bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative green construction adoption in Ghana: architects’ perspectives from theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Addy Michael Nii , Dadzoe Florence , Kwofie Titus Ebenezer , Aigbavboa Clinton , Simons Barbara
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Climate change and global warming are two major ecological concerns. The construction industry has instituted measures such as green construction in response to these concerns. This study seeks to assess the views of architects on the uptake of innovative green construction (IGC) in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to investigate the factors influencing the decision to adopt IGC. A structured questionnaire was issued to architects who have been involved in the design and/or construction of green buildings in Ghana. The dataset was obtained from 61 architects and Partial Least Square was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The results show that two TPB factors; attitude and perceived behavioural control are significant determinants of architects’ intention to adopt IGC. Interestingly, behavioural intention did not have an influence on the actual behaviour of IGC adoption. However, perceived behavioural control had a significant impact on the actual adoption of IGC.

Practical implications

Contextually, the findings of the study will contribute to policy development and marketing of various green innovation within the Ghanaian construction milieu. Practically, the study will help encourage stakeholders to build the right capacity and competence towards the uptake of IGC.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper is based on the theoretical framework underpinning the study and the target respondents as the unit of analysis in assessing the full uptake of IGC in Ghana. The utility of the model evinces the role behavioural changes play in ecological development.
Analysis of CEO career patterns using machine learning: taking US university graduates as an example
Authors: Hung Chia Yu , Jeng Eddie , Cheng Li Chen
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study explores the career trajectories of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) to uncover unique characteristics that contribute to their success. By utilizing web scraping and machine learning techniques, over two thousand CEO profiles from LinkedIn are analyzed to understand patterns in their career paths. This study offers an alternative approach compared to the predominantly qualitative research methods employed in previous research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a framework for analyzing CEO career patterns. Job titles and company information are encoded using the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) scheme. The study employs the Needleman-Wunsch optimal matching algorithm and an agglomerative approach to construct distance matrices and cluster CEO career paths.

Findings

This study gathered data on the career transition processes of graduates from several renowned public and private universities in the United States via LinkedIn. Employing machine learning techniques, the analysis revealed diverse career trajectories. The findings offer career guidance for individuals from various academic backgrounds aspiring to become CEOs.

Research limitations/implications

The building of a career sequence that takes into account the number of years requires integers. Numbers that are not integers have been rounded up to facilitate the optimal matching process but this approach prevents a perfectly accurate representation of time worked.

Practical implications

This study makes an original contribution to the field of career pattern analysis by disclosing the distinct career path groups of CEOs using the rich LinkedIn online dataset. Note that our CEO profiles are not restricted in any industry or specific career paths followed to becoming CEOs. In light of the fact that individuals who hold CEO positions are usually perceived by society as successful, we are interested in finding the characteristics behind their success and whether either the title held or the company they remain at show patterns in making them who they are today.

Originality/value

As a matter of fact, nearly all CEOs had previous experience working for a non-Fortune organization before joining a Fortune company. Of those who have worked for Fortune firms, the number of CEOs with experience in Fortune 500 forms exceeded those with experience in Fortune 1,000 firms.
Thermal performance comparison of vertical and diagonal flow configurations in corrugated plate heat exchanger
Authors: Al-Zahrani Salman
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare the thermal performance of two flow configurations in corrugated plate heat exchanger (CPHE): vertical flow configuration (CPHEvert.) and diagonal flow configuration (CPHEdiag.). The study aims to determine the differences between these configurations and evaluate their respective thermal performance based on metrics such as heat transfer rates, pressure drop values and flow distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

The study compares the thermal performance of two flow arrangements of CPHE using identical geometrical dimensions and test conditions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is employed, and a validated numerical model is used for the investigation. The comparison is based on analyzing the rate of heat transfer and pressure drop data between the two flow arrangements.

Findings

The findings indicate that the diagonal flow configuration in CPHEs offers improved flow distribution, enhanced heat transfer performance and lower pressure drop compared to the vertical flow configuration. However, the differences in general in the thermal performance of CPHEvert. and CPHEdiag. are found to be minimal.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to investigate the impact of vertical and diagonal flow configurations on the thermal performance of the CPHE.
To bank or not to bank: describing the banking status of black households
Authors: Grable John , Archuleta Kristy , Watkins Kimberly , Kwak Eun Jin (E.J.)
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Unbanked status in the United States varies across the population, but the phenomenon of being unbanked tends to be more pronounced for Black households. This paper extends the current body of literature by conceptualizing banked status as an element of financial inclusion and by expanding the number and type of variables used to describe banked status.

Design/methodology/approach

This study’s theoretical orientation was informed by the work of Blanco et al. (2019). Survey data used in this study were gathered between May 2021 and February 2022 by Elevate's Center for the New Middle Class. Data were analyzed as a secondary dataset for this study. Three methods were used to evaluate the data. First, sample descriptives were calculated. Second, a correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate the associations between variables and to ensure that multicollinearity would not be an issue at the third stage of analysis. Third, a logistic regression was estimated to identify the variables that were significantly associated with being banked (i.e. holding a checking or savings account) (coded 1) or being unbanked (coded 0).

Findings

In this study, 17% of Black households were currently excluded from the financial marketplace. Factors of particular importance in describing unbanked status include being younger than age 55, identifying as male, being married, reporting higher income, relying on the use of credit more often, experiencing employment/financial stress more frequently, less trust in mainstream banking institutions, and inaccessibility to banks and credit unions. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

Originality/value

This study adds to the financial inclusion literature by illustrating how unbanked status in the United States varies across the population, but that in general, a few common markers differentiate the banked and unbanked status of Black households. Factors of particular importance in describing unbanked status include being younger than age 55, identifying as male, being married, reporting higher income, relying on the use of credit more often, experiencing employment/financial stress more frequently, less trust in mainstream banking institutions, and inaccessibility to banks and credit unions. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
Balancing work and life in academia: unraveling the employee engagement mystery
Authors: Tiwari Mukul , Srivastava Manish Kumar , Suresh A.S. , Sharma Vinod , Mahajan Yogesh
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to further the understanding of employees’ engagement by explaining their organizational commitment through their perception of the availability of work-life benefits in the organization. This study also investigates the mediating role of job satisfaction in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was tested on the primary data collected in two phases from 270 teaching professionals in higher education institutes in Northern India. Barren and Kenny’s algorithm and hierarchical regression analysis were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal that employees’ perception of work-life benefits strongly influences their organizational commitment. Also, the results support that employees’ job satisfaction mediates the above-mentioned relationship.

Research limitations/implications

Self-reported data could be considered as a key limitation of this study and for more accurate results supervisors’ (line managers) perspective could also be included in future studies. Also, in addition to perceived work-life benefits, supervisors’ support could also have an impact on employees’ commitment, thus its inclusion in the model could draw a clearer picture.

Originality/value

This research has two key contributions: first, it adds to the limited literature examining the employees’ engagement issues in the academic sector. Second, this research is one of, if not the first, to investigate perceived work-life benefits among third-level teaching staff in India to explain employees’ commitment to their organizations.
Earnings quality among private firms: evidence from the ELITE context
Authors: Ricciardi Giorgio , Fera Pietro , Moscariello Nicola , De Nuccio Elbano
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Recent accounting literature claims that private firms’ heterogeneity influences the quality of earnings. Along with certain drivers of heterogeneity, private firms get involved in specific programs aimed at fostering their access to capital, competencies and networks (CCN programs). Such programs can enhance private firms’ exposure to stakeholders that demand higher reporting quality, affecting their financial reporting choices. Therefore, this study investigated whether membership in CCN programs affects private firms’ earnings quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Focusing on the ELITE program, an international platform that since 2012 aims to support the growth of the most promising SMEs, and employing different econometric specifications facing endogeneity concerns, this paper carries out a quantitative empirical analysis to test the effect of CCN programs on private firms’ earnings quality.

Findings

Employing different earnings quality measures, empirical evidence reveals that firms belonging to CCN programs experienced an improvement in their earnings quality.

Research limitations/implications

Even though endogeneity concerns have been addressed, we are nevertheless aware that they might, at least partially, have affected our results.

Practical implications

Although the contributions of the study are mostly academic, the empirical evidence obtained also carries practical implications. CCN programs not only act, as one might assume, as catalysts for economic and dimensional growth but also contribute to better earnings quality, mitigating the information asymmetries between firms and their stakeholders.

Originality/value

By adding new evidence to the literature concerning the impact of private firms’ heterogeneity on earnings quality, this is the first study to analyze the impact of specific programs aimed at supporting the affiliated SMEs to foster their access to capital, competencies and networks.
Doing business in an Islamic context: six schools of thought
Authors: Berger Ron , Ali Abbas J. , Barnes Bradley R. , Alon Ilan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

With close to two billion people occupying some 50 countries and spending in excess of US$2tn on food and recreational services alone, Muslim societies represent a significant segment of the world’s population, which warrants greater research attention and better understanding. While Islamic scholarship dates back over 1,400 years, few scholars have studied the impact of Islamic teachings and their effect on surrounding business and policy. The purpose of this paper is to better connect business strategy with Islamic philosophy.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is a theoretical paper based on literature review of existing works in academia and from the Koran. The researchers consulted academics and religious leader to better understand the written word and its implications on the various philosophies. This paper offers a sound foundation for further research on Islamic business philosophy.

Findings

This research is the base for further exploration into Islamic business philosophy and their underpinnings. To better understand Islamic business models, this study introduces three main and three minor schools of thought to provide a foundation for further research. The schools differ in their theological assumptions and worldviews. Some of them place emphases on traditional approaches, i.e. Jabria (like contemporary Salafies) and some underscore the virtue of reasons and enlightenment (e.g. Mu’tazila or the rationalists).

Originality/value

In brief, the study posits six different perspectives and interpretations relevant to Islamic policy that will be useful for both managerial practitioners and scholars to consider when undertaking business in a Muslim context.
Integration of game theory optimization in financial markets: a systematic literature review based on TCCM framework
Authors: Ganti Aritra , Singhania Shubham
Published: August 2024

Purpose

While being integrated together conceptually and practically, the literature on game theory in the context of financial markets lacks a cohesive understanding. This study aims to systematically scrutinize and analyse the literature of game theory in the context of financial markets, through a systematic literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature-based approach, through the theories, context, characteristics and methodology (TCCM) framework has been applied to 97 articles, extracted and filtered from two databases, Scopus and Web of Science, for a comprehensive review and understanding of the intellectual development in the domain of game theory and financial markets.

Findings

The review highlighted the most utilitarian theories within the literature, the context of research in terms of countries and industries, four themes which characterize the literature, as well as the methodologies and research designs used in this research domain. The paper also uncovered certain essential areas that present scope for further research.

Research limitations/implications

While two of the largest indexation databases have been used, some relevant articles may have been excluded due to the restriction of databases and screening criteria, which may lead to the less exploration of several facets of the domain.

Practical implications

Practically, the paper has implications for multiple stakeholders including traders, businesses and governments. For traders, this paper acts as a guide to entering and understanding the dynamics of financial markets. The review also covers decision-making from the perspective of firms, including venture capitalists. This paper would allow firms to understand how game theory can help influence or analyze the strategic interactions between their stakeholders in terms of information disclosure, or consumers and their behavior to stimuli from the firm’s actions.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind that attempts to comprehensively provide an overview of the literature on game theory in financial markets. In doing so, this study shall help assess the current state of knowledge in the said field and locate gaps in the literature to propose new research directions.
Private cloud deployment model selection for cost efficiency: a business perspective
Authors: Liu Bingcheng , Song Junyou , Geng Wei
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to enhance an enterprise’s private cloud services by optimally determining the ownership of cloud computing resources and responsibility for maintenance and operations. The core objective is to identify the most cost-effective private cloud deployment model at the intersection of technology and business considerations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study evaluates three ownership and responsibility models, each encompassing decisions related to candidate data center locations, resource provisioning, and demand placements. Drawing from the cloud computing literature, these models are referred to as deployment models. The research formulates a private cloud deployment model selection problem and introduces an established Lagrangian-relaxation-based optimization approach, combined with a novel greedy relieving-pooling heuristic, to facilitate model selection.

Findings

This study identifies the optimal deployment model for a representative instance using real test-bed data from the US, demonstrating the private cloud deployment model selection problem. Various numerical examples are analyzed to explore the influence of environmental parameters. Generally, the virtual PC model is optimal for low demand arrival rates and resource requirements, while the on-premises PC model is preferable for higher values of these parameters. Additionally, the virtual PC model is found to be optimal when enroute latency coefficients are large.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by formulating an optimization problem that integrates performance, financial, and assurance metrics for enterprises. The introduction of a solution approach enables enterprises to make informed decisions regarding ownership and responsibility design. The study effectively bridges the gap between academic research and industry demands from a business perspective.
Global research landscape on specific diets and cardiovascular diseases: assessing the current status and charting future directions
Authors: Kumar Dilip , Shandilya Abhinav Kumar , K. Thirugnanasambantham
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The escalating global mortality rates attributed to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have drawn the attention of the World Health Organization (WHO), prompting researchers worldwide to address this pressing health concern actively. This study aims to unravel insights into the relationship between specific diets and CVDs by examining authors, countries, articles, journal productivity and their impact.

Design/methodology/approach

Diet patterns are recognised as contributing to the rise of CVDs, prompting a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature from Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed databases using the Biblioshiny software.

Findings

The analysis delves into cluster development and major themes within the literature, encompassing holistic approaches to cardiovascular health, the nexus between diet, nutrition and cardiovascular health, the impact of plant-based diets on diverse populations, the role of the Mediterranean diet in cardiovascular health and the influence of dietary diversity on cardiovascular health across cultures.

Originality/value

Noteworthy developments in emerging areas like dietary history records, NutriOptimisation and MediCulinary Sensitivity are identified, providing a foundation for future researchers to contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3.
Ungoverned landscapes: analyzing post-conflict resettlement in Sdao commune in northwest Cambodia
Authors: Arensen Lisa
Published: August 2024

Purpose

When Cambodia's long civil war ended in the late 1990s, land on the former frontlines in the northwest was officially closed for resettlement. However, spontaneous resettlement occurred as land was informally claimed by demobilized soldiers, returnees from refugee camps and the landless poor. These areas were often heavily littered with the explosive remnants of war, and landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) wounded and killed numerous post-war settlers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based upon data collected in 2009 in three villages in Sdao commune in Battambang province. Ethnographic research methods were used to conduct the research, including participant observation, semi-structured interviews and demographic mapping.

Findings

The article illustrates how the desire to farm and the prospect of acquiring land rights drove resettlement into a hazardous place. The study demonstrates that this resettlement occurred when the Cambodian state and the international humanitarian sector failed to provide durable policy solutions for vulnerable post-war populations. An ethnographic example is provided of a woman attempting to live in precarious terrain. Her family and others expressed a need to risk occupancy in order to secure land, food and futures for their children.

Originality/value

These findings may assist policymakers working on the complex disasters posed by conflicts in recognizing the polyvalent and overlapping vulnerabilities of populations needing resettlement.
From experiment to reality: the crucial role of humility in leadership
Authors: Priyadarshini Shabnam
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study examines the critical importance of humility in leadership, reflecting on insights from Philip Zimbardo's Stanford Prison Experiment and assessing how power dynamics manifest in different societal environments. This study aims to understand how humility and ethical leadership can deter the misuse of power and encourage the development of a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative approach, drawing insights from psychological studies, and organisational research. It integrates theoretical concepts such as the “Lucifer Effect” with insights from prior research to illustrate the impact of humble and ethical leadership in diverse settings.

Findings

This review indicates that power abuse is frequent in many societal frameworks, causing detrimental impacts such as decreased job satisfaction, heightened stress and greater turnover rates. This study highlights the importance of humility and ethical leadership in mitigating these effects.

Practical implications

Organisations can benefit from incorporating humility and ethical standards into their leadership training programs. By enhancing self-awareness and emotional intelligence among leaders, workplaces can become more nurturing and efficient.

Social implications

Promoting humility and ethical leadership can lead to more equitable and compassionate societies. By valuing each individual's intrinsic worth and fostering inclusive environments, leaders can contribute to broader social well-being.

Originality/value

This study uniquely connects the psychological findings from the Stanford Prison Experiment with contemporary leadership practices, emphasising the practical implications of humility in leadership. It offers a comprehensive view of how ethical leadership can be cultivated and its benefits realised.
Tree growth‐forms reveal dominant browsers shaping the vegetation
Authors: Churski Marcin , Kuijper Dries P. J. , Semmelmayer Katharina , Bond William J. , Cromsigt Joris P. G. M. , Wang Yan , Charles‐Dominique Tristan
Published: August 2024

Plants adopt particular growth‐forms when they are exposed to extreme environmental conditions. In this study, we describe a unique woody plant growth‐form induced by large mammalian herbivores and discuss that this growth‐form could have evolved as a strategy for escaping the browser zone in herbivore driven ecosystems.

We analysed responses of key architectural and morphological attributes (branching and thorn density, tree dimensions, presence of flowers and fruits) of three Eurasian spiny tree species (Malus sylvestris, Prunus cerasifera and Pyrus communis) to different levels of browsing by large herbivores in the temperate Białowieża Forest, Poland.

Under high browsing pressure, studied trees displayed two distinct forms of the crown: a bottom sterile part developing into a densely branched structure with high density of thorns (‘cage‐form’), and an upper reproductive part that escaped from herbivore control (‘escaped‐form’). The size of cage‐form influenced the feeding behaviour of red deer (Cervus elaphus) by increasing the time deer spend foraging and increasing the bite rate. The height at which cages started to escape and their diameter matched with foraging reach of red deer.

Synthesis. We argue that the frequency and cage dimensions of this woody growth‐form in the landscape could inform on the type and intensity of recent herbivory. Moreover, its distinctive inducibility suggests that this growth‐form did not emerge recently under anthropogenic pressure but could be the legacy of ancient herbivory effects. Observational evidence suggests that this growth‐form emerged in several herbivore‐driven systems around the globe and may be used to identify the dominant herbivores that control vegetation structure in these ecosystems.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Slope failure remediation using constrained horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratio inversion techniques
Authors: O'Neill Craig
Published: August 2024

Slope failure rates may be exacerbated by increased precipitation patterns associated with climate change. Such events are extremely disruptive for local communities affected. Rapid engineering remediation solutions generally require immediate site characterization, including information on depth to intact bedrock and groundwater conditions – often on dangerous or still‐failing slopes. Horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratio is a low‐impact technique capable of rapidly providing key information on the subsurface. Here we develop a robust workflow for constrained minimization of horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratio data and develop constrained horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratio profiling methodologies. We present results from a number of landslide sites in eastern Australia and demonstrate the utility of horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratio in delineating both fractured‐rock aquifers at high‐risk sites and colluvium–bedrock contact on active landslide sites, where traditional seismic methods were not practical.
Unveiling the role of forests in landslide occurrence, recurrence and recovery
Authors: Law Ying Ki , Lee Calvin K. F. , Chan Aland H. Y. , Mak Nelson P. L. , Hau Billy C. H. , Wu Jin
Published: August 2024

Rain‐triggered landslides cause significant socioeconomic loss and long‐term ecological impact, disrupting topsoil and seed banks and creating unfavourable conditions for vegetation establishment. Although hazard management effectively reduces landslide risk, most management plans primarily focus on the societal impacts (loss of property and human lives), while environmental impacts related to landslide occurrence and recurrence are often overlooked. The role of different vegetation types in mitigation strategies remains uncertain due to the time and spatial constraints of traditional field study methods. Therefore, the role of vegetation in landslide restoration should be reconsidered.

In this study, we investigated post‐landslide vegetation recovery patterns, analysed the duration of vegetation recovery, identified factors influencing these patterns, examined the role of forests in occurrence and recurrence probability and explored the implications of these findings for each element within an integrated management framework for landslide restoration.

We utilised long‐term landslide inventory data (1924–2018) covering the entire city of Hong Kong (~1100 km2) and combined it with structural data derived from airborne LiDAR scanning in 2020 to capture landslide recovery.

Our findings revealed significant differences in recovery trajectories between the main bodies and foot areas of scars, with the former taking approximately 46 years to recover and the latter recovering in about 38 years. Scar age, average wind speed, elevation and proximity to the forest were identified as key factors influencing structural recovery on scars, while the proximity to forest also regulated recovery rate of scars. We observed decreased landslide occurrence in forested areas, with recurrent landslides primarily appearing on older, unrecovered scars on barren hillsides.

Synthesis and applications: Our research highlights the dynamic patterns, recovery time and drivers of vegetation recovery on landslide scars; and the higher probability of landslide occurrence in non‐forest areas and increased recurrence on bare, low vegetated scars. This information provides valuable insights for informing restoration efforts and managing landslide‐prone areas. Such knowledge is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable ecosystems facing climate change and increased frequency of extreme weather events.
Vegetation restoration in the coarse‐textured soil area is more conducive to the accumulation of Fe‐associated C
Authors: Dong Lingbo , Li Jiajia , Wang Defu , Wang Su , Hu Weifang , Wu Jianzhao , Liao Yang , Yu Zhijing , Wang Xi , Yu Jinyuan , Li Jiwei , Shangguan Zhouping , Deng Lei
Published: August 2024

Vegetation restoration has an important effect on soil carbon (C) pool dynamics. Highly stable iron (Fe)‐associated C is an important component of the soil C pool and it plays a crucial role in the soil C cycle. However, a knowledge gap remains regarding the existence of Fe‐associated C variation during vegetation restoration.

Herein, 0–60 cm soil samples of cropland, grassland, shrubland and forestland from three soil types (loam, loess and sandy soils) were collected to explore the response of Fe‐associated C to vegetation restoration.

The results showed that soil Fe‐associated C proportion in the study area ranged from 2.2% to 26.3%. Surface soil (0–20 cm) Fe‐associated C content in loess and sandy soils increased following vegetation restoration, but decreased in loam soil. The accumulation efficiency of soil Fe‐associated C during vegetation restoration was higher in coarser soils. Moreover, the Fe‐associated C content and proportion of forestland with a higher soil organic matter (SOM) pool were the highest among the land use types.

Vegetation restoration affects soil Fe‐associated C in two different ways: (1) increasing the SOM and dissolved organic C and improving the efficiency of C and Fe binding to promote the accumulation of Fe‐associated C; (2) decreasing the total soil Fe content, reducing the trivalent iron (Fe(III)) to bivalent iron (Fe(II)) and breaking the binding of C and Fe to decrease soil Fe‐associated C content, and these two different ways were found in all three soil types. Additionally, higher SOM accumulation efficiency and less root destruction caused by vegetation restoration in coarse soils resulted in a higher Fe‐associated C accumulation efficiency.

Synthesis and applications. Vegetation and soil type strongly regulated the effects of vegetation restoration on soil Fe‐associated C. Forestlands may be the optimum vegetation type to provide soil C sequestration benefits, effectively increasing soil C pool and maximising Fe‐associated C content. This study has addressed the knowledge gap regarding the effects of vegetation restoration on soil Fe‐associated C and provides scientific basis for a better understanding of the soil C cycle and developing scientific vegetation restoration measures.
Cryptic Japanese maple species exhibit different drought tolerance, suggesting reproductive isolation
Authors: Mori Shigeta , Kurosawa Yoko , Maruyama Yutaka , Kikuchi Satoshi , Ferrio Juan Pedro , Ishida Atsushi , Yamaji Keiko
Published: August 2024

Acer mono is thought to comprise seven varieties, but its classification and nomenclature are controversial. A recent molecular phylogenetic study suggested that A. mono varieties glabrum (G) and mayrii (M) do not interbreed, despite occurring syntopically (same location) and having a common genetic origin. However, if these are separate, reproductively isolated species, the basis for that isolation remains unclear. Here, we tested whether G and M can be considered separate species that differ in multiple ecological characteristics. We compared G and M in terms of distribution, habitats, drought tolerance of leaves, and flowering phenology of trees, and we verified their reproductive isolation (RI) in Japan. G showed higher drought and salt tolerance than M, which is consistent with the distribution of G in salt‐stressed coastal areas with relatively low precipitation. In contrast, M occurs in snowy, mesic, and mountain habitats. Even in neighboring M and G trees, the onset of flowering in M is earlier than that of G. Similarly, flower drop in M is completed sooner than in G. Although the presence of post‐zygotic reproductive barriers was not tested, the high calculated RI index probably contributes to RI. Two varieties of A. mono with a common genetic origin but different drought tolerance should be considered separate species. They likely shifted their climatic niches, involving local adaptation to different climatic conditions. This is roughly supported by an ENM‐based niche analysis and significant differences in flowering time. These findings help to understand the physiological diversification of A. mono.
Factors in successful programme completion for postsecondary students with disabilities: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Nail Erika
Published: August 2024

Enrolment of postsecondary students with disabilities continues to increase, yet completion rates of postsecondary students with disabilities are much lower than those of their non‐disabled peers. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the perceptions of postsecondary students with disabilities, solely within the USA, regarding factors they believe are influential in completing their postsecondary programme. Specifically, the study will focus on student‐related factors as identified within the literature. A total of 19 studies were identified after meeting the inclusionary criteria for review. The results of the review identified the student's kindergarten (K) to grade 12 (K‐12) transition services, the student's knowledge of their disability and related postsecondary disability services, the student's ability to self‐advocate, the student's self‐determination and the student's support system as student‐related factors that influence their ability to successfully complete a postsecondary programme. According to the literature, these student‐related factors are heavily impacted by the social interactions of their past and present instructors, peers, support systems, legislators and chosen postsecondary institution. Therefore, Critical Disability Theory was chosen as the lens for analysis to examine how students with disabilities, a marginalised group, continue to face obstacles within postsecondary environments. Postsecondary students with disabilities are more apt to be successful in completing their programme if the identified student factors are present. It is important for K‐12 support systems, family support systems and postsecondary institution support systems to recognise that the identified factors are important for successful programme completion by students with disabilities. Implications for future research, policy and practice are discussed.
Impact of an educational intervention utilising a three‐dimensional‐printed model for ultrasound‐guided intra‐articular injections of the dislocated shoulder
Authors: Cosgrave Conor , Anakin Megan , Blyth Phil , Baillie Louisa , Beck Sierra
Published: August 2024

Objective

Intra‐articular injection of local anaesthetic provides safe and effective analgesia for patients with shoulder dislocation. We designed a three‐dimensional‐printed ultrasound model of the shoulder to educate ED clinicians on use of this technique. We aimed to evaluate the impact of a 1‐h training session using this model on participants' knowledge, skills and clinical practice.

Methods

This was a prospective study of the clinicians working at two EDs in New Zealand. Participants (n = 20) took part in a 1‐h educational session. We tested participants' performance before the session, afterwards and at 3 months using a 10‐point objective structured clinical examination. We reviewed clinical records to determine whether there was increased utilisation of this technique among ED patients before and after the training.

Results

There was improvement in participants' OCSE performance (median pre‐training score = 4.00, median 3‐month post‐training score = 7.00, P = 0.044) and self‐reported competence and knowledge, which were sustained to the end of the study.

There was increased use of intra‐articular injection among ED patients with shoulder dislocation: 2 of 68 patients (3%) before and 11 of 76 patients (14.5%) after the study. Notably, most were performed by clinicians who did not take part in the study (n = 9).

Conclusion

A 1‐h training session using a three‐dimensional‐printed model improved participants objective structured clinical examination performance in ultrasound‐guided injection of the shoulder joint. Although there was minimal change in the practice of participating clinicians, overall use of the procedure increased.
Emergency department staff opinion on newly introduced phlebotomy services in the department. A cross‐sectional study incorporating thematic analysis
Authors: Osman Abdi D , Yeak Daryl , Ben‐Meir Michael , Braitberg George
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The demand for ED services, both in terms of patient numbers and complexity has risen over the past decades. According to reports, there has been an increase in the ED patient presentation rate from 330 per 1000 to 334 per 1000 between 2018–2019 and 2022–2023. Consequently, new care models have been introduced to address this surge in demand, mitigate associated risks and improve overall safety. Among these models is the concept of ‘front loading’ clinical care, involving the initiation of interventions at the point of arrival. The present study evaluates the impact of introducing phlebotomists at triage.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey using purposive sampling at a single quaternary metropolitan ED with an annual census of greater than 90 000, encompassing all clinical staff in the ED. The survey data were analysed quantitatively and complemented by a thematic analysis.

Results

The response rate for the questionnaire was 61% (n = 207), with good representation from all ED craft groups. Nearly all the staff (99.5%) reported being aware of the presence of phlebotomists in the ED, whereas only 57% of the staff reported working in triage (P = 0.05, 0.00 to 0.04). ‘Valuable/vital resource’ featured as a common response. Early decision‐making, patient safety, staff and patient satisfaction emerged as consistent themes.

Conclusions

Staff expressed satisfaction that patient care now begins in the waiting room, especially after extended waiting periods prior to cubicle allocation. They assert that this improvement significantly enhances timely treatment and disposition decisions, as well as overall patient satisfaction.
‘You mean you're not doing it already?’ A national sentinel toxico‐surveillance system for detecting illicit, emerging and novel psychoactive drugs in presentations to emergency departments
Authors: Fatovich Daniel M , Dessauer Paul , Ezard Nadine ,   the EDNA Investigators
Published: August 2024

Patients presenting to the ED after using illicit drugs, including novel psychoactive substances, are a unique source of information on substances that are directly causing acute harm in the community. Conventionally, illicit drug intoxications are assessed and managed in EDs based on self‐report and presenting symptoms, with no objective data on the causative agent. The Emerging Drugs Network of Australia (EDNA) is a national toxico‐surveillance system that provides analytic data on these drugs, from sentinel Emergency Departments. It is a collaborative national network of emergency physicians, toxicologists, forensic laboratories and public health authorities. The key benefit of EDNA is the capacity to provide timely laboratory‐confirmed toxicology data on emerging drug‐related threats in the community. This leads to improvements in clinical, forensic laboratory and public health harm reduction responses, reflecting rapid translation of the research.
Detection of Wolbachia in field‐collected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Emara Mahmoud A. , Altilmisani Nuha Mustafa , Albishri Faisal , Khan Imtinan Akram , Elkhalifa Salah Mubark , Al‐Dubai Talha A. , Al‐Wesabi Esam Omar
Published: August 2024

Recent reports have disclosed the occurrence of Wolbachia in Aedes aegypti. Our study detected Wolbachia infection in Ae. aegypti by screening wild adult mosquitoes using two Wolbachia‐specific molecular markers. Overall, 444 adult Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were collected from April 2022 to October 2022 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Each individual sample was processed and screened for the presence of Wolbachia using selected markers, the Wolbachia‐specific 16S rDNA and the Wolbachia surface protein gene (wsp), under optimized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) conditions, and sequenced. In total, 39 (8.78%) and 48 (10.81%) individual mosquito samples were determined to be infected with Wolbachia using the wsp and 16S rDNA markers, respectively. By utilizing two Wolbachia‐specific molecular markers, our study demonstrated the presence of Wolbachia from individual Ae. aegypti samples. Our results showed a low rate of Wolbachia infection and inferred that the detected strain belongs to supergroup B.
IGJ depletion suppresses proliferation, inflammation, and motility of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes via targeting NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Sheng Jun , Qiang Fuyong , He Qian , Xuan Dan , Liu Ruitao
Published: August 2024

Objective

To investigate the impact of IGJ on the proliferation, inflammation, and motility of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast‐like synoviocytes and elucidate the underlying mechanism.

Methods

The expression of IGJ RA fibroblast‐like synoviocytes was assessed using immunoblot and qPCR. Cell growth was evaluated using CCK‐8 and FCM assays. The effects on inflammatory response were determined by ELISA and immunoblot assays. Cell motility was assessed using transwell and immunoblot assays. The mechanism was further confirmed using immunoblot assays.

Results

IGJ expression was found to be elevated in fibroid synovial cells of RA. IGJ ablation inhibited the growth of MH7A cells and suppressed the inflammatory response. Knockdown of IGJ also blocked cell motility. Mechanically, the knockdown of IGJ suppressed the NF‐κB axis in MH7A cells.

Conclusion

IGJ suppresses RA in fibroblast‐like synoviocytes via NF‐κB pathway.
Thermal profiles in varied experimental firings: Implications for different clays and archaeomagnetism
Authors: Kostadinova‐Avramova Maria , Dimitrov Petar , Kosterov Andrei
Published: August 2024

Thermal profiles of 16 firings performed under various experimental conditions are investigated and compared, with special attention to cooling due to its significance in archaeomagnetism. Samples of different shapes and sizes handmade from six starting clays were fired once and repeatedly followed by magnetic measurements. The collected experimental data provide a broader view of the relationships among firing conditions, clay composition, and final ceramic products.

According to direct measurements, open hearths and kilns reach very similar temperatures (800–900°C). Firing temperature and soaking time tend to be linearly related at temperatures around and above 700°C. Soaking time appears to be independent of the structure type around and above 800°C but not below 600°C. Heating rates and times are related exponentially. Only the cooling process distinguishes ’open’ and ’kiln’ firing, with kiln insulation being the primary factor controlling all thermal parameters. A possible relationship between cooling and fuel type is suggested. Cooling in open hearths and kilns differs from that in laboratory furnaces.

The magnetic profiles obtained for various clays highlight the differences in composition, grain size, and thermal stability; increasing the number of firings reduces these later.
Usefulness of Deloyers procedure with minimally invasive coloproctectomy in an elderly patient with synchronous colorectal cancer: A case report
Authors: Inaguma Gaku , Hiro Junichiro , Otsuka Koki , Masumori Koji , Kobayashi Yosuke , Chong Yongchol , Omura Yusuke , Hattori Yutaka , Tsujimura Kazuki , Uyama Ichiro , Suda Koichi
Published: August 2024

Subtotal colectomy is often performed on patients with synchronous colorectal cancer. However, compared with colorectal anastomosis, ileorectal anastomosis with subtotal colectomy is more likely to result in bowel dysfunction. The Deloyers procedure is useful in preserving bowel function in a patient with synchronous colorectal cancer. An 87‐year‐old man presented with bloody stool. Colonoscopy showed masses in the cecum, transverse colon, rectosigmoid, and rectum above the peritoneal reflection. Computed tomography scan revealed no evidence of regional lymph node swelling and distant metastasis. Therefore, robot‐assisted low anterior resection, laparoscopic extended left hemicolectomy, laparoscopic cecal resection, and diverting ileostomy were performed. The patient was discharged from the hospital without complications. There was no recurrence, and the patient did not have complaints such as urgency, fecal incontinence, and excretory dysfunction. Hence, minimally invasive coloproctectomy using the Deloyers procedure can be safe and useful in preserving postoperative bowel function in elderly patients.
Role of myeloid cells in neural repair after brain tissue injury
Authors: Koyama Ryuki , Shichita Takashi
Published: August 2024

Stroke and traumatic brain injury leave many survivors with permanent neurological disabilities, and the development of therapeutics to enhance functional recovery is needed. Both residential and infiltrating immune cells participate in the acute inflammation after brain injury, exacerbating functional outcomes; however, some immune cells have been reported to alter their characteristic to a reparative phenotype. This review focused on the recent findings of the reparative immunity of myeloid cells. Functional recovery after injury is achieved through the combination of resolution of inflammation, reorganization of neuronal network, white matter repair, angiogenesis and extracellular matrix reorganization. In each process, myeloid cells play vital roles in leading to functional recovery. Further research on the diversity of immune cells implicated in neural repair will be promising to develop therapeutics enhancing functional recovery after brain tissue injuries.