bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internal structures of the baryons
Ξ(2030)
and
Ξ(2120)
Authors: Hei Hao , Huang Yin
Published: January 2024

Currently, there is much controversy surrounding the interpretation of the Ξ(2030) and Ξ(2012) as traditional hadrons containing double strange quarks. In particular, the ratios of the partial decay widths into ΛK¯ and

Σ

K

¯

for Ξ(2030) cannot obtain a suitable explanation under the qss three-quark structure. Thus, we suggest the Ξ(2030) and Ξ(2012) to be VB(=K¯*Σ/ρΞ/K¯*Λ/ϕΞ/ωΞ) molecular states. In this work, we perform a systematical investigation of possible molecular states from the VB(=K¯*Σ/ρΞ/K¯*Λ/ϕΞ/ωΞ) interaction. The interaction of the system considered is described by the t-channel vector (ρ,ω,ϕ,K¯*) and pseudoscalar (π,η(′),K¯) meson exchanges. By solving the nonrelativistic Schrödinger equation with the obtained one-boson-exchange potentials, the VB(=K¯*Σ/ρΞ/K¯*Λ/ϕΞ/ωΞ) bound states with different quantum numbers are searched. The calculation suggests that Ξ(2030) can be assigned as a P-wave K¯*Σ/ρΞ/K¯*Λ/ϕΞ/ωΞ molecular state with spin-parity JP=5/2+. The calculation also predicts the existence of four K¯*Σ/ρΞ/K¯*Λ/ϕΞ/ωΞ bound states with JP=1/2± and JP=3/2±. The Ξ(2012) may be a candidate for one of these four bound states. If Ξ(2012) is an S-wave molecular state with JP=1/2− or JP=3/2−, we suggest determining its spin and parity by studying its decay width, owing to the difference in their molecular components.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Bis[2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine-κ3
N,N′,N′′]nickel(II) bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate) diethyl ether monosolvate
Authors: Ruiz Sarah E. , Arman Hadi D. , Adrian Rafael A.
Published: January 2024

In the title complex, [Ni(C19H13N5)2](CF3SO3)2·(CH3CH2)2O, the central NiII atom is sixfold coordinated by three nitrogen atoms of each 2,6-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine ligand in a distorted octahedral geometry with two trifluoromethanesulfonate ions and a molecule of diethyl ether completing the outer coordination sphere of the complex. Hydrogen bonding contributes to the organization of the asymmetric units in columns along the a axis generating a porous supramolecular structure. The structure was refined as a two-component twin with a refined BASF value of 0.4104 (13).
Is audit committee busyness associated with earnings management? The moderating role of foreign ownership
Authors: Saleh Mohammed W.A. , Mansour Marwan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

An audit committee (AC) whose members hold multiple directorships can adversely affect a firm’s earnings management (EM) behavior due to a lack of time that can prevent members from performing their responsibilities effectively. This paper aims to investigate the moderation role of foreign ownership (FOWN) on audit committee multiple directorships (ACMD) as it relates to accrual EM.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 528 observations for Palestinian listed companies over 2009–2019, this research used panel data regression to explore the specified relationships. Additionally, the study conducted a regression analysis using alternative measurements of the ACMD and the extended modified Jones model (2006) to assess robustness. Furthermore, generalized method of moments and a two-stage least squares method were used to address potential endogeneity concerns.

Findings

The results show that multiple directorships lead to a scarcity of time that can adversely affect efficient management oversight and documented an adverse association between FOWN and discretionary accruals. The results are consistent with agency theory that FOWN brings in expertise and experience from countries with strong governance to benefit local firms and thus recover control, lower agency costs, raise a firm’s value and thus alleviate EM.

Originality/value

This study provides unique explanations and recommendations for restraining excessive ACMD because this practice decreases managers’ ability to decrease EM. The mixed outcomes in earlier literature on the AC characteristics and EM also indicate a contingent role that may clarify this inconsistency.
Assessing the influence of technological innovations and community-based facilities management on the safety and security of universities. A case study of an open campus
Authors: Moghayedi Alireza , Michell Kathy , Le Jeune Karen , Massyn Mark
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Safety and security (S&S) are critical concerns in South Africa, especially in Cape Town, one of the country’s most crime-ridden cities. The University of Cape Town (UCT), situated on a large, open campus, has experienced increased malefaction. Facilities management (FM) services at universities bear the primary responsibility for providing S&S to their communities. To comprehensively understand and address the community’s demands regarding S&S, the current study was conducted to investigate the challenges specific to open universities. This study aims to determine whether implementing community-based FM (CbFM) principles and using technological innovations could offer a more effective and sustainable solution.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted interpretivist overarching case study methodology, which is ontologically based. A mixed-method approach was used to incorporate the strengths and limitations of the weaknesses of both methods. The data collection took the form of an online survey of the university community and semi-structured interviews with university executive management to obtain data from the single case study of UCT. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used to identify emergent themes from the qualitative data.

Findings

The study presents an overall view of the provision of S&S at UCT, the unique challenges faced by management and the main S&S issues affecting the community. Moreover, the study reveals that UCT has implemented community participation processes in the past with limited success. This is because the strategies implemented constitute a narrow perspective of community participation. Therefore, a much smarter and more inclusive perspective using technological innovation is required for successful community participation to occur and to be successfully used in providing S&S toward achieving future-proofing facilities.

Originality/value

This research has demonstrated the influence of CbFM and innovative technologies on the S&S of the open campus. Hence, future-proof facilities can be achieved when FM actively engages university communities in managing campuses through technological innovation.
Islamic home financing products: a study of customer intentions in Indonesia
Authors: Wulandari Permata , Ubaidillah Muhammad Nadhif
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Islamic home financing products with Murabaha contracts are widely favored among the Muslim community in Indonesia, given that the country has a population of over 230 million Muslims. To facilitate the development of products and enhance public interest, it is important for Islamic banking institutions to comprehend the elements that may impact the intents of Muslim communities in Indonesia when selecting Islamic home financing products with Murabaha contracts. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the many aspects that may have an impact on the decision-making process of Muslim communities in Indonesia when selecting Islamic home financing product that use Murabaha contracts.

Design/methodology/approach

The partial least square-structural equation modeling data processing techniques will be used to process and evaluate these components. The data used in this study was acquired by administering questionnaires to a sample of 298 Muslim communities, which were randomly selected from a pool of 301 possible customers of Islamic house finance in Indonesia.

Findings

The results of this research show that attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control have positive influence on intention to choose an Islamic home financing scheme with Murabaha agreement, while price fairness of Islamic home financing and Islamic altruism have direct and indirect influence on intention to choose Islamic home financing.

Research limitations/implications

Analyzing factors that affect intention to choose Islamic home financing product under Murabaha contract is essential. Future study is required to analyze other Islamic home financing products, such as istisna, ijarah muntahia bi tamlik and diminishing musharakah. This study only serves as a foundation for further investigations into conventional approaches to home financing in emerging nations. The areas can be expanded to be implemented in other countries.

Practical implications

It is anticipated that Islamic banks have the capacity to cultivate a favorable and constructive perception, hence fostering a positive disposition among the Muslim populace in Indonesia. Furthermore, it is essential for Islamic banks to guarantee that all stakeholders within the sharia-compliant institution, particularly the frontline staff, have enough expertise and understanding of the intricacies of Islamic home financing products including Murabaha contracts, which are intended for prospective customers. In the foreseeable future, it is anticipated that the Muslim population in Indonesia would exhibit a greater intention toward the use of Islamic home financing solutions that use Murabaha contracts, facilitated by the establishment of a conducive environment.

Originality/value

This research integrates the impacts of pricing fairness and Islamic charity as a modified model, alongside the theory of planned behavior model, to examine the influence of these factors on individuals’ intentions to use Islamic home financing in Indonesia.
Automation, digitalization and the future of work: A critical review
Authors: Willcocks Leslie Patrick
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The study aims to provide a critical review of the extent to which digital technologies are likely to replace human labour, the exponential rise in the amount of work to be done and how far distinctively human skills are future-proofed and therefore likely to be in short supply. It reviews the evidence for a permanent switch to home and remote working enabled by emerging technologies. It assesses the business, digital and labour strategies of work organisations and the promise and challenges from a dominant trend towards a digitally enabled flexible labour model.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical review of 1020 plus case studies and the extant literature was carried out.

Findings

The relationship between emerging technologies and work is widely misunderstood, and there are major qualifiers to the idea of an overwhelming tsunami of technology drastically reducing headcounts globally. Distinctive human skills remain valuable, the amount of work to be done is increasing exponentially and automation is becoming more a coping than a labour replacement mechanism. Moves to a hybrid digitalised flexible labour model are promising but not if short-term, and if the challenges they represent are not managed well.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation is that we are making projections into the future, though we are drawing on a lot of different sources and evidence and past data projected into the future.

Practical implications

The problem is not labour displacement but large skills shortages that will slow down the speed of technology adoption. Skills development is vital, as is the taking of long-term perspectives towards the management of hybrid, flexible working based on human-machine interactions.

Social implications

Organisations need to revitalise their training and development and labour management models. Governments and intermediary institutions need to manage transition states if the skills required to gain economic growth are to be available, and to ensure that large labour pools do not get bypassed from not having requisite skills.

Originality/value

The study offers a more subtle and complex perspective on the emerging evidence about the future of technology and work.
Foreign investment and the firm performance in emerging securities market: evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Thi Ly , Huynh Nha Thanh , Huynh Thanh Thanh Canh
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The authors investigate how foreign investment in securities market informs about the future firm performance in emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors define the independent variable abnormal foreign investment (AFI) as the residuals of the foreign ownership equation. The authors regress foreign ownership on its first lag and factors and define the residuals as the AFI. The AFI is the over- or under-investment reflecting foreign conscious (clear-purpose) investment, thus better indicating how foreign investment affects firm performance. The dependent variable is Tobin’s q (Q), which represents the firm performance. Then, the authors regress the Tobin’s q next quarters (Qt + k) on the AFI current quarter (AFIt). The authors use a two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) and check endogeneity with the D-GMM model for the regression.

Findings

The results show that the current AFI is positively correlated with the firm performance in each of the next four quarters (the following one year). This positive relationship is pronounced for large firms, firms with no large foreign investors, liquid firms and firms listed in the active market. The results suggest that foreign investment might choose well-productive firms already. Also, the current AFI is significantly positively correlated with stock returns in each of the next three quarters. These results suggest that the AFI is informative up to one-year period.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggest that foreign investors (most of them are small) in the Vietnamese market might choose well-productive firms already. However, if the large investors have long-term investment in tangible, intangible, human capital and so on, and lead to a significant increase in firms’ performance is still the limitation of this paper.

Practical implications

The results of this paper may guide investors whose portfolios are composed of stocks with foreign investment.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the literature to enrich the conclusion of a positive relationship between foreign ownership and firm performance.
Construction supply chain: a systematic literature review with bibliometric analysis
Authors: Singh Navdeep , Ashish Deepankar Kumar , Dixit Anuj
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the construction supply chain (CSC) by examining its relationships with various key areas and its development, identifying gaps and outlining potential future research directions that affect the implementation of CSC standards during the timeframe of the United Nations’ “Decade of Action” plans in the past two decades.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports on a systematic literature review with bibliometric analysis that investigates publications from around the world on various aspects of CSC. These aspects include research methodology/data collection technique, inquiry mode, country-specific research, focused areas of study, the research aims and publication periods.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that information technology, information sharing, collaboration, performance measurement and CSC configuration have received considerable attention and analysis. However, financial management, supply chain resilience, logistics, vendor managed inventory and rural CSC have been identified as significant areas that require further investigation since limited attention has been given to them in the existing literature.

Research limitations/implications

CSC is a very dominant topic in the current study, but there are some limitations to it. Scopus and Web of Science databases were used to conduct the study. A future study can therefore consider papers related to other databases. As the focus was specifically dedicated to construction material SC only, the papers associated with SCs of labours and equipment have been eradicated.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first structured and systematic literature review that identifies the issues related to the CSC during the timeframe of the United Nations’ “Decade of Action” plans and proposes future research directions to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of CSC.
Exploring the uncharted territories: a structured literature review on cryptocurrency accounting and auditing
Authors: Tiron-Tudor Adriana , Mierlita Stefania , Manes Rossi Francesca
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The objective of this study is to systematically review the current body of literature in order to gain insights into the progress of research in accounting and auditing of cryptocurrencies, while also highlighting the associated risks and identifying gaps for future exploration.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this, a structured literature review was carried out, presenting a thorough and critical assessment of the available studies focused on cryptocurrencies within the accounting and auditing domain.

Findings

The analysis reveals that the majority of the research has concentrated on the reporting and measurement aspects of cryptocurrencies, neglecting the auditing aspect. Regarding the methodology, future investigations should incorporate both theoretical and empirical manners to address this gap. Various spheres require further exploration, as they have the potential to significantly impact practitioners and academics.

Originality/value

The significance of this paper lies in its comprehensive examination of the existing literature, synthesizing and organizing information pertaining to accounting and auditing considerations of crypto transactions. Moreover, it provides valuable insights into best practices and prompts identifying avenues for further research in this field.
Synergistic role of TQM 4.0 toward industry 4.0 readiness: a sociotechnical perspective of selected industries
Authors: Ali Kashif , Waheed Abdul
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Industry 4.0 or I4.0 has transformed the manufacturing landscape by integrating social and technical factors by means of the sociotechnical framework. However, the sociotechnical aspects of digitalization of total quality management (TQM 4.0), especially in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) remain largely unexplored. This groundbreaking research endeavors to delve into the pivotal role played by social (soft) and technical (hard) TQM 4.0 in driving I4.0 readiness among SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

A research framework has been developed by harnessing the principles of Socio-technical systems (STS) theory. Data collection from a sample of 310 randomly selected SMEs manufacturing in Malaysia through an online survey approach. The collected data is then subjected to analysis using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS.

Findings

The study findings indicate that both hard and soft TQM 4.0 factors are vital to promoting I4.0 readiness (R2 = 0.677) and actual implementation (R2 = 0.216). Surprisingly, the findings highlight that customer-related construct has no impact on hard TQM 4.0 attributes. Furthermore, hard TQM 4.0 factors have played a partial mediating role on the relationship of soft TQM 4.0 and I4.0 attributes (20% = VAF = 80%).

Originality/value

This is a novel research as it explores the underexplored domain of sociotechnical aspects of TQM 4.0 within SMEs amid I4.0 transformation. The study distinctive contributes include revealing the pivotal role of both soft and hard TQM 4.0 factors in driving I4.0 readiness, emphasizing the primacy of people-related dimensions for successful implementation in manufacturing SMEs.
Linking small mammal capture probability with understory structural complexity using a mobile laser scanning‐derived metric: A case study
Authors: Appleby Scott M. , Bebre Ieva , Riebl Hannes , Balkenhol Niko , Seidel Dominik
Published: January 2024

Forest understory complexity is important for many species, from large herbivores such as deer to small mammals such as mice and voles. For species that utilize the forest understory on a very small scale, it is often impractical to conduct correspondingly fine‐grained manual surveys of the understory, and thus few studies consider this small‐scale variation in understory complexity and instead work with average values on a larger scale. We explored the use of a mobile laser scanning derived understory complexity measure—understory roughness—to predict the capture probability of two representative small mammal species, the yellow‐necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) and the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus). We found a positive relationship between capture probability and understory roughness for both bank voles and yellow‐necked mice. Our results suggest that mobile laser scanning is a promising technology for measuring understory complexity in an ecologically meaningful way.
On the field: Race, gender and sports in colonial Ghana
Authors: Nicolas Claire
Published: January 2024

This article analyses Ghanaian women's sport practice from the late nineteenth century to the late 1950s, from games intertwined with displays of colonial authority to school competitions, physical education and tennis. The article argues that their performances played with changing categorisations of African girlhood and womanhood, especially as young literate women from cosmopolitan urban families were expected to uphold the highest physical, moral and intellectual standards, with an explicit focus on respectability and physical fitness. Not only were these calls constrained by gendered and class‐related norms, but they also established these norms in connection with Western activities.
International Monetary Fund programmes and the glass cliff effect
Authors: HEINZEL MIRKO , KERN ANDREAS , METINSOY SALIHA , REINSBERG BERNHARD
Published: January 2024

We analyse the impact of International Monetary Fund (IMF) programmes on appointing women leaders in ministerial positions. We hypothesize that women leaders are selected after an incumbent government starts an IMF programme to shift accountability to them during political and economic turmoil. This political manoeuvring of appointing women to leadership positions during a crisis is known as the ‘glass cliff’ effect. We demonstrate substantial evidence for such a ‘glass cliff’ effect using data covering all IMF programmes from 1980 to 2018. Our evidence shows that women are more likely to be appointed to austerity‐bearing ministerial positions under IMF programmes but not in positions of authority during negotiations with the IMF. This effect is more pronounced when a country displays worse societal gender norms, a higher level of corruption and a government facing a deeper economic crisis. Importantly, we verify that neither women's leadership nor a higher share of women in government predicts a balance of payments crisis triggering an IMF programme. In other words, women leaders do not govern worse; they are appointed to leadership positions in precarious, crisis‐ridden conditions.
Examining the environmental tax and the fishing grounds footprint nexus: Case of the African fishing industry
Authors: Wirajing Muhamadu Awal Kindzeka , Nanfosso Roger Tsafack , Kountchou Armand Mboutchouang
Published: January 2024

The implementation of environmental stringent policies faces a trade‐off between ensuring livelihood sustainability and reducing global fishing footprints. This study investigates the impact of environmental tax on fishing footprints in 23 African countries from 2000 to 2018, using the smoothed instrumental‐variables quantile regression approach. The need to establish a sustainable fishing business in Africa, considering the growing fishing footprint, and investigate if environmental levies could help achieve this goal are the driving forces behind this study. The findings reveal that environmental tax reduces footprints in African fishing grounds up to the 0.75th quantile, beyond which its impact remains insignificant in its conditional distribution. More importantly, environmental tax stringency‐reducing impacts are only apparent in the coastal and middle‐income groups up to the 0.90th and 0.50th quantiles, respectively. Environmental tax appeared to only contribute to reducing fishing footprints beyond the 0.75th quantile with higher levels of pollution tax across its conditional distribution in landlocked countries, but remaining insignificant in the low‐income group. The insignificant impact on the low‐income group is due to relatively relaxed environmental regulations that are unable to address the ecological deficit. The findings further indicate that digital infrastructures and financial development can contribute to enhancing fishing grounds biocapacity, in promoting environmental awareness and ecofriendly strategies. These findings are significant because they show that, regardless of whether environmental standards are governed by common law or civil law legal systems, environmental taxes can be utilized to stop deleterious ecoenvironmental practices within the African fishing industry. The study recommends that policy makers adopt more stringent environmental regulations, particularly for the landlocked countries, whose limited fishery grounds biocapacity has dropped in recent years.
Shadows on Solar: A Teaching Case on the Role of Corporate Governance in Addressing Forced Labor Concerns*
Authors: Cohen Nava , Helikum Lukas J.
Published: January 2024

Forced labor continues to affect millions of people in the 21st century and worsened globally between 2016 and 2021. Notwithstanding its importance, the issue receives little attention in contemporary business school seminars. Using the recent case of Canadian Solar Inc., a leading solar energy company, this teaching case explores the role of corporate governance as a means of moving toward meaningful changes in the behavior of large, multinational corporations. The case delves into the allegations that the firm has benefited from forced labor by Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minorities in China's Xinjiang region, exploring the board of directors' actions and a proxy proposal submitted by shareholders. Through this case, students will gain insights into the importance of robust corporate governance, accountability, and transparency in addressing sensitive issues like forced labor. The case highlights corporate governance best practices for companies to adopt, such as proactive board oversight, risk assessment, and transparency.
Intraocular lens tilt and decentration in secondary ciliary sulcus implantation in paediatric eyes: A 3‐year prospective study
Authors: Yu Yinglin , Wang Lanhua , Tan Yuan , Xu Chaoqun , Chen Hui , Zou Yingshi , Jin Guangming , Xu Jingmin , Jin Ling , Wang Zhenyu , Luo Lixia , Chen Weirong , Liu Yizhi , Liu Zhenzhen
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the tilt and decentration of one‐piece anti‐vaulting haptic intraocular lenses (IOL) and three‐piece C‐loop haptic IOLs in paediatric eyes undergoing secondary IOL implantation into the ciliary sulcus.

Methods

Paediatric aphakic patients receiving either one‐piece anti‐vaulting haptic or three‐piece C‐loop haptic IOL implants into the ciliary sulcus were enrolled in this prospective non‐randomized interventional study and followed up for 3 years. IOL decentration and tilt were measured using Scheimpflug images. Preoperative and postoperative information, including demographic data and ocular biometric parameters and complications, were collected and analysed.

Results

Among 123 eyes of 79 paediatric patients, there were 72 eyes (58.54%) in the anti‐vaulting haptic IOL group and 51 eyes (41.46%) in the C‐loop haptic group. The anti‐vaulting haptic IOL group had a lower incidence of clinically significant vertical IOL decentration than the C‐loop haptic IOL group (23.88% vs. 43.14%, p = 0.037). No intergroup differences were observed in vertical or horizontal tilt or in horizontal decentration (all p > 0.05). One‐piece anti‐vaulting haptic IOL implantation was associated with a lower risk of clinically significant vertical decentration than three‐piece C‐loop haptic IOL implantation (odds ratio: 0.42, p = 0.037). There was a higher incidence of IOL dislocation in the C‐loop haptic IOL group (15.22% vs. 4.17%, p = 0.046).

Conclusions

In paediatric aphakic eyes undergoing secondary IOL implantation into the ciliary sulcus, one‐piece anti‐vaulting haptic IOLs can reduce the risk of clinically significant vertical IOL decentration compared with three‐piece C‐loop haptic IOLs and may favour long‐term IOL positional stability.
Public Service in Canada post‐COVID‐19 pandemic: Transitioning to hybrid work and its implementation challenges
Authors: Gintova Maria
Published: January 2024

The impact of the COVID‐19 on the nature of work cannot be overstated. In Canada, following the largest and quickest transition to remote work ever, a significant number of public servants found themselves working from home for most of 2020 and 2021. As governments come out of the pandemic, they begin transitioning to hybrid work arrangements. This article analyzes attitudes and perspectives of public servants in the Public Service of Canada on return to office and transitioning to hybrid work. It also discusses how these can inform research and practice in Canadian public administration.
The diagnostic performance of copeptin in clinical practice: A prospective study
Authors: Trimpou Penelope , Bounias Ioannis , Ehn Olof , Hammarsten Ola , Ragnarsson Oskar
Published: January 2024

Objective

Plasma copeptin is a relatively new biomarker for evaluation of arginine vasopressin (AVP) secretion. The aim of this study was to test the diagnostic performance of copeptin in patients with polyuria‐polydipsia syndrome.

Design, Patients and Measurements

This was a prospective study where 88 patients with polyuria‐polydipsia syndrome were evaluated with a water deprivation test (WDT). Weight, urine osmolality, urine specific gravity, and plasma copeptin were collected at baseline, after 8 h, and at termination of the WDT when one of the following had been reached: (i) >3% weight reduction, (ii) urine specific gravity >1.017 or urine osmolality >600 mOsm/kg, or (iii) intolerable adverse symptoms.

Results

Of 88 patients (57 women), 21 (24%) were diagnosed with central diabetes insipidus (cDI), 5 (6%) with nephrogenic DI (nDI), and 62 (71%) with primary polydipsia (PP). Median (interquartile range) copeptin at baseline was 1.7 (1.4–2.5) pmol/L in cDI, 22 (18–65) pmol/L in nDI, and 2.7 (2–4) pmol/L in PP. After 8 h of WDT, the highest copeptin in patients with cDI was 4.0 pmol/L. In patients with PP: (i) 41 had urine osmolality <600 mOsm/kg, 7 (17%) of these had copeptin >4.0 pmol/L, (ii) 21 had urine osmolality ≥600 mOsm/kg, 14 (67%) of these had copeptin >4.0 pmol/L.

Conclusions

Copeptin >4.0 pmol/L after an overnight WDT can be used to rule out cDI and copeptin ≥21 pmol/L at baseline to diagnose nDI. The diagnostic performance of copeptin in the context of the WDT is otherwise limited in the diagnostic work‐up of patients with polyuria‐polydipsia syndrome.
Catalysts or Barriers? The Impacts of Natural Disasters on Internal Labor Migration in China
Authors: Zhou Xingyu , Han Liu , Chen Jidong
Published: January 2024

This paper discusses ways in which negative economic shocks captured by natural disasters can shape internal labor migration in China. The impact of negative economic shocks on migration depends on the combination of two opposite driving forces: (i) negative economic shocks can make staying in the affected area less profitable, thus enhancing returns to migration; (ii) the shocks can make it more difficult to migrate out, thus inducing a higher fixed cost of migration. Based on a nationwide dataset of China, this paper shows that when natural disasters were not severe, they caused migration out of rural areas. With sufficiently severe damage, however, the negative effect of natural disasters could be mitigated by villages' prior migrant networks. Specifically, with a severe shock, only clan members were able to migrate in response to natural disasters and enjoyed the complementary effects of prior migrant networks, as they could receive more help from social capital.
Impact of personalized diabetes care on distress and treatment satisfaction in people with breast cancer
Authors: Harrod Julia C. , Cheung Yee‐Ming M. , Buckley Lauren , Cromwell Grace E. , Fowler Kristen M. , Hughes Melissa E. , Lin Nancy U. , Tolaney Sara M. , Min Le , McDonnell Marie E.
Published: January 2024

Aims

In patients with breast cancer (BCa) and diabetes (DM), diabetes distress (DD) and treatment satisfaction (DTS) can influence BCa management and outcomes. We assessed the impact of implementing a personalized diabetes care model in patients with BCa.

Methods

Patients in active treatment or surveillance for BCa with an HbA1c > 53 mmol/mol (7%) or random blood glucose >11.1 mmol/L were included. Participants were offered continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), virtual care and a dedicated diabetes provider for 6 months. Primary outcomes included DD measured by the Diabetes Distress Survey (DDS) and DTS measured by the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ). Questionnaires were conducted at 0, 3 and 6 months.

Results

Thirty‐one women were enrolled (median age 61, IQR 49.0–69.0). Compared to baseline, the mean DDS score was lower at both 3 months (2.2 vs. 1.8 [n = 27], p = 0.004, SD = 0.70) and 6 months (2.3 vs. 1.8 [n = 23], p = 0.002, SD = 0.70). The mean DTSQ score was higher at 3 months (baseline: 20.5 vs. 3 months: 28.7 [n = 28], p < 0.001, SD = 9.2) and 6 months (baseline: 20.4 vs. 6 months: 30.0 [n = 26], p < 0.001, SD = 9.7).

Conclusions

Personalized diabetes care models that emphasize remote management and optimize access for those with BCa may lower DD and improve DTS.
Climatic variability, spatial heterogeneity and the presence of multiple hosts drive the population structure of the pathogen Phytophthora ramorum and the epidemiology of Sudden Oak Death
Authors: Kozanitas Melina , Knaus Brian J. , Tabima Javier F. , Grünwald Niklaus J. , Garbelotto Matteo
Published: January 2024

We implement a population genetics approach to clarify the role that temporal and environmental variability, spatially distinct locations and different hosts may have in the epidemiology of a plant disease and in the microevolution of its causative pathogen. In California and southern Oregon (USA), the introduction of the invasive pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, causal agent of the widespread disease Sudden Oak Death (SOD), has resulted in extensive mortality of various oaks Quercus sp. and of tanoak Notholithocarpus densiflorus. Although the disease can infect over a hundred hosts, California bay laurel Umbellularia californica is the most competent transmissive host but is not lethally affected by the disease. Using population genetics data, we identify the relationship among P. ramorum populations in bay laurels, oaks and tanoaks to clarify the contribution of each host on the epidemiology of SOD and on the microevolution of its causal agent and to explore differences in population structure across sites and years. We conclude that bay laurel is the primary source for infections of both tanoak and oak, and that tanoak contributes minimally to oak infection but can infect bay laurel, creating a secondary pathogen amplification process. Overall, pathogen diversity is associated with rainfall and presence of bay laurels, which sustain the largest populations of the pathogen. Additionally, we clarify that while bay laurels are a common source of inoculum, oaks and tanoaks act as sinks that maintain host‐specific pathogen genotypes not observed in bay laurel populations. Finally, we conclude that different sites support a dominance of different pathogen genotypes. Some genotypes were widespread, while others were limited to a subset of the plots. Sites with higher bay laurel densities sustained a higher genotypic diversity of the pathogen. This work provides novel insight into the ecology and evolutionary trajectories of SOD epidemics in natural ecosystems.
Balancing Workloads through Co‐location in Covering Problems
Authors: Xu Jing , Murray Alan T. , Church Richard L. , Wei Ran , Yu Hongchu , Baik Jiwon , Zhou Enbo
Published: January 2024

Total demand suitably served and facility workload balance are two important considerations in location coverage. Previous work has dealt with workload balancing issues using a number of approaches, including imposing facility capacities and the use of multiple objectives focused on workload variation. However, a facility is usually restricted to a single service unit, inconsistent with strategies that allow for increased staffing such as multiple service units in dealing with higher levels of demand. This article proposes a new bi‐objective optimization model that maximizes total demand coverage and minimizes workload differences simultaneously while allowing more than one service unit to be co‐located at a site. Since the proposed model is strongly NP hard, a heuristic algorithm is developed for efficient solution. The model is applied to support postal delivery service planning. Results show that the proposed model offers improved performance compared to approaches that do not permit co‐location. The proposed algorithm is able to produce high‐quality solutions that evenly distribute allocated service demand, and does so much faster with higher‐quality solutions compared to exact solution approaches.
‘Fixing’ coal in Whitehaven: the affective promises of a coalmine
Authors: Telford Andrew , Atkins Ed
Published: January 2024

This commentary explores the promises surrounding the construction of a new coalmine in Whitehaven in the UK. The impacts of the closure of carbon‐heavy coal facilities increasingly feature in scholarship and policy understandings of energy transitions: illuminating the importance of the temporalities of transition. We seek to further such temporal understandings to highlight the importance of ‘futures’ in discussions of coal, which despite promises of abatement maintains a significant presence in global energy relations. We explore how the Woodhouse Colliery at Whitehaven has come to represent a series of fixes—in both socio‐ecological and affective terms: promising new futures of work, energy and regional development. These futures are contested by opponents of the project, who highlight the emissions to be associated with the site. In tracing these competing futures, we illuminate the intricate ties between historic industry, present‐day regional identity and economies, and the role and presence of carbon in visions of what comes next.
Does information and communication technology improve labor productivity? Recent evidence from the Southeast Asian emerging economies
Authors: Salim Agus , Wen Jun , Bello Anas Usman , Lubis Firsty Ramadhona Amalia , Khoirudin Rifki , Khasanah Uswatun , Sukarniati Lestari , Nasir Muhammad Safar
Published: January 2024

The comprehension of the textbook and augmented Solow growth model has been studied to picture the consequences of workforce growth and capital. In the age of digitalization, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is also the first necessity identified factors affecting labor productivity. This paper revisits the augmented Solow growth equation by integrating ICT as an explanator that improves labor productivity in Southeast Asian emerging economies. We used a Two‐Way Random‐Effects Model to regress the impact of workforce growth rate, physical capital, and human capital on labor productivity. The results show that using human capital is essential to improve output in emerging market countries rather than only using physical capital. According to our adjusted ICT factors, our analysis reveals that using the Internet and mobile cellular significantly boosts labor productivity. Moreover, the analysis of total factor productivity shows that most Southeast Asian economies highly depend on implementing ICT, especially the contribution of Internet usage and mobile cellular. Therefore, this study contributes to further studies and policy recommendations in improving the introduction of Internet usage and installation, especially for the emerging Southeast Asian.
Safety of recombinant activated factor VII for treatment of breakthrough bleeds in patients with congenital haemophilia A and inhibitors receiving emicizumab prophylaxis: Review of the real‐world evidence
Authors: Kenet Gili , Fujii Teruhisa
Published: January 2024

Background

Emicizumab is used as a subcutaneous prophylaxis for prevention of bleeding episodes in patients with haemophilia A (HA) with and without inhibitors. While low bleeding rates were observed in clinical trials, patients still experience breakthrough bleeds (BTBs) with emicizumab in the real‐world. Current guidelines recommend use of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) for treatment of BTBs in patients with inhibitors. Due to thrombotic events observed in the HAVEN 1 study, activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC) should be used with caution.

Objectives

The objective of this review is to identify and discuss real‐world data on the frequency of BTBs and the safety of concomitant rFVIIa use in patients with inhibitors on emicizumab prophylaxis.

Methods

A search of the following databases was conducted on 15 July 2022: BIOSIS Previews®, Current Contents Search®, Embase®, MEDLINE®. Search terms included ‘real world’, ‘haemophilia A’, and ‘emicizumab’.

Results and conclusions

Eleven relevant publications were identified (seven original research articles and four congress abstracts). The frequency of BTBs specifically for HA patients with inhibitors was described in three publications with 5%–56% patients on emicizumab reporting ≥1 bleeding episode. Treatment of these BTBs appeared to be managed according to relevant guidelines. Importantly, no thrombotic complications occurred during concomitant rFVIIa use. Due to the nature of real‐world studies, direct comparison of the results between studies is limited. However, real‐world data show that BTBs in inhibitor patients during emicizumab prophylaxis can be safely treated with rFVIIa.
The DDD score outperforms the RENAL score in predicting high‐grade renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Jun , Pan Xi , Xie Jun‐Yi , Chen Yu‐Ke , Fan Yu , Yu Wei , Zhou Li‐Qun , He Zhi‐Song , Zhang Zhong‐Yuan
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To explore the relationship between Fuhrman grade of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and the DDD score.

Methods

We reviewed the records of 527 nonmetastatic RCC patients. Demographic, clinical, and pathologic characteristics were reviewed. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the independent risk factors for high‐grade RCC (HGRCC).

Results

Sex, BMI (Body Mass Index), RNS, and DDD score were significantly correlated with HGRCC. Based on these independent risk factors, we constructed two predictive models integrating the RNS and DDD scores with sex and BMI to predict tumor grade. The calibration curves of the predictive model showed good agreement between the observations and predictions. The concordance indexes (C‐indexes) of the predictive models were 0.768 (95% CI, 0.713–0.824), and 0.809 (95% CI, 0.759–0.859). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to compare the predictive power of the nomograms, and the prediction model including the DDD score had better prognostic ability (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

This study found that RNS, DDD score, BMI, and sex were independent predictors of HGRCC. We developed effective nomograms integrating the above risk factors to predict HGRCC. Of note, the nomogram including the DDD score achieves better prediction ability for HGRCC.
A job analysis of mental health nursing in a school for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Hayward Brent A.
Published: January 2024

While schools have become settings for the delivery of mental health supports to students, mental health nursing has not yet described its practice in schools. In the absence of this mental health nursing literature, a quantitative self‐reporting job analysis methodology was used to describe the tasks of mental health nursing in a specialist school as an observant–participator in a single‐case holistic case study. Additional aims were to compare the results with the general school nursing and the disability nursing literatures and interpret these findings for mental health nursing. Categories of tasks from general school nursing were used to deductively interpret the results. Tasks were recorded across all categories of school nursing. The greatest number of tasks were recorded in the professional performance category, followed by planning, then personnel. The least number of tasks were recorded in the health education and promotion category, followed by practice and treatments, assessment and diagnosis, and management. These results differ from tasks in general school nursing but share similarities with intellectual and developmental disability nursing, particularly related to relationships and communication. Practising effectively as a mental health nurse in a specialist school requires capabilities for working with people with disability, particularly communicating and establishing relationships, in addition to clinical mental health skills. Mental health nursing in schools is an area of practice that requires further exploration to capitalise on emerging policy developments to support student mental health.
The efficacy and safety of non‐surgical treatment of diabetic foot wound infections and ulcers: A systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cai Xuchao , Fang Xin , Wu Linjun , Meng Xiaohu
Published: January 2024

This meta‐analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of non‐surgical treatments for diabetic foot ulcers and infections. After a rigorous literature review, seven studies were selected for detailed analysis. The findings demonstrate that non‐surgical treatments significantly reduce wound infection rates (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −15.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [−19.05, −11.25], p < 0.01) compared to surgical methods. Ulcer healing rates were found to be comparable between non‐surgical and surgical approaches (SMD = 0.07, 95% CI: [−0.38, 0.51], p = 0.15). Importantly, the rate of amputations within 6 months post‐treatment was significantly lower in the non‐surgical group (risk ratio [RR] = 0.19, 95% CI: [0.09, 0.41], p < 0.01). Additionally, a lower mortality rate was observed in patients treated non‐surgically (RR = 0.28, 95% CI: [0.13, 0.59], p < 0.01). These results affirm the effectiveness and safety of non‐surgical interventions in managing diabetic foot ulcers, suggesting that they should be considered a viable option in diabetic foot care.