bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green human capital readiness and business performance: do green market orientation and green supply chain management matter?
Authors: Tjahjadi Bambang , Agastya Ida Bagus Gde Adhista , Soewarno Noorlailie , Adyantari Api
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of green human capital readiness on business performance in the green economy era. This study also focuses on investigating whether the relationship is mediated by green market orientation and green supply chain management.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a quantitative study using the data of 182 manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises in East Java, Indonesia. Data are collected using an online survey. A multiple mediation research framework is employed, and partial least squares structural equation modeling is used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings demonstrate the following important results. First, green human capital readiness affects business performance. Second, green market orientation partially mediates the effect of green human capital readiness on business performance. Third, green supply chain management partially mediates the effect of green human capital readiness on business performance. Fourth, green market orientation and green supply chain management sequentially mediate the green human capital readiness-business performance relationship.

Research limitations/implications

This study limits its sample to the small and medium-sized enterprises in East Java, Indonesia. Thus, caution must be applied when generalizing to other types of organizations and different regions. The results confirm the resource-based view and sustainability theory in explaining the antecedents of business performance in the era of the green economy which are useful for future researchers and students who are interested in studying human capital, market orientation, supply chain management and business performance.

Practical implications

This study has the following practical implications. First, it implies that the owners/managers of small and medium-sized enterprises need to properly develop their green human capital readiness because they play a strategic role in driving green market orientation, improving green supply chain management and enhancing business performance. Second, it provides useful information to policymakers to make better decision-making in developing environmentally friendly companies.

Originality/value

This study is a response to calls for studies on the antecedents of business performance in the green economy era. It provides empirical evidence for the development of resource-based view and sustainability theory by employing the new construct of green human capital readiness, which has been rarely investigated in previous studies. It also employs a multiple mediation research framework that provides a more comprehensive understanding by including green market orientation and green supply chain management. It also provides empirical evidence in the research setting of small and medium-sized enterprises in Indonesia as an emerging market.
Bridging the relationship gap between the training function and chief financial officers: practices, challenges, and solutions
Authors: Keating Keith F.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper provides a review of literature on associated practices, challenges, and proposed solutions to bridging the relationship gap between training practitioners and chief financial officers (CFOs).

Design/methodology/approach

This is a descriptive research paper based on a multidisciplinary and critical review of existing literature discussing the relationship gaps between the training function and chief financial officers.

Findings

Available literature suggests a relationship gap exists between the training function and chief financial officers. As a result, both functions interpret the value of workplace training differently, leading to misalignment in their respective operations. The lack of relationship between the functions may result in defunding of the training function, which can adversely affect an organization’s financial performance. Although CFOs and training functions have the same goal of creating organizational value, an opportunity exists to create a stronger partnership between finance practitioners and training practitioners, leading to increased investment in training and ultimately improved organizational value.

Research limitations/implications

This article presents contextual research findings and may not fit all settings, but offers a comparative account of challenges associated with relationship challenges between the training function and CFOs. A paucity of research exists on the relationships between training and CFOs.

Practical implications

This paper has real and practical implications for learning and development, finance, and human resources practitioners. The findings seek to encourage training practitioners and CFOs to build stronger relationships and jointly define measurement and reporting practices. This research aims to provide an informed perspective on practices to help executives better understand the value of workplace training, leading to an increase of the investment in training, and ultimately changing the categorization of training spend from a cost to an investment.

Originality/value

This paper provides original insights and reviews newly published studies regarding relationships between the training function and chief financial officers, the development of workplace training valuation approaches, the associated challenges faced, and proposed solutions. This paper will be of value to human resources, learning and development, and finance, assisting practitioners in thinking differently about approaches to quantifying the value of workplace training.
A social network analysis of interlocking directorates in the accommodation sector
Authors: Baggio Rodolfo , Guizzardi Andrea , Mariani Marcello
Published: November 2022

Purpose

By adopting network analytic techniques, this paper aims to examine interlocking directorates among firms operating in the hospitality services sector in seven major Italian tourism destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected information for all the hotel corporations whose headquarters are located in the seven top Italian destinations: Florence, Milan, Naples, Rimini, Rome, Turin and Venice. Data come from the Analisi Informatizzata delle Aziende Italiane database by Bureau Van Dijk and were used to build a network where the nodes are board members (people) and corporations (hotels) and the links represent the membership of individuals in the boards. From this, with a one-mode projection, the authors obtain two networks: people and corporations. The overall networks’ structures are analysed by assessing their connectivity characteristics.

Findings

The findings indicate a relatively low number of interlocks that signals a high degree of fragmentation, showing that the interconnections (both within and between destinations) are scarce. This suggests that in absence of formalized cooperation arrangements, corporations might collaborate informally.

Research limitations/implications

This work extends previous research on complexity in business settings, focusing specifically on service companies whose output depends on multiple interactions and helps clarifying coopetition practices of hospitality service firms. Policymaking perspectives are discussed as well as managerial viewpoints.

Originality/value

Not many studies of the interlocking directorates in the hospitality domain exist. This paper uses network analysis for a better understanding of the cooperative practices and the formal social structures of the Italian hospitality industry and derives a series of implications important for both researchers and practitioners while also looking at potential future studies.
Data mining to reposition a religious tourist destination in COVID-19
Authors: Vila-Lopez Natalia , Kuster-Boluda Ines
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The positioning of a tourism destination can easily change due to external uncontrolled factors, such as a pandemic. In this scene, the purpose of this study can be summerized in two main points: to investigate the main topics associated with a religious tourism destination (Vatican City) before and from the pandemic crisis, and to identify potential topics that could be highlighted to reposition this tourism destination more favorably.

Design/methodology/approach

The information was extracted from Trip Advisor, specifically from the web Vatican City (7,152 reviews). This information was analyzed using text mining software applied to English text data.

Findings

The results show that the image of Vatican City has evolved, from a larger cultural, artistic and historical destination to a destination with a strong religious orientation, probably due to the growing influence of tourists and pilgrims in search of spiritual consolation in a global health crisis. New comments have emerged in the pandemic on topics such as Pope, Catholicism and love.

Practical implications

The authors recommend repositioning this tourism destination under what they have dubbed the umbrella of the three “Rs”: religion, renaissance and relaxation. Also, two outstanding attractions are frequently mentioned by tourists in this more spiritual scenario: Saint Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel.

Originality/value

Studies about religious tourism are scarce, and those considering an urban city as a key religious tourism destination even more.
Comparing media coverage of the pharmaceutical industry: pre- and post-pandemic lockdown
Authors: Porth Stephen J. , Sillup George P.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze media coverage of the pharmaceutical industry before and after the COVID-19 lockdown to determine whether the coverage changed in light of a global health-care crisis and the fast-track development of vaccines and antiviral treatments.

Design/methodology/approach

The top five US newspapers were audited, comparing the 12-month periods before and after March 2020 coinciding with the pandemic lockdown, yielding 493 front-page articles and editorials. Each headline and full-text article was separately analyzed and categorized as either positive, negative or neutral toward the pharmaceutical industry. A frequency analysis of the hot button issues covered in each article was conducted.

Findings

Year 1 and Year 2 audit results were compared to identify changes in media coverage pre- and post-lockdown. The amount of coverage of the industry increased 145% and the tone of both headlines and articles shifted dramatically. Only one of the five newspapers had a net positive article rating of the industry pre-lockdown, four of five were net positive post-lockdown. The proportion of positive headlines increased 165%. The top issues discussed in the coverage shifted from persistent challenges for the industry (e.g. opioid crisis, high cost of drugs) to the emergence of the virus and status of vaccine development.

Originality/value

This research establishes how media coverage of the pharmaceutical industry changed as the industry responded to a global health-care crisis and identifies implications for industry stakeholders.
Lean manufacturing in fabrication industry: literature review and framework proposal
Authors: Aadithya B.G. , Asokan P. , Vinodh S.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report a review of various perspectives of lean in heavy engineering and fabrication industries and to propose a framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Lean manufacturing (LM) earlier known as Toyota Production System (TPS) was mainly used by automobile industries where the operations occur in sequence and the adoption of LM was easier. When it comes to heavy engineering industries, the concept of lean can be adopted in a versatile operating environment to have more advantages by waste elimination thereby having higher profit. Thus, an effort is made to consolidate various lean perspectives, namely, barriers, principles, tools and performance measures and a framework was proposed on how various lean perspectives can be adopted in a systematic way.

Findings

A comprehensive analysis of lean from various perspectives from viewpoint of the fabrication industry are done and the review is presented. Also, the framework linking barriers, principles, tools and performance measures is being contributed as an outcome of the review.

Originality/value

The review of lean from various perspectives for the fabrication industry and the development of a framework is the original contribution of the authors.
Proposal for a model integrating sustainability and social innovation in higher education institutions
Authors: Alvarenga Mariana , Aguiar Dutra Ana Regina , Fernandez Felipe , Thomé Ricardo Lemos , Junges Ivone , Nunes Nei , Guerra José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to propose an integrated model involving concepts of sustainability and social innovation (SI) in higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review, the authors were able to systematize sustainability and SI knowledge, in an integrated manner. Hence, the authors sought to develop a theoretical model that would integrate categories, indicators and sub-indicators, to review initiatives in HEIs in the sustainability and SI domains. The results indicated four major categories: mission, vision and values; curriculum; campus; and healthy environment. The integrated model was applied and validated in a Brazilian educational group, using the main corporate reports as data sources.

Findings

For the educational group analyzed in this study, the themes of sustainability and SI are explicitly and implicitly expressed in the mission, vision and values category. In the curriculum category, these themes are presented through the contents of cross-disciplines in all undergraduate courses, and also through outreach activities, integrating sustainability and SI in a theoretical and/or practical way. Regarding the campus category, the mention is explicit and the HEI works with initiatives aimed at achieving a “green” campus. In the healthy environment category, the educational group studied gives priority to the establishment of a safe and healthy work environment, focusing on labor rights and relations with society.

Originality/value

This work contributes to the advancement of research on the promotion of sustainability and SI in HEIs, proposing an innovative integrated model of analysis for the topics covered.
Human-robot force cooperation analysis by deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Li Shaodong , Yuan Xiaogang , Yu Hongjian
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to realize natural and effort-saving motion behavior and improve effectiveness for different operators in human–robot force cooperation.

Design/methodology/approach

The parameter of admittance model is identified by deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) to realize human–robot force cooperation for different operators in this paper. The movement coupling problem of hybrid robot is solved by realizing position and pose drags. In DDPG, minimum jerk trajectory is selected as the reward objective function, and the variable prioritized experience replay is applied to balance the exploration and exploitation.

Findings

A series of simulations are implemented to validate the superiority and stability of DDPG. Furthermore, three sets of experiments involving mass parameter, damping parameter and DDPG are implemented, the effect of DDPG in real environment is validated and could meet the cooperation demand for different operators.

Originality/value

DDPG is applied in admittance model identification to realize human–robot force cooperation for different operators. And minimum jerk trajectory is introduced into reward objective to meet requirement of human arm free movements. The algorithm proposed in this paper could be further extended in the other operation task.
Chief sustainability officer expertise, sustainability-related executive compensation and corporate biodiversity disclosure: empirical evidence for the European capital market
Authors: Velte Patrick
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship among chief sustainability officer (CSO) expertise, sustainability-related executive compensation (SEC) and biodiversity disclosure (BD).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on legitimacy and upper echelons theory, this study uses both random-effects and logit regressions and looks at the 2014–2019 financial years of companies listed on the STOXX Europe 600 (1,992 firm-year observations).

Findings

The findings of this study are in line with prior research on sustainable corporate governance and indicate that CSO sustainability expertise significantly increases BD and that SEC strengthens this relationship as a moderating variable. The results of this study are robust to a battery of sensitivity analyses.

Originality/value

This study makes a major contribution to prior analyses, as this appears to be the first on the link among CSO expertise, SEC and BD, as per the author’s knowledge. This study has major implications for business practice, regulators and research.
Does trade credit spur performance of the firm: a case study of non-financial firms in Pakistan
Authors: Asif Rabia , Nisar Sabahat
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate empirically the trade credit financing as antecedents to firm performance in Pakistan, a transition economy having high level of openness in environment using sample data from firms following Sharia principles using Sharia compliance principles.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigated the significance of the trade credit behavior in influencing financial performance of nonfinancial firms which have adopted Sharia principles in their business activities by incorporating feasible generalized least square estimator technique on panel data model from 2010 to 2020. The variables data was extracted from the Pakistan Securities Exchange website for the period 2010–2020. Meanwhile, this study has also taken into consideration the role of bank size in shaping the relation under consideration.

Findings

The statistical outcomes from the used model support the strong impact of the existence of trade credit in determining a firm’s financial performance. Results also highlight that profitable firms with high involvement in trade credit can boost their performance by optimal utilization of trade credit sources. However, the acquisition of bank loans for firms having no operational needs can disturb their financial health and ultimately threaten performance. This relationship is more evident for large-size firms.

Practical implications

The given analysis suggests the managers from the corporate sector that before making any arrangements for trade credit, they must have to compare the availability of the financing structure from bank as it offers a strong monetary back for any financial imbalance.

Originality/value

Briefly, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study would be the first to address the trade credit behavior keeping in view the sample data from firms following Islamic Shariah principles using SAC quantitative approach. Further, the proven analysis demonstrates novel contribution that efficient use of trade credit (based on Islamic Shariah principles) into business activities might strengthen corporate firms’ financial efficiency.
An evaluation of speech and language therapy services for people with long COVID in the UK: a call for integrated care
Authors: Chadd Katie , Chalmers Sophie , Harrall Kate , Moyse Kathryn , Clunie Gemma
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Long COVID is a complex and highly heterogeneous condition with a variable symptom profile, and calls have been made for an integrated care approach to be taken for its management. To date, no studies have explored speech and language therapy services or needs associated with long COVID. This service evaluation aimed to gauge the level of demand on speech and language therapy services for individuals with long COVID in the UK; their clinical needs, the organisational arrangements of services and the barriers and facilitators of delivering quality care.

Design/methodology/approach

A service evaluation was undertaken via distribution of an online survey to speech and language therapists (SLTs) receiving referrals for individuals with long COVID. Analysis was completed using descriptive statistics, with thematic analysis to evaluate qualitative data.

Findings

One hundred and eleven SLTs responded. Eighty-six percent were seeing individuals with long COVID in their “everyday” service, in uni- or multi-disciplinary teams, without any “dedicated” resource. Dysphagia and dysphonia were the most reported symptoms. Most respondents (66.7%) indicated the individuals they were seeing were of working age, and that an individuals' speech and language therapy needs were impacting their wellbeing. Perceived barriers to quality care included fragmented and non-integrated care pathways. Multi-disciplinary and integrated working was a key enabler.

Originality/value

This study provides novel insights into the current speech and language therapy needs of and care pathways for individuals with long COVID in the UK SLTs have unique expertise and are integral to supporting individuals with long COVID and should be a part of integrated care teams.
Customer acceptance of service robots under different service settings
Authors: Li Yi , Wang Chongli , Song Bo
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper investigates the reasons for the differences in customers' acceptance of service robots (CASR) in actual experience and credence service settings for the following two aspects: (1) different antecedents affecting CASR and (2) different customer perceptions of their own characteristics (role clarity and ability) and service robot characteristics (anthropomorphism and ability).

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected using online surveys in an experience service setting (Hotel, N = 426) and a credence service setting (Hospital, N = 406). Differences in experience and credence service settings were examined using two statistical methods, namely, PLS-SEM to test the differences in antecedents affecting CASR and independent-samples t-tests to test the differences in customer perceptions of their own characteristics and service robot characteristics.

Findings

The results indicate that customers in an experience (vs credence) service setting have stronger positive attitudes toward and a greater intention to use service robots. Further, this paper finds there are two key reasons for the differences in CASR. The first is different antecedents. Perceived usefulness is positively influenced by the anthropomorphism of a service robot and customer ability in the experience service setting, but is influenced not in the credence service setting. Conversely, service robot autonomy positively relates to perceived ease of use in the credence service setting, but does not in the experience service setting. The second reason for CASR differences is different customer perceptions. Customers' ability and perceived ease of use are higher, while their perception of anthropomorphism of the service robot is lower in the experience (vs credence) service setting.

Originality/value

This study helps explain why there are differences in the CASR in different settings and presents two perspectives: (1) antecedents' affecting CASR and (2) customer perceptions of their own as well as service robot characteristics.
The structure and the properties of WC-Co samples produced by SLM technology and carbon-doped prior to HIP processing
Authors: Bricín David , Véle Filip , Jansa Zdeněk , Špirit Zbyněk , Kotous Jakub , Kubátová Dana
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to verify how the carbon doping of the WC-Co cemented carbide (CC) affected their structure before their processing by hot isostatic pressing (HIP) technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The samples for this experiment were fabricated by selective laser melting technology (SLM) using a YAG fiber laser with a power of P = 40 W and a scanning speed of 83 mm/s. The subsequent carbon doping process was performed in a chamber furnace at 900 0 C for 1, 4 and 12 h. The HIP was performed at 1,390°C and pressures of 40 MPa, 80 MPa and 120 MPa. The changes induced in the structures were evaluated using X-ray diffraction and various microscopic methods.

Findings

X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the structure of the samples after SLM consisted of WC, W2C, Co4W2C and Co phases. As a result of the increase in the carbon content in the structure of the samples, the transition carbide W2C and structural phase Co4W2C decayed. Their decay was manifested by the coarsening of the minor alpha phase (WC), which occurred both during the carburizing process and during the subsequent processing using HIP. In the samples in which the structure was carburized prior to HIP, only the structural phases WC and Co were observed in most cases.

Originality/value

The results confirm that it is possible to increase the homogeneity of the CC structure and thus its applicability in practice by additional carburization of the sample structure with subsequent processing by HIP technology.
Sharing economy research: a research agenda for knowledge management scholars
Authors: Chua Alton Y.K. , Liew Hattie
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a research agenda for knowledge management (KM) scholars interested in the sharing economy.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 342 articles published between 2012 and 2021 are analysed to identify the topics examined, how the sharing economy was conceptualized, the academic disciplines of authors and the methods used.

Findings

Based on the findings, research gaps and conceptualization issues relevant to KM scholars are discussed. Collaboration opportunities and methodological challenges are also identified.

Originality/value

By facilitating KM scholars’ engagement with the sharing economy, this paper contributes to a better understanding of this emerging phenomenon and helps uncover potential KM trends.
Influence of basin water depth in the distillate yield of traditional and developed passive single basin double slope solar still
Authors: R. Naveenkumar , S. Shanmugam , AR Veerappan
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the effect of basin water depth towards the cumulative distillate yield of the traditional and developed single basin double slope solar still (DSSS).

Design/methodology/approach

Modified single basin DSSS integrated with solar operated vacuum fan and external water cooled condenser was fabricated using aluminium material. During sunny season, experimental investigations have been performed in both conventional and modified DSSS at a basin water depth of 3, 6, 9 and 12 cm. Production rate and cumulative distillate yield obtained in traditional and developed DSSS at different water depths were compared and best water depth to attain the maximum productivity and cumulative distillate yield was found out.

Findings

Results indicated that both traditional and modified double SS produced maximum yield at the minimum water depth of 3 cm. Cumulative distillate yield of the developed SS was 16.39%, 18.86%, 15.22% and 17.07% higher than traditional at water depths of 3, 6, 9 and 12 cm, respectively. Cumulative distillate yield of the developed SS at 3 cm water depth was 73.17% higher than that of the traditional SS at 12 cm depth.

Originality/value

Performance evaluation of DSSS at various water depths by integrating the combined solar operated Vacuum fan and external Condenser.
Magnetic modelling and physical properties of magnesite deposits and regional sequences of Serra das Éguas, Brumado, Brazil
Authors: Sena Florivaldo Oliveira , Vasconcelos Marcos Alberto Rodrigues , Pereira Cruz Simone Cerqueira , de Mendonça Freire Magno , Rangel Eider Gargano , Miranda Mariana Rosa
Published: November 2022

The Serra das Éguas Complex, in Brumado, state of Bahia, located in the northeastern region of Brazil, is a geological structure comprising volcanochemical, siliciclastic and carbonate units that contain layers and lenses of magnesite, important as a refractory in steel, cement, glass and copper and other applications. Considering the importance of such sort of deposit, this work aims to (i) study the physical properties of magnesite deposits via direct measurements of radiometric spectrometry and magnetic susceptibility associated with chemical analysis of the available borehole core samples; (ii) analyse the magnetic and radiometric data acquired by the combined airborne survey over the area with known magnesite deposits; (iii) estimate the magnetic response of the magnesite deposits and surrounding rock formations via 2D forward and 3D inverse magnetic modelling; (iv) evaluate and, if necessary, reconsider the stratigraphic sequences of the identified geological units of the Complex using the results of the 2D and 3D magnetic modelling. Through forward/inverse models, we noted an expressive magnetic signature likely related to the iron formations and metamafic and meta‐ultramafic rocks. The radiometric data analysis on the drill cores showed that the reddish magnesite has a well‐defined U/Th signature. Furthermore, the results show that the carbonate unit, which contains the magnesite deposits, has the lowest amplitude of magnetization values, and both signatures might be helpful for their identification. Additionally, the magnetic models show that the carbonate unit lies in the upper part of the stratigraphic sequence of the Serra das Éguas Complex. This conclusion drives us to propose a new stratigraphy sequence, where the volcanochemical unit that includes the iron formations lies at the bottom of this stratigraphic sequence.
A trait‐based framework for dung beetle functional ecology
Authors: deCastro‐Arrazola Indradatta , Andrew Nigel R. , Berg Matty P. , Curtsdotter Alva , Lumaret Jean‐Pierre , Menéndez Rosa , Moretti Marco , Nervo Beatrice , Nichols Elizabeth S. , Sánchez‐Piñero Francisco , Santos Ana M. C. , Sheldon Kimberly S. , Slade Eleanor M. , Hortal Joaquín
Published: November 2022

Traits are key for understanding the environmental responses and ecological roles of organisms. Trait approaches to functional ecology are well established for plants, whereas consistent frameworks for animal groups are less developed. Here we suggest a framework for the study of the functional ecology of animals from a trait‐based response–effect approach, using dung beetles as model system. Dung beetles are a key group of decomposers that are important for many ecosystem processes. The lack of a trait‐based framework tailored to this group has limited the use of traits in dung beetle functional ecology.

We review which dung beetle traits respond to the environment and affect ecosystem processes, covering the wide range of spatial, temporal and biological scales at which they are involved. Dung beetles show trait‐based responses to variation in temperature, water, soil properties, trophic resources, light, vegetation structure, competition, predation and parasitism. Dung beetles' influence on ecosystem processes includes trait‐mediated effects on nutrient cycling, bioturbation, plant growth, seed dispersal, other dung‐based organisms and parasite transmission, as well as some cases of pollination and predation.

We identify 66 dung beetle traits that are either response or effect traits, or both, pertaining to six main categories: morphology, feeding, reproduction, physiology, activity and movement. Several traits pertain to more than one category, in particular dung relocation behaviour during nesting or feeding. We also identify 136 trait–response and 77 trait–effect relationships in dung beetles.

No response to environmental stressors nor effect over ecological processes were related with traits of a single category. This highlights the interrelationship between the traits shaping body‐plans, the multi‐functionality of traits, and their role linking responses to the environment and effects on the ecosystem.

Despite current developments in dung beetle functional ecology, many knowledge gaps remain, and there are biases towards certain traits, functions, taxonomic groups and regions. Our framework provides the foundations for the thorough development of trait‐based dung beetle ecology. It also serves as an example framework for other taxa.
Does Bilateral Trust Matter During Mergers and Acquisitions Negotiations?
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Farooq , Aktas Nihat , Aziz Saqib
Published: November 2022

We examine the effect of bilateral trust on cross‐border mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Using a large European M&A sample, we find that bilateral trust facilitates deal announcement and completion. Bidder and target bilateral trusts towards each other are both important for deal announcement, but only bidder trust towards the target firm matters for deal completion. The effect of bilateral trust on deal completion is amplified in more complex transactions and when bidders face severe liability of foreignness. Moreover, bilateral trust between the parties is also associated positively with merger performance. These results support the importance of bilateral trust as a deal facilitator in negotiation settings characterized by contract incompleteness and liability of foreignness.
Defining patient’s experiential knowledge: Who, what and how patients know. A narrative critical review
Authors: Halloy Arnaud , Simon Emmanuelle , Hejoaka Fabienne
Published: November 2022

Experiential knowledge is today increasingly valued in health‐care practices, public health policies and health research and education programs. However, despite popular and institutional success, the concept remains loosely defined with the result of weakening its heuristic scope and paving the way for its commodification. In this article, we seek to provide a finer characterisation of patients’ experiential knowledge’s features and specificities through a critical narrative review of humanities and social science (HSS) literature published in English and French (1976–2021). Inspired by Jovchelovitch’s analysis of social knowledge, we seek to highlight the diversity and plurality of forms and articulations of knowledge that characterise experiential knowledge, as well as the gradual, dynamic and entangled process that leads from experience to knowledge and expertise. Our analysis points to the need for future research to adopt a resolutely pragmatic and situated orientation in the study of experiential knowledge and the new figures of the contemporary patient that they help to create.
Sugar profiles modulation of mangoes during osmotic dehydration in agave syrup solutions
Authors: Zongo Assana Pingdwendé , Khalloufi Seddik , Ratti Cristina
Published: November 2022

Chemical interaction and multicompound competition were investigated on solids gain and carbohydrate profiles evolution during osmotic dehydration of mangoes. Tommy Atkins mango slices (0.4 cm and 1.5 cm thickness) were osmotically processed at 40°C for up to 4 h and 8 h, respectively. Osmotic solutions (60 °Brix) were separated in two categories: single solute (sucrose, glucose, fructose) and multisolute (agave syrup, alone or with additions of 5% inulin or 0.1–0.3% xanthan gum) solutions. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was carried out on treated mango to determine sugar profiles evolution during osmotic dehydration and final product concentrations. Findings pointed out that composition of osmotic solution may modulate mango sugar profiles by triggering uptake or loss of sugar according to different phenomena: chemical potential gradient, lixiviation, prevailing mass transfer, formation of carbohydrate barrier, and solution viscosity. Mango was enriched with the solute present in the single solute osmotic solution, while it lost its own native sugars, which were absent in the osmotic solution. Increasing sample thickness reduces individual sugar uptake or loss in mango treated with both single and multisolute solutions. Significant differences in mono solute solution behavior were found for sucrose due to its capability to form a sugar layer outside the surface of thicker samples, which was shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, a barrier markedly hindering the sucrose uptake or loss. Addition of polysaccharides (particularly xanthan gum) was found to have an impact of lowering mango individual sugar uptake (18–30%).

Practical Application

These results will help in understanding the mechanisms by which gain of individual sugars could be reduced and composition could be modulated during osmotic dehydration of fruits. Thus, the findings in this work could lead to production of low‐sugar content, osmotically processed mango snacks, enriched with inulin, enhancing their dietary and marketable value.
Household willingness to pay for stream restoration on private and public land: Evidence from the Baltimore metropolitan region
Authors: Rosenberg Andrew B. , Newburn David A. , Towe Charles A.
Published: November 2022

Stream restoration is one of the most widely used interventions to mitigate urban stormwater impacts and improve water quality. Government agencies have typically focused urban stream restoration efforts on public lands that they already own, even though a substantial portion of stream miles in highly urbanized areas occur on privately owned land. Yet, limited research exists to distinguish household willingness to pay (WTP) for stream restoration occurring on private versus public land. In this study, we use a choice experiment to analyze how household WTP for stream restoration attributes vary by land ownership and distance to the restoration project. Our empirical results indicate that streambank stabilization approaches have positive WTP estimates that are substantially larger in magnitude than those related to riparian vegetation management for clearing or planting trees. In general, estimated total household WTP for each of the four restoration design scenarios on public land is higher than when the same restoration design is located on private land. Nonetheless, estimated household WTP for each restoration design scenario on private land is substantial, retaining the majority of the value found on public land in all cases.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus and SARS‐CoV‐2 in pediatric and adult patients – Data from the DPV network
Authors: Büttner Bastian Raphael , Tittel Sascha René , Kamrath Clemens , Karges Beate , Köstner Katharina , Melmer Andreas , Müller‐Roßberg Elke , Richter Friederike , Rohrer Tilman R. , Holl Reinhard W.
Published: November 2022

Background

Data on patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infections are sparse. This study aimed to investigate the association between SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and T1DM.

Methods

Data from the Prospective Diabetes Follow‐up (DPV) Registry were analyzed for diabetes patients tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg during January 2020–June 2021, using Wilcoxon rank‐sum and chi‐square tests for continuous and dichotomous variables, adjusted for multiple testing.

Results

Data analysis of 1855 pediatric T1DM patients revealed no differences between asymptomatic/symptomatic infected and SARS‐CoV‐2 negative/positive patients regarding age, new‐onset diabetes, diabetes duration, and body mass index. Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) rate were not elevated in SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive vs. ‐negative patients. The COVID‐19 manifestation index was 37.5% in individuals with known T1DM, but 57.1% in individuals with new‐onset diabetes. 68.8% of positively tested patients were managed as outpatients/telemedically. Data analysis of 240 adult T1MD patients revealed no differences between positively and negatively tested patients except lower HbA1c. Of these patients, 83.3% had symptomatic infections; 35.7% of positively tested patients were hospitalized.

Conclusions

Our results indicate low morbidity in SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected pediatric T1DM patients. Most patients with known T1DM and SARS‐CoV‐2 infections could be managed as outpatients. However, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was usually symptomatic if it coincided with new‐onset diabetes. In adult patients, symptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and hospitalization were associated with age.
A novel modeling framework for quantifying spatial spillovers on total factor productivity growth and its components
Authors: Skevas Ioannis
Published: November 2022

This article presents a novel modeling framework that quantifies spatial spillovers on firm total factor productivity (TFP) growth and its components in a single‐stage setting. A random parameters frontier model is specified to measure firm efficiency and calculate TFP growth and its components while allowing for the random parameters and the inefficiency term to be functions of individuals' and neighbors' characteristics. In this manner, the dependence of TFP growth and its components on these characteristics is built into the model, and the corresponding marginal effects are calculated. The empirical application concerns specialized Dutch dairy farms observed over the 2009–2016 period. Apart from the conventional input–output quantities, information on farms' latitudes and longitudes is available, thus allowing the identification of neighboring producers and testing for the existence of spatial spillovers. The empirical findings suggest that farms surrounded by more intensive neighbors experience faster technical progress and TFP growth, which highlights the existence of positive spatial spillovers in Dutch dairy farming.
Age adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (a‐CCI) AS a tool to predict 30‐day post‐operative outcome in general surgery patients
Authors: Bhattacharjee Hemanga Kumar , Kaviyarasan M.P , Singh Kh. Jitenkumar , Don Jose K. , Suhani Suhani , Joshi Mohit , Parshad Rajinder
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Age adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (a‐CCI) is an established scoring system to predict long‐term mortality. However, its role in predicting 30‐day post‐operative outcome in general surgery patients is not well elucidated.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study. Consecutive patients operated under general anaesthesia between January 2019 and December 2020 were enrolled. Their a‐CCI was calculated and stratified as Grade 0 comorbidities (a‐CCI score = 0), Grade A comorbidities (a‐CCI score = 1 and 2) and Grade B comorbidities (a‐CCI score ≥ 3). Post‐operative complications were graded according to Clavien Dindo (CD) grading system and classified as minor complications (CD Grades I and II), major complications (CD Grades III–IV) and mortality (CD Grade V). Binary logistic regression and multi‐nominal logistic regression analysis were done and relative risk ratios were calculated.

Result

A total of 925 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 42.75 (14–85 ± 10) years. 31% of our patients had complications within 30 days of surgery which included mortality in 2.7%. Compared with patients with Grade 0 comorbidities, the odds of getting complications is 1.2 times more in patients with Grade A comorbidities and 1.84 times more in patients with Grade B comorbidities (P = 0.205, 0.001 respectively). In comparison to patients with Grade 0 co‐morbidities, risk of mortality is 3 and 17.86 times more in patients with Grade A and Grade B comorbidities (P = 0.121 and < 0.001 respectively).

Conclusion

a‐CCI has clinical relevance in general surgical patients and can predict early post‐operative outcome. It should be a part of our armamentarium for pre‐operative assessment of surgical patients.
Effect of intraoperative support mode on circulating inflammatory biomarkers after lung transplantation surgery
Authors: Chacon‐Alberty Lourdes , Ye Shengbin , Elsenousi Abdussalam , Hills Emma , King Madelyn , D'Silva Ethan , Leon Andres Pena , Salan‐Gomez Marcelo , Li Meng , Hochman‐Mendez Camila , Loor Gabriel
Published: November 2022

Background

Processes that activate the immune system during lung transplantation can lead to primary graft dysfunction (PGD) or allograft rejection.

Methods

We analyzed cytokine expression profiles after reperfusion and allograft outcomes in a cohort of patients (n = 59) who underwent lung transplantation off‐pump (n = 26), with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB; n = 18), or with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO; n = 15). Peripheral blood was collected from patients at baseline and at 6 and 72 h after reperfusion. To adjust for clinical differences between groups, we utilized a linear mixed model with overlap weighting.

Results

PGD3 was present at 48 or 72 h after reperfusion in 7.7% (2/26) of off‐pump cases, 20.0% (3/15) of ECMO cases, and 38.9% (7/18) of CPB cases (p = 0.04). The ECMO and CPB groups had greater reperfusion‐induced increases in MIP‐1B, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐9, IL1‐ra, TNF‐alpha, RANTES, eotaxin, IP‐10, and MCP‐1 levels than the off‐pump group. Cytokine expression profiles after reperfusion were not significantly different between ECMO and CPB groups.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that, compared with an off‐pump approach, the intraoperative use of ECMO or CPB during lung transplantation is associated with greater reperfusion‐induced cytokine release and graft injury.
Auditor Materiality in Expanded Audit Reports: More (Disclosure) is Less
Authors: Dwyer Karen‐Ann M. , Brennan Niamh M. , Kirwan Collette E.
Published: November 2022

The United Kingdom (UK) Financial Reporting Council (FRC) introduced expanded audit reports to improve audit report disclosures and render audits more transparent to financial statement users. This study examines audit materiality threshold disclosures, providing descriptive evidence of how auditors disclose materiality information in UK audit reports. This research uses manual content analysis (i) to assess auditors’ benchmarks and the percentages auditors apply to those benchmarks. The analysis examines (ii) auditors’ use of non‐GAAP benchmarks, including non‐recurring and recurring item exclusions and (iii) auditors’ rationales for their benchmark choices. The research finds that auditors choose a wide variety of benchmarks and apply a wide range of percentages to the chosen benchmarks. Non‐GAAP adjustments are pervasive. Auditors’ rationales for benchmark choices include that the benchmark is a financial statement performance measure, and the benchmark eliminates volatility. The authors question whether the FRC's expanded disclosures have met its transparency objectives and concludes that ‘more (disclosure) is less’.
Impact of piperacillin unbound fraction variability on dosing recommendations in critically ill patients
Authors: El‐Haffaf Ibrahim , Guilhaumou Romain , Velly Lionel , Marsot Amélie
Published: November 2022

A common approach to assess the efficacy of piperacillin is to first measure the total concentration and afterwards apply a theoretical unbound fraction of 70% to obtain the unbound concentration. However, hypoalbuminemia is a common phenomenon in critically ill patients, resulting in variations in unbound fraction, therefore we aimed to simulate the impact of piperacillin unbound fraction fluctuations on the predictive performance of a population pharmacokinetic model and on the dosing recommendations of piperacillin. Unbound factors of 70%, 75%, 80% and 85% were applied to total concentrations of piperacillin administered by continuous infusion from an external dataset. A validated model was used for assessment of predictive performance and to estimate patient clearance. Dosing simulations were performed to evaluate target attainment. Variation in unbound fractions caused minimal impact on piperacillin clearance and target attainment but seemed to influence model validity.