bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion of the liver reduces post-transplant biliary complications: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Pereyra David , Dingfelder Jule , Riha Moriz , Kacar Sertac , Rauter Laurin , Becker Nikolaus , Saffarian Zadeh Tina , Tortopis Chiara , Starlinger Patrick , Ristl Robin , Silberhumer Gerd , Salat Andreas , Soliman Thomas , Berlakovich Gabriela , Gyoeri Georg
Published: October 2024

Background:

Corroborating evidence for the use of hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE) prior to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) suggests a beneficial effect in regard to biliary complications. Here, the authors aim to evaluate whether perfusion via portal vein alone (sHOPE) or via additional perfusion of the hepatic artery (dHOPE) have diverging impact on outcomes after OLT when compared to the use of static cold storage (SCS).

Methods:

Consecutive patients undergoing OLT at the Medical University of Vienna (2018–2023) were retrospectively analyzed. Donor organs were procured using SCS, or subjected to end-ischemic sHOPE or dHOPE. The severity of biliary complications was classified according to the degree of therapeutic intervention (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or surgical revision).

Results:

Two hundred forty-seven patients were included (69 SCS, 76 sHOPE, and 102 dHOPE). Hospitalization was shorter for patients after HOPE (median in days: SCS=25 vs HOPE=20, P=0.019). Biliary complications were less frequent in patients after HOPE (SCS=37.7% vs HOPE=22.5%, P=0.015). A significantly lower incidence of surgical revisions for biliary complications was observed in the HOPE cohort (24.6% vs 11.8%, P=0.012). When evaluating outcome according to HOPE-modality, a significant reduction in biliary complications (P=0.006) and surgical revisions (P=0.002) was only observed in dHOPE patients in comparison to SCS. Further, only dHOPE was significantly associated with a reduced need for surgical revision for biliary complications upon univariable and multivariable logistic regression (odds ratio=0.336, P=0.011).

Conclusion:

HOPE leads to a reduction of biliary complications and associated surgical revisions. This effect seems to be primarily associated with use of dHOPE, while both methods appear as feasible options for preconditioning of donor grafts prior to OLT.
Multiple Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Runs and Futility. What Are the Limits?
Authors: Reitz Justus G. , Almarkhan Areen , Mehta Rittal , Selcuk Arif , Harrar Dana , Desai Manan , Herrera Guillermo , Park In Hye , Tongut Aybala , d’Udekem Yves , Schlatterer Sarah
Published: October 2024

Despite high mortality rates, pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) redeployments are frequently discussed in everyday clinical care. We aim to investigate predictors of mortality in those patients. Clinical data from a single pediatric center were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with multiple ECMO runs between 2010 and 2023 were included. A total of 70 (13%) patients required multiple ECMO runs. Of those, 56 (80%) died before discharge; late mortality was 89% at a median of 1.6 (1.0–3.9) years. A total of 47 (67%) patients had neurologic findings. Only one (1%) survivor had a normal neurodevelopmental follow-up. Duration of the first ECMO run (odds ratio [OR]: 2.63, 1.08–7.96), total duration on ECMO (OR: 4.72, 1.29–23.54), neurologic findings at any time (OR: 7.94, 1.46–43.24), need for renal replacement therapy (OR: 4.79, 1.06–25.58), and lactate values correlated with late mortality. All 19 (27%) patients with neurologic findings before the second run died. The frequency of multiple-run ECMOs increased within the study period. Outcomes in pediatric patients with multiple ECMO runs are disheartening. Given all patients in our cohort with neurological findings before the second ECMO run died, neurological findings should be taken into consideration when determining the utility of further ECMO support.
Trauma-Informed Professional Development
Authors: Gilroy Heidi , Kobina Audrey , Malone Jamie , Rainford Melanie , Williams Jeanne , Reimers Allison , Sarbacker Lowine
Published: October 2024

Nurses are frequently exposed to trauma both inside and outside of the hospital setting. This trauma exposure may lead to symptoms that can be harmful to the nurse and make it more difficult for them to provide quality care to patients. Trauma-informed professional development is a strategy that can help nursing professional development practitioners create an environment where recovery after trauma is possible. This article provides definitions and exemplars for practice.
Association of Gut Microbiota With Fatigue in Black Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Slack Julia E. , Kosyakova Natalia , Pelkmans Jordan L. , Houser Madelyn C. , Dunbar Sandra B. , Spencer Jessica B. , Ferranti Erin P. , Narapareddy S. Laren
Published: October 2024

Background

Fatigue is a highly prevalent symptom for individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); however, characterization of fatigue and investigation into the gut microbiome—a pathway that may contribute to fatigue—remains inadequately explored in Black women with PCOS.

Objectives

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine fatigue and its relationship to the gut microbiome in adult Black women with PCOS.

Methods

Adult Black women with a diagnosis of PCOS were recruited for this cross-sectional study. The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 (MFI-20) and the PROMIS Fatigue Short Form were used to measure fatigue. The V3/V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was sequenced to investigate gut microbial composition. Relative abundance and diversity values were calculated.

Results

We found that Black women with PCOS experience mild to moderate levels of fatigue. An inverse relationship between fatigue scores and alpha diversity values was found for the gut microbiome. We also found distinct beta diversity profiles based on fatigue. Lastly, when controlling for hypertension and body mass index, Ruminococcus bromii, Blautia obeum, Roseburia, and HT002 were associated with three subscales of the MFI-20.

Discussion

Black women with PCOS experience mild to moderate fatigue. Clinicians should be cognizant of this population’s increased risk for fatigue to adequately address their healthcare needs. We also found that gut microbial composition was associated with fatigue in Black women with PCOS. Specifically, a higher relative abundance of certain gut bacteria involved in short-chain fatty acid production and anti-inflammatory pathways was correlated with lower fatigue levels. Future studies should further investigate the link between the gut microbiome and fatigue to determine whether this relationship is causal as better insight could inform tailored diet and exercise interventions to alter the gut microbiome and reduce fatigue.
Clinical Outcomes of Scapular versus Fibular free flaps in Head and Neck Reconstructions: A Retrospective Study of 120 patients”
Authors: Dimovska Eleonora Olivera Felicity , Aazar Markus , Bengtsson Martin , Thor Andreas , Klasson Stina , Rodriguez-Lorenzo Andrés
Published: October 2024

Background:

The scapular free flap has increasingly gained popularity as an alternative to the fibular free flap in osseous head and neck reconstruction. The present study aimed to evaluate their use in maxillomandibular reconstructions and examine surgical and patient outcomes.

Methods:

Osseous head and neck defects reconstructed with an angular artery-based scapular flap or fibular flap from 2016 to 2022 at two Swedish University Hospitals were evaluated for their intraoperative execution (osseous and soft tissue combinations) and postoperative outcomes. Facial quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the FACEQ Head and Neck Cancer Module. Donor-site morbidity was assessed using the DASH and SEFAS questionnaires for scapular- and fibular-reconstructed patients, respectively.

Results:

A total of 120 patients were recruited: 86 mandibular reconstructions (26 scapulas, 60 fibulas) and 34 maxillary reconstructions (32 scapulas, 2 fibulas). The concave scapula facilitated fewer osteotomies for curved reconstructions, particularly for lateral mandibular defects (p=0.039). Intraoral lining was primarily achieved with muscle accompanying the scapula and skin accompanying the fibula. Using the latissimus dorsi muscle instead of only teres major decreased fistulas, plate/bone exposure and non-unions (p=0.039) in scapular reconstructions. Both flaps demonstrated comparable facial QoL, but the scapula presented superior donor site outcomes (p=0.001). Donor limb outcomes were unaffected by harvesting the latissimus dorsi with the scapula (p=0.64), and by re-suturing the detached muscles to the remaining scapula. (p=0.35).

Conclusion:

The scapular free flap can be advantageous in osseous head and neck reconstructions, enabling non-osteotomized and chimeric reconstructions without compromising surgical outcomes or quality of life.
Efficacy of Posterior Scleral Reinforcement in Treating Anisometropic Amblyopia Associated With Unilateral High Myopia in Children
Authors: Yu Fang , Tang Yu , Lin Zhihong , Tao Zhengyang , Deng Hongwei
Published: October 2024

The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness and safety of posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) for treating anisometropic amblyopia and myopia associated with high myopia in children. Children with unilateral high myopia (uHM) and anisometropic amblyopia who underwent PSR in their highly myopic eyes were included in this study. The treated eye was designated as the PSR group, whereas the healthier eye served as the control, and paired comparisons were made. Thirteen patients (13 eyes in each group) were included, with an average age of 5.85±2.08 years. Cross-sectional comparisons between the groups showed that within 2 to 3 years after surgery, the PSR group had a significantly greater increase in best-corrected visual acuity per month compared with the control group (P=0.03), a significantly lower increase in axial length per month (P=0.007), and a significantly smaller absolute value of the increase in SE per month (P=0.002). Temporal longitudinal comparisons within the PSR group indicated that the increase in axial length per month 2 to 3 years after surgery was significantly slower than 1 year before surgery (P=0.045). The increase in best-corrected visual acuity per month was higher than 1 year before surgery, although not significantly (P=0.859). PSR is a safe and effective treatment for refractory anisometropic amblyopia caused by uHM, and for controlling axial length and the degree of myopia.
The Diagnostic Challenges of Late-onset Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Early-onset Dementia: A Clinical and Neuropathological Case Study
Authors: Restrepo-Martinez Miguel , Ruiz-Garcia Ramiro , Houpt Jacob , Ang Lee Cyn , Chaudhari Sumit , Finger Elizabeth
Published: October 2024

The emergence of new-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms in middle age presents a diagnostic challenge, particularly when differentiating between a primary psychiatric disorder and an early neurodegenerative disease. The discrepancy between bedside clinical diagnosis and subsequent neuropathological findings in such cases further highlights the difficulty of accurately predicting pathology, especially when there are no evident focal lesions or changes in brain volume. Here we present the case of a 59-year-old woman with inconclusive neuroimaging who exhibited pronounced neuropsychiatric and behavioral symptoms initially suggestive of a mood disorder, then of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. However, upon autopsy, we identified coexisting Lewy body disease pathology and tau-related changes, including argyrophilic grain disease and primary age–related tauopathy. This case illustrates the challenges encountered when diagnosing late-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms, emphasizes the link between such symptoms and early-onset dementia and argyrophilic grain disease, and contributes to our understanding of the impact of mixed neuropathology in this population. Accurate diagnosis is essential for the development of molecular-specific therapies and, as well as for accurate prognosis and enrollment in clinical trials.
Crossover in Aromatic Amino Acid Interaction Strength: Tyrosine vs. Phenylalanine in Biomolecular Condensates
Authors: De Sancho David , López Xabier
Published: October 2024

Biomolecular condensates often form through the self-assembly of disordered proteins with low-complexity sequences. In these polypeptides, the aromatic amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine act as key “sticker” residues, driving the cohesion of dense phases. Recent studies on condensates suggest a hierarchy in sticker strength, with tyrosine being more adhesive than phenylalanine. This hierarchy aligns with experimental data on amino acid solubilities and potentials of mean force derived from atomistic simulations. However, it contradicts conventional chemical intuition based on hydrophobicity scales and pairwise contact statistics from folded protein structures, which suggest phenylalanine should be the stronger sticker. In this work, we use molecular dynamics simulations and quantum chemistry calculations to resolve this apparent discrepancy. Using simple model peptides and side-chain analogues, we demonstrate that the experimentally observed hierarchy arises both from the possibility of tyrosine forming hydrogen bonds and the lower free energy of transfer of tyrosine into the condensate. The high level of hydration of polypeptides in dense phases drives this effect. Notably, as the dielectric constant of the surrounding environment approaches that of an apolar solvent, the trend reverses, with phenylalanine becoming the stronger sticker. These findings highlight the role of hydration in modulating aromatic interactions and provide a clear explanation for the crossover in sticker strength between tyrosine and phenylalanine in different media.
Structure prediction of stable sodium germanides at 0 and 10 GPa
Authors: Darby James P. , Harper Angela F. , Nelson Joseph R. , Morris Andrew J.
Published: October 2024

In this paper we used random structure searching (AIRSS) to carry out a systematic search for crystalline Na-Ge materials at both 0 and 10 GPa. The high-throughput structural relaxations were accelerated using a machine-learned interatomic potential (MLIP) fit to density-functional theory (DFT) reference data, allowing ∼1.5 million structures to be relaxed. At ambient conditions we predict three new Zintl phases, Na3Ge2,Na2Ge, and Na9Ge4, to be stable and a number of Ge-rich layered structures to lie in close proximity to the convex hull. The known NaδGe34 clathrate and Na4Ge13 host-guest structures are found to be relatively stabilized at higher temperature by vibrational contributions to the free energy. Overall, the low-energy phases exhibit exceptional structural diversity, with the expected mixture of covalent and ionic bonding confirmed using the electron-localization function (ELF). The local Ge structural motifs present at each composition were determined using smooth overlap of atomic positions (SOAP) descriptors and the Ge-K edge was simulated for representatives of each motif, providing a direct link to experimental x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Two Ge-rich phases are predicted to be stable at 10 GPa; NaGe3 and NaGe2 have simple kagome and simple hexagonal Ge lattices respectively with Na contained in the pores. NaGe3 is isostructural with the MgB3 and MgSi3 family of kagome superconductors and remains dynamically stable at 0 GPa. Removing the Na from NaGe2 results in the hexagonal lonsdalite Ge allotrope, which has a direct band gap.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Efficient quantum circuits for machine learning activation functions including constant T-depth ReLU
Authors: Zi Wei , Wang Siyi , Kim Hyunji , Sun Xiaoming , Chattopadhyay Anupam , Rebentrost Patrick
Published: October 2024

In recent years, Quantum Machine Learning (QML) has increasingly captured the interest of researchers. Among the components in this domain, activation functions hold a fundamental and indispensable role. Our research focuses on the development of activation functions quantum circuits for integration into fault-tolerant quantum computing architectures, with an emphasis on minimizing T-depth. Specifically, we present novel implementations of ReLU and leaky ReLU activation functions, achieving constant T-depths of 4 and 8, respectively. Leveraging quantum lookup tables, we extend our exploration to other activation functions such as the sigmoid. This approach enables us to customize precision and T-depth by adjusting the number of qubits, making our results more adaptable to various application scenarios. This study represents a significant advancement towards enhancing the practicality and application of quantum machine learning.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Interpretation of dielectric spectroscopy measurements of ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Matko Vojko , Gorecka Ewa , Pociecha Damian , Matraszek Joanna , Vaupotič Nataša
Published: October 2024

The magnitude of the relative permittivity of the ferroelectric nematic phase (NF) has been the subject of lively scientific discussion since the phase was recently discovered. Dielectric spectroscopy measurements (DSMs) give a huge value of relative permittivity, which depends on the cell thickness, but this is argued to result from a misinterpretation of the DSM results. We have conducted DSM using a set of cells differing in thickness of the NF layer, type of electrodes, and presence/absence of nanoscale-thick surface polymer layers. To model the DSM results, cells are presented by an equivalent electric circuit that includes a capacitor due to the NF layer with frequency dependent complex relative permittivity, capacitors due to surface layers, and a resistor describing the limited conductivity of electrodes. DSM results for different cells with the same liquid crystal in the NF phase are semiquantitatively reproduced by the same set of physical parameters if a huge relative permittivity of the NF, which is even orders of magnitude larger than the measured apparent values, is assumed. We show that the capacitance of surface layers should also be considered in cells with no polymer alignment layer on the electrodes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The Countoscope: Measuring Self and Collective Dynamics without Trajectories
Authors: Mackay Eleanor K. R. , Marbach Sophie , Sprinkle Brennan , Thorneywork Alice L.
Published: October 2024

Driven by physical questions pertaining to quantifying particle dynamics, microscopy can now resolve complex systems at the single-particle level, from cellular organisms to individual ions. Yet, available analysis techniques face challenges reconstructing trajectories in dense and heterogeneous systems where accurately labeling particles is difficult. Furthermore, the inescapable finite field of view of experiments hinders the measurement of collective effects. Inspired by Smoluchowski, we introduce a broadly applicable analysis technique that probes dynamics of interacting particle suspensions based on a remarkably simple principle: counting particles in finite observation boxes. Using colloidal experiments, advanced simulations, and theory, we first demonstrate that statistical properties of fluctuating counts can be used to determine self-diffusion coefficients, so alleviating the hurdles associated with trajectory reconstruction. We also provide a recipe for practically extracting the diffusion coefficient from experimental data at variable particle densities, which is sensitive to steric and hydrodynamic interactions. Remarkably, by increasing the observation box size, counting naturally enables the study of collective dynamics in dense suspensions. Using our novel analysis of particle counts, we uncover a surprising enhancement of collective behavior due to hydrodynamics as well as a new length scale which can be connected with hyperuniform structure. Our counting framework, the “countoscope,” thus enables efficient measurements of self and collective dynamics in dense suspensions and opens the way to quantifying dynamics and identifying novel physical mechanisms in diverse complex systems where single particles can be resolved.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The role of “localness” in sustainable food consumption: insights from sustainable coffee in Thailand
Authors: Discetti Roberta , Osei Martin , Pruhtpahon Sapon
Published: October 2024

Purpose

We investigated consumers’ environmental, social and local beliefs and their impact on attitudes, subjective norms and willingness to pay for sustainable coffee in the understudied context of Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a survey of 253 Thai consumers, analysed through an extended model of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).

Findings

The study validates the TPB model in the Thai demographic, finding a significant positive impact of environmental and local beliefs and subjective norms on willingness to pay for sustainable coffee. More importantly, it proposes an extended model of TPB, stressing the central role of “local beliefs” in sustainable consumption in a Global South context.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates the importance of “localness” in the practice of sustainable consumption in Thailand, namely the beliefs in the support for the local economy and prosperity for the local community. This expands our understanding of the heterogeneous meanings associated with the practice of sustainable consumption in a South-East Asian context.
Evaluating the adoption barriers of circular business models in the Ghanaian construction industry
Authors: Asiedu Richard Ohene , Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Gyimah Samuel , Edwards David John , Amoakwa Alexander Baah
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To transition into a green/circular economy (CE), both academics and industrialists have undertaken research into various areas of circular business models (CBM), yet despite numerous studies conducted, the ensuing discourse contains scant information regarding the barriers to CBM adoption in the built environment. Therefore, this present study explores the critical barriers hindering the adoption of CBM in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI), establishing the criticality of the principal barriers identified.

Design/methodology/approach

The mixed philosophies of interpretivism and postpositivism were adopted to deductively analyse primary data collected via a survey questionnaire. A comprehensive literature review was first conducted to identify the barriers of adopting CBM in the construction industry. Data gathered from professionals with knowledge of CBM and the green/CE were then analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential fuzzy synthetic evaluation.

Findings

Emergent barriers to CBM adoption in the GCI were identified as institutional barriers (i.e. inadequate technology development and transfer, insufficient green incentives in the industry and lack of institutional framework that promote); proficiency barriers (i.e. lack of understanding of circular business models, inadequacy of expertise amongst construction professionals, unfamiliar techniques associated with circular business models and fear of greater investment cost) and cultural barriers (i.e. cultural reluctancy of clients to embrace circular urbanization, inadequate measurement tool, lack of a culture that encourages community engagement in environmental decision-making, inadequate performance information and database, lack of prior experience of stakeholders, inadequate government policies, low public awareness and lack of manufacturer and supplier support). The fuzzy synthetic analysis confirmed all the principal barriers as critical. These barriers had a respective criticality index of 3.66, 3.59 and 3.39. Evidently, the CBM adoption in the GCI faces major challenges and consequently, sector stakeholders must strategize their organizational undertakings to transition their traditional business models towards innovative circular ones.

Originality/value

This study provides a novel and thorough evaluation on the barriers to CBM adoption and establishes the criticality of the identified barriers. The study's findings offer essential direction to GCI stakeholders and policymakers to facilitate the shift towards a CE in accordance with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Climate policy uncertainty and economic growth, a moderating role of crude oil price changes: evidence from the Asian economies
Authors: Ullah Safeer , Yushi Jiang , Miao Miao
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to inspect the impact of US climate policy uncertainty (CPU) on the economic growth of Asian countries with the moderating role of crude oil price (COP) changes.

Design/methodology/approach

The Im-Pesaran Sin and Fisher-type tests are used for stationarity check, while Kao and Pedroni tests are used for cointegration analysis. The Hausman test is applied for model selection, where pooled mean group autoregressive distributed lag (PMG/ARDL) has been selected and applied. Besides, the fully modified ordinary least squares is also used for robustness analysis. Additionally, the literature review and descriptive statistics have been used.

Findings

The main findings disclosed that US CPU negatively impacted the economic growth of Asian economies with high significance in the long run whereas insignificant in the short run. The results further concluded that COP positively affected economic growth both in the short and long run. Furthermore, the results also revealed that COP significantly and positively moderates the relationship between CPU and COP in the long and short run.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its kind to examine the impact of the US CPU on the economic growth of Asian economies. Second, it further revealed the moderating role of COP between US CPU and economic growth. Third, a large panel of data from Asian countries has been considered. Fourth, the study adds to the current literature by using the PMG/ARDL model to determine the impact of US CPU on economic growth. Additionally, this study focuses on the US CPU because it is a developed country playing a significant role in energy and climate issues, and has been very uncertain.
Effect of hot rolling process parameters on surface wear of descaling rolls
Authors: Zhang Guoxin , Liu Kun , Liu Guangqiang , Cao Zhizhong
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explain the effect of slab and roll initial temperatures on the wear characteristics of the surface of hot roll descaling rolls.

Design/methodology/approach

The UMESHMOTION subroutine and the Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian adaptive mesh technique are used to investigate the wear profile of the descale roll surface and to evaluate the effect of the slab and roll’s initial temperature on the wear depth.

Findings

Wear is more pronounced at the edges of the roll-slab contact area and less severe in the roll-body’s central region. A rise in the initial slab temperature from 1,337 K to 1,429 K results in a 67% rise in maximum wear depth and 52% in frictional stress. The peak wear region progressively shifted toward the center of the roll body. A rise in the initial roll temperature from 308.15 K to 673.15 K caused a 46% reduction in maximum wear depth and 73% in frictional stress. The location of the peak wear region remained primarily unchanged.

Originality/value

This study used the UMESHMOTIONI subroutine and the Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian adaptive mesh technique in ABAQUS® to evaluate the quantitative correlation between the wear depth of the descaling roll surfaces and the initial temperatures of the slab and rolls. This study offers valuable insights into improving the wear of descaling roll surfaces.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-06-2024-0231/
Intrinsic data quality dimensions: expanding on Wand and Wang’s data quality model
Authors: Haug Anders
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Studies show that data quality (DQ) issues are extremely costly for companies. To address such issues, as a starting point, there is a need to understand what DQ is. In his context, the 1996 paper “Anchoring data quality dimensions ontological foundations” by Wand and Wang has been highly influential on the understanding of DQ. However, the present study demonstrates that some of the assumptions made in their paper can be challenged. On this basis, this study seeks to develop clearer definitions.

Design/methodology/approach

The assumptions behind Wand and Wang’s DQ classification are discussed, on which basis three counter-propositions are formulated. These are investigated through a representation theoretical approach involving analyses of deficient mappings between real-world and information system states. On this basis, an intrinsic DQ classification is derived. A case study is conducted to investigate the value of the developed DQ classification.

Findings

The representation theoretical analysis and the case study support the three propositions. These give rise to the development of a DQ classification that includes three primary intrinsic DQ dimensions (accuracy, completeness and conciseness), which are associated with six primary value-level DQ deficiencies (inaccuracy, incorrectness, meaninglessness, incompleteness, absence and redundancy). The case study supports the value of extending Wand and Wang’s DQ classification with the three additional data deficiencies.

Research limitations/implications

By improving the conceptual clarity of DQ, this study provides future research with an improved basis for studies and discussions of DQ.

Originality/value

The study advances the understanding of DQ by providing additional clarity.
Partial hedging in credit markets with structured derivatives: a quantitative approach using put options
Authors: Siggelkow Constantin
Published: October 2024

This study develops a novel method for mitigating credit risk through the use of structured derivatives, focusing in particular on the use of European put options as a strategic hedging tool. Inspired by the work of Merton (1974), our approach introduces the concept of default triggered by the stock price ST breaching a predefined barrier B. By establishing a distributional equivalence between an existing default model and P(ST<B) for a given time T, we demonstrate the potential for reducing the necessary capital allocation for a projected loss X(T) by partially hedging with a European put option. We formulate and solve an optimization problem w.r.t. a specific risk measure to determine the optimal strike price for the option, and our numerical analysis confirms a reduction in the Solvency Capital Requirement (SCR) in markets with and without jumps. Our findings provide (insurance) companies with a pragmatic approach to mitigating losses while maintaining their current risk management framework.
Financial performance of emerging market companies during the COVID-19 pandemic: moderating role of sustainability performance
Authors: Aksoy Mine , Yilmaz Mustafa Kemal
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether sustainability performance (SP) served as a safeguard for firm profitability (FP) and enhanced corporate resilience in emerging markets during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 1,091 firms in 25 emerging markets from 2017 to 2021, this study analyses the moderating role of SP on the relationship between FP and COVID-19 by using hierarchical linear modelling at three levels: (a) time-level; (b) firm-level; (c) country-level.

Findings

The results indicate that during the years 2020–2021, emerging market firms with robust SP showed better FP in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings also indicate that all dimensions of sustainability, i.e. environmental, social and governance (ESG), have significantly affected the FP in the post-COVID period. Hence, adhering to ESG principles aids in alleviating adverse financial repercussions during times of crises.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable insights for companies and policymakers for finding solutions that may assist them in improving SP globally and enduring crises resiliently. The findings are also relevant to institutional investors that consider SP as an investment criteria. Although the COVID-19 pandemic was temporary, the lessons learned could protect firms from future similar global crises.

Originality/value

This study enhances the understanding of the contingency relationship between sustainability and financial performance by offering up-to-date empirical insights within the context of emerging markets during the pandemic. It demonstrates how different institutional frameworks influenced the SP–FP association during the crisis. Thus, this paper expands the understanding of crisis management literature and bridges the research void concerning the impact of SP on FP in an emerging market context.
Eco-conscious luxury: decoding the preferences of affluent travellers in sustainable hospitality
Authors: Jana Abhisek , Shandilya Gautam , Srivastava Praveen
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This research investigates the factors that drive affluent customers to engage in sustainable behaviours, particularly their choice to stay in green hotels. The study aims to understand how green purchase intentions (GPI) translate into green purchase behaviours (GPB), focusing on how the scarcity of green hotels may influence this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative research method, the study examines several key predictors – such as ecological concern, perceived behavioural control, social norms and green attitudes – and their impact on GPI and GPB. Data were gathered from 418 affluent consumers through a structured survey, capturing their views on ecological concern, perceived control, social norms, green attitudes and related purchasing intentions and behaviours. The data were then analysed using SPSS and AMOS, with additional validation through artificial neural networks (ANN).

Findings

The findings indicate that ecological concern, perceived behavioural control, social norms and green attitudes significantly affect GPI among affluent consumers, and there is a strong positive correlation between GPI and GPB. Additionally, the study highlights that the unavailability of green hotels weakens the intention–behaviour link.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study is its reliance on self-reported data, which may be subject to social desirability bias and may not accurately reflect actual behaviour. Additionally, the study focuses on a specific context, green hotel purchases, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other green consumer behaviours or industries. The cross-sectional nature of the study also prevents the establishment of causality between the constructs. Furthermore, the study may not account for other potential moderating variables, such as price sensitivity, brand loyalty or individual differences in environmental knowledge, which could also influence the relationship between green purchase intention and behaviour.

Practical implications

The research emphasizes the importance of perceived behavioural control and the detrimental impact of limited green hotel availability on the intention–behaviour relationship. The study provides practical insights for hotel managers, recommending clear communication strategies, deeper integration of sustainability practices and collaboration with policymakers to encourage sustainable consumer behaviours.

Originality/value

This study stands out by focusing on affluent consumers and their green purchasing habits, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of sustainable behaviour.
ESG performance and the persistence of green innovation: empirical evidence from Chinese manufacturing enterprises
Authors: Shan Haonan , Zhao Kai , Liu Yaoxu
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the actual impact, mechanism and internal and external environmental adjustment effect of ESG performance on the persistence of green innovation using data from China’s A-share manufacturing listed companies from 2009 to 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel data regression models are used to explore the effect of ESG performance of manufacturing enterprises on the persistence of green innovation. To examine the mechanism of ESG performance affecting the persistence of green innovation of manufacturing enterprises, this paper refers to the research of Wen and Ye (2014) and constructs an analysis framework of intermediary effect.

Findings

This research was funded by Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation, grant number ZR2023MG075 & ZR2024QE171.

Research limitations/implications

There are a few more limitations to this study that might be discussed from the following angles: first, due to data availability, this paper examines the persistence of green innovation from the output perspective. The authors can expand the data sources in the future and investigate the input-output combinations in green innovation as a means of understanding its sustainability. Second, the mechanism studied in this paper includes management costs, entry of green investors and risk-taking ability. In fact, it is possible that ESG performance influences green innovation persistence in other ways as well; these can be investigated more in the future.

Originality/value

First, it concentrates on the persistence of green innovation in manufacturing enterprises, surpassing the quantitative aspect and thereby broadening the research scope. Second, by including the “management expense ratio,” “green investor entry” and “risk-taking” as mediating factors, the study delves deeper into the mechanisms through which ESG performance impacts the persistence of green innovation in manufacturing enterprises, further broadening the research scope. Third, this research incorporates the internal and external environments encountered by manufacturing enterprises into the analytical framework to investigate their adjustment effects in the process of ESG performance influencing persistent green innovation, thus widening the research perspective. Fourth, this study introduces the subdimensions of ESG performance, specifically environmental responsibility, social responsibility and corporate governance, and assesses their impacts on the persistence of green innovation in manufacturing enterprises, thus enriching the research narrative.
Computational outline on heat transfer analysis and entropy generation in hydromagnetic squeezing slip flow of hybrid nanofluid
Authors: Duari Pinaki Ranjan , Das Kalidas
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The current work investigates an unsteady squeezed flow of hybrid-nanofluid between two parallel plates in occurrence with a uniform transverse magnetic field. Water is used as base fluid mixed with Graphene Oxide (GO) and Copper (Cu) nanoparticles. The flow considered here is under slip boundary conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing PDEs are transmuted into ODEs by applying an appropriate similarity transformation and then solved numerically using the 4th order R-K method with shooting technique. Graphical illustrations for velocity, temperature, entropy generation (NG), Bejan number (Be), streamline etc. are presented and discussed in detail from the physical point of view. The nature of the Nusselt number is also studied numerically through contour plots for different flow parameters.

Findings

There is no funding obtained for the research work.

Social implications

This kind of study may be used in various fields including polymer processing, lubrication apparatus, compression including hydrodynamical machines compression, food processing etc.

Originality/value

It is observed that very little investigation has yet been made about the movement of hybrid nanofluid between two analogous plates.
Beyond labels: rethinking generation-based research and practice in the workplace
Authors: Dockweiler Doreen K.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to critically examine the application of generational labels in workplace research and practice with the purpose to provide human resources (HR) scholar-practitioners with insights into limitations and potential biases of this approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on Mannheim’s framework, this paper critiques commonly-held assumptions that have perpetuated misconceptions about generational differences. It highlights challenges with generational classifications, methodologies and stereotypes, while offering recommendations to improve future research and application in HR.

Findings

Often, HR practices accept generational differences without questioning how employees are grouped into generations. Although not a new phenomenon, these generalizations can create bias when comparing generations. Instead, HR scholar-practitioners can create thoughtful approaches and examine data based on other effects, such as period and life stage.

Practical implications

This paper provides support for HR leaders to question assumptions to study generations in organizations. Suggestions are provided to improve research, expand training and advance dialogue in the workplace and shift away from the traditional thinking about generations.

Originality/value

Grouping employees into generations is a common practice, which is not often challenged. This paper provides research-based insights for HR leaders who are managing data, programs and practices based on arbitrary generational groupings. Organizations need to be mindful of the pitfalls, take a nuanced approach and ensure practices are evidence-based.
The Role of Information in Building a More Sustainable Economy: A Supply and Demand Perspective
Authors: FRIEDMAN HENRY L. , ORMAZABAL GAIZKA
Published: October 2024

Interest in sustainability information, from investors, managers, researchers, and others, has been expanding rapidly. We discuss recent advances and open questions related to sustainability reporting and disclosure through the lens of a supply and demand framework. Our discussion builds on prior research on financial reporting and highlights unique aspects of the provision of sustainability information.
Incidence and outcomes for children with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy in Western Australia—a long‐term population‐based study
Authors: Nossent Johannes , Keen Helen , Preen David B. , Inderjeeth Charles A.
Published: October 2024

Aim

To determine the incidence and health outcomes for juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (JIIM) in a long‐term whole‐population study.

Methods

We included patients under 18 years hospitalized in Western Australia (WA) from 1985 and 2015 with incident JIIM as defined by pertinent diagnostic codes for dermatomyositis (JDM) polymyositis (JPM), other JIIM and overlap myositis (JOM). We compared clinical outcomes and modified Charlson comorbidity scores with age and gender matched (2:1 ratio) patients with new onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Trends over time for annual incidence rate per million child‐population (AIR) were analyzed by least square regression and survival by Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results

We included 40 patients with JIIM (63% female, median age 8.5 years) for an average AIR of 2.52 per million (CI 1.09–5.57). AIR was stable over time leading to a point prevalence of 52.61 (CI 40.57–67.06) in 2015. Most patients (80%) were classified as JDM with an AIR for JDM of 2.02 (CI 1.09–5.58) and AIR for the combined other JIIM at 0.51 (CI 0.24–1.15). There was female preponderance (62.5%) in both JIIM groups, but no evidence of seasonality. Over a median follow‐up of 13 years, one‐ and ten‐year survival was 94.1%. Compared to JIA patients, readmission (80.4 vs. 63.7, p = .02) and infection rates (15.2 vs. 9.6, p < .01) per 100 person‐years were higher for JIIM, with similar frequency of interstitial lung disease, fractures, and thrombotic events. At last observation, nearly all patients in both JIIM cohorts (97.5 vs. 92.5%) had accrued some form of comorbidity.

Conclusions

The overall incidence of JIIM leading to hospitalization in WA was stable over 30 years. JIIM prognosis remains suboptimal due to early mortality and accrual of long‐term comorbidity.
Insecticide resistance in Australian populations of the serpentine leaf miner Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard) (Diptera: Agromyzidae)
Authors: Nguyen Duong T. , Chen Yizhou , Herron Grant A.
Published: October 2024

Serpentine leaf miner, Liriomyza huidobrensis, invaded New South Wales and Queensland late 2020. Overseas, L. huidobrensis has a history of developing insecticide resistance and, since its Australian discovery, has caused significant control issues in Australian horticultural industries. Here, we developed bioassay methods to test the response of L. huidobrensis larvae to spirotetramat and L. huidobrensis adults to dimethoate, imidacloprid and chlorantraniliprole. Against two New South Wales and one Queensland collected strains, we found a 33‐fold elevated response against dimethoate and 200‐fold more against imidacloprid than the field‐recommended field rates. Furthermore, we found that a maximum rate of 64‐fold the field‐recommended rate of chlorantraniliprole controlled only 94% of one tested population. Similarly, the maximum rate of spirotetramat tested (64‐fold the field‐recommended rate) only achieved 84%–94% mortality for the same populations. Prior to our study, the efficacy of chlorantraniliprole and spirotetramat against Liriomyza was poorly studied, with only a few reports with chlorantraniliprole against Liriomyza trifolii. Consequently, none of the tested insecticides in this study will likely control Australian invasive L. huidobrensis at the field‐recommended rates. Our results presented here highlight the need to identify and study alternative chemical and biological products and natural enemies for the control of L. huidobrensis in Australian horticulture.