bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating DMAIC Philosophy and Bow-Tie Model for Quantitative Risk Assessment in Health Care
Authors: Zhao Heng , Liu Yingyan
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives:

Medical risks are considered to endanger patients and impact the health care system. Such iatrogenic risks necessitate hospitals taking a more proactive method to quantitatively analyze medical risk, and then to implement more targeted precautions. To address this problem, a novel quantitative risk assessment framework is proposed and further applied in radiotherapy risk assessment.

Methods:

A framework combining DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) and bow-tie model is used to assess health care risk. The uncertainty of medical risks is quantified with fuzzy set theory. The impact and the priority of medical risks were classified based on the risk matrix, and then the precautions were implemented to mitigate their impact. A case study of radiation treatment is provided.

Results:

The probabilities and impacts of risk events for radiation treatment were quantified based on the proposed framework, and risk protection measures were proposed to mitigate the undesired consequence.

Conclusion:

The proposed framework showing an effective method of quantitative risk assessment of health care. The study also enriches the risk assessment methods in health care by providing a conductive and normalized framework.
COVID-19’s Effect on Practice Quality Improvement and Transformation Activities: Practice Survey Results
Authors: Felt-Lisk Suzanne , Chandler Jesse , Merrill Angela , Johnson Shawan , Everhart Damian , Flemming Robert
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives: The Transforming Clinical Practices Initiative (TCPI) was a 4-year, large-scale, collaborative, peer-based learning initiative for physician practices of all specialties with broad goals to improve the quality of patient care, spend health care dollars more wisely, and assist practices in being ready to succeed under value-based payment (VBP). We investigated whether the COVID-19 pandemic had erased or diminished practice transformation progress made during the TCPI program period, through a follow-up survey of participating practices fielded in October 2021. Methods: In October 2021 to April 2022, we surveyed a probability sample of 2207 primary care and specialty practices that participated in the TCPI, receiving 610 responses. We asked about practice characteristics, financial and ownership stability, clinical performance, and quality improvement efforts, both now and prior to COVID-19. The COVID-19 content was part of a larger survey. Responses were weighted to account for sample selection, unknown eligibility status, and nonresponse. We generated weighted univariate descriptive statistics representative of practices with clinicians enrolled in TCPI. These estimated percentages have a 95% confidence interval of about ±5%. Multivariate analysis of unweighted data examined associations between practice characteristics and other variables of interest. Results: For all but one of 13 practice transformation activities engaged in prior to the COVID-19 public health emergency, a majority of practices (at least 52%) reported that the progress on these activities were either not hurt or were helped by their COVID-19 experience. Compared to January 2020, only about 7% of practices reported that their quality of care or clinical performance was worse due to COVID-19, and 32% reported that their quality of care was better. More rural than urban practices reported that half or more of their transformation activities were hurt by COVID-19 (29% and 14%, respectively). Physician-owned practices were more likely to report quality is better today than prior to COVID-19 relative to practices with other ownership types such as hospitals or health systems (43% vs 24%). Conclusion: Most practices have been able to recover from the deep stress of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue their efforts to improve patient care and performance to succeed under VBP. These results suggest a high perceived return on investment in value-readiness support along with emergency financial support in times of crisis, as well as room to continue preparation for any future pandemic and the national movement toward increased VBP, especially in rural settings.
Vishniacozyma floricola sp. nov., a flower-related tremellomycetous yeast species from Europe
Authors: Dlauchy Dénes , Álvarez-Pérez Sergio , Tóbiás Andrea , Péter Gábor
Published: October 2024

During the course of two independent studies conducted in Hungary and Spain, four conspecific yeast strains were isolated from flowers of different plant species. DNA sequences of two barcoding regions, the D1/D2 domain of the LSU rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (ITS1-5.8S rRNA gene-ITS2), revealed that the four strains represent an undescribed Vishniacozyma (family Bulleribasidiaceae, Basidiomycota) species. In terms of pairwise sequence similarities and according to our phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated DNA sequences of the ITS region and the D1/D2 domain of the LSU rRNA gene, the undescribed species is most closely related to Vishniacozyma melezitolytica, a yeast species of phylloplane origin. The novel species differs from the type strain of V. melezitolytica by 8 substitutions and 3 insertion/deletion (indels) and 11 substitutions and 5 indels along the D1/D2 domain of the LSU rRNA gene and the ITS region, respectively. In addition to the DNA sequence divergences, the two species differ in some physiological characters as well. We propose the species Vishniacozyma floricola sp. nov. to accommodate the above-noted strains (holotype, NCAIM Y.02320; isotype, CBS 18939; MycoBank number, 856028)
Fidelibacter multiformis gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a deep subsurface aquifer and proposal of Fidelibacterota phyl. nov., formerly called Marine Group A, SAR406 or Candidatus Marinimicrobia
Authors: Katayama Taiki , Nobu Masaru K. , Kamagata Yoichi , Tamaki Hideyuki
Published: October 2024

A Gram-negative, obligatory anaerobic, chemoheterotrophic bacterium, designated strain IA91T, was isolated from sediments and formation water from deep aquifers in Japan. IA91T derives its peptidoglycan, energy and carbon from exogenous cell wall fragments, namely muropeptides, released from actively reproducing bacteria, and is dependent on other bacteria for cell wall formation, growth and even cell shape: IA91T is irregular rod-shaped but coccoids when muropeptide is absent. IA91T grew in a temperature range of 25–45 °C with optimum growth at 40 °C. IA91T utilized limited substrates, yeast extract, muropeptides and d-lactate. The major end products from yeast extract degradation were acetate, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Co-cultivation with a hydrogen-scavenging methanogenic archaeon promoted IA91T growth. No anaerobic respiration with nitrate, nitrite, sulphate or Fe(III) was observed. The major cellular fatty acids are C16 : 0, C18 : 1 trans9, C18 : 0 and C17 : 0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 45.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene and conserved protein sequences involved in replication, transcription and translation indicated that IA91T belonged to the candidate phylum Marine Group A (MG-A, SAR406 or Ca. Marinimicrobia) with no cultivated representatives. Based on the phenotypic and phylogenomic characteristics, a new genus and species, Fidelibacter multiformis gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed for IA91T (= JCM 39387T = KCTC 25736T). In addition, a new bacterial phylum named Fidelibacterota phyl. nov. is proposed for the candidate phylum MG-A represented by F. multiformis and Fidelibacteraceae fam. nov., Fidelibacterales ord. nov. and Fidelibacteria classis nov.
Cosmic signature SBS39 is associated with homologous recombination deficiency
Authors: Ding Yuan Chun , Tao Shu , Mao Allen , Ziv Elad , Neuhausen Susan L
Published: October 2024

Cosmic single-base-substitution mutational signature 3 (SBS3) is associated with hereditary and somatic mutations in genes involved in homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) and predicts response to PARPi. The COSMIC database was updated from 30 SBS signatures in version 2.0 (V2.0) to 86 SBS signatures in Version 3.4 (V3.4). We found that SBS3 in V3.4 was poorly associated and SBS39 was strongly associated with germline and somatic mutations in HRD genes and should be classified as an HRD signature.
APOBEC3A drives metastasis of high-grade serous ovarian cancer by altering epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Devenport Jessica M. , Tran Thi , Harris Brooke R. , Fingerman Dylan F. , DeWeerd Rachel A. , Elkhidir Lojain , LaVigne Danielle , Fuh Katherine , Sun Lulu , Bednarski Jeffrey J. , Drapkin Ronny , Mullen Mary , Green Abby M.
Published: October 2024

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most prevalent and aggressive histological subtype of ovarian cancer, and often presents with metastatic disease. The drivers of metastasis in HGSOC remain enigmatic. APOBEC3A (A3A), an enzyme that generates mutations across various cancers, has been proposed as a mediator of tumor heterogeneity and disease progression. However, the role of A3A in HGSOC has not been explored. Through analysis of genome sequencing from primary HGSOC, we observed an association between high levels of APOBEC3 mutagenesis and poor overall survival. We experimentally addressed this correlation by modeling A3A activity in HGSOC cell lines and mouse models which resulted in increased metastatic behavior of HGSOC cells in culture and distant metastatic spreadin vivo. A3A activity in both primary and cultured HGSOC cells yielded consistent alterations in expression of epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) genes resulting in hybrid EMT and mesenchymal signatures, and providing a mechanism for their increased metastatic potential. Our findings define the prevalence of A3A mutagenesis in HGSOC and implicate A3A as a driver of HGSOC metastasis via EMT, underscoring its clinical relevance as a potential prognostic biomarker. Our study lays the groundwork for the development of targeted therapies aimed at mitigating the deleterious impact of A3A-driven EMT in HGSOC.
Exploring the Biochemical Landscape of Bacterial Medium with Pyruvate as the Exclusive Carbon Source for NMR Studies
Authors: Dağ Çağdaş , Kahraman Kerem
Published: October 2024

The use ofEscherichia colifor recombinant protein production is a cornerstone in structural biology, particularly for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy studies. Understanding the metabolic behavior ofE. coliunder different carbon sources is critical for optimizing isotope labeling strategies, which are essential for protein structure determination by NMR. Recent advancements, such as mixed pyruvate labeling, have enabled improved backbone resonance assignment in large proteins, making selective isotopic labeling strategies more important than ever for NMR studies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the metabolic adaptations ofE. coliwhen grown on pyruvate as the sole carbon source, a common condition used to achieve selective labeling for NMR spectroscopy. Using NMR-based metabolomics, we tracked key metabolic shifts throughout the culture process to better understand how pyruvate metabolism affects protein production and isotopic labeling. Our results reveal that pyruvate is rapidly depleted before IPTG induction, while acetate and lactate accumulate due to overflow metabolism. These byproducts persist after induction, indicating that pyruvate is diverted into waste pathways, which limits its efficient use in isotope incorporation. This metabolic inefficiency presents a challenge for isotopic labeling protocols that rely on pyruvate as a carbon source for NMR studies. Our results highlight the need to fine-tune pyruvate supplementation to improve metabolic efficiency and isotopic labeling, making this study directly relevant to optimizing protocols for NMR studies involving protein structure determination. These insights provide valuable guidance for enhancing the quality and yield of isotopically labeled proteins in NMR spectroscopy.
Do commitment and asset specificity serve as the double-edged sword to assist co-production in enhancing value co-creation? A dyadic approach in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Li-Wei , Wang Chung-Yu , Tang Yun-Chia
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Value, also known as co-creation, is recognized as the outcome of collaborative efforts between both parties. However, knowledge is currently limited regarding the motivations and mechanisms driving customers to engage in co-production and value co-creation. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate co-production in enhancing value co-creation. Previous research has predominantly explored the linear effects of commitment and asset specificity on co-production. To expand on this foundation, our study goes a step further by including the potential quadratic effects of commitment and asset specificity on co-production. Although moderate levels of commitment and asset specificity may enhance co-production, higher levels are implied to possibly impede it. Considering that co-production requires collaboration between customers and service employees, this study includes the characteristics of service employees, such as self-monitoring and self-efficacy, identifying their moderating roles in aiding active co-production and ultimately enhancing the value co-creation.

Design/methodology/approach

We employed linear, nonlinear and hierarchical moderated regression analysis to test our hypotheses.

Findings

Our findings provide evidence for the positive linear effects and negative quadratic effects between commitment, asset specificity and co-production. The inverted-U relationships suggest an existing optimal commitment and asset specificity that maximize co-production. Results also suggest that co-production influences value co-creation and self-efficacy and self-monitoring positively moderates the relationship between co-production and value co-creation.

Originality/value

By applying the core provisions of S-D logic, this study contributes to marketing literature by analyzing the dyadic process of co-production. Dyadic data collection from both customers and service employees provides a comprehensive understanding of the co-production process, allowing academics to recognize service employees’ self-efficacy and self-monitoring that contribute to effective co-production and value co-creation in service processes.
Increasing the collaboration of data science stakeholders with a knowledge management system
Authors: Civelek Utku , Eren P. Erhan , Gökalp Mert Onuralp
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper presents the design and implementation of collaborative data science framework (CoDS), a knowledge management system for consolidating data science activities in an enterprise.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of the CoDS framework is grounded on the design science research methodology for information systems research. In our case study, we first designed the initial framework for CoDS based on a systematic literature review. Then, we collected the expert opinions of eight data scientists to validate the need for generic content for such a knowledge management system. In the second iteration, a portfolio prototype is developed by the same data scientists as a part of our technical action research. Finally, a survey is conducted with 57 data analyst candidates in the last iteration.

Findings

Using the CoDS portfolio strengthened the communication among data scientists and stakeholders to improve development and scaling activities. It eased the reuse or modification of existing analytical solutions in other company processes.

Practical implications

The CoDS presents a platform on which business details, data-related knowledge, modeling procedures and deployment steps are shared for (1) mediating and scaling ongoing projects, (2) enriching knowledge transfer among stakeholders, (3) facilitating ideation of new products and (4) supporting the onboarding of new employees and developers.

Originality/value

This study proposes a novel structure and a roadmap for creating a data science knowledge management system for the collaboration of all stakeholders in an enterprise.
Post–crises capability development – the silver lining: learning from e-tailers’ adaptation to greater protection needs
Authors: Halan Deepak
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study draws lessons from e-tailer adaptations to the enhanced protection needs of employees and customers and capability development, during events such as social distancing causing crises (SDCC) and provides a conceptual framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A grounded theory-based approach has been used wherein 130 news articles and 48 journal papers were analyzed to understand the real-world measures and impact.

Findings

E-tailers adapt to provide their workforce an environment that caters to their increased need for physical and mental well-being and take measures for customers health protection. They also take initiatives toward mitigation of the high incidence of cyber fraud faced by the vulnerable customers. In the process, they develop several capabilities during and post-crises.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses only on the impact of COVID-19 on e-tailing. This is a limitation and other industries and crises may be studied in the future.

Practical implications

The study holds significant potential for future research as the three research propositions offered can enable hypothesis generation for larger quantitative studies. The adaptation to the enhanced protection needs of employees and customers result in the development of several capabilities such as a more equitable work environment, a more loyal, productive and adaptable workforce, increased customer retention and acquisition and a better image. Hence this study has several organizational development practical implications as it provides managers lessons to survive and thrive from future crises.

Originality/value

Few studies have investigated e-tailers adaptations for enhanced protection needs of employees and customers and its impact during and after SDCC. This empirical study extends a body of literature which is scarce.
Relationship network of safety management elements in the construction industry under the perspective of resilience
Authors: Liu Kai , Kou Yuanyuan , Liu Yuming , Yang Xiaoxu
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Construction safety resilience is gradually gaining attention in the field of engineering construction as a new management concept and way to improve safety performance. However, how to cope with the dilemma of the unclear relationship of construction safety resilience elements at the practice level and promote the harmonization of construction safety goals and resilience enhancement paths has become an urgent challenge for safe construction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes the components of construction safety resilience elements. A relationship network model of construction safety resilience elements is developed by using the social network analysis method. The location and influence of each element in the network and the interrelationships among the elements are explored in depth.

Findings

The findings reveal a robust interconnection among the elements of safety resilience in the construction industry. Key components such as safety behavior, risk prevention and control mechanisms, disaster prevention and mitigation technologies as well as information technology, are positioned at the core of the network. Notably, safety behavior exerts the most significant influence over the other elements, serving as the linchpin of safety management in the construction industry. Moreover, the interplay among safety resilience elements in the construction sector can alter the structure of the relationship network.

Originality/value

This study adopts the social network approach to solve the problem that it is difficult to quantitatively analyze the elements of construction safety resilience and their interrelationships and to clarify the interactions among the core elements, which can help to further assist the construction project manager to continuously optimize safety resilience and improve construction safety.
An integrated approach of zero defect manufacturing and process mining to avoid defect occurrence in production and improve sustainability
Authors: Khakpour Rouhollah , Ebrahimi Ahmad , Seyed-Hosseini Seyed-Mohammad
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to integrate zero defect manufacturing (ZDM) with process mining (PM) to avoid defect occurrence during production and improve sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The method is developed based on literature review in ZDM and PM. It uses PM for process discovery as an initial strategy in priority to predict-prevent strategies of ZDM.

Findings

It presents the applicability of the proposed approach in observing manufacturing process behavior, identifying dynamic causes of defects during production, predicting the time of defect occurrence and preventing defective products. It also identifies, explains and measures criteria for environmental, social and economic pillars of sustainability affected by defects and presents the impacts of the proposed approach on sustainability improvement.

Originality/value

The extended view of this research, as well as its analytical approach, helps practitioners to develop their ZDM and PM approaches more holistically. The practical application of this research is illustrated through implementing it in a real-life manufacturing case, where the outcomes prove its applicability in avoiding defect occurrence and improving all three pillars of sustainability.
Green IT and BYOD: driving sustainability, job performance, and well-being in remote work
Authors: Doargajudhur Melina Seedoyal , Huzooree Geshwaree , Hosanoo Zuberia , Lichy Jessica , Dell Peter
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of bring your own device (BYOD) practices on teleworkers’ job performance, work–life conflict and their implications for environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on Green IT in the post-pandemic remote work context. Drawing on the job demands–resources (JD-R) model, it examines the relationships between private technology adoption, job demands, job resources, job performance and work–life conflict, while also assessing how BYOD impacts environmental outcomes such as electronic waste reduction and carbon emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) using AMOS version 22 to evaluate seven hypotheses among 424 full-time teleworkers from various occupational sectors in Mauritius, a developing country.

Findings

SEM results confirm that BYOD enhances job performance and work–life conflict through increased job autonomy, workload and work pressure. BYOD and teleworking also contribute to Green IT and environmental sustainability by reducing energy consumption and electronic waste, indirectly supporting broader sustainability goals through reduced corporate device demand and lower commuting-related emissions.

Practical implications

Organisations should leverage BYOD policies to advance Green IT practices and improve work performance in remote settings, focusing on balancing job demands with resources like work autonomy to enhance productivity and well-being.

Originality/value

The findings strongly support the JD-R model in the context of remote work and BYOD, particularly in developing economies with limited infrastructure, offering insights for policies that enhance both employee well-being, Green IT and environmental sustainability.
E-learning and sustainability of higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review and synthesis
Authors: Omanyo Joshua Omondi , Ndiege Joshua Rumo Arongo
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the state of literature on the role of e-learning in the sustainability of higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the goal of identifying explored thematic areas, finding out the deficiencies in extant literature and recommending areas of future research work.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used a systematic literature review, examining articles published between 2012 and 2022. In total, 52 publications were identified and subjected to analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal that few studies have explored the relationship between e-learning and the sustainability of higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa, with larger economies in the region dominating research output. In addition, traditional technology adoption and social learning theories dominate the theoretical frameworks in this area. Moreover, the authors observed limited adaptation of these theories to local contexts, leading to outcomes with limited contextual details or lack of the same. Despite its potential, e-learning has yet to be fully embraced as a strategic tool for the sustainability of higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Originality/value

Although various systematic literature reviews exist in the field of sustainability in higher education, there seem to be no reviews specifically focused on e-learning within the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. This review sheds some light on potential future research paths regarding the theory, content and context of e-learning for the sustainability of higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa, and by extension, in developing countries worldwide.
Understanding the behavioural intention of students for education via OTT platforms driven by social media advertisements
Authors: Sharma Latika , Bagdi Himanshu
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to examine students' feelings about studying through over-the-top (OTT) education and how they are influenced by social media advertisements (SMA) while browsing the Internet. The study looked into the factors influencing students' behavioural intention (BI) for OTT education, which helps meet their individual needs beyond the limits of traditional platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an online survey using a structured questionnaire from 345 students in the present study from various districts of Rajasthan in India. The collected data were analysed using the partial least square–structural equation modelling to substantiate the hypotheses and make inferences.

Findings

The study provided an inclusive model by probing the effect of four SMA features [Informativeness (INFO), Entertainment (ENT), Trust (TRU) and Reward (RWD)] on Brand Engagement (BE). It emphasises casing gaps in the literature regarding the consequence of BE on BI in the OTT market. The results highlighted a significant relationship between BE on BI. At the same time, all relationships proved significant for SMA, apart from TRU. The pioneering research jointly studies these factors in the model, predominantly in the streaming platforms, with empirical data.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ understanding, previous research lacks in focusing ENT, INFO, TRU and RWD’s relation to BE and identifying its effect on OTT education in the Indian context. Using the present study, marketers in the competitive world can better facilitate the adoption of OTT platforms, the factors impacting brand engagement for students and their views on the topic.
Corruption impedes good governance in Somalia’s public sector
Authors: Mudey Mohamed Hassan , Arshad Rozita
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the level of corruption in Somalia and the causes that lead to corruption that in turn hampers good governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper relies on the data collected from Somali’s public institutions, international actors, newspaper articles and peer-reviewed literature. The degree of corruption is assessed with the Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International and the Control of Corruption provided by the World Bank.

Findings

The finding shows that the level of corruption in Somalia is high and complex because of the following reasons: weak governance and poverty, culture and tradition which include favoritism based on clan membership, lack of accountability mechanism and absence political will. Measures undertaken for anti-corruption, for instance, the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission and legislation for its support face barriers and challenges that include political influence, lack of capacities among the undertaking institution and lack of participation by the public.

Originality/value

This research adds value to the knowledge of corruption in Somalia by identifying the concrete socio-political antecedents for corruption and the problems of fighting it. This paper further presents the following detailed strategies to address corruption: enhancing the operational and financial integrity of the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission; restructuring the civil service and merging it into a merit-based system; enhancing Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms; independence of the judiciary; and sustaining development in digital technology adoption in governance and procurement.
Reassessing the transition from paper to electronic bills of lading: regulatory impediments and prospective reforms in Nigeria’s maritime sector
Authors: Osinuga Damilola Idris , Eruaga Osatohanmwen Anastasia
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to re-evaluate the legal barriers surrounding the implementation of electronic billing systems and to propose potential reforms aimed at facilitating their efficient and widespread adoption in Nigeria. Since the 16th century, bills of lading have been integral to global trade, evolving in response to the practical exigencies and technological advancements of their respective eras. Despite their historical significance, the traditional paper-based bill of lading has increasingly been recognised as a hindrance to contemporary maritime commerce. The inherent vulnerabilities of physical documents such as susceptibility to damage and the logistical delays associated with their manual transfer have underscored the inefficiencies of this conventional system. These limitations have catalysed the development of electronic bills of lading (e-bills of lading) as a digital counterpart, a transition particularly pertinent within Nigeria’s maritime sector. Nevertheless, the adoption of e-bills of lading has engendered considerable apprehension, largely due to uncertainties surrounding their legal validity and operational efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a comprehensive desk-based study to examine the historical evolution and current concerns surrounding e-bills of lading as a substitute for traditional paper forms.

Findings

Specifically, the paper advocates for the enactment of clear and robust legislation that would grant e-bills of lading the same legal status as their paper counterparts.

Originality/value

This paper offers an original contribution to the academic and legal discourse on the subject, providing a novel analysis of the regulatory gaps while proposing practical recommendations for the effective adoption of e-bills of lading in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Conquering the US market: AJE’s blue ocean strategy in action
Authors: Garcia Fernando , Smith Stephen Ray , Burger Amy , Helms Marilyn Michelle
Published: October 2024

Research methodology

Data used to develop the case included primary data from employees and leaders of AJE, a Peruvian-based beverage products manufacturer. The case company is not disguised; actual employee names and titles are used. The company provided financial and product data and photos.
That's Not a Hybrid: How to Distinguish Patterns of Admixture and Isolation By Distance
Authors: Wiens Ben J. , Colella Jocelyn P.
Published: October 2024

Describing naturally occurring genetic variation is a fundamental goal of molecular phylogeography and population genetics. Popular methods for this task include STRUCTURE, a model‐based algorithm that assigns individuals to genetic clusters, and principal component analysis (PCA), a parameter‐free method. The ability of STRUCTURE to infer mixed ancestry makes it popular for documenting natural hybridisation, which is of considerable interest to evolutionary biologists, given that such systems provide a window into the speciation process. Yet, STRUCTURE can produce misleading results when its underlying assumptions are violated, like when genetic variation is distributed continuously across geographic space. To test the ability of STRUCTURE and PCA to accurately distinguish admixture from continuous variation, we use forward‐time simulations to generate population genetic data under three demographic scenarios: two involving admixture and one with isolation by distance (IBD). STRUCTURE and PCA alone cannot distinguish admixture from IBD, but complementing these analyses with triangle plots, which visualise hybrid index against interclass heterozygosity, provides more accurate inference of demographic history, especially in cases of recent admixture. We demonstrate that triangle plots are robust to missing data, while STRUCTURE and PCA are not, and show that setting a low allele frequency difference threshold for ancestry‐informative marker (AIM) identification can accurately characterise the relationship between hybrid index and interclass heterozygosity across demographic histories of admixture and range expansion. While STRUCTURE and PCA provide useful summaries of genetic variation, results should be paired with triangle plots before admixture is inferred.
Fibre post removal using ultrasonic tips: A comparative in vitro study using different protocols
Authors: Honda Ricardo , Pelepenko Lauter E. , Monteiro Mabelle F. , Marciano Marina A. , Gomes Brenda P. F. A. , de Jesus Soares Adriana , Ferraz Caio R. , Almeida José Flávio A.
Published: October 2024

This study evaluated the glass fibre post (GFP) removal using three different protocols with ultrasonic tips. Thirty‐six extracted single‐rooted teeth were endodontically treated and cemented with a 10‐mm GFP. Three protocols were used for GFP removal: 20 s activated with cooling, 20 s activated without cooling and 40 s activated without cooling. The removal time and temperature increase on the external root surface were recorded. The amount of residual material and the volume of dentin loss were assessed using micro‐computed tomography. Data were analysed using ANOVA with a 5% significance level. The removal time and the amount of residual material were not affected by the protocol. There was no difference in temperature increase between the 20‐s groups. The 40s activated without cooling produced the highest temperatures, especially in the apical region, and greater dentin loss. It is not advisable to use the ultrasonic insert continuously for more than 20 s.
Haemorrhoid artery ligation – recto anal repair (HAL‐RAR) blind versus Doppler: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liew Amos Nepacina , Wang Jason , Chen Michelle Zhiyun , Tay Yeng Kwang , Kong Joseph C.H.
Published: October 2024

Background

Haemorrhoids remain a highly prevalent condition in Australia, affecting 39% of the adult Australian population. While haemorrhoidectomy remains the gold standard in the management of haemorrhoids, newer techniques such as haemorrhoid artery ligation‐recto anal repair (HAL‐RAR) are emerging as promising management modalities. We compare the efficacy of non‐Doppler guided (non‐DG) HAL‐RAR versus Doppler‐guided (DG) HAL‐RAR in the management of haemorrhoids.

Methods

This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022353806) and adhered to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. We conducted a systematic review using Medline, Embase and Cochrane database for comparative studies between Doppler‐guided HAL‐RAR and non‐Doppler‐guided HAL‐RAR in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement for reporting systematic reviews.

Results

Five studies were included in our systematic review and meta‐analysis. There was no clinically significant difference in operative times (SMD 0.46, 9% CI −3.16 0 4.08, P = 0.804) or post‐operative bleeding (P = 0.142) between the two groups. DG HAL‐RAR patients were more likely to have post‐operative urinary retention (P < 0.001). Non‐DG patients were less likely to experience recurrence (OR 5.12, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our review of non‐DG HAL‐RAR compared to DG HAL‐RAR reflects the non‐inferiority of the non‐DG HALRAR procedure. We hope that these results would provide a guide to clinicians performing HAL‐RAR, and would provide some cost savings for institutions who are unable to procure the necessary equipment for DG HAL‐RAR.
Ecosystem compartment stoichiometry drives the secondary succession processes of zokor‐disturbed grassland
Authors: Zhang Chunping , Li Qi , Feng Runqiu , Li Ping , Liu Jie , Yang Yunfeng
Published: October 2024

In terrestrial ecosystems, resource availability and soil microbial biomass are substantially changed with ecological recovery. However, the shifts in resource stoichiometry and microbial biomass stoichiometry often do not align, leading to stoichiometric imbalance that constrains microbial growth and, consequently, affects plant community succession. The mechanisms by which soil microbes acclimate to these imbalances and how such adjustments influence plant community dynamics remain largely unexplored in alpine grasslands. To address these processes, we examined ecological stoichiometry during the secondary succession of zokor‐disturbed grassland on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China, utilizing a space‐for‐time substitution approach. Carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents across plant–soil–microbe and soil ecoenzymatic activities involved in soil microbial nutrient acquisition were measured. The results indicated that C:P and N:P imbalances between microbes and their plant resources intensified with the recovery of zokor‐disturbed grassland. This led to phosphorus limitation in microbial growth, as indicated by the mean vector angles exceeding 45° and decreased threshold element ratio of C:P. In response, soil microbes increased their production of P‐acquiring enzymes to mitigate P limitation. Through structural equation modelling (SEM), we found that the C:N:P ratios within the plant–soil–microbe systems explained 74.5% of the total variance in plant aboveground biomass. We concluded that maintaining balanced C:N:P stoichiometric ratios in plant–soil–microbe systems, facilitated by soil ecoenzymatic activities, enhances plant diversity and net primary productivity during the recovery of zokor‐disturbed grassland.
Quantifying Invasiveness Risk of Non‐Native Freshwater Fishes in South Korea Under a Changing Climate
Authors: Yoğurtçuoğlu Baran , Tarkan Ali Serhan , Vilizzi Lorenzo
Published: October 2024

Biological invasions pose a serious threat to native biodiversity, and climate change intensifies the risk of non‐native species invasion in human‐altered environments, particularly in freshwater ecosystems. In South Korean freshwaters, the number of non‐native fish species increased significantly since the early 1950s. We screened risk of invasion by 43 freshwater fish species in South Korea using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS‐ISK). Of these species, 26 (~ 61%) posed a high to very high risk of invasiveness. Black bullhead Ameiurus melas, brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus, North African catfish Clarias gariepinus, green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus, black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus, round goby Neogobius melanostomus, and Chinese sleeper Perccottus glenii were very high risk under current and predicted climate conditions. Striped snakehead Channa striata, longear sunfish Lepomis megalotis, smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu, white perch Morone americana, Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis, and rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus were high risk only under predicted climate conditions. Present risks were generally consistent with previous qualitative assessment, with some discrepancies, likely due to unobserved or under‐reported invasive traits of some species or a better ability of the present semi‐quantitative approach to estimate potential risks. Our results will inform South Korean decision‐making to potentially enhance regional cooperation across East Asia against transboundary introductions of aquatic invasive species.
Thermal Forcing Versus Chilling? Misspecification of Temperature Controls in Spring Phenology Models
Authors: Gao Xiaojie , Richardson Andrew D. , Friedl Mark A. , Moon Minkyu , Gray Josh M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Climate‐change‐induced shifts in the timing of leaf emergence during spring have been widely documented and have important ecological consequences. However, mechanistic knowledge regarding what controls the timing of spring leaf emergence is incomplete. Field‐based studies under natural conditions suggest that climate‐warming‐induced decreases in cold temperature accumulation (chilling) have expanded the dormancy duration or reduced the sensitivity of plants to warming temperatures (thermal forcing) during spring, thereby slowing the rate at which the timing of leaf emergence is shifting earlier in response to ongoing climate change. However, recent studies have argued that the apparent reductions in temperature sensitivity may arise from artefacts in the way that temperature sensitivity is calculated, while other studies based on statistical and mechanistic models specifically designed to quantify the role of chilling have shown conflicting results.

Methods

We analysed four commonly used combinations of phenology and temperature datasets obtained from remote sensing and ground observations to elucidate whether current model‐based approaches robustly quantify how chilling, in concert with thermal forcing, controls the timing of leaf emergence during spring under current climate conditions.

Results

We show that widely used modeling approaches that are calibrated using field‐based observations misspecify the role of chilling under current climate conditions as a result of statistical artefacts inherent to the way that chilling is parameterised. Our results highlight the limitations of existing modelling approaches and observational data in quantifying how chilling affects the timing of spring leaf emergence and suggest that decreasing chilling arising from climate warming may not constrain near‐future shifts towards earlier leaf emergence in extra‐tropical ecosystems worldwide.
Fisher Meets Bayes: The Value of Randomisation for Bayesian Inference of Causal Effects
Authors: Leavitt Thomas
Published: October 2024

For a Bayesian agent with beliefs about the relationship between covariates and potential outcomes, deterministically selecting an assignment that yields optimal covariate balance rationally dominates randomisation. However, randomisation—by enabling control over the probabilities of erroneous causal conclusions due to unknown covariate imbalances—offers insurance against the possibility that an agent's beliefs may be misleading. For the most part, such rational justifications for optimum assignment have presupposed the framework of Bayesian inference, while such epistemic justifications for randomisation have presupposed the framework of significance testing. In this paper, I build on a conception of balance that seems inextricable from the significance testing framework, Fisherian balance, to show that it implies an analogous epistemic justification for randomisation within the framework of Bayesian inference. Consequently, for the choice between optimum and random assignment, this paper shows that epistemic justifications need not be wedded to significance testing nor must Bayesian inference be wedded to rational justifications.
More than flowering: CONSTANS plays multifaceted roles in plant development and stress responses
Authors: Yu Bin , Hu Yilong , Hou Xingliang
Published: October 2024

Plants have evolved a remarkable ability to sense and respond to changes in photoperiod, allowing adjustments to their growth and development based on seasonal and environmental cues. The floral transition is a pivotal stage in plant growth and development, signifying a shift from vegetative to reproductive growth. CONSTANS (CO), a central photoperiodic response factor conserved in various plants, mediates day‐length signals to control the floral transition, although its mechanisms of action vary among plants with different day‐length requirements. In addition, recent studies have uncovered roles for CO in organ development and stress responses. These pleiotropic roles in model plants and crops make CO a potentially fruitful target for molecular breeding aimed at modifying crop agronomic traits. This review systematically traces research on CO, from its discovery and functional studies to the exploration of its regulatory mechanisms and newly discovered functions, providing important insight into the roles of CO and laying a foundation for future research.
Impact of Uncertainty Shocks on Income and Wealth Inequality
Authors: CHOI SANGYUP , PHI JEEYEON
Published: October 2024

We analyze the distributional consequences of uncertainty shocks in the U.S. economy. While their impact on income inequality appears marginal when measured by a single statistic, there are important variations: inequality between the rich and middle‐income groups decreases, while inequality between the middle and poor‐income groups increases significantly. Additionally, uncertainty shocks increase labor income inequality through higher unemployment rates but simultaneously decrease nonlabor income inequality by reducing business and interest income. Uncertainty shocks reduce disposable income inequality, demonstrating the role of redistribution policy. Finally, they tend to reduce wealth inequality, mainly due to their adverse impact on financial asset prices, predominantly owned by wealthy households.
Building more entrepreneurial organizations through external innovation contests
Authors: Cavallo Angelo , Burgers J. Henri
Published: October 2024

Firms are increasingly adopting innovation contests to obtain ideas for new products and services from external parties, but many firms may not be sufficiently entrepreneurial to benefit from those ideas. Using an inductive longitudinal case study of three financial service firms, we explore the value of external innovation contests for less entrepreneurial and stagnant firms. Our findings indicate that stagnant firms indeed struggle to benefit from ideas generated through external innovation contests. However, we also show that firms undergo a structural change process toward higher entrepreneurial orientation through such contests. In particular, they become aware of an organizational readiness gap and act on it by (i) developing entrepreneurial skills, (ii) collaborating with external partners, and (iii) adapting organizational design and governance. Based on our findings, we propose an original framework for a corporate entrepreneurial learning process triggered by the innovation contest experience.