bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of health information acceptance to COVID-19 avoidance: the lens of information acceptance model and elaboration likelihood model
Authors: Le Xuan Cu
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the motivations underlying information usefulness, attitude and acceptance of health information related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) avoidance based on the information acceptance model (IAM) and the elaboration likelihood model (ELM).

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a quantitative approach using survey that generated 364 valid responses. Structural equation modeling was applied to analyze the data and evaluate the hypotheses.

Findings

The results of this study showed that the determinants of information usefulness are argument quality (comprising accuracy and timeliness) and peripheral route (comprising credibility and relevance), whereas no significant relationship was found between completeness and information quantity and information usefulness. Further analysis indicated that attitude and information usefulness significantly affect health information acceptance to COVID-19 avoidance.

Research limitations/implications

Using ELM and IAM, an explanation of health information acceptance in the salient pandemic context was given. This study contributed to the current literature by offering insights into attitude and information usefulness for information acceptance. The validation of the model was strengthened by identifying the effects of argument quality and peripheral route attributes on information usefulness, which is stated to make contributions to the earlier literature.

Practical implications

Practitioners should strive to understand the facilitators regarding argument quality and peripheral routes to broaden information usefulness. The findings of this study are helpful for practitioners to implement communication campaigns that foster attitude and health information acceptance in the COVID-19 pandemic as well as in similar disease situations.

Social implications

This study provides individuals and organizations with necessary information about the importance of mobile applications (m-applications) in distributing online information and about reliable guidelines for the implementation of disease avoidance to improve their health status.

Originality/value

Existing studies investigated users’ health information acceptance in some contexts related to general disease, but less is known about this behavior among young individuals via m-applications at the moment of COVID-19 and in emerging economies. This study identifies the efforts made by the relationship between information and technological diffusion to help individuals surmount difficulties in times of crisis.
Risk responses strategies of companies belonging to manufacturing clusters in Puerto Rico
Authors: Ayala Cruz Jorge
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper discloses the risk management response strategies and the perceived effectiveness of the strategies employed by companies operating within manufacturing clusters in Puerto Rico from 2016 until 2020, the second year of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design consists of questionnaire-based survey responses from companies belonging to manufacturing clusters, followed by semi-structured interviews and secondary sources of information.

Findings

The results reveal the risk responses used to manage specific risk types. Albeit respondents' dependency on an assortment of company-centric and cluster-bound risk response strategies, the perception is that the former is more effective when adequate local sources are available and the latter when the cluster has strong interconnectedness among the cluster's members.

Research limitations/implications

Furthermore, there is a generalized belief that long-term cluster-bound strategies are required to complement individual companies' overall risk management strategies.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrated that due to the volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) nature of the Caribbean region, mixed risk management might result in better and more favorable long-term performance.
Emotional intelligence and fraud tendency: a survey of future accountants in Nigeria
Authors: Oboh Collins Sankay
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study examines the association between emotional intelligence (EI) and the tendency of future accountants to rationalize and engage in occupational fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a survey methodology and uses a questionnaire containing a fraud scenario and EI construct to gather data from 225 participants. It performed a Cronbach alpha to assess the measurement parameters consistency of EI and fraud tendency and employed Pearson correlation and regression analysis to test its hypothesis.

Findings

The study found that future accountants in Nigeria are emotionally intelligent and have a high fraud tendency. Also, it found a significant and positive association between EI and fraud tendency, suggesting that future accountants that are emotionally intelligent have a higher tendency to rationalize and engage in occupational fraud. In addition, the study found that academic intelligence, a control variable, positively associates with fraud tendency.

Practical implications

The study offers rare insights into the fraud tendency of future accountants, which would benefit the counter fraud community in Nigeria and other developing countries. Recruiters and employers will find the study beneficial in decision-making on job recruitment, placements and moral orientation for prospective accountant employees.

Originality/value

The study is the first to directly associate EI with the fraud tendency of future accountants from a developing country with high fraud profile and underdeveloped counter fraud strategy. Thus, it provides a benchmark for future studies in other developing countries.
Determinants of continuance intention to use gamification applications for task management: an extension of technology continuance theory
Authors: Foroughi Behzad , Iranmanesh Mohammad , Kuppusamy Mahaletchimi , Ganesan Yuvaraj , Ghobakhloo Morteza , Senali Madugoda Gunaratnege
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Gamification applications (apps) are gaining great attention in many contexts and have grown increasingly. Despite their significant role in many settings, prior research mainly focused on initial adoption, and there are limited studies on the post-adoption stage. This study aims to explore the factors influencing individuals’ continuance intention to use gamified task manager apps, drawing on the technology continuance theory (TCT) by integrating enjoyment, habit and social influence.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from 318 Malaysian who had prior experience with task management gamified apps and analysed with the partial least squares approach.

Findings

According to the results, confirmation, perceived usefulness (PU) and enjoyment positively influence satisfaction. PU, enjoyment, satisfaction and social influence affect attitude, while the result failed to confirm the association between perceived ease of use and attitude. Furthermore, PU, attitude and habit are strong determinants of users’ continuance intention. Moreover, continuance intention was not predicted by users’ satisfaction and social influence.

Practical implications

The findings provide directions for developers and marketers of gamified task manager apps. Besides the technological and functional benefits of applications, they should also consider social, hedonic and individual factors in the designing and marketing stages.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature by assessing the determinants of continuous intention to use gamified task manager apps; and extending the TCT in the context of gamification by incorporating three contextual factors, namely, perceived enjoyment, social influence and habit.
Family control, R&D expenses and firm efficiency: evidence from Taiwanese cultural and creative industries
Authors: Kweh Qian Long , Le Hanh Thi My , Ting Irene Wei Kiong , Lu Wen-Min
Published: April 2023

Purpose

First, this study assesses the link between research and development (R&D) expenses and firm efficiency. Second, this study explores how family control moderates the link between the two.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses two measures of time-based firm efficiency, namely, a window slacks-based measure (WSBM) and a window epsilon-based measure (WEBM) of data envelopment analysis (DEA). Then, 216 firm-year observations are analyzed in the Taiwanese cultural and creative industries from 2005 to 2017.

Findings

This study finds that R&D expenses significantly worsen firm efficiency, and that family control positively moderates this effect. A further test separating the sample into family-controlled and nonfamily-controlled firms indicates that R&D expenses negatively affect the efficiency of nonfamily-controlled firms but positively affect that of family-controlled firms.

Research limitations/implications

The existing literature has examined the link between R&D expenses and corporate performance. However, the process by which R&D expenses affect corporate performance from a production perspective remains unknown.

Originality/value

Overall, this study provides insights for policymakers to scrutinize resource management and R&D expenses from the production and resource-based perspectives.
Performance measurement model for technical universities – case study
Authors: Kucińska-Landwójtowicz Aneta , Czabak-Górska Izabela Dagmara , Lorenc Marcin , Domingues Pedro , Sampaio Paulo
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is twofold: to present a proposal for a model of educational quality management system within a process approach context for technical universities, and a conceptual model of a performance measurement system (PMS) towards the assessment of the quality level of management, core and support processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper encompasses two main parts: a theoretical portion and a case study. Within the theoretical background, the authors discuss the issue of educational quality management supported on a process approach perspective as well as performance measurement system in high education (HE). The case study reports the development of the concept of performance measurement system for technical universities.

Findings

The proposed system of educational quality management supported on a process approach, together with a conceptual model of the performance measurement system, can be implemented in every technical university. The identification of processes in the education quality management system permitted the development of the PMS. The model covers 32 key performance indicators (KPIs) for management processes, 39 for core processes and 19 for supporting ones.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed performance measurement system is limited in its focus on educational processes and support of these processes. The evaluation of scientific and research activity and aspects related to financial resources is not pursued.

Originality/value

Elaboration of a conceptual model of a performance measurement system towards the assessment of the quality level of management, core and support processes is dedicated to technical universities.
Compliance with investment account holders’ transparency and disclosure requirement: evidence from the Middle East and North Africa region
Authors: Tahri Rahma , Boujelbéne Mouna , Hussainey Khaled , El-Halaby Sherif
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to construct an investment account holders' transparency and disclosure (IAH-T&D) index based on the new and revised accounting standard for investment accounts of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions Standards (AAOIFI) (2020). It also aims to measure and compare the compliance level with IAH-T&D over years and between countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the content analysis method to analyze the content of 270 annual reports across 30 Islamic banks (IBs) in 10 Middle East and North Africa countries during the period from 2010 to 2019.

Findings

This study introduces a new IAH-T&D index which consists of 27 items representing four categories: investment accounts disclosure (11 items), incentive earnings disclosure (1 item), allocations and reserve disclosure (4 items) and general requirements for disclosure (11 items). The analysis shows that the level of IAH-T&D is 51%. The level of compliance varies over the years and across countries.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that offers an original self-constructed-T&D index that could enhance future research related to determinants and consequences of IAH-T&D practice in IBs.
Understanding the role of information transparency in improving patient experience under different uncertainties: a quasi-natural experiment
Authors: Ye Qing , Wu Hong
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Waiting time, as an important predictor of queue abandonment and patient satisfaction, is important for resource utilization and patient experience management. Medical institutions have given top priority to reforming the appointment system for many years; however, whether the increased information transparency brought about by the appointment scheduling mechanism could improve patient waiting time is not well understood. In this study, the authors examine the effects of information transparency in reducing patient waiting time from an uncertainty perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Leveraging a quasi-natural experiment in a tertiary academic hospital, the authors analyze over one million observational patient visit records and design the propensity score matching plus the difference in difference (PSM-DID) model and hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) to address this issue.

Findings

The authors confirm that, on average, improved information transparency significantly reduces the waiting time for patients by approximately 6.43 min, a 4.90% reduction. The authors identify three types of uncertainties (resource, process and outcome uncertainty) in the patient visit process that affect patients' waiting time. Moreover, information transparency moderates the relationship between three sources of uncertainties and waiting time.

Originality/value

The authors’ work not only provides important theoretical explanations for the patient-level factors of in-clinic waiting time and the reasons for information technology (IT)-enabled appointment scheduling by time slot (ITASS) to shorten patient waiting time and improve patient experience but also provides potential solutions for further exploration of measures to reduce patient waiting time.
Responding to gender-based violence in higher education: changes as a function of Covid-19
Authors: Franklin-Corben Peta , Towl Graham
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to comment on how responses to gender-based violence (GBV) in higher education (HE) changed as a function of COVID-19. Since the original lockdown directive was issued by the UK Government in March 2020, there was an acute awareness of the impact the stay-at-home order could have on prevalence and patterns of GBV, with technology-facilitated sexual violence and domestic abuse being of particular concern (Universities UK, 2020).

Design/methodology/approach

We give the illustrative example of our learning (from 2020 to 2022) around how we have changed our approach to supporting survivors to access information and support, and the conduct of investigations during this period.

Findings

For HE Institutions who were quick and keen to embrace online teaching, there was a necessity to recognise that this change in learning environment may bring an increase in online forms of sexual misconduct, and additional challenges associated with supporting survivors who were often remote from university campus. Subsequently, and swiftly, responses to GBV in HE (including formal investigations where requested) needed to change to ensure those who were subjected to sexual misconduct could access support and information, in the knowledge that they would not be disadvantaged by bringing their reports forward during a time of global uncertainty.

Originality/value

An insight is provided on the changes adopted to respond to GBV on campus during the early pandemic, and the impact that these changes have had to the provision of specialist service delivery over two years on.
An analysis of sustainability-driven entrepreneurial intentions among university students: the role of university support and SDG knowledge
Authors: Sharma Latika , Bulsara Hemantkumar P. , Trivedi Mridul , Bagdi Himanshu
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The study aims to shed light on the role of university support (US), environmental concern (EC) and Sustainable Development Goal knowledge (SDGK) in forming students' intention (SI) to engage in sustainability-driven entrepreneurship. The authors attempted to blend the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and social cognitive career theory (SCCT) as a potentially useful theoretical base for sustainability-driven entrepreneurial intention (SDEI) development.

Design/methodology/approach

The responses were collected from university students in India using a self-administered questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and partial least squares structured equation modelling (PLS-SEM) are used to examine the data.

Findings

The university support strongly influences students' attitudes towards sustainable entrepreneurship (ATT) and outcome expectations (OEs). Also, the degree of understanding about SDGs among students was alarmingly low, which has crucial negative consequences for future SDG achievement.

Practical implications

The findings of this study may assist academicians and environmental strategists in deciding the crucial factors influencing SI to start a sustainable business. The study highlights the importance of universities in promoting entrepreneurial sustainability decisions.

Originality/value

This research will add value to the prevailing literature in the area of sustainable entrepreneurship as it explores the effects of environmental concern, SDGK and the role of US on sustainable entrepreneurial intention (EI) among Indian engineering students.
“How didst thou come beneath the murky darkness?”: sense-making in light of the ancient Greeks and in the spirit of Hegel
Authors: Gross Margaret
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This piece explores the philosophical origins of sense-making as defined in Brenda Dervin’s methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper locates the origins of sense-making's rich ontological, epistemological and etymological heritage to the Classical Greece and the Pre-Socratic period. The Greek origins of sense-making‘s philosophical undercurrents surface again in Hegel’s Phenomenology of Spirit before the idea is picked up again in twentieth century philosophy and library science.

Findings

This is a conceptual paper and no empirical findings are presented.

Originality/value

This paper makes an original contribution to the study of information seeking and to sense making theory and methodology.
Performance management process integration in humanitarian supply chains: focusing on the natural disaster preparedness stage
Authors: Jayadi Ester Lisnati , Forslund Helena
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore how to apply and integrate the performance management (PM) process in humanitarian supply chains (HSCs) among and between humanitarian organizations (HOs) and donors so as to improve cost-efficiency (CE) and lead-time effectiveness (LTE) in the stage of natural disaster preparedness.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adapts and operationalizes a framework for the PM process used in commercial supply chains to assess HSCs. A multiple-case study with two types of actors – six HOs and three donors—is used to describe the applications of the PM process and analyze the level of integration between the actors.

Findings

The activities in the PM process could sometimes be only vaguely described. Both actors emphasized improving CE, with less emphasis on LTE. Both actors have a low level of integration in each PM process activity, decreasing the CE and LTE. Therefore, guidelines for improving the level of PM process integration are provided.

Research limitations/implications

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to combine literature on HSCs and PM process integration, thereby contributing to both literature fields. The concrete contribution of this study is a framework for PM process application and integration among and between HOs and donors.

Practical implications

The PM process framework can be used to assess PM process application, as well as current and increased level of integration, to improve CE and LTE. The current applications can also inspire other HOs and donors.

Originality/value

Previous studies indicate the lack of frameworks in the PM domain of HSCs, especially in the stage of natural disaster preparedness.
The emperor’s new clothes: self-explorative engagement in virtual try-on service experiences positively impacts brand outcomes
Authors: Lavoye Virginie , Sipilä Jenni , Mero Joel , Tarkiainen Anssi
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Virtual try-on (VTO) technology offers an opportunity for fashion and beauty brands to provide enriched self-explorative experiences. The increased popularity of VTOs makes it urgent to understand the drivers and consequences of the exploration of styles in VTO contexts (herein called self-explorative engagement). Notably, little is known about the antecedent and outcomes of the personalized self-explorative experience central to VTOs. This paper aims to fill this knowledge gap.

Design/methodology/approach

An online quasi-experiment (N = 500) was conducted in the context of fashion and beauty VTOs. Participants were asked to virtually try on sunglasses or lipsticks and subsequently answer a questionnaire measuring the key constructs: self-presence (i.e. physical similarity and identification), self-explorative engagement (i.e. exploration of styles in VTO context), brand cognitive processing and brand attitude. The authors analyze the data with structural equation modeling via maximum likelihood estimation in LISREL.

Findings

The experience of self-presence during consumers’ use of VTOs in augmented reality environments has a positive effect on self-explorative engagement. Furthermore, a mediation analysis reveals that self-explorative engagement improves brand attitude via brand cognitive processing. The results are confirmed for two popular fashion and beauty brands.

Originality/value

Grounded in extended self theory, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to show that a realistic VTO experience encourages self-extension via a process starting from the exploration of styles and results in increased brand cognitive processing and more positive brand attitudes. The exploration of styles is enabled by self-presence.
Embracing relational competencies in applying the LEADS framework for health-care leaders in transformational change and the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Udod Sonia , Baxter Pamela , Gagnon Suzanne , Charski Vicki , Raja Saba
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent to which the LEADS Framework guided health-care leaders through organizational change and the COVID-19 pandemic in a western Canadian province.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative exploratory inquiry assessed the extent to which health leaders applied competencies that aligned with the LEADS Framework. A purposeful sample of 22 health-care leaders participated in the study representing senior, mid-level and front-line health-care leaders in various health-care organizations to ensure diverse representation of leader competencies. The authors conducted semi-structured interviews to collect the data and used Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase approach to guide data analysis.

Findings

The analysis suggests that health-care leaders found Engaging with Others and Developing Coalitions were the most critical themes of the LEADS Framework for change management and for navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings reveal that during transformational change and a crisis context, leaders embrace relational approaches to adapt and improve performance in dynamic organizations.

Practical implications

These findings have implications for a relational approach to improve teamwork and decrease emotional strain; a focus on mobilizing and sharing power with nurses; and educational programs to advance relational and self-management skills, shared leadership, communication, change management, human resource and talent development as critical learning components for current and future health-care leaders.

Originality/value

The LEADS Framework is used to examine how health-care leaders responded to transformational change in the organization while situated in a pandemic context.
Finding fit in friction: the value of contrast in mentoring for leadership development
Authors: Samuels Karen L. , Reynolds Glenda , Turner Nick
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The dual purpose of this paper is (1) to describe and contextualize encounters between mentors' and mentees' differing needs in a leadership development programme and (2) to posit that practice negotiating frictional encounters constructs “good fit” between mentors and mentees and is a potentially important skill for leadership development.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors gathered data through qualitative, semi-structured interviews of mentors, mentees and mentoring programme staff participating in a mentoring programme for leadership development offered at a mid-sized Canadian business school. Using a grounded theory, interpretive analytical approach, the authors examine the notion of “good fit” and how it emerged in encounters between participants' diverse needs.

Findings

The authors identified participants' mentoring needs by eliciting their experiences of “good fit” in the focal leadership development programme. The findings revealed that encounters between contrasting needs fell into two categories: (1) the need for career advising versus leadership development and (2) the need for structured versus free-flowing conversation. Those encounters, in turn, generated opportunities for leadership development.

Practical implications

The findings have valuable implications for designing mentoring for leadership programmes. Namely, the authors propose pairing individuals with similar deeper-level qualities but diverse educational backgrounds and experiences to allow for practice in negotiating encounters with friction and contrast.

Originality/value

As an empirical study of mentoring for leadership development in practice, this study applies a dialectical approach to encounters across contrasting mentoring needs. In doing so, it locates leadership development potential in those frictional encounters.
Innovation and performance in Peruvian manufacturing firms: does R&D play a role?
Authors: Seclen-Luna Jean Pierre , Moya-Fernandez Pablo , Cancino Christian A.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to study whether Peruvian manufacturing firms that implement innovation have positive performance and whether R&D activities moderate these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a data set of Peruvian manufacturing firms from the 2018 National Survey of Innovation, a LOGIT model analysis was applied to 774 companies. In addition, the authors fitted different models into subsamples to explore the moderating effects of R&D on manufacturing firms. Finally, the regression models were computed using R software.

Findings

The results indicate that product, service and marketing innovation are associated positively with an increase in market share, while process and organizational innovations are associated positively with productivity. Moreover, companies with R&D are more productivity-oriented than companies without R&D.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the literature on innovation management by supporting the assumption that innovation results in increased productivity and expands market demand. In addition, findings highlight that R&D is essential for boosting firms’ productivity.

Practical implications

Managers should consider an appropriate combination of the innovation portfolio and R&D investments to make progress and increase performance in the company. In addition, policymakers should consider that investments to promote the development of R&D activities in manufacturing companies will likely lead to médium- or long-term returns.

Social implications

The correct use of indicators to measure these relationships could help the policymaker to design and measure policy instruments more efficiently.

Originality/value

These results provide a deeper understanding of how the effects of innovations implemented by manufacturing firms, especially service and process innovation, improve their performance.
A review of plant-mediated synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles for self-cleaning textiles
Authors: Dejene Bekinew Kitaw , Geletaw Tsige Mamo
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The textile industry is evolving toward nanotechnology, which provides materials with self-cleaning properties. This paper aims to provide a thorough explanation of the green synthesis and mechanism of ZnO nanoparticles, with prospective applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in self-cleaning textiles.

Design/methodology/approach

This review introduces a green mechanism for the synthesis of ZnO NPs using plant extracts, their self-cleaning properties and the mechanisms of physical, chemical and biological self-cleaning actions for textile applications.

Findings

ZnO NPs are among the several nanoparticles that are beneficial for self-cleaning textiles because of their exceptional physical and chemical properties, although review publications addressing the use of ZnO NPs in textiles for self-cleaning are uncommon. These results indicate that the plant-synthesized ZnO NPs display excellent biological, physical and chemical self-cleaning properties, the mechanism of which involves photocatalysis, surface roughness and interactions between ZnO NPs and bacterial surfaces.

Originality/value

Nanoformulations of plant-synthesized ZnO have been reviewed to achieve promising self-cleaning textile properties and have not been reviewed earlier.
Moderating effect of government policy on the relationship between low-cost housing demand-supply gap and COVID-19 impact
Authors: Samsurijan Mohamad Shaharudin , Radin Firdaus Radin Badaruddin , Rohayati Mohd Isa , Ebekozien Andrew , Aigbavboa Clinton
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 impact across major sectors did not exempt the low-cost housing (LCH) sub-sector. This may have increased the existing LCH demand-supply gap, especially in developing countries such as Malaysia. Studies showed that government policy (GP) aids in mitigating COVID-19 impact on goods and services, including housing-related issues. However, there is an academic literature scarcity regarding GP on LCH demand-supply gap during the COVID-19 crisis in Malaysia. Hence, this study aims to investigate the moderating effect of GP on the relationship between LCH demand-supply gap and COVID-19 impact in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilised a quantitative method in collating the data from four major cities in Malaysia. SmartPLS was utilised to analyse the usable 305 questionnaires retrieved from respondents. Structuralist Theory supported the developed framework.

Findings

Findings show that GP moderates the relationships between the LCH demand-supply gap and COVID-19 impact on Malaysia's low-income groups' (LIGs) homeownership delivery. It implies that the study's findings provide more understanding of issues influencing LCH demand-supply gap in the COVID-19 era via applying GP to mitigate the gap and improve homeownership for the disadvantaged.

Practical implications

The study intends to stir policymakers toward formulating policies and programmes that will mitigate LCH demand-supply gap during the present and future pandemics.

Originality/value

Besides the theoretical value of the developed model, policymakers can use the study's recommendations to mitigate future LCH demand-supply gaps during pandemics in developing countries using Malaysia as a case study.
AI in the hiring process
Authors: Hocken Emily , King Grace
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the risks in using artificial intelligence (AI) as part of the hiring process, particularly focusing on the risks of discrimination when used.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken was to draw upon current experiences of AI used in hiring processes through case studies and existing research and to discuss current and upcoming legislative measures in place within the UK and EU to extract key advice that companies can use to ensure AI is used as effectively and fairly as possible in the hiring process.

Findings

This paper concludes that companies interested in using AI in the hiring process must proceed with caution and must be wary of the potential pitfalls in using it, as well as taking the necessary steps to avoid any risks of discrimination.

Originality/value

The originality of this piece revolves around the authors' discussion of legal implications within the use of AI in the hiring process, both within the UK and the EU, through references to current and future legislative frameworks, cases and case studies.
Users’ evaluation of a digital government collaborative platform (DGCP) in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sapraz Mohamed , Han Shengnan
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the Digital Government Collaborative Platform (DGCP), which facilitates collaborations between the citizens and the government to address environmental issues in Sri Lanka. The DGCP is an artifact developed by the value-sensitive design approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The DGCP is evaluated following the Framework for Evaluation in Design Science Research (FEDS). In total, 224 citizens participated in the survey based on the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) and open questions about human values embedded in the design. Fifteen government officers were interviewed to enhance the evaluation.

Findings

The DGCP received positive evaluations from the citizens and government officers. The platform is attractive, novel and pragmatic, also generating hedonic experiences for the citizens. The users believed that human values are reflected in the DGCP. Furthermore, they shared a few suggestions to improve it.

Originality/value

The paper contributes knowledge to evaluating digital government systems, especially in developing countries. The human-value-centered DGCP was evaluated using multiple methods of quantitative (i.e. UEQ Survey) and qualitative (i.e. qualitative interviews with stakeholders) techniques. Furthermore, the systematic process of DGCP evaluation produces a case-based guideline for evaluating related and similar digital government systems using FEDS.
Thermoregulatory costs of the innate immune response are modulated by winter food availability in a small passerine
Authors: Watson Hannah , Nilsson Jan‐Åke , Nilsson Johan F.
Published: April 2023

In winter, a challenge to the immune system could pose a major energetic trade‐off for small endotherms, whereby increasing body temperature (Tb; i.e. eliciting fever) may be beneficial to fight off invading pathogens yet incur a cost for vital energy‐saving mechanisms.

Having previously shown that the availability and acquisition of energy, through manipulation of food predictability, influences the depth of rest‐phase hypothermia in a wild bird in winter, we expected that the nocturnal thermoregulatory component of the acute‐phase immune response would also be modulated by food availability.

By manipulating winter food availability in the wild for great tits Parus major, we created an area offering a “predictable” and constant supply of food at feeding stations, while an unmanipulated area was subject to naturally “unpredictable” food. Birds were subject to an immune challenge shortly after dusk, and the thermoregulatory response was quantified via continuous recording of nocturnal Tb, using subcutaneous thermo‐sensitive transponders.

In response to immune challenge, all birds increased Tb above the level maintained prior to immune challenge (i.e. baseline). However, birds experiencing a naturally unpredictable food supply elevated Tb more than birds subject to predictable food resources, during the period of expected peak response and for the duration of the night. Furthermore, “unpredictable‐food” females took longer to return to their baseline Tb. Assuming baseline nocturnal Tb reflects an individual's optimum, based on their available energy budget, the metabolic cost of eliciting an acute‐phase response for “unpredictable‐food” birds was more than double that of “predictable‐food” birds. The absence of differences in absolute Tb during the peak response could support the idea of an optimal Tb for immune system activation. Alternatively, “predictable‐food” birds could have acquired tolerance to endotoxin as a result of using feeding stations, thus affording them reduced costs associated with a smaller Tb increase.

These findings shed new light on the trade‐offs associated with food acquisition, thermoregulation and immune function in small‐bodied endotherms. This knowledge is of increasing importance, given the predicted elevated pathogen risks associated with changes in climate and anthropogenic activities.
Distribution and abundance of tetraether lipid cyclization genes in terrestrial hot springs reflect pH
Authors: Blum Laura N. , Colman Daniel R. , Eloe‐Fadrosh Emiley A. , Kellom Matthew , Boyd Eric S. , Zhaxybayeva Olga , Leavitt William D.
Published: April 2023

Many Archaea produce membrane‐spanning lipids that enable life in extreme environments. These isoprenoid glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) may contain up to eight cyclopentyl and one cyclohexyl ring, where higher degrees of cyclization are associated with more acidic, hotter or energy‐limited conditions. Recently, the genes encoding GDGT ring synthases, grsAB, were identified in two Sulfolobaceae; however, the distribution and abundance of grs homologs across environments inhabited by these and related organisms remain a mystery. To address this, we examined the distribution of grs homologs in relation to environmental temperature and pH, from thermal springs across Earth, where sequences derive from metagenomes, metatranscriptomes, single‐cell and cultivar genomes. The abundance of grs homologs shows a strong negative correlation to pH, but a weak positive correlation to temperature. Archaeal genomes and metagenome‐assembled genomes (MAGs) that carry two or more grs copies are more abundant in low pH springs. We also find grs in 12 archaeal classes, with the most representatives in Thermoproteia, followed by MAGs of the uncultured Korarchaeia, Bathyarchaeia and Hadarchaeia, while several Nitrososphaeria encodes >3 copies. Our findings highlight the key role of grs‐catalysed lipid cyclization in archaeal diversification across hot and acidic environments.
Prevalence and risk factors of covert hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients: A multicenter study in China
Authors: Zeng Xin , Yin Chuan , Sun Chun Yan , Lu Cui Hua , Zhao Shou Song , Gao Xiao Hong , Chen Dong Feng , Wen Liang Zhi , Lin Shi De , Yang Ping , Zhang Qian Hua , Guan Yu Juan , Zhang Yang , Ren Shu Qin , Cai Da Chuan , Zhang Jie , Li Lei , Chang Cong Ying , Zhou Xiao Lin , Shi Pei Mei , Chen Shi Yao , Lin Yong , Xie Wei Fen
Published: April 2023

Objective

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) in cirrhotic patients in China and its risk factors.

Methods

A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted from January 2021 to March 2022 at 16 medical centers across China to investigate the risk factors of CHE and establish a prediction model for CHE episodes.

Results

A total of 528 patients were enrolled in the study. Based on both the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score and Stroop test results, the prevalence of CHE was 50.4% (266/528), and the consistency between these two tests was 68.9%. Multivariate analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR] 1.043, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.022–1.063, P < 0.001), duration of education (OR 0.891, 95% CI 0.832–0.954, P = 0.001), comorbidities of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, cerebral apoplexy or diabetes mellitus (OR 2.072, 95% CI 1.370–3.133, P < 0.001), Child–Pugh score (OR 1.142, 95% CI 1.029–1.465, P = 0.025), and blood urea nitrogen concentration (OR 1.126, 95% CI 1.038–1.221, P = 0.004) were associated with CHE episodes. According to the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire, CHE patients had lower scores for abdominal symptoms and systemic symptoms (P < 0.001), indicating a poor health‐related quality of life. Based on a stepwise Cox regression hazard model, we established a nomogram for determining the probabilities of CHE episodes, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.733 (95% CI 0.679–0.788) and 0.713 (95% CI 0.628–0.797) in the training and validation cohorts.

Conclusions

CHE is a common complication of cirrhosis in China. Large‐scale studies with long‐term follow‐up are needed to determine the natural history of Chinese CHE patients.
How management control systems can enable, constrain, and embed integrated reporting
Authors: Bezuidenhout Stefan , de Villiers Charl , Dimes Ruth
Published: April 2023

This study examines how management control systems (MCSs) may enable, constrain and embed the integrated reporting process within organisations. We analyse in‐depth, semi‐structured interview evidence using Tessier and Otley's MCS framework and institutional work. We find that organisational culture, clear responsibilities and ongoing stakeholder dialogue support the development of an integrated reporting process. In addition, an ongoing multi‐stage process with regular stakeholder interaction helps to embed the integrated reporting process. Our paper provides comprehensive detail about the MCS associated with the process for preparing an integrated report that will be of interest to current integrated reporting (IR) practitioners and organisations considering adopting IR.
Comparative evaluation of different instrument kinematics on contact percentage, dentin removal and apical debris extrusion in oval canals
Authors: Kurian Athul Babu , Karthikeyan Kittappa , Mahalaxmi Sekar
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to compare four different instrument kinematics in oval canals. Distal root of sixty extracted first mandibular molars with single oval canal were allocated randomly to four groups (n = 15) namely protaper universal [PTU] (Rotary), self‐adjusting file [SAF] (Adaptive), TruShape [TS] (Rotary) and WaveOne [WO] (Reciprocating). The percentage of untouched and touched surfaces of the root canal was evaluated using micro‐computed tomography (MCT). Pre‐ and post‐instrumentation weight was assessed using digital microbalance for determining the amount of dentin removed and apical extrusion of debris. The results were tabulated, and their mean difference was statistically analysed using one‐way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. PTU and SAF exhibited significantly less mean percentage of untouched surface compared to TS. TS files removed less dentin and extruded less debris in long oval canals.
Does irradiation of the tooth structure interfere with oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry?—An ex vivo laboratorial study
Authors: Santana Maria Luiza Lima , Ribeiro Thalles Eduardo , Silva Julio Almeida , de Alencar Ana Helena Gonçalves , Novais Veridiana Resende , Estrela Carlos , Decurcio Daniel de Almeida
Published: April 2023

The effect of tooth structure subjected to ionising radiation on oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) measured by pulse oximetry was investigated. Fifty‐four extracted human third molars were sectioned mesiodistally. Pulse oximeter diodes were placed in prefabricated silicone moulds, secured on a vise with tooth surfaces placed between the diodes and the participant's finger, and SpO2 levels were measured. After that, the tooth surfaces were subjected to ionising radiation in fractionated doses of up to 70 Gy, and SpO2 was measured according to the protocol described. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used for the analysis of normality of the quantitative variables, and Student's t‐test compared mean SpO2 levels before and after irradiation. Mean SpO2 after irradiation was 94.6 ± 0.9%, without a statistically significant difference from SpO2 before irradiation, which was 94.7 ± 0.6%. Irradiation of the tooth structure did not interfere with SpO2 levels measured by pulse oximetry.
Aboriginal community‐controlled art centres: Keeping Elders strong and connected. Articulating an ontologically situated, intergenerational model of care
Authors: Mackell Paulene , Squires Kathryn , Cecil Jessica , Lindeman Melissa , Fraser Scott , Malay Roslyn , Meredith Maree , Young Michelle , Nargoodah Lynley , Cook Belinda , Schmidt Chrischona , Dow Briony , Batchelor Frances
Published: April 2023

Objective

To articulate how Aboriginal community‐controlled art centres support the role of Elders and older people within an ontologically situated, intergenerational model of care.

Methods

In this paper, we draw on stories (data) generated through interviews involving 75 people associated with three Aboriginal community‐controlled art centres and field notes taken during a Participatory Action Research (PAR) study. The study was undertaken in collaboration with three community‐controlled art centres and two aged care providers over almost 4 years, in diverse Indigenous sovereignties, all located in geographically remote Australian locations.

Results

Engaging with decolonising and Indigenous theoretical frameworks, our analysis identified three interwoven meta‐themes. These include connection to law and culture; purpose; and healing. Each theme had important subthemes, and all were central to upholding the well‐being of older people and their families, as well as the art centre workforce, Country, and their broader communities.

Conclusions

Our analysis articulates an ontologically situated model of care within Aboriginal community‐controlled art centres. The model sees that older people receive care from art centres and provide care to each other, to younger generations, to art centre staff, to Country, and to their broader communities. In this model, those in receipt of care, many of whom are older people, art centre directors, and important artists, govern how care is conceptualised and delivered.