bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connection between urbanization and CO2 emissions in South Africa: does global uncertainty matter?
Authors: Fasanya Ismail Olaleke , Arek-Bawa Oghenefejiro
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Given the interest in sustainable development, this study aims to assess the relationship between CO2 and urbanization as well as the role of world uncertainty in this association in a South African context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on yearly data from 1968 to 2020. To do this, the authors use the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach.

Findings

The authors find that urbanization’s effect on CO2 emissions is only significant when it is augmented with world uncertainty. Moreover, this effect is negative (referring to a reduction in CO2 emissions). Meanwhile, the authors find that GDP has a positive (that is, increasing) and significant effect on CO2 emissions. Overall, policymakers should focus on decoupling economic growth from traditional fossil fuels that produce greenhouse gas emissions.

Originality/value

The existing body of research contains numerous studies examining the relationship between urbanization and CO2 emissions. However, the dearth of research on the impact of global uncertainty on this connection is weak. Hence, this study aims to fill this gap and make a significant contribution to the field.
Patient-to-patient value co-creation in online health communities: a systematic literature review and research agenda
Authors: Ahuja Himanshu , Shree Deep
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The idea of value co-creation involves the benefit actors gain from integrating resources through activities and interactions within a service network, with the environment enabling high-quality collaboration. This paradigm highlights customers’ ability to co-create value with service providers and other customers. This idea is gaining traction in health care. These days, patients are no longer passive recipients of health-care services; rather they have started taking proactive roles in their self-health management. This study aims to understand the phenomenon of value co-creation among patients within online health communities (OHCs).

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review of papers published from 2003 to 2024 in Web of Science-indexed journals was conducted. The review highlights theories, contexts, characteristics and methodologies in this area, synthesizing insights from previous research and presenting a future research agenda for underexplored and unexplored contexts using emerging theoretical perspectives and analytical methodologies.

Findings

The review illuminates theoretical and empirical studies on value co-creation among patients in OHCs. Previous research shows that value co-creation among patients leads to cognitive, affective and physical benefits such as reduced anxiety and stress, increased assurance and self-confidence, improved quality of life, enhanced patient empowerment, acceptance of disease and treatment effectiveness and a sense of self-worth and well-being.

Originality/value

This review synthesizes insights from previous works and outlines a research agenda for future studies in underexplored and unexplored contexts using new theoretical perspectives and methodologies. Considering the role social media plays in an individual’s life, this work will help in deep diving into the role of such online communities in the health-care sector.
Entrepreneurial intentions and family business generational transfers: The mediating role of re-organization among small and medium enterprises
Authors: Mayanja Samuel Ssekajja , Kizito Reuben David , Mutebi Henry , Zombeire Regis Kamadduka
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The study empirically explores the influence of re-organization on entrepreneurial intentions and family business generational transfers among small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Using multi-group analysis and partial least square structural equation models, data from 252 family-owned businesses were analyzed.

Findings

The results reveal that re-organization partially mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial intentions and family business generational transfers among SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

The study used a cross-sectional survey approach and focused on Kampala business district. If required and funding permits, a longitudinal study in this field may be conducted.

Practical implications

Family business owners ought to involve their family members in the management of the business from an early age, including them in the decision-making process, and use social exchange to strike a balance between their personal goals and the objectives of the business. In order to protect the business's goals, the business founder should mentor the next generation through quality family social interactions.

Originality/value

Integrating entrepreneurial intentions and re-organization is likely to improve the survival rate of family business generational transfers among SMEs in Uganda using social exchange theory.
Does diversity in top management and boards affect ESG performance? Evidence from Islamic and conventional banks in the MENA region
Authors: Rabbani Mustafa Raza , Kiran Madiha , Bhuiyan Abul Bashar , Al-Hiyari Ahmad
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of gender diversity in top management teams and boards on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. The authors propose a corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee as a moderating variable in this relationship, drawing on resource dependence and legitimacy theories. This study is crucial in understanding the dynamics of gender diversity and its impact on ESG performance in the banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines a sample of Islamic and conventional banks from 10 Middle Eastern and North African countries during 2008–2022. Initial analysis was conducted using fixed effects panel regression, whereas the robustness test used the generalized method of movement dynamic system.

Findings

The findings, which are significant for both conventional and Islamic banks, indicate that female directors are crucial in promoting ESG performance in conventional banks. In contrast, female executives do not appear to contribute significantly. However, for Islamic banks, neither board nor executive gender diversity significantly affects ESG performance. Moreover, the find that the positive moderating role of the CSR committee is significant only for the nexus between board gender diversity and conventional banks’ ESG performance and for the connection between executive gender diversity and Islamic banks’ ESG performance.

Originality/value

Despite the widespread belief that gender diversity in top management teams is pivotal in promoting ESG performance, empirical studies supporting these claims are scarce, particularly in the banking sector. The study, therefore, brings a novel perspective to this discourse. These findings have the potential to significantly assist stakeholders in evaluating how gender diversity in top management teams influences banks’ sustainability practices, thereby empowering them to make more informed and impactful investment decisions.
Are government budgets a visible stabilizer? Evidence from China since the tax-assignment reform
Authors: Li Cheng , Yao Hui
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study quantitatively examines the relationship between economic fluctuations and government budget size in the context of China’s fiscal decentralization, drawing inspiration from theoretical predictions of the Keynesian view and empirical studies on other economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The panel comprises 31 provinces or equivalents in mainland China, spanning from 1994 to 2019. Diverse estimation strategies including two-way fixed effect regression, the generalized method of moments (GMM) and threshold regressions are, utilized.

Findings

The results suggest that under the “tax-assignment system”, neither the central government’s fiscal transfers nor the provincial budgetary revenues or expenditures help reduce economic volatility. Surprisingly, some regression outcomes suggest that government size measures destabilize business cycles.

Originality/value

While the study does not provide supportive evidence for the stabilizing effect of public budgets in Chinese provinces, it promotes a rethinking of the government’s intricate role in macroeconomic stabilization in the context of China’s fiscal decentralization.
The role of ESG reporting, artificial intelligence, stakeholders and innovation performance in fostering sustainability culture and climate resilience
Authors: Mohamed Riyath Mohamed Ismail , Inun Jariya Achchi Mohamed
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the causal relationships among environmental, social and governance reporting (ESGR), stakeholder sustainability awareness, use of artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability culture, innovation performance and climate resilience of organizations across diverse sectors in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted among 327 respondents, including senior accounting professionals, operations managers and functional heads to gather company-level data in various industries in Sri Lanka. A disjoint two-stage approach validated the measurement model, and the partial least squares structural equation model (SEM) was used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The analysis evidences the mediating role of stakeholders' sustainability awareness on the relationship between ESGR and sustainability culture. Furthermore, it emphasizes the role of sustainability culture in driving climate resilience. Innovation performance acts as a moderator, strengthening the relationship between the use of AI and sustainability culture.

Practical implications

The study suggests that organizations should strategically use ESGR, integrate AI and prioritize stakeholder engagement to strengthen their commitment to sustainability. These provide insight for decision-making in organizations seeking to align with sustainable business practices.

Originality/value

It explores the use of AI to enhance ESGR and sustainability culture, providing a broader understanding of how organizations manage AI and stakeholders in sustainability issues.
Employment brand equity and corporate’s job growth and reputation
Authors: Bui Hong T.M. , Irmayanti Aryani
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This research aimed to explore the commonalities and differences in the type of information provided on corporate websites in relation to their employment brand equity.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed methods of content analysis, ANOVA and regression analyses were employed to answer the research questions. The data were collected from multiple sources, including the websites of a sample of forty companies listed as the US Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work in 2012 and information presented on Fortune’s website as well.

Findings

Employment brand equity hardly showed any significant impact on either company’s job growth or reputation in the ranking as an “employer of choice”.

Practical implications

The results indicated some practices to make a company’s employment brand outstanding and how its web presence reflected its “brand” and presence for potential employees. They are useful for HR practitioners concerned with building an employee brand. For example, the more highly ranked companies in the Fortune 100 tend to provide more forms of online support related to employment opportunities.

Originality/value

Using brand equity theory from the marketing arena and applying this within the human resources management area, this study suggests that “employment brand equity” became a major factor that many companies and organizations should focus on to enhance their standing with job seekers, particularly talented ones. Nearly a decade before the COVID-19 pandemic, the best companies to work for in the US had paid attention to digitalization via websites and social media, to attract talent (and support employees).
Mentoring global talent: an integrative review
Authors: Zhang Hui , Nardon Luciara
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The international mentoring literature predominantly features traditional company-assigned expatriates as protégés overlooking other types of global talent, such as immigrants, refugees, and international graduates, who may help organizations gain long-term IHRM competitive advantages. We integrate multidisciplinary research to better understand the role of mentoring as a global talent management tool, identify research gaps, and propose future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

We draw on an integrative review of 71 academic journal articles published between 1999 and 2024 to explore the role of mentoring in managing global talent (i.e. expatriates, immigrants, refugees, and international students and graduates).

Findings

We found that research has identified and examined relationships between various antecedents and outcomes of mentoring but mainly treating mentoring as a talent development tool. Less is known about the role of mentoring as a recruitment and selection tool in the pre-employment context. Mentoring is an important HRM tool that contributes to managing a global talent pool and developing existing employees.

Originality/value

The review contributes to a better understanding of the characteristics and processes involved in mentoring in a global context by proposing a framework that incorporates antecedents of mentoring, characteristics of the mentoring process, and mentoring outcomes. It highlights the value of mentoring as a recruitment and selection tool supporting global talent management and identifies avenues for future research.
Corporate reputation in Brazil: do board characteristics matter?
Authors: Pinheiro Alan Bandeira , do Prado Nágela Bianca , Moraes Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes De , Carraro Wendy Beatriz Witt Haddad
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the influence of board characteristics on corporate reputation.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 128 Brazilian publicly traded companies from Refinitiv Eikon were analysed between 2016 and 2020. The dependent variable was corporate reputation, whereas the independent variables were board size, gender diversity, board independence and audit committee presence. Multivariate analysis was used.

Findings

The results presented empirical evidence that board members can impact corporate reputation. Findings showed that board size, gender diversity and independence positively influence Brazilian companies’ corporate reputation. Conversely, an audit committee had no significant impact on corporate reputation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper presents a contribution to the significance of board members in shaping a company's corporate reputation, using the signalling theory and the resource-based view (RBV) theory.

Practical implications

Regarding practical implications, this work provides subsidies for managers to value board characteristics because they directly reflect on corporate reputation and competitive advantage, leading to more sustainable performance.

Social implications

The research findings highlight that a diverse board encourages the organisation to improve its workforce, human rights, relations with the community and responsibility for manufactured products.

Originality/value

The relationship between board characteristics and corporate cooperation is poorly established in the literature. Furthermore, the results prove the RBV theory in an emerging context. Similarly, the signalling theory proved helpful in improving Brazilian firms’ corporate reputation.
Entrepreneurial intentions and the role of educational and social support: do the self-efficacy and the theory of planned behavior variables matter?
Authors: Yesmin Mst. Nirufer , Hossain Md. Alamgir , Islam Md. Saiful , Rahman Md. Mostafizur , Jahan Nusrat , Kim Minho
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The study aims to ascertain whether educational and social support for entrepreneurs significantly affects university students’ intentions to become successful entrepreneurs. This study examines the mediating role of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) variables (e.g. entrepreneurial personal attitude, subjective norms and entrepreneurial perceived behavioral control) and entrepreneurial self-efficacy in encouraging young entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey with a structured questionnaire collected data from different university students in Bangladesh; subsequently, it was analyzed through the structural equation model.

Findings

The results suggested that educational support has a direct positive relationship with the three variables of TPB. Moreover, the findings indicated that social support positively influences the variables of TPB, entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intentions. The variables of TPB and entrepreneurial self-efficacy were found to have a significant direct impact on entrepreneurial intentions and also exhibited favorable mediating effects of educational and social support on entrepreneurial intentions.

Research limitations/implications

First, the study is only generalized to some sectors of entrepreneurship activities because the researchers used samples from university students across Bangladesh. Second, the implicit limitation of survey-based research is that respondents need to know more ways of understanding the questionnaires accurately, and some participants need to be taught how to answer the question items.

Practical implications

The main practical implication for the relationship between entrepreneurial intentions and educational support involves different entrepreneurial educational programs, which give rise to attitude, behavior, self-efficacy and intentions and enhance the student's awareness of advancing a successful entrepreneurial career.

Social implications

This study demonstrated that universities and social communities should promote the improvement of innovative thoughts for entrepreneurs and offer essential information about entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

Because entrepreneurial educational support is a crucial factor in entrepreneurial intentions, universities need to develop a practical education system that can help improve the skills required to start new ventures. The results will improve a new route to developing students’ entrepreneurial intentions using the variables of TPB and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Subsequently, these research findings will help to achieve governmental goals and increase the number of startups in the future.
David's Bridal bankruptcy: take two
Authors: Dille Lucas M. , Campbell Arlisa , Combs Deborah Goodner
Published: September 2024

Research methodology

The case is a secondary sourced case. Information for the case was found from news articles and interviews.

Case overview/synopsis

David’s Bridal was a privately held corporation generating $1.3bn in annual revenue and employing over 12,000 employees. David’s Bridal filed bankruptcy not once but twice. This case examines the bridal industry and the environmental factors that led to the two bankruptcies. Bridal dresses are at the top of wedding categories. Environmental factors causing bankruptcy included online competition, reputation as seen through the eyes of the consumer, COVID, and supply chain challenges. David’s Bridal first looked to Jim Marcum to turn the corporation around and when this failed, they created a new management team after the second bankruptcy to save the company.

Complexity academic level

The case is designed as an interdisciplinary case for undergraduate leadership, advanced accounting or undergraduate strategy courses. The case was tested in MGMT 330: Leading People in Organizations. This case is appropriate for junior- and senior-level students.This case will be used in ACCT 402: Advanced Accounting – a senior-level course. The case gives perspective on going concern opinions and the strategic implications of bankruptcy.Possible textbooks▪ Christensen, T., Cottrell, D. and Budd, C. (2023). Advanced Financial Accounting (13th ed.). McGraw-Hill.▪ Hoyle, J., Schaefer, T. and Doupnik, T. (2024). Advanced Accounting (15th ed.). McGraw-Hill▪ Rothaermel, F. T. (2024). Strategic Management (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill
How do people quit smoking using e‐cigarettes? A mixed‐methods exploration of participant smoking pathways following receiving an opportunistic e‐cigarette‐based smoking cessation intervention
Authors: Ward Emma , Belderson Pippa , Clark Allan , Stirling Susan , Clark Lucy , Pope Ian , Notley Caitlin
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

Pathways of transitioning from tobacco smoking to vaping after receiving an e‐cigarette‐based smoking cessation intervention have been minimally explored. Study aims: 1) identify pathways between intervention delivery and final follow‐up; 2) describe baseline and post‐intervention statistical data in relation to smoking/vaping behaviour of the different pathway groups; 3) explore qualitative participant perspectives contextualising pathway groups.

Design

Embedded mixed‐methods analysis of data collected for the Cessation of Smoking Trial in the Emergency Department (COSTED) randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Recruitment from 6 Emergency Departments (5 in England and 1 in Scotland) between January and August 2022.

Participants

366 adult smokers who were randomised to receive the COSTED intervention and provided data at 6‐month follow‐up. Qualitative subsample of 24 participants interviewed after follow‐up.

Interventions

Brief smoking cessation advice, provision of an e‐cigarette starter kit and referral to the local Stop Smoking Service.

Measurements

Descriptive statistical reporting of identified pathways and smoking/vaping behaviour at baseline and 6‐month follow‐up. Semi‐structured phone/video interviews analysed thematically.

Findings

13.4% (n = 49) of participants quit smoking within 1 month of receiving the intervention, 19.1% (n = 70) quit between 1 and 6 months, 24.9% (n = 91) reduced cigarettes per day (CPD) by at least 50%, and 42.6% did not experience a significant smoking reduction. Approximately a third of participants who quit reported not vaping at follow‐up. Reporting dual use was associated with a reduction in CPD. Appoximately a third reported experimenting with a different device to the one provided as part of the intervention. Quitters reported themes of satisfaction with vaping, changes in environment facilitating quitting and motivation to quit.

Conclusions

Dual use of cigarettes and e‐cigarettes can result in a reduction of smoking and may prelude quitting smoking. Sustained e‐cigarette use is not always necessary for quitting success. Success depends on personal context as well satisfaction with vaping.
Survival evaluation of surgical extrusion for the management of complicated crown‐root fractured maxillary incisors: A clinical study
Authors: Jenisha J. , Geeth Deepika K. G. , Sherwood I. Anand , Abirami A. Azhagu
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to clinically evaluate the survivability of surgically extruded teeth, to assess the success rate and predictable factors pertaining to alterations in both hard and soft tissues adjacent to extruded teeth. A total of 46 complicated crown‐root fractured maxillary central and lateral incisors with >75% tooth structure loss relatively due to trauma were included. Preoperative clinical and radiographic variables were recorded. Single operator performed endodontic treatment before surgical extrusion. Patients were recalled for review at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months. Survivability was assessed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. With a mean follow‐up of 2.8 years, survival rate was 95.7%. Mobility observed in only two cases. The crown‐root ratio was favourable (1:2) in all the cases except for five teeth. Only two teeth displayed non‐progressive root resorption. Survival of surgically extruded teeth relies on significant predictors like favourability of CRR and implementation of atraumatic extrusion.
Pandemic impacts on rural general practice: Trainees and supervision team working and learning together
Authors: Brumpton Kay , Sturman Nancy , O'Shannessy Megan , Noble Christy , Billett Stephen
Published: September 2024

Objective

To explore the impact of COVID‐19 pandemic disruptions on general practice trainees interdependent learning, from the perspectives of trainees and the whole of the practice team.

Setting

Four rural general practices in Queensland that continued to supervise registrars, junior doctors and medical students through the pandemic.

Participants

Twenty‐three members of the general practice teams, including general practitioners, practice managers, receptionists, practice nurses, registrars, junior doctors and medical students.

Design

Audio‐recorded semi‐structured interviews were conducted with all participants following an initial survey. Thematic analysis and the theory of interdependent learning were used to understand how supervision and training was both disrupted and sustained during the pandemic period. Reporting is informed by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines.

Results

Learning affordances were transformed by the rapid implementation of physical distancing and other infection control measures. Telehealth consultations and remote working impacted on the interdependent relationship between the work environment, supervision team and trainees.

Conclusion

Practice staff identified new ways of working that arose through this period, including changes to practice team roles and the supervisory dynamic that enabled patient care and trainee learning to continue. Social connectedness was important to the trainees and the implications for future training need to be further evaluated.
Low socioeconomic status exacerbates unmet health‐related needs in patients with autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Singleton Carolyn , Carter Allie , Baker Brittany , Jones Emma , Green Kelsey , Lammert Craig , Nephew Lauren D.
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

Diminished quality of life has been well characterized in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH); however, the full spectrum of unmet needs is unclear. We hypothesized that there is a high burden of health‐related unmet needs in patients with AIH, and this burden differs by socioeconomic status (SES).

Methods

Members of the Autoimmune Hepatitis Association were invited online and by email to complete a modified version of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient Needs Questionnaire. Demographic and clinical data were also captured. Low SES was defined as annual household income <30 k, education level below high school, or moderate–high concern for transportation, food or housing. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the association between unmet health‐related needs and SES.

Results

There were 433 participants; 89.8% identified as women, 16.2% lived outside the US, and 25.6% were classified as low SES. Over 70% of respondents reported at least one moderate–high need in the health‐related unmet need domains. In multivariable logistic regression, patients in the low‐SES group reported significantly higher odds of unmet needs compared to the moderate–high‐SES group: for adequate information about side effects (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.06–2.53, p = 0.026), opportunity to speak with others with AIH (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.50–3.66, p < 0.001), healthcare professionals acknowledging patient emotions (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.56–3.74, p < 0.001) and being taken seriously by medical providers (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.34–3.28, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

There is a high burden of health‐related unmet needs in all patients with AIH that is exacerbated by low SES.
Endoscopic lavage for an infected pelvic hematoma in a patient with pelvic sepsis after anterior pelvic exenteration
Authors: Shoji Ryohei , Teraishi Fuminori , Kondo Yoshitaka , Inokuchi Toshihiro , Kinugasa Hideaki , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi
Published: September 2024

Anastomotic leakage and subsequent pelvic sepsis are serious complications after surgery for pelvic malignancies, particularly challenging due to the large pelvic cavity dead space post‐exenteration. We report a 47‐year‐old man treated for a severely infected pelvic hematoma and sepsis following anastomotic leakage after anterior pelvic exenteration. Post robot‐assisted exenteration for locally advanced sigmoid colon cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, a pelvic abscess from anastomotic dehiscence was identified. Initial CT‐guided drainage and subsequent laparoscopic drainage were performed. On postoperative day 22, a bleeding left internal iliac pseudoaneurysm required embolization. Despite these efforts, the sepsis worsened due to an enlarged, infected hematoma. Endoscopic lavage, in collaboration with skilled endoscopists, successfully removed the hematoma, leading to an improved inflammatory response, and the patient was discharged. Endoscopic lavage proved to be the safest and most effective treatment for pelvic sepsis with an infected hematoma after various attempted interventions.
Turmeric essential oil improves intestinal integrity, immunological parameters, and performance of broiler chickens under cyclic heat stress
Authors: dos Santos Macário Maíse , Del Vesco Ana Paula , Brito Claudson Oliveira , de Oliveira Isis Regina Santos , Santana Thaís Pacheco , de Souza Khatlab Angélica , Barbosa Leandro Teixeira
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to examine whether dietary supplementation of broiler chickens with turmeric essential could mitigate the effects of cyclic heat stress conditions. Intestinal and immunological parameters and gene expression were evaluated during the grower phase. A total of 320 21‐day‐old male Cobb 500 broilers were distributed according to a completely randomized design with a 4 (diet) × 2 (environment) factorial arrangement and eight replications of five birds each. Dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet without essential oil (EO, negative control) and three diets containing low (100 mg kg−1), intermediate (200 mg kg−1), or high (300 mg kg−1) levels of turmeric EO. In the heat stress group, dietary supplementation with turmeric EO at 100 and 200 mg kg−1 improved body weight, feed conversion, breast yield, and relative liver weight. These supplementation levels reduced villus width, increased villus/crypt ratio, reduced the H/L ratio, and improved hepatic (HSP70 and SREBP1) and intestinal (OCLN) gene expression in birds under heat stress. These findings support the hypothesis that turmeric EO can be used to improve or restore intestinal integrity, modulate inflammation parameters, and, consequently, enhance the performance of broilers challenged by cyclic heat stress.
Staff Perceptions of Mental Health Relapse Prevention Support in a Specialist Mental Health Service in an Intellectual Disability Setting
Authors: Sinnott Shannon , O'Donovan Cliodhna , Guerin Suzanne
Published: September 2024

Background

The present study investigated staff perspectives on supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities with mental health relapse prevention.

Methods

Eight staff with experience working with or supporting individuals engaged with a specialist mental health in intellectual disability (MHID) service (team member = 2, management roles = 2, nursing/social care = 4; average years' experience = 16 years, SD = 13.7) completed semi‐structured interviews and thematic analysis was conducted on the resulting data.

Findings

Participants held mostly positive views of MHID supports and described being actively involved in individualised and person‐centred mental health supports. There was variation in awareness and recognition of relapse prevention between MHID and other (frontline) staff. Although frontline staff generally did not express explicit knowledge of relapse prevention, there was implicit staff awareness surrounding ongoing mental health supports, managing risk and coping strategies. Frontline staff also reported a lack of knowledge of the discharge process from the MHID service. Staff questioned the nature of discharge in mental health intellectual disability supports.

Conclusion

This study identifies a gap in frontline staff's explicit knowledge of mental health relapse prevention, while also highlighting the importance of ongoing mental health support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Meeting report of the 57th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Developmental Biologists
Authors: Takeuchi Yuzuka
Published: September 2024

The 57th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Developmental Biologists was held at Miyako Messe and ROHM Theater Kyoto from June 19 to 22, 2024. After the COVID‐19 pandemic, this was the first meeting where all restrictions were removed. This year's theme was “Breaking Through Boundaries.” It was set to be enjoyed by everyone across academic fields and nationalities. About 600 people from 16 countries participated in this meeting. Four workshops, 117 posters, 16 oral sessions (80 titles), 7 symposia, 2 plenary lectures, and various other formats ware included. I would like to share some of the lively discussions and wonderful sessions that I attended.
Interplay between sanctions, donor conditionality, and food insecurity in complex emergencies: the case of Syria
Authors: Kanfash Mohammad
Published: September 2024

Thirteen years into conflict, Syria remains one of the world's major humanitarian crises. Food insecurity has reached unprecedented levels in the country, with millions of civilians facing starvation and hunger. The key drivers of this are conflict‐related, nature‐induced, and, importantly, man‐made policies. Semi‐comprehensive sanctions against the country and donor conditionality vis‐à‐vis humanitarian operators' work are prime examples of the latter. These policies are inextricably linked with food insecurity in Syria and have direct and indirect impacts on it. Understanding the ongoing crisis as a complex emergency, this paper examines the interplay between sanctions, donor conditionality, and food insecurity, an understudied subject in the Syrian context. It explores how sanctions and donor conditionality influence three key dimensions of food security, namely, availability, affordability and economic access, and utilisation, and subsequently worsen the conditions confronting the Syrian population. The paper contributes to discussions on food security in conflict settings and how sanctions negatively affect civilians in targeted countries.
Why gender norms matter
Authors: Sakamoto Ryo , Kohara Miki
Published: September 2024

This study examines the influence of gender norms on household behaviour and welfare. Using Japanese household data, we find that households with a conventional norm on gender roles spend more time on housework and less money on family‐common goods. To understand the underlying mechanism, we construct a collective labour supply model that explicitly introduces gender norms. We show that an inefficient ratio of wives' household time to that of husbands leads to an increase in the shadow price of domestic goods, through which the norm distorts the time and money allocated to home production and decreases household welfare.
The refuse dump provides information that influences the foraging preferences of leaf‐cutting ants
Authors: Alma Andrea Marina , Arenas Andres , Carina Fernandez Patrica , Buteler Micaela
Published: September 2024

The ability to respond to local stimuli individually and propagate information among colony members has allowed social organisms to generate collective responses. Leaf‐cutting ants are an excellent model to study this because, apart from exchanging information among groups assigned to different tasks (foragers, gardeners, and midden workers—ants working in refuse dumps), they also do so with their symbiotic fungus.

Here, we tested the role of refuse dumps as an information centre influencing the foraging decisions of Acromyrmex lobicornis under field conditions. To simulate the presence of discarded resources, oat flakes were added to the refuse dumps of treated colonies, while the refuse dumps of controls remained untreated. After 24 h and for 6 weeks, we offered new clean oat flakes on the foraging trails simultaneously with cornflakes, another palatable resource that was never experienced by the ants on the dump.

Although the oat flakes were suitable for the ants and harmless to the fungus, the acceptance index—a ratio of oat flakes foraged to total oat and cornflakes offered—decreased by 55% 24 h after the ants interacted with oat flakes in the refuse dump. After 6 weeks, the acceptance index recovered to levels that did not differ from initial values.

Therefore, ants might use waste to obtain information about the suitability of resources found in foraging trails. We explore potential mechanisms underlying the transmission of information from refuse dumps to foraging trails, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of collective decision‐making in social insect colonies.
Genomic Diversity as a Key Conservation Criterion: Proof‐of‐Concept From Mammalian Whole‐Genome Resequencing Data
Authors: Jeon Jong Yoon , Black Andrew N. , Heenkenda Erangi J. , Mularo Andrew J. , Lamka Gina F. , Janjua Safia , Brüniche‐Olsen Anna , Bickham John W. , Willoughby Janna R. , DeWoody J. Andrew
Published: September 2024

Many international, national, state, and local organizations prioritize the ranking of threatened and endangered species to help direct conservation efforts. For example, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assesses the Green Status of species and publishes the influential Red List of threatened species. Unfortunately, such conservation yardsticks do not explicitly consider genetic or genomic diversity (GD), even though GD is positively associated with contemporary evolutionary fitness, individual viability, and with future evolutionary potential. To test whether populations of genome sequences could help improve conservation assessments, we estimated GD metrics from 82 publicly available mammalian datasets and examined their statistical association with attributes related to conservation. We also considered intrinsic biological factors, including trophic level and body mass, that could impact GD and quantified their relative influences. Our results identify key population GD metrics that are both reflective and predictive of IUCN conservation categories. Specifically, our analyses revealed that Watterson's theta (the population mutation rate) and autozygosity (a product of inbreeding) are associated with the current Red List categorization, likely because demographic declines that lead to “listing” decisions also reduce levels of standing genetic variation. We argue that by virtue of this relationship, conservation organizations like IUCN could leverage emerging genome sequence data to help categorize Red List threat rankings (especially in otherwise data‐deficient species) and/or enhance Green Status assessments to establish a baseline for future population monitoring. Thus, our paper (1) outlines the theoretical and empirical justification for a new GD‐based assessment criterion, (2) provides a bioinformatic pipeline for estimating GD from population genomic data, and (3) suggests an analytical framework that can be used to measure baseline GD while providing quantitative GD context for consideration by conservation authorities.
Demographic History and Inbreeding in Two Declining Sea Duck Species Inferred From Whole‐Genome Sequence Data
Authors: Cádiz María I. , Tengstedt Aja Noersgaard Buur , Sørensen Iben Hove , Pedersen Emma Skindbjerg , Fox Anthony David , Hansen Michael M.
Published: September 2024

Anthropogenic impact has transitioned from threatening already rare species to causing significant declines in once numerous organisms. Long‐tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis) and velvet scoter (Melanitta fusca) were once important quarry sea duck species in NW Europe, but recent declines resulted in their reclassification as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. We sequenced and assembled genomes for both species and resequenced 15 individuals of each. Using analyses based on site frequency spectra and sequential Markovian coalescence, we found C. hyemalis to show more historical demographic stability, whereas M. fusca was affected particularly by the Last (Weichselian) Glaciation. This likely reflects C. hyemalis breeding continuously across the Arctic, with cycles of glaciation primarily shifting breeding areas south or north without major population declines, whereas the more restricted southern range of M. fusca would lead to significant range contraction during glaciations. Both species showed evidence of declines over the past thousands of years, potentially reflecting anthropogenic pressures with the recent decline indicating an accelerated process. Analysis of runs of homozygosity (ROH) showed low but nontrivial inbreeding, with FROH from 0.012 to 0.063 in C. hyemalis and ranging from 0 to 0.047 in M. fusca. Lengths of ROH suggested that this was due to ongoing background inbreeding rather than recent declines. Overall, despite demographically important declines, this has not yet led to strong inbreeding and genetic erosion, and the most pressing conservation concern may be the risk of density‐dependent (Allee) effects. We recommend monitoring of inbreeding using ROH analysis as a cost‐efficient method to track future developments to support effective conservation of these species.
Exploring litigation abuse in Ontario: An analysis of costs decisions
Authors: Bala Nicholas , Benedetti Ella , Franzmann Sydney
Published: September 2024

Litigation abuse is a pattern of conduct that misuses the Family Court process in a way that could reasonably be expected to cause emotional or financial harm to the other party or their children which is greater than would occur with the proper use of the family justice process. Litigation abuse may be motivated by a perpetrator's desire to gain an unfair advantage in the litigation or to control a former partner, or may be the result of anger, vengeance, or mental health issues. Litigation abuse is a particular concern in cases of coercive controlling violence that may victimize women and their children, or in cases that involve parental alienation. Previous empirical research has mainly involved studies of women who report that they have been victims of litigation abuse, with one study focusing exclusively on male victims. No previous study has considered both men and women as possible victims (or perpetrators) of litigation abuse, or the perspectives of neutral professionals like judges for assessing whether there has been litigation abuse. This empirical research project is based on an analysis of Ontario Family Court decisions over a three‐year period dealing with litigation costs, which under provincial law may be awarded at a higher level against a party whom the judge considers acted unreasonably, vexatiously or in bad faith during litigation (n = 222). Men were somewhat more likely to have engaged in litigation abuse than women (53% vs 47%). Self‐represented litigants were roughly twice as likely to engage in litigation abuse, though most cases of litigation abuse involved parties with lawyers. Women were more likely be victims of litigation abuse in economic cases, while men were more likely to be victims of litigation abuse in cases focused on parenting.
That's amore?: Intimate partner femicide in Italy and the failures of the Italian legislature to prevent violence against women
Authors: Cinquemani Deanna
Published: September 2024

Intimate partner femicide has caused growing concern in Italy, as instances continue to occur frequently. The Italian legislature has a long history of legislation that failed to protect women from violence, especially within their family units. Despite significant improvements to legislation over the last few decades, the problem of intimate partner femicide persists. This Note focuses on the failures of the penal code and accompanying statutes in preventing intimate partner femicide. The proposal is for legislation that will impose higher sentences for intimate partner homicide, remove judicial discretion in sentencing procedures, and require anti‐violence and gender equality education in schools.
How to reduce gluten in foods: a critical review of patents
Authors: Gélinas Pierre , Théolier Jérémie
Published: September 2024

Specific gluten protein fractions cause major health problems to individuals with coeliac disease. The aim of this study was to review gluten reduction in foods based on information disclosed in patents, a rarely cited source, with support from science. Overall, 89 patents on gluten reduction in foods were published up to August 2024, and 79% reported unique information, not mentioned in the scientific literature. The most popular topics were wheat and barley genes modifications, proteolytic enzymes for brewing, and proteolytic bacterial starters for bread making. Other gluten detoxification and removal techniques comprised kernels sorting, as well as separation, binding, heating, and chemical treatments. Extensive degradation of gluten‐containing ingredients impaired much food properties, especially in bread. Few patented inventions on gluten reduction would meet the needs of coeliac persons because gluten‐free foods need to be prepared with low‐gluten ingredients, as confirmed by proper analytical techniques.
Comparison of renal function between the artery and vein clamp and artery‐only clamp in robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy for moderate‐ to high‐complexity renal masses: A propensity‐matched study
Authors: Muraoka Kentaro , Jikuya Ryosuke , Uemura Koichi , Kondo Takuya , Tatenuma Tomoyuki , Komeya Mitsuru , Ito Hiroki , Ito Yusuke , Hasumi Hisashi , Makiyama Kazuhide
Published: September 2024

Objective

Artery and vein (AV) clamps can control venous bleeding in the surgical field and prevent carbon dioxide embolism, especially when large veins are expected to open. However, whether AV clamps cause more renal damage than artery‐only (AO) clamps remains unclear. This study aimed to compare renal function and blood loss in surgeries using AO and AV clamps based on high RENAL nephrometry scores (RNS) in robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 500 patients who underwent RAPN between March 2016 and December 2021. We performed 1:1 propensity matching for these patients.

Results

A total of 340 patients with pathological malignancies who were followed up for at least 12 months were included in this analysis. A total of 291 patients with AO clamping and 49 patients with AV clamping were included. Overall, the AV clamp group had higher total RNSs and larger diameters than the AO clamp group. Propensity score‐matched analysis included 37 patients in each clamp group. The median warm ischemia times of the AV and AO clamps were 25 and 22 min, respectively, with no significant difference. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in the amount of blood loss, rate of acute kidney injury (AKI), or renal function at 1, 3, or 12 months post‐RAPN.

Conclusion

Compared with the AO clamp, the AV clamp did not have a detrimental impact on blood loss or renal dysfunction. Consequently, AV clamps may be considered for patients presenting with moderate‐to‐high‐complexity RNSs.