bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of multi-shell nested fully annular quasi-ellipsoidal focusing mirrors for small-angle neutron scattering
Authors: Song Wentao , Zhang Zhong , Zhang Qiya , Yu Jun , Huang Qiushi , Chang Chenyuan , Hong Weihang , Wang Xuewu , Wang Zhanshan
Published: July 2023

The neutron flux is a crucial factor for neutron scattering measurements, especially for compact sources. Among various neutron optics, grazing-incidence focusing mirrors have been developed to give a significant increase in the neutron flux on a sample owing to their great potential for collecting neutrons in small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) instruments. Focusing mirrors with a supermirror coating can be nested to collect a neutron beam with large divergence. Nested conical integrated assembly technology is employed to manufacture nested focusing mirrors. This study describes the design of ten-shell nested fully annular quasi-ellipsoidal focusing mirrors with an m = 3 Ni/Ti supermirror coating to produce enough neutrons on a sample under the premise of satisfying the specified minimum wavevector transfer Q. For fully annular focusing mirrors, the neutron current received by a sample from the entire annular focusing neutron beam is more relevant. A ray-tracing method and current gain calculation are used to evaluate the performance of the designed mirrors. The ray-tracing result shows that the ideal resolution of quasi-ellipsoidal mirrors with four-segment conical approximation is 1.354 mm. As the source radius decreases from 20 mm, the neutron current with the designed focusing mirrors can be enhanced by a factor of 13 to over 100 compared with that without focusing mirrors in the same detected area. The effective collecting area is 186 cm2 when the source radius is the optimal 15 mm. An 83-fold current gain can be obtained for cold neutrons. The proposed mirrors can reach 90.7 and 87.3% of the maximum current of the corresponding optimal mirror structure when the source radii are 10 and 20 mm, respectively. The results demonstrate that the proposed mirrors are adaptable for instruments with changeable sources.
Deformation of two-phase aggregates with in situ X-ray tomography in rotating Paris–Edinburgh cell at GPa pressures and high temperature
Authors: Mandolini Tommaso , Chantel Julien , Merkel Sébastien , Le Godec Yann , Guignot Nicolas , King Andrew , Hosdez Jerome , Henry Laura , Hilairet Nadège
Published: July 2023

High-pressure (>1 GPa) torsion apparatus can be coupled with in situ X-ray tomography (XRT) to study microstructures in materials associated with large shear strains. Here, deformation experiments were carried out on multi-phase aggregates at ∼3–5 GPa and ∼300–500°C, using a rotational tomography Paris–Edinburgh press (RoToPEc) with in situ absorption contrast XRT on the PSICHE beamline at Synchrotron SOLEIL. The actual shear strain reached in the samples was quantified with respect to the anvil twisting angles, which is γ ≤ 1 at 90° anvil twist and reaches γ ≃ 5 at 225° anvil twist. 2D and 3D quantifications based on XRT that can be used to study in situ the deformation microfabrics of two-phase aggregates at high shear strain are explored. The current limitations for investigation in real time of deformation microstructures using coupled synchrotron XRT with the RoToPEc are outlined.
Synthesis and crystal structures of three Schiff bases derived from 3-formylacetylacetone and benzyl-, tert-butyl- and (S)-methylbenzylamine
Authors: Halz Jan Henrik , Hentsch Andreas , Wagner Christoph , Merzweiler Kurt
Published: July 2023

Treatment of 3-formylacetylacetone with the amines benzylamine, tert-butylamine and (S)-methylbenzylamine led to the formation of the corresponding Schiff bases 3-[(benzylamino)methylidene]pentane-2,4-dione, C13H15NO2 (1), 3-[(tert-butylamino)methylidene]pentan-2,4-dione, C10H17NO2 (2) and 3-{[(S)-benzyl(methyl)amino]methylidene}pentane-2,4-dione, C14H17NO2 (3). The molecules of all three compounds exist as enamine tautomers that contain a nearly planar amino-methylene-pentane-2,4-dione core with a strong intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bridge. The R group attached to the enamine N atom has no significant influence on the bond lengths and angles of the amino-methylene-pentane-2,4-dione core. The supramolecular structures in 1–3 are mainly based on weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
A “life changing” year: intangible legacies of the Hull City of Culture volunteer programme
Authors: Whitfield Jessica
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The Hull City of Culture 2017 volunteer programme is widely celebrated and remains a key legacy of the designation. A 2019 master's project found that volunteers experienced a multitude of intangible personal benefits from their time volunteering with the programme. Taking an interpretivist stance, this article aims to capture these sentiments; what volunteering has meant to the volunteers themselves and what legacy it has left them, both as individuals and as residents of the city.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate legacy over a longer period, the original qualitative research was supplemented with a similar number of interviews taken in 2021.

Findings

The 2019 focus groups were largely positive towards Hull City of Culture, and the effect it had on the volunteers and the city of Hull overall. Participants highlighted various intangible benefits and legacies, namely, personal well-being, perceptions of the city and a sense of community. The world in which the 2021 interviews took place is almost inconceivably different, yet the volunteers' feelings about their time with Hull City of Culture and its later iterations are remarkably similar to the earlier findings. Despite the changing circumstances, they too expressed positivity about the programme and its effect on them individually, and the city more widely.

Originality/value

The continued experience of intangible benefits from volunteering with the programme demonstrates an important legacy of Hull City of Culture 2017.
Assessment of the COVID-19 virus outbreak on dietary patterns, physical activity, and lifestyle behaviours: a survey among adult European citizens
Authors: Chaloupkova Petra , Petrtyl Miloslav , Durand Claire , Nikolaou Charoula Konstantia , Mangione Guido , Kokoska Ladislav
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study examined the relationship between adult respondents' COVID-19 risk perception and its impact on changes in eating habits, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional online questionnaire was used to collect data during the first wave of the pandemic, in the European spring and summer of 2020. Kruskal–Wallis and Pearson chi-squared tests were used to determine the associations between the consumers' COVID-19 risk perception and the respondents' country of origin. The respondents were primarily university employees and students from four European countries (the Czech Republic, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy).

Findings

The study showed significant changes in lifestyle behaviours of the respondents during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the pre-outbreak period. Approximately half of all respondents reported a decrease in alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical activity, while eating habits among European consumers showed trends towards both healthier and less healthy dietary patterns. The most significant changes were recorded in reducing alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical activity among almost half of the respondents. Positive COVID-19 test experience, age, and country of the respondents had a negative influence, whereas healthy food consumption and alcohol consumption had a positive influence on the COVID-19 related risk perception.

Originality/value

The fear of the COVID-19 outbreak together with the restrictions imposed by national governments in response to the pandemic fundamentally affected the respondents' lifestyles. Understanding these changes can help establish interventions to alleviate the adoption of negative lifestyles and attitudes in subsequent waves of the COVID-19 pandemic or other similar situations.
Effect of enterprise risk management on firms’ outcomes with the moderating effect of knowledge management
Authors: Saeidi Parvaneh , Saeidi Sayyedeh Parisa , Saeidi Sayedeh Parastoo , Galarraga Carvajal Mercedes , Villacrés Endara Hugo , Armijos Lorenzo
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to test the effects of enterprise risk management (ERM) on firms’ outcomes and the moderating role of knowledge management (KM) on ERM–firms’ outcomes relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via a questionnaire survey among public listed companies on the principal stock exchange market in Malaysia. A total of 124 questionnaires were received by mail questionnaire. The results were examined through structural equation modelling and partial least squares.

Findings

The outcomes specified that ERM has a positive and noteworthy influence on firms’ outcomes, and KM has a moderating influence on the correlation among ERM and firms’ outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The qualities, procedures and laws of the Malaysian corporations chosen as the sample firms, as well as their regulations, may not be representative of all other countries. Moreover, this study considered only one variable as a moderator, while there are many variables that different studies can consider as moderator or mediators.

Practical implications

The results of this research imply that employees’ awareness and knowledge of events, opportunities and risk, along with their engagement in the institute’s strategy, are critical for risk management and controlling. For the managers, the results of this research can be helpful to their businesses by identifying the effective KM capability that may enhance their positive outcomes. Managers and organizations can use KM as an instrument to increase ERM effect on firms’ outcomes.

Social implications

KM and ERM are both significant intangible resources that are hard to imitate and are uniquely specified programs, which are important contributors to firm success in the long run. Moreover, the contingency theory of ERM was proved through the results of this study as it was identified in the public companies, that implementation of ERM as a strategic management practice, by organizations along with an effective KM may enhance the achievement of objectives and outcomes.

Originality/value

This study helps to measure ERM comprehensively and how intangible assets such as KM can affect the comprehensive risk management process and its effectiveness.
Single machine scheduling with interval grey processing time
Authors: Xie Naiming , Wang Yuquan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the grey scheduling, which is the combination of grey system theory and scheduling problems with uncertain processing time. Based on the interval grey number and its related definitions, properties, and theorems, the single machine scheduling with uncertain processing time and its general forms are studied as the research object. Then several single machine scheduling models are reconstructed, and an actual production case is developed to illustrate the rationality of the research.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors first summarize the definitions and properties related to interval grey numbers, especially the transitivity of the partial order of interval grey numbers, and give an example to illustrate that the transitivity has a positive effect on the computational time complexity of multiple interval grey number comparisons. Second, the authors redefine the general form of the single machine scheduling problem with uncertain processing time according to the definitions and theorems of interval grey numbers. The authors then reconstruct three single machine scheduling models with uncertain processing time, give the corresponding heuristic algorithms based on the interval grey numbers and prove them. Finally, the authors develop a case study based on the engine test shop of K Company, the results show that the proposed single machine scheduling models and algorithms with uncertain processing time can provide effective guidance for actual production in an uncertain environment.

Findings

The main findings of this paper are as follows: (1) summarize the definitions and theorems related to interval grey numbers and prove the transitivity of the partial order of interval grey numbers; (2) define the general form of the single machine scheduling problem with interval grey processing time; (3) reconstruct three single machine scheduling models with uncertain processing time and give the corresponding heuristic algorithms; (4) develop a case study to illustrate the rationality of the research.

Research limitations/implications

In the further research, the authors will continue to summarize more advanced general forms of grey scheduling, improve the theory of grey scheduling and prove it, and further explore the application of grey scheduling in the real world. In general, grey scheduling needs to be further combined with grey system theory to form a complete theoretical system.

Originality/value

It is a fundamental work to define the general form of single machine scheduling with uncertain processing time used the interval grey number. However, it can be seen as an important theoretical basis for the grey scheduling, and it is also beneficial to expand the application of grey system theory in real world.
Using a virtual learning environment to enhance reflective practice in work-based learning
Authors: Fletcher Tom
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a greater understanding of how a virtual learning environment (VLE) discussion forum can be used as a learning community to enhance reflective practice in work-based learning (WBL).

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a qualitative interpretive approach through the use of VLE [Blackboard (BB)] discussion forums followed by a focus group. Thematic and content analysis was conducted to identify patterns and themes.

Findings

The findings suggest that whilst a VLE can help create a community of practice through discussion forums, individual reflective practice, as opposed to group reflection, was found to be the most common in the communication discourse, with reflection on experience as the main category.

Practical implications

Original views of students have been gathered and can be used to inform future practice.

Originality/value

The findings can be used to better understand and enhance reflective practice of students on WBL placements.
Dark side whitewashes the benefits of FinTech innovations: a bibliometric overview
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Lodhi Rab Nawaz , Sarwar Farhan , Ashfaq Muhammad
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The current study focuses on many risk categories that have emerged in the digital ecosystem of the financial technology industry, which has dramatically changed traditional financial systems as a result of innovations in financial technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The Web of Science Core Collection database was used to find a data set of 719 pertinent papers on the subject encompassing the year 2015–2023. The sample procedure was carried out utilising the PRISMA approach. The keywords were first gathered relating to technological risks in banking sectors and after confirming the keywords, the authors performed the search by the “topic” which covers “title” in the search bar. On February 15, 2023, the Web of Science database was searched using the terms “Cyber security risk OR data theft OR financial crimes OR financial stability risk OR operational risk OR default risk OR money laundering OR financial terrorism AND FinTech AND banking sector”. Two-step approach is applied in this study. First, descriptive analysis is applied using RStudio to highlight prominent authors, countries and affiliations. Furthermore, relationship among authors, countries and keywords is shown by using three fields plot. Second, using VOSviewer, co-occurrence of keyword analysis is used to determine the most influential themes.

Findings

The findings show that 2,611 documents have been published from 2016 to 2023. Year 2021 is the most productive year in terms of number of publications. The results also show that WANG XC is tied for the position of most prolific contributing author. In a similar vein, the United States leads the world in publication output. Furthermore, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in China is leading the list with 15 articles. The results from the co-occurrence of keywords reveal that “default risk”, “operational risk”, “money laundering”, “credit risk”, “corporate governance”, “systematic risk”, “financial stability risk”, “risk management” and “crises” are the frequently keywords.

Originality/value

The results of this study are beneficial to academia and industry in order to advance their current understanding of FinTech and associated concerns. This work expands the understanding of the technology hazards facing the banking industry from a broad perspective.
The institutional impact on the digital platform ecosystem and innovation
Authors: Ochinanwata Chinedu , Igwe Paul Agu , Radicic Dragana
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The digital platform (DP) develops through a network capability that combines technological infrastructure and resources to provide goods or services. This article investigates how institutions influence the development of the DP entrepreneurship ecosystem (EE) in a developing economy context.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory qualitative approach based on interviews with 33 DP business executives in Nigeria was the chosen research method. The interview method took the form of face-to-face, telephone and zoom video meetings, depending on the respective preferences of the participants. The research philosophy is based on interpretivism. Hence, the collected data were analyzed thematically and interpreted to make sense of the business executives' perspectives about the DP landscape as well as its institutional enablers and barriers.

Findings

The findings reveal institutional elements that are either too underdeveloped or weak to nurture an effective DP system resulting in high cost of doing business. A key cultural challenge is obtaining an honest workforce and managers. Also, there is lack of effective policies, weak regulation, multiple taxation and foreign competition, which affects local digital firms. Although cultural diversity has several merits, differences in cultural values and languages create marketing and promotion challenges. Moreover, the low level of digital literacy between Generation Z, Millennials and others, such as Baby Boomers and Generation X, poses a significant challenge concerning customer segmentation.

Research limitations/implications

Research on digital technologies, the complexity of platform architectures and institutional logic has attracted interest in recent years. This article explored the institutional logic influencing the development of DP ecosystem (providing knowledge about EE in a developing world context). Despite the institutional challenges, there are multiple opportunities for Nigerian DP sector to flourish in the fast-growing economy.

Originality/value

The value of this article is related to how micro-, meso- and macro-institutional forces combine to support or become barriers to the development of the DP ecosystem, especially in developing economies where digitalization is creeping into every business sector and society.
University social responsibility: bibliometric analysis and research trends
Authors: Barrera-Rodríguez Ana María , Echeverri-Gutiérrez Paola Andrea , Redondo-Ramírez Isabel , Hernández-Ramírez Leidy
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This article develops a review of the university social responsibility literature to identify the most influential countries, authors, journals, and institutions, their structure, and research lines.

Design/methodology/approach

The review was carried out from a bibliometric and network analysis of documents published in the Web of Science database.

Findings

In total, 192 documents were found that were scientifically mapped in this field. From the network analysis, four research perspectives were identified: strategic impact management policy, user and its stakeholders, service-learning and its contribution to user, and theories, approaches, and strategies of University Social Responsibility (USR). Finally, the agenda for future research are presented.

Originality/value

The present work carries out a bibliometric and network analysis that seeks to contribute to the literature on USR, identifying its current perspectives and future lines of research.
Green HRM impact on environmental performance in higher education with mediating roles of management support and green culture
Authors: Al-Alawneh Raghad , Othman Mohammed , Zaid Ahmed Adnan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the direct relationship between green human resource management (GHRM) practices and environmental performance (EP) in Palestinian universities, as well as the mediating role of management support (MS) and green organisational culture (GOC) in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was used in this study. The data were collected from 351 employees working in Palestinian universities through a questionnaire and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

The study finds that the implementation of GHRM practices positively enhances EP. The results further demonstrate that GHRM practices influence both MS and GOC. Furthermore, this study reveals that both MS and GOC play a significant role in mediating the relationship between GHRM and EP.

Practical implications

This study adds to the existing literature by providing a conceptual framework and empirical evidence of the correlation between GHRM, GOC, MS and EP, specifically in university settings. Educational institutions can use this study’s findings to foster a green culture and gain endorsement from top-level management. This approach promotes the adoption of eco-friendly practices and the development of environmental strategies that can influence EP.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field by enhancing the understanding of the ability–motivation–opportunity theory in the context of Palestinian universities. Specifically, this study investigates how GHRM practices and GOC establish core competence for sustainable EP. Furthermore, the findings reveal a positive influence of GHRM practices on both GOC and MS. Finally, this study’s empirical evidence highlights the significance of GHRM practices in fostering GOC, MS and, ultimately, improving EP within universities.
Fuzzy quantitative risk allocation model (FQRAM) to guide decision-making on risk allocation in Ghanaian public-private partnership (PPP) power projects
Authors: Kukah Augustine Senanu Komla , Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Badu Edward , Edwards David J. , Asamoah Eric
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Public-private partnership (PPP) power projects are associated with varying risk factors. This paper aims to develop a fuzzy quantitative risk allocation model (QRAM) to guide decision-making on risk allocation in PPP power projects in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 67 risk factors and 9 risk allocation criteria were established from literature and ranked in a two-round Delphi survey using questionnaires. The fuzzy synthetic evaluation method was used in developing the risk allocation model.

Findings

The model’s output variable is the risk allocation proportions between the public body and private body based on their capability to manage the risk factors. Out of the 37 critical risk factors, the public sector was allocated 12 risk factors with proportions = 50%, while the private sector was allocated 25 risk factors with proportions = 50%.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research presents the first attempt in Ghana at endeavouring to develop a QRAM for PPP power projects. There is confidence in the model to efficiently allocate risks emanating from PPP power projects.
Analysis of the challenges for blockchain technology adoption in the Indian health-care sector
Authors: Dhingra Sarthak , Raut Rakesh , Gunasekaran Angappa , Rao Naik B. Koteswara , Masuna Venkateshwarlu
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to discover and analyze the challenges hampering blockchain technology’s (BT’s) implementation in the Indian health-care sector. A total of 18 challenges have been prioritized and modeled based on an extensive literature search and professional views.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated multi-criteria decision-making approach has been used in two phases. Best worst method (BWM) is used in the first phase to prioritize the challenges with sensitivity analysis to validate the findings and eliminate a few challenges. In the second phase, interpretive structural modeling is applied to the remaining 15 challenges to obtain relative relationships among them with cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification analysis for their categorization.

Findings

The study’s results reveal that limited knowledge and expertise, cost and risk involved, technical issues, lack of clear regulations, resistance to change and lack of top management support are the top-ranked or high-intensity challenges according to the BWM. Interpretive structural modelling findings suggest that the lack of government initiatives has been driving other challenges with the highest driving power.

Research limitations/implications

This work has been conducted in the Indian context, so careful generalization of the results is needed.

Practical implications

This work will give health-care stakeholders a better perspective regarding blockchain’s adoption. It will help health-care stakeholders, service providers, researchers and policymakers get a glimpse of the strategies for eradicating mentioned challenges. The analysis will help reduce the challenges’ impact on blockchain’s adoption in the Indian health-care sector.

Originality/value

The adoption of BT is a novel concept, especially in developing countries such as India. This is one of the few works addressing the challenges to BT adoption in the Indian health-care sector.
It will take nations of billions to obstruct our dreams: extending BlackCrit through Afrofuturism
Authors: Toliver S.R.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to further theorize BlackCrit to include a deeper focus on the framing idea of Black liberatory fantasy via Afrofuturism.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop the theoretical connections, the author revisits their previous scholarship on Black girls’ Afrofuturist storytelling practices to elucidate how the girls used their speculative narratives to critique the antiblackness present in their schools and the world at large and to create future worlds in which they have the power to create the world anew.

Findings

This paper discusses the relationship between BlackCrit and Afrofuturism by considering three interrelated ideas: how Afrofuturism acknowledges the antiblackness embedded in the USA; how BlackCrit makes space for liberatory Black futures and otherwise worlds; and how each theoretical idea inherently complements the other.

Originality/value

This paper creatively uses a hip hop album as a foundation for the portrayal of the intricate connections between Black pasts, presents and futures. As a conceptual paper, it pushes educators and researchers to consider the call and response between antiblackness and Black futurity.
Assurance of learning in business education – what exactly are we assuring, and whose business should it be?
Authors: Tham Aaron , de Villiers Scheepers Margarietha , Grace Anthony , Ashton Ann Suwaree
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to critically evaluate the evolution of Assurance of Learning (AoL) in business education and identify gaps and responsibilities in higher institution landscapes moving into the future. This comes amidst increasing structural reforms, an increasingly digitalised world, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and wider scrutiny of graduate competencies for job readiness.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review comprising 27 journal articles published between 2018 and 2022 is the methodology used in this research. This approach is justified as it provides a recent synopsis of current trends on AoL and encompasses the changes over the course of the COVID-19-induced higher education landscapes.

Findings

The systematic literature review revealed a strong flavour for AoL measurement through the students' perspectives, with little emerging from faculty insights. Only six out of the 27 articles were framed in a non-English speaking background, revealing that most studies were still concentrated in a US or English environment. Also, while papers on AoL have increased in numbers from 2018 to 2022, there remains scant literature on AoL measurements related to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent digital technologies, and how these would have changed given the rapid shift to online or hybrid environments.

Originality/value

A comprehensive review of AoL literature from 2018 to 2022 is undertaken through Leximancer, which reveals conceptual and relational ties between core themes and concepts of interest. The findings inform business school leaders of the current state of AoL processes, by combining the views of students, faculty and managers.
Accountants’ institutional work: a global study of the role of accountants in integrated reporting
Authors: Arora Mitali Panchal , Lodhia Sumit , Stone Gerard William
Published: July 2023

Purpose

With the accelerated global adoption of integrated reporting, this paper aims to understand the role of practicing accountants in integrated reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the case study approach, data was collected from semi-structured interviews in six international organisations that have adopted integrated reporting. Institutional work provided the theoretical insights for this study.

Findings

The study found that accountants were an indispensable part of the integrated reporting process because of their strength and knowledge in corporate reporting. However, despite having the potential to engage, it was noted that accountants currently do not apply their key reporting skills in the integrated reporting context. It was observed that accountants’ roles were limited to carrying out their traditional routine financial reporting activities including reporting on the financial aspects of the report, developing key performance indicators and assisting with assurance related tasks.

Research limitations/implications

This study adds to the limited literature by providing a comprehensive understanding of how accountants are currently involved in integrated reporting. This study suggests that accountants are seeking to maintain their existing institutional practices.

Practical implications

A need for accountants to move beyond maintaining their institutional roles and engage more extensively in integrated reporting is emphasised.

Originality/value

Through its focus on human agency, this study applied institutional work to integrated reporting, thereby expanding literature on integrated reporting and the roles performed by accountants in this process. This study also contributes to the conceptualisation of maintaining institutions strategies through the development of the cooperative strategy.
Critical success factors for a combined lean and ISO 14001 implementation in the manufacturing industry: a systematic literature review
Authors: Ahmed Aqeel , Mathrani Sanjay
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The concept of lean and ISO 14001 as a combined approach is an evolving strategy for streamlining operational processes and attaining environmental sustainability in the manufacturing context. This paper explores the critical success factors (CSFs) for a combined lean and ISO 14001 implementation in the manufacturing industry for achieving the operational and environmental benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) based on Scopus and Web of Science databases is conducted to present peer-reviewed articles on the CSFs for lean and ISO 14001 implementation in manufacturing operations. This article applies the CSF theory to classify the CSFs for a joint lean and ISO 14001 adoption.

Findings

Numerous CSFs are synthesised from the SLR across seven theoretical contexts of industry, competitive strategy, managerial position, environmental, temporal, internal/external, monitoring and building/adapting factors for a combined lean and ISO14001 implementation.

Research limitations/implications

Numerous CSFs are synthesised from the SLR across seven theoretical contexts of strategic direction, competitive strategy, leadership and management, environmental, temporal, internal/external, monitoring and continuous process improvement factors for a combined lean and ISO 14001 implementation.

Practical implications

This paper contributes to academic scholarship by providing a theoretical perspective through classification of CSFs for a combined lean and ISO 14001 implementation to achieve operational and environmental performance. This paper also contributes to practitioners and policymakers who can use the emergent theoretical framework for application in practice for a more efficient and effective deployment of both strategies in the manufacturing industry.

Originality/value

To the best of author's knowledge, this study is the first to propose a theoretical framework of CSFs for a combined lean and ISO 14001 implementation based on the CSF theory and SLR findings in the manufacturing industry.
Tourism forecasting research: a bibliometric visualization review (1999–2022)
Authors: Wu XiaoXi , Shi Jinlian , Xiong Haitao
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the research highlights, evolutionary process and future research directions in the field of tourism forecasting.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used CiteSpace to conduct a bibliometric analysis of 1,213 tourism forecasting articles.

Findings

The results show that tourism forecasting research has experienced three stages. The institutional collaboration includes transnational collaboration and domestic institutional collaboration. Collaboration between countries still needs to be strengthened. The authors’ collaboration is mainly based on on-campus collaboration. Articles with high co-citation are primarily published in core tourism journals and other relevant publications. The research content mainly pertains to tourism demand, revenue management, hotel demand and tourist volumes. Ex ante forecasting during the COVID-19 pandemic has broadened existing tourism forecasting research. The future forecasting research focuses on the rational use of big data, improving the accuracy of models and enhancing the credibility of forecasting results.

Originality/value

This paper uses CiteSpace to analyze tourism forecasting articles to obtain future research trends, which supplements existing research and provides directions for future research.
First trimester screening for pre‐eclampsia and targeted aspirin prophylaxis: a cost‐effectiveness cohort study
Authors: Nzelu Diane , Palmer Tom , Stott Daniel , Pandya Pranav , Napolitano Raffaele , Casagrandi Davide , Ammari Christina , Hillman Sara
Published: July 2023

Objective

Investigate cost‐effectiveness of first trimester pre‐eclampsia screening using the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) algorithm and targeted aspirin prophylaxis in comparison with standard care.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

London tertiary hospital.

Population

5957 pregnancies screened for pre‐eclampsia using the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) method.

Methods

Differences in pregnancy outcomes between those who developed pre‐eclampsia, term pre‐eclampsia and preterm pre‐eclampsia were compared by the Kruskal–Wallis and Chi‐square tests. The FMF algorithm was applied retrospectively to the cohort. A decision analytic model was used to estimate costs and outcomes for pregnancies screened using NICE and those screened using the FMF algorithm. The decision point probabilities were calculated using the included cohort.

Main outcome measures

Incremental healthcare costs and QALY gained per pregnancy screened.

Results

Of 5957 pregnancies, 12.8% and 15.9% were screen‐positive for development of pre‐eclampsia using the NICE and FMF methods, respectively. Of those who were screen‐positive by NICE recommendations, aspirin was not prescribed in 25%. Across the three groups, namely, pregnancies without pre‐eclampsia, term pre‐eclampsia and preterm pre‐eclampsia there was a statistically significant trend in rates of emergency caesarean (respectively 21%, 43% and 71.4%; P < 0.001), admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (5.9%, 9.4%, 41%; P < 0.001) and length of stay in NICU. The FMF algorithm was associated with seven fewer cases of preterm pre‐eclampsia, cost saving of £9.06 and QALY gain of 0.00006/pregnancy screened.

Conclusions

Using a conservative approach, application of the FMF algorithm achieved clinical benefit and an economic cost saving.
Lipophilicity of fentalogs: Comparison of experimental and computationally derived data
Authors: Schackmuth Madison , Kerrigan Sarah
Published: July 2023

Although fentanyl and a small number of derivatives used for medical or veterinary procedures are well characterized, physiochemical properties have not been determined for many of the newer fentanyl analogs. Partition coefficients (Log P) were determined for 19 fentalogs using the shake‐flask method and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Experimentally determined partition coefficients were compared with computationally derived data using six independent software sources (ACD/LogP, LogKOWWIN v 1.69, miLogP 2.2, OsirisP, XLOGP 3.0, ALogPS 2.1). Fentalogs with a wide variety of structural modifications were intentionally selected, yielding Log P values ranging from 1.21 to 4.90. Comparison of experimental and computationally derived Log P values were highly correlated (R2 0.854–0.967). Overall, substructure‐based modeling using fragmental methods or property‐based topological approaches aligned more closely with experimentally determined Log P values. LC–MS/MS was also used to estimate pKa values for fentalogs with no previously reported data. Lipophilicity and pKa are important considerations for analytical detection and toxicological interpretation. In silico methods allow the determination of physicochemical information prior to certified reference materials being readily available for in vitro or in vivo studies. Computationally derived data can provide insight regarding physiochemical characteristics of future fentalogs and other classes of synthetic analogs that have yet to emerge.
Bed tilt and ramp positions are associated with increased first‐pass success of adult endotracheal intubation in the emergency department: A registry study
Authors: Bennett Samantha , Alkhouri Hatem , Badge Helen , Long Elliot , Chan Trevor , Vassiliadis John , Fogg Toby
Published: July 2023

Objective

Successful endotracheal intubation in the ED requires optimum body positioning. In patients with obesity, the ramp position was suggested to achieve better intubating conditions. However, limited data are available on the airway management practices for patients with obesity in Australasian EDs. The aim of this study was to identify current patient positioning practices during endotracheal intubation and its association with first‐pass success (FPS) at intubation and adverse event (AE) rates in obese and non‐obese populations.

Methods

Prospectively collected data from the Australia and New Zealand ED Airway Registry (ANZEDAR) between 2012 and 2019 were analysed. Patients were categorised into two groups according to their weight: <100 kg (non‐obese) or ≥100 kg (obese). Four position categories were investigated; supine, pillow or occipital pad, bed tilt and ramp or head‐up with relation to FPS and complication rate using logistic regression modelling.

Results

A total of 3708 intubations from 43 EDs were included. Overall, the non‐obese cohort had a greater FPS rate (85.9%) compared to the obese group (77.0%). The bed tilt position had the highest FPS rate (87.2%), whereas the supine position had the lowest (83.0%). AE rates were highest in the ramp position (31.2%) compared to all other positions (23.8%). Regression analysis showed ramp, or bed tilt positions and a consultant‐level intubator were associated with higher FPS. Obesity, in addition to other factors, was independently associated with lower FPS.

Conclusion

Obesity was associated with lower FPS, which could be improved through performing a bed tilt or ramp positioning.
Evaluation of the changes in electrocardiographic ventricular repolarization parameters after COVID‐19 recovery in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Yazıcı Raziye , Güney İbrahim
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) has cardiac manifestations. Data about electrocardiogram (ECG) changes after COVID‐19 recovery is limited in hemodialysis patients. We aimed to investigate the changes in ventricular repolarization parameters after COVID‐19 recovery in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

Fifty‐five hemodialysis patients who recovered from COVID‐19 infection were included. QT interval, Tp‐e interval, corrected QT (QTc), QTc dispersion, and Tp‐e dispersion values were determined on the patients' ECGs, taken before COVID‐19 and at least 1 month after recovery. The patients' data before COVID‐19 infection and after recovery were compared.

Results

It was found that longest QTc (QTcmax) and QTc dispersion values after recovery were prolonged compared with pre‐infection period (427 ± 28 ms vs. 455 ± 26 ms, p = 0.000 and 39 ± 16 ms vs. 65 ± 20 ms, p = 0.000).

Conclusion

In our hemodialysis patients, ventricular repolarization parameters increased after COVİD‐19 recovery. In hemodialysis patients, already predisposed to arrhythmic deaths, arrhythmia risk after COVİD‐19 recovery may become more pronounced.
IgM nephropathy in a patient with dermatomyositis following COVID‐19 vaccination: A case report
Authors: Zarafshani Mohammadkian , Loghman Maryam , Hakemi Monir Sadat , Nili Fatemeh , Hezaveh Sara Beikmohamadi , Nejad Marzie Tabatabaie , Faezi Seyedeh Tahereh
Published: July 2023

Background

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by distinct skin lesions and a clinically heterogeneous constellation of systemic manifestations. This disease poses a challenge to clinicians because of its rarity, diverse clinical presentations, and variable organ involvement, resulting from an autoimmune attack on affected organs, which could be triggered by environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals. Renal involvement is rare, with immunoglobulin M (IgM) nephropathy yet to be reported in patients with DM.

Case presentation

A 38‐year‐old man was admitted to Shariati Hospital, affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, with proximal weakness of the upper and lower extremities that had developed in the preceding month after receiving the Sinopharm COVID‐19 vaccine. The patient was diagnosed with DM based on the heliotrope rash, Gottron's papules, progressive proximal muscle weakness, and paraclinical findings. IgM nephropathy developed subsequently, diagnosed by light and immunofluorescence microscopy.

Conclusion

We describe the first case of IgM nephropathy in a DM patient following COVID‐19 vaccination. This phenomenon requires further investigation into the possible crosslinks between the pathogenesis of IgM nephropathy with DM and the COVID‐19 vaccine. Diagnosing renal complications in DM patients promptly and accurately can help to achieve the best outcomes.
RUSC1‐AS1 promotes the malignant progression of breast cancer depending on the regulation of the miR‐326/XRCC5 pathway
Authors: Ayoufu Aisikeer , Paierhati Puerkaiti , Qiao Lei , Zhang Nan , Abudukeremu Muzhapaer
Published: July 2023

Background

Many long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are the key regulators for cancer progression, including breast cancer (BC). RUSC1 antisense 1 (RUSC1‐AS1) has been found to be highly expressed in BC, but its role and potential molecular mechanism in BC remain to be further elucidated.

Methods

Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was utilized to measure RUSC1‐AS1, microRNA (miR)‐326 and X‐ray repair cross‐complementing group 5 (XRCC5) expression. Cell proliferation, metastasis, cell cycle, apoptosis and angiogenesis were determined by cell counting kit‐8, colony formation, transwell, flow cytometry and tube formation assays. Protein expression was detected by western blot analysis. The targeted relationship between miR‐326 and RUSC1‐AS1 or XRCC5 was validated using dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay. Xenograft models were constructed to uncover the effect of RUSC1‐AS1 on BC tumorigenesis.

Results

RUSC1‐AS1 was upregulated in BC, and its downregulation suppressed BC proliferation, metastasis, cell cycle, angiogenesis, and tumor growth. MiR‐326 was confirmed to be sponged by RUSC1‐AS1, and its inhibitor reversed the regulation of RUSC1‐AS1 silencing on BC progression. XRCC5 could be targeted by miR‐326. Overexpression of XRCC5 reversed the inhibitory impacts of miR‐326 on BC progression.

Conclusion

RUSC1‐AS1 could serve as a sponge of miR‐326 to promote BC progression by targeting XRCC5, suggesting that RUSC1‐AS1 might be a target for BC treatment.
Altered urinary tryptophan metabolites in alcohol‐associated liver disease
Authors: Xu Raobo , Vatsalya Vatsalya , He Liqing , Ma Xipeng , Feng Wenke , McClain Craig J. , Zhang Xiang
Published: July 2023

Background

Alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) leads to millions of deaths worldwide annually. A few potential biomarkers of ALD have been discovered through metabolomic or proteomic analysis. Tryptophan (Trp), one of nine essential amino acids, has been extensively studied and shown to play significant roles in many mammalian physiological processes. However, Trp metabolism changes in ALD are not yet fully understood. Whereas urine is an abundant and non‐invasive source for disease biomarker discovery the current study investigated whether the abundance of Trp metabolites in the urine of ALD patients differs from that of healthy subjects. We also examined whether, if present in ALD, changes in urinary Trp metabolites can serve as markers for differentiating between mild/moderate and severe ALD.

Methods

We quantified the concentration of Trp and its metabolites in urine samples of healthy controls (n = 18), patients with mild or moderate alcohol‐related liver injury (non‐severe ALD; n = 21), and patients with severe alcohol‐associated hepatitis (severe AH; n = 25) using both untargeted and targeted metabolomics.

Results

Eighteen Trp metabolites were identified and quantified from the untargeted metabolomics data. We developed a targeted metabolomics method to quantify the Trp and its metabolites and quantified 17 metabolites from the human urine samples. The data acquired in the untargeted and targeted platforms agreed and showed that the Trp concentration is not affected by the severity of ALD. However, the abundance of 10 Trp metabolites was correlated with the model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score, with the abundance of nine metabolites significantly different between the healthy control and ALD patient groups.

Conclusion

We found that Trp metabolism differs between ALD patients and healthy controls even though the concentration of Trp was not affected. Two Trp metabolites, quinolinic acid and indoxyl sulfate, correlate highly with the severity of ALD.