side and the demand side of medical services.

Findings

Findings from this study discuss applications adopted for telehealth and recommendations on how telehealth can be adopted for medical-care delivery. More importantly, the findings and propositions of this study can act as a roadmap to potential research opportunities within and beyond the pandemic. In addition, findings from this study help provide guidelines on how health practitioners can rapidly integrate telehealth into practice for public health emergencies.

Originality/value

This study identifies the social, technological and organizational factors that influence telehealth adoption, and opportunities of adopting telehealth during the public health emergencies. This study concludes that specific policy changes to improve integration of interoperable solutions; data security; better physical infrastructures; broadband access; better transition and workflow balance; availability of funding and remuneration; regulations and reimbursement; awareness; and training will improve telehealth adoption during public health emergencies.
“No country for old men”: the Lawnmower Maintenance Society
Authors: Green Barrie
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a link between and benefits of two initiatives targeted at mental health and social inclusion. One being informal, the sport of walking football; the other a formal self-help well-being group.

Design/methodology/approach

This reflective commentary describes two group activities which are aimed at addressing physical and mental health challenges of older adults. These are described by the author to highlight the benefits that they provide for some of the challenges faced by men in particular in later life. Using a narrative approach to describe a synergy between the two initiatives created by the link between the activities, and the participants.

Findings

The Lawnmower Maintenance Society has proved to be a successful model for promoting and supporting the participant’s mental health and well-being. As we emerge from the trauma of COVID-19 and the isolation of lockdown, such initiatives may help redress the imbalance in health which resulted. Although there are several similar groups, there seems to be a positive link between the physical and mental health benefits of using Walking Football as a shared interest of the attendees. Feedback from participants and interest from the wider community suggest the positive impact of such groups, particularly as National Health Service resources are stretched beyond capacity.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study reports on one new group for men, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first to bring together the areas of Walking Football and a men’s support group.

Practical implications

This type of support group could easily be extended if the footballing authorities wish to replicate it in other parts of the country.

Social implications

It is well known that men are very reluctant to talk about personal problems. Other workers have also tried innovative solutions to this problem, such as Men in Sheds. This case study offers a further contribution to this area.

Originality/value

There are several academic papers, as well as information on well-being groups in both the print and social media. This commentary outlines a small, but contemporary, description of one such initiative.
Enterprise life cycle, financial technology and digital transformation of banks—Evidence from China
Authors: Yongjie Zhu
Published: April 2023

Financial technology formed by the combination of digital technology and traditional finance is gradually changing the financial services model. The development of financial technology has influenced the behaviour of commercial banks. It has promoted the innovation of commercial banks. And it has promoted the digital transformation of commercial banks. In this paper, it is intended to explore the relationship between financial technology and digital transformation of banks through positive analysis. As well as to explore how the age of enterprises listed and enterprise life cycle affect the relationship between financial technology and digital transformation of banks. This paper conducts an empirical research on the data of China's A‐share listed banks from 2011 to 2021 using a two‐way fixed effects regression method. The results of the research indicate that financial technology promotes banks' digital transformation. Meanwhile, the age of enterprise listing and enterprise life cycle play a positive moderating role in financial technology promoting banks' digital transformation. In this paper, it is the first time to conduct an empirical research with the number of monthly active users of mobile banking as a proxy variable for digital transformation of banks, which enriches the study of financial technology. It has certain reference value for promoting digital transformation of banks.
Making Communities More Visible: Equity‐Centered Data to Achieve Health Equity
Authors: PONCE NINEZ A. , SHIMKHADA RITI , ADKINS‐JACKSON PARIS B.
Published: April 2023

Policy Points

Despite decades of research exposing health disparities between populations and communities in the US, health equity goals remain largely unfulfilled. We argue these failures call for applying an equity lens in the way we approach data systems, from collection and analysis to interpretation and distribution. Hence, health equity requires data equity.

There is notable federal interest in policy changes and federal investments to improve health equity. With this, we outline the opportunities to align these health equity goals with data equity by improving the way communities are engaged and how population data are collected, analyzed, interpreted, made accessible, and distributed.

Policy priority areas for data equity include increasing the use of disaggregated data, increasing the use of currently underused federal data, building capacity for equity assessments, developing partnerships between government and community, and increasing data accountability to the public.
The Future of Public Mental Health: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: McGINTY BETH
Published: April 2023

Policy Points

Social policies such as policies advancing universal childcare to expand Medicaid coverage of home‐ and community‐based care for seniors and people with disabilities and for universal preschool are the types of policies needed to address social determinants of poor mental health.

Population‐based global budgeting approaches like accountable care and total cost of care models have the potential to improve population mental health by incentivizing health systems to control costs while simultaneously improving outcomes for the populations they serve.

Policies expanding reimbursement for services delivered by peer support specialists are needed. People with lived experience of mental illness are uniquely well suited to helping their peers navigate treatment and other support services.
Obesity as a Main Threat to Future Improvements in Population Health: Policy Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: MEHTA NEIL K.
Published: April 2023

Policy Points

Obesity has emerged as a main threat to future improvements in population health, and there is little evidence that the epidemic is retreating.

The traditional model of “calories in, calories out,” which has guided public health policy for decades, is increasingly viewed as far too simple a framing to explain the evolution of the epidemic or guide public policy.

Advances in the science of obesity, coming from many fields, highlight the structural nature of the risk, which has provided an evidence base to justify and guide policies toward addressing the social and environmental drivers of obesity.

Societies and researchers need to play the long game in that widespread reductions in obesity in the short run are unlikely. Nonetheless, there are opportunities. Policies specifically targeting the food environment such as taxing high‐calorie beverages and foods, restricting the marketing of junk foods to children, enhancing food labeling, and improving the dietary environment at schools may yield long‐run benefits.
The Future of Road Safety: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: EHSANI JOHNATHON P. , MICHAEL JEFFREY P. , MacKENZIE ELLEN J.
Published: April 2023

Policy Points

Traditional approaches to addressing motor vehicle crashes are yielding diminishing returns. A comprehensive strategy known as the Safe Systems approach shows promise in both advancing safety and equity and reducing motor vehicle crashes.

In addition, a range of emerging technologies, enabled by artificial intelligence, such as automated vehicles, impairment detection and telematics hold promise to advance road safety.

Ultimately, the transportation system will need to evolve to provide the safe, efficient, and equitable movement of people and goods without reliance on private vehicle ownership, towards encouraging walking, bicycling and the use of public transportation.
Algorithmic inclusion: Shaping the predictive algorithms of artificial intelligence in hiring
Authors: Kelan Elisabeth K.
Published: April 2023

Despite frequent claims that increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) in hiring will reduce the human bias that has long plagued recruitment and selection, AI may equally replicate and amplify such bias and embed it in technology. This article explores exclusion and inclusion in AI‐supported hiring, focusing on three interrelated areas: data, design and decisions. It is suggested that in terms of data, organisational fit, categorisations and intersectionality require consideration in relation to exclusion. As various stakeholders collaborate to create AI, it is essential to explore which groups are dominant and how subjective assessments are encoded in technology. Although AI‐supported hiring should enhance recruitment decisions, evidence is lacking on how humans and machines interact in decision‐making, and how algorithms can be audited and regulated effectively for inclusion. This article recommends areas for interrogation through further research, and contributes to understanding how algorithmic inclusion can be achieved in AI‐supported hiring.