bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Labor investment efficiency: a review of the international literature
Authors: Habib Ahsan , Ranasinghe Dinithi , Liu Ying
Published: November 2024

Purpose

We aim to provide a systematic literature review of the determinants and consequences of labor investment efficiency in an international context. First, we offer a theoretical discussion of labor investment efficiency, followed by an examination of its measurement. Next, we review the determinants of labor investment efficiency, categorizing them into firm fundamentals including financial reporting quality, governance and controls, corporate social responsibility/environmental regulation and macroeconomic determinants. Finally, we review the limited empirical literature on the consequences of labor investment efficiency. We also provide some suggestions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

We perform a systematic literature review using the Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review of Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to examine archival studies investigating the determinants and consequences of labor investment efficiency. Using a Boolean search strategy on the Scopus and PRISMA selection criteria, we review 86 published archival research articles from 2014 to the end of August 2024.

Findings

Our review highlights that firm-level fundamental factors including financial reporting quality have profound implications for labor investment efficiency. Effective governance mechanisms also help mitigate agency conflicts and information asymmetries and alleviate labor investment inefficiencies. Furthermore, the influence of regulations including ESG-related regulations and macroeconomic factors play a crucial role in shaping labor investment decisions. We find very little research on the consequence of labor investment efficiency.

Practical implications

Our review has highlighted that well-functioning corporate governance tools are effective in mitigating inefficient labor investments. Stakeholders, therefore, should ensure that firms have effective internal governance mechanisms in place and that external governance regulations complement and where necessary act as substitutes for internal governance mechanisms to optimize labor investments.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first systematic review of extant research on labor investment efficiency. Our review highlights some research gaps, particularly about the consequences of labor investment efficiency and offers some suggestions for future research.
School leadership during the COVID-19 crisis: a scoping review of empirical research
Authors: Striepe Michelle , Kafa Antonios
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This scoping review examines the literature on school leadership during the COVID-19 crisis to consolidate knowledge on how school leaders adapted to unprecedented challenges. It aims to highlight the multifaceted aspects of school leadership during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for distinct approaches in crisis situations.

Design/methodology/approach

Using scoping review methodology, this study analysed empirical work published between January 2020 and May 2023. Using PRISMA-ScR guidelines, it focused on peer-reviewed articles that examined leadership practices and strategies during the health crisis. Key features were distilled through thematic analysis, incorporating both inductive and deductive reasoning from the selected literature.

Findings

The study indicated that school leadership during the COVID-19 crisis involved care, collaboration, communication and quick decision-making. School leaders demonstrated resilience and innovation to ensure continuity of learning and support community well-being. Inclusive leadership, technology integration and personal characteristics like empathy emerged as pivotal aspects. The mapping revealed a prevalence of qualitative methodologies in one context, highlighting the need for diverse methodologies to comprehensively understand school leadership during crisis.

Originality/value

This review contributes to educational leadership by offering a thorough overview of the research on school leadership during the COVID-19 crisis. It emphasises context-specific leadership and the need to frame educational leadership in ways that will equip leaders for future crisis, suggesting considerations for leadership models tailored to crisis circumstances.
SMEs’ digital maturity: analyzing influencing factors and the mediating role of environmental factors
Authors: Omol Edwin , Abuonji Paul , Mburu Lucy
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the relationships among various dimensions influencing the digital maturity of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A novel variable, namely SMEs' dependence level on environmental factors, is introduced to broaden the scope beyond traditional linear relationships, providing insights into the multifaceted nature of SME digital maturity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs correlation and regression analyses to unravel significant correlations and explore the impact of predictors on the dependent variable. The interconnectedness of Technology, Product, Organization, People, Strategy and Operations is scrutinized, revealing their collective influence on SMEs' digital maturity. Importantly, the absence of multicollinearity issues is confirmed, validating the reliability of the study’s results. The regression models demonstrate robust explanatory power, with the inclusion of a mediator significantly enhancing overall model performance.

Findings

The findings highlight the interconnected nature of key dimensions, emphasizing the collective influence of Technology, Product, Organization, People, Strategy and Operations on SMEs' digital maturity. Analysis of variance results further support the effectiveness of these predictors in capturing variability in the dependent variable. Beta values provide insight into the distinct contributions of each predictor, emphasizing their individual impacts on SMEs' digital maturity.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field by emphasizing the need for more holistic models and methodological advancements to understand the complex dynamics that shape SMEs' digital maturity. By introducing the novel variable of SMEs' dependence level on environmental factors, the research expands the conceptual framework, offering a fresh perspective on the multifaceted nature of SME digital maturity. The study’s originality is underscored by robust statistical analyses and an exploration of relationships among key dimensions. The comparison and contrast of findings with existing literature further enhance the study’s unique contributions to the field.
The trail of halal services research: the bibliometric analysis using R
Authors: Padlee Siti Falindah , Ahmad Bustamam Ummi Salwa , Nik Mat Nik Hazimah , Hussin Noor Zatul Iffah
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to present a review and analysis of the literature on halal services over 25 years. The number of publications on halal services has increased over the years in the fields of business, management and economic research; however, the topic has been discussed less comprehensively in relation to bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted using review and bibliometric analysis. In total, 346 articles were extracted using a modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses procedure, and 176 documents were eliminated because they were not within the scope of the Halal Services topic. Finally, 170 articles were analyzed using the Biblioshiny-Bibliometrix R package.

Findings

Research on halal services has grown steadily over the past 25 years. Most studies were conducted in Muslim countries; however, some non-Muslim countries, such as the United Kingdom and China, also contributed to the topic of halal services. Thematic analysis revealed that most halal services papers are categorized under the “Niche Theme” or the “Basic Theme.”

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes by providing future researchers with knowledge and information on knowledge structures and state-of-the-art halal services. This study also provides insights into the development of novel ideas that may contribute to expanding the research on halal services worldwide.

Originality/value

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of halal services research using bibliometric analysis. Through this method, this study attempts to summarize the trends in halal service research over 25 years, which may suggest future research directions into halal services.
Challenges of achieving digital transformation in manufacturing firms: the case of predictive maintenance and spare part inventory management
Authors: Skoumpopoulou Dimitra , Toliyat Seyed Mohammad Hossein , Ojra Ahmad , Shokri Alireza , Hu Shanfeng
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Predictive maintenance (PdM) has attracted increasing attention in recent years owing to the emergence of advanced condition-monitoring technologies and data analytics tools. However, the application of PdM in spare parts inventory management across the supply chain (SC) has not been sufficiently investigated and its digital transformation (DT) requirements have not been adequately researched. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the organisational readiness for the use of integrated spare parts inventory management together with PdM systems across the SC.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of semi-structured interviews were designed and took place across organisations in various industries to address the pre-defined research aim. In total, 15 interviewees were recruited through purposive sampling, including managers and technicians in various organisations from different industries.

Findings

The findings reveal that while maintenance planning and optimisation has been the subject of extensive research for decades, manufacturers are still encountering barriers in adopting and implementing digital innovations. The experts also highlighted the need for an integrated information system (IS) enabling data sharing across the organisation since lack of integration has a vital impact on the overall business and operations performance as well as the successful DT of the enterprise. In addition, they report that the necessary and relevant data for implementing PdM is not captured or stored in their organisations.

Originality/value

The present study emphasises the technical, organisational, and environmental (TOE) dimensions that can affect such DT and sheds light on the enablers and inhibitors that organisations face in their efforts to be technologically ready to embrace the digital integration of PdM with spare part inventory management. It is recommended that a clear shift in management mindset and organisational culture is necessary for companies to realise the benefits of PdM and the DT that will result from its implementation.
Digital entrepreneurship! Nexus among industry 4.0 enablers, environmental dynamism and SMEs environmental performance: a mediated-moderated perspectives
Authors: Rehman Shafique Ur , Giovando Guido , Quaglia Roberto , Riaz Adil
Published: November 2024

Purpose

There is currently a lack of comprehensive examination in the research field exploring the relationship between digitalization and environmental performance (EP) in manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study investigates the relationship between digital technologies, digital organizational culture (DOC), environmental dynamism and EP through the mediation of innovation capacity (IC) and moderation of perceived environmental volatility and green strategic intent (GSI).

Design/methodology/approach

The data were gathered from 473 managers of manufacturing SMEs in Pakistan. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to examine the mediation and moderation effects. Multiple regression analysis was used to see the influence of digital technologies, DOC, environmental dynamism, innovation capacity, perceived environmental volatility and GSI on SMEs environmental performance.

Findings

Results indicate a statistically significant direct relationship between digital technologies, environmental dynamism and EP. While there is an insignificant direct relationship between DOC and EP. Furthermore, the results reported a significant result between digital technologies, DOC, environmental dynamism and IC. Similarly, IC significantly mediated the relationship between digital technologies, DOC, environmental dynamism and EP. Moreover, results reported that perceived environmental volatility does not moderate the relationship between IC and EP, while GSI significantly moderates between IC and EP.

Practical implications

Policymakers must emphasize advancing digital integration to enhance manufacturing SMEs’ efficiency and environmental effectiveness.

Originality/value

This is the first research that incorporates digital technologies, environmental factors and innovation capacity to measure environmental performance in line of natural resource orchestration theory (natural ROT). All the variables significantly measure environmental performance instead of digital organizational culture. Perceived environmental volatility also does not moderate.
Implementation of a chatbot in a unified communication channel
Authors: Almeida Fernando
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to propose an architecture and presents the implementation of a unified chatbot that faces the challenges of heterogeneous communication channels. This approach enables the interaction with the chatbot to be carried out over multiple communication media on a single platform.

Design/methodology/approach

The chatbot was embedded in a unified communications framework. Furthermore, it has been developed and tested using the information and communications technology (ICT)Core platform. Three test scenarios have been considered in the context of a digital marketing company, which include the use of multiple channels such as text, audio and e-mail. Usability and empirical tests were performed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data.

Findings

The results indicate that the proposed model improves the completion rate and enables the chatbot to interact with the customer by capturing information over multiple channels. The findings also reveal that digital marketing organizations can use a unified chatbot in their marketing campaigns, which contributes to improving the quality of customer interaction, message personalization and continuous learning throughout the process.

Originality/value

While the use of a chatbot is a relatively common practice among companies, its integration into unified communications networks is an emerging topic. Proposals for integration into a unified communication channel have mainly focused on access to the same account and conversations from multiple devices or access platforms. This approach, while useful, does not allow for the integration of information from multiple sources. Alternatively, an integrated architecture is suggested in which a chatbot obtains knowledge from multiple sources and uses it to increase the quality of communication with the customer.
Organizational citizenship behavior in correctional institutions: Does meaning of work matter?
Authors: Gunawan Desynta Rahmawati , Eliyana Anis , Anggraini Rachmawati Dewi , Pratama Andika Setia , Pranindy Jihan Salsabilla Ardine , Febrianto Zukhruf , Kamil Nurul Liyana Mohd
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study seeks to investigate how psychological capital (PsyCap), proactive personality and perceived organizational support (POS) influence organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) through the lens of meaning of work (MoW) within correctional institutions in the North Sumatra, Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a quantitative approach involving 276 officers. Path analysis was conducted utilizing the partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique.

Findings

The ten-hypotheses testing showed that one hypothesis is not supported, specifically the effect of proactive personality on OCB. However, the indirect effects of PsyCap, POS and proactive personality on OCB through MoW were successfully proven.

Originality/value

The results of this study both reinforce and provide insights into how the MoW can contribute to OCB, particularly within the context of densely populated correctional facilities. It aims to fill a significant gap in the current body of knowledge and enhance our understanding of the key factors that influence the behavior of correctional officers in a challenging and complex environment.
Toward carbon-neutral road transportation in the GCC countries: an analysis of energy consumption and CO2 emissions
Authors: Alsabbagh Maha
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Reducing CO2 emissions from transportation is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by 2060 or earlier. This study aimed at analyzing transportation-related energy consumption and CO2 emissions, along with their determinants and mitigation measures planned to achieve carbon neutrality in GCC countries.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the study objectives, the pressure-state-response (PSR) framework was utilized. Various methods were employed within the PSR framework, including econometric analysis using EViews, energy modeling using the low emissions analysis platform (LEAP) and content analysis of relevant policy and national documents using NVivo.

Findings

The results indicated that population and economic growth, along with increased fuel consumption, have led to a growth in transportation-related energy use and CO2 emissions in the GCC countries. Per capita transportation-related CO2 emissions in the GCC countries are higher than those of several countries. To achieve carbon-neutral transportation, approximately 1.8 bn metric tons of CO2 emissions need to be avoided by 2060 or earlier. Strategies related to fuel alternatives, vehicle technologies and mass transit have been planned to reduce transportation-related CO2 emissions in the GCC countries.

Originality/value

This study employed a holistic approach to analyze transportation-related energy use and CO2 emissions in the GCC countries. It provides several policy implications and highlights the urgent need for policy innovations to achieve transformative change in the transportation sectors of the GCC countries.
Influence of initial stress and gravity on fiber-reinforced thermoelastic solid using Moore–Gibson–Thompson generalized theory of thermoelasticity
Authors: Kadian Pooja , Kumar Sunil , Sangwan Monika
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research contribution is to examine the thermoelastic interactions in a fiber-reinforced thermoelastic medium under the action of initial stress and gravity in which, the conventional Fourier’s law is modified, introducing a thermal relaxation parameter in the GN-III model of generalized thermoelasticity.

Design/methodology/approach

The work presented in this manuscript proposes a thermoelastic problem where the Moore–Gibson–Thompson equation is used to model the thermal law. The technique of normal mode is employed to derive the exact expressions of various physical fields under consideration.

Findings

Under the application of moving thermal load, normal displacement, temperature distribution and stress components are calculated numerically with the help of MATLAB software and then presented graphically to support the theoretical formulation.

Originality/value

Field variables are affected by initial stress, gravity, fiber reinforcement, velocity of thermal load and time duration, according to numerical simulations. Some particular cases of interest have also been inferred from the present problem.
Impact of algorithm-driven comments on corrective information among young adults: focusing on emotional tone of comments and misinformation credibility
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Wang Ningyang Ocean , Britt Rebecca K.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

When facilitating transmission of health information from government officials to the public, social media employs algorithms that selectively expose users to specific perspectives, even for accurate health-related information from official sources. The purpose of this study was to explore impact of algorithm-driven comments characterized by different emotional tones (i.e. positive vs. negative vs. mixed) on users’ perceptions of credibility of corrective information to examine misinformation about flu vaccines aimed at young adults. Additionally, this study explored how prior misinformation credibility acted as an intervening variable in shaping the impact of algorithmically generated comments with diverse emotional tones on credibility of corrective information, with algorithm credibility serving as a mediator.

Design/methodology/approach

An online experiment was conducted with 275 participants recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk). Young adults from the USA aged between 18 and 35 years who were also users of Instagram were eligible for participating in this study as this study utilized Instagram platform for stimuli.

Findings

Results highlighted a diminished impact of algorithm-generated negative comments on perceived credibility of corrective information. Additionally, individuals with high misinformation credibility demonstrated a stronger tendency to trust algorithms featuring negative comments, underscoring the significant impact of algorithm-driven negativity in shaping trust dynamics for this group. Notably, credibility of the algorithm among individuals with high misinformation credibility did not translate into increased credibility for corrective information. This suggests that strategically designing algorithms to emphasize supportive or diverse opinions can be an effective approach to alleviate potential negative consequences associated with accurate information.

Originality/value

This research signifies the initial effort to disentangle the dynamics between negativity bias and cue routes within the algorithmic framework, shaping individuals’ perceptions of credibility of accurate health-related information contingent on accompanying comments. In the context of social media platforms that embrace diverse opinions, it emphasizes the critical necessity for tailored algorithmic strategies to effectively deliver accurate information.
Connecting the dots: a systematic literature review on hedge fund activism
Authors: Fiorillo Paolo , Pellegrino Luigi Raffaele
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to systematically review, discuss and synthesize the current state of research in the realm of hedge fund activism (HFA). By exploring HFA-related literature through a transparent and rigorous method, this study identifies unexplored areas for future research to develop a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors perform a systematic database survey procedure as recommended in the prior literature. The review includes 74 articles published in high-impact journals from 2008 to January 2024, sourced from the Web of Science and Scopus databases and filtered using several exclusion/inclusion criteria.

Findings

This review offers a detailed analysis of the selected papers, highlighting trends in HFA research, the most influential journals and authors and additional insights into current studies. By systematically presenting the state-of-the-art, this paper categorizes the current research into three main streams and provides a critical evaluation of existing knowledge, identifying gaps and potential directions for future research.

Originality/value

This study makes two significant contributions to the literature. First, this study systematically reviews HFA-related research and provides a comprehensive examination of our existing scientific understanding of the factors shaping activism and its implications. Especially, this paper adopts a rigorous methodological protocol to ensure transparency and replicability in the review process, while earlier reviews focus on specific areas and are primarily narrative. Second, this study identifies research gaps and questions across all three streams of literature, offering valuable insights for future scholars aiming to expand our knowledge of the dynamic and evolving nature of HFA.
Characterizing uninsured population in Mexico: a multinomial analysis
Authors: González-Nuñez José , Domínguez Salomón , Zimmermann Karl J.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This research highlights the importance of understanding the characteristics of the uninsured population in Mexico, as it is closely related to economic growth. Those characteristics that are not economic but behavioral are especially important to incentivize insurance purchases in the population with sufficient resources.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the main reason for not having insurance, this research classifies the Mexican adult population into four categories using a multinomial logit model and the National Survey of Financial Inclusion (2021).

Findings

The adult Mexican population can be divided into four categories: No money, Not aware or does not trust, No need, Other; this division allows comparisons between categories at 95% confidential level. The statistically significant variables were Mobile phone-ownership, Education level, Age, Financial behavior and Locality, while the variables, Financial literacy and Gender, were not. The variables that strongly characterize the uninsured population with sufficient resources (42.1%) are associated with economic factors (mobile phone ownership) and people’s behavior (Education level, Age, Financial behavior and Locality). This presents an excellent opportunity for policymakers to develop public policies encouraging insurance purchases.

Originality/value

Various empirical studies have focused on determining the economic, demographic and institutional factors that determine insurance tenure. Still, no empirical evidence has been found to characterize the uninsured population. This study aims to help policymakers develop public policy for the uninsured population to encourage them to purchase insurance. This research contributes to empirical theory in three ways: First, it identifies a large market in Mexico; the uninsured population in this country is about 80%. Second, it segments the adult population into categories to analyze better. Third, the characteristics of the population that has sufficient resources to take out insurance but has none can be found.
Enhancing scaffold strength through rheological profiling of hydroxyapatite/nano-silica composite ink for advanced additive manufacturing ofbone-mimicking ceramic scaffolds
Authors: Ameri Behnam , Taheri-Behrooz Fathollah , Ghahari Mehdi
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The field of medical technology is constantly evolving, leading to improvements in implantation techniques that offer innovative solutions for treating bone tissue defects. The purpose of this study is to investigate the integration of nano-silica into ceramic scaffolds to enhance the mechanical strength of Hydroxyapatite structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the design of experiment methodology, 13 distinct ceramic pastes, each optimized for specific mechanical characteristics, are formulated. Rheological testing is performed to ensure suitability for 3D printing, and the pastes are evaluated using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The definitive screening design optimizer is used to determine an ideal material combination based on factors like extrudability, printability, strength and biocompatibility.

Findings

Scaffolds with the optimized HA/SiO2 composition are fabricated and tested for compression strength, achieving 7.8 MPa.

Originality/value

The research endeavors detailed within this study represent a notable advancement in the augmentation of ceramic scaffold properties tailored for bone tissue engineering applications, particularly focusing on their suitability for integration within load-bearing structures. A particular emphasis is placed on the enhancement of printability, thereby facilitating streamlined fabrication processes.
Charting the course for early career academics: a longitudinal analysis of U.S. academic job market trends post-pandemic
Authors: Kozik Ariangela J. , Hagan Ada K. , Jadavji Nafisa M. , Smith Christopher T. , Haage Amanda
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the academic job market in North America and the ways in which faculty job applicants altered their applications in response to a changing academia.

Design/methodology/approach

The data presented here is the portion relevant to COVID-19 collected in a survey of faculty job applicants at the end of the 2019–2020 job cycle in North America (spring 2020). An additional “mid-pandemic” survey was used in fall 2020 for applicants participating in the following job search cycle to inquire about how they were adapting their application materials. A portion of data from the 2020–2022 job cycle surveys was used to represent the “late pandemic.” Job posting data from the Higher Education Recruitment Consortium is also used to study job availability.

Findings

Examination of faculty job postings from 2018 to 2022 found that while they decreased in 2020, the market recovered in 2021 and beyond. While the market recovered, approximately 10% of the faculty job offers reported by 2019–2020 survey respondents were rescinded. Respondents also reported altering their application documents in response to the pandemic as well as delaying or even abandoning their faculty job search.

Originality/value

This paper provides a longitudinal perspective with quantitative data on how the academic job market changed through the major events of the COVID-19 pandemic in North America, a subject of intense discussion and stress, particularly amongst early career researchers.
Variations in RASA1 and EPHB4 in Chinese patients with capillary malformation‐arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Zeng Qin , Lu Wenmin , Ye Ying , Li Ming , Ge Hongsong , Cao Qiaoyu , He Wei , Zhang Cheng , Song Wei
Published: November 2024

Capillary malformation‐arteriovenous malformation (CM‐AVM) is a genetic condition predominantly attributed to variations in the RASA1 or EPHB4 genes. We identified three genetic variations: a variation in the RASA1 (c.2603+1G>A) and two novel variations in the EPHB4 (c.53‐2A>G and c.2222T>C), expanding the spectrum of variants associated with CM‐AVM. Additionally, we found that the presence of EPHB4 variations in these two families, alongside a documented history of Bier spots, highlights the impact of genetic factors on disease phenotype. We also conducted 595 nm pulsed dye laser therapy on the proband 2, and observed that facial telangiectasia was significantly reduced after the laser treatment. We aim to enhance the understanding of the disease through case studies of three families.
Fitness differences override variation‐dependent coexistence mechanisms in California grasslands
Authors: Muehleisen Andrew J. , White Caitlin T. , Shoemaker Lauren S. , Suding Katharine N. , Adams E. Ashley Shaw , Hallett Lauren M.
Published: November 2024

While most studies of species coexistence focus on the mechanisms that maintain coexistence, it is equally important to understand the mechanisms that structure failed coexistence. For example, California annual grasslands are heavily invaded ecosystems, where non‐native annuals have largely dominated and replaced native communities. These systems are also highly variable, with a high degree of rainfall seasonality and interannual rainfall variability—a quality implicated in the coexistence of functionally distinct species. Yet, despite the apparent strength of this variation, coexistence between native and non‐native annuals in this system has faltered.

To test how variation‐dependent coexistence mechanisms modulate failed coexistence, we implemented a competition experiment between two previously common native forbs and three now‐dominant non‐native annual grasses spanning a conservative‐acquisitive range of traits. We grew individuals from each species under varying densities of all other species as competitors, under either wetter or drier early season rainfall treatments. Using subsequent seed production, we parameterized competition models, assessed the potential for coexistence among species pairs and quantified the relative influence of variation‐dependent coexistence mechanisms.

As expected, we found little potential for coexistence. Competition was dominated by the non‐native grass Avena fatua, while native forbs were unable to invade non‐native grasses. Mutual competitive exclusion was common across almost all species and often contingent on rainfall, suggesting rainfall‐mediated priority effects. Among variation‐dependent mechanisms, the temporal storage effect had a moderate stabilizing effect for four of five species when averaged across competitors, while relative nonlinearity in competition was largely destabilizing, except for the most conservative non‐native grass, which benefited from a competitive release under dry conditions.

Synthesis: Our findings suggest that rainfall variability does little to mitigate the fitness differences that underlie widespread annual grass invasion in California, but that it influences coexistence dynamics among the now‐dominant non‐native grasses.
From Cells to Organoids: Sociological Considerations for the Bioengineering of Human Models
Authors: Bea Sara , Hinterberger Amy
Published: November 2024

By examining the laboratory practices behind designing and crafting organoids—miniature, three‐dimensional cellular structures that replicate organ functions—we highlight a critical shift in biomedical research. Over the past 16 years, advances in stem cell research have transitioned from generating stem cells to utilising these cells in building sophisticated organ models and bioengineered tissues. This transition represents a significant move from the ‘what’ of cell creation to the ‘how’ of constructing and interpreting three‐dimensional human models. Through ethnographic research (including observations and interviews) in Europe and North America, we explore how organoids are constructed and the underlying logic driving their development. Our analysis underscores the growing importance of these in vitro models for human health, urging a sociological examination of their ‘near human’ status. We argue that understanding the implications of this shift—particularly how it influences perceptions of human representation and diversity in biomedical research—requires critical scrutiny from sociologists of health and illness. This paper aims to address the urgent need to investigate not just the experimental challenges but also the socio‐political dimensions of using organoids as proxies for human physiology.
Living Engineered Bacterial Therapeutics: Emerging Affordable Precision Interventions
Authors: Srivastava Rajkamal , Lesser Cammie F.
Published: November 2024

Live biotherapeutic products (LBPs), including engineered bacteria, are rapidly emerging as potential therapeutic interventions. These innovative therapies can serve as live in situ drug delivery platforms for the direct deposition of therapeutic payloads, including complex biologics, at sites of disease. This approach offers a platform likely to enhance therapeutic efficacy and decrease off‐target side effects. LBPs also can likely be distributed at a relatively low price point, as their production can be economically scaled up. LBPs represent an exciting new means for ensuring healthy lives and promoting well‐being for all ages, aligning with the World Health Organization's sustainable development goal 3.
The moderating role of reporting quality
Authors: Cuny Christine , Dube Svenja
Published: November 2024

This paper examines whether the sensitivity of local government credit ratings to external signals about the local economy varies with the quality of the governments' financial reports. We find the credit ratings of local governments that are required to comply with GAAP are less sensitive to changes in local home values than similarly affected governments that are not required to comply with GAAP. Further, we show that GAAP's moderating role increased after Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) 34 substantially improved the quality of GAAP‐compliant governments' financial reports, which helps to attribute the main findings to reporting quality. To understand the mechanism, we study positive and negative economic signals separately. The results are pronounced when the change in home values is negative, consistent with reporting quality decreasing the rating agency's uncertainty about local governments' preexisting likelihood of default. We conclude that credit rating agencies are less sensitive to local economic signals when the local government's financial reports are of higher quality.
Predicting adaptation and evolution of plasticity from temporal environmental change
Authors: Gallegos Cristóbal , Chevin Luis‐Miguel , Hodgins Kathryn A. , Monro Keyne
Published: November 2024

Environmental change can drive evolutionary adaptation and determine geographic patterns of biodiversity. Yet at a time of rapid environmental change, our ability to predict its evolutionary impacts is incomplete. Temporal environmental change, in particular, involves a combination of major components such as abrupt shift, trend, cyclic change, and noise. Theoretical predictions exist for adaptation to isolated components, but knowledge gaps remain regarding their joint impacts.

We extend classic evolutionary theory to develop a model for the evolution of environmental tolerance by the evolution of an underlying developmentally plastic trait, in response to major components of temporal change. We retrieve and synthesise earlier predictions of responses to isolated components, and generate new predictions for components changing simultaneously. Notably, we show how different forms of environmental predictability emerging from the interplay of cyclic change, stochastic change (noise) and lag between development and selection shape predictions.

We then illustrate the utility of our model for generating testable predictions for the evolution of adaptation and plasticity when parameterised with real time series data. Specifically, we parameterise our model with daily time series of sea‐surface temperature from a global marine hotspot in southern Australia, and use model simulations to predict the evolution of thermal tolerance, and geographic differences in tolerance, in this region.

By synthesising theory on evolutionary adaptation to temporal environmental change, and providing new insights into the joint effects of its different components, our framework, embedded in a Shiny app, offer a path to better predictions of biological responses to climate change.
Anger expressions and coercive credibility in international crises
Authors: Yoon Hohyun
Published: November 2024

Why are some threats more credible than others? I argue that leaders’ anger expressions are a previously underappreciated source of coercive credibility. Specifically, leaders who express anger appear more credible because targets believe they are less sensitive to the costs of conflict. I test this argument through quantitative analysis of a novel dataset of world leaders’ public statements in crises from 1946 to 1996 and a U.S.‐based survey experiment designed to test the mechanism. The observational evidence reveals that anger expressions increase the likelihood a threat will succeed. The experiment shows that anger expressions cause targets to infer greater resolve and that non‐angry threats carry little credibility—and might even backfire. These findings not only shed light on a unique source of threat credibility but also highlight the crucial role of emotions in international relations with new data measuring political leaders’ emotional expressions over time and space.
Maternal and perinatal outcomes of live births after uterus transplantation: A systematic review
Authors: Brännström Mats , Bokström Hans , Hagberg Henrik , Carlsson Ylva
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Uterus transplantation (UTx) is a treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility. The results of pregnancies of this complex infertility treatment should be established. The aim of the study was to systematically review maternal and neonatal outcomes in the pregnancies of women who have undergone UTx.

Material and Methods

The population of this review were women that have undergone UTx and delivered child(ren). Cesarean delivery after UTx were planned to be compared with studies reporting maternal mortality/morbidity and perinatal mortality/morbidity after delivery by elective cesarean section without UTx. Systematic literature searches were performed utilizing Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Cinahl, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov for studies written in English language and published between January 1, 2010, and November 08, 2023. No study design limitation was applied. If no comparative studies were identified, we planned to report the outcomes from the case reports and case series. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias using a checklist for case series. The study protocol was registered with the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis Protocols (registration number: INPLASY202310052).

Results

Twenty‐four articles were identified, containing data on 40 unique live births. Multiple publications including same cases were identified and clearly indicated. No comparative studies were identified. The certainty of evidence was very low, as all studies were either case reports (n = 15) or case series (n = 9). All deliveries were by cesarean section and 47.5% of them resulted in emergency cesarean sections. Out of the 21 elective cesarean sections, 52.4% were performed before 37 weeks' gestation. Historical comparison to population data on pregnancies delivered by cesarean section found a markedly increased risk for both the mother and child following cesarean section for UTx. Risks for placenta previa and preterm birth were notably high after UTx; however, some of the later may reflect the results of provider‐initiated births.

Conclusions

The maternal and perinatal outcomes of 40 live births post‐UTx indicate that these pregnancies may be at high risk of maternal and perinatal complications. Aiming to delay elective cesarean section beyond 37 weeks' gestation could potentially reduce some of these risks. Registration of maternal and perinatal outcomes after UTx through quality registries are essential and obstetrical care guidelines for these women should be established.
Normothermic machine perfusion of explanted livers: Exploratory study of an alternative translational model for end‐stage liver disease
Authors: Todd Rachel , van Leeuwen L. Leonie , Holzner Matthew , Kim‐Schluger Leona , Fiel Maria Isabel , Puleston Daniel , Florman Sander S. , Akhtar M. Zeeshan
Published: November 2024

Background

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) is a technique for donor liver preservation and assessment in transplantation. NMP has gained momentum recently by enabling safer use of higher risk organs via organ viability assessment. It also offers a platform for investigating ex vivo organ biology.

Methods

In this exploratory study, we completed a complex vascular reconstruction of explanted, diseased livers from patients undergoing transplantation and then perfused them normothermically on a closed perfusion circuit. We compared these livers to non‐diseased donor livers via perfusate samples collected during perfusion.

Results

Five hepatectomized grafts and eight donor livers were perfused for 1 h or longer. Four hepatectomized livers cleared lactate, and all consumed glucose; all control livers cleared lactate, and seven utilized glucose. Significantly higher portal vein flows were achieved in the control group.

Conclusions

Our findings illustrate the feasibility of using closed‐circuit NMP as a platform to study hepatectomized organs, which could reshape the research landscape in mechanisms of disease and applied therapeutics for patients with end‐stage liver disease.
Extracorporeal liver support systems in patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Haiyu , Yang Zhibo , Luo Qiong , Lin Jianhui
Published: November 2024

Background

The utilization of extracorporeal liver support systems is increasingly prevalent for the management of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure in clinical settings. Yet, the efficacy of these interventions in terms of tangible clinical benefits for patients remains a matter of debate, underscoring the need for meta‐analysis.

Methods

An updated meta‐analysis was performed to elucidate the relationship between the application of extracorporeal liver support versus standard pharmacological treatment and the prognostic endpoints of patient survival, specifically assessing 1‐month and 3‐month mortality rates, as well as the incidence of complications such as hepatic encephalopathy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and hepatorenal syndrome. Literature were searched via PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science.

Results

The meta‐analysis revealed the following: the odds ratio for 1‐month mortality was 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CIs]: 0.51–0.76), for 3‐month mortality was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.61–0.81), for hepatic encephalopathy was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.67–0.97), for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.44–0.99), and for hepatorenal syndrome was 0.68 (95% CI: 0.51–0.92). These results suggest that patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure undergoing extracorporeal liver support system therapy have significantly better survival rates and lower complication incidences compared to those receiving conventional drug therapy. Further subgroup analysis indicated that patients with lower model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) scores and reduced total bilirubin (Tbil) levels demonstrated greater benefits from extracorporeal hepatic support.

Conclusion

This study establishes that in the management of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure, extracorporeal liver support systems confer a survival advantage and reduce complications relative to standard pharmacotherapy.