bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amoebiasis and probiotics: perspectives on complementary treatment
Authors: Oliveira Fabrício Marcus Silva , Prado Greice Kelly Silva , Cruz Ruth Elizabeth , Gomes Maria Aparecida , Caliari Marcelo Vidigal
Published: November 2024

Amoebiasis is a disease caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica that has a worldwide geographic distribution, with a higher prevalence in developing countries where social and sanitary conditions are considerably precarious. Amoebiasis can be accompanied by severe clinical manifestations such as amoebic colitis and amoebic liver abscess, aggravating the host's condition, with death as one of the consequences. Several health actions and pharmacological strategies have been made to prevent the infection and possible complications of this disease, and have achieved success in containing the disease in most patients. However, some medications such as metronidazole can also cause serious complications to the individual because of their potential hepatotoxic effect in addition to producing other side effects. Research directed towards an alternative and effective treatment for amebiasis has been conducted. The use of probiotics has been highlighted as a promising treatment against Entamoeba spp. In this review, we will address the prospects of using probiotics as a treatment for amoebiasis patients. In addition, we will provide information on the biology of Entameba spp.; the clinical manifestations of amoebiasis and a perspective of the use of Weissella paramesenteroides as a possible treatment.
Determination and validation of PilT structure and ligand binding site in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: an in-silico study for vaccine and drug-targeted therapy
Authors: Lotfi Marzieh , Nabavinia Maryam Sadat , Shahcheraghi Seyed Hossein , Lotfi Malihe , Tohidi Fatemeh , Sefid Fateme , Kheirkhah Amir Hossein
Published: November 2024

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the cause of sexually transmitted diseases. Binding to the host cells by type IV pili (Tfp), it has role in motility, fruiting body formation, DNA transformation, and host cell attachment. Nevertheless, pili has other unknown roles as well. Investigating the proteins’ tertiary structure via bioinformatics instruments could assist to recognize their functions as well as interactions with other compounds via applying less cost and time. The current study deals with better identify and determine the 3D structure of ligand-binding site and PilT in N. gonorrhoeae using bioinformatics instruments. Moreover, assessing the surface available pockets, clefts, and single-scale amino acid features were considered. The most proper model of PilT was designed by SWISS-MODEL software, and the consequent epitope mapping processes were used to determine Ps2v2 and critical residues. Five pockets have been found by GHECOM server on protein surfaces utilizing mathematical morphology. The pockets of active sites and small-molecule-binding sites were greater compared with the average value. The active site values were much greater indicating that pockets have role in predicting the active sites and binding sites from the protein structures.
Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus and endocarditis: first reported case in Tunisia and review of the literature
Authors: Mahjoub Zayneb , Boughattas Sameh , Boughzala Syrine , Tilouche Lamia , Ouanes Sami , Azouzi Farah , Ketata Soumaya , Neffati Ilyes , Trabelsi Abdelhalim
Published: November 2024

Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus) is a b-haemolytic group C streptococcus known for causing strangles in equine and rarely isolated in human infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of native aortic endocarditis caused by S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus followed by a severe acute ischemic stroke due to systemic embolism. The clinical case reported here is about a previously healthy 70-year-old farmer who was having regular contact with a mule. Also, we give a review of previous reports on S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus-infective endocarditis.
A retrospective exploratory analysis on surgical site infections in a tertiary care hospital in Karnataka
Authors: Reeja Arona Gopi , Narasimhaswamy Nagalakshmi , Lakshmi R Vani , Nayak Kusumakshi
Published: November 2024

Background:

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the highest reported complications of surgery and serious postoperative nosocomial infections associated with patient morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and economic burden. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of SSIs, bacterial profile, and their antimicrobial susceptibility among patients who underwent surgery and subsequent SSIs at a tertiary care hospital in a coastal district of Karnataka, India.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted by collecting the data of patients diagnosed with SSIs at tertiary care hospital during the period of four years from 2018 January to 2021 December. Data analysis was performed to estimate the prevalence of SSI, determine the bacterial profile and their antibiotic susceptibility using Jamovi software.

Results:

Among 95611 patients who underwent surgery, a total of 443 (0.46%) patients were clinically diagnosed with SSI. Maximum SSI cases were obtained from the Department of Orthopaedics (42.2%), followed by General Surgery (22.3%) and Neurosurgery (6.5%). Staphylococcus aureus (39.0%) was the most predominant bacteria among the isolates, followed by Escherichia coli (19.04%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (10%). A total of 55.6% of Staphylococcus aureus exhibited methicillin resistance. Most of the bacterial isolates were susceptible to Trimethoprim sulphamethazole, Gentamycin and Amikacin.

Conclusions:

Though the prevalence of SSI is less it requires due attention to prevent the SSIs in the hospitals. Identification of risk factors help in planning the preventive strategies. Consistent Infection control practices are implemented in hospital for preventing the transmission of diseases, strengthening the antimicrobial stewardship program and regular antimicrobial surveillance.
Diagnostic performance of two commercially available coronavirus disease 2019 antibody kits: Elecsys Anti-SARS CoV-2 (Roche) and Anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA (IgG) (Euroimmun)
Authors: Sarmis Abdurrahman , Kocoglu Mucahide Esra , Guclu Hasan , Habip Zafer , Ozekinci Tuncer
Published: November 2024

Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is no longer a pandemic, it still kills. The risk of a new wild variant means it is still important to monitor and assess the level of immunity in vulnerable populations. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of two widely available commercial antibody testing kits. A total of 170 blood samples with different disease profiles were collected. Sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive value (PPV), negative-predictive value (NPV), accuracy, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and kappa values were calculated. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analyses of sensitivity and 1-specificity were performed. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated and P less than 0.05 was considered significant. The positive likelihood ratio LR+ [sensitivity/(1 − specificity)] as a measure of the diagnostic performance of a test was calculated. Spearman's rank correlation analysis was used to compare kit results. For the Roche and Euroimmun tests, the sensitivity was 96 and 89%, the specificity was 100 and 100%, PPV was 100 and 100%, and NPV was 57 and 33%, respectively. AUC was 0.983 for Roche (P < 0.001) and 0.94 for Euroimmun (P < 0.001). A highly significant correlation between the two kits was found (r = 0.917, P < 0.001). Even though the Elecsys Roche kit had a slightly better performance, both kits could be used for the antibody screen of a population. However, combined methods, including memory T-cell and neutralizing antibody tests, can give a better idea of an individual's immune status.
Prevalence of urinary tract infection among pregnant women in a tertiary care hospital, Karnataka: Retrospective study
Authors: Mathew Christo John , Nayak Kusumakshi , R. Vani Lakshmi , Salins Prajwal Lemuel , Varghese Aneena , Dsouza Reshma Maria Cocess
Published: November 2024

Background:

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a prevalent medical complication during pregnancy, affecting approximately 5–10% of all pregnancies. The risk of recurrent bacteriuria and acute pyelonephritis is heightened during pregnancy, posing significant risks to both mother and fetus. The prevalence of bacteriuria varies across different regions globally. Due to the physiological changes during pregnancy, clinical diagnosis of UTI can be challenging as it is often mistaken for regular pregnancy-related changes. This research aims to determine the prevalence of symptomatic UTI in pregnant women, analyze the bacteriological profile and antibiotic resistance, and identify the associated risk factors.

Materials and methods:

This cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted at the Kasturba Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021. Patient information was obtained from the medical records. Data analysis was carried out using Jamovi 2.3.26. The level of significance was set at 5% throughout the study.

Results:

The study included a total of 256 pregnant women, out of which 38 patients exhibited notable bacterial growth, resulting in an overall prevalence of 1.94%. Among the pregnant women, 84% presented with symptomatic bacteriuria.

Conclusion:

UTI during pregnancy has significant implications for the health of both the mother and the baby. Our findings indicate an incidence rate of 1.94% for UTI in pregnant women. Among the isolated organisms, Escherichia coli was the most commonly identified, with a higher prevalence rate observed in the third trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant women who develop UTI are at an elevated risk of experiencing adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
Knowledge, perception, and attitudes regarding the new COVID-19 delta variant pandemic among medical health workers and patients at the National Center of Hematology
Authors: Abd AL-Lateef Huda Ibraheem , Sabir Shahla’a Fadhil , Ridha Mayadah Mohammed
Published: November 2024

Analyzing the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the general population by the organization responsible for public health is inevitable to set the correct strategies and standards that effectively overcome the pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted between April and July 2021in Iraq. The study covers healthcare workers at the National Center of Hematology in addition to a matched sample from attendees of the same health center. Two parts self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The total sample was 286 with mean age)34.7 ± 8.7(. The new variant is more dangerous according to the knowledge of 66.1% of the participants, and 73.8% knew about its’ rapid transmissibility. Social media was a source of knowledge to 73.1% of the participants, minority of 14% obtained information from lectures and workshops. Slightly more than half of the samples (54.5%) were convinced of vaccination. More than half of the responders 53.8% went with a total sanction as a measure adopted by the government to control the spread of the disease. There was a significant difference between health workers and none health workers concerning their knowledge and practice toward the vaccine and the new variant (P-value < 0.05). In conclusion during emergencies, the public needs a high level of precaution in practice and behaviors at all times. This study provides evidence that general awareness is increased with the emergence of new circulating variant and there is an underestimation of the benefits of vaccines in pandemic virus infection among the general population.
Clinical-epidemiological characteristics of paracoccidioidomycosis and presence of Paracoccidioides spp. in the natural environment in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil: an 81-year literature survey
Authors: Koehler Alessandra , Scroferneker Maria Lúcia
Published: November 2024

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), caused by fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides, is the main endemic mycosis in Brazil, with serious social and public-health impacts. Although the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil is an area of high endemicity, data on PCM in this state are very sparse. Here, an exhaustive literature search was conducted for PCM cases reported in Rio Grande do Sul, in addition to the environmental occurrence of Paracoccidioides spp. in the state. From 1942 to 2023, 52 studies were found, encompassing a total of 1576 PCM cases. The male : female ratio was 15 : 1, and the most affected age group was 41–60 years. Lesions were reported at 11 different anatomical sites, with a predominance of the lungs and upper aerodigestive tract mucosa. Data such as treatment and mortality were rarely reported. Cases were recorded in 30% of the municipalities in the state, predominantly in the northern region. Regarding the environmental presence of Paracoccidioides spp., anti-P. brasiliensis and anti-P. lutzii antibodies have been identified in several animal species in addition to isolation of the fungi from soil samples. Although a literature search is useful for a basic knowledge of PCM occurrence, the need for epidemiological surveillance of the disease in Rio Grande do Sul is urgent, considering its high endemicity and occurrence in all regions of the state.
Septic shock caused by Raoultella ornithinolytica in a patient with Caroli syndrome
Authors: Czepiel Jacek , Merc Artur , Jędrychowski Michał , Cholewczuk Agnieszka , Biesiada Grażyna , Garlicki Aleksander
Published: November 2024

Caroli disease is a rare congenital disorder characterized by saccular or fusiform dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. The occurring bile duct dilation and cholestasis put patients at the risk of intraductal gallstone formation. The most common complication of the disease are recurrent inflammations of the bile ducts, manifested in the form of biliary colic and jaundice; however, the disease can lead to liver cirrhosis or portal hypertension. Due to the nonspecificity of symptoms, diagnosis can be difficult. We present a case report of a 22-year-old patient admitted to our clinic because of the presented symptoms of septic shock. During the diagnostic process, a suspicion of Caroli disease was raised in him, which was the initial cause of cholangitis and subsequent sepsis.
Evaluation of host factors leading to the progression of urinary tract infections to urosepsis: a retrospective analysis from a tertiary care centre in Southern India
Authors: Varghese Aneena , Ummer V. Saleena , A.M. Ciraj , Bhat Gopalakrishna , K.E. Vandana
Published: November 2024

Context:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the recurrently occurring disease caused by bacteria that poses a major public health concern globally. Among the well studied host factors that predispose to urosepsis are the anatomical risk factors of the urinary tract including stones, tumours and interventions involving the urogenital tract such as an indwelling catheter or transrectal prostate biopsy.

Aims:

To evaluate the host factors leading to the progression of UTI to urosepsis.

Settings and design:

Clinical and laboratory data available from patient records as per the inclusion criteria were analysed retrospectively by using a detailed proforma.

Methods and materials:

Patient records were screened using the ICD code provided from the Medical Records department. Data of patients with clinically confirmed UTI were retrieved and included in the study.

Statistical analysis used:

Patient data was analysed using SPSS software version 20. Categorical and continuous data were summarized as percentages and means ± SD or median (P25, P75) respectively. Univariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables.

Results:

A total of 94 patient records were included in the study. Demographic data showed that majority (53.19%) of the patients (n = 94) were female individuals. The results of univariate analysis showed that gender, frequent UTI, diabetes mellitus, presence of an indwelling urinary catheter and hospitalization more than 6 months were significantly associated with urosepsis. In addition, results of multivariate analysis identified the independent risk factors for urosepsis associated with urinary tract pathogens.

Conclusion:

This study showed that there is significant association between risk factors that determine the outcome of UTI and its progression to urosepsis.
Isolation, characterization and antibiofilm efficacy of a novel Klebsiella pneumoniae phage
Authors: Hussein Ali Y. , Abdulsattar Ban O. , Al-Saryi Nadal A.
Published: November 2024

The multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important pathogen that threatens public health directly with life-threatening infections. The need for the development of new effective and well tolerated alternative treatments for these infections is crucial. Therefore, the interest in phage therapy as a promising alternative is increasing. Here, a novel phage named ΦAYH was isolated from the Tigris River water, Baghdad, IRAQ near sewage of Baghdad Medical City with its specific host from the same site. Phage ΦAYH belongs to Podoviridae family in the order Caudovirales. The ΦAYH maintained stability at different temperatures (−10 to 60°C) and pH values (5–11). The phage was able to lyse 8 from 32 clinical K. pneumoniae isolates in vitro with no lytic activity against other tested species. For one-step growth, latent period was 10 min with burst size ∼64 virions/cell at multiplicity of infection (MOI) 10. The SDS-PAGE test revealed one major structural protein and different structural proteins ranging from 28 to 89 kDa in size. The phage host and 32 clinical K. pneumoniae isolates were tested for phenotypic identification and antibiotics profile by VITEK-2 system and genotypically using rpob gene. All clinical K. pneumoniae isolates showed resistance to the most antibiotics tested while phage host was resistant only to amoxicillin. Biofilm production by all clinical isolates including the host isolate was tested. These isolates showed different ability as following: 72.72% as weak, 6.06% as moderate, and 21.21% as strong biofilm producer. Together these results demonstrate that ΦAYH is a promising alternative against MDR K. pneumoniae.
Therapeutic effects of medicinal plants in vulvovaginal candidiasis: a review on randomized clinical trials
Authors: Bhat Sujatha , Nagaraj Anushri , Poojar Basavaraj , Narasimhaswamy Nagalakshmi
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), characterized by cheesy vaginal discharge, pain during sexual intercourse and itching is the fungal infection of female genital tract. Candida albicans is the common causative agent for this condition followed by many non-albicans Candida species. Due to the greater concern of drug resistance in Candida species, many alternative therapeutic methods have been proposed, including the use of various plant extracts. The alternate methods are effective in treating the symptomatic cases by reducing the clinical symptoms and Candida load. The objective of this review is to explore the therapeutic effectiveness of various plant extracts in vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Materials and methods:

A literature survey was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar to find relevant clinical trials on vulvovaginal candidiasis. After the removal of duplicates, a total of 21 clinical trials were considered to evaluate the anti-Candida activity of medicinal plant products against vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Results:

The results of the clinical trials show that, the extracts from Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Allium sativum, Zataria multiflora and Lawsonia inermis have showed potent anti-Candida activity and many other plant products were found to be as effective as the conventional drugs used.

Conclusion:

Due to the limited number of clinical trials available, it is difficult to come to a conclusion regarding the clinical effectiveness of various plant extracts in the effective treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. So, more research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of each of these plant extracts as therapeutic alternatives to treat this condition.
The efficacy of niosomal antifungal drug delivery system for Candida infections: a literature review
Authors: Norozipuor Sara , Agha Kuchak Afshari Setareh
Published: November 2024

Candidiasis is a wide range of cutaneous/mucosal to systemic infections caused by Candida species. The prevalence of candidiasis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, has risen in recent years. Some currently available antifungal agents have limitations, regarding the route of drug delivery, especially for local infections. On the other hand, the topical administration of antifungal agents may be inefficient due to low drug bioavailability, indicating the necessity of new treatment strategies. Using nanocarriers such as niosomes as a drug delivery system has been proven to be an interesting strategy. Encapsulation of antifungal drugs in niosomes has the potential to simplify the transport of drugs which seems to be a promising approach to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Consequently, therapy will be improved by modifying conventional antifungal formulations. Herein, we reviewed the in vitro and in vivo studies on the efficacy of niosomes as nanocarriers of antifungal agents for the treatment of C. albicans infections.
The battle against biofilms: understanding the impact on medical devices and patient health
Authors: Thakre Rashmi , Bankar Nandkishor , Tiwade Yugeshwari , Mishra Vaishnavi
Published: November 2024

Biofilms represent integral communities of organisms commonly observed on biotic surfaces. Their occurrence on medical devices includes infection, inflammation, and device failure. Addressing infections associated with medical devices is challenging, marked by a notable recurrence rate. The primary challenge in the adhesion of microbes to medical device surfaces, transitioning into a biofilm state. This state presents distinctive characteristics, including unique growth rates, structural features, and increased resistance to antimicrobial drugs and host immune responses compared to their planktonic counterparts. Complications associated with biofilm-associated disorders often require invasive measures, which involve additional surgical interventions. Overcoming infections linked to biofilm-related complications becomes a formidable task due to their inherent resistance to conventional therapeutic approaches. Enhancing the efficacy of preventive and treatment strategies involves a multifaceted approach, integrating various modalities such as antimicrobial agents, physical disturbance techniques, and medical instruments such as catheters, prosthetic implants, and wound dressings. Vigilance in combating biofilms is essential to ensure patient safety and improve healthcare outcomes. Biofilm-related infections can range from complications to severe consequences, underscoring the urgency of the battle against biofilms in healthcare.
The bidirectional causal relationship between cash holding and bid-ask spread: evidence from panel ARDL model
Authors: Daadaa Wissem , Daadaa Mohamed Anis
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper tests the causal relationship between bid ask spread and cash holding in the short and long run. It uses different proxy of corporate cash holding and test three proxies of a bid-ask spread. It also provides comprehensive and robust evidence for the causal relationship between cash holding and stock liquidity in an emergent market.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a sample covering all financial and industrial firms in Tunisia’s stock market from 2008 to 2020. It uses a panel ARDL data approach to test the bi-directional relationship between cash holding and stock liquidity. This paper conducts rigorous statistical analysis of the collected data to test the hypothesized relationship between cash holding and bid-ask spread. This can involve running regression models, performing statistical tests, and analyzing the significance of the estimated coefficients.

Findings

Overall, paper’s findings provide empirical evidence supporting the bidirectional causal relationship between cash holding and bid-ask spread. The results highlight the importance of cash holding in determining stock liquidity and suggest that firms with higher cash holdings may face liquidity challenges. These findings have implications for corporate governance and can guide firms and regulators in improving stock liquidity and designing appropriate policies and recommendations.

Practical implications

Overall, the practical implications of this paper suggest that firms can enhance their stock liquidity by improving governance mechanisms and optimizing cash management strategies. Regulators can play a crucial role in creating a conducive market environment, and investors can take into account the relationship between cash holding and stock liquidity when making investment decisions.

Originality/value

We present empirical evidence of the relation causality between stock liquidity and cash holding. Our research is the first to test the bidirectional relationship between bid ask spread and cash holding in the short and long run. Overall, the originality of this paper lies in its exploration of the causal relationship between cash holding and bid-ask spread, the use of multiple proxies for stock liquidity, the examination of an emerging market context, the comparative analysis across sectors, and the practical implications for firms and regulators. These contributions add to the existing body of knowledge and provide new insights into the dynamics of cash holding and stock liquidity.
A novel sharding algorithm based on TOPSIS method for blockchain systems
Authors: Xiang Siqi , Xiang Xiaohua
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Performance optimization algorithms based on node attributes are of great importance for sharding blockchain systems. Currently, existing studies on blockchain sharding algorithms consider only random selection sharding strategies. However, the random selection strategy does not perfectly utilize the performance of a node to break the bottleneck of blockchain performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a blockchain sharding algorithm called TOPSIS Optimization Sharding System (TOSS), which is based on entropy weight method, relative Euclidean distance and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). It defines a multi-attribute matrix to assess node performance and applies TOPSIS for scoring nodes. Then, an algorithm based on the TOPSIS method is proposed to calculate the performance score of each data node. In addition, an entropy weighting method is introduced to obtain the weights of each attribute to balance the impact of dimensional differences of attributes on the attribute weights. Nodes are ranked by composite scores to guide partitioning.

Findings

The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in this paper is verified by comparing it with various comparative algorithms. The experimental results show that the TOSS algorithm outperforms the comparison algorithms in terms of performance improvement for the blockchain system, and the throughput metrics are improved by about 20% in comparison.

Originality/value

This study introduces a novel approach to blockchain sharding by incorporating the entropy weight method and relative Euclidean distance TOPSIS into the sharding process. This approach allows for a more effective utilization of node performance attributes, leading to significant improvements in system throughput and overall performance, addressing the limitations of the random selection strategy commonly used in existing algorithms.
Effect of innovation disclosure in annual reports on R&D subsidies in China
Authors: Zhou Wei , Pan Xiaofei , Wu Yiping
Published: November 2024

Purpose

We examine the effectiveness of signaling by disclosing innovation in annual reports in terms of securing R&D subsidies, using a novel text-based measure of firm-level innovation intensity.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis includes regressions with firm and year-fixed effects and an instrumental variable approach. Both mediation and moderation analysis are conducted to identify the plausible channels.

Findings

We find that firms are likely to receive research and development (R&D) subsidies if their annual reports contain intensive disclosure of information about innovation. We also identify the site visits by government officials as a plausible channel through which innovation disclosure in annual reports can help firms receive R&D subsidies. Additional analysis shows the main effect of innovation disclosure is especially pronounced in firms with severe information asymmetry and those facing a low-trust environment.

Originality/value

Current studies have shown the effectiveness of signaling in capital markets in terms of securing bank loans and venture capital (Cassar et al., 2015; Hoenig and Henkel, 2015; Connelly et al., 2016; Plummer et al., 2016). It is unclear if such a signaling can attract the attention of government officials. Our results suggest that government officials view annual reports as an important means of mitigating information asymmetry, which in turn helps firms to receive external R&D funding.
The European sustainable finance disclosure regulation (SFDR) and its influence on ESG performance and risk in the fund industry from a multi-regional perspective
Authors: Martinez-Meyers Susana , Ferrero-Ferrero Idoya , Muñoz-Torres María Jesús
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact of the sustainable financial disclosure regulation (SFDR) on the environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and risk scores of sustainable funds (SFs) from a multi-regional perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This research involves conducting a comparative study between self-labeled SFs and conventional funds of the same mutual fund company matched using a five-step process. Using the SFDR publication as a natural study, this study uses panel data methodology on a portfolio ESG score database before SFDR implementation and three to six months post-SFDR Level 1 requirement to measure the impact.

Findings

The findings provide evidence of a clear reduction in ESG risk and an improvement in ESG performance across all samples and ESG dimensions following the SFDR regulation. In addition, the results reveal a positive spillover effect of the regulation on conventional funds following its implementation.

Research limitations/implications

The study can be helpful for fund managers, investors and regulators as it provides insights into the impact of mandatory ESG disclosure regulation on the global fund investment market. The study is limited by data availability due to the restrictive matching approach used, which starts with fund pairs from the same fund management company.

Practical implications

The study can be helpful for fund managers, investors and regulators as it provides insights into the impact of mandatory ESG disclosure regulation on the global fund investment market.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is a lack of research papers that analyze the impact of the SFDR mandatory regulation as a driving force on the ESG scores of the fund market using the same fund management matched pair approach. This paper tests the importance of the investment area through a multi-regional approach to study potential “spillover” effects.
Do experience and authentic happiness on halal luxury fashion influence behavioral intention?
Authors: Sari Novi Sekar , Ratnasari Ririn Tri , Ab Rahman Asmak
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine the influence of experiential value, authentic happiness and experiential satisfaction on the behavioral intention of luxury fashion.

Design/methodology/approach

Two hundred online questionnaires were collected from customers who rented or bought wedding dresses between 2015 and 2020, with at least one rental or purchase coming from an Indonesian bridal wedding brand that promotes the idea of marriage under Islamic law. The quantitative methodology used in this study was examined using the Structural Equation Model analysis method with the AMOS 22 software.

Findings

The results showed that all hypotheses were accepted with significant positive influences, including experiential value in halal fashion on authentic happiness, experiential satisfaction and luxury fashion behavioral intention, authentic happiness in luxury fashion behavioral intention and experiential satisfaction, as well as experiential satisfaction in the behavioral intention of luxury fashion.

Research limitations/implications

The data were collected from respondents who have rented and/or purchased wedding dresses. However, the number of respondents who only rent or who only buy was not identified.

Practical implications

The value of experience in halal fashion needs to be increased. Based on the results of this study, it is hoped that marketers can create effective marketing policies and strategies by paying attention to the value of the consumer’s halal fashion experience because it will affect their authentic happiness, experience satisfaction and luxury fashion behavior intention.

Originality/value

This study has unique originality in measuring the variable of luxury fashion behavioral intention, which was adjusted to the object of research, namely luxury fashion.
The strengths of CEO social ties: a cost-benefit framework
Authors: Tang Jianyun
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This article develops a benefit curve and a cost curve that relate the strength of a CEO’s social tie to its benefits and costs respectively, and thereby develops a cost-benefit framework for understanding the strengths of CEO social ties. In particular, this framework helps address the basic, yet largely unanswered questions of why one tie is stronger than another and why a CEO utilizes social ties to a greater extent in one context than in another.

Design/methodology/approach

As a conceptual paper, this article develops a cost-benefit framework for understanding the strengths of CEO social ties.

Findings

This article suggests an important shift of research focus and a different way of thinking regarding tie strength. Specifically, it suggests that the more fundamental question might not be whether a social tie is beneficial or one tie is more beneficial than another, but rather what its optimal strength is, given the underlying relational factors such as resource dependence and demographic similarity. Relatedly, the question might not be whether a CEO’s level of utilization of social ties has a more positive effect on firm performance in one context than in another, but rather what the optimal level of utilization is, given the contextual factors such as environmental uncertainty.

Originality/value

This article addresses a widely accepted, yet potentially misleading understanding of the relationship between a tie’s strength and its benefits (i.e. the strength of weak ties argument). By doing so, it develops a benefit curve that integrates into a coherent, parsimonious function three seemingly conflicting key ideas in the literature (i.e. the overall notion that social ties are beneficial, the strength of weak ties argument, and the liability of strong ties argument). Relatedly, it develops a coherent framework for understanding the strengths of CEO social ties.
Sustainable innovations through project partnerships at higher education institutions: challenges and implications for stakeholder engagement
Authors: Grunwald Guido , Kara Ali , Spillan John E.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify challenges and derive options for stakeholder engagement of project partnerships for sustainable innovations in higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by Donabedian’s structure-process-outcome (SPO) model, our conceptual exploration focuses on understanding stakeholder experience and identifying stakeholder engagement options in different project phases. This research includes empirical data on sustainability expectations towards HEIs collected from 239 business students from the USA and Germany. The Kano method and factor analysis were used for data analysis.

Findings

This research suggests that balancing differences in stakeholder types and priorities, identifying and fulfilling key stakeholder expectations and addressing their resource limitations play a crucial role in the partnership’s structure stage. Adjustments for timing and forms of engagement, based on the stakeholder types and their expectations, are necessary during the process stage. Attaining stakeholder consensus on goal achievement and fostering trust and long-term commitment for sustainability are vital tasks in the outcome stage.

Practical implications

HEIs are advised to identify and assess stakeholders according to their anticipated inputs and contributions to the expected project outputs. They should consider adopting minimal thresholds of involvement and actively engaging key stakeholders, students, by demonstrating direct sustainability impacts.

Originality/value

This conceptual study adds value by enhancing the understanding of sustainable project partnerships in HEIs through the adoption of concepts from open innovation, service management and relationship management research. It illuminates the significance of stakeholder engagement and experience, including the management of expectations, thereby supporting HEIs in effectively implementing sustainability initiatives.
Social performance indicators in Brazilian health cooperatives
Authors: Gulak Dulcídio , Moreira Vilmar Rodrigues , Ferraresi Alex Antônio
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify indicators of social performance in health cooperatives, emphasizing the crucial need for cooperatives to systematically monitor their social performance with members, thus strengthening relationship and ensuring sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a descriptive research design with a qualitative approach, this study analyzed interviews with cooperative managers through content analysis.

Findings

A total of 23 indicators were identified covering financial aspects, personal and professional training facilitated by cooperative education and the promotion of active participation and engagement among cooperative members.

Research limitations/implications

As for the limitations of this research, it is possible to mention the proposition of performance indicators based on the perception of the managers, who were the interviewed. A better description and validation of the indicators could be done through a survey with the cooperative members, who are the most interested and affected by actions and social results of the cooperatives.

Practical implications

The main managerial implications of the results indicated the need to implement a monitoring structure so that the indicators of the cooperative’s actions with its members can have the same importance as the monitoring of the economic–financial indicators.

Social implications

By making information available to members, with transparent and effective communication, it is possible to infer that members have a broader perspective of the cooperative’s actions and the benefits of being part of it. The engagement of members in a cooperative with quality governance improves the feeling of belonging and ensures the perpetuity of the cooperative. Also, it is expected that the results of this research can favor and influence other studies and help cooperatives to improve their planning with permanent actions to monitor their social performance in relation to their members.

Originality/value

Performance indicators of cooperatives should be treated and analyzed in a particular way because cooperatives have particularities regarding their economic and social functions. There are several indicators to evaluate the economic-financial performance of cooperatives, but there are few indicators to verify the social performance of the cooperative with its members.
Linkage between empowerment, commitment and organizational citizenship behavior in Indian retail sector
Authors: Bhardwaj Pratibha , Sharma Himani , Savita Ubba
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between employee empowerment (structural empowerment [SE] and psychological empowerment [PE]), employee commitment (EC) and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) within the unique context of a learning organization in the Indian retail sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation was conducted using a survey-based questionnaire approach. Data were gathered from 222 frontline employees working in different retail stores in India. The researcher used AMOS 22.0 version and SPSS 22.0 version for the data analysis.

Findings

This study concluded that SE and PE have a positive and significant influence on OCB and EC. In addition, EC is a mediator between employee empowerment (SE and PE) and OCB.

Research limitations/implications

This research is built on cross-sectional data with a limited sample size, that is, 222 sample size. This study also offers some practical insights to managers of retail stores.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to empirically investigate the mediating role of EC between SE and OCB. By focusing on the interplay of these variables within a learning organization, this study sheds light on the mechanisms driving employee behavior and organizational dynamics in this rapidly evolving retail sector.
Economic risk perceptions and willingness to learn about globalization: A field experiment with migrants and other underprivileged groups in Vietnam
Authors: Bonifai Niccolò W. , Malesky Edmund J. , Rudra Nita
Published: November 2024

Existing research maintains that socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals are reluctant to seek information that might help mitigate risk. We challenge this convention by proposing that perceptions of risks associated with global economic shocks can incentivize some disadvantaged individuals to acquire knowledge about their distributional effects. Internal migrants, in particular, have strong incentives to respond to such risks by seeking information. We test our hypotheses using a randomized experiment in Vietnam exposing half of the participants to risks associated with a new trade agreement with the European Union. We track willingness to learn by observing whether respondents accessed an online video describing the economic impacts of the agreement. We find that treated migrants were 187% more likely to seek knowledge than the control group, but find null effects for residents from sending and receiving locations. Our findings help uncover the key role migrants can play in supporting globalization and shared prosperity.
Local orientation in the U.S. House of Representatives
Authors: Ban Pamela , Kaslovsky Jaclyn
Published: November 2024

What drives legislators to emphasize local issues in a nationalized setting? Although the representation literature has highlighted why legislators present themselves as district‐ or nationally oriented in constituent‐facing activities, research remains limited on this behavior within Congress. We leverage congressional speech to provide evidence on how electoral competitiveness, district demographics, and legislator characteristics influence representation during the committee stage, a critical step in policymaking. Using U.S. House hearing transcripts from 1999 to 2018, we examine what types of legislators are more likely to mention their constituents and the local communities in their districts. Results reveal that women legislators use significantly more locally oriented statements compared to their male counterparts. This difference between male and female legislators, which is concentrated among Democrats, is similarly observed on the House floor. Overall, these results provide new evidence that the link between gender and policy representation persists even in settings when constituents are not the only intended audience.
More than Body Appearance! Improving body image in young women through a functionality‐focused intervention combined with psychoeducation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cerea Silvia , Panzeri Anna , Burdisso Beatrice , Bottesi Gioia , Mancin Paolo , Rapisarda Martina , Ghisi Marta
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Body dissatisfaction is a public health concern, prevalent among women. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of a 2‐week online functionality‐focused intervention combined with psychoeducation on improving body image among young women at both high and low risk of Body Image Disorders (BIDs).

Design

A randomized controlled trial was conducted among young women at high risk and low risk of developing BIDs.

Methods

In total, 231 young women (n = 64 at high risk of BIDs) were randomized into: experimental (n = 113) and waitlist (n = 118) groups. The experimental group underwent the intervention at baseline (T0) for 15 days (T1), while the waitlist group started the intervention at T1 for 15 days (T2). Participants completed questionnaires about body and functionality appreciation, eating disorders (EDs) risk and extreme body dissatisfaction at baseline, 15 days from baseline and 30 days from baseline.

Results

Mixed linear models revealed enhancements in body and functionality appreciation post‐intervention for women at both high risk and low risk of BIDs. Reductions in EDs risk and body dissatisfaction were observed in participants at high risk.

Conclusions

The intervention proves to be useful in promoting a positive body image (i.e. body and functionality appreciation) in women at both high and low risk of BIDs, while the results concerning the risk of developing EDs and extreme body dissatisfaction are more nuanced.
Can Minority Shareholders' Online Voice Restrain Controlling Shareholders' Tunneling?
Authors: Huang Li , Ying Qianwei , Han Mengrui
Published: November 2024

Research Question/Issue

Using a sample of Chinese listed firms between 2010 and 2020, this study examines the effect of minority shareholders' online voice on controlling shareholders' tunneling.

Research Findings/Insights

We find that minority shareholders' online voice significantly reduces controlling shareholders' tunneling. The effect is more pronounced in firms with higher information asymmetry and weaker investor protection. We further show that minority shareholders' online voice can attract additional attention from other investors and regulators, exerting market and regulator pressure on controlling shareholders. Additional analysis also suggests that the effect of minority shareholders' online voice on controlling shareholders' tunneling increases with the negative tone of the questions and decreases with firms' responsiveness to these questions.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Past findings of the governance role of minority shareholders mainly focus on their voting rights, but less attention has been paid to their online activism through voice. Our results suggest that minority shareholders' online voice plays an important role in corporate governance by curbing the controlling shareholders' tunneling attempt.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This study provides an essential implication for the regulators in emerging capital markets that adopting the online interactive platforms for firms and investors helps to enhance the minority shareholders' monitoring role.