bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying and Forecasting Importation and Asymptomatic Spreaders of Multi-drug Resistant Organisms in Hospital Settings
Authors: Cui Jiaming , Heavey Jack , Klein Eili , Madden Gregory R. , Sifri Costi D. , Vullikanti Anil , Prakash B. Aditya
Published: July 2024

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) from multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) pose a signif-icant challenge for healthcare systems. Patients can arrive at hospitals already infected (“importation”) or acquire infections during their stay (“nosocomial infection”). Many cases, often asymptomatic, com-plicate rapid identification due to testing limitations and delays. Although recent advancements in mathematical modeling and machine learning have aimed to identify at-risk patients, these methods face challenges: transmission models often overlook valuable electronic health record (EHR) data, while machine learning approaches typically lack mechanistic insights into underlying processes. To address these issues, we propose NeurABM, a novel framework that integrates neural networks and agent-based models (ABM) to leverage the strengths of both methods. NeurABM simultaneously learns a neural network for patient-level importation predictions and an ABM for infection identification. Our findings show that NeurABM significantly outperforms existing methods, marking a breakthrough in accurately identifying importation cases and forecasting future nosocomial infections in clinical practice.
Violation of C/CP symmetry induced by a scalar field emerging from a two-brane universe: A gateway to baryogenesis
Authors: Sarrazin Michaël , Stasser Coraline
Published: July 2024

A model of baryogenesis is introduced where our usual visible Universe is a 3-brane coevolving with a hidden 3-brane in a multidimensional bulk. The visible matter and antimatter sectors are naturally coupled with the hidden matter and antimatter sectors, breaking the C/CP invariance and leading to baryogenesis occurring after the quark-gluon era. The issue of leptogenesis is also discussed. The symmetry breaking spontaneously occurs due to the presence of an extra scalar field supported by the U(1)⊗U(1) gauge group, which extends the conventional electromagnetic gauge field in the two-brane universe. Observational consequences are discussed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Mobility restrictions and firms' decisions to adopt digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic: across industry sectors study
Authors: Ebaidalla Ebaidalla M.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Despite the importance of digital technology in mitigating the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related containment measures, limited research attention has been devoted to the impact of movement restrictions on digital business transformation in North Africa. This paper investigates the impact of mobility restrictions on firms' decisions to adopt digital technologies across sectors, emphasizing the challenges associated with accessing both customers and suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the ERF COVID-19 MENA Monitor Enterprise survey (2021), covering 3,978 enterprises across three North African countries: Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco. The analysis employed the linear probability model (LPM) to account for observable and unobservable heterogeneity across countries and over time.

Findings

The results indicated that mobility restrictions have a positive impact on firms' decisions to adopt digital solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic across most industry sectors. Notably, firms operating in manufacturing, trade, retail and services demonstrated a higher likelihood to adopt technologies. However, the analysis revealed some variations in the impact of mobility restrictions across sectors and countries.

Originality/value

This study has several contributions. First, this study is unique in utilizing firm-level data gathered during the COVID-19 pandemic to investigate the impact of mobility restrictions on firms' decisions to adopt digital solutions. Second, the study examines the influence of mobility restrictions on digitalization across industry sectors, to the best of our knowledge, no empirical study has specifically focused on the digital business transformation across sectors.
Developing a climate for innovation index for architectural design firms
Authors: Nguyen Minh Van , Ha Khanh Duy , Nguyen Tu Thanh
Published: July 2024

Purpose

In recent years, climate for innovation has attracted wide attention from industry and academia. It is perceived as a critical component of innovation performance in the built environment sector, especially in architectural design firms (ADFs). This study attempts to assess the degree of climate for innovation in the Vietnamese ADFs under the organizational climate theory.

Design/methodology/approach

A list of 13 innovation climate variables was found by reviewing previous studies and discussions with industry practitioners. These variables were then categorized into three principal factors (personal commitment, tolerance of difference, and support for creativity), forming the inputs of the fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) analysis.

Findings

The results showed that the overall level of innovation in the climate is moderate, implying that it is still necessary for more improvements to the Vietnamese ADFs. The fuzzy analysis revealed that support for creativity was the most critical factor, followed by tolerance of difference and personal commitment.

Originality/value

The proposed climate for innovation model is practical and reliable for architectural professionals and can be applied to assess other research areas. Few studies have emphasized the innovation climate in the construction sector, so this research may broaden the knowledge and literature on the industry, especially for the ADFs.
The power of perception: how persuasion knowledge and perceived deception in advertisement impact brand-related fake news adoption
Authors: Verma Abhinav , Nayak Jogendra Kumar
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explain how consumer persuasion knowledge and perceived deception in advertisements can influence consumers’ future evaluation of fake news about a brand.

Design/methodology/approach

This research develops a conceptual model using widely used persuasion knowledge theory and confirmation bias theory. A questionnaire-based online survey (n = 410) was conducted by displaying an advertisement stimulus followed by a fake news stimulus to test the model. Covariance-based structural equation modeling was used to analyze the hypothesized research model.

Findings

The results demonstrate that consumers with high persuasion knowledge are more likely to trust and adopt fake news about an advertised brand through the mediation of perceived deception in the advertisement. Additionally, perceived deception indirectly affects information adoption through the mediation of news credibility.

Practical implications

Theoretically, this study contributes to the existing body of literature on advertising deception and fake news. This research also extends theory of persuasion knowledge in understanding adoption of fake news. Practically, this study has significant implications for various stakeholders, including brands, social media corporations and consumers.

Originality/value

This research adds novel insights in the relationship of consumers’ persuasion knowledge and credibility and adoption of fake news. Furthermore, the investigation of the relationship between the perceived deception in advertising and the adoption of fake news has not been explored, which is also novel.
Promoting equity and social justice: analysing the global impact of educational laws on sex education in Spain and the United Kingdom
Authors: Alonso Martínez Laura , Vigo-Arrazola María Begoña
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Government’s role and sex education are vital in promoting inclusivity and sexual health. To understand the impact that the legislation has had on sex education, it is necessary to evaluate it at the different training levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used is a critical review aimed at comparing educational and state legislation and its impact on Sex Education in Spain and the United Kingdom.

Findings

In most countries the compulsory contents in the curriculum are oriented to sexually transmitted infections and contraception. Nonetheless, this approach is deemed inadequate and restrictive, failing to cope with the challenges posed by globalization, including the increased spread of sexual infection. Legislative constraints hinder the comprehensive implementation of public health education strategies and social justice concerning sexuality.

Research limitations/implications

Scope may miss legislative nuances and regional differences.

Practical implications

Findings emphasize comprehensive sex education to tackle modern challenges and to urge policy makers to incorporate these insights.

Social implications

Enhanced sex education laws foster health equity that will contribute to reducing violence and improving positive attitudes and behaviours.

Originality/value

Insufficient analysis exists on the effects of ministry measures in sex education, connecting health, well-being and sustainability. This underscores the urgency of researching the legislative, educational and societal consequences, enabling interventions to address negative sexual attitudes and behaviours, including gender violence, biases against sexual diversity, emotional challenges, sexual freedom and health problems, based on respect for Human Sexual Rights.
The role of augmented reality in the customer shopping experience
Authors: Sahli Afef , Lichy Jessica
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This article aims to explore the potential of augmented reality (AR) to enhance the customer shopping experience in the furniture industry. It aims to investigate how AR mobile apps can be used to provide a hedonic and utilitarian shopping experience for customers.

Design/methodology/approach

W administered an online questionnaire to 180 customers of the company “Cubitte Concept” (www.cubitteconcept.com), which specializes in the manufacture and design of furniture. This company allowed us to contact these customers to disseminate the questionnaire for gathering relevant information. Data collection lasted approximately three months, from July 3rd to October 5th, 2023, yielding 150 valid responses, which represented 85% of all collected questionnaires. The small sample size is justified by the problem of access to our target group, who are reluctant to be questioned in any way and try at all costs to protect their opinions and privacy. The following table describes the main characteristics of the sample.

Findings

The results indicate that customer experience, with its three hedonic, cognitive and utilitarian dimensions – along with interactivity, performance expectancy and effort expectancy – have a significant impact on purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this investigation may open up future avenues of research where we can further explore the impact of AR technology on customer experience and purchase intention in other sectors, as well as study the moderating effects individual, social and cultural factors.

Practical implications

While the practical implications can help retailers develop effective strategies for integrating AR into their online shopping experiences. By understanding the potential benefits and challenges associated with AR, retailers can make informed decisions about its implementation and design effective AR applications that improve customer engagement and satisfaction. Therefore, these findings present an opportunity for a comprehensive understanding of how AR influences consumer behavior, empowering stakeholders to refine and optimize their AR marketing strategies. Notably, in Tunisia, AR usage is commonplace in the furniture industry. However, based on this study’s insights, we advocate for broader adoption and integration of AR across diverse sectors, including education, tourism, ready-to-wear and beyond.

Originality/value

This study presents a unique and novel analysis of AR in the furniture industry and contributes to the current understanding of the use of technology to enhance the customer experience and provide recommendations to professionals looking to implement augmented reality in their marketing strategy.
The mediation role of innovation in the relationship between total quality management and performance of small and medium scale enterprises
Authors: Tetteh Francis Kamewor , Nyantakyi Benjamin , Owusu Kwateng Kwame , Osei Hannah Vivian
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study examined the mediation-moderation role of innovation and market dynamism in the association between total quality management (TQM) practices and the performance of small and medium-scale enterprises' (SMEs') performance with empirical evidence from sub-Saharan Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a questionnaire, the research model developed was tested with responses from 203 owners and managers of SMEs in Ghana. The analyses were done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Smart Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The innovation initiatives partially and fully mediated the relationship between TQM practices and the performance of SMEs. Also, the indirect effect of TQM practices of SMEs on performance through innovation initiatives was negatively moderated by market dynamism.

Practical implications

The study contributes to the TQM literature by validating the indirect and direct relationship between TQM practices and performance in the context of SMEs in a developing region.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel understanding of the relationship between TQM and SMEs in developing regions of the world. The paper serves as a guide for SME owners and managers to improve the performance of their organizations through TQM practices.
Twisted knowledge construction on X/Twitter: an analysis of constructivist sensemaking on social media leading to political radicalization
Authors: Russo Renato , Blikstein Paulo , Literat Ioana
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify how Brazilian followers of an X/Twitter profile engage in theory-building processes leading up to the January 8, 2023 riots in Brasília, the Brazilian capital. This paper seeks to understand how cognitive and sociocultural processes weave together to weaponize collective knowledge construction that, in isolation, could be seen as virtuous but, in specific contexts, might lead to radicalization.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses qualitative content analysis of comments on ambiguous X/Twitter posts published by a conspiratorial profile associated with former President Jair Bolsonaro. Content was published in the three weeks that preceded the coup d’état attempt by Bolsonaro supporters on January 8, 2023.

Findings

Findings point to users’ resorting to intuitive knowledge to support sensemaking processes in their search for subliminal meanings in tweets. That includes, for example, attempts to crack binary code-encrypted messages. This study also identified practices of cross-media sourcing, where users collect evidence from alternative social media channels to interpret messages containing verbal and visual information. Finally, this study found that religious symbols are often instrumentalized and become a lens through which followers organize information to integrate with their existing knowledge and assumptions.

Research limitations/implications

With this work, the authors build on existing scholarship on epistemologies used by conspiratorial and radicalized groups as they engage in systematic sensemaking and often refer to religion to interpret messages that motivate extreme political position-taking. This study addresses a similar phenomenon as it unfolds in an understudied geographical context (Brazil) and seeks to demonstrate how individuals engage in collective sensemaking practices. The authors hope that their findings inform educators as they explore the affordances of social media to foster positive collective learning experiences in reasoning supported by social media.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is twofold. First, this study uses an analytical lens that draws on the learning sciences and cognitive science for inquiry of radicalization happening around social media. The authors understand that social media lend themselves particularly interesting to the analysis, as they are settings where notions of mastery blur, and individuals engage in conversations on complex, controversial topics. With that engagement, they demonstrate willingness to reason collectively. Second, this study investigates how those phenomena unfold in an understudied context, responding to calls for more diversity in research in the learning sciences as well as in media studies.
The differential impact of IT investments in the long term: a long-horizon event study
Authors: Lim Chae-Lin , Jung Woo-Jin , Kim Yea Eun , Eom Chanyoung , Lee Sang-Yong Tom
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This research investigates the differential impact of information technology (IT) investments based on their features, such as investment in data management capability, security improvement, IT outsourcing or new IT infrastructure. The Long-Horizon Event Study (LHES) is essential for providing a more appropriate measure of the value of IT investments because firms' strategic decisions often set long-horizon and large-scale organizational goals, and there is inherent uncertainty regarding future cash flows resulting from these investments. Therefore, the authors aim to analyze how announcements of IT investments affect the firm's abnormal stock returns over the long term and to compare the differential impact of different features of IT investment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors gathered IT investment announcements and stock data of listed firms in Korea between 2000 and 2018, and the monthly stock market returns over the 5 years after the announcements. To measure the differential impact of IT investments based on the investment features, the authors separate announcements data into five groups. A LHES is used to estimate the long-term effects of IT investment announcements.

Findings

The results indicate that announcements of IT investments had a long-term positive effect on firm performance. Additionally, the findings reveal differential effects of IT investments across industries and investment features. Notably, news of self-developed IT investments and IT investments in the manufacturing industry had significantly positive effects. However, contrary to common belief, announcements of investments in so-called essential IT areas such as data, security, or new IT infrastructure did not yield significant effects.

Originality/value

Although the need for LHES has been emphasized in information systems research, few follow-up studies have been conducted since Barua and Mani (2018). This is primarily due to the challenges associated with collecting large-scale abnormal stock returns data over a long horizon. This research represents the first LHES to investigate the differential impact of IT investments based on their features. By doing so, this study can provide valuable insights for decision-makers within firms, helping them understand the time horizon of market outcomes of IT investments based on their features. Furthermore, this work extends the scope of LHES to comprehend the differential impacts of investment features. For instance, managers need to grasp that so-called essential IT investments, such as data management, security enhancements or new IT infrastructure, may not necessarily generate long-term market value.
Self-generated cues: the role of cue quality in facilitating eyewitness recall
Authors: Wheeler-Mundy Rebecca L. , Gabbert Fiona , Hope Lorraine
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Witness-led techniques, informed by theory, have been recognized as best practice for eliciting information from cooperative eyewitnesses. This study aims to test a self-generated cue (SGC) mnemonic grounded in memory theory and explore the impact of three SGC mnemonics on subsequent recall performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants (N = 170) witnessed a live staged event and reported their recall using an SGC mnemonic (keywords only, event line or concept map) or control technique (other-generated cues or free recall only). These mock witness accounts were compared in terms of correct and incorrect details reported.

Findings

Fewer correct details were reported in the other-generated cue condition compared to the SGC event line (p = 0.018) and SGC concept map (p = 0.010). There were no significant differences between free recall alone and any other condition. The number of inaccurate details reported did not differ between conditions (p = 0.153). The findings suggest that high-quality free recall instructions can benefit recall performance above generic cues (e.g. other-generated cues) but using SGCs to support a structured recall (e.g. concept map or event line) may offer an additional recall benefit.

Originality/value

The findings support previous research that SGCs benefit recall beyond other-generated cues. However, by comparing different cue generation techniques grounded in the literature, we extend such findings to show that SGC generation techniques are not equally effective and that combining SGCs with structured recall is likely to carry the greatest benefit to recall.
The entrepreneurial transformation process of BTS: initiation, development, growth and expansion
Authors: Hong Paul , Kim Seung-Chul , Lee Ayeon , Kang Haeun
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper explores the entrepreneurial transformation of Bangtan Sonyeondan or Bangtan Boys (BTS), tracing their journey from initiation through expansion. Despite the global prominence of their music, dance and outreach, many aspects of BTS’s meteoric rise remain underexplored. This study aims to illuminate the strategic and organizational developments that have propelled their unprecedented growth in the global media landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

Using case study research methods, this paper uses a multimodal approach to examine BTS’s intricate interactions with market dynamics and fan engagement comprehensively. Using entrepreneurial innovation as the overarching theoretical framework, the authors categorize BTS’s transformational processes into drivers, practices and outcomes, thereby elucidating the strategies used to navigate key challenges and pivotal moments in their worldwide ascent.

Findings

The BTS organization exhibits a distinct entrepreneurial orientation and transformation process across its phases of initiation, development, growth and expansion. The authors identify specific drivers, practices and outcomes along with strategic vision, actionable practices and measurable performance outcomes at each stage.

Research limitations/implications

While this study draws valuable parallels between BTS’s trajectory and established growth models, it recognizes the limitations inherent in a single-case study approach. The findings highlight the critical role of entrepreneurial leadership in the entertainment industry and suggest further exploration into the universal applicability of these models across different genres and cultural contexts within the music industry.

Practical implications

This paper underscores the importance of entrepreneurial innovation within entertainment organizations. The conceptual framework provided can assist managers in formulating strategies and policies for the growth and transformation of similar entities.

Social implications

BTS’s case demonstrates how engaging a global audience with culturally specific content and the universal appeal of youthful energy can be transformative. This engagement is facilitated through effective use of music, dance and dynamic interactions on social media.

Originality/value

By analyzing BTS from an entrepreneurial leadership perspective, this study offers unique insights by examining their internal motivations and managerial practices, as well as the external outcomes, spanning from 2010 to 2023.
Investigating the impact of housing price increases on consumption: heterogeneity by age, tenure and housing quality
Authors: Fernandez Alejandro
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the distributional impact of house price increases on consumption in the context of the energy transition.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws from two micro cross-sectional datasets, the English Housing Survey (EHS) and the Living Costs and Food Survey (LCFS) to study the Marginal Propensity to Consume (MPC) out of changes in house prices. By employing pseudo-panel regressions, the paper examines the impact of house price changes on consumption among diverse household types.

Findings

This paper finds varying consumption responses to house price changes across age and tenure groups. Older homeowners tend to increase consumption when house prices rise. In contrast, middle-aged individuals, often renters or mortgage holders, reduce consumption in response to price increases. The youngest age group also experiences increased consumption but to a lesser degree than the oldest group. Energy-efficient homes are related to lower consumption across all tenure levels. However, when interacted with house prices and age, the estimates are positive, pointing to an unequal accrual of property premiums depending on housing market positions.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations stem from data constraints. First, using a pseudo-panel approach hinders control for unobservable selection bias. Additionally, while robust under cross-validation and specifications tests, the energy efficiency variable imputation results in a low number of energy-efficient homes. Due to heterogeneous responses to rising house prices, this paper contends that an energy transition model that subsidises homeowners’ renovation is likely to produce a negative impact on consumption among younger and middle-aged households.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the MPC literature by incorporating energy efficiency as a key variable. It draws from recent data to obtain new estimates. By highlighting shifts in consumption patterns the paper contributes to a well-established body of literature with renewed policy relevance regarding housing retrofit.
An in-depth analysis of facility management approaches in Nigeria's ailing healthcare sector
Authors: Alalade Oyindamola , Dauda Jamiu A. , Ajayi Saheed O. , Saka Abdullahi B. , Njuangang Stanley
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine facility management practices in the Nigerian healthcare sector, exploring approaches and identifying challenges facing effective healthcare facilities management. The purpose is to contribute to the development of a framework for enhancing healthcare facility management efficiency in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a sequential in-depth exploratory qualitative research approach. The data collection involved conducting semi-structured interviews with 15 facility managers from diverse healthcare organisations in Nigeria. The qualitative data collected were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The study reveals scheduled, unscheduled and mixed approaches as the three facility management approaches used in Nigeria. It also substantiates the underdeveloped nature of facility management in Nigeria's healthcare sector, exacerbated by challenges such as socioeconomic, operational, technological and regulatory challenges.

Practical implications

The study uncovers systemic issues affecting have attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and advocates for a comprehensive approach to enhance healthcare infrastructure, contributing to improved health outcomes and sustainable development.

Originality/value

This research uniquely uncovers the hidden challenges facing effective healthcare facility management in Nigeria, providing a foundation for stakeholders to formulate solutions and rescue the struggling state of healthcare facilities in the country.
Service Oikos as a complex self-perpetuating system: a bibliometric study of service ecosystems
Authors: Nazemi Asieh , Zamanfashami Paria R. , Foroudi Pantea , Haghighinasab Manijeh , Seyyedamiri Nader , Zare Mehrjardy Masoud
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to address the following research questions: (1) What are the theoretical frameworks and areas of study that influence the development of service ecosystems? and (2) To what extent does a service ecosystem align with the theoretical concepts presented in other research contexts within the study areas, thereby transforming the fundamental structure of the core concept?

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a bibliometric systematic literature review, analyzing 280 papers from a sample of 52 journals listed in the Association of Business Schools (ABS). The review covered the period between 2004 and 2022, and we utilized co-citation analysis, multi-dimensional scaling analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) on a total of 2,614 citations.

Findings

This study employs co-citation analysis to identify the conceptual structure of the service ecosystem based on highly cited papers. Additionally, we utilize multidimensional scaling (MDS) to uncover key approaches driving service ecosystem research. Through HCA and network analysis, we examine the research scope and its development, emphasizing theory-driven approaches. By combining quantitative and qualitative analysis, we explore the interrelationships between scope, domain and evolution. This comprehensive analysis allows us to delve deeply into the study of service ecosystems. To broaden the research scope, we propose a conceptual framework for comparing the main components of a service ecosystem. The current paper clarifies the service ecosystem's intellectual structure, including service performance, humanistic approach, sustainable innovations and service reflexivity and reformation and proposes a prospective research framework for specialists and researchers by introducing a metaverse service ecosystem.

Originality/value

For the first time, the findings of this study shed light on processes that facilitate the flow of technologies, business models and markets through social structures, ultimately contributing to social change. In service-based systems, the development and application of a more humanistic approach within and surrounding social service ecosystems are crucial as they evolve. Therefore, adopting a dynamic and multifaceted approach offers valuable insights into the drivers of value creation.
Creating an inclusive real estate industry: assessing the enrolment, experiences and career prospects of female students in an African higher education institution
Authors: Chiwuzie Augustina , Daniel Dabara Ibrahim , Ogunba Olusegun Adebayo , Hahn Jonas
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Workspace equality and inclusivity remain critical in promoting diversity and dynamism across all sectors of the economy. Despite recent progress, gender disparities persist in the real estate sector, including education and training programmes. This study employs a quantitative research design to assess gender diversity of real estate education at Federal Polytechnic Ede in Nigeria. The study focuses on female students' enrolment in real estate programmes, their experiences, perceptions and any potential effect on real estate career prospects.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 138 out of all the 150 female students currently enrolled in the real estate programmes. Descriptive statistics and a one-sample t-test were utilised for the data analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate an increased number of females enrolled in real estate programmes. Female students face a lack of access to mentorship opportunities and perceive gender discrimination and bias in the real estate industry. However, these industry factors would not deter female students' decision to pursue a career in the real estate industry after graduation.

Originality/value

This study to the best knowledge of the researchers is the first to investigate gender dimensions of real estate programmes in the context of African higher education institutions; thereby contributing to the body of knowledge on gender diversity in this field.
The influence of workplace Confucian culture on employees’ organizational commitment through the modelling role of moral identities
Authors: Nguyen Hong Quan , Nguyen Le Ngoc Ha , Hoang Linh Chi , Phan Thi Thanh Hau , Dang Thi Phuong Hoa , Ngo My Binh Phuong
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This article aims to provide a theoretical unifying framework for workplace Confucian culture and employees’ organizational commitment (OC) through the modelling role of moral identities. The context is education in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on employees’ OC theory, a theoretical model was built. Administrative staff and teachers were asked to participate in the study with the assistance of preschool educational institutions in Vietnam. A survey was performed, and data from 421 participants were collected. The moderated structural equation technique was used to test hypotheses.

Findings

The study has demonstrated the positive impact of workplace Confucian culture applications on employees’ perceptions and participation in corporate social responsibility (CSR). The study also confirms the positive impact of employees’ perceptions and participation in CSR. In addition, another conclusion is the moderating effect of moral values on the relationship between workplace Confucian culture and aspects of CSR.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on Confucian-culture employees in workplaces, suggesting that their perception of CSR may differ from those from other backgrounds. The authors then plan to state the comparison in further research. The main finding of the study is that WCC and CSR affect employee OC, but there are other factors that could be influenced by WCC and CSR. Future research should explore these factors to improve the current model.

Practical implications

Confucian ideology has been constructed and developed for a long time, but this study has examined its practical implications for favourably effecting human behaviour, thereby demonstrating its potential in organizational culture and practical application.

Social implications

This theoretical framework can be profitably used in educational organizations.

Originality/value

The study adds to the body of research on OC in two ways. The first way is to explain how a beneficial organizational factor – the Confucian workplace culture – contributes to employees’ OC. The second way involves examining the effects of moral identity on participation and perception of CSR.
Assessing homeowners’ awareness of green technologies in residential housing development: evidence from Ghana
Authors: Simpeh Eric Kwame , Adade Nana Akua Serwaa , Pim-Wusu Mark , Mensah Henry , Asante-Antwi Akosua Serwaa , Aazore Frank Kwaku
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Using and promoting green technologies in residential buildings might be a far more practical strategy for developing a sustainable built environment. The primary goal of this study is to examine homeowners' knowledge and awareness of the different green technologies and concepts that can be adopted to improve the quality of their homes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a sequential mix technique methodology in order to accomplish its goal. A total of 156 respondents were chosen for a survey within the research areas using a simple random sample approach, while interviewees were chosen using a purposive sampling approach methodology. Descriptive and inferential statistics as well as content analysis were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively.

Findings

The findings indicate that homeowners have moderate knowledge of green technologies. It was also evident that print and electronic media are excellent at capturing and reaching a diverse range of homeowners interested in learning about sustainable development issues. Furthermore, the top three green technologies that most homeowners are aware of are using local materials over imported materials, grey water reclaiming and reuse technology and solar water heating technology. Subsequently, the homeowners in the three communities have differing opinions about the majority (82%) of the green technologies examined.

Originality/value

The findings will serve as a useful guide to assist practitioners and policymakers in implementing appropriate methods to integrate green technologies into housing projects and subsequently encourage their adoption.
Eye morphology contributes to the ecology and evolution of the aquatic avifauna
Authors: Ausprey Ian J.
Published: July 2024

Aquatic birds are notable among the global avifauna for living in environments exposed to large amounts of light. Despite growing evidence that visual adaptations to light underly the ecology and evolution of the avian tree of life, no comprehensive comparative analysis of visual acuity as approximated by eyes size exists for the global aquatic avifauna.

Here, I use Stanley Ritland's unpublished dataset of measurements for axial length collected from museum specimens to explore the ecology and evolution of eye size variation for half of the aquatic avifauna (N = 464 species).

After correcting for body mass allometry and incorporating phylogenetic relationships, aquatic species had significantly smaller eyes compared to terrestrial species. Furthermore, species using hyperopic foraging manoeuvres, exhibiting carnivorous and insectivorous diets, and displaying nocturnal behaviour had larger eyes. Plunge‐divers (e.g. boobies and tropic birds) and stalkers (e.g. herons) had the largest relative eye sizes, especially species identifying prey at higher altitudes or longer distances. Underwater pursuit‐divers foraging at greater depths had larger eyes, likely due to the dramatic attenuation of light in the deep ocean. Overall, residual eye size was phylogenetically conserved (l = 0.94), with phylogeny alone explaining 62% of residual eye size variation.

Collectively, these results suggest that the relatively bright environments found in aquatic ecosystems negate the adaptive benefits of costly metabolic investments associated with developing and maintaining larger eyes, while also reducing the potential occurrence of disability glare. Strong correlations between eye size and foraging ecology in different aquatic environments corroborate similar comparative studies of terrestrial birds and underscore the central role that vision has played in driving the ecology and evolution of the global avifauna.
Anthropogenic forests simplify seed‐ but not pollen‐dispersal networks
Authors: DA SILVA Luis P. , COUTINHO António Pereira , RAMOS Jaime A. , HELENO Ruben H.
Published: July 2024

Natural native forests are rapidly being replaced by anthropogenic forests often with a strong presence of invasive alien plant species. Eucalypt species are widely planted worldwide, with Eucalyptus globulus plantations being particularly expressive in Portugal. Poor forestry practices often lead to the associated expansion of invasive species, such as Acacia dealbata. However, we still know relatively little about the functioning of anthropogenic forests, such as seed and pollen dispersal services. Here, we compared bird abundance and richness and the seed and pollen dispersal networks in both forest types. Anthropogenic forests presented lower bird abundance, and smaller, more simplified, and more random (abundance‐based) seed dispersal services than those of natural forests. Interestingly, the pollen dispersal network was more similar than the seed dispersal network for both forest types and dominated by opportunistic and neutral processes, given the absence of specialized nectarivorous. The proportion of birds transporting seeds decreased, while those carrying pollen significantly increased in the anthropogenic forest compared to the native forest. Our work highlights the impact of anthropogenic forests on bird abundance, with consequences for seed dispersal services and forest regeneration.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis with IgG4‐positive plasma cells in bile duct biopsies ― Frequency and characterization
Authors: Zhou Taotao , Fronhoffs Florian , Kristiansen Glen , Dold Leona , Kaczmarek Dominik J. , Strassburg Christian P. , Weismüller Tobias J.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Patients diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) but with characteristics of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)‐associated cholangitis (IAC) have been described. IAC often presents with biliary IgG4‐positive plasma cell (IgG4+ PC) infiltration and responds to corticosteroids. In PSC, the frequencies or implications of biliary IgG4+ PC are unknown. We aimed to characterize the phenomenon of biliary IgG4+ PC in patients with an established PSC diagnosis.

Methods

Bile duct biopsies from 191 surveillance or therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography of 58 PSC patients were retrospectively analyzed for IgG4+ PC infiltration. Patients with ≥10 IgG4+ PC per high‐power field (HPF) were identified and characterized by clinical parameters, including serum IgG4 and cholangiographic presentations.

Results

Altogether 39.7% of the PSC patients showed ≥10 IgG4+ PC/HPF in bile duct biopsies. Patients with biliary IgG4+ PC infiltration were significantly younger at diagnosis of PSC (P = 0.023). There was no association between biliary IgG4+ PC infiltration and transplant‐free survival (P = 0.618). Patients with IgG4+ PC infiltration in bile duct biopsies showed significantly higher baseline (P = 0.002) and maximum (P = 0.001) serum IgG4 compared to those without. Biliary IgG4+ PC infiltration was associated with high‐grade bile duct strictures (P = 0.05). IgG4‐positive plasma cell infiltrations were found multifocally in 72.7% of this subgroup of PSC patients.

Conclusions

IgG4+ PC ≥10/HPF can be found abundantly in bile duct biopsies in PSC. Histological findings correlated with serum IgG4, age, and high‐grade bile duct strictures. IgG4+ PC was located multifocally, hinting at a systemic biliary phenotype.
The Early Mesozoic NE–SW Extensional Model and Exhumation Processes at the Southeastern Margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Insights from the Strain and Kinematic Vorticity Analysis of the Sonid Zuoqi Ductile Detachment Zone
Authors: LI Jianbo , SONG Zhijie , LEI Hengcong , ZENG Tao
Published: July 2024

The Sonid Zuoqi ductile detachment zone is located at the southeastern margin of the Central Asian orogenic belt (CAOB), striking EW and dipping to the S. The major rock type of the Sonid Zuoqi ductile detachment zone is mylonite derived from granite. The sequence of mylonite features is: (1) S and C foliations of mylonite, and (2) extensional crenulation cleavage (ecc) or C' and the kinematic vorticity (Wk) value changed from 0.70 to 0.95 and from 0.37 to 0.69, respectively; the strain type of the mylonites within the Sonid Zuoqi ductile detachment zone is compressional to planar strain. The strong deformation mylonite and Halatu plutons yielded a zircon U‐Pb age of 244 Ma and a zircon (U‐Th)/He age of 214 Ma, respectively. Based on the strain and kinematic vorticity analysis, together with the zircon U‐Pb and zircon (U‐Th)/He ages and the regional tectonic background, the study area experienced three stage evolution: tangential simple‐shear (244 Ma), simple‐shear‐dominated general shear represented by upper crustal extension (224 Ma) and pure–shear–dominated general shear represented by the Halatu pluton doming (214 Ma), which constrained the early Mesozoic NE‐SW crustal extension at the southeastern margin of the CAOB. This NE‐SW extension probably originated from the post‐orogenic extensional collapse of the CAOB, subsequent exhumation being controlled by the far afield effects of the closure of the Mongol‐Okhotsk belt.
Outcomes of thyroidectomy in symptomatic, euthyroid Hashimoto's patients: a case control study
Authors: Serrao‐Brown Hazel , Saadi Amna , Wong Jessica , Papachristos Alexander , Sywak Mark , Sidhu Stan
Published: July 2024

Background

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is managed with thyroid hormone replacement to maintain a euthyroid state. A subset of patients have refractory symptoms, which improve with thyroidectomy (TT). There remains a reluctance to proceed with surgery due to perceptions of complications, and limited data availability regarding improvements in quality of life (QoL). This retrospective case control study aims to analyse the outcomes and QoL scores for symptomatic euthyroid HT patients who underwent TT.

Methods

Thirty euthyroid patients who underwent TT for the management of HT between 2017 and 2022 were identified. An age‐matched control group of patients who underwent TT for symptomatic multinodular goitre (MNG) were randomly selected. Demographics, biochemistry, histology, outcomes, and pre‐ and post‐operative SF‐36 and ThyPRO‐39 scores were compared between groups.

Results

There were no surgical complications in the HT group, whilst two MNG patients had complications. There was a similar rate of parathyroid auto‐transplantation in both groups, more glands were transplanted in the HT group. There was a significant difference in pre‐ and post‐operative QoL scores for both groups. Comparison revealed a significant improvement in hyperthyroid symptoms, social life and daily life scores in the HT group. There was a significant difference in pre‐ and post‐operative anti‐TPO, anti‐TG and TSH levels in the HT group.

Conclusion

Patients with symptomatic Hashimoto's thyroiditis, despite being euthyroid, may benefit from total thyroidectomy however this remains under‐utilized. This study demonstrated that thyroidectomy was associated with an improvement in validated post‐operative quality of life scores and was not associated with increased complication rates for appropriately selected patients.