bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 2-oxo-2H-chromen-6-yl 4-tert-butylbenzoate: work carried out as part of the AFRAMED project
Authors: Kenfack Tsobnang Patrice , Ziki Eric , Siaka Soso , Yoda Jules , Kamal Seham , Bouraima Adam , Djifa Hounsi Ayi , Wenger Emmanuel , Bendeif El-Eulmi , Lecomte Claude
Published: January 2024

In the title compound, C20H18O4, the dihedral angle between the 2H-chromen-2-one ring system and the phenyl ring is 89.12 (5)°. In the crystal, the molecules are connected through C—H...O hydrogen bonds to generate [010] double chains that are reinforced by weak aromatic π–π stacking interactions. The unit-cell packing can be described as a tilted herringbone motif. The H...H, H...O/O...H, H...C/C...H and C...C contacts contribute 46.7, 24.2, 16.7 and 7.6%, respectively, to its Hirshfeld surface.
Crystal structure of a layered phosphate molybdate K2Gd(PO4)(MoO4)
Authors: Zozulia Valeriia , Terebilenko Kateryna , Voinalovych Artem , Potaskalov Vadim , Slobodyanik Mykola
Published: January 2024

The title compound dipotassium gadolinium(III) phosphate(V) molybdate(VI), K2Gd(PO4)(MoO4), was synthesized from a high-temperature melt starting from GdF3 as a source of gadolinium. Its structure is isotypic with other M
I
2
M
III(M
VIO4)(PO4) compounds, where M
I = Na, K or Cs, and M
III = rare-earth cation, M
VI = Mo or W. The three-dimensional framework is built up from [Gd(PO4)(MoO4)] anionic sheets, which are organized by adhesion of [GdPO4] layers and [MoO4] tetrahedra stacked above and below these layers. The interstitial space is occupied by K cations having eightfold oxygen coordination. The polyhedron of GdO8 was estimated to be a triangular dodecahedron by the continuous shape measurement method.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of (E)-2-[2-(2-amino-1-cyano-2-oxoethylidene)hydrazin-1-yl]benzoic acid N,N-dimethylformamide monosolvate
Authors: Hajiyeva Sevinc R. , Huseynov Fatali E. , Atioğlu Zeliha , Akkurt Mehmet , Bhattarai Ajaya
Published: January 2024

In the title compound, C10H8N4O3·C3H7NO, the asymmetric unit contains two crystallographically independent molecules A and B, each of which has one DMF solvate molecule. Molecules A and B both feature intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming S(6) ring motifs and consolidating the molecular configuration. In the crystal, N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds connect molecules A and B, forming R
2
2(8) ring motifs. Weak C—H...O interactions link the molecules, forming layers parallel to the (\overline{2}12) plane. The DMF solvent molecules are also connected to the main molecules (A and B) by N—H...O hydrogen bonds. π–π stacking interactions [centroid-to-centroid distance = 3.8702 (17) Å] between the layers also increase the stability of the molecular structure in the third dimension. According to the Hirshfeld surface study, O...H/H...O interactions are the most significant contributors to the crystal packing (27.5% for molecule A and 25.1% for molecule B).
5,6-Dimethylbenzo[d][1,3]oxatellurole
Authors: Ponzo Samantha , Turner Alanna , Fronczek Frank R. , Junk Thomas
Published: January 2024

The structure of the title compound, C9H10OTe, at 100 K has orthorhombic (P21212) symmetry with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit (Z′ = 2). The molecules are folded along their Te...O axes, with their Te–C–O planes angled at an average of 25.1° with respect to the remaining non-H atoms, which are almost coplanar (average deviation from planarity = 0.04 Å). A Hirshfeld plot shows weak intermolecular interactions between the two Te atoms located in each asymmetric molecule, with a Te...Te distance of 3.7191 (4) Å. The structure is strongly pseudosymmetric to the space group Pccn with Z′ = 1. The crystal chosen for data collection was found to be was an inversion twin.
The IFRS 16 implementation in Asia-Pacific countries: enhancing asset pronouncements or opaque information’s conveyance
Authors: Utami Evy Rahman , Sumiyana Sumiyana , Mustakini Jogiyanto Hartono , Barokah Zuni
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the implementation of International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 16 in developing countries to enhance asset pronouncements or the quality of opaque accounting information for listed firms’ leasing transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study designed ordinary least square (OLS) regression models to examine the hypotheses in two ordered tests. The first-order test ascertained the association between fundamental accounting information and earnings or stock prices. Then, the second-order test was nested to add the instrument variable to the first-order one. In addition, the researchers selected 17 Asia-Pacific countries.

Findings

First, this study contributes to the fair value of firms’ asset measurements, and the accounting discipline requires adaptive scalability to produce future potential cash flows. Second, it reduces literature gaps between the pros and cons of the opaqueness of assets. In addition, these research arguments would be the referee for reducing information’s opacity. Finally, this study demonstrates the impact of IFRS 16’s implementation on firms’ conservatism levels and entropy’s information quality, requiring the regulators to accommodate these issues.

Originality/value

Due to the implementation of IFRS 16, the authors are neutral about the impacted financial statements and political consequences for these Asia-Pacific listed firms and countries. First, we propose the uniqueness of problematic elaboration since implementing IFRS 16 results in a more pronounced or opaque information quality due to vulnerable complexities in the financial statements. Second, this implementation is associated with hierarchical information and conservatism, producing accounting information entropy or negentropy. However, the hierarchy theory suggests various levels of conservatism that could increase or decrease the information’s quality.
Statistical analysis of radiative solar trough collectors for MHD Jeffrey hybrid nanofluid flow with gyrotactic microorganism: entropy generation optimization
Authors: Kumar Anup , Sharma Bhupendra Kumar , Bin-Mohsen Bandar , Fernandez-Gamiz Unai
Published: January 2024

Purpose

A parabolic trough solar collector is an advanced concentrated solar power technology that significantly captures radiant energy. Solar power will help different sectors reach their energy needs in areas where traditional fuels are in use. This study aims to examine the sensitivity analysis for optimizing the heat transfer and entropy generation in the Jeffrey magnetohydrodynamic hybrid nanofluid flow under the influence of motile gyrotactic microorganisms with solar radiation in the parabolic trough solar collectors. The influences of viscous dissipation and Ohmic heating are also considered in this investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

Governing partial differential equations are derived via boundary layer assumptions and nondimensionalized with the help of suitable similarity transformations. The resulting higher-order coupled ordinary differential equations are numerically investigated using the Runga-Kutta fourth-order numerical approach with the shooting technique in the computational MATLAB tool.

Findings

The numerical outcomes of influential parameters are presented graphically for velocity, temperature, entropy generation, Bejan number, drag coefficient and Nusselt number. It is observed that escalating the values of melting heat parameter and the Prandl number enhances the Nusselt number, while reverse effect is observed with an enhancement in the magnetic field parameter and bioconvection Lewis number. Increasing the magnetic field and bioconvection diffusion parameter improves the entropy and Bejan number.

Originality/value

Nanotechnology has captured the interest of researchers due to its engrossing performance and wide range of applications in heat transfer and solar energy storage. There are numerous advantages of hybrid nanofluids over traditional heat transfer fluids. In addition, the upswing suspension of the motile gyrotactic microorganisms improves the hybrid nanofluid stability, enhancing the performance of the solar collector. The use of solar energy reduces the industry’s dependency on fossil fuels.
Unraveling the link between innovative work behavior and despotic leadership: the roles of supervisor conflict and dispositional resistance to change trait
Authors: Dar Nasib , Ahmad Saima , Badar Kamal , Kundi Yasir Mansoor
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to probe the prevailing belief that engaging in innovative work behavior (IWB) will invariably lead to favorable outcomes. To do so, the paper integrates followership theory and cognitive dissonance theory to investigate the connection between employees’ IWB and despotic leadership, and the mediating role of interpersonal conflict with the supervisor in this connection. Moreover, the moderating impact of the supervisor’s dispositional resistance to change trait on the direct and indirect relationship between IWB and despotic leadership is explored.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through a multi-wave survey of 350 employees and 81 supervisors working in 81 public schools.

Findings

The findings show that IWB has a positive and significant relationship with despotic leadership, and this relationship is mediated by interpersonal conflict with the supervisor.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that examines the link between IWB and despotic leadership via interpersonal/dyadic conflict and explores the moderating effect of leadership dispositional resistance to change trait in this indirect relationship.
Scholarship of teaching and learning at AACSB accredited business school: who’s doing it, and how’s it captured?
Authors: Siddiqui Sanobar , Lento Camillo
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper explores who among the AACSB categorization of academics conducts the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) research within business schools and how AACSB-accredited business schools capture SoTL research as part of their portfolio of intellectual contributions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a qualitative-method research design by collecting primary data through surveys, semi-structured interviews and secondary data in policy documents focused on AACSB-accredited business schools in Canada and the United States.

Findings

The findings establish that scholarly and practice academics who possess rigorously acquired research skills due to their terminal degrees are most likely to conduct SoTL research. The results also reveal an even split among respondents regarding whether their AACSB-accredited business school captures SoTL with their journal ranking frameworks.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, two recommendations are offered to foster more SoTL research at AACSB-accredited schools. First, higher education leaders (e.g. business school deans) can further inculcate a culture of SoTL research at the department and institutional levels by creating communities of practice (CoPs). Second, AACSB-accredited business schools could adopt more inclusive journal ranking frameworks to capture better and incentivize SoTL research.

Originality/value

This is the first known study to explore how AACSB Standards 3 and 8 are implemented and operationalized regarding SoTL research. Understanding how these standards are adopted and implemented could help institutional leaders, standard setters and administrators better facilitate SoTL research.
Organizational resilience of audit firms – evidence from the outbreak of the COVID-19
Authors: Haga Jesper , Ittonen Kim
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper examines the organizational resilience of audit firms during the early stages of COVID-19. The unexpected restrictions placed on travel and on-site working created unanticipated barriers for auditors in Hong Kong. The authors expect that auditors with greater organizational resilience can respond to unexpected situations and restore expected performance levels relatively quickly.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize a sample of 1,008 companies listed on Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) with a financial year-end of December 31. The authors identify five proxies contributing to organizational resilience: auditor size, industry specialization, diversity, geographic proximity to the client and auditing a new client. The authors use audit report timeliness as this study's main dependent variable.

Findings

This study's full-sample results suggest that larger auditors, industry specialists and auditors with closer relationships to clients issued more timely audit reports during the pandemic. The analysis of a subsample of companies that initially published unaudited financial statements reveals that industry expertise and longer auditor-client relationships significantly reduced the need for year-end audit adjustments. Finally, the authors find that larger auditors were more likely to offload clients, whereas industry specialists were more likely to retain clients.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the paper suggests that audit firm characteristics associated cognitive abilities, behavioral characteristics and contextual conditions are associated with audit firm organizational resilience and, consequently, helps auditors respond unexpected changes in the audit environment.

Practical implications

The findings of the paper are informative for those involved in audit firm management or auditor hiring and retention decisions.

Originality/value

This study is the first to link organizational resilience to the performance of audit firms in a time of unexpected events. The authors connect three auditor and two auditor-client dimensions to the organizational resilience of the audit firms.
Unveiling the hidden symphony: board dynamics and carbon emission disclosure – a meta-analysis study in the realm of developed markets
Authors: Alfi Coky Fauzi , Mohamad Maslinawati , Hussainey Khaled
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study conducts a meta-analysis to investigate the impact of board diversity, independence and size on carbon emission disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

The results of 22 empirical investigations on the association between board qualities and carbon emission disclosure are synthesised using a meta-analysis approach. Inclusion and exclusion criteria are established, and search strategies are devised to locate relevant material. Data extraction entails gathering important information such as the names of the authors, variables and correlation coefficients. Fisher's z-transformation is used to compute and synthesise effect sizes and assumptions, sensitivity testing and subgroup analysis are performed to assess the robustness of the findings.

Findings

A substantial association was discovered between board characteristics and carbon emission disclosure. Board independence and gender diversity revealed small to medium-strength positive relationships, whilst board size had a medium-strength positive correlation. The study periods varied from 2011 to 2022, with 2018 having the most studies. However, highly heterogeneous groups were discovered; further subgroup analyses were then carried out to sort out this issue.

Research limitations/implications

Several limitations were recognised due to the limited number of studies and heterogeneity, although subgroup analysis was used to reduce the influence of heterogeneity. To investigate alternate outcomes, more analysis of the heterogeneity level and potential modifications to the model assumptions may be required.

Practical implications

Companies should consider board size, independence and gender diversity when formulating long-term competitive strategies in the climate change movement. These characteristics can aid in bridging information gaps and garnering stakeholder support for carbon-reduction initiatives.

Originality/value

This meta-analysis addresses a gap in the literature by addressing prior studies' conflicting and inconsistent findings on the association between board characteristics and carbon emission disclosure. It employs a rigorous approach and synthesis strategy to provide a thorough and robust understanding of the crucial role of board characteristics in carbon emission disclosure.
The impact of recapitalisations and bank competition on Greek bank net interest margins
Authors: Mamatzakis Emmanuel
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the reasons behind the very high net interest margins in the Greek banking industry compared to the euro-area, focussing on the association between bank competition and recapitalisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The author conducts a dynamic panel analysis covering the period from the early 2000s to 2021, that controls for possible endogeneity and treats for heterogeneity. The author also employs local projections impulse response functions that control for structural changes in Greek banking.

Findings

The author finds that low bank competition has contributed to high net interest margins in Greece. Interestingly, the impact of recapitalisations conditional to low bank competition has had a significant further impact on increasing net interest margins, which is a noteworthy case due to several Greek bank recapitalisations in the last ten years. The author’s findings are supported by local projections impulse response functions.

Originality/value

To mitigate distortions in bank competition, the author argues to accelerate steps toward the direction of the banking union and a common bank regulation framework in the euro-area.
Development of university–industry partnership in Armenia: university perspective
Authors: Khachatryan Karlen , Hakobjanyan Anna , Nikoghosyan Krisitne , Keryan Tigran
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate university–industry partnerships in Armenia from the viewpoint of universities. By doing so, it contributes to the existing literature on university–industry collaboration by identifying and addressing the specific challenges that impede the establishment of successful university–industry partnerships in Armenia and other post-Soviet countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine the barriers, benefits and institutional, functional framework of collaboration. Additionally, this study used a survey methodology to gather data from faculty managing staff members at six Armenian higher educational institutions on various aspects of university–industry collaboration as well as the perceptions and experiences of the participants.

Findings

The results show that the effectiveness and applicability of the university–industry collaboration channels and institutional structures in six higher educational institutions are limited. Specifically, the channels that rely on academic entrepreneurship and innovation were found to be currently unviable. Moreover, the existence of spin-offs and start-ups is notably absent. Furthermore, limited access to funding and inadequate entrepreneurial support systems pose significant barriers to developing university–industry partnerships in Armenian reality.

Originality/value

This study represents a pioneering effort within the context of Armenian higher educational institutions, as it is the first time a survey has been organized to specifically investigate the topic of university–industry partnerships. Before this study, there was a lack of empirical research and data collection on this topic in Armenian higher education settings. Therefore, this research holds significant originality and contributes to filling the existing gap in knowledge regarding university–industry partnerships in Armenia. The research is shedding light on a previously unexplored area and providing a valuable contribution to the field of university–industry collaboration research in Armenia and other post-Soviet countries.
Reviewing executive remuneration decision-making and reporting: implications for theory and practice
Authors: Perkins Stephen J. , Shortland Susan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this viewpoint is to comment on the implications of the Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC) Review and Consultation Documents expected to update regulation governing the determination/reporting of executive remuneration in UK stock market listed companies. Practical points from actors involved in executive remuneration decision-making/reporting are presented, set within the context of neo-institutional theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research systematically analyses UK Corporate Governance Codes, the FRC’s recent Review/Consultation and peer-reviewed published studies of executive pay determination based on in-depth interviews with non-executive directors, institutional investors, executive pay advisers and human resources (HR) professionals.

Findings

Further regulation, while providing coercive influence over executive remuneration decision-making, is likely to lead to only limited change in processes and reporting due to benchmarking, the make-up of Remco membership and shareholders' preferences. Mimetic and normative isomorphic forces work against coercive isomorphism leading to resistance to change as decision-makers strive to safeguard their social status/reputations.

Practical implications

Reviewing executive remuneration package components and paying attention to company strategy, sustainability and values in pay determination are welcomed but recognised as difficult to achieve. Drawing upon a wider range of information sources/voices can assist in broadening the discussion. HR professionals can help widen stakeholder input to executive remuneration decision-making.

Originality/value

The authors’ viewpoint is grounded in peer-reviewed empirical data that draws directly upon the views/experiences of executive remuneration decision-makers to identify problems in adhering to FRC recommendations for change. The authors extend the meta-theoretical perspective of neo-institutional theory – specifically institutional isomorphism – as providing explanatory and predictive power to understand executive pay decision-making.
Incivility organizational norms, incivility to coworkers and emotional exhaustion via supervisors' incivility: an intervention through changing organizational policies
Authors: Yun Mansik , Do Nga , Beehr Terry
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the current research is to examine the crucial role of employees' perception of an incivility norm in predicting supervisors' incivility behaviors, which in turn, results in employees enacting incivility toward their coworkers and employees' emotional exhaustion.

Design/methodology/approach

In Study 1, an experience sampling method (a daily-diary approach) in which 143 male participants from several construction sites completed a total of 1,144 questionnaires was used . In Study 2, cross-sectional data from 156 male employees working in a manufacturing organization was collected. In Study 3, a quasi-experiment was conducted in which 33 and 36 employees were assigned to the intervention and control groups, respectively.

Findings

In Studies 1 and 2, it was revealed that employees are likely to experience their supervisor’s incivility behaviors when perceiving such incivility behaviors are more acceptable within the organization (incivility norm). Further, once employees experience incivility from their supervisor, they are more likely to enact incivility toward their coworkers and experience emotional exhaustion. In Study 3, changing organizational policies via implementing grievance procedures was effective in improving the study’s outcome variables.

Originality/value

Incivility norms predict some negative work outcomes such as incivility behaviors as both a victim and instigator, and emotional exhaustion. Further, reducing an adverse organizational norm (i.e. incivility norm) via instituting grievance procedures was effective in reducing incivility behaviors and emotional exhaustion.
Predictor of depression and anxiety among caregivers of hospitalized patients with mental illness
Authors: Hasan Abd Alhadi , Alsulami Amal
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The study aims to identify the predictors of depression and anxiety among carers of hospitalized patients with mental illness in Eradah Complex for Mental Health Hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive correlational study design was conducted using a convenient sample of family carers of patients with mental illness (N = 216). The study used the Beck Depression Inventory and Anxiety Inventory scales.

Findings

The results of regression models revealed that the socio-demographic characteristics of the family carers showed that age is a statistically significant predictor of family carers depression and anxiety scores. In addition, the age of the family carers explained 36% of the variance in the family carers depression and anxiety scores, while marital status explained 64% of the total variance in the family carers’ depression and anxiety scores. Furthermore, having received support in caring significantly predicted depression and anxiety scores, and this was the case for occupation status and being diagnosed with any form of chronic illness.

Practical implications

Based on the findings of this study, the authors opine that evaluations of carers’ cognitive strategies and social support are needed to determine the risk of depression in carers of mental patients.

Originality/value

This study is the one of the limited studies conducted in Saudi Arabia to identify predictor of depression and anxiety among caregivers of hospitalized patients with mental illness. The study has used a validated scales to assess the main study outcomes.
The moderating effect of leader-member exchange on the relationship between technostress and organizational commitment
Authors: Choi Youngkeun
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Based on the conservation of resource theory, this study aims to develop and test the relationship between workplace technostress and affective organizational commitment. It assumes that the direct relationship between workplace technostress and affective organizational commitment is moderated by perceived organizational support.

Design/methodology/approach

For this, this study used a survey method and multiple regression analyses with multisource data from 257 Korean employees.

Findings

The results suggest the following. First, workplace technostress was negatively associated with affective organizational commitment fully. Second, there was a stronger negative relationship between workplace technostress and affective organizational commitment for employees with low as opposed to those with high levels of leader–member exchange.

Practical implications

This study provides practical implications that are directly related to the performance management of employees under technostress.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first one to examine the moderating effect of leader–member exchange on the relationship between technostress and affective organizational commitment.
Understanding how law enforcement agencies share information in an intelligence-led environment: how operational context influences different approaches
Authors: Phythian Rebecca , Kirby Stuart , Swan-Keig Lauren
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The importance of multi-agency information sharing is recognised as central to tackling crime and disorder in an intelligence-driven environment. However, whilst technology can facilitate and enhance this process, barriers to effective agency information exchange are consistently reported. This paper aims to categorise how information sharing takes place in a law enforcement operational setting and whether there is scope to improve the process.

Design/methodology/approach

There were two stages to the method; firstly, a select group of practitioners with intelligence-related experience (n = 28) were interviewed to identify the most common approaches to operational information sharing. This generated a categorisation model, which was tested with a larger group of practitioners (n = 73). A mixed-methods approach was adopted.

Findings

The research found consensus surrounding four different approaches to information sharing, labelled as: (1) inform and request, (2) meet and share, (3) customised database and (4) integrated systems. These are used at various levels of frequency, dependent on the operational context.

Originality/value

This research provides original evidence-based research to show law enforcement practitioners vary in the way they share information. By demystifying and categorising the process, it provides understanding for practitioners, policymakers and researchers, allowing barriers to be more readily tackled in a much more cost-effective manner.
Nonlinear effects of enterprise digital transformation on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance: evidence from China
Authors: Yang Xiuyun , Han Qi
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance of enterprise is influenced by the enterprise digital transformation. In addition, this study explains how enterprise digital transformation affects ESG performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample covers 4,646 nonfinancial companies listed on China’s A-share market from 2009 to 2021. The study adopts the fixed-effects multiple linear regression to perform the data analysis.

Findings

The study finds that enterprise digital transformation has a significant inverted U-shaped impact on ESG performance. Moderate digital transformation can improve enterprise ESG performance, whereas excessive digital transformation will bring new organizational conflicts and increase enterprise costs, which is detrimental to ESG performance. This inverted U-shaped effect is more pronounced in industrial cities, manufacturing industries and enterprises with less financing constraints and executives with financial backgrounds. Enterprise digital transformation mainly affects ESG performance by affecting the level of internal information communication and disclosure, the level of internal control and the principal-agent cost.

Practical implications

The government should take multiple measures to encourage enterprises to choose appropriate digital transformation based on their own production behaviors and development strategies, encourage them to innovate and upgrade their organizational management and development models in conjunction with digital transformation and guide them to use digital technology to improve ESG performance.

Social implications

This study shows that irrational digital transformation cannot effectively improve the ESG performance of enterprises and promote the sustainable development of the country. Enterprises should carry out reasonable digital transformation according to their own development needs and finally improve the green and sustainable development ability of enterprises and promote the sustainable development of society.

Originality/value

This study examines the relationship between enterprise digital transformation and ESG performance. Different from the linear relationship between the two in previous major studies, this study proves the inverse U-shaped relationship between enterprise digital transformation and ESG performance through mathematical theoretical model derivation and empirical test. This study also explores in detail how corporate digital transformation affects ESG performance, as well as discusses heterogeneity at the city, industry and firm levels. It is proposed that enterprises should take into account their own characteristics and carry out reasonable digital transformation according to their development needs.
A novel linear displacement sensor based on double-threshold decoding algorithm
Authors: Kang Jian , Zhong Libei , Hao Bin , Su Yuelong , Zhao Yitao , Yan Xianfeng , Hao Shuanghui
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Most of the linear encoders are based on optics. The accuracy and reliability of these encoders are greatly reduced in polluted and noisy environments. Moreover, these encoders have a complex structure and large sensor volume and are thus not suited to small application scenarios and do not have universality. This paper aims to present a new absolute magnetic linear encoder, which has a simple structure, small size and wide application range.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of swing error is analyzed for the sensor structural arrangement. A double-threshold interval algorithm is then proposed to synthesize multiple interval electrical angles into absolute angles and convert them into actual displacement distances.

Findings

The final linear encoder measurement range is 15.57 mm, and the resolution reaches ± 2 µm. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated experimentally.

Originality/value

The linear encoder has good robustness, and high measurement accuracy, which is suitable for industrial production. The linear encoder has been mass-produced and used in an electric power-assisted braking system.
Empirical analysis of key operational characteristics of lean six sigma and Industry 4.0 integration
Authors: Wankhede Vishal Ashok , Vinodh S. , Antony Jiju
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To achieve changing customer demands, organizations are striving hard to embrace cutting-edge technologies facilitating a high level of customization. Industry 4.0 (I4.0) implementation aids in handling big data that could help generate customized products. Lean six sigma (LSS) depends on data analysis to execute complex problems. Hence, the present study aims to empirically examine the key operational characteristics of LSS and I4.0 integration such as principles, workforce skills, critical success factors, challenges, LSS tools, I4.0 technologies and performance measures.

Design/methodology/approach

To stay competitive in the market and quickly respond to market demands, industries need to go ahead with digital transformation. I4.0 enables building intelligent factories by creating smart manufacturing systems comprising machines, operators and information and communication technologies through the complete value chain. This study utilizes an online survey on Operational Excellence professionals (Lean/Six Sigma), Managers/Consultants, Managing Directors/Executive Directors, Specialists/Analysts/Engineers, CEO/COO/CIO, SVP/VP/AVP, Industry 4.0 professionals and others working in the field of I4.0 and LSS. In total, 83 respondents participated in the study.

Findings

Based on the responses received, reliability, exploratory factor analysis and non-response bias analysis were carried out to understand the biasness of the responses. Further, the top five operational characteristics were reported for LSS and I4.0 integration.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations of the study is the sample size. Since I4.0 is a new concept and its integration with LSS is not yet explored; it was difficult to achieve a large sample size.

Practical implications

Organizations can utilize the study findings to realize the top principles, workforce skills, critical success factors, challenges, LSS tools, I4.0 tools and performance measures with respect to LSS and I4.0 integration. Moreover, these operational characteristics will help to assess the organization's readiness before and after the implementation of this integration.

Originality/value

The authors' original contribution is the empirical investigation of operational characteristics responsible for I4.0 and LSS integration.
Where consumers control plant reproduction in coastal wetlands: The environmental stress model in plants' versus consumers' perspectives
Authors: Xu Changlin , Ren Junlin , Wang Hanchen , Bertness Mark D. , Wu Jihua , Li Bo , He Qiang
Published: January 2024

Understanding where consumers control plant reproduction in a time of changing plant–consumer interactions with environmental change can inform conservation. A seminal hypothesis—the environmental stress model (the ESM)—posits that consumer control of plants varies predictably with environmental stress. The ESM has been tested often along gradients of an abiotic stressor, yielding highly mixed support, although plants and consumers are often differently affected by a stressor.

Here, to provide a conciliation, we introduced and tested a new ESM—the ESM in plants' versus consumers' perspectives. In field exclusion experiments conducted at three marsh sites that varied broadly in plant productivity, crab abundance and salinity within a coastal landscape, we tested the new ESM in predicting the impact of crab herbivores on the sexual reproduction ofPhragmites australis. We analysed how their impact varied with plant productivity and crab abundance—proxies for environmental stresses in plants' and consumers' perspectives, respectively.

We found that environmental stresses in plants' and consumers' perspectives were uncoupled across this coastal landscape. Neither crab abundance nor crab grazing intensity was correlated with plant productivity. Plant productivity and crab abundance were inconsistently related to key abiotic stressors including soil salinity.

Depending on site, crab herbivores substantially suppressedPhragmitessexual reproductive effort (by >90%, by regulating a series of population‐ and individual‐level reproductive processes) or had little effect. Where crab herbivores had stronger impacts was not predicted by plant productivity, but largely by crab abundance via a threshold model. Above an abundance threshold, crabs increasingly suppressedPhragmitessexual reproductive effort.

Synthesis.Our study revealed that consumer control of plant reproduction may be highly variable, even within a coastal landscape and for the same species, and that consumer abundance, rather than plant productivity, was a key predictor of this variation. As plants and consumers become increasingly uncoupled in many ecosystems under environmental change, the newly introduced ESM in plants' versus consumers' perspectives may be more versatile than previously recognized to inform conservation actions.
Reporting bias and feedback effect
Authors: Chen Hui , Petrov Evgeny
Published: January 2024

Stock prices often provide firm managers with new information that can be used in real decisions. Studies generally focus on the ex ante disclosure policy and show that the presence of market feedback crowds out firms' disclosure. We instead examine a manager's ex post biasing incentives and find that market feedback amplifies overreporting bias, but not necessarily underreporting bias, due to three interacting effects. First, the manager biases the report more with feedback since decreased information quality crowds in the speculator's private information acquisition and improves investment efficiency, regardless of the reporting scenario (the information rationing effect). Second, the manager biases more in the overreporting scenario and less in the underreporting scenario, because reporting more favorable information crowds in private information acquisition, as the speculator expects a higher subsequent investment and therefore higher trading profits (the investment scale effect). Third, market feedback influences reporting bias not only through the speculator's information acquisition but also directly through the market maker's pricing function. Specifically, the market maker decreases the price discount, as he expects that the manager may learn correct information from the price and may invest more efficiently. Expecting a lower price penalty in the presence of feedback, the manager biases more in the overreporting scenario and less in the underreporting scenario (the investment correction effect). Overall, our results suggest that granting firms reporting discretion could improve investment efficiency and firm value when managers can learn through price.
Tomato PHYTOCHROME B1 mutant responses to drought stress during vegetative and reproductive phases
Authors: Silva‐Junior Carlos Alberto , Alves Frederico Rocha Rodrigues , Palaretti Luiz Fabiano , de Oliveira Reginaldo , Nascimento Daniel Dalvan , Carvalho Rogério Falleiros
Published: January 2024

Water availability is a limiting factor to plant development and productivity. Many drought‐induced physiological processes that affect patterns of growth, biomass allocation, and ultimately, yield, are also regulated by the red/far‐red photoreceptor phytochromes (PHYs). However, as the mechanisms and responses to drought stress vary among plant developmental phases, it is reasonable to conjecture that PHY‐dependent morphophysiological responses to drought may be different according to the plant growth stage. In this study, we submitted tomato phyB1 mutant plants to water deficit in two distinct growth stages, during vegetative and flower‐bearing reproductive phases, comparing the morphophysiological development, fruit yield and quality to wild‐type (WT). In general, phyB1 plants overcome growth limitations imposed by water availability limitations during vegetative phase, being taller and leafier than WT. Restrictions to growth are less acute for both genotypes when water deficit occurs during reproductive phase compared to vegetative phase. phyB1 yield is lower when water is limited during reproductive phase, but its fruits accumulate more soluble solids, associated with better quality. These results highlight that drought‐induced modulations in tomato growth and yield are dependent upon PHYB1 regulation and the developmental phase when water deficit is applied.
Microphysiological systems for human aging research
Authors: Park Seungman , Laskow Thomas C. , Chen Jingchun , Guha Prasun , Dawn Buddhadeb , Kim Deok‐Ho
Published: January 2024

Recent advances in microphysiological systems (MPS), also known as organs‐on‐a‐chip (OoC), enable the recapitulation of more complex organ and tissue functions on a smaller scale in vitro. MPS therefore provide the potential to better understand human diseases and physiology. To date, numerous MPS platforms have been developed for various tissues and organs, including the heart, liver, kidney, blood vessels, muscle, and adipose tissue. However, only a few studies have explored using MPS platforms to unravel the effects of aging on human physiology and the pathogenesis of age‐related diseases. Age is one of the risk factors for many diseases, and enormous interest has been devoted to aging research. As such, a human MPS aging model could provide a more predictive tool to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying human aging and age‐related diseases. These models can also be used to evaluate preclinical drugs for age‐related diseases and translate them into clinical settings. Here, we provide a review on the application of MPS in aging research. First, we offer an overview of the molecular, cellular, and physiological changes with age in several tissues or organs. Next, we discuss previous aging models and the current state of MPS for studying human aging and age‐related conditions. Lastly, we address the limitations of current MPS and present future directions on the potential of MPS platforms for human aging research.
Chemotherapy‐related toxicities follow a typical pattern in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Rokkanen Roosa , Aarnivala Henri , Pokka Tytti , Niinimäki Riitta
Published: January 2024

Aim

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) therapy has been associated with a significant burden of toxicities. The aim of this study was to describe the full spectrum of toxic effects associated with childhood ALL.

Methods

Toxicity‐related data were collected from the Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (NOPHO) ALL‐2008 toxicity registry, in which data on 19 clinically relevant toxicities were registered during ALL treatment, and from patient medical records. All patients treated according to the NOPHO ALL‐2008 protocol in Oulu University Hospital between 2008 and 2020 were included in the study.

Results

The cohort consisted of 73 patients, 38 of whom were male. Mean age at diagnosis was 6.6 ± 4.2 (range 1.4–16.0) years. All but one of the patients developed at least one treatment‐related toxicity and more than half had multiple toxicities. Female sex and older age were associated with a higher tendency towards toxicity. The most common toxicity was vincristine‐induced peripheral neuropathy, which was observed in 70 patients. Most toxicities were moderate or severe, but even mild toxicities often affected leukaemia treatment.

Conclusion

Moderate and severe treatment‐related toxicities are common, and most toxicities occur in a typical pattern in relation to the treatment phases.
Evaluating ChatGPT as a viable research tool for typological investigations of cultural heritage artefacts—Roman clay oil lamps
Authors: Lapp Eric C. , Lapp Louis W. P.
Published: January 2024

This study evaluates the current viability of ChatGPT as a research tool in lychnology, a discipline of archaeology focusing on the study of light use and lamps in antiquity. Prompts applicable to a common cultural heritage artifact group—the Roman clay oil lamp—were entered in ChatGPT to test its capabilities in compiling, categorizing, describing, and identifying lamp types, and to assess how accurate, detailed, and knowledgeable its responses would be.
Standardization of robot‐assisted pelvic lymph node dissection—Development of a common understanding of regional anatomy and surgical technique based on cross‐disciplinary discussion among colorectal surgery, urology, and gynecology
Authors: Takemasa Ichiro , Hamabe Atsushi , Takenaka Atsushi , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Mandai Masaki , Kinugasa Yusuke , Saika Takashi , Shimbo Masaki , Morizane Shuichi , Sekiyama Kentaro , Togami Shinichi , Hanaoka Marie , Inoue Sena , Nagaishi Kanna , Sakai Yoshiharu , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: January 2024

Background

Pelvic lymph node dissection is a procedure performed in gastroenterological surgery, urology, and gynecology. However, due to discrepancies in the understanding of pelvic anatomy among these departments, cross‐disciplinary discussions have not been easy. Recently, with the rapid spread of robotic surgery, the importance of visual information in understanding pelvic anatomy has become even more significant. In this project, we attempted to clarify a shared understanding of pelvic anatomy through cross‐disciplinary discussions.

Method

From May 2020 to November 2021, a total of 11 discussions were held entirely online with 5 colorectal surgery specialists, 4 urologists, and 4 gynecologists. The discussions focused on evidence from each specialty and surgical videos, aiming to create a universally understandable pelvic anatomical illustration.

Results

The common area of dissection recognized across the three departments was identified as the obturator lymph nodes. A dynamic illustration of pelvic anatomy was created. In addition to a bird's‐eye view of the pelvis, a pelvic half view was developed to enhance understanding of the deeper pelvic anatomy. The following insights were incorporated into the illustration: (1) the cardinal ligament in gynecology partly overlaps with the vesicohypogastric fascia in colorectal surgery; (2) the obturator lymph nodes continue cephalad into the fossa of Marcille in urology; and (3) the deep uterine vein in gynecology corresponds to the inferior vesical vein in colorectal surgery.

Conclusion

Based on the dynamic illustration of pelvic anatomy from cross‐disciplinary discussions, we anticipate advancements in pelvic lymph node dissection aiming for curative and safe outcomes.