bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mindfulness-Based Self-Care for Forensic Nurses: A Professional Lifestyle Approach
Authors: Bhattarai Muna , Clements Paul Thomas , Downing Nancy R.
Published: October 2023

Forensic nurses providing care to patients who are victims or offenders of abuse, trauma, or violence often face enormous challenges in their daily practice, leading to emotional stress, vicarious traumatization, and burnout, and potentially reducing the quality of patient care. Embracing mindfulness as an ongoing method of self-care can have an array of benefits for forensic nurses to prevent burnout and improve their well-being and quality of patient care. Existing literature supports the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions, as self-care practices, in improving many positive health outcomes among nurses working in a variety of healthcare settings. Mindfulness qualities, such as open awareness, attention to detail, nonjudgment, emotional regulation, compassion, and empathy, can contribute to forensic nurses' well-being and the quality of patient care. Mindfulness is a way of living; thus, formal and informal mindful self-care tools integrated into daily nursing practice can result in better outcomes and work satisfaction among nurses. This article discusses the potential benefits of mindfulness and practical ways to integrate mindfulness tools into forensic nursing practice. Incorporating mindful self-care practices should be a goal for consideration for the contemporary forensic nursing profession at large. Further intervention research is recommended to identify the mechanism of how mindfulness can benefit forensic nurses practicing in highly challenging work environments.
Novel pharmacological interventions for diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Tan Seng Kiong , Pinzon-Cortes Jairo A. , Cooper Mark E.
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest evidence on the prevention and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), as well as novel pharmacological interventions from preclinical and early clinical studies with promising findings in the reduction of this condition's burden.

Recent findings

We will cover the latest evidence on the reduction of proteinuria and kidney function decline in DKD achieved through established renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) system blockade and the more recent addition of SGLT2i, nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) and GLP1-RA, that combined will most likely integrate the mainstay for current DKD treatment. We also highlight evidence from new mechanisms of action in DKD, including other haemodynamic anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic interventions, oxidative stress modulators and cell identity and epigenetic targets.

Renal specific outcome trials have become more popular and are increasing the available armamentarium to diminish the progression of renal decline in patients at greater risk of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) such as diabetic individuals. A combined pharmaceutical approach based on available rigorous studies should include RAAS blockade, SGLT2 inhibitors, nonsteroidal MRA and expectedly GLP1-RA on a personalized based-intervention. New specific trials designed to address renal outcomes will be needed for innovative therapies to conclude on their potential benefits in DKD.
Design and Implementation of a New Orientation Program Based on Core Competencies and a Clinical Mentor Model
Authors: Hutchins Larissa , King Karen L. , Piroso Christina V. , Williams Laura M. , Hardacker Sarah N. , Birnbaum Shira , Curley Martha A. Q.
Published: October 2023

A large pediatric hospital redesigned the traditional task-based orientation program to one based on the Synergy Model for Patient Care nurse competencies, enhanced identification of learning needs, critical thinking exercises, and use of experienced staff in the role of clinical mentor. Development of a role to coordinate the learning experiences of the new hire was essential to creation of a model built upon the framework of the core competencies needed to care for a unit’s population of patients.
Comparing Repeatability and Agreement between Commonly Used Corneal Imaging Devices in Keratoconus
Authors: Angelo Lize , Gokul Akilesh , McGhee Charles , Ziaei Mohammed
Published: October 2023

SIGNIFICANCE

Keratometry and pachymetry are important for diagnosis and monitoring of keratoconus. Many corneal imaging units exist, but comparison to determine repeatability and agreement is paramount for adequate keratoconus management in primary and secondary care.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the repeatability and agreement of a Placido disc–based videokeratoscope (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) used in primary care with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (Optopol Technology, Zawiercie, Poland) and Scheimpflug corneal tomography (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) in secondary care.

METHODS

This was a prospective single-center study where one eye was randomized to have central corneal thickness;thinnest corneal thickness (TCT); and maximum, mean, steep, and flat keratometry (Kmax, Kmean, Ksteep, and Kflat, respectively), measured with all three devices. Three measurements were completed per device to assess intraobserver repeatability.

RESULTS

A total of 110 eyes from 110 patients with keratoconus were analyzed. Repeatability was best with the Pentacam for central corneal thickness, Kmax, Kmean, Ksteep, and Kflat parameters (precision, 9.21, 0.8, 0.38, 0.52, and 0.58). The Medmont had better repeatability than the Revo with Kmax, Kmean, Ksteep, and Kflat (precision, 1.41,1.35,1.43, and 1.59). Revo had the best repeatability with TCT (precision, 3.81). The intraclass correlation coefficient was >0.94 for all parameters in all devices. Agreement was generally poor between devices. However, there was good agreement between Pentacam and Medmont Kflat measurements (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Repeatability of keratometry parameters with the Pentacam and Medmont was greater than the Revo, suggesting a lower threshold for detecting change in anterior corneal parameters. The Revo had the greatest repeatability for TCT, suggesting a lower threshold for detecting thinning in disease progression and corneal-crosslinking safety. There was poor agreement between devices, and it is not recommended for them to be used interchangably.
Case Report: Role of Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography for Managing Failed Endothelial Keratoplasty Graft
Authors: Roig-Revert María José , Arias-García Elena , Ortega-Pérez Carolina , Peris-Martínez Cristina
Published: October 2023

SIGNIFICANCE

Some patients show poor visual outcomes after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty. In such cases, secondary Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty can be performed to achieve complete visual recovery. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) is a valuable tool for the follow-up of posterior lamellar keratoplasty outcomes and complications.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to report the clinical outcome of secondary Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty for managing poor visual results in a patient with graft failure after a previous Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty, highlighting the importance of AS-OCT in the follow-up of endothelial keratoplasty.

CASE REPORT

A 38-year-old woman with high myopia underwent Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty for bullous keratopathy after explantation of an angle-supported phakic intraocular lens. Two years after keratoplasty, the patient experienced poor visual acuity (counting fingers), and significant corneal edema was observed on clinical examination hindering visualization of the anterior chamber structures. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography showed a failed and thickened graft adhering well to the recipient cornea in an anterior chamber without other comorbidities. Therefore, the graft was removed and replaced with a Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty graft without any complications. One year later, the clinical outcome was evaluated by comparing the pre-operative and post-operative best-corrected visual acuity, biomicroscopy findings, endothelial cell density, and corneal central thickness.

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography is an important tool when deciding on the surgical technique to be applied and for the post-surgical monitoring of endothelial corneal grafts. This case demonstrates the successful management of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty graft failure with Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty graft, highlighting the importance of AS-OCT in detecting complications such as graft dislocation and primary graft failure. In addition, corneal thickness measured using AS-OCT serves as a critical predictor of graft failure, as observed in this case.
Plummer-Vinson Syndrome and Role of Endoscopic Balloon Dilatation in a 4-Year-Old Child
Authors: Sahajwani Priyanka , Rustagi Megha , Tetarbe Shivangi , Shah Ira
Published: October 2023

Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS), also called Patterson-Kelly-Brown syndrome, is a rare cause of dysphagia in children. This syndrome is associated with single or multiple webs in the upper esophagus with frequent iron deficiency. PVS usually occurs in adults, particularly in Caucasian middle-aged women, in the fourth to seventh decade of life, and is rare in childhood. There are various theories about what causes PVS. One theory suggests that iron deficiency plays a crucial role in its development. Iron repletion often improves dysphagia, although some patients require esophageal dilatation or bougienage. Herein, we describe the case of a 4-year-old male child, having complaints of difficulty in swallowing solid food, diagnosed with PVS.
Large lessons learned from small vessels: coronary microvascular dysfunction in HIV
Authors: Thomas Teressa S. , Walpert Allie R. , Srinivasa Suman
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review

Large cohort studies have consistently shown the presence of heart failure is approximately doubled among persons with HIV (PWH). Early studies of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in HIV were primarily focused on atherosclerotic burden, and we now have a greater understanding of large vessel disease in HIV. More recent studies have begun to inform us about small vessel disease, or coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), in HIV. CMD is recognized to be an important risk factor for adverse events related to heart failure, associated with cardiovascular mortality, and often presents without overt atherosclerotic disease.

Recent findings

In this review, we highlight implications for CMD and relevant clinical studies in HIV. Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, well known risk factors in HIV, may mediate the pathogenesis of CMD. Initial studies suggest that CMD worsens with ART initiation. Newer studies reveal CMD is present among well treated PWH without known CVD. In addition, myocardial flow reserve (MFR), a marker of CMD, is reduced in HIV similar to diabetes. There also appears to be sex differences, such that CMD is worse among women vs. men with HIV.

Alterations in the coronary microvasculature may be an important mediator of subclinical myocardial dysfunction that deserves further clinical attention among PWH without known CVD.
Electrical stimulation of the peripheral and central vestibular system
Authors: Lopez Christophe , Cullen Kathleen E.
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review

Electrical stimulation of the peripheral and central vestibular system using noninvasive (galvanic vestibular stimulation, GVS) or invasive (intracranial electrical brain stimulation, iEBS) approaches have a long history of use in studying self-motion perception and balance control. The aim of this review is to summarize recent electrophysiological studies of the effects of GVS, and functional mapping of the central vestibular system using iEBS in awake patients.

Recent findings

The use of GVS has become increasingly common in the assessment and treatment of a wide range of clinical disorders including vestibulopathy and Parkinson's disease. The results of recent single unit recording studies have provided new insight into the neural mechanisms underlying GVS-evoked improvements in perceptual and motor responses. Furthermore, the application of iEBS in patients with epilepsy or during awake brain surgery has provided causal evidence of vestibular information processing in mostly the middle cingulate cortex, posterior insula, inferior parietal lobule, amygdala, precuneus, and superior temporal gyrus.

Recent studies have established that GVS evokes robust and parallel activation of both canal and otolith afferents that is significantly different from that evoked by natural head motion stimulation. Furthermore, there is evidence that GVS can induce beneficial neural plasticity in the central pathways of patients with vestibular loss. In addition, iEBS studies highlighted an underestimated contribution of areas in the medial part of the cerebral hemispheres to the cortical vestibular network.
Pacificoceanicola onchidii gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a marine invertebrate from the South China Sea
Authors: Yang Peng , Liang Jinyou , Yin Qi , Li Guanbin , Zhang Yu , Xu Ying , Hao Lingyun
Published: October 2023

A Gram-stain-negative, facultative anaerobic, non-flagellated and oval-shaped (0.77–0.98 µm wide and 0.74–1.21 µm long) bacterial strain, designated XY-301T, was isolated from a marine invertebrate collected from the South China Sea. Strain XY-301T grew at 15–37 °C (optimum, 30–35 °C) and at pH 7.0–8.5 (optimum, pH 8.0). The strain was slightly halophilic and it only grew in the presence of 0.5–6.5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2.5–3.5 %). Its predominant fatty acid (>10 %) was C18 : 1
 ω7c. The predominant polar lipids of XY-301T were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, six unidentified aminolipids, three unidentified phospholipids and two unknown polar lipids. The respiratory quinone was Q-10. The genome of XY-301T was 4 979 779 bp in size, with a DNA G+C content of 61.3 mol%. The average nucleotide identity, digital DNA–DNA hybridization and average amino acid identity values between XY-301T and

Pseudoprimorskyibacter insulae

SSK3-2T were 73.3, 14.5 and 53.5 %, respectively. Based on the results of phylogenetic, phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic analyses, strain XY-301T is considered to represent a novel species and a new genus of the family

Roseobacteraceae

, for which the name Pacificoceanicola onchidii gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is XY-301T (=KCTC 72212T=MCCC 1K03614T).
G protein activation occurs via a largely universal mechanism
Authors: Vithani Neha , Todd Tyson D. , Singh Sukrit , Blumer Kendall J. , Bowman Gregory R.
Published: October 2023

Understanding how signaling proteins like G proteins are allosterically activated is a long-standing challenge with significant biological and medical implications. Because it is difficult to directly observe such dynamic processes, much of our understanding is based on inferences from a limited number of static snapshots of relevant protein structures, mutagenesis data, and patterns of sequence conservation. Here, we use computer simulations to directly interrogate allosteric coupling in six G protein α-subunit isoforms covering all four G protein families. To analyze this data, we introduce automated methods for inferring allosteric networks from simulation data and assessing how allostery is conserved or diverged among related protein isoforms. We find that the allosteric networks in these six G protein α-subunits are largely conserved and consist of two pathways, which we call pathway-I and pathway-II. This analysis predicts that pathway-I is generally dominant over the second pathway, which we experimentally confirmed by showing that mutations to pathway-I perturb nucleotide exchange more than mutations to pathway-II. In the future, insights into unique elements of each G protein family could inform the design of isoform-specific drugs. More broadly, our tools should also be useful for studying allostery in other proteins and assessing the extent to which this allostery is conserved in related proteins.
Toward AI-Guided Smoking Cessation: Individualized Nicotine Addiction Modeling Using Gaussian Processes
Authors: Chari Anirudh
Published: October 2023

Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States, accounting for nearly half a million deaths annually. Given the recent rise of artificial intelligence in healthcare applications, computational assessment of smoking behaviors is a promising direction. In this study, we aim to recognize and classify addiction patterns in individual smokers’ daily usage based on time series data. To this end, we leverage Gaussian process modeling to iteratively learn a function that defines a smoker’s behavior as usage data is accumulated. Namely, we aim to learn weekly periodic trends in usage, and then utilize the model to predict future trends. We demonstrate that the outputted predictions resemble the actual data well, and that these informed forecasts significantly outperform those of a naive prediction model with respect to accuracy. Finally, we propose strategies for utilizing these predictions for goal-setting as part of a computer-supervised gradual cessation program.
A new method of Non-Ultrasound Monitoring of Ovarian Stimulation (NUMOS): Mission Possible! - a pilot study
Authors: Vladimirov Iavor K. , Tacheva Desislava , Gatev Evan , Rangelova Magdalena , Vladimirov Martin
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to establish the viability of monitoring an appropriate and safe ovarian stimulation without the use of ultrasound and serum hormone testing.

Method

As a primary marker for monitoring of the ovarian response, we used urinary estrone-3-glucuronide (E1-3G) growth rate, which was self-measured by patients daily at home, with a portable analyzer, during the stimulation. For an adequate ovarian response, an average daily rate of increase of E1-3G was estimated to be within 25 - 77%. Ovulation trigger day was determined based on the length of the menstrual cycle.

The study included 24 women. Inclusion criteria were age < 41 years and AMH >1 ng/mL. A progestin-primed ovarian stimulation protocol (PPOS) with fixed doses of gonadotropins was used.

Results

The average female age was 32,9 years (±4.4), BMI 22,7 kg/m2 (±4,3), AMH 3,7 ng/ml (±2,6), stimulation days 10,6 (±1,1), collected oocytes 12,5 (±8,5), MII oocytes 10,6 (±7,8), fertilization rate 83,6% (±22,5), blastocyst 66,4% (±28,6), good quality blastocysts 31,6% (±16,9).

Absence of oocyte aspiration was found in one of the cases. There were no cases of OHSS and ovarian stimulation cancellation.

Conclusion

This is the first pilot study to successfully apply a new markers for ovarian stimulation monitoring.
Pathways linking pulse pressure to dementia in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Rizvi Batool , Lao Patrick J. , Sathishkumar Mithra , Taylor Lisa , Queder Nazek , McMillan Liv , Edwards Natalie , Keator David B. , Doran Eric , Hom Christy , Nguyen Dana , Rosas H. Diana , Lai Florence , Schupf Nicole , Gutierrez Jose , Silverman Wayne , Lott Ira T. , Mapstone Mark , Wilcock Donna M. , Head Elizabeth , Yassa Michael A. , Brickman Adam M.
Published: October 2023

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are less likely to have hypertension than neurotypical adults. However, whether blood pressure measures are associated with brain health and clinical outcomes in this population has not been studied in detail. Here, we assessed whether pulse pressure is associated with markers of cerebrovascular disease, entorhinal cortical atrophy, and diagnosis of dementia in adults with DS. Participants with DS from the Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease in Adults with Down Syndrome study (ADDS; n=195, age=50.6±7.2 years, 44% women, 18% diagnosed with dementia) were included. Higher pulse pressure was associated with greater global, parietal, and occipital WMH volume. Pulse pressure was not related to enlarged PVS, microbleeds, infarcts, entorhinal cortical thickness, or dementia diagnosis. However, in a serial mediation model, we found that pulse pressure was indirectly related to dementia diagnosis through parieto-occipital WMH and, subsequently through entorhinal cortical thickness. Higher pulse pressure may be a risk factor for dementia in people with DS by promoting cerebrovascular disease, which in turn affects neurodegeneration. Pulse pressure is an important determinant of brain health and clinical outcomes in individuals with Down syndrome despite the low likelihood of frank hypertension.
Assessment of resting state structural-functional relationships in perisylvian region during the early weeks after birth
Authors: Namiranian Roxana , Moghaddam Hamid Abrishami , Khadem Ali , Jafari Reza , Chalechale Aimirhossein
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the structural-functional (S-F) relationships of perisylvian region in the first weeks after birth during rest. Previous joint S-F studies of the perisylvian development were mainly conducted on individual structural and functional features and outperformed non-joint studies. By using a weighted combination of features, a joint S-F study can advance understanding of the perisylvian development in neonates, thereby offering valuable markers for predicting neurodevelopmental disorders. To this purpose, we used 390 structural and 89 functional features for each region of interest (ROI) in perisylvian. Structural features include morphological and myelination features of cortical regions, and functional features include functional connectivity (FC) between each ROI and other brain regions. Subsequently, the S-F hybrid marker for each ROI is produced using the sparse canonical correlation analysis (SCCA). In addition, the significance and consistency of the contribution of each structural and functional feature in the hybrid marker are examined using statistical tests. The findings indicated the correlation between the FC of each ROI with other brain regions, and the myelination of that ROI or other brain regions, while no correlation was observed between the FC and the morphological features of the cortical regions. Furthermore, in the hybrid markers, auditory regions show greater contributions of FC and myelination compared to higher-order regions such as Broca area, suggesting their early development in infants. Additionally, regions such as insula and cingulate gyrus have not only FC but also jointly S-F relationships with most of the perisylvian sub-regions. Therefore, the hybrid markers outperform individual joint markers by introducing additional S-F relationships for characterizing the normal development of the perisylvian region in neonates.
Experimental studies of airliner aerodynamic characteristics at overcritical angles of attack
Authors: Krzysiak Andrzej , Placek Robert , Olejnik Aleksander , Kiszkowiak Łukasz
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of this study was to determine the basic aerodynamic characteristics of the airliner Tu-154M at the wide range of the overcritical angles of attack and sideslip angles, i.e. α = −900° ÷ 900° and β = −900° ÷ 900°.

Design/methodology/approach

Wind tunnel tests of the Tu-154M aircraft model at the scale 1:20 were performed in a low-speed wind tunnel T-3 by using a six-component internal aerodynamic balance. Several model configurations were also investigated.

Findings

The results of the presented studies showed that at the wide range of the overcritical angles of attack and sideslip angles, i.e. α = −900° ÷ 900° and β = −900° ÷ 900°, the Tu-154M aircraft flap deflection affected the values of the drag and lift coefficients and generally had no major effect on the values of the side force and pitching moment coefficients.

Research limitations/implications

The model vibration which was the result of flow separation at high angles of attack was the wind tunnel test limitation.

Practical implications

Studies of the airliner aerodynamic characteristics at the wide range of the overcritical angles of attack and sideslip angles allow assessment of the aircraft aerodynamic properties during possible unexpected situations when the passenger aircraft is found to have gone beyond the conventional flight envelope.

Social implications

There are no social implications of this study to report.

Originality/value

The presented wind tunnel test results of the airliner aerodynamic characteristics at overcritical angles of attack and sideslip angles is an original contribution to the existing not-too-extensive database available in the literature.
Determinants of financial inclusion among women-owned enterprises: a case study of the informal sector
Authors: Sherwani Faizan Khan , Shaikh Sanaa Zafar , Behal Shilpa , Siddiqui Mohd Shuaib
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the determinants of financial inclusion among women-owned informal enterprises in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a primary survey of 321 informal enterprises. The data has been collected through a structured questionnaire. A chi-square test has been used to examine the significant association between the characteristics of informal enterprises and their owners and financial inclusion. A logistic regression model has been developed to analyse the determinants of financial inclusion among women-owned informal enterprises.

Findings

A significant and negative association has been found between business duration and entrepreneurs’ experiences with financial inclusion. In addition, the chi-square test shows a significant association between resource capability, use of ICT by enterprises and financial inclusion. Further, logistics regression shows that duration of business, entrepreneurial experience, resource capability in terms of machinery and equipment use, and ICT are significant determinants of financial inclusion among women-owned informal enterprises.

Practical implications

There are several practical implications for national policymakers and other stakeholders, such as banks and international bodies working on financial inclusion. It is suggested that while designing the policy for financial inclusion among woman-owned informal enterprises, it should ensure that experience and older woman entrepreneurs are included in financial inclusion schemes.

Originality/value

There has been very few research on financial inclusion in woman-owned businesses. However, no research has been conducted on the financial inclusion of women-owned informal businesses. This study fills a gap by investigating the factors that influence financial inclusion in women-owned informal businesses.
Enhancing decision-making of IT demand management with process mining
Authors: Novak Christian , Pfahlsberger Lukas , Bala Saimir , Revoredo Kate , Mendling Jan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Digitalization, innovation and changing customer requirements drive the continuous improvement of an organization's business processes. IT demand management (ITDM) as a methodology supports the holistic governance of IT and the corresponding business process change (BPC), by allocating resources to meet a company's requirements and strategic objectives. As ITDM decision-makers are not fully aware of how the as-is business processes operate and interact, making informed decisions that positively impact the to-be process is a key challenge.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors address this challenge by developing a novel approach that integrates process mining and ITDM. To this end, the authors conduct an action research study where the researchers participated in the design, creation and evaluation of the approach. The proposed approach is illustrated using two sample demands of an insurance claims process. These demands are used to construct the artefact in multiple research circles and to validate the approach in practice. The authors applied learning and reflection methods for incrementally adjusting this study’s approach.

Findings

The study shows that the utilization of process mining activities during process changes on an operational level contributes to (1) increasing accuracy and efficiency of ITDM; (2) timely identification of potential risks and dependencies and (3) support of testing and acceptance of IT demands.

Originality/value

The implementation of this study’s approach improved ITDM practice. It appropriately addressed the information needs of decision-makers and unveiled the effects and consequences of process changes. Furthermore, providing a clearer picture of the process dependencies clarified the responsibilities and the interfaces at the intra- and inter-process level.
Event-triggered adaptive prescribed performance control of flexible-joint manipulators with output constraint
Authors: Tuo Yaoyao , Li Junyang , Song Yankui
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to design an event-triggered adaptive prescribed performance controller for flexible manipulators, with the primary objectives of achieving output performance constraints and addressing communication resource limitations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose a novel prescribed performance barrier Lyapunov function (PP-BLF) that considers both output and tracking performance constraints. The PP-BLF ensures that the system's output, transient behavior and steady-state performance, adhere to prescribed constraints. The boundary of the PP-BLF is established by an exponential function that decays over time. Notably, the PP-BLF can be applied seamlessly in unconstrained cases without necessitating controller redesign. Moreover, the controller design incorporates an event-triggered mechanism, effectively reducing the frequency of controller updates and optimizing the utilization of communication resources. Additionally, the authors employ adaptive techniques to estimate the system's unknown parameters and approximate unknown nonlinear functions using radial basis function neural networks (RBFNN). To address the challenge of “complexity explosion”, dynamic surface technology is employed.

Findings

Numerical simulations are conducted under five different cases to verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller. The results demonstrate that the controller successfully constrains the output tracking error within the prescribed performance boundary. Moreover, compared with the traditional time-triggered mechanism, the event-triggered mechanism significantly reduces the controller's update frequency, resolving the problem of limited communication resources.

Originality/value

The paper reduces the update frequency of control signals and improves resource utilization through an event-triggered mechanism in the form of relative thresholds. The authors recognize that the event-triggered mechanism may impact the output performance of the system. To address this challenge, the authors propose a prescribed performance Barrier Lyapunov Function (PP-BLF). The PP-BLF is designed to effectively constrain the output performance of the system, ensuring satisfactory control even when the control signal updates are reduced.
Zerial Education
Authors: Singh Etinder Pal , Doval Jyoti , Halan Deepak
Published: October 2023

Learning outcomes

After reading and analyzing the case study, the students would be able to understand the complexities of leadership and decision-making in a diverse workplace, specifically when promoting differently abled employees; explore the importance of fostering an inclusive environment, addressing biases and developing empathy in the context of leadership and diversity; explore the challenges and considerations involved in managing a team with diverse backgrounds and abilities; and evaluate the potential impact of promoting employees with disabilities on the morale and retention of other team members.

Case overview/synopsis

This case study is about a hearing-impaired individual, Jessica, who was recently hired by a medium-sized organization, Zerial Education. She was the organization’s first hire with a disability, and some of her colleagues were skeptical about how she would fit in. There was a clear bias against her because of her disability, and she faced many challenges while proving herself and earning the respect of her colleagues. Despite the initial skepticism and bias, she quickly proved herself to be a valuable member of the team. As the appraisal period arrived, Stan Logan, her reporting manager, faced a tough decision. He wanted to be fair and avoid to seem to be biased, yet he was also committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. If he promoted Jessica, it would affirm the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and it would also validate Jessica’s impressive year of work. However, this might come at the cost of creating tensions among the other top performers who were also deserving of the promotion and potentially complicating client interactions owing to Jessica’s hearing impairment. Logan had to navigate these complexities and make a decision that aligned with both the company’s values and operational needs, while also considering the potential consequences on team morale and client relationships.

Complexity academic level

The case is suitable for use by students at an MBA level. Human resource management: In this course, students might learn about the legal and ethical issues surrounding disability in the workplace, as well as strategies for recruiting and retaining employees with disabilities. Organizational behavior: In this course, students might learn about the psychological and social factors that influence how individuals with disabilities are perceived and treated in organizations, as well as how to promote diversity and inclusion within a company.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 6: Human resource management
Research on “multi-blind” working mechanism of Internet+ coal mine safety supervision
Authors: Li Xiangchun , Long Yuzhen , Yang Chunli , Wang Yinqing , Xing Mingxiu , Jiang Ying
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Effective safety supervision plays a crucial role in ensuring safe production within coal mines. Conventional coal mine safety supervision (CMSS) in China has suffered from the problems of power-seeking, excessive resource consumption and poor timeliness. This paper aims to explore the Internet+ CMSS mode being emerged in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The evolution of CMSS systems underwent comprehensive scrutiny through a blend of qualitative and quantitative approaches. First, evolutionary game theory was used to analyze the necessity of incorporating Internet+ technology. Second, a system dynamics model of Internet+ CMSS was crafted, encompassing a system flow diagram and equations for various variables. The model was subsequently simulated by taking the W coal mine in Shanxi Province as a representative case study.

Findings

It was revealed that the expected safety profit from the Internet+ mode is 296.03% more than that from the conventional mode. The precise dissemination of law enforcement information was identified as a pivotal approach through which the Internet+ platform served as a conduit to foster synergistic collaboration among diverse elements within the system.

Practical implications

The outcomes of this study not only raise awareness about the potential of Internet+ technology in safety supervision but also establish a vital theoretical foundation for enhancing the efficacy of the Internet+ CMSS mode. The significance of these findings extends to fostering the wholesome and sustainable progress of the coal mining industry.

Originality/value

This research stands out as one of the limited studies that delve into the influence of Internet+ technology on CMSS. Building upon the pivotal approach identified, to the best of authors’ knowledge, a novel “multi-blind” working mechanism for Internet+ CMSS is introduced for the first time.
Profitability and financial performance of Italian real estate companies: quantitative profiles
Authors: Migliaccio Guido , De Palma Andrea
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study illustrates the economic and financial dynamics of the sector, analysing the evolution of the main ratios of profitability and financial structure of 1,559 Italian real estate companies divided into the three macro-regions: North, Centre and South, in the period 2011–2020. In this way, it is also possible to verify the responsiveness to the 2020 pandemic crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis uses descriptive statistics tools and the ANOVA method of analysis of variance, supplemented by the Tukey–Kramer test, to identify significant differences between the three Italian macro-regions.

Findings

The study shows the increase in profitability after the 2008 crisis, despite its reverberation in the years 2012–2013. The financial structure of companies improved almost everywhere. The pandemic had modest effects on performance.

Research limitations/implications

In the future, other indices should be considered to gain a more comprehensive view. This is a quantitative study based on financial statements data that neglects other important economic and social factors.

Practical implications

Public policies could use this study for better interventions to support the sector. In addition, internal management can compare their company's performance with the industry average to identify possible improvements.

Social implications

The research analyses an economic field that employs a large number of people, especially when considering the construction and real estate services covered by this analysis.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by providing a quantitative analysis of industry dynamics, with comparative information that can be deduced from financial statements over the years.
How and why US universities fail to impart environmental literacy to all students
Authors: Vallée Manuel
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to assess the spread of environmental literacy graduation requirements at public universities in the USA, and to highlight factors that mediate the adoption of this curriculum innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The author analyzed the undergraduate general education curriculum requirements at all 549 public BA-granting higher education institutions in the USA between 2020 and 2022.

Findings

The study found that only 27 US public universities out of 540 have an environmental literacy graduation requirement, which represents 5% of universities and is substantially lower than previous estimates.

Originality/value

First, this study provides a more complete, more reliable and more current assessment of the graduation requirement’s presence at US tertiary institutions, and shows the number of universities that have implemented this innovation is lower than was estimated a decade ago. Second, it draws from the scholarship on the infusion of sustainability into the university curriculum to provide a comprehensive discussion of factors that mediate the pursuit and implementation of the graduation requirement. As well, it identifies factors that played a key role in one pertinent case.
Leadership preparation in progress: evidence from a district-university partnership
Authors: Osworth David , Cunningham Kathleen Mary Winn , Hardie Suzy , Moyi Peter , Gaskins Mary , Osborne Smith Natalie
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the experiences of a closed cohort of aspiring leaders and connects the university and school district partnership relationship to building the leadership capacity of the cohort. This study builds on previous literature in district-university partnerships and leadership preparation. Powerful learning experiences (PLEs) and interpersonal-intrapersonal leadership development models serve as frames to examine how aspects of successful leadership preparation programs were present.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study was conducted with a team of researchers from the university and school district and relies on data from semi-structured interviews with students from the closed cohort.

Findings

Researchers identified three major themes of aspiring leaders' preparation experience: confidence building, reflection and mindset change.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the emerging literature on PLEs by illustrating how this type of partnership creates opportunities for powerful learning experiences for aspiring school leaders.
The impact of material internal control weaknesses, institutional ownership and managerial ownership on future-oriented disclosure: evidence from Islamic economy
Authors: Arianpoor Arash , Lamloom Imad Taher , Khayoon Hameed Mohsin , Zaidan Ali Shakir
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to assess the effect of material internal control weaknesses (MICW) on the relationship between ownership structures and future-oriented disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

A total number of 197 firms were assessed in this study during 2014–2021. Two measures were used for MICW. First, the number of existing MICW was assessed in independent auditors’ reports. In Iran, the maximum number of weaknesses is 13. Second, the scoring (0 or 1) method was used as a dummy variable, 1 for a firm with MICW and otherwise 0. Moreover, the scoring (0 or 1) method was used to measure the level of future-oriented disclosure of 13 indicators.

Findings

The findings showed that institutional ownership and managerial ownership have a significant positive effect on future-oriented disclosure, whereas the MICW have a significant negative effect on future-oriented disclosure. In addition, MICW played a moderator role in the relationship between ownership structures and future-oriented disclosure. The robustness checks confirmed the results.

Originality/value

As the studies conducted on future-oriented disclosure and the contributing factors are limited, and also the effect of MICW on future-oriented disclosure is not explored, the present findings can show the importance of the study, and fill the gap in this field. This study offers theoretical and practical implications to drive policymakers and managers to the effectiveness of internal control and future-oriented transparency.
Non-financial resources to enhance companies’ profitability: a stakeholder perspective
Authors: Hristov Ivo , Cristofaro Matteo , Cimini Riccardo
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of stakeholders’ nonfinancial resources (NFRs) on companies’ profitability, filling a significant gap in the literature regarding the role of NFRs in value creation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 76 organizations from 2017 to 2019 were collected and analyzed. Four primary NFRs and their key value drivers were identified, representing core elements that support different dimensions of a company’s performance. Statistical tests examined the relationship between stakeholders’ NFRs and financial performance measures.

Findings

When analyzed collectively and individually, the results reveal a significant positive influence of stakeholders’ NFRs on a firm’s profitability. Higher importance assigned to NFRs correlates with a higher return on sales.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by empirically bridging the gap between stakeholder theory and the resource-based view, addressing the intersection of these perspectives. It also provides novel insights into how stakeholders’ NFRs impact profitability, offering valuable implications for research and managerial practice. It suggests that managers should integrate nonfinancial measures of NFRs within their performance measurement system to manage better and sustain companies’ value-creation process.
Exceeding probability analysis for rail of high-speed railway under seismic excitations
Authors: Xing Hongping , Liu Yu , Sun Xiaodan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The smoothness of the high-speed railway (HSR) on the bridge may exceed the allowable standard when an earthquake causes vibrations for HSR bridges, which may threaten the safety of running trains. Indeed, few studies have evaluated the exceeding probability of rail displacement exceeding the allowable standard. The purposes of this article are to provide a method for investigating the exceeding probability of the rail displacement of HSRs under seismic excitation and to calculate the exceeding probability.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to investigate the exceeding probability of the rail displacement under different seismic excitations, the workflow of analyzing the smoothness of the rail based on incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) is proposed, and the intensity measure and limit state for the exceeding probability analysis of HSRs are defined. Then a finite element model (FEM) of an assumed HSR track-bridge system is constructed, which comprises a five-span simply-supported girder bridge supporting a finite length CRTS II ballastless track. Under different seismic excitations, the seismic displacement response of the rail is calculated; the character of the rail displacement is analyzed; and the exceeding probability of the rail vertical displacement exceeding the allowable standard (2mm) is investigated.

Findings

The results show that: (1) The bridge-abutment joint position may form a step-like under seismic excitation, threatening the running safety of high-speed trains under seismic excitations, and the rail displacements at mid-span positions are bigger than that at other positions on the bridge. (2) The exceeding probability of rail displacement is up to about 44% when PGA = 0.01g, which is the level-five risk probability and can be described as 'very likely to happen'. (3) The exceeding probability of the rail at the mid-span positions is bigger than that above other positions of the bridge, and the mid-span positions of the track-bridge system above the bridge may be the most hazardous area for the running safety of trains under seismic excitation when high-speed trains run on bridges.

Originality/value

The work extends the seismic hazardous analysis of HSRs and would lead to a better understanding of the exceeding probability for the rail of HSRs under seismic excitations and better references for the alert of the HSR operation.
Joint inversion for facies and petrophysical properties based on a bi‐level optimization model
Authors: Wen Jin , Yang Dinghui , Cheng Yuanfeng , Qu Zhipeng , Han Hongwei , Wang Xingmou , Zhu Jianbing , He Xijun , Bu Fan
Published: October 2023

In many subsurface studies, facies and petrophysical properties are two important reservoir parameters that are closely correlated. They are routinely used in well interpretation, hydrocarbon reserve calculation and production profile prediction. These two parameters have commonly been determined in two separate tasks because of their mathematical differences (facies are discrete, and petrophysical properties are continuous). However, this is incorrect because facies and petrophysical properties are often strongly correlated. Therefore, we propose a new joint inversion method of facies and petrophysical properties based on a bi‐level optimization model. In the bi‐level optimization model, the upper‐level problem is the petrophysical property inversion while the lower‐level problem can identify the facies and add a facies‐related constraint for the upper‐level optimization. We also develop a new genetic algorithm for the discrete‐continuous inversion problem based on the bi‐level optimization model because the inversion problem usually has multiple local solutions. In addition, rock physics and statistics are combined in the inversion process. A rock physics model is used to establish the basic relationships between the petrophysical and elastic parameters, and the statistical approach is used to describe the intrinsic connection among the multiple reservoir parameters based on well log data. The numerical experiments indicate that the traditional separate prediction method and the new joint inversion method can quickly obtain more accurate results. In the application examples of real data, the inversion results can be matched to the well log data within the limits of the input data resolution, which further verifies the reliability and application potential of this new method.