bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of patient centred outcomes measures alongside the personal wheelchair budget process in NHS England: a mixed methods approach to exploring the staff and service user experience of using the WATCh and WATCh-Ad Tools
Authors: Tuersley Lorna , Quaye Naa Amua , Edwards Rhiannon Tudor , Bray Nathan
Published: August 2022

Background and Objective

Personal wheelchair budgets (PWBs) are offered to everyone in England eligible for an NHS wheelchair, to support their choice of equipment. The WATCh (Wheelchair outcomes Assessment Tool for Children) and related WATCh-Ad tool for adults are patient centred outcomes measures (PCOMs) developed to help individual users express their main outcome needs when obtaining a wheelchair and rate their satisfaction with subsequent outcomes after receiving their equipment. We explored their use in a real-world setting, aiming to produce guidance for use alongside the PWB process.

Methods

Three wheelchair service provider organisations across four sites participated. Staff and users completed surveys about their experience of the WATCh and/or WATCh-Ad tools used in the assessments. Towards the end of the study, selected patients were interviewed after receipt of their equipment, and staff were interviewed after experiencing a number of assessments. Thematic analysis was undertaken using the tool, survey and interview data.

Results

Information on 75 assessments by 15 staff was obtained. Over three-quarters of users or their carers rated the use of the tools in the assessment process as ‘helpful’ or ‘very helpful’. Staff reported that use of the WATCh tools had been considered ‘useful’ in developing individual care plans in around 1 in 3 cases and affected the prescription in 1 in 4 cases. Concerns were expressed around the length of time taken to administer the tools in clinic, although some staff noted this reduced with more hands-on experience, and by providing the tools to users in advance of the appointment.

Conclusions

The WATCh and WATCh-Ad PCOM tools are suitable for routine use by wheelchair service providers to assist the assessment process. It is recommended that tool materials are provided in advance to users/carers, and that staff are allowed time to develop their ways of working with them.
Fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli carriage in transrectal prostate biopsy patients without infectious complications
Authors: Kalinen Sofia , Kallio Heini , Knaapila Juha , Kallonen Teemu , Munukka Eveliina , Lamminen Tarja , Huovinen Pentti , Boström Peter J. , Hakanen Antti J. , Gunell Marianne
Published: August 2022

Fluoroquinolones are a commonly used prophylaxis in transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx), even though fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli has been associated with infectious complications after TRUS-Bx. The present study describes fluoroquinolone resistance mechanisms and antimicrobial susceptibility among intestinal E. coli, isolated from TRUS-Bx patients in a prospective study showing very few infectious prostate biopsy adverse events. This Multi-IMPROD sub-study included a total of 336 patients who received either ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, or fosfomycin as prophylaxis before TRUS-Bx. E. coli could be cultured from 278 fecal swab samples, and 27 (9.7%) of these showed resistance to ciprofloxacin, and 14 (5.0%) were susceptible with increased exposure (I). Chromosomal and transferable fluoroquinolone resistance mechanisms were found among ciprofloxacin non-susceptible isolates, but both qnr genes and single gyrA mutations were found also among the ciprofloxacin-susceptible E. coli population. Low-level fluoroquinolone resistance is commonly associated with ESBL production in Enterobacterales. However, ESBL and qnr genes were not associated in our material, 14 isolates were ESBL producers and only 14.3% of them had the qnr gene, although 85.7% of the ESBL producers were ciprofloxacin non-susceptible. In the Multi-IMPROD substudy, only two mild urinary tract infections were reported, indicating that the antimicrobial susceptibility or resistance pattern of E. coli does not correlate with the onset of post-biopsy adverse events. We conclude that in our clinical settings, ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin prophylaxis is effective, and no severe post-biopsy infections were detected despite the intestinal colonization of genotypically and phenotypically fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli.
Association between inflammation and cognition: triangulation of evidence using a population-based cohort and Mendelian randomization analyses
Authors: Slaney Chloe , Sallis Hannah M. , Jones Hannah J. , Dardani Christina ,   CHARGE Inflammation Working Group, Tilling Kate , Munafò Marcus R. , Smith George Davey , Mahedy Liam , Khandaker Golam M.
Published: August 2022

Background

There is evidence for an association of inflammation with cognitive functioning and dementia in older adults, but the association with cognitive functioning in youth and whether this is causal remains unclear.

Methods

In a population-based cohort (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children; ALSPAC), we investigated cross-sectional associations of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP] and Glycoprotein acetyls [GlycA]) with measures of cold (working memory, response inhibition) and hot (emotion recognition) cognition at age 24 (N=3,305 in multiple imputation models). Furthermore, we conducted one-sample and two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine potential causal effects of genetically-proxied inflammatory markers (CRP, GlycA, Interleukin-6, soluble Interleukin-6 receptor) on cognitive measures (above) and general cognitive ability.

Results

In the ALSPAC cohort, there was limited evidence of an association between inflammatory markers and cognitive measures at age 24 after adjusting for potential confounders (N=3,305; beta range, -0.02 [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.06 to 0.02, p=.29] to 0.02 [95% CI -0.02 to 0.05, p=.38]). Similarly, primary MR analyses found limited evidence of potential effects of genetically-proxied inflammatory markers on working memory, emotion recognition or response inhibition in one-sample MR using ALSPAC data (beta range, -0.73 [95% CI -2.47 to 1.01, p=.41] to 0.21 [95% CI -1.42 to 1.84, p=.80]; or on general cognitive ability in two-sample MR using the latest Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) datasets (beta range, -0.02 [95% CI -0.05 to 0.01, p=.12] to 0.03 [95% CI -0.01 to 0.07, p=.19].

Conclusions

Our findings do not provide strong evidence of a potential causal effect of inflammatory markers (CRP, Interleukin-6, GlycA) on the cognitive functions examined here. Given the large confidence intervals in the one-sample MR, larger GWAS of specific cognitive measures are needed to enable well-powered MR analyses to investigate whether inflammation causally influences hot/cold cognition.
Brain plasticity and auditory spatial adaptation in patients with unilateral hearing loss
Authors: Alzaher Mariam , Strelnikov Kuzma , Marx Mathieu , Barone Pascal
Published: August 2022

Unilateral hearing loss (UHL) alters binaural cues affecting speech comprehension and sound localisation. While many patients with UHL perform poorly on binaural tasks, some are able to adapt to monaural deficit. We aimed to identify patients with UHL who use compensatory strategies and to explore the neural correlates of this adaptation using Mismatch Negativity (MMN). We recruited 21 patients with UHL and we separated them into three groups using cluster analysis based on measures of binaural processing. The resulting groups were referred to as the better, moderate and poorer performers clusters (BPC, MPC and PPC). We measured the MMN elicited by deviant sounds located 10°, 20° or 100° away from a standard sound. We found that the BPC group had a significant MMN for all three deviant sounds, as in a group of normal-hearing controls. In contrast, the PPC group and normal-hearing controls with an earplug did not have a significant MMN for the 10° and 20° deviations. For the 100° deviation, the scalp distribution was found to be maximal over central regions in the BPC group, while the PPC group showed a more frontal distribution. Differences were also found for the N100 evoked by standard sounds, with the BPC group showing a contralateral pattern of activation, as in the controls, and the PPC group showing more symmetrical hemispheric activation. These results indicate that patients with UHL can develop adaptive strategies that are reflected by sound processing differences at the cortical level.
A comparative study of two grasswren species reveals strong genetic divergence between a peninsula and mainland population
Authors: Vega Aline Gibson , Hall Michelle L. , Ridley Amanda , Cowen Saul J. , Slender Amy L. , Burbidge Allan H. , Louter Marina , Kennington W. Jason
Published: August 2022

Dispersal patterns dictate genetic population structure, and ultimately population resilience, through maintaining critical ecological processes and genetic diversity. Direct observation of dispersal events is not often possible, but genetic methods offer an alternative method of indirectly measuring dispersal. Here, we use 7 652 genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to evaluate genetic population structure and infer dispersal capabilities of the Western Grasswren (Amytornis textilis textilis; WGW) in Western Australia (n = 118), utilising a sister species, the Thick-billed Grasswren (Amytornis modestus; TBGW) as a comparison dataset (n = 80). We found genetic divergence and low genetic diversity between two populations (Hamelin and Peron) in the WGW, despite evidence of long dispersal distances within populations by females. In addition, the two WGW populations were found to be more genetically divergent than two described subspecies of TBGW, despite the WGW occurring over a smaller spatial scale. By comparing these two grasswren species, our data suggest a narrow strip of land may be acting as a geographic barrier in the WGW, limiting dispersal between a peninsula population to the mainland. We investigate if morphology aligns with genetic divergence, with some estimates of divergence between WGW populations greater than those between subspecies of TBGW. However, confidence intervals were large, preventing definitive conclusions. Our results support the hypothesis that peninsula populations of small, ground-dwelling birds are genetically isolated from adjacent mainland populations. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that the limited gene flow is asymmetrical, with directional dispersal occurring from the bounded peninsula population to the mainland. Our study also highlights how substantial genetic divergence does not necessarily coincide with phenotypic differences.
Host and viral determinants of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Syrian hamster
Authors: Port Julia R. , Morris Dylan H. , Riopelle Jade C. , Yinda Claude Kwe , Avanzato Victoria A. , Holbrook Myndi G. , Bushmaker Trenton , Schulz Jonathan E. , Saturday Taylor A. , Barbian Kent , Russell Colin A. , Perry-Gottschalk Rose , Shaia Carl I. , Martens Craig , Lloyd-Smith James O. , Fischer Robert J. , Munster Vincent J.
Published: August 2022

It remains poorly understood how SARS-CoV-2 infection influences the physiological host factors important for aerosol transmission. We assessed breathing pattern, exhaled droplets, and infectious virus after infection with Alpha and Delta variants of concern (VOC) in the Syrian hamster. Both VOCs displayed a confined window of detectable airborne virus (24-48 h), shorter than compared to oropharyngeal swabs. The loss of airborne shedding was linked to airway constriction resulting in a decrease of fine aerosols (1-10µm) produced, which are suspected to be the major driver of airborne transmission. Male sex was associated with increased viral replication and virus shedding in the air. Next, we compared the transmission efficiency of both variants and found no significant differences. Transmission efficiency varied mostly among donors, 0-100% (including a superspreading event), and aerosol transmission over multiple chain links was representative of natural heterogeneity of exposure dose and downstream viral kinetics. Co-infection with VOCs only occurred when both viruses were shed by the same donor during an increased exposure timeframe (24-48 h). This highlights that assessment of host and virus factors resulting in a differential exhaled particle profile is critical for understanding airborne transmission.
Coyotes in New York city carry variable dog genomic ancestry and influence their interactions with humans
Authors: Caragiulo Anthony , Gaughran Stephen J. , Duncan Neil , Nagy Christopher , Weckel Mark , vonHoldt Bridgett M.
Published: August 2022

Coyotes are ubiquitous on the North American landscape as a result of their recent expansion across the continent. They have been documented in the heart of some of the most urbanized cities, such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. Here, we explored the genomic composition of coyotes in the New York metropolitan area to investigate if genomic demography and admixture differs from expected for urban-dwelling canids. We identified moderate-to-high estimates of relatedness among coyotes living in Queens and adjacent neighborhoods, suggestive of a relatively small population. Although we found low background levels of domestic dog ancestry across most coyotes in our sample, we identified a male suspected to be a first-generation coyote-dog hybrid, as well as his two putative backcrossed offspring that carried approximately 25% dog ancestry. The male coyote-dog hybrid and one backcrossed offspring each carried two mutations that are known to increase human-directed hypersociability in dogs and gray wolves. An additional, unrelated coyote with little dog ancestry also carries two of these mutations. These genetic patterns suggest that gene flow from domestic dogs may become an increasingly important consideration as coyotes continue to inhabit metropolitan regions.
Drying conditions alter the defensive function of seed mucilage against granivores
Authors: LoPresti Eric F. , Stessman Madison E. , Warren Sara E. , Toll Katherine
Published: August 2022

Environmental conditions alter the function of many plant traits that drive species interactions, producing context-dependency in the outcomes of those interactions. Seed mucilage is a common, convergently-evolved trait found in thousands of plant species. When wetted, the seed coat swells into a viscid mass; when dried, the mucilage strands strongly cement the seed to whatever it is in contact with.

This binding to the ground has been previously shown to protect seeds from granivory. Previous research found both that mucilage volume – and the correlated attachment strength – are higher in species from hot, dry, areas suggesting an environmental component of this trait’s function.

Here we (1) quantified the effect of temperature on attachment across many species in a lab setting, (2) tested the potential mechanism behind this correlation by accelerating desiccation speed without changing temperature, and (3) tested whether these relationships introduce context dependency of the defensive function of mucilage in the field, using field trials with harvester ants.

We found that (1) increasing temperature during mucilage drying strongly reduced the force needed to dislodge seeds for most species, (2) drying time was likely the driving mechanism behind the loss of attachment strength at higher temperatures, not temperatureper se, (3) seeds attached to substrate during higher temperatures or under accelerated drying conditions were far more susceptible to granivory.

‘Synthesis’ These results show not only the mechanism behind an abiotic modification of a functional trait of seeds, but that this change majorly alters a key interaction contributing to seed survival. These results add to a small, but growing, literature on the importance of seed mucilage in seed survival and demonstrate strong and largely predictable context-dependency in this trait’s defensive function.
Longitudinal Faecal Calprotectin Profiles Characterise Disease Course Heterogeneity in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Constantine-Cooke Nathan , Monterrubio-Gómez Karla , Plevris Nikolas , Derikx Lauranne A.A.P , Gros Beatriz , Jones Gareth-Rhys , Marioni Riccardo E. , Lees Charlie W. , Vallejos Catalina A.
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Background and Aims

The progressive nature of Crohn’s disease is highly variable and hard to predict. In addition, symptoms correlate poorly with mucosal inflammation. There is therefore an urgent need to better characterise the heterogeneity of disease trajectories in Crohn’s disease by utilising objective markers of inflammation. We aimed to better understand this heterogeneity by clustering Crohn’s disease patients with similar longitudinal faecal calprotectin profiles.

Methods

Latent class mixed models were used to model faecal calprotectin trajectories within five years of diagnosis and to cluster subjects. Information criteria, alluvial plots, and cluster trajectories were used to decide the optimal number of clusters. Chi-squared, Fisher’s exact test, and ANOVA were used to test for associations with variables commonly assessed at diagnosis.

Results

Our study cohort comprised of 365 patients with newly diagnosed Crohn’s disease and 2856 faecal calprotectin measurements taken within five years of diagnosis (median 7 per subject). Four distinct clusters were identified by characteristic calprotectin profiles: a cluster with consistently high faecal calprotectin and three clusters characterised by different downward longitudinal trends. Cluster membership was significantly associated with smoking (p= 0.015), upper gastrointestinal involvement (p <0.001), and early biologic therapy (p <0.001).

Conclusions

Our analysis demonstrates a novel approach to characterising the heterogeneity of Crohn’s disease by using faecal calprotectin. The group profiles do not simply reflect different treatment regimes and do not mirror classical disease progression endpoints. We believe these profiles represent an entirely new way of classifying disease behaviour in Crohn’s disease.
Four decades of phenology in an alpine amphibian: trends, stasis, and climatic drivers
Authors: Lenzi Omar , Grossenbacher Kurt , Zumbach Silvia , Lüscher Beatrice , Althaus Sarah , Schmocker Daniela , Recher Helmut , Thoma Marco , Ozgul Arpat , Schmidt Benedikt R.
Published: August 2022

Strong phenological shifts in response to changes in climatic conditions have been reported for many species, including amphibians, which are expected to breed earlier. Phenological shifts in breeding are observed in a wide number of amphibian populations, but less is known about populations living at high elevations, which are predicted to be more sensitive to climate change than lowland populations.

The goal of this study is to assess the main factors determining the timing of breeding in an alpine population of the common toad (Bufo bufo) and to describe the observed shifts in its breeding phenology.

We modelled the effect of environmental variables on the start and peak dates of the breeding season using 39 years of individual-based data. In addition, we investigated the effect of the lunar cycle, as well as the individual variation in breeding phenology. Finally, to assess the individual heterogeneity in the timing of breeding, we calculated the repeatability of the timing of arrival at the breeding site.

Breeding advanced to earlier dates in the first years of the study but the trend continued only until the mid 1990s, and stabilised afterwards. Overall, toads are now breeding on average around 30 days earlier than at the start of the study period. High temperatures and low snow cover in winter and spring, as well as reduced spring precipitation were all associated with earlier breeding. Additionally, we found evidence of males arriving on average before females at the breeding site but no clear and strong effect of the lunar cycle. We only found weak evidence of among-individual variation in shifts in the breeding phenology, as well as a low repeatability of arrival timing.

Our findings show that the observed changes in breeding phenology are strongly associated with the environmental conditions. These results contribute to filling a knowledge gap on the effects ssof climate change on alpine amphibian populations. Moreover, we show that changes in phenology, especially in the mountains, can be hard to predict as local microclimatic conditions do not necessarily reflect the observed global climatic trends.
Copy-number dosage regulates telomere maintenance and disease-associated pathways in neuroblastoma
Authors: Burkert Martin , Blanc Eric , Thiessen Nina , Weber Christiane , Toedling Joern , Monti Remo , Dombrowe Victoria M , de Biase Maria Stella , Kaufmann Tom L , Haase Kerstin , Waszak Sebastian M , Eggert Angelika , Beule Dieter , Schulte Johannes H , Ohler Uwe , Schwarz Roland F
Published: August 2022

Telomere maintenance in neuroblastoma is linked to poor outcome and caused by either TERT activation or through alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). In contrast to TERT activation, commonly caused by genomic rearrangements or MYCN amplification, ALT is less well understood. Alterations at the ATRX locus are key drivers of ALT but only present in ∼50% of ALT tumors.

To identify potential new pathways to telomere maintenance, we investigate allele-specific gene dosage effects from whole genomes and transcriptomes in 115 primary neuroblastomas. We show that copy-number dosage deregulates telomere maintenance, genomic stability, and neuronal pathways and identify upregulation of variants of histone H3 and H2A as a potential alternative pathway to ALT. We investigate the interplay between TERT activation, overexpression and copy-number dosage and reveal loss of imprinting at the RTL1 gene associated with poor clinical outcome.

These results highlight the importance of gene dosage in key oncogenic mechanisms in neuroblastoma.
Consumer preferences and willingness to pay for eco-labelled eggs: a discrete choice experiment from Chongqing in China
Authors: Liu Chenyu , Liu Xuan , Yao Liuyang , Liu Jie
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate consumer preference of and willingness to pay for eco-labelled eggs using cross-sectional data collected from Chongqing Municipality in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs both conditional logistic model and mixed logistic model to conduct the empirical analysis.

Findings

The empirical results show that individual heterogeneous preference and attributes of eco-labelled eggs significantly influence consumer choices. More specifically, higher per capita income, families with pregnant women or children, higher level of trust in and knowledge of eco-labels contribute positively to choosing eco-labelled eggs, and attributes of eco-labelled eggs such as certification labels, free-range husbandry, and nutrition enrichment significantly increase consumer utility. Generally, the price premium that consumers are willing to pay for eggs containing “organic”, “free-range husbandry”, and “nutrition enrichment” labels is 375.0% more, equivalent to 42.8 Yuan/kg.

Originality/value

This study used first-hand survey data to reveal consumers’ heterogeneous preference of and willingness to pay for eco-labelled eggs based on the random utility theory.
The motivation for corporate energy strategies on energy efficiency among Kenyan firms
Authors: Mungai Edward M. , Ndiritu S. Wagura , Rajwani Tazeeb
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the drivers for adopting energy efficiency practices within an emerging market context.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the shared value theoretical perspective, this study investigates the corporate strategy approaches toward energy efficiency in firms. This paper draws from a sample of 852 Kenyan firms from 14 sectors. This study’s analysis is based on an ordered probit model.

Findings

The findings indicate that companies that conduct energy audits, have environmental performance-based compensation for senior management, provide staff training on energy efficiency and have a written energy policy are more effective in energy efficiency and conservation efforts. Based on the findings, this study recommends that companies and policymakers incentivize corporate actions and strategies to promote energy efficiency. While this study’s findings offer critical insights, the authors recommend future research to make sectorial comparisons.

Originality/value

Studies focusing on drivers of energy efficiency are limited, and those that exist are often either qualitative or focused on large, listed firms. By investigating 852 companies in 14 sectors in Kenya, this study adds to the literature on firms’ energy efficiency management.
Antecedents of “power” and “dependence” in the context of collaborations in construction projects: a systematic literature review
Authors: Deep Shumank , Gajendran Thayaparan , Jefferies Marcus
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the antecedents of “power” and “dependence” attributes in the context of a construction project and to explore the impact of the antecedents on risk transfer and collaboration to develop a conceptual framework for decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review was performed using various databases to identify the antecedents and their measures. This review followed the established preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses protocols and 246 articles were identified. The articles were qualitatively analysed based on keyword co-occurrence approach using VOSviewer software.

Findings

The findings of this systematic review established latent constructs, that is, “clarity of procurement decisions”, “market structure” and “market competition” as antecedents of power and two antecedents of dependence, namely, “reputation” and “commercial importance”. And a framework was conceptualized to determine the contractual approach and the procurement design should be planned to take in account the scenarios and the course of action to enhance collaboration and control risk transfer.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to identify the “antecedents” of the attributes of “power” and dependence and framework was conceptualized to determine the contractual approach.
A novel multi-objective optimization method with local search scheme using shuffled complex evolution applied to mechanical engineering problems
Authors: Lobato Fran Sérgio , Libotte Gustavo Barbosa , Platt Gustavo Mendes
Published: August 2022

Purpose

In this work, the multi-objective optimization shuffled complex evolution is proposed. The algorithm is based on the extension of shuffled complex evolution, by incorporating two classical operators into the original algorithm: the rank ordering and crowding distance. In order to accelerate the convergence process, a Local Search strategy based on the generation of potential candidates by using Latin Hypercube method is also proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The multi-objective optimization shuffled complex evolution is used to accelerate the convergence process and to reduce the number of objective function evaluations.

Findings

In general, the proposed methodology was able to solve a classical mechanical engineering problem with different characteristics. From a statistical point of view, we demonstrated that differences may exist between the proposed methodology and other evolutionary strategies concerning two different metrics (convergence and diversity), for a class of benchmark functions (ZDT functions).

Originality/value

The development of a new numerical method to solve multi-objective optimization problems is the major contribution.
Automatic generation of BIM-based construction schedule: combining an ontology constraint rule and a genetic algorithm
Authors: Wu Zhijiang , Ma Guofeng
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to automatically generate a construction schedule by extracting data from the BIM (Building Information Modeling) model and combining an ontology constraint rule and a genetic algorithm (GA).

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a feasible multi-phase framework to generate the construction schedule automatically through extracting information from the BIM, utilizing the ontology constraint rule to demonstrate the relationships between all the components and finally using the GA to generate the construction schedule.

Findings

To present the functionality of the framework, a prototype case is adopted to show the whole procedure, and the results show that the scheme designed in this study can quickly generate the schedule and ensure that it can satisfy the requirements of logical constraints and time parameter constraints.

Practical implications

A proper utilization of conceptual framework can contribute to the automatic generation of construction schedules and significantly reduce manual errors in the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Moreover, a scheme of BIM-based ontology and GA for construction schedule generation may reduce additional manual work and improve schedule management performance.

Social implications

The hybrid approach combines the ontology constraint rule and GA proposed in this study, and it is an effective attempt to generate the construction schedule, which provides a direct indicator for the schedule control of the project.

Originality/value

In this study, the data application process of the BIM model is divided into four modules: extraction, processing, optimization, and output. The key technologies including secondary development, ontology theory, and GA are introduced to develop a multi-phase framework for the automatic generation of the construction schedule and to realize the schedule prediction under logical constraints and duration interference.
“More CSR versus more benefits”: how members' motives influence loyalty toward cooperatives
Authors: Lecuyer Charlotte , Béal Mathieu , Capelli Sonia , Sabadie William
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Co-operative managers must invest appropriately to strengthen member relationships, such as by initiating corporate social responsibility (CSR) actions or providing members with more relational benefits. This paper aims to investigate how members’ motives (collectivistic vs individualistic) might influence the effectiveness of these investments in terms of enhancing members’ trust and loyalty intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

This research combines an exploratory approach, based on six focus groups, with a confirmatory approach based on a field study and two scenario-based experiments.

Findings

Members tend to regard the two motives in contest and infer a “more CSR versus more benefits” arbitration effort by co-operatives, such that they appear to prioritize one motive over the other. Members with individualistic motives principally support co-operatives’ arbitration toward relational benefits, so the positive effects of CSR initiatives on their trust and loyalty intentions are weaker (Study 1). Both CSR and relational benefits can be more or less efficient, depending on members’ motives (Study 2).

Research limitations/implications

Reflecting their contrasting motives, members infer arbitration by co-operative managers, reflected in their “more CSR versus more benefits” belief. This insight and the related implications for trust and loyalty intentions have not been addressed in prior research.

Practical implications

Managers can avoid the negative consequences of “more CSR versus more benefits” inferences by ensuring a good fit between their investments and their members’ prevailing motives. If members have more collectivistic (cf. individualistic) motives, CSR initiatives (cf. relational benefits) enhance their trust and loyalty intentions more effectively.

Originality/value

This research builds on previous work on members’ relationships within co-operatives and on members’ motives. Results find that the effectiveness of co-operatives’ investments to strengthen members’ loyalty intentions depends on members’ prior motives.
Validation of the information processing theory of consumer choice: evidence from travel search engine clickstream data
Authors: Gao Xiaoyi Sylvia , Currim Imran S. , Dewan Sanjeev
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate how consumer clickstream data from a leading hotel search engine can be used to validate two hidden information processing stages – first eliminate alternatives, then choose – proposed by the revered information processing theory of consumer choice.

Design/methodology/approach

This study models the two hidden information processing stages as hidden states in a hidden Markov model, estimated on consumer search behavior, product attributes and diversity of alternatives in the consideration set.

Findings

First, the stage of information processing can be statistically characterized in terms of consumer search covariates, including trip characteristics, use of search tools and the diversity of the consideration set, operationalized in terms of: number of brands, dispersion of price and dispersion of quality. Second, users are more sensitive to price and quality in the first rather than the second stage, which is closer to purchase.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggest practical implications for how search engine managers can target consumers with appropriate marketing-mix actions, based on which information processing stage consumers might be in.

Originality/value

Most previous studies on validating the information processing theory of consumer choice have used laboratory experiments, subjects and information display boards comprising hypothetical product alternatives and attributes. Only a few studies use observational data. In contrast, this study uniquely uses point-of-purchase clickstream data on actual visitors at a leading hotel search engine and tests the theory based on real products, attributes and diversity of the consideration set.
Beyond the short-term: the effects of broad-based employee ownership on labor productivity in family and nonfamily firms
Authors: Mullins Frank
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study investigates whether broad-based employee ownership (BBEO), in isolation and in conjunction with cash profit sharing (CPS), can enhance labor productivity in family firms over nonfamily firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypothesis testing was conducted using cross-sectional time-series regression with a matched sample of 393 family and nonfamily firms listed on the US S&P 500 over a five-year timeframe.

Findings

Overall, the findings indicate that BBEO does not increase labor productivity more in family firms compared to nonfamily firms in the short term; however, BBEO does enable family firms to experience greater labor productivity relative to nonfamily firms beyond the short term. Moreover, when BBEO is combined with CPS, labor productivity improves more for family firms than nonfamily firms both in the short term and beyond.

Originality/value

While prior studies have relied largely on agency theory, this study contributes to the literature on family firms and employee incentives by being amongst the first to draw upon temporal motivation theory to distinguish between family and nonfamily firms regarding the incentive effect of BBEO on labor productivity.
The impacts of economic sanctions on the performance of hospitals in Iran: implications for human rights
Authors: Karami Matin Behzad , Soltani Shahin , Byford Sarah , Soofi Moslem , Rezaei Satar , Kazemi-Karyani Ali , Hosseini Esmaeil , Tolouei Rakhshan Shiva
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Studies show that economic sanctions have had major negative impacts on health systems during the past years. The aim of this study is to identify the impacts of US sanctions on the performance of public hospitals in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research study was conducted between October 2019 and September 2020 in Kermanshah Province, Iran. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews, lasting between 25 and 90 min, were carried out with 20 participants in seven public hospitals affiliated to the authors’ institution in Kermanshah Province. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify themes in the data.

Findings

Five main themes emerged from the analysis: resource management challenges; financial restrictions; interruptions in planning; reductions in the quality of service delivery; and changes in organizational relationships.

Originality/value

The results of the present study demonstrate that US economic sanctions have considerably reduced access to necessary medical equipment and medicines for public hospitals in Iran. Policymakers should monitor the distribution of equipment and pharmaceutical products within public hospitals in Iran and take actions to ameliorate shortages during times of economic sanctions.
Theoretical model for identifying market development indicators
Authors: Gerhardt Vinicius Jaques , Mairesse Siluk Julio Cezar , Baierle Ismael Cristofer , Michelin Cláudia de Freitas
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical model composed of performance indicators divided into stages that represent a chronological order of the market development process.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical model presented by this paper was developed based on the information collected through three systematic reviews. The first review identified the steps that segment the market development process. The second and third systematic review sought to identify a set of indicators that are most used in companies' market development.

Findings

The paper develops a theoretical model that identifies the market development indicators that are most present in the current literature, dividing them into stages that represent the chronological order of the market development process.

Originality/value

A research opportunity was identified based on the investigation of the existing literature. The study collaborates with existing research and provides a model that guides companies in market development decisions and actions.
Zero click attacks – a new cyber threat for the e-banking sector
Authors: TN Nisha , Shailendra Kulkarni Mugdha
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to confirm the fact that in informations security, the human factor was considered as a key carrier of the majority of attacks that an information system faces. Banking and other financial services are always top among the most attractive targets for cyber attackers. Blind phishing or spear phishing is still one of the major contributors to all malicious activities in the e-banking sector. All the counter mechanisms, therefore, revolve around the concept of how security-aware the customers are. To fool these mechanisms, attacks are becoming smarter and are searching for methods where the human involvement is diminishing to zero. Zero click attacks are one big leap that attackers are taking that removes the requirement of human involvement in initiating attacks and are moving toward an era of unassisted attacks. Even though the standard procedure and protocols are built into the banking system, they fail to detect this attack resulting in significant losses.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows a conceptual review of the upcoming concept in security and its implication in e-banking sector. The methodology adopted in this paper uses review papers, articles and white papers to conclude a theoretical model. A detailed analysis of unassisted attacks is considered from 2010 onwards till 2022.

Findings

This research deliberates on the methodologies of zero click attacks and gives a detailed analysis of attack vectors and their exploits. This research also identifies the likely attacks on e-banking that these vulnerabilities can trigger.

Originality/value

The key contribution is toward the early detection of zero click attacks, suggesting countermeasure, reducing the likelihood of these attacks and the financial impact.
Sharia vs non-sharia compliant: which gives much higher financial-based brand equity to the companies listed in the Indonesian stock market?
Authors: Hati Sri Rahayu Hijrah , Prasetyo Muhammad Budi , Hendranastiti Nur Dhani
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The study aims to examine the difference of financial-based brand equity of Sharia-compliant and non-Sharia-compliant companies listed in the stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

The five-year data were collected from 561 companies listed in the Indonesian stock market (349 Sharia-compliant firms and 212 non-Sharia-compliant firms).

Findings

Based on five years of observations, the study shows that Sharia-compliant companies have much higher brand equity than companies that are not Sharia-compliant. However, the study did not find consistent results when the study examined the differences between brand equity in newly listed Sharia-compliant firms in the short run (two-quarters of the observations). In other words, Sharia-compliant status positively impacted a company’s brand equity only in the long run.

Research limitations/implications

The study examines only the brand equity of Sharia- and non-Sharia-compliant companies in the Indonesian stock market.

Practical implications

The study suggests that companies should list their equity in the Islamic stock market as the empirical evidence shows that the companies listed in the Sharia index have much higher brand equity than companies listed in the non-Sharia index, although this impact can only be seen in the long run.

Originality/value

The study integrates finance and marketing perspectives, which are often disconnected in daily business. In addition, the study provides a piece of empirical evidence on the effect of financial decision to be listed in the Islamic stock market on the establishment of brand equity, which represents the long-term intangible assets of the firm in the eyes of the customers.
Clinical psychologists’ well-being and experiences of home working during COVID-19
Authors: Tolland Heather , Drysdale Emma
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to explore the well-being and experiences of working from home (WFH) for psychology staff across a range of specialties working within one health board in Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 161 clinical psychology professionals took part in an online survey that explored experiences of WFH during the COVID-19 pandemic and assessed well-being during this period.

Findings

A number of challenges with WFH were identified, including challenges with carrying out clinical work (e.g. communication difficulties, risk assessment) and fewer opportunities for collaborative working and technical/equipment issues. During the WFH period, 46% experienced fatigue, 45% felt stressed and anxious and 30% felt lonely and isolated, compared to normal. Physical health complaints were also common with 37% experiencing aches/pains in back compared to normal and 40% experiencing headaches or migraines.

Practical implications

Remote therapy should be directed to those with less complex needs or who require straightforward assessments. There should be increased access to occupational health assessments and provision of ergonomic furniture when WFH, and all staff should be supported to access well-being resources available within the health board. Further evaluation should be carried out to support evidence-based practice of remote clinical work.

Originality/value

Few studies have explored the experiences of WFH and/or remotely from the perspectives of clinical psychologists in a Scottish health board. It is expected that this way of working will continue, albeit to a smaller extent; therefore, WFH policy will be informed by the findings.
Double-edged sword of perceived mastery climate on evasive knowledge hiding: the mediating roles of perceived status and perceived social support
Authors: Wang Changyu , Wang Zhen , Chen Kexin , Feng Jiaojiao
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Whether employees always disengage from knowledge hiding in a mastery climate is not answered well. This study aims to examine the paradoxical effects of perceived mastery climate (PMC) on evasive knowledge hiding (EKH).

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze data collected from 148 full-time employees at two-time points.

Findings

PMC exerts a positive effect on EKH via perceived status (PS) in organization but also has a negative effect on it via perceived social support. Perceived procedural justice attenuates the positive effect of PS on EKH.

Practical implications

Managers need to notice the paradoxical effects of PMC and keep procedural justice to reduce the positive effect of mastery climate on knowledge hiding.

Originality/value

This study contributes to knowledge hiding literature by investigating two opposite influencing mechanisms of mastery climate, and the moderating effects of perceived procedural justice.
Creative entrepreneurship, urban transformation and the (Baltic) triangle model
Authors: Wise Nicholas , Gökbulut Özdemir Özge , Fillis Ian
Published: August 2022

Purpose

While the theoretical interaction of the creative and cultural industries and entrepreneurship in business is gaining attention in the literature, such entrepreneurial practices are extending their role and position in the economy and in urban areas undergoing transformation. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to that literature by generating a model that links creative entrepreneurship with urban transformation as places see and expect continuous change and development.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt a conceptual approach, embedded in a triple helix model, of creative entrepreneurship and urban transformation of the Baltic Triangle area of Liverpool, England. The authors inform this through a case study analysis, including qualitative interview data relating to the Baltic Creative.

Findings

The authors demonstrate the need for interdisciplinary research to assess value creation, value delivery and innovation as contributors to urban transformation based on creative entrepreneurship, while at the same time resulting in creative placemaking.

Research limitations/implications

This is a conceptual paper that will be used to frame future empirical research on generating additional insight by interviewing key actors to heighten understanding of innovation, value creation and value delivery process of placemaking, creative change and urban transformation.

Practical implications

This work can help inform creative policymaking, planning and development to achieve both social and economic impacts for a place and the wider region.

Originality/value

The authors both contextualize and show the transferability of the model, using the example of Liverpool’s Baltic Creative in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle area of the city, highlighting the impact of creative change.