bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultivating a culture of post-COVID-19 prevention: understanding knowledge, awareness and practices of COVID-19 in Sarawak
Authors: Mohamad Abang Azlan , Lo May Chiun , Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim , T. Ramayah , Chin Ying Sin
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between public knowledge, awareness and attitudes towards post-COVID-19 infection prevention in Sarawak. At present, Sarawak is in the post-pandemic stage, marked by a gradual return to normalcy, albeit with some persistent changes caused by the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from various geographic areas in Sarawak through a Google Form link and QR code during a cross-sectional study, resulting in the acquisition of 1,128 responses. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 28.0 and WarpPLS 8.0.

Findings

The result revealed that out of five hypotheses, four were found to be supported, indicating a positive relationship between public knowledge, awareness and attitudes towards COVID-19 infection prevention. However, an unsupported relationship was found between public awareness and infection prevention practices.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to the Malaysian population and has a cross-sectional design, affecting generalizability. It is recommended that future research complete an in-depth study of the knowledge, awareness and practices of COVID-19 using other data collection techniques.

Practical implications

Public health and policymakers can use the study to implement effective communication strategies and prioritize digitalization for economic recovery. It highlights the importance of preventive measures and the public’s role in managing future pandemics.

Originality/value

The originality of this research can be drawn from key findings that indicate that people overall gained knowledge on the prevention measures during the post-COVID-19 pandemic, and the accuracy of the information significantly impacts public knowledge, awareness and practices of COVID-19 infection prevention.
Bridging the skills gap divide in manufacturing: perspectives from industry leaders
Authors: Al-Asfour Ahmed , Zhao Yuening
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate manufacturing industry leaders’ perspectives on the prevailing skills gap in the current Illinois workforce. The insights gained hold significant importance for the emerging generation of workers, helping them discern the essential proficiencies and plan their educational and career paths in response.

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by Becker’s (1962) human capital theory (HCT) framework, a qualitative study was conducted to identify the skills gap and explore the perspectives of manufacturing industry leaders. Fourteen industry leaders participated in this study, representing various occupational industries.

Findings

The findings underscore the prominence of the skills gap as perceived by manufacturing industry leaders, with notable aspects including limited durable skills and difficulty transitioning from content-based knowledge to practical skills.

Originality/value

The findings of this study can offer insights to researchers, scholars and practitioners in the field of human resource development, as well as to leaders in the manufacturing industry who aim to address the skills gap. Furthermore, this research can inform policy decisions and assist higher education institutions in preparing students for careers in the industry.
The moderating effect of tax risk on the relationship between tax avoidance and firm risk: empirical evidence in the French context
Authors: Guedrib Mouna , Bougacha Fatma
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to study the impact of tax avoidance on corporate risk. It also examines the moderating impact of tax risk on the relationship between tax avoidance and firm risk.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on available information in the DATASTREAM database about a sample of French firms listed in the CAC 40 from 2010 to 2022, the study uses the feasible generalized least squares method to investigate the impact of tax avoidance on firm risk and the moderating impact of tax risk. To check the robustness of our results, the authors changed the measurement of variables to identify potential biases and they significantly mitigated the endogeneity concerns using instrumental variable regression. Additional estimations were performed, first by using book-tax differences (BTD) and its components, i.e. temporary and permanent, and second by retesting hypotheses of years before the outbreak of the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Findings

The results show that tax avoidance negatively affects the firm risk while tax risk has a positive effect on firm risk. More importantly, tax risk moderates the negative impact of tax avoidance on the firm risk. When tax avoidance is associated with a high level of tax risk, it leads to a high firm risk. Accordingly, tax avoidance should be considered in conjunction with tax risk when studying the effect put on the firm risk. Further analyses indicate that tax risk moderates the negative relationship between permanent BTD and firm risk.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of this study is that it focuses only on French-listed firms, which make it difficult to generalize the results. Furthermore, the authors did not introduce governance variables into our models. An effective governance system and transparent information can reduce some of the perverse effects of risky tax avoidance by reducing the tax avoidance costs. The obtained results are of great interest to researchers who need to include the tax risk concept in their examination of the tax avoidance impacts.

Practical implications

The results are useful for investors wishing to make sound decisions regarding risky tax avoidance practices. Furthermore, the results may signal the need for French policymakers to make more efforts to reduce risky tax avoidance activities that are harmful to investors. They must enforce the existence and the reporting of a tax risk management strategy by firms.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the growing body of literature on the tax avoidance effects with a special focus on firm risk. This study provides the first French evidence of the role of tax risk in the relationship between tax avoidance and firm risk.
Refer rather than treat: coping with uncertainty in municipal primary care clinics in India
Authors: Gore Radhika
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The institutional conditions of primary care provision remain understudied in low- and middle-income countries. This study analyzes how primary care doctors cope with medical uncertainty in municipal clinics in urban India. As street-level bureaucrats, the municipal doctors occupy two roles simultaneously: medical professional and state agent. They operate under conditions that characterize health systems in low-resource contexts globally: inadequate state investment, weak regulation and low societal trust. The study investigates how, in these conditions, the doctors respond to clinical risk, specifically related to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis draws on year-long ethnographic fieldwork in Pune (2013–14), a city of three million, including 30 semi-structured interviews with municipal doctors.

Findings

Interpreting their municipal mandate to exclude NCDs and reasoning their medical expertise as insufficient to treat NCDs, the doctors routinely referred NCD cases. They expressed concerns about violence from patients, negative media attention and unsupportive municipal authorities should anything go wrong clinically.

Originality/value

The study contextualizes street-level service-delivery in weak institutional conditions. Whereas street-level workers may commonly standardize practices to reduce workload, here the doctors routinized NCD care to avoid the sociopolitical consequences of clinical uncertainty. Modalities of the welfare state and medical care in India – manifest in weak municipal capacity and healthcare regulation – appear to compel restraint in service-delivery. The analysis highlights how norms and social relations may shape primary care provision and quality.
Accounting for intangibles: a critical review
Authors: Hussinki Henri , King Tatiana , Dumay John , Steinhöfel Erik
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In 2000, Cañibano et al. published a literature review entitled “Accounting for Intangibles: A Literature Review”. This paper revisits the conclusions drawn in that paper. We also discuss the intervening developments in scholarly research, standard setting and practice over the past 20+ years to outline the future challenges for research into accounting for intangibles.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a literature review to identify past developments and link the findings to current accounting standard-setting developments to inform our view of the future.

Findings

Current intangibles accounting practices are conservative and unlikely to change. Accounting standard setters are more interested in how companies report and disclose the value of intangibles rather than changing how they are determined. Standard setters are also interested in accounting for new forms of digital assets and reporting economic, social, governance and sustainability issues and how these link to financial outcomes. The IFRS has released complementary sustainability accounting standards for disclosing value creation in response to the latter. Therefore, the topic of intangibles stretches beyond merely how intangibles create value but how they are also part of a firm’s overall risk and value creation profile.

Practical implications

There is much room academically, practically, and from a social perspective to influence the future of accounting for intangibles. Accounting standard setters and alternative standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and European Union non-financial and sustainability reporting directives, are competing complementary initiatives.

Originality/value

Our results reveal a window of opportunity for accounting scholars to research and influence how intangibles and other non-financial and sustainability accounting will progress based on current developments.
Halal cosmetics: a technology-empowered systematic literature review
Authors: Liew Christine Wan Shean , Karia Noorliza
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Globally, the halal cosmetics market is experiencing rapid growth and is considered a key economic driver in shaping economy development and growth. However, the extant research on halal cosmetics is fragmented, potentially impeding the field’s advancement when challenged with conflicting viewpoints and limited replications. Therefore, this paper aims to address the knowledge gap by conducting a rigorous and technology-enabled systematic review by leveraging appropriate software to comprehensively evaluate the state of the halal cosmetics literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A domain-based review using a hybrid approach that incorporates both bibliometric and interpretive analyses are used to comprehensively assess the current progress of halal cosmetics, identify research gaps and suggest potential directions for future research.

Findings

Through a comprehensive review of 66 articles, this review provides a holistic and comprehensive overview of halal cosmetics that both academic scholars and market practitioners can rely upon in strategizing and positioning for future development of halal cosmetics. The study provides a holistic and comprehensive overview of halal cosmetics that both academic scholars and market practitioners can reply upon in strategizing and positioning for future development of halal cosmetics.

Originality/value

The fragmented knowledge of extant research on halal cosmetics across various disciplines limits a comprehensive understanding of the field. It is opportune to conduct a comprehensive and systematic review of the field, providing insight into both its current and future progress. In this regard, this review serves as a “one-stop reference” in providing a state-of-the-art understanding of the field, and enables industry practitioners to reveal the full potential and bridge the theory-practice gap in the halal cosmetics industry.
Lean 4.0: a systematic literature review on the interaction between lean production and industry 4.0 pillars
Authors: Kassem Bassel , Callupe Maira , Rossi Monica , Rossini Matteo , Portioli-Staudacher Alberto
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Prior to managing a company’s processes in the presence of a combination of paradigms, there is a need to understand their underlying interaction. This paper systematically reviews the existing literature that discusses the interaction between lean production (LP) and the fourth industrial revolution (i.e. Industry 4.0). The study aims to understand how the interaction unfolds and whether it is synergistic.

Design/methodology/approach

The research relies on a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed articles from Scopus and Web of Science that discuss the interaction between the two paradigms. The final set of articles pertaining to the topic was analysed.

Findings

The article presents that the interaction between the two paradigms occurs through a representation of the pillars of the House of Lean (HoL) interacting with the nine technological pillars of Industry 4.0. There is a consensus on the synergistic nexus among the pillars and their positive impact on operational performance. We also demonstrate the weights of the interactions between the two paradigms and the areas of operations management where this interaction takes place through Sankey charts. Our research indicates that the largest synergistic interaction occurs between just-in-time and industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and that companies should invest in IoT and cyber-physical systems as they have the greatest weight of interactions with the pillars of the HoL.

Research limitations/implications

This research facilitates a deeper insight into the interaction between LP and Industry 4.0 by organising and discussing existing research on the subject matter. It serves as a starting point for future researchers to formulate hypotheses about the interaction among the various pillars of LP and Industry 4.0, apply these interactions and test them through empirical research.

Practical implications

It could serve as a guide for managers to understand with which interactions they should start the digitalisation process.

Originality/value

With the rise in discussions on the interaction between the two paradigms, there is still an opportunity to understand the specificity of this interaction. Compared to the initial seminal works on the subject, such as Buer et al. (2018b), which investigated the direction of interaction between the two paradigms, this research contributes to further investigating this specificity and gaining a better understanding of the relationship governing the interaction between LP and Industry 4.0 by delineating the interaction state among the pillars of the two paradigms and its relevant importance.
How does per capita income growth affect bipolar and depression disorders in Africa?
Authors: Immurana Mustapha , Kisseih Kwame Godsway , Abdullahi Ibrahim , Azuug Muniru , Mohammed Ayisha , Kizhakkekara Toby Joseph Mathew
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Bipolar and depression disorders are some of the most common mental health disorders affecting millions of people in low-and middle-income countries, including those in Africa. These disorders are therefore major contributors to the burden of diseases and disability. While an enhancement in income is seen as a major approach towards reducing the burden of these disorders, empirical evidence to support this view in the African context is lacking. This study therefore aims to examine the effect of per capita income growth on bipolar and depression disorders across African countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data from secondary sources comprising 42 African countries over the period, 2002–2019, to achieve its objective. The prevalence of bipolar and major depressive disorders (depression) are used as the dependent variables, while per capita income growth is used as the main independent variable. The system Generalised Method of Moments regression is used as the estimation technique.

Findings

In the baseline, the authors find per capita income growth to be associated with a reduction in the prevalence of bipolar (coefficient: −0.001, p < 0.01) and depression (coefficient: −0.001, p < 0.1) in the short-term. Similarly, in the long-term, per capita income growth is found to have negative association with the prevalence of bipolar (coefficient: −0.059, p < 0.01) and depression (coefficient: −0.035, p < 0.1). The results are similar after robustness checks.

Originality/value

This study attempts at providing the first empirical evidence of the effect of per capita income growth on bipolar and depression disorders across several African countries.
Role of Industry 5.0 for driving sustainability in the manufacturing sector: an emerging research agenda
Authors: Narkhede Ganesh , Chinchanikar Satish , Narkhede Rupesh , Chaudhari Tansen
Published: February 2024

Purpose

With ever-increasing global concerns over environmental degradation and resource scarcity, the need for sustainable manufacturing (SM) practices has become paramount. Industry 5.0 (I5.0), the latest paradigm in the industrial revolution, emphasizes the integration of advanced technologies with human capabilities to achieve sustainable and socially responsible production systems. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of I5.0 in enabling SM. Furthermore, the review discusses the integration of sustainable practices into the core of I5.0.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic literature review (SLR) method is adopted to: explore the understanding of I5.0 and SM; understand the role of I5.0 in addressing sustainability challenges, including resource optimization, waste reduction, energy efficiency and ethical considerations and propose a framework for effective implementation of the I5.0 concept in manufacturing enterprises.

Findings

The concept of I5.0 represents a progressive step forward from previous industrial revolutions, emphasizing the integration of advanced technologies with a focus on sustainability. I5.0 offers opportunities to optimize resource usage and minimize environmental impact. Through the integration of automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics (BDA), manufacturers can enhance process efficiency, reduce waste and implement proactive sustainability measures. By embracing I5.0 and incorporating SM practices, industries can move towards a more resource-efficient, environmentally friendly and socially responsible manufacturing paradigm.

Research limitations/implications

The findings presented in this article have several implications including the changing role of the workforce, skills requirements and the need for ethical considerations for SM, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary collaborations, policy support and stakeholder engagement to realize its full potential.

Originality/value

This article aims to stand on an unbiased assessment to ascertain the landscape occupied by the role of I5.0 in driving sustainability in the manufacturing sector. In addition, the proposed framework will serve as a basis for the effective implementation of I5.0 for SM.
Modeling the enablers of blockchain technology implementation for information management in healthcare supply chains
Authors: Quayson Matthew , Avornu Eric Kofi , Bediako Albert Kweku
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Blockchain technology enhances information management in healthcare supply chains by securing healthcare information and providing medical resource traceability. However, there is no decision framework to support blockchain implementation for managing information, especially in emerging economies’ healthcare supply chains. This paper develops a hierarchical decision model for implementing blockchain technology for information management in emerging economies’ healthcare supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses 20 health supply chain experts in Ghana to rank 17 decision criteria for implementing blockchain for healthcare information management using the best-worst method (BWM) multi-criteria decision technique.

Findings

The results show that “security” and “privacy,” “infrastructural facility” and “presence of training facilities” are the top three critical factors impacting blockchain adoption in the health supply chain for healthcare information management. Other sub-factors are prioritized.

Practical implications

To implement blockchain effectively to enhance information management in the healthcare supply chain, health institutions, blockchain technology providers and state authorities should concentrate on the highly critical factors extracted from the study.

Originality/value

This is the first study that develops a hierarchical decision model for implementing blockchain technology in emerging economies' health supply chains.
Unlocking young people’s engagement with online news: affective or cognitive?
Authors: Omar Bahiyah , Al-Samarraie Hosam , Alzahrani Ahmed Ibrahim , See Kee Ng
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Most new media research focuses on behavior as a measure of engagement, while the psychological state of being occupied with its content has received little attention. This study examined news engagement beyond pure action observation by exploring young people’s psychological experiences with the news.

Design/methodology/approach

The study carried out a digital native’s survey on 212 people (18–28 years). The focus of the survey was on understanding individuals’ engagement with online news using affective and cognitive components. The authors compared the influence of each type of engagement on youth consumption of and attitudes toward online news.

Findings

The results of the hierarchical regression analysis showed that affective engagement can be a stronger predictor of online news consumption than cognitive engagement. While affective engagement significantly predicts positive attitudes toward online news, cognitive engagement had no significant effect.

Originality/value

These findings suggest that “engaging the heart” is more influential than “engaging the mind” in drawing young people to the news in today’s information environment. The study thus contributes to the understanding of the cognitive and emotional focus on news content and their importance in shaping young people’s expectations of online news. The findings from this study could have broader implications for future trends in online news consumption.
Watching Oppenheimer through Latour’s lens [1]
Authors: Nowak Andrzej Wojciech
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to demonstrate what myths of and about science are reproduced in this popular cultural work (movie – “Oppenheimer”). This is done by examining the unconscious hegemonic positions supported by the reproduction of stereotypical and mythical images of science.

Design/methodology/approach

Content/Text Analysis: The conceptual analysis of a cultural text – a film (“Oppenheimer”) – through a theoretical apparatus (B. Latour’s theory).

Findings

The film demonstrates its reproduction of three distinct elements. Firstly, it exhibits classic scientistic clichés pertaining to technoscience. Secondly, it highlights the replication of the individualized monomyth about the (super) hero, leading to the exclusion of the intricate conditions of technoscience’s existence. Lastly, the film aligns with the Californian ideology, as proposed by Barbrook.

Originality/value

The value of the text is twofold: (1) To show that the classical approaches of Bruno Latour are still relevant. (2) To show what hidden premises and myths about technoscience are being propagated through a work of pop culture (the film “Oppenheimer”) and, in effect, to show what kind of influence of cultural hegemony is at work here.
Technological evolution in tourism: a Horizon 2050 perspective
Authors: Chon Kaye Kye Sung , Hao Fei
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to chart the impact of technological advancements on tourism from the post–Second World War era to the present and forecast their influence until 2050. It assesses how technologies have reshaped travel experiences and operations, with a focus on upcoming innovations such as the metaverse, Web 3.0 and AI, and their implications for sustainable and ethical tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a hybrid approach, combining historical analysis and future projections. It analyzes archival data, industry reports and academic literature.

Findings

This study identifies crucial technological milestones that have significantly impacted tourism, including the rise of commercial aviation, the internet and AI. Future trends suggest emerging technologies will further transform the sector. Challenges in sustainability, ethics and inclusivity are highlighted as critical considerations for future development.

Originality/value

This paper offers a unique longitudinal perspective on technology’s influence on tourism, bridging past trends with future projections.
Marine vibrator source motion correction for strictly monotonic sweeps
Authors: Secker Stephen , Mascomere Jean‐Patrick , Robin Aline
Published: February 2024

Marine vibrators represent an alternative seismic source technology that could come to market in the near future. A key challenge related to marine vibrator seismic data is the effect that phase dispersion from source motion has on the signal during transmission. As such, the recorded moving vibrator data will benefit from being phase corrected, so that the data appear as if they had been shot with a stationary source. This transformation is called the source motion correction. Previous source motion corrections used either specific dephasing operators for specific sweep types or pre‐correlation methods for any sweep type. A source motion correction dephasing operator has been derived, demonstrated and applied to real seismic data collected during a Marine Vibrator Joint Industry Project field trial of an array of marine vibrators. This dephasing operator has been made more general so that any strictly monotonic sweep through time may be used for this correction regardless of sweep type (e.g. linear or exponential). Moreover, the correction uses the pilot sweep as a direct input, measuring from it, the instantaneous frequency which can then be used to build the dephasing operator. This new more general form brings two key advantages over previous dephasing operator corrections: (1) Non‐analytically defined sweeps can now be source motion corrected, and (2) even when an analytically defined sweep (e.g. linear) is used, the transmitted sweep from the marine vibrator can vary from the theoretical input sweep; this correction can account for these changes. Furthermore, given that this source motion correction is a dephasing operator, it can be applied pre‐ or post‐correlation of the raw data with the pilot sweep, thus allowing greater flexibility in the processing. Lastly, some previously derived source motion corrections based on dephasing operators contained errors in their derivation; this new derivation addresses these errors resulting in an improved correction.
Teacher–therapist collaboration in inclusive primary schools: A scoping review
Authors: Jeremy Jill , Spandagou Ilektra , Hinitt Joanne
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Inclusive school environments require collaboration between teachers and allied health professionals to promote student access and participation. Collaboration is a complex phenomenon with no universally accepted definition or measurement and with many challenges to effective practice. The purpose of this scoping review is to describe what is known about interprofessional collaboration between teachers and therapists in inclusive primary schools.

Methods

A scoping review of health and education literature was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Peer‐reviewed articles reporting on empirical studies with a focus on collaboration between teachers and school‐based occupational therapists or speech and language therapists in inclusive primary schools were included.

Results

Results summarise how collaboration is reported in the literature. Numerical and descriptive summaries describe how collaboration is defined and measured, the challenges to collaborative practice, the structures required to support effective practice, and the outcomes of such practice.

Conclusion

Definitions vary between studies and disciplines but contain common elements. For effective practice, the purpose of the collaboration must be clear, and the intended outcomes of the collaboration are measured. Measurement of collaboration requires further research using tools developed from robust theoretical frameworks and validated within the educational context and with professionals of different disciplines. Consistent measurement tools would allow cross‐study comparisons. Barriers to collaborative practice are well documented; thus, future research should be directed to examining effective practice, investigating how professionals circumvent obstacles.
Creating an inclusive second language writing classroom through multiliteracies pedagogy: A duoethnography study
Authors: Chin Mellisa , Yap Jia Rong
Published: February 2024

Students with special educational needs face challenges in developing second language writing skills. These students lack specialised instruction and support, especially in mainstream classrooms, due to a lack of expertise and understanding of inclusive education. This article explores two teachers' conceptualisations of inclusive education and special educational needs, as well as investigating the application of a multiliteracies pedagogy in the context of fostering inclusivity within a second language writing classroom. Through duoethnography, the teachers share their experiences of tailoring lessons for students with special educational needs. The study highlights the complexities of inclusivity in second language writing classrooms with multiliteracies pedagogy and promotes professional learning through duoethnography. The analysis illustrates the challenges and opportunities for teachers catering to students with special educational needs. The article discusses whether using multiliteracies pedagogy for inclusive classrooms is a possible reality or an ideological pipedream.
Visibility of inflicted bruises by alternate light: Results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Downing Nancy R. , Scafide Katherine N. , Ali Zahra , Hayat Matthew J.
Published: February 2024

Difficulty visualizing bruises resulting from interpersonal violence, especially in individuals with dark skin, contributes to disparities in access to justice. The purpose of this analysis was to compare bruise visibility of detected injuries using white light versus alternate light sources (ALS). Visibility was assessed using the 5‐point Bruise Visibility Scale (BVS) for white light and the ALS Visibility Scale (AVS) for ALS. Bruises were induced using controlled application of a paintball to the upper arm on 157 healthy adults across six skin color categories. Using a crossover design, the light source used first to assess the bruise (white light or ALS) was randomized. Each bruise was examined up to 21 times over 4 weeks using white light and 10 combinations of wavelengths (350 nanometer [nm] – 535 nm) and colored filters (yellow, orange, and red). Multilevel modeling was used to analyze the repeated measures data with a total 20,103 bruise assessments. Results revealed 415 nm with yellow filter resulted in an almost 0.5‐point increase in BVS/AVS score across all skin colors (Estimate = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.49; p < 0.001), a clinically significant improvement in ability to visualize bruises. Conversely, 515 nm (Estimate = −0.80; 95% CI: −0.84, −0.76; p < 0.001) and 535 nm (Estimate = −0.64, 95% CI: −0.67, −0.60; p < 0.001) with red filter resulted in more than 0.5‐point decrease in BVS/AVS score. The use of ALS is supported by the data and results in improved bruise visibility during medical forensic examinations.
Unique data, different values: Explaining variation in the use of biometrics by international humanitarian organizations
Authors: Açıkyıldız Çağlar
Published: February 2024

Humanitarian organizations are increasingly using biometric technology. Although the existing literature comprehensively covers this issue, it overlooks the considerable divergence in approaches and policies. In fact, there are significant differences in how biometric data are collected, stored, processed, shared, and protected. Drawing on an analysis of relevant news items, documents, and 17 semi‐structured interviews with humanitarian practitioners, this paper explains the variational biometric practices of humanitarian organizations. The case studies are the UN Refugee Agency, the United Nations World Food Programme, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières, and World Vision International. Contributing to the scholarly debates about, first, the use of technology in humanitarian response and, second, the complex interdependence and power relations between major donors, States, and international organizations, this paper argues that combinations of three broad factors – organizational culture, mandates and scope of action, and institutional structure significantly shape how each organization understands and practices biometrics. Humanitarian organizations have different interests, motivations, ideologies, statuses, structures, and areas of expertise, and they respond differently to the demands of the States and other influential actors, thus having different applications of biometric data.
Benefits of camrelizumab plus carboplatin and albumin paclitaxel as induction therapy for locally advanced borderline resectable or unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chao Li , Liu Jianting , Chen Yun , Fan Yuhui , Guo Shiping , Zhang Shuangping
Published: February 2024

Background

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of camrelizumab plus albumin paclitaxel and carboplatin in the neoadjuvant treatment of borderline resectable or unresectable locally advanced esophageal cancer.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 27 patients with borderline resectable or unresectable locally advanced esophageal cancer who received neoadjuvant treatment with camrelizumab plus albumin paclitaxel and carboplatin at Shanxi Cancer Hospital from January 2020 to March 2022. Of these, 20 patients underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy after neoadjuvant treatment.

Results

Overall, 88.9% (24/27) of patients completed neoadjuvant treatment. The objective response rate was 79.2% (19/24) according to the RECIST criteria. Of the 20 patients who underwent surgery, the R0 resection rate was 95%, and 35% (7/20) achieved pathological complete response (pCR). During neoadjuvant treatment, 30% (6/20) of patients experienced grade ≥3 treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs), and 20% (4/20) had grade ≥3 postoperative complications. There were no cases of reoperation or perioperative mortality.

Conclusion

Camrelizumab plus albumin paclitaxel and carboplatin were found to be safe and effective in the neoadjuvant treatment of borderline resectable or unresectable locally advanced esophageal cancer. It was observed to improve the rate of curative resection without increasing perioperative complications.
Relative deficiency in interferon‐γ‐secreting CD4+ T cells is strongly associated with poorer COVID‐19 vaccination responses in older adults
Authors: Ho Vanda W. T. , Boon Low Heng , Cui Jianzhou , Juequn Zhou , Shunmuganathan Bhuvaneshwari , Gupta Rashi , Tan Nikki Y. J. , Qian Xinlei , Purushotorman Kiren ,   SCOPE Cohort Study Group, Fong Siew‐Wai , Renia Laurent , Ng Lisa F. P. , Angeli Veronique , Chen Jinmiao , Kennedy Brian K. , Ong Catherine W. M. , Macary Paul A.
Published: February 2024

Although the two‐dose mRNA vaccination regime provides protection against SARS‐CoV‐2, older adults have been shown to exhibit poorer vaccination responses. In addition, the role of vaccine‐induced T‐cell responses is not well characterised. We aim to assess the impact of age on immune responses after two doses of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine, focussing on antigen‐specific T‐cells. A prospective 3‐month study was conducted on 15 young (median age 31 years, interquartile range (IQR) 25–35 years) and 14 older adults (median age 72 years, IQR 70–73 years). We assessed functional, neutralising antibody responses against SARS‐CoV‐2 variants using ACE‐2 inhibition assays, and changes in B and T‐cell subsets by high‐dimensional flow cytometry. Antigen‐specific T‐cell responses were also quantified by intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry. Older adults had attenuated T‐helper (Th) response to vaccination, which was associated with weaker antibody responses and decreased SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralisation. Antigen‐specific interferon‐γ (IFNγ)‐secreting CD4+ T‐cells to wild‐type and Omicron antigens increased in young adults, which was strongly positively correlated with their neutralising antibody responses. Conversely, this relationship was negative in older adults. Hence, older adults' relative IFNγ‐secreting CD4+ T cell deficiency might explain their poorer COVID‐19 vaccination responses. Further exploration into the aetiology is needed and would be integral in developing novel vaccination strategies and improving infection outcomes in older adults.
Australian psychologists' knowledge, confidence, and practices in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder diagnostic assessment
Authors: Kerimofski Katherine L. , Panton Kirsten R. , Pestell Carmela F.
Published: February 2024

Background

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). There are many documented barriers to FASD diagnostic assessment, including a limited number of trained clinicians. This study aimed to establish baseline levels of Australian psychologists' knowledge and practices in FASD assessment to develop training and improve future diagnostic capacity.

Methods

An online survey was completed by 106 Australian psychologists. The survey elicited respondents' demographics, knowledge about FASD, confidence in various aspects of assessment and perceived future training needs.

Results

Respondents reported a broad understanding of the FASD diagnostic term and potential harm of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). However, most respondents were not confident in their ability to conduct the psychometric assessments that provide a diagnostic assessment of FASD or ask about PAE. There was a significant positive correlation between the number of correct knowledge items and the psychologists' confidence in conducting FASD assessments. The clinical neuropsychologists demonstrated significantly greater knowledge and confidence in applying FASD diagnostic criteria and assessing PAE than school, clinical, and other psychologists. Most psychologists were more confident in their ability to apply the diagnostic criteria for other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Conclusions

Recognition of FASD is growing in Australia, however, further work is required to improve clinicians' understanding of and confidence in completing FASD assessments. Most participants indicated a preference for online training to learn more about FASD assessment.
Parkin is a critical player in the effects of caffeine over mitochondrial quality control pathways during skeletal muscle regeneration in mice
Authors: Esteca M. V. , Divino I. A. , Vieira da Silva A. L. , Severino M. B. , Braga R. R. , Ropelle E. R. , Simabuco F. M. , Baptista I. L.
Published: February 2024

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the effects of caffeine on pathways associated with mitochondrial quality control and mitochondrial capacity during skeletal muscle regeneration, focusing on the role of Parkin, a key protein involved in mitophagy.

Methods

We used in vitro C2C12 myoblast during differentiation with and without caffeine in the medium, and we evaluated several markers of mitochondrial quality control pathways and myotube growth. In vivo experiments, we used C57BL/6J (WT) and Parkintm1Shn lineage (Parkin−/−) mice and injured tibial anterior muscle. The mice regenerated TA muscle for 3, 10, and 21 days with or without caffeine ingestion. TA muscle was used to analyze the protein content of several markers of mitochondrial quality pathways, muscle satellite cell differentiation, and protein synthesis. Furthermore, it analyzed mtDNA, mitochondrial respiration, and myofiber growth.

Results

C2C12 differentiation experiments showed that caffeine decreased Parkin content, potentially leading to increased DRP1 and PGC‐1α content and altered mitochondrial population, thereby enhancing growth capacity. Using Parkin−/− mice, we found that caffeine intake during the regenerative process induces an increase in AMPKα phosphorylation and PGC‐1α and TFAM content, changes that were partly Parkin‐dependent. In addition, the absence of Parkin potentiates the ergogenic effect of caffeine by increasing mitochondrial capacity and myotube growth. Those effects are related to increased ATF4 content and activation of protein synthesis pathways, such as increased 4E‐BP1 phosphorylation.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that caffeine ingestion changes mitochondrial quality control during skeletal muscle regeneration, and Parkin is a central player in those mechanisms.
Colourants on the Persian architectural decorations from the 11th to the 15th century
Authors: Holakooei Parviz , Karimy Amir‐Hossein
Published: February 2024

Over 200 samples from colourants appeared in 50 monuments in Iran dated back to the 11th century up to the 15th century were identified using micro‐X‐ray fluorescence (μ‐XRF), micro‐Raman spectroscopy (μ‐Raman), polarized light microscopy (PLM), and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (SEM‐EDS). Whereas red ochre, red lead, vermilion, and an organic red dye were identified as red colourants, ultramarine blue, azurite, and indigo were the blue colourants occurred in the wall decorations. In addition, atacamite was the only green pigment identified on the wall paintings and stucco decorations, and carbon black was identified as black pigment. We also show that gold leaf and tin foil have been used in gilding decorations. Furthermore, we were able to discern yellow ochre together with orpiment, natrojarosite, and crocoite in a number of architectural decorations. Moreover, we show that huntite and gypsum are used as white preparation layer of the wall decorations in Iran. Periods of emergence of particular pigments have been discussed and regional preferences in the use of certain pigments are argued. An extensive discussion is provided to compare the colourant appeared on wall decoration with those appeared on illuminated manuscripts in the Persianate world.
Moral licensing effect of work engagement: The role of psychological entitlement and relationship conflict with supervisors
Authors: Zhang Lianghua , Wang Yongli
Published: February 2024

Given the importance of work engagement for organizations and the almost unified and steadfast understanding of its benefits, it is imperative to investigate the potential downside of work engagement to prevent unexpected damage. However, there has been relatively little research on its negative impacts. Drawing on the moral licensing theory, this study identifies the potential negative effects of work engagement by exploring the mediating role of psychological entitlement. An online experiment and a survey are conducted to test the theoretical model. The results reveal that work engagement leads to deviant workplace behavior through psychological entitlement only in cases where there is a higher level of relationship conflict with supervisors. The conclusions of this study shed light on how work engagement negatively affects organizations. The current study also contributes to practice by suggesting that supervisors should be aware of employees with a higher level of work engagement and communicate with them in a reasonable manner.
A randomized controlled study on acupuncture for peri‐operative pain after open radical prostatectomy
Authors: Maurer Jean , Friedemann Thomas , Chen Yuelai , Ambrosini Francesca , Knipper Sophie , Maurer Tobias , Heinzer Hans , Thederan Imke , Schroeder Sven
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the advantages of adding acupuncture to standard postoperative pain management for open radical prostatectomy (RP).

Materials and methods

A randomized controlled trial (1:1:1) comparing routine postoperative analgesic care (control [CON]) vs the addition of press tack needle acupuncture (ACU) or press tack placebo acupressure (SHAM) for pain management after open RP was performed. A total of 126 patients were enrolled between February 2020 and April 2021. After open RP, the CON group received standard postoperative analgesia, the ACU group received long‐term acupuncture with press tacks at specific points (P‐6, Shenmen and SP‐6) along with standard analgesia, and the SHAM group received placebo press tacks at the same acupuncture points alongside standard analgesia. The primary endpoint was postoperative pain measured on a numeric rating scale, the NRS‐11, calculated as the area under the curve. The cumulative use of routine postoperative analgesics, time to first defaecation, and quality of life were analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis rank sum test, Fisher's exact test, and Pearson's chi‐squared test.

Results

The ACU group reported significantly less postoperative pain compared to the SHAM (P = 0.007) and CON groups (P = 0.02). There were no significant difference in median (interquartile range) cumulative pain medication usage, time to first defaecation (CON: 37 [33, 44] h; SHAM: 37 [33, 42] h; ACU: 37 [33, 41] h; P > 0.9), or health status at discharge (EuroQol five‐dimension, five‐level general health assessment questionnaire: CON: 70 [65–83]; SHAM: 70 [60–80]; ACU: 70 [50–80]).

Conclusion

Incorporating acupuncture into postoperative pain management can improve patient postoperative outcomes.
Comparing apples with apples? How ethnolinguistic and immigration status differentiates university admissions in Toronto and Sydney
Authors: Sikora Joanna , Malette Nicole , Robson Karen
Published: February 2024

Historically, a scarcity of comprehensive longitudinal microdata has affected comparative research on the interplay between self‐identified race, immigrant status, and educational attainment. Thus, this study utilizes ethnic capital theory and harmonized data from Toronto, Canada, and Sydney, Australia, to scrutinize the success of ethnolinguistically diverse immigrants in accessing university education. While students from certain East Asian countries enter universities at higher rates in both cities, dissecting the intricacies of ethnic capital's operation proves challenging. Notably, first‐ and second‐generation migrants who speak Chinese, Japanese, or Korean outdo their peers in university admissions by a larger margin in Toronto than in Sydney. However, the shortcomings of the administrative data in Toronto and the survey data in Sydney limit how we can interpret this finding. We postulate expanding existing data collections to enable insightful research on how the educational trajectories of Canadian students compare to those elsewhere with respect to immigration experiences, race, and ethnicity.