bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex Differences in Physical Activity Levels and Sitting Time in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Marçal Isabela R. , Vidal-Almela Sol , Blanchard Christopher , Prince Stephanie A. , Way Kimberley L. , Reed Jennifer L.
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

While research demonstrates low levels of physical activity (PA) among adults living with atrial fibrillation (AF), there is limited evidence investigating sex differences in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time in this population. The primary aim was to examine sex differences in MVPA levels and sitting time between women and men with AF. Secondary aims explored sex differences in sociodemographic factors, outcome expectations, and task self-efficacy toward PA levels.

Methods:

This was a subanalysis of the CHAMPLAIN-AF cohort study. Women and men with AF completed a survey, including the Short-Form International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Results:

A total of 210 women (median = 66.0 yr: 95% CI, 63.5-68.0) and 409 men (median = 66.0 yr: 95% CI, 64.0-67.0) were included. No sex differences were observed in median weekly MVPA (60 min/wk: 95% CI, 0-120 in women vs 120 min/wk: 95% CI, 85-150 in men) and daily sitting time (5.5 hr/d: 95% CI, 5.0-6.0 in women vs 6.0 hr/d: 95% CI, 5.0-6.0 in men). Women engaged in significantly less vigorous-intensity PA than men (P = .03) and demonstrated significantly lower task self-efficacy (P < .01). Significant positive correlations in PA levels with outcome expectations (mostly weak) and task self-efficacy (mostly strong) were observed in both sexes.

Conclusion:

Most women and men with AF did not meet the global MVPA guidelines but met the sitting time recommendation. Women presented with lower vigorous-intensity physical activity levels and confidence than men. Strategies to increase physical activity behavior, considering sociodemographic factors and task self-efficacy, are needed and may differ between sexes.
A look inside the gut as a clue to nutritional status
Authors: Bar Nir , Abdelgani Siham , Lal Simon , Deutsch Liat
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

Malabsorption and malnutrition are common gastrointestinal manifestations clinicians face, requiring diagnostic workup for effective diagnosis and management of the underlying cause. This review discusses recent advances in diagnostic approaches to malabsorption and maldigestion of macronutrients – lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. We highlight underrecognized causes, available testing modalities, and ongoing diagnostic unmet needs.

Recent findings

Innovations in the diagnostic landscape are enhancing our understanding of malabsorption syndromes. Stool collection and handling is uncomfortable and commonly avoided. The objective quantification of stool lipids, bile acids, and gut enzymes is therefore underused in the diagnosis and management of common disorders such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, bile acid diarrhea, protein-losing enteropathy, and more. We review the recent advancements in spot quantification of stool fat and bile acid content, endoscopic imaging techniques such as endocytoscopy, confocal laser endomicroscopy, and optical coherence tomography and the future place in clinical practice.

Malabsorption and maldigestion represent significant challenges in clinical nutrition and gastroenterology. Through the integration of advanced diagnostic techniques, clinicians will be better equipped to tailor therapy and monitor treatment response, ultimately improving patient health outcomes. This review underscores the critical role of innovative diagnostic tools in accurately detecting and effectively managing gastrointestinal disorders linked to nutritional status.
(Ir)rationality and cognitive biases in large language models
Authors: Macmillan-Scott Olivia , Musolesi Mirco
Published: June 2024

Do large language models (LLMs) display rational reasoning? LLMs have been shown to contain human biases due to the data they have been trained on; whether this is reflected in rational reasoning remains less clear. In this paper, we answer this question by evaluating seven language models using tasks from the cognitive psychology literature. We find that, like humans, LLMs display irrationality in these tasks. However, the way this irrationality is displayed does not reflect that shown by humans. When incorrect answers are given by LLMs to these tasks, they are often incorrect in ways that differ from human-like biases. On top of this, the LLMs reveal an additional layer of irrationality in the significant inconsistency of the responses. Aside from the experimental results, this paper seeks to make a methodological contribution by showing how we can assess and compare different capabilities of these types of models, in this case with respect to rational reasoning.
In silico
modelling of mechanical response of breast cancer cell to interstitial fluid flow
Authors: Kalra Vaibhav , Prabhakar Sweta , Rawat Anubhav , Tiwari Abhishek Kumar , Tripathi Dharmendra
Published: June 2024

A cell’s mechanical environment regulates biological activities. Several studies have investigated the response of healthy epithelial mammary (MCF10A) and breast cancer (MCF7) cells to vascular and interstitial fluid motion-induced hydrodynamic forces. The mechanical stiffness of healthy and breast cancer cells differ significantly, which can influence the transduction of forces regulating the cell’s invasive behaviour. This aspect has not been well explored in the literature. The present work investigates the mechanical response of MCF10A and MCF7 cells to tissue-level interstitial fluid flow. A two-dimensional fluid flow–cell interaction model is developed based on the actual shapes of the cells, acquired from experimental fluorescent images. The material properties of the cell compartments (cytoplasm and nucleus) were assigned in the model based on the literature. The outcomes indicate that healthy MCF10A cells experience higher von Mises and shear stresses than the MCF7 cells. In addition, the MCF7 cell experiences higher strain and displacements than its healthy counterpart. Thus, the different mechano-responsiveness of MCF10A and MCF7 cells could be responsible for regulating the invasive potential of the cells. This work enhances our understanding of mechanotransduction activities involved in cancer malignancy which can further help in cancer diagnosis based on cell mechanotype.
Sequence and origin of the Streptomyces intergenetic-conjugation helper plasmid pUZ8002
Authors: Larcombe Daniel E. , Braes Robyn E. , Croxford James T. , Wilson James W. , Figurski David H. , Hoskisson Paul A.
Published: June 2024

Conjugation of plasmids from Escherichia coli is essential for the genetic manipulation of Streptomyces spp. To facilitate intergeneric conjugation from E. coli to Streptomyces the conjugative machinery required for genetic transfer is usually provided by the non-transferable helper plasmid, pUZ8002. Here we present the complete nucleotide sequence of pUZ8002, describe the previously undocumented creation process, and provide details of the sequence relative to the parental pUZ8 plasmid and another previously published pUZ8002 sequence.
Model-driven characterization of functional diversity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates with broadly representative phenotypes
Authors: Islam Mohammad Mazharul , Kolling Glynis L. , Glass Emma M. , Goldberg Joanna B. , Papin Jason A.
Published: June 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of infections in immunocompromised individuals and in healthcare settings. This study aims to understand the relationships between phenotypic diversity and the functional metabolic landscape of P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. To better understand the metabolic repertoire of P. aeruginosa in infection, we deeply profiled a representative set from a library of 971 clinical P. aeruginosa isolates with corresponding patient metadata and bacterial phenotypes. The genotypic clustering based on whole-genome sequencing of the isolates, multilocus sequence types, and the phenotypic clustering generated from a multi-parametric analysis were compared to each other to assess the genotype–phenotype correlation. Genome-scale metabolic network reconstructions were developed for each isolate through amendments to an existing PA14 network reconstruction. These network reconstructions show diverse metabolic functionalities and enhance the collective P. aeruginosa pangenome metabolic repertoire. Characterizing this rich set of clinical P. aeruginosa isolates allows for a deeper understanding of the genotypic and metabolic diversity of the pathogen in a clinical setting and lays a foundation for further investigation of the metabolic landscape of this pathogen and host-associated metabolic differences during infection.
Characterizing social contact patterns in rural and urban Mozambique: the GlobalMix study, 2021-2022
Authors: Kiti Moses C. , Sacoor Charfudin , Aguolu Obianuju G. , Zelaya Alana , Chen Holin , Kim Sara S. , Cavele Nilzio , Jamisse Edgar , Tchavana Corssino , Jose Americo , Macicame Ivalda , Joaquim Orvalho , Ahmed Noureen , Liu Carol Y. , Yildirim Inci , Nelson Kristin , Jenness Samuel M. , Maldonado Herberth , Kazi Momin , Srinivasan Rajan , Mohan Venkata R. , Melegaro Alessia , Malik Fauzia , Bardaji Azucena , Omer Saad B. , Lopman Ben
Published: June 2024

1.

Introduction

There are few sources of empirical social contact data from resource-poor settings thus limiting the development of contextual mathematical models of disease transmission and control.

Methods

We collected and analyzed cross-sectional survey data from rural and urban sites in Mozambique. Participants, including infants, were recruited. They reported retrospectively, in a paper diary, individuals with whom they had a co-located physical or conversation contact, as well as their age, sex, relationship, frequency, and duration of the contact. We compared vaccine effects (VE) by parameterizing transmission models using empirical and synthetic contact rates.

Results

1363 participants recruited between April 2021 and April 2022 reported a mean of 8.3 (95% CI 8.0–8.6) contacts per person on day 1. Mean contact rates were higher in the rural compared to urban site (9.8 [9.4–10.2 vs 6.8 [6.5–7.1], p<0.01), respectively. Participants aged ≤18 years were the main drivers of higher physical contacts. In the model, we report higher VE in the rural site when comparing empirical to synthetic contact matrices (32% vs 29%, respectively), and lower corresponding VE in urban site (32% vs 35%). These effects were prominent in the younger (0-9 years old) and older (60+ years) individuals.

Conclusion

Our work suggests differences in contact rates and patterns between rural and urban sites in Mozambique, with corresponding differences in vaccine effects on an infectious pathogen. We also demonstrate the utility of empirical data in infectious disease modelling for high-burden, low-income settings.
Quantifying the relationship between time to command-following and outcomes after TBI: the “1%” rule
Authors: Snider Samuel B. , Deng Hansen , Hammond Flora M. , Kowalski Robert G. , Walker William C. , Zafonte Ross D. , Okonkwo David O. , Giacino Joseph T. , Puccio Ava M. , Bodien Yelena G.
Published: June 2024

Importance

Recovery of command-following after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important prognostic indicator, however, the relationship between time to command-following and long-term functional outcome is not clear.

Objective

Evaluate the association between command-following and outcome 1-year after TBI.DesignCohort study of participants with moderate-severe TBI in the TBI Model Systems (TBIMS) who were followed 1-year post injury, and validation in an independent dataset from the Brain Trauma Research Center (BTRC) database.

Setting

TBIMS is a multi-center study of participants with moderate-severe TBI treated in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. The BTRC database is derived from a single US level 1 trauma center and includes patients with severe TBI.

Participants

TBIMS: N=9,052 (mean±SD age 38±18 years, 76% male, 67% white); BTRC: N=228 (mean age 37±17 years, 76% male, 91% white). Participants did not follow commands on acute hospital admission and survived to discharge.

Exposure

Days to command-following during hospitalization.

Main Outcome

Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) score <4 (i.e., death or dependency) 1-year post TBI.

Results

Participants in TBIMS were more likely than those in BTRC to follow commands during acute hospitalization (90% vs 63%; p<0.001) and had a shorter median time to command-following (5 vs 9.5 days; p< 0.001). For each additional week without command-following, the odds ratio for death or dependency at 1 year was 1.30 (95% CI: [1.26,1.35]; p<0.001) in TBIMS and 1.49 ([1.15, 1.97]; p=0.003) in BTRC. Time to command-following had an AUC of 0.61 [0.59, 0.63] in TBIMS and 0.65 [0.53, 0.76]) in BTRC. Each additional day without command-following was associated with a 1.18% (1.16%, 1.20%) increase in the proportion of participants with death or dependency at 1-year in TBIMS and 1.05% (0.99%, 1.11%) in BTRC.

Conclusion

Time to command-following after moderate-severe TBI is associated with 1-year outcomes, but the predictive accuracy of absence of command-following on any single post-injury day is limited. In two independent cohorts, the likelihood of death or dependency increased by ∼1% for each additional day without command-following. Clinicians should be cautious when prognosticating based on the absence of command-following in the first five weeks after TBI.
Abnormality Detection in Time-Series Bio-Signals using Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks for Resource-Constrained Devices
Authors: Huang Zhaojing , Cui Jiashuo , Yu Leping , Herbozo Contreras Luis Fernando , Kavehei Omid
Published: June 2024

This study uses Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (KANs) to analyze electrocardiogram (ECG) signals in order to detect cardiac abnormalities. These novel networks have demonstrated potential for application in biosignal analysis, particularly ECG, due to their flexibility and smaller parameter requirements, making them candidates for wearable devices. The network structure comprises a simple KAN model with a single hidden layer of 64 neurons. It was trained on the Telehealth Network of Minas Gerais (TNMG) dataset and tested for generalization on the Chinese Physiological Signal Challenge 2018 (CPSC) dataset. The KAN model delivered reasonably promising results, achieving an F1-score of 0.75 and an AUROC of 0.95 on the TNMG dataset. During the out-of-sample generalization test on the CPSC dataset, it achieved an F1-score of 0.62 and an AUROC of 0.84. It has also shown resistance to missing data channels by maintaining a reasonable performance, down to only a single lead left of ECG data instead of the initial 12 leads. Compared with traditional Multi-Layer Perceptrons (MLP) and Neural Circuit Policy (NCP, aka. Liquid Time Constant Networks), KANs exhibit superior flexibility, adaptability, interpretability, and efficiency. Their compact size and reduced computational requirements make them potential candidates for deployment on hardware, particularly in personalized medical devices.
From Sleep Patterns to Heart Rhythms: Predicting Atrial Fibrillation from Overnight Polysomnograms
Authors: Koscova Zuzana , Rad Ali Bahrami , Nasiri Samaneh , Reyna Matthew A. , Sameni Reza , Trotti Lynn M. , Sun Haoqi , Turley Niels , Stone Katie L. , Thomas Robert J. , Mignot Emmanuel , Westover Brandon , Clifford Gari D.
Published: June 2024

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is often asymptomatic and thus under-observed. Given the high risks of stroke and heart failure among patients with AF, early prediction and effective management are crucial. Importantly, obstructive sleep apnea is highly prevalent among AF patients (60–90%); therefore, electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis from polysomnography (PSG), a standard diagnostic tool for subjects with suspected sleep apnea, presents a unique opportunity for the early prediction of AF. Our goal is to identify individuals at a high risk of developing AF in the future from a single-lead ECG recorded during standard PSGs.

Methods

We analyzed 18,782 single-lead ECG recordings from 13,609 subjects at Massachusetts General Hospital, identifying AF presence using ICD-9/10 codes in medical records. Our dataset comprises 15,913 recordings without a medical record for AF and 2,056 recordings from patients who were first diagnosed with AF between 1 day to 15 years after the PSG recording. The PSG data were partitioned into training, validation, and test cohorts. In the first phase, a signal quality index (SQI) was calculated in 30-second windows and those with SQI<0.95 were removed. From each remaining window, 150 hand-crafted features were extracted from time, frequency, time-frequency domains, and phase-space reconstructions of the ECG. A compilation of 12 statistical features summarized these window-specific features per recording, resulting in 1,800 features. We then updated a pre-trained deep neural network and data from the PhysioNet Challenge 2021 using transfer-learning to discriminate between recordings with and without AF using the same Challenge data. The model was applied to the PSG ECGs in 16-second windows to generate the probability of AF for each window. From the resultant probability sequence, 13 statistical features were extracted. Subsequently, we trained a shallow neural network to predict future AF using the extracted ECG and probability features.

Results

On the test set, our model demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.67, specificity of 0.81, and precision of 0.3 for predicting AF. Further, survival analysis for AF outcomes, using the log-rank test, revealed a hazard ratio of 8.36 (p-value of 1.93 × 10−52).

Conclusions

Our proposed ECG analysis method, utilizing overnight PSG data, shows promise in AF prediction despite a modest precision indicating the presence of false positive cases. This approach could potentially enable low-cost screening and proactive treatment for high-risk patients. Ongoing refinement, such as integrating additional physiological parameters could significantly reduce false positives, enhancing its clinical utility and accuracy.
Nocturnal synchronization between hippocampal ripples and cortical delta power is a biomarker of hippocampal epileptogenicity
Authors: Iwata Takamitsu , Yanagisawa Takufumi , Fukuma Ryohei , Ikegaya Yuji , Oshino Satoru , Tani Naoki , Khoo Hui M. , Sugano Hidenori , Iimura Yasushi , Suzuki Hiroharu , Kishima Haruhiko
Published: June 2024

Objective

Hippocampal ripples are biomarkers of epileptogenicity in patients with epilepsy, and physiological features characterize memory function in healthy individuals. Discriminating between pathological and physiological ripples is important for identifying the epileptogenic (EP) zone; however, distinguishing them from waveforms is difficult. This study hypothesized that the nocturnal synchronization of hippocampal ripples and cortical delta power classifies EP and physiological hippocampi.

Methods

We enrolled 38 patients with electrodes implanted in the hippocampus or the parahippocampal gyrus between April 2014 and March 2023 at our institution. We classified 11 patients (11 hippocampi) into the EP group, who were pathologically diagnosed with hippocampal sclerosis, and five patients (six hippocampi) into the non-epileptogenic (NE) group, whose hippocampi had no epileptogenicity. Hippocampal ripples were detected using intracranial electroencephalography of the hippocampal or parahippocampal electrodes and presented as ripple rates per second. Cortical delta power (0.5–4 Hz) was assessed using cortical electrodes. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the ripple rates and the cortical delta power (CRD) was calculated for the intracranial electroencephalographic signals obtained every night during the recordings.

Results

Hippocampal ripples detected from continuous recording for approximately 10 days demonstrated similar frequency characteristics between the EP and NE groups. However, CRDs in the EP group (mean [standard deviation]: 0.20 [0.049]) were significantly lower than those in the NE group (0.67 [0.070],F(1,124) = 29.6,p< 0.0001 (group),F(9,124) = 1.0,p= 0.43 (day); two-way analysis of variance). Based on the minimum CRDs during the 10-day recordings, the two groups were classified with 94.1% accuracy.

Conclusion

CRD is a biomarker of hippocampal epileptogenicity.

Key Points

The correlation between hippocampal ripple rate and cortical delta power was evaluated for approximately 10 days in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

Mean correlation coefficients were significantly lower in the epileptogenic group than in the non-epileptogenic group.

The minimum value of the correlation coefficients predicts hippocampal sclerosis.
Cultural values and the P-O fit: comparative NLP analysis of German online job advertisements
Authors: Herold Marcel , Roedenbeck Marc
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Within the Person-Organization fit framework and Signalling Theory, this study investigates the performance of word dictionaries detecting cultural values in online job advertisements as one form of external communication of an organization. Based upon a merge of the dictionaries, a corporate value analysis of Germany is conducted.

Design/methodology/approach

The study builds on a dataset (n > 151 k) of online job advertisements which were scraped from a German job portal. It was pre-processed according to natural language processing standards. For analysing the values of an organization a dictionary based word count was applied. Therefore, the current state-of-the-art dictionaries were tested, and an enhanced dictionary was developed and translated from English to German. Finally, a cluster analysis was conducted.

Findings

This study supports the possibility of measuring cultural values in texts where the enhanced dictionary based on Ponitzovskiy shows the best results. It thereby supports the use of the Universal Value Structure model (Schwartz, 1992) as well as the Signalling Theory (Guest et al., 2021), that values spread across 10 core or 4 aggregated dimensions are communicated via online job advertisements. Finally, the study offers a profile of the German corporate culture average as well as 4 cultural clusters and separate organizations, all with different profiles.

Originality/value

This study develops an enhanced dictionary based on a large dataset of online job advertisements for analysing the external communication of values or culture of an organization for improving the Person-Organization fit.
Computational approach and convergence analysis for interval-based solution of the Benjamin–Bona–Mahony equation with imprecise parameters
Authors: Vana Rambabu , Perumandla Karunakar
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To provide a new semi-analytical solution for the nonlinear Benjamin–Bona–Mahony (BBM) equation in the form of a convergent series. The results obtained through HPTM for BBM are compared with those obtained using the Sine-Gordon Expansion Method (SGEM) and the exact solution. We consider the initial condition as uncertain, represented in terms of an interval then investigate the solution of the interval Benjamin–Bona–Mahony (iBBM).

Design/methodology/approach

We employ the Homotopy Perturbation Transform Method (HPTM) to derive the series solution for the BBM equation. Furthermore, the iBBM equation is solved using HPTM to the initial condition has been considered as an interval number as the coefficient of it depends on several parameters and provides lower and upper interval solutions for iBBM.

Findings

The obtained numerical results provide accurate solutions, as demonstrated in the figures. The numerical results are evaluated to the precise solutions and found to be in good agreement. Further, the initial condition has been considered as an interval number as the coefficient of it depends on several parameters. To enhance the clarity, we depict our solutions using 3D graphics and interval solution plots generated using MATLAB.

Originality/value

A new semi-analytical convergent series-type solution has been found for nonlinear BBM and interval BBM equations with the help of the semi-analytical technique HPTM.
Do gender-inclusive HRM and fairness perception trigger paradigm shifts in female employees' psychological empowerment patterns and career progression?
Authors: Rasheed Muhammad Athar , Bajwa Sami Ullah , Elahi Natasha Saman
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Drawing on the ability-motivation-opportunity model, this study investigates how gender-inclusive human resource management practices and overall fairness perception promote the career progression of female employees via psychological empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to two-waves data collected from 308 respondents from Pakistan to confirm hypotheses.

Findings

Findings suggest that gender-inclusive HRM practices substantially affect female employees' psychological empowerment and career progression. Psychological empowerment is a mediating mechanism that explains the effect of gender-inclusive HRM practices on female employees' career progression. Finally, overall fairness perception further amplifies the effect of gender-inclusive HRM practices on psychological empowerment and career progression.

Practical implications

The study provides evidence to policymakers that organizations may promote psychological empowerment and career progression of female employees by implementing gender-inclusive HRM practices and promoting overall fairness perception.

Originality/value

This study contributes to achieving the SDGs by examining the impact of gender-inclusive HRM practices and overall fairness perception on female employees' psychological empowerment and career progression. Specifically, it aligns with “Goal 5 - achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls” and “Goal 8 - promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all”.
Shared goals and vision in supply chain: a mediation model of prevention-oriented practices and compliance-oriented practices
Authors: Luo Charles , Zhang Dongli , Linderman Kevin , Ni John
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Manufacturers face increasing demands to address inefficiencies and improve environmental performance across their supply chains. However, there remains a significant gap in empirical research examining how collaboration in the supply chain affects various environmental practices and their consequent impacts on performance. This study aims to address the gap by examining how shared goals and vision drives compliance-oriented and prevention-oriented practices, subsequently affecting environmental performance and operational costs—critical for fostering antifragility and resilience in today’s environment.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study has been performed based on a sample of survey data from 279 manufacturers from fifteen countries and regions. Applying structural equation modeling analysis to the sample dataset, this study examines the mediating role of two distinct types of environmental practices between shared goals and visions and manufacturers’ environmental performance and operational cost.

Findings

This study delineates distinct pathways through which shared goals and vision affect various types of environmental practices, and consequently lead to different performance outcomes: (1) environmental impact of manufacturing activities depends on the collective efforts of the manufacturers and their supply chain partners; (2) shared goals and vision among supply chain partners facilitates both environmental performance and operational cost through prevention-oriented practice; (3) shared goals and vision in supply chain benefits operational cost performance primarily through prevention-oriented practice, but less likely through compliance-oriented practice.

Practical implications

This study reveals two distinct pathways through which the shared goals and vision impact various performance outcomes, providing valuable guidance to businesses aiming to balance operational cost and environmental performance — crucial for resilience in today's turbulent environment.

Originality/value

This study not only corroborates existing theories of the Natural Resource-Based View and collaborative networks but also provides a detailed depiction of how collaboration across the supply chain promotes a diverse range of environmental practices and yields varied performance outcomes. It offers vital insights for supply chain participants to effectively navigate environmental challenges, enabling them to cultivate resilience and proactively address environmental issues.
How consumers evaluate costs in complex services: the case of mutual fund fees
Authors: Nilsson Jonas , Carlsson Hauff Jeanette , Carlander Anders
Published: June 2024

Purpose

In modern societies, consumer well-being is dependent on choices regarding complex services, such as investments, health care, insurance and lending. However, evaluating costs of such services is often difficult for consumers due to a combination of limited cognitive resources and complexity of the service. The purpose of this study is to empirically examine to what extent three specific consequences of complexity influence consumer tendencies to make mistakes when evaluating the costs (or price) of complex services.

Design/methodology/approach

Three studies were conducted (survey: n = 153, experiment: n = 332 and conjoint analysis: n = 225), all focusing on how consumers evaluate costs in the complex mutual fund setting.

Findings

The authors find that consumers struggle with estimating and using cost information in decision-making in the complex services setting. Consumers of complex services frequently underestimate the costs over the long-term, may see costs as a signal of service quality and are susceptible to influence from presentation formats when evaluating costs.

Research limitations/implications

The study investigates mutual funds, which is one example of a complex service. In order to get a full picture of how consumers deal with costs in complex setting, future research needs to expand this focus to other types of complex services.

Practical implications

The results have implications for both marketers of complex services and policymakers. For marketers, this paper highlights that competing with a low-cost strategy may be difficult in the complex services setting as consumers may lack the ability to actually evaluate what they pay over the long term. For policymakers, increased simplification of prices may be an attractive option. However, it is important that this simplification is done in a way that increases the possibility to compare prices.

Originality/value

As complexity influences several aspects of decision-making, an understanding of how consumers evaluate costs in complex settings is dependent on taking a multidimensional research approach. This paper makes a novel contribution to the literature on pricing by showing that consumers struggle with multiple aspects when evaluating costs in complex contexts. Understanding these effects is important to policy, as well as to research on the cognitive value of simplicity that is currently gaining traction in marketing research.
Going beyond the untold facts in PLS–SEM and moving forward
Authors: Hair Joe F. , Sarstedt Marko , Ringle Christian M. , Sharma Pratyush N. , Liengaard Benjamin Dybro
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss recent criticism related to partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a combination of literature reviews, empirical examples, and simulation evidence, this research demonstrates that critical accounts of PLS-SEM paint an overly negative picture of PLS-SEM’s capabilities.

Findings

Criticisms of PLS-SEM often generalize from boundary conditions with little practical relevance to the method’s general performance, and disregard the metrics and analyses (e.g., Type I error assessment) that are important when assessing the method’s efficacy.

Research limitations/implications

We believe the alleged “fallacies” and “untold facts” have already been addressed in prior research and that the discussion should shift toward constructive avenues by exploring future research areas that are relevant to PLS-SEM applications.

Practical implications

All statistical methods, including PLS-SEM, have strengths and weaknesses. Researchers need to consider established guidelines and recent advancements when using the method, especially given the fast pace of developments in the field.

Originality/value

This research addresses criticisms of PLS-SEM and offers researchers, reviewers, and journal editors a more constructive view of its capabilities.
The role of financial literacy in consumer financial fraud exposure (via email) and victimisation: evidence from Spain
Authors: Rey-Ares Lucía , Fernández-López Sara , Álvarez-Espiño Marcos
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The ongoing evolution of the Internet and the subsequent digitalisation of financial services, along with the ever-increasing innovation of financial products, have rendered consumers more vulnerable to a wider range of fraud in the banking sector and, particularly, to consumer financial fraud (CFF). This paper aims to analyse the factors that may contribute to CFF exposure and victimisation among Spaniards, with a special focus on financial literacy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of leading publications on the topic, followed by empirical analyses using regression models with a sample of 6,207 Spanish individuals drawn from the Survey of Financial Competences.

Findings

Objective and subjective financial knowledge are positively correlated with CFF exposure via email but do not protect against CFF victimisation. Similarly, financial knowledge overconfidence is positively related to the former but fails to constitute a driver of the latter. Financial inclusion, measured by the number of financial products held, not only increases the risk of this exposure but also contributes to its subsequent victimisation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, no previous paper has analysed the relationship between CFF and financial literacy by differentiating two types of vulnerabilities to fraud (exposure and victimisation) while considering different constructs of financial literacy. Dissecting these two domains may explain why the same financial literacy construct can have different effects at both stages of financial fraud and, furthermore, how different financial literacy constructs may affect the same stage of financial fraud.
Digital learning platform for cultural heritage: new normal tourism for community
Authors: Sapu Sakkarin , Aphathanakorn Amphol , Thienmongkol Ratanachote
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to (1) elucidate the results of a social outcomes assessment and socio-spatial return analysis of a social innovation village (SIV) program in Thailand, (2) develop a social return on investment (SROI) tool for a digital learning platform of cultural heritage and (3) propose the application of an SROI calculator for policy decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

SROI methodology was applied to analyze data from a sample of 110 individuals from the SIV in the Tha Ruea community, Nakhon Phanom province, Thailand, which is renowned for musical instrument making, to assess the social innovation objectives.

Findings

Improvement in the grassroots economy led to increased income, translating to assessment outcomes and social values within the tourism community. Social and digital media platforms link physical and digital spaces to facilitate interactive learning and online tourism in the community.

Research limitations/implications

Since the COVID-19 pandemic led to a pronounced economic decline, especially in the tourism sector, the results only partially capture the actual benefits of SROI. To address the challenge of adapting the ecosystem of local tourism into the alternative market, training programs are recommended, including upskilling and new-skilling courses offered by state agencies, to support this technological trend.

Originality/value

This research illustrates how an integrative platform between digital technology and cultural heritage can address the significant shift in tourism behavior and promote a new era of cultural heritage tourism in virtual and physical spaces.
“Tear down this wall”. A theory of strategic communication that integrates both communication and organizational theory
Authors: Hoffjann Olaf
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The term strategic communication has become firmly established in recent years. The emergence of the term was associated with the hope of finding a more fitting description for overlapping communication processes, since existing approaches can hardly fulfill these expectations. To date, the research has been dominated by communication-focused and, in particular, organization-focused approaches that show little interest in the alternative perspective. An integrating perspective can overcome the wall that exists between the communication level and the organizational level.

Design/methodology/approach

The integrating communication and organizational theory framework is developed on the basis of Niklas Luhmann’s “Theory of Social Systems” (TSS), which can be attributed to the “Communication Constitutes Organization” (CCO) perspective. This perspective seems appropriate because its communication theory integrates the sender and addressee perspectives, and its extended organization theory can be used to describe in detail the organizational structures of strategic communication.

Findings

The communication theoretical framework states that one of the functions of strategic communication is to reduce complexity to a single follow-up option. From the sender’s perspective, strategic communication can be defined as an attempt to encourage acceptance of a follow-up option proposed out of self-interest. The organizational theory framework that both builds on this and is linked to it first shows the diversity of strategic organizational communications before explaining their formal and informal structures.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to offer a comprehensive framework that integrates concrete strategic communication activities as well as the (in)formal organizational structures that lead to their emergence. On the one hand, this enables a more differentiated description of all relevant aspects of communication theory (e.g. tonality, clarity vs. ambiguity and technical dissemination medium). On the other, the organizational theoretical framework offers a systematization that can be used to describe various formal and informal structures comparatively. Above all, this kind of inclusive, integrating framework is the prerequisite for research that relates the diverse concrete strategic communication activities to an organization’s formal and informal rules and thus understands them as (primarily) the result of organizational decisions.
Metaverse finance: shaping the future of Islamic fintech solutions in UAE
Authors: Alkasasbeh Hamad , Oudat Mohammad Salem , Abu-AlSondos Ibrahim , Alhawamdeh Loai
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to contribute to the scholarly discourse on the future of money, particularly within the context of Islamic principles. The focus is on examining the intricate intersections of financial development, technological advancements and the emerging metaverse. The research intends to explore the holistic framework encompassing regulatory dynamics, technological infrastructure, consumer trust, Sharia compliance and the metaverse.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design incorporates a comprehensive approach, using various elements such as regulatory dynamics, technological infrastructure, consumer trust, Sharia compliance and the metaverse. Data collection involves a questionnaire administered to 318 respondents in the UAE. The methodology uses structural equation modeling – partial least squares (SEM-PLS) to assess the research model and test hypotheses.

Findings

The results from the Smart PLS path analysis indicate noteworthy findings. There are significant impacts of fintech adoption, regulatory environments, technological infrastructure and customer trust on the competitiveness of Fintech solutions. Importantly, Sharia compliance emerges as a crucial contextual filter, influencing the interplay between Sharia compliance, fintech adoption and fintech competitiveness. The study provides theoretical insights by emphasizing the pivotal role of Sharia compliance in the dynamics of fintech adoption.

Originality/value

This study contributes original insights to the existing body of knowledge. By exploring the multifaceted connections between financial development, technological advancements and the metaverse within the Islamic context, the research offers a unique and comprehensive perspective. The emphasis on the holistic framework that considers regulatory dynamics, technological infrastructure, consumer trust and Sharia compliance adds originality to the understanding of factors influencing the competition and sustainability of Islamic fintech solutions in the UAE.
The effect of external Shariah audit on the performance of Islamic banking: evidence from Bahrain and Oman
Authors: Khelassi Abdelillah , Ayad A. Lila , Halali Ahmed , Lutfi Besir Muhamed
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of external Sharia audit on the performance of Islamic banks in Bahrain and Oman, which are countries that implement it. This study aims to explore the role of external Sharia audit in preventing prohibited profits and mitigating the risks of noncompliance with Sharia principles.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper opted a quantitative approach and collected data from the employees of the Sharia Supervision Board & Sharia Audit in the Islamic banks. This paper studied how external Sharia audit affects the financial profitability and compliance with Islamic Sharia principles of Islamic banks, using partial least squares structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The results indicated that external Sharia audit had a significant positive effect on both financial profitability and compliance with Islamic Sharia principles in the Islamic banks under study. This means that external Sharia audit enhances the financial performance and the adherence to Islamic Sharia principles of the Islamic banks.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations that suggest directions for future research, such as expanding the sample to other countries and measuring more performance indicators for Islamic banks.

Practical implications

This study suggests that external Sharia audit enhances the performance and compliance of Islamic banks and urges the regulators to adopt it and standardize it.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on Islamic finance and external Sharia audit by providing empirical evidence on the impact of external Sharia audit on the performance of Islamic banks.
Remind me that I matter: how self-worth bias can enhance employee support for organizational change efforts
Authors: McLaren Tom A.S. , Fein Erich C. , Ireland Michael , Malhotra Aastha
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this empirical study was to test whether presenting organizational change in a way that enhances employee self-worth will result in increased employee support for the identified change. In doing so, we developed a new measure, which includes a novel baseline element.

Design/methodology/approach

Items were developed, and then categorical validation data were collected through an online cross-sectional survey in which 222 respondents (adults over 18 years of age, and at least 6 months tenure) participated.

Findings

Within the items, we framed the activation of self-worth bias as requests for employee comments regarding change efforts. Results indicate there is a difference between asking for employee comment on change efforts, compared to asking for employee comment on change efforts and also providing feedback considerate of that input.

Originality/value

This study explores and presents a convergence between behavioral economics, management and applied psychology research – using both self-worth bias, and organizational change management communications; no other such comparable study or analysis could be found during the preparation of this research effort. Furthermore, a novel measure and innovative method is presented for developing and measuring self-worth bias during organizational change management communications.
Educating custom officers supervisors: how do they experience their role?
Authors: Abrahamsen Eirik Bjorheim , Dagsland Åse Helene Bakkevig
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine customs officers’ perception of the role as supervisor before and after completing formal training in practice supervision. Owing to changes in the education of customs officers, their role as supervisors has changed, necessitating formal training.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire with three open-ended questions was given to all participants to answer before and immediately after the training. Responses were given anonymously. Additionally, free text of the participants’ reflections on the supervision method and challenges within supervision was analysed.

Findings

Four categories, including subcategories, emerged from the thematic analysis: competence in practice supervision; socialising and integration; motivation; and frame conditions. Analysis of the feedback shows that the education is experienced/perceived as a contribution to their personal development, learning and motivation, leading to more reflection on their own practice and a stronger focus on contributing to the students’ learning process and shaping them as future colleagues.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, there are no similar studies within this group, and the results of this study may lead to greater awareness regarding the supervisor role and the quality of customs and border management education and, thereby, higher quality in professional practice as customs officers.
The relationship between changes in peritoneal membrane solute transfer characteristics and cardiac remodeling in patients with peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Oktan Mehmet Ası , Korucu Berfu , Çolak Ayşe , Bildacı Yelda Deligöz , Çavdar Caner , Değer Serpil Müge
Published: June 2024

Introduction

We aimed to determine the relationship between the dilatation of the heart chambers and the change in peritoneal membrane solute transfer characteristics (PMTC) in long‐term peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective, single‐center study including the follow‐up of maintenance PD patients. According to the changes in PMTC from baseline to the last visit, patients were divided into three groups; stable (n = 11), increased (n = 41), and decreased transporters (n = 35).

Results

Left atrium (LA) and Right ventricle (RV) dilatation were more prominent in the PMTC‐decreased group compared to PMTC‐increased and stable groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.07, respectively). The Cox regression analysis showed that only decreased PMTC was associated with LA dilatation (HR 2.89 [CI 95%1.54, 5.45] p < 0.01) and RV dilatation (HR 3.01 [CI 95%1.40, 6.21] p < 0.01).

Conclusion

PD can be associated with unfavorable dynamic changes in cardiac structure and functions even at the subclinical level.