bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revitalising socio-economic empowerment through cooperative banks: insights from India
Authors: Panakaje Niyaz , Rahiman Habeeb Ur , Riha Parvin S.M. , Siddiq Abbokar , Rabbani Mustafa Raza
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This research aims to explore the significance of cooperative efforts in promoting financial participation to enhance the socio-economic empowerment of the rural Muslims.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary study with a structured questionnaire has been conducted taking a sample of 398 rural Muslim respondents from various rural regions of south India through proportionate stratified sampling techniques. Regression analysis, paired sample t-test and structural equation modelling (SEM) through statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) 26 & SPSS analysis of moment structures (AMOS) 23 software have been implemented to test the relationship.

Findings

The research outcome demonstrated a remarkable difference in the rural Muslim’s socio-economic conditions before and after availing the loans from cooperatives. Consequently, an extension of cooperative efforts widens the scope of financial participation which again has positively enhanced rural Muslim’s socio-economic empowerment.

Practical implications

This study will help various policymakers, academicians and communities to take necessary action for the upliftment of a particular community. The research further adds on to the existing research on the need and importance of cooperative efforts as an alternative finance for marginalised community in developing and emerging countries.

Originality/value

The result of this study is only confined to south India, posing a limitation for the study. Apart from the geographical restriction, the study solemnly covers the rural Muslim community extracting other sections of the society. Hence, for more generalisable pictures of the current results, further research is recommended from other stakeholders’ perspectives.
Advancing business process management lifecycle implementation through the integration of the design for Six Sigma method
Authors: Kovach Jamison V. , Cardoso-Grilo Teresa , Cardoso Madalena , Kalakou Sofia , Martins Ana Lúcia
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This research proposes how Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) provides a complementary approach for business process management (BPM) lifecycle implementation in order to address gaps identified in the current literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The mandatory elements of a method (MEM) framework is used to illustrate DFSS's maturity as a process redesign method. The use of DFSS in a BPM context is described through several action research case examples.

Findings

This research specifies the procedure model (order of development activities), techniques, results, roles and information/meta model (conceptual data model of results) associated with using DFSS to address BPM-related challenges. The action research case examples provided discuss the details of implementing BPM using DFSS to design, implement and test redesigned processes to ensure they fulfill the needs of process participants.

Research limitations/implications

While the case examples discussed were performed in only a few settings, which limits the generalizability of their results, they provide evidence regarding the wide range of domains in which the proposed DFSS-BPM approach can be applied and how the tools are used in different contexts.

Practical implications

This research offers a road map for addressing the challenges practitioners often face with BPM lifecycle implementation.

Originality/value

This research provides the first attempt to integrate DFSS as a complementary method for BPM lifecycle implementation.
ProcessChain: a blockchain-based framework for privacy preserving cross-organizational business process mining from distributed event logs
Authors: Singh Sandeep Kumar , Jenamani Mamata
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a consortium-blockchain based framework for cross-organizational business process mining complying with privacy requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

Business process modeling in a cross-organizational setting is complicated due to privacy concerns. The process mining in this situation occurs through trusted third parties (TTPs). It uses a special class of Petri-nets called workflow nets (WF-nets) to represent the formal specifications of event logs in a blockchain-enabled cross-organization.

Findings

Using a smart contract algorithm, the proposed framework discovers the organization-specific business process models (BPM) without a TTP. The discovered BPMs are formally represented using WF-nets with a message factor to support the authors’ claim. Finally, the applicability and suitability of the proposed framework is demonstrated using a case study of multimodal transportation.

Originality/value

The proposed framework complies with privacy requirements. It shows how to represent the formal specifications of event logs in a blockchain using a special class of Petri-nets called WF-nets. It also presents a smart contract algorithm to discover organization-specific business process models (BPM) without a TTP.
Women in the family business: self and family's influence on their perceptions of financial performance
Authors: González L. Ana C. , Rodríguez Yeny E. , Sánchez Carol
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study examines how women and men in family firms respond differently when asked about perceptions of financial performance. The study poses three research questions around this topic: Are there differences among female and male responses, do those perceptions change if men and women are leaders of the family business and does the family's socioemotional wealth (SEW) influence such responses.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative research design to determine if financial performance perceptions of family firms differ based on the gender of the respondents and their leadership position, and second, if SEW's dimensions influence those perceptions, using data from the Successful Transgenerational Entrepreneurship Practices (STEP) survey in 2015.

Findings

The findings indicate that due to the lack of theory regarding gender as a social construct, empirical data collected for family business studies should take under consideration if respondents are women, men, leaders and the family influence in the family business when collecting data from surveys and asking for perceptions of financial performance. Results show that women in family businesses tend to have more positive perceptions of financial performance than men, but if women are leaders, those perceptions not only decrease but become negative. In addition, the family's socioemotional wealth (SEW) exacerbates those tendencies.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by helping to understand the potential limitations of subjective measures of financial performance, as women increasingly become family business leaders. It also contributes to gender studies by demonstrating that there is a lack of gender theoretical perspectives specifically, gender roles, suggesting that differences in self-promotion and self-evaluation between men and women leaders of their family firms. Finally, this study adds to the study of SEW as a multidimensional construct by showing the different effects, or lack of them by each dimension and showing the strong effect of family continuity on the perception of financial performance.
Navigating supply chain disruptions: a purchasing portfolio matrix analysis of Chinese manufacturing SMEs in the context of COVID-19
Authors: Han Yu , Tian Anna Yumiao , Chong Woon Kian , Chong Alain Yee Loong , Paulraj Antony
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets with an updated Purchasing Portfolio Matrix (PPM) specifically for international sourcing. This data-driven PPM matrix is designed to provide a dynamic and process perspective that can help SMEs survive the disruptions caused by emergency situations such as the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This research reports on qualitative interviews with experienced informants from 15 SMEs in the manufacturing industry. The authors follow process-based research using a combination of retrospective and real-time case study approaches to gradually unveil the dynamics in segmentation and sourcing strategies in the international sourcing context during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

The findings reveal the dynamics of segmentation and international sourcing strategies during global disruptions and unpack the underlying logic behind the dynamics that is specific to SMEs in emerging economies.

Originality/value

Existing literature on PPM predominantly focuses on static and normal sourcing circumstances. This paper addresses this gap by adopting a dynamic approach to study how sourcing strategies of SMEs from emerging economies evolve in a highly volatile environment from an international sourcing perspective.
Impact pathways: unravelling the hybrid food supply chain – identifying the relationships and processes to drive change
Authors: Sawyerr Emmanuel Acquah , Bourlakis Michael , Conrad Damien , Wagstaff Carol
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper explores the nature and operations of the supply chain that serves disadvantaged groups. With the increasing reliance on supplementary food provision through food aid, the authors seek to emphasise efficiency and sustainability in these supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interview data from 32 senior managers and experts from both commercial and food aid supply chains were abductively analysed to develop a relationship-based map of the food chains that serve disadvantaged groups.

Findings

Disadvantaged groups are served by a hybrid food supply chain. It is an interconnected supply chain bringing together the commercial and the food aid supply chains. This chain is unsurprisingly plagued with various challenges, the most critical of which are limited expertise and resources, operational inefficiencies, prohibitive logistics costs and a severe lack of collaboration.

Originality/value

This study identifies the currently limited role of logistics companies in surplus food redistribution and highlights future pathways. Additionally, the authors present useful actionable propositions for managers, practitioners and policymakers.
Jharcraft: a gift of transformational leadership in an Indian state-owned enterprise
Authors: Singh Pragya , Chaudhary Karishma
Published: November 2023

Purpose

A leader who inspires, facilitates and leads people to outperform themselves and bring phenomenal changes on an individual and social canvas is recognized as a transformational leader (TL). TL focuses on innovative methods and processes to improve the efficiency of subordinates. Experts believe that transformational leadership management is more effective than pragmatic leadership. This study focuses on the traits of a TL. Mr. Dhirendra Kumar, Managing Director of Jharcraft, who set out on a mission to lead people to revive the lost art and craft in the state of Jharkhand, India. The case highlights how Kumar's leadership style aligns with the four components of transformational leadership suggested by Bass (1985), i.e. idealized influence, intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation and individual considerations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a qualitative approach to comprehend the theory of transformational leadership. First of all, an in-depth analysis of transformational leadership theory was conducted using secondary data. The findings of several researchers on the basis of their contribution to the development of transformational leadership theory were analyzed. Based on this, the Bass transformational theory framework was selected. Primary data were collected by conducting interviews with Mr. Dhirendra Kumar, Managing Director of Jharcraft.

Findings

Transformational leadership is a leadership style that can inspire positive changes in those who follow. TLs are generally energetic, enthusiastic and passionate. As per Bass's transformational leadership components, Kumar challenged the status quo and imbibed creativity and skill into local artisans. Artisans were imparted training by experts from the National Institute of Fashion and Technology and provided intellectual stimulation. Kumar offered support and encouragement to individual followers. In order to foster supportive relationships, Kumar articulated a clear vision to the followers. Kumar served as a role model for followers. Because followers trust and respect the leader, they emulate this individual and internalize the individual's ideals.

Research limitations/implications

This study only considered the traits portrayed by Dhirendra Kumar during Kumar's tenure as the Managing Director of Warcraft, and the data were collected at one single point in time. Future research may consider Kumar's entire service journey and study factors that influenced his role as a TL.

Practical implications

Students will be able to learn and understand how a TL can bring positive change at the grassroots level.

Social implications

This case focuses on how a TL's efforts led to the societal upliftment of poor people and made them capable.

Originality/value

Given the importance of transformational leadership in today's organizational context, this study builds a knowledge base to understand factors for transformational leadership and traits exhibited by TLs.
Traditional leadership and boundary demarcation in South Africa: Collins Chabane local municipality as a case study
Authors: Lamidi Kazeem Oyedele , Juta Lusanda Beauty , Mathonsi Vukosi
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present relevant literature review to build up the case pertaining to the impact of traditional leadership in the demarcation of municipal boundaries in South Africa. Municipal boundary demarcation remains a major contentious issue during the process of establishing municipalities. Little or no attention has been paid to the significance of traditional leadership in resolving issues around boundary demarcation between municipalities, hence this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopted case study design. Data were collected from secondary sources and the contents were analyzed for this research purpose.

Findings

This paper put boundary in municipal context as a result of spatial reconfiguration process. It also discussed the impactful roles of traditional leadership as an institution involved in municipal (re)demarcation processes.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focusses on the contemporary roles that traditional leadership is at vantage position to play in the process of municipal boundary demarcation. Therefore, the paper concludes that traditional leadership could resolve issue of ethnicity as a causal factor mitigating the redemarcation of municipal boundaries.

Originality/value

It contributes to existing knowledge by providing information on the roles of traditional leadership that could complement the resolution of the ethnic complexities arising from municipal (re)demarcation processes.
Trends and socioeconomic disparities in undernutrition among Muslim women in India: evidence from the last two decades (1998–2021)
Authors: Hashmi Zeenat , Singh Ashish
Published: November 2023

Purpose

A woman's nutritional status significantly determines her overall well-being. The authors critically examine the trends — including socioeconomic disparities — in undernutrition among Muslim women in India, a notably socio-economically disadvantaged group. The authors also investigate trends and variations across the dimensions of caste, place of residence (rural/urban), education, economic status and geographic regions.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis leverages the nationally representative National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) of India conducted between 1998 and 2021. The authors examined poor–rich ratios, concentration indices, disparity ratios and predicted probabilities of being underweight (captured using Body Mass Index).

Findings

From 1998 to 2021, there has been a decline in undernutrition prevalence among Muslim women. However, stark socioeconomic variations persist. While the prevalence has decreased over time across all socioeconomic groups, disparities — both within and between groups — remain significant and, in many cases, have expanded. For certain socioeconomic subgroups (e.g. Muslim women with no formal education or those in the Central and Northeast regions), the disparity doubled between 1998 and 2021. In regions like the South, where undernutrition prevalence is low or has reduced, disparities remain significant and generally have increased.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, the study is the first to provide a comprehensive examination of the prevalence, trends and socioeconomic disparities in undernutrition among Muslim women in India over the past two decades.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2023-0320
Actual and virtual food heritage walking tour for building better citizenship understanding (insight from Indonesia)
Authors: Masyhari Makhasi Ghifari Yuristiadhi
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the extent to which the walking tour in virtual version appeals to the younger generation and still provides lessons about cultural acculturation that can inspire citizenship today compared to an actual walking tour.

Design/methodology/approach

This quasi-experimental design uses pre-test and post-test with structured interviews for data collection from five purposive participants who related the experience and storytelling that they experienced from the tours.

Findings

This study finds while virtual tours cannot replace physical walking tours because of real multisensory experiences, storytelling and guiding interpretation through virtual tours is more likeable than walking tours Due to some potential disturbance in the field. However, the guiding interpretation related to the message of multiculturalism still reaches tourists both through actual and virtual tours.

Research limitations/implications

This study has limitations regarding the number of participants. A larger number of participants may provide greater objectivity. In addition, regarding the quasi-experimental method used, it is possible to have different results if the actual walking tour precedes the virtual tour, and this can be a broad discussion space for future researchers.

Social implications

Practically, this walking tour is expected to be a model for civic education, especially in Indonesia, which is delivered in a fun way through a walking tour.

Originality/value

This study offers a novelty regarding the development of a walking tour based on citizenship education, which can be seen from its impact on the younger generation when it is held virtually or actually.
Unravelling the determinants of family firms' governance: the family protocol
Authors: Jayantilal Shital , Jorge Sílvia Ferreira , Alcarva Paulo
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Family businesses are essential to the global economy but often grapple with family-related issues, especially during succession. This study explores how governance tools like the family protocol (FP) mitigate conflicts by setting standards for family firm management and continuity. Pioneering the use of game theory and adverse selection setups in family business governance, this research uncovers FP determinants.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs game theory and adverse selection setups to delve into the strategic decision-making processes of stakeholders in family firms. The authors break new ground by applying principal–agent theory (PAT) to family business governance structures. This innovative approach uncovers the determinants of the FP, enhancing the authors’ understanding of family firm dynamics.

Findings

The authors emphasize the importance of custom governance structures, such as the FP, in managing complex family-business interactions. These structures mitigate conflicts and promote smoother transitions during succession, ensuring family firm continuity. This study identifies key determinants, and these results will aid founders, families and practitioners in achieving smoother transitions, ensuring family firm continuity.

Originality/value

This research pioneers game theory and PAT applications in family business governance, shedding light on the effectiveness of customized governance mechanisms. By identifying FP determinants, the authors contribute to a deeper understanding of family firm dynamics. The findings have practical implications for founders, families, practitioners and consultants, promoting the long-term success and harmony of family firms in the global economy.
The wealth creator and family business: a perspective article
Authors: Nebot Carmen , Morales Mediano Javier
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The principal objective of this study is to identify and recommend auspicious research directions within the field of family business research, with a specific focus on the wealth creator. In conjunction with these research trajectories, the paper also aims to elucidate the potential implications of cultivating these lines of inquiry on the existing family business literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This perspective paper adopts a comprehensive approach to examine the multifaceted role of the wealth creator in the context of family businesses. It reviews the last decades of research that resulted in the identification of this role within family business and proposes future research avenues to further address their characterization and importance.

Findings

Investigating the wealth creator's attributes can provide insights into their role, the importance of timely identification and its preparatory elements. Furthermore, this exploration can shed light on the dynamics of inter-family relationships within family businesses and enrich the literature on power transition and continuity in family enterprises. Additionally, the maturation of the wealth creator concept may significantly impact the management of wealth portfolios, facilitating smoother wealth transfer, strategic portfolio management and the preservation of multi-generational wealth.

Originality/value

This research offers a diverse understanding of the role of the wealth creator in family businesses. The findings also enhance the comprehension of family business dynamics, enriching the literature on succession. Lastly, the offered research avenues contribute to addressing the challenges of sustaining family wealth and ensuring the continuity of family businesses across generations.
Women entrepreneurship and microfinance: implications on the mental well-being of informal traders in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Olohunlana Aminat Olayinka , Shittu Ayodele Ibrahim , Adeosun Oluyemi Theophilus , Popogbe Oluwaseyi , Olohunlana Dapo Somod
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Although microfinancing is considered a key tool for fostering women's entrepreneurship development, there is growing concern regarding the impact of loan repayment strategies on the mental health of women entrepreneurs. This study seeks to unravel the implications of microfinance loans on the mental well-being of women entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

A carefully structured questionnaire was distributed to a purposive sample of one hundred women entrepreneurs in Lagos State using a mixed-method research approach. Also, interviews were conducted using an interview guide, which directly mirrored the questionnaire administered to five focus groups within Lagos State.

Findings

The study found that loan repayment and recovery strategies positively and significantly impact women entrepreneurs' mental well-being, with psychological distress serving as a measure for measuring mental well-being. Additionally, other factors such as the number of dependants and household headship trigger psychological distress, while age in business was associated with a reduction in psychological distress.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by delving into the psychological implications of loan repayment strategies on the mental health of female entrepreneurs in Lagos State, Nigeria. Furthermore, it employs a triangulation research approach to validate questionnaire responses through focus group discussions.
How to mitigate incentives for poverty trade-off in Egypt's ageing population under the new bill for older people care rights using means tested benefit cost sharing framework?
Authors: Salah Eldin Zahra , Elsheemy Mohamed , Ali Abdelrahman Raghda
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Many countries around the world are facing great challenges from their ageing population with shrinking workforce, this will put more pressure on their financial system and will increase the public spending on care costs provided to older people. Egypt is in the phase of establishing a new law for older people care's rights, a law that will organise how older people in need for care would benefit from access to government financial support and how will families support their older relatives financially and how the care costs will be shared between the older people, their families and the government.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the suitability two cost-sharing methods and applying them to assess the effect on the individuals and families' income strain.

Findings

The preferred approach can be used for sharing costs as it applies a gradual funding withdrawal by the government and provide more fairness and flexibility for application in different regions. Besides, the parameters of this approach can be used by policy makers to control the levels of funding.

Originality/value

The paper will be the first to discuss the intergenerational fairness from a financial perspective in Egypt to avoid forcing older people into poverty or resorting to poverty trade-off.
Innovate or perish: can green entrepreneurial orientation foster green innovation by leveraging green manufacturing practices under different levels of green technology turbulence?
Authors: Al-Swidi Abdullah Kaid , Al-Hakimi Mohammed A. , Al-Sarraf Jaafar , Al koliby Ibraheem Saleh
Published: November 2023

Purpose

While the significance of green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) has been acknowledged, it is still not fully understood how GEO influences green innovation (GI). Depending on the natural resource-based view (NRBV), the practice-based view (PBV) and contingency theory (CT), the authors explore how GEO affects GI via green manufacturing practices (GMPs) and the moderating role of green technology turbulence (GTT).

Design/methodology/approach

Using the data gathered from large firms in Yemen, the suggested model was tested through hierarchical regression analysis using the PROCESS Macro in SPSS.

Findings

The empirical results reveal that GEO is positively related to GMP, which in turn is positively related to GI. Importantly, GMP mediates the link between GEO and GI. The results also demonstrate that GTT positively moderates the GEO-GI link.

Originality/value

This study makes a valuable contribution to the existing literature on sustainability and holds significant importance for managers seeking to enhance their understanding of utilizing GEO for fostering GI.
Evaluation of China's maritime power construction index and policy textual analysis
Authors: Zhang Kuncheng , Tian Shi-Zheng , Wu Yong , Wu Jiale , Liu Na , Wang Donghai
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This research establishes an evaluation index system and calculation method for the China's maritime power construction index (CMPCI). It has conducted practical tests on the progress of China's maritime power construction since the 12th–13th Five-Year Plans. This paper conducts a phased study on the construction of China's maritime power based on the CMPCI evaluation results; it expands the relevant achievements in the research field of quantitative research in China's maritime power construction. The verification results are consistent with the actual situation.

Design/methodology/approach

Fully reflect the guiding role of national marine policies in the new development stage, guide the transformation of China's marine management model. The CMPCI is a quantitative evaluation of the overall development level of China's maritime power construction over a certain period of time. The CMPCI in this article aims to comprehensively reflect the changes in the construction of China's maritime power, strives to cover various fields it encompasses. This study focuses on objective statistical data analysis, supplemented by multisource data, to objectively and fairly measure the level of CMPCI.

Findings

Originality/value

It fully reflects the highlights of marine science and technology, social democracy and strategic emerging industries. This research dynamically quantifies the trajectory of China's maritime power construction, synthetic reflecting the country's macroeconomic policy guiding function. Guiding the transformation of the marine resources utilization, marine economy development, marine scientific research and marine rights and interests maintenance and effectively serving the decision-making needs of the government.
TMT's cognitive frame and breakthrough innovation
Authors: Yang Xuecheng , Shao Yunfei
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to reveal how different types of events and top management teams' (TMTs’) cognitive frames affect the generation of breakthrough innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the event system theory and upper echelon theory, this study chose a Chinese manufacturing enterprise as the case firm and conducted an exploratory single-case study to unpack how breakthrough innovation generates over time.

Findings

By conducting the in-depth case analysis, the study revealed that firms do not produce breakthrough innovation in the catch-up stage and parallel-running stage but achieve it in the leading stage. It also indicated that when facing proactive events in the catch-up stage, TMTs often adopt a contracted lens, being manifested as consistency orientation, less elastic organizational identity and narrower competitive boundaries. In addition, they tend to adopt a contracted lens when facing reactive and proactive events in the parallel-running stage. In the face of reactive and proactive events in the leading stage, they are more inclined to adopt an expanded lens, being manifested as a coexistence orientation, more elastic organizational identity and wider competitive boundaries.

Originality/value

First, by untangling how TMT's cognitive frame functions in breakthrough innovations, this paper provides a micro-foundation for producing breakthrough innovations and deepens the understanding of upper echelon theory by considering the cognitive dimension of TMTs. Second, by teasing out several typical events experienced by the firm, this paper is the first attempt to reveal how events affect the generation of breakthrough innovation. Third, the work extends the application of the event system theory in technological innovation. It also provides insightful implications for promoting breakthrough innovations by considering the role of proactive and reactive events a firm experiences and TMT's perceptions.
Mining research on correlation factors of residential electricity stability based on improved FP-growth algorithm
Authors: Pan Hua , Liu Rong
Published: November 2023

Purpose

On the one hand, this paper is to further understand the residents' differentiated power consumption behaviors and tap the residential family characteristics labels from the perspective of electricity stability. On the other hand, this paper is to address the problem of lack of causal relationship in the existing research on the association analysis of residential electricity consumption behavior and basic information data.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise method is used to extract the typical daily load curve of residents. Second, the degree of electricity consumption stability is described from three perspectives: daily minimum load rate, daily load rate and daily load fluctuation rate, and is evaluated comprehensively using the entropy weight method. Finally, residential customer labels are constructed from sociological characteristics, residential characteristics and energy use attitudes, and the enhanced FP-growth algorithm is employed to investigate any potential links between each factor and the stability of electricity consumption.

Findings

Compared with the original FP-growth algorithm, the improved algorithm can realize the excavation of rules containing specific attribute labels, which improves the excavation efficiency. In terms of factors influencing electricity stability, characteristics such as a large number of family members, being well employed, having children in the household and newer dwelling labels may all lead to poorer electricity stability, but residents' attitudes toward energy use and dwelling type are not significantly associated with electricity stability.

Originality/value

This paper aims to uncover household socioeconomic traits that influence the stability of home electricity use and to shed light on the intricate connections between them. Firstly, in this article, from the perspective of electricity stability, the characteristics of the power consumption of residents' users are refined. And the authors use the entropy weight method to comprehensively evaluate the stability of electricity usage. Secondly, the labels of residential users' household characteristics are screened and organized. Finally, the improved FP-growth algorithm is used to mine the residential household characteristic labels that are strongly associated with electricity consumption stability.

Highlights

The stability of electricity consumption is important to the stable operation of the grid.

An improved FP-growth algorithm is employed to explore the influencing factors.

The improved algorithm enables the mining of rules containing specific attribute labels.

Residents' attitudes toward energy use are largely unrelated to the stability of electricity use.
Decision to adopt body-worn cameras in small and rural Pennsylvania police departments
Authors: Yanich Daniel B. , Gibbs Jennifer C. , Schally Jennifer L. , Derrickson Kaylie , Howard Daniel
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Internationally publicized cases of police violence against unarmed black men have led to calls for accountability in policing. Increased footage of police–public interactions, specifically through the form of police body-worn cameras (BWCs), is encouraged and considered an innovation that can improve the policing profession. However, BWC adoption is likely more feasible in big city departments than in small and rural departments, who respond to many of the same issues as their larger counterparts. The purpose of this study is to explore perceptions of BWC among leaders of small and rural police departments.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a mixed methods approach, the authors surveyed 349 chiefs of small and rural Pennsylvania police departments and conducted qualitative follow-up interviews with 53 chiefs.

Findings

The results indicate that both adopters and non-adopters esteem BWC in a positive light, particularly toward the ability to improve professionalism and police–community relations. Other findings and implications of these results will be discussed.

Originality/value

This study focuses on small and rural police departments, which make up the majority of police departments but are often understudied.
Research on design methodology for railway freight service combination plans to meet diverse demands
Authors: Wang Yao
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Facing the diverse needs of large-scale customers, based on available railway service resources and service capabilities, this paper aims to research the design method of railway freight service portfolio, select optimal service solutions and provide customers with comprehensive and customized freight services.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the characteristics of railway freight services throughout the entire process, the service system is decomposed into independent units of service functions, and a railway freight service combination model is constructed with the goal of minimizing response time, service cost and service time. A model solving algorithm based on adaptive genetic algorithm is proposed.

Findings

Using the computational model, an empirical analysis was conducted on the entire process freight service plan for starch sold from Xi'an to Chengdu as an example. The results showed that the proposed optimization model and algorithm can effectively guide the design of freight plans and provide technical support for real-time response to customers' diversified entire process freight service needs.

Originality/value

With the continuous optimization and upgrading of railway freight source structure, customer demands are becoming increasingly diverse and personalized. Studying and designing a reasonable railway freight service plan throughout the entire process is of great significance for timely response to customer needs, improving service efficiency and reducing design costs.
Expertise under uncertainty: Comparing policy expert platforms at the global climate–health nexus
Authors: Straßheim Holger
Published: November 2023

This paper centres on expert platforms at the nexus between global climate policies and public health. Policy nexus problems have been associated with fragmentation and unclear authority. At the core, however, seem to be uncertainties about the nature of these problems and even about the nature of the nexus itself. The paper focuses on an especially rich ecosystem of policy expert platforms that have emerged at the climate–health nexus over the past decade. It outlines a typology and presents a comparison of selected policy expert platforms in terms of how they deal with these nexus uncertainties. It is argued that these platforms have developed various ways of interlinking science and policy. Insights on contradictions and controversies resulting from these ‘politico‐epistemic logics’ are discussed. Mapping the nexus may inspire current research on political and epistemic uncertainty. It may also be a source of practical inspiration for developing forms of expertise beyond the standards of evidence‐based policy.

Points for practitioners

The landscape of advisory arrangements at the nexus may be a source of practical inspiration for developing forms of expertise beyond the standards of evidence‐based policy.

A commonality across various platforms is the acceptance of uncertainty as a resource that can be used to make knowledge more robust and to keep open multiple pathways.

Types of policy expert platforms are associated with specific conflicts and tensions. Being aware of them might be helpful to deal with contradictory expectations and to avoid disappointment.
Frequency and risk factors of atrial fibrillation after acute abdominal surgery: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Madsen Christoffer L. , Leerhøy Bonna , Jørgensen Lars N. , Meyhoff Christian S. , Sajadieh Ahmad , Domínguez Helena
Published: November 2023

Background and Aim

Scarce data exist on the true incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after acute abdominal surgery and associated outcomes. The current study aimed to identify the frequencies of clinically recognized POAF and associated complications, along with their risk factors.

Methods

This study was a prospective, single‐center cohort study of unselected adult patients referred for acute abdominal surgery during a 3‐month period. Through careful review, demographics, comorbidity, and surgical characteristics were prospectively drawn from medical charts. The primary outcome was clinically recognized POAF occurring in‐hospital. Logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors of POAF and associated complications. A subgroup was enrolled in a feasibility study of peri‐ and postoperative continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring.

Results

In total, 450 patients were enrolled. Clinically recognized in‐hospital POAF was observed in 22 patients (4.9%). All cases were observed in patients aged ≥60 years, corresponding to 22 of 164 patients (13.4%). Multiple risk factors were observed, such as age, prior atrial fibrillation, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal disease, and major (vs. minor) surgery. POAF was associated with severe in‐hospital complications (POAF group 45.5% vs. non‐POAF group 8.6%, p < .001) and in‐hospital mortality (POAF group 13.6% vs. non‐POAF group 3.0%, p = .043). In total, 295 patients were monitored by continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring for 12,148 h, yielding five patients with asymptomatic AF.

Conclusions

In conclusion, this prospective study of POAF in patients undergoing acute abdominal surgery showed that one in 20 patients developed clinically recognized in‐hospital POAF. Multiple risk factors of POAF were identified. POAF was associated with severe complications up to 30 days after surgery.
Elevated serum neurofilament light chain protein in patients with essential tremor
Authors: Franthal Sebastian , Khalil Michael , Kern Daniela , Gattermeyer Lukas , Buchmann Arabella , Katschnig‐Winter Petra , Kögl Mariella , Demjaha Rina , Tafrali Cansu , Hofer Edith , Schmidt Reinhold , Schwingenschuh Petra
Published: November 2023

Background and purpose

Quantification of neurofilament light chain protein in serum (sNfL) enables the neuro‐axonal damage in peripheral blood to be reliably assessed and monitored. There is a long‐standing debate whether essential tremor represents a ‘benign’ tremor syndrome or whether it is linked to neurodegeneration. This study aims to investigate sNfL concentrations in essential tremor compared to healthy controls (cross‐sectionally and longitudinally) and to assess whether sNfL is associated with motor and nonmotor markers of disease progression.

Methods

Data of patients with essential tremor from our prospective registry on movement disorders (PROMOVE) were retrospectively analysed. Age‐, sex‐ and body‐mass‐index‐matched healthy controls were recruited from an ongoing community‐dwelling aging cohort. sNfL was quantified by an ultra‐sensitive single molecule array (Simoa). All participants underwent detailed clinical examination at baseline and after approximately 5 years of follow‐up.

Results

Thirty‐seven patients with clinically diagnosed essential tremor were included and 37 controls. The essential tremor group showed significantly higher sNfL levels compared to healthy controls at baseline and follow‐up. sNfL levels increased over time in both groups, and the slope of sNfL increase was similar in the essential tremor and healthy control groups. Comparing patients with a disease duration under 5 years to those with a longer disease duration, the former group had a significantly greater increase of sNfL over time, which strongly correlated to worsening of tremor and cognition.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that neurodegeneration, possibly happening at an early disease stage, might play a role in the pathophysiology of essential tremor.
GGC expansions in NOTCH2NLC contribute to Parkinson disease and dopaminergic neuron degeneration
Authors: Liu Qiong , Chen Juan , Xue Jin , Zhou Xun , Tian Yun , Xiao Qiao , Huang Wen , Pan Yongcheng , Zhou Xiaoxia , Li Jian , Zhao Yuwen , Pan Hongxu , Wang Yige , He Runcheng , Xiang Yaqin , Tu Tian , Xu Qian , Sun Qiying , Tan Jieqiong , Yan Xinxiang , Li Jinchen , Guo Jifeng , Shen Lu , Duan Ranhui , Tang Beisha , Liu Zhenhua
Published: November 2023

Background and purpose

The role of GGC repeat expansions within NOTCH2NLC in Parkinson's disease (PD) and the substantia nigra (SN) dopaminergic neuron remains unclear. Here, we profile the NOTCH2NLC GGC repeat expansions in a large cohort of patients with PD. We also investigate the role of GGC repeat expansions within NOTCH2NLC in the dopaminergic neurodegeneration of SN.

Methods

A total of 2,522 patients diagnosed with PD and 1,085 health controls were analyzed for the repeat expansions of NOTCH2NLC by repeat‐primed PCR and GC‐rich PCR assay. Furthermore, the effects of GGC repeat expansions in NOTCH2NLC on dopaminergic neurons were investigated by using recombinant adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐mediated overexpression of NOTCH2NLC with 98 GGC repeats in the SN of mice by stereotactic injection.

Results

Four PD pedigrees (4/333, 1.2%) and three sporadic PD patients (3/2189, 0.14%) were identified with pathogenic GGC repeat expansions (larger than 60 GGC repeats) in the NOTCH2NLC gene, while eight PD patients and one healthy control were identified with intermediate GGC repeat expansions ranging from 41 to 60 repeats. No significant difference was observed in the distribution of intermediate NOTCH2NLC GGC repeat expansions between PD cases and controls (Fisher's exact test p‐value = 0.29). Skin biopsy showed P62‐positive intranuclear NOTCH2NLC‐polyGlycine (polyG) inclusions in the skin nerve fibers of patient. Expanded GGC repeats in NOTCH2NLC produced widespread intranuclear and perinuclear polyG inclusions, which led to a severe loss of dopaminergic neurons in the SN. Consistently, polyG inclusions were presented in the SN of EIIa‐NOTCH2NLC‐(GGC)98 transgenic mice and also led to dopaminergic neuron loss in the SN.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings provide strong evidence that GGC repeat expansions within NOTCH2NLC contribute to the pathogenesis of PD and cause degeneration of nigral dopaminergic neurons.
The burden of the coronavirus disease 2019 virus infection in Burkina Faso: Results from a World Health Organization UNITY population‐based, age‐stratified sero‐epidemiological investigation
Authors: Ouedraogo Samiratou , Traoré Isidore Tiandiogo , Kania Dramane , Kaboré Nongodo Firmin , Mamguem Kamga Ariane , Badolo Hermann , Yara Mimbouré , Sanou Guillaume , Koné Amariane , Kagoné Samdapawindé Thérèse , Ouédraogo Esperance , Konaté Blahima , Médah Rachel , de Rekeneire Nathalie , Poda Armel , Diendere Arnaud Eric , Ouédraogo Boukary , Billa Oumar , Paradis Gilles , Tinto Halidou , Dabakuyo‐Yonli Tienhan Sandrine
Published: November 2023

Background

This study aimed to estimate the anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody seroprevalence in the general population of Bobo‐Dioulasso and Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso).

Methods

We collected from March to April 2021 blood samples from randomly selected residents in both main cities based on the World Health Organization (WHO) sero‐epidemiological investigations protocols and tested them with WANTAI SARS‐CoV‐2 total antibodies enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits intended for qualitative assessment. We also recorded participants' socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics and information on exposure to SARS‐CoV‐2. Data were analysed with descriptive and comparative statistics.

Results

We tested 5240 blood samples collected between 03 March and 16 April 2021. The overall test‐adjusted seroprevalence for SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies was (67.8% [95% CI 65.9–70.2]) (N = 3553/3982). Seroprevalence was highest among participants aged 15–18 years old (74.2% [95% CI 70.5–77.5]) (N = 465/627), compared with those aged 10–14 years old (62.6% [95% CI 58.7–66.4]) (N = 395/631), or those over 18 (67.6% [95% CI 66.2–69.1]) (N = 2693/3982). Approximately 71.0% (601/860) of participants aged 10–18 years old who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies experienced no clinical COVID‐19 symptoms in the weeks before the survey, compared with 39.3% (1059/2693) among those aged over 18 years old.

Conclusion

This study reports the results of the first known large serological survey in the general population of Burkina Faso. It shows high circulation of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the two cities and a high proportion of asymptomatic adolescents. Further studies are needed to identify the SARS‐CoV‐2 variants and to elucidate the factors protecting some infected individuals from developing clinical COVID‐19.