bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The “S” in “STEM”: education and policies amid and post-COVID-19
Authors: Samarji Ahmad
Published: January 2024

Governments worldwide have been trying to direct more students towards STEM specialty areas, but the number of students majoring in STEM and seeking a STEM career path is not proportional to their efforts. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the surface the unrealistic expectations and false assumptions held by the general public about STEM fields. These have mainly been shaped by the “T” in the acronym, substituting technology for science. This brief urges for a policy shift in STEM and science education to reveal the true nature of science, emphasizing that science is not about providing definite answers nor granting miraculous solutions but about creating and disseminating knowledge based on the most accurate outcome informed by empirical evidence. Such a policy change will have a dual effect. First, it will ensure students authentically appreciate the nature of science, serve as agents of scientific thinking and reasoning within their communities, and become more oriented towards STEM majors. Secondly, this policy shift will prompt more realistic expectations and valid assumptions about science for the general public, which will help reduce public confusion and uncertainty, specifically at times of pandemics or emergencies.
Co-creation for sustainability: SDG 17 as a lever of change
Authors: Ansell Christopther , Soerensen Eva , Torfing Jacob
Published: January 2024

This policy brief argues that that co-creation provides an ideal strategy for mobilizing local actors and fostering innovative public value solutions that can tackle the complex problems that inform the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and provide 10 recommendations to those who aim to stimulate collaboration between local actors. It accompanies the publication of a golden open access volume titled Co-creating for Sustainability that the authors of this policy brief also authored.
Female teacher's perceptions of African-American male elementary school students who misbehave: a narrative inquiry
Authors: Williams Wellington
Published: January 2024

Disruptive students in the classroom can affect classroom dynamics and individual teacher-student interactions. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to discover perceptions female teachers harbor toward misbehaving African-American elementary school males. The study incorporated a narrative inquiry to investigate perceptions female teachers have toward African-American male elementary school students. The research project involved a purposeful sample of eight female elementary teachers, four African-American teachers and four Caucasian teachers from one public school district in the southeastern United States. The female teachers reflected on their lived experiences and perceptions derived from experiences and encounters they have with African-American elementary school males. Data collection from the study occurred through individual responses from a survey and follow-up telephone interviews. From teacher's descriptions of perceived successes and failures, coded commonalities in reports, labeled themes, conclusions, and recommendations resulted from data collection and analysis. The findings revealed some African-American male elementary school students misbehave in the classroom and others do not. The term “misbehave” is based upon the experiences and type of interactions and exchanges teachers had with African-American male students in the classroom and African-American males outside the school environment. Gender, culture, and language may factor in creating effective teacherstudent interactions to enable better relationships and student outcomes.
Helping consumers weather the storm: the impact of consumer-targeted resiliency programs on firm value
Authors: Bahmani Navid , Yazdanparast Atefeh
Published: January 2024

Purpose

With the goal of helping consumers bounce back from the financial challenges they faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many firms developed and announced consumer-targeted resiliency programs (e.g. Walgreens waived delivery fees, Associated Bank allowed deferred mortgage payments). However, there is a paucity of research examining the unique features of these programs, and whether firms' investors (the first external stakeholder group to provide them with feedback regarding their strategies) were receptive to these programs during a period of time in which firms themselves were suffering financially. Drawing on resilience theory and stakeholder theory, the present research incorporates an event study of consumer-targeted resiliency program announcements to understand their financial implications for firms, and to learn whether firms witnessed different financial effects as a result of firm- and program-specific factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study referred to business news publications and newswire services to collect a comprehensive list of consumer-targeted resiliency programs announced by publicly traded U.S. firms during the pandemic. The resulting dataset consisted of 145 announcements made during the period of February–June 2020. An event study was conducted in order to precisely measure the main effect of consumer-targeted resiliency programs on firm value, as manifested through abnormal stock returns. Finally, a moderation analysis (regression) was conducted to uncover whether firm characteristics or specific features of firms' consumer-targeted resiliency programs lead certain firms to witness stronger financial effects than others.

Findings

The main effect of consumer-targeted resiliency programs on firm value was found to be positive – a 1.9% increase on average. The moderation analysis finds that non-financial firms were rewarded more positively than financial firms (e.g. banks and credit card companies). In addition, financial aid (i.e. allowing customers to defer their payments to a firm for its products/services, versus a reduction in the price of a product/service or offering it for free or giving cash back to customers) and temporal characteristics (i.e. an offer being framed as limited-time, vs being indefinite or for the foreseeable future) are not found to have a moderating effect.

Originality/value

This theory-driven empirical study uncovers practical implications for managers of firms interested in whether investing in corporate social responsibility during times of crisis is a wise allocation of resources. Any form of financial aid for consumers, regardless of temporal limitations, is received positively by investors.
Unravelling the experiences of incarcerated individuals living with HIV on ART: a qualitative study in Ghanaian prisons
Authors: Abraham Susanna Aba , Cudjoe Obed , Nartey Yvonne Ayerki , Agyare Elizabeth , Annor Francis , Tawiah Benedict Osei , Nyampong Matilda , Owusu Kwadwo Koduah , Abdulai Marijanatu , Addo Stephen Ayisi , Obiri-Yeboah Dorcas
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) goal to end the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic as a public health threat by 2030 emphasises the importance of leaving no one behind. To determine progress towards the elimination goal in Ghana, an in-depth understanding of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care from the perspective of vulnerable populations such as persons living with HIV in incarceration is necessary. This study aims to explore the experiences of incarcerated individuals living with HIV (ILHIV) and on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in selected Ghanaian prisons to help inform policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative approach involving in-depth interviews with 16 purposively selected ILHIV on ART from purposively selected prisons. Interviews were conducted between October and December 2022. Thematic analysis was performed using the ATLAS.Ti software.

Findings

Three themes were generated from the analysis: waking up to a positive HIV status; living with HIV a day at a time; and being my brother’s keeper: preventing HIV transmission. All participants underwent HIV screening at the various prisons. ILHIV also had access to ART although those on remand had challenges with refills. Stigma perpetuated by incarcerated individuals against those with HIV existed, and experiences of inadequate nutrition among incarcerated individuals on ART were reported. Opportunities to improve the experiences of the ILHIV are required to improve care and reduce morbidity and mortality.

Originality/value

Through first-hand experiences from ILHIV in prisons, this study provides the perception of incarcerated individuals on HIV care in prisons. The insights gained from this study can contribute to the development of targeted interventions and strategies to improve HIV care and support for incarcerated individuals.
Human capital and innovation in Uruguayan manufacturing firms
Authors: Segantini Marcos
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Firms are the primary producers of innovations, and understanding how these agents acquire, update and manage the knowledge of their employees is central to understanding economic growth. However, in developing economies, technology adaptation plays a critical role in innovation compared to knowledge creation. Thus, this research investigates the role of human capital in innovation at the firm level in the case of a small developing economy, which ranks highly on several human capital dimensions but shows declining levels of investment in advanced human capital development in its manufacturing sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This research examines the relationship between innovation and human capital at the firm level in a small peripheral economy. The human capital theory is applied to a firm context to understand variations in innovative behavior depending on the size of manufacturing companies. The effect of several human capital dimensions on product innovation is estimated by applying binomial logistic regression models with firm and time-fixed effects.

Findings

This article contributes to innovation economics and public policy by highlighting that not all dimensions of human capital operate similarly for all companies in the context of developing economies. In such settings, technology adaptation plays a critical role in innovation. While employees' human capital endowments significantly impact small firms in that context, firm-level practices such as internal training are crucial for large companies. Consequently, policymakers should consider that firms' human capital endowments impact their innovative behavior differently to avoid one-size-fits-all policy design approaches in this regard.

Originality/value

Prior research on the relationship between human capital and innovation in developing economies was based on a cross-sectional approach. This research's unique panel dataset covering 11-year triennial innovation surveys enabled a modeling strategy that controls for time-invariant unobservable firm characteristics. Three aspects of firms' human capital have been analyzed human capital endowments, internal training and human resource management (HRM) practices for the first time longitudinally in a developing economy, enabling to contrast of empirical findings with policy design.
Mapping the knowledge of green innovation: a systematic literature review
Authors: Rupasinghe L.R. , Pushpakumari M.D. , Perera G.D.N.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Green innovations (GI) is an emerging field that presents an opportunity to thrive in the competitive market. Nevertheless, in the field of green innovation, there is no clear and complete picture. To fill this gap the current study was conducted with the following objectives. (1) To identify existing knowledge on green innovation and offer bibliographic insights through a systematic literature review (SLR), (2) To comprehend the areas in which research is lacking within the territory of green innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The SLR methodology was employed in this study, following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 381 articles published between 2015 and 2023 were extracted from Lens org. database for review. Additionally, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to fulfill the research objectives.

Findings

The findings revealed that the field of green innovation lacks sufficient scholarly attention, despite being an emerging area. As a result, several gaps have been identified, encompassing various aspects of green innovation. These gaps include areas such as green innovation behavior, green finance, barriers to green innovation, green product innovation, green technological innovation and more.

Originality/value

This study adds to the existing body of knowledge on green innovation by addressing identified knowledge gaps. In particular, this knowledge contributes to future researchers aiming to design and conduct studies that target these identified research gaps.
Application of artificial intelligence in libraries: a bibliometric analysis and visualisation of research activities
Authors: Vasishta Prihana , Dhingra Navjyoti , Vasishta Seema
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This research aims to analyse the current state of research on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in libraries by examining document type, publication year, keywords, country and research methods. The overarching aim is to enrich the existing knowledge of AI-powered libraries by identifying the prevailing research gaps, providing direction for future research and deepening the understanding needed for effective policy development.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used advanced tools such as bibliometric and network analysis, taking the existing literature from the SCOPUS database extending to the year 2022. This study analysed the application of AI in libraries by identifying and selecting relevant keywords, extracting the data from the database, processing the data using advanced bibliometric visualisation tools and presenting and discussing the results. For this comprehensive research, the search strategy was approved by a panel of computer scientists and librarians.

Findings

The majority of research concerning the application of AI in libraries has been conducted in the last three years, likely driven by the fourth industrial revolution. Results show that highly cited articles were published by Emerald Group Holdings Ltd. However, the application of AI in libraries is a developing field, and the study highlights the need for more research in areas such as Digital Humanities, Machine Learning, Robotics, Data Mining and Big Data in Academic Libraries.

Research limitations/implications

This study has excluded papers written in languages other than English that address domains beyond libraries, such as medicine, health, education, science and technology.

Practical implications

This article offers insight for managers and policymakers looking to implement AI in libraries. By identifying clusters and themes, the article would empower managers to plan ahead, mitigate potential drawbacks and seize opportunities for sustainable growth.

Originality/value

Previous studies on the application of AI in libraries have taken a broad approach, but this study narrows its focus to research published explicitly in Library and Information Science (LIS) journals. This makes it unique compared to previous research in the field.
Comprehensive board composition and corporate social responsibility disclosure: a case of Jordan before and after the Arab Spring crisis
Authors: Ghassab Esam Emad , Tilt Carol , Rao Kathyayini Kathy
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of social movements engendered by the Arab Spring crisis on the relationship between corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) and corporate governance attributes, particularly board composition, considering the importance of governance after the Arab Spring event.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis was used to examine the extent and nature of CSRD in annual reports of Jordanian companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange covering the period 2009–2016. A dynamic regression model using panel data is then undertaken for a sample of 114 listed companies over the period to analyse the potential impact of board composition on the level of CSRD.

Findings

The results reveal that there was a significant increase in the level of CSRD post-the Arab Spring crisis; and that governance appears to be a key driver. Specifically, board age, directors educated in business and/or accounting-related fields and foreign members are found to have a significant positive relationship with CSRD.

Originality/value

Looking at the Arab region pre- and after the Arab Spring helps to complete the global picture of how company governance can lead to improved CSR performance. Specifically, this region has been behind in developing rules and codes that include CSR. The results show that having a diverse board, with directors with expertise specific to the context, increases the effectiveness of stakeholder management through CSRD. The results, therefore, offer valuable insights for companies, policymakers and for the development of regulations.
The effect of resource slack on organizational decline of large Brazilian companies: the moderating effect of the industry’s dynamic
Authors: Pinto Rosiele , Serra Fernando , Falaster Christian , Guerrazzi Luiz Antonio de Camargo , Ferreira Manuel Portugal
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of resource slack on the decline of Brazilian companies, with a particular focus on the moderating role of environmental dynamism. The authors specifically examine three types of resource slack: available, potential and recoverable. These represent surplus resources that exceed what is necessary for the organization’s basic operations. The role of environmental dynamism, characterized by rapid changes in customer preferences, technologies and competitive dynamics, is considered as a moderating factor in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used data from Brazilian companies spanning from 1997 to 2008. The research sample was composed using the matching-pairs method, which included a group of publicly traded companies that experienced decline (43 companies) and a group that did not (40 companies) within the specified timeframe.

Findings

Findings of this study indicate that the presence of available slack, being more liquid resources, decreases the likelihood of organizational decline. Furthermore, the moderation effect of potential resource slack can mitigate decline in companies operating in dynamic industries.

Originality/value

This research provides valuable insights into the impact of slack resources on potential organizational turnarounds. Given the relative scarcity of resources in these companies compared to those in developed countries, whether they be financial, human or technological, the study highlights the unique influence of slack in a less explored institutional environment. This research underscores the importance of examining the decline of Brazilian companies from a broader perspective, emphasizing that decisions regarding resource use can have significant implications on a company’s trajectory, either amplifying or mitigating its decline.
Procedurally just policing and persons in behavioral crises: investigating public perceptions, stigma and emotion
Authors: Roche Sean Patrick , Jones Angela M. , Hewitt Ashley N. , Vaughan Adam
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The police often respond to persons who are not in direct violation of the law, but are rather undergoing behavioral crises due to mental illness or substance abuse disorders. The purpose of this study is to examine how police behavior influences civilian bystanders' emotional responses and perceptions of procedural justice (PPJ) when officers interact with these populations, which traditionally have been stigmatized in American culture.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a factorial vignette approach, the authors investigate whether perceived public stigma moderates the relationship between police behaviors (i.e. CIT tactics, use of force) and PPJ. The authors also investigate whether emotional reactions mediate the relationship between police behaviors and PPJ.

Findings

Regardless of suspect population (mental illness, substance use), use of force decreased participants' PPJ, and use of CIT tactics increased PPJ. These effects were consistently mediated by anger, but not by fear. Interactive effects of police behavior and perceived public stigma on PPJ were mixed.

Originality/value

Fear and anger may operate differently as antecedents to PPJ. Officers should note using force on persons in behavioral crisis, even if legally justifiable, seems to decrease PPJ. They should weigh this cost pragmatically, alongside other circumstances, when making discretionary decisions about physically engaging with a person in crisis.
Translating Buddhist mindfulness into action: engaging older Thai adults in participatory action research
Authors: Doungphummes Nuntiya , Bhibulbhanuvat Sirintorn , Boonrugsa Theeraphong
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate and discuss the application of mindfulness practices rooted in Buddhism as the methodological praxis in implementing participatory action research (PAR) projects with older Thai adults.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the researchers' reflexive accounts of participatory action conducted with older Thai participants in a series of four PAR projects in the five senior schools located in the northern, southern, northeastern and central regions of Thailand.

Findings

The paper demonstrates the translation of Buddhist mindfulness into a PAR methodological approach and shares actual practices of mindfulness in each stage of the research process.

Originality/value

This paper provides practical implications for researchers to incorporate the mindfulness methodology to unlock presuppositions and attachments to pre-existing PAR frameworks and open new ways of knowing that emerge out of the lived experience at the present contextual moment.
Nectar robbers and simulated robbing differ in their effects on nectar microbial communities
Authors: Luizzi Victoria J. , Harrington Alison H. , Bronstein Judith L. , Arnold A. Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

Floral nectar contains microbes that can influence nectar chemistry and pollinator visitation, and these microbial communities can be affected by pollinators in turn. Some flowers are also visited by nectar robbers, which feed on nectar through holes cut in floral tissue. If nectar robbers alter nectar microbial communities, they might have unexpected impacts on pollinator visitation. We investigated whether robbing could affect nectar microbial communities directly, by introducing microbes, or indirectly, by triggering a plant response to floral damage. We applied four treatments to flowers of Tecoma × “Orange Jubilee” (Bignoniaceae) in an arboretum setting: flowers were (1) covered to exclude all visitors; (2) available to both pollinators and nectar robbers and robbed naturally by carpenter bees; (3) available to pollinators only but cut at the base to simulate nectar robbing damage; or (4) available to pollinators only. We found that nectar in flowers accessible to any visitors was more likely to contain culturable microbes than flowers from which visitors were excluded. Microbial community composition and beta diversity were similar across treatments. Among flowers containing culturable microbes, flowers available to pollinators and nectar robbers had higher microbial abundance than flowers with simulated robbing, but there were no differences between flowers available to pollinators and robbers and unwounded flowers from which robbers were excluded. Overall, our results suggest that floral damage can affect some features of nectar microbial communities, but specific effects of nectar robbing are limited compared with the influence of visitation in general.
Histories of aging and gender variability: Old age in the nineteenth‐century ‘Hijra’/‘Eunuch’ archive
Authors: Hinchy Jessica
Published: January 2024

Queer, trans and gender histories have destabilised concepts of childhood and adolescence and thereby shown how age‐stratification and normative notions of time are produced through gender and sexual normativity. However, scholars can productively consider how gender variability produces, negotiates or unravels hegemonic concepts of old age. This article analyses narratives about old age and gender variability from late nineteenth‐century north India. While elderly, gender non‐conforming people were often constructed as soon‐to‐die, this article highlights more capacious meanings of old age.
Corruption and trust in the European Parliament: Quasi‐experimental evidence from the Qatargate scandal
Authors: HEGEWALD SVEN , SCHRAFF DOMINIK
Published: January 2024

Citizens' ability to hold corrupt politicians accountable is a key feature of democratic political systems. Particularly in the European Union (EU), such accountability mechanisms are often argued to malfunction due to the EU's complicated and opaque institutional structure, which could compromise voters' basic abilities to detect political malpractice in Brussels. Putting EU voters' attentiveness to the test, we provide quasi‐experimental evidence of the causal effect of a recent corruption scandal in the European Parliament. Leveraging an ‘Unexpected Event during Survey Design’ identification strategy in France and Germany, we document a sizeable negative effect of the so‐called Qatargate scandal on public trust in the European Parliament. This provides causal evidence on the presence of attentiveness to EU politics within these electorates. Given the EU's complex institutional structure, we derive two alternative implications from this finding.
The Long‐Term Economic Impact of Abenomics: Evidence from the Synthetic Control Method
Authors: Matti Josh
Published: January 2024

This paper examines the long‐term causal impact of Abenomics, a comprehensive policy package aiming to revitalise the Japanese economy. Using the Synthetic Control Method (SCM), the study assesses the effects of Abenomics across a variety of economic indicators. The findings reveal mixed impacts, with no evidence of Abenomics reducing budget deficits or boosting exports, but a positive effect on real GDP per capita paired with a reduction in the unemployment rate. The evidence regarding the effect on labor force participation rates is weaker, with primarily statistically insignificant increases observed. These results offer insights into the effectiveness of comprehensive policy interventions and provide lessons for policymakers globally in the midst of a global economic slowdown.
Evolution of motivation in co‐creation: Recruit, retain and complete in a project on new food product co‐creation
Authors: Klincewicz Krzysztof , Jacobsen Lina Fogt , Dębska Katarzyna , Gazdecki Michał , Goryńska‐Goldmann Elżbieta , Król Katarzyna , Lähteenmäki Liisa , Wielicka‐Regulska Anna , Zatorska Magdalena
Published: January 2024

The study explores the motivation of consumers to join and participate in new product co‐creation, distinguishing between recruitment before, retainment during and finalizing of a co‐creation project. The research is based on follow‐up interviews with participants in a project covering the initial stages of new food product development (i.e., idea generation, idea screening and concept development) involving older consumers and carried out in a physical environment. Different motivation factors were deemed important by consumers before, during and at the closure of the project. Consumers joined the project motivated by curiosity and desire to meet new people. While performing the creative tasks, they continued the engagement due to the positive anticipation and enjoyment of new activities, as well as positive feedback loops. At the closure of the project, the usefulness of outcomes and the received recognition became important and strengthened the perceived creative self‐efficacy of participants. The findings offer useful recommendations for organizers of co‐creation, enabling the recruitment and retainment of consumers who could successfully deliver creative outputs and complete the project. The study offers novel insights relevant to participatory innovations looking at the temporal dimension of motivation to co‐create and highlights the dynamic changes in salience of the motivation factors.
IRG1 restrains M2 macrophage polarization and suppresses intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma progression via the CCL18/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Zhou Menghua , Yu Hongjun , Bai Miaoyu , Lu Shounan , Wang Chaoqun , Ke Shanjia , Huang Jingjing , Li Zihao , Xu Yanan , Yin Bing , Li Xinglong , Feng Zhigang , Fu Yao , Jiang Hongchi , Ma Yong
Published: January 2024

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a highly malignant and aggressive cancer whose incidence and mortality continue to increase, whereas its prognosis remains dismal. Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) promote malignant progression and immune microenvironment remodeling through direct contact and secreted mediators. Targeting TAMs has emerged as a promising strategy for ICC treatment. Here, we revealed the potential regulatory function of immune responsive gene 1 (IRG1) in macrophage polarization. We found that IRG1 expression remained at a low level in M2 macrophages. IRG1 overexpression can restrain macrophages from polarizing to the M2 type, which results in inhibition of the proliferation, invasion, and migration of ICC, whereas IRG1 knockdown exerts the opposite effects. Mechanistically, IRG1 inhibited the tumor‐promoting chemokine CCL18 and thus suppressed ICC progression by regulating STAT3 phosphorylation. The intervention of IRG1 expression in TAMs may serve as a potential therapeutic target for delaying ICC progression.
Incremental prognostic utility of left ventricular and left atrial strains in coronary artery disease patients with reduced systolic function
Authors: Lu Shi‐Rui , Zhu Ying , Zhou Wei , Zhang Jun , Deng You‐Bin , Liu Ya‐Ni
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) and left atrial reservoir strain (LARS) on adverse events in chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with reduced systolic function.

Methods

A total of 192 consecutive patients clinically diagnosed with chronic CAD and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 50% were finally included. Multiple strain parameters were analyzed with speckle tracking echocardiography. The composite endpoint included all‐cause mortality, rehospitalization due to heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke.

Results

Patients experiencing the endpoint showed lower LVEF, lower absolute GLS and LARS than those without events. Both GLS (AUC = 0.82 [GLS] vs. 0.58 [LVEF], p < 0.001) and LARS (AUC = 0.71 [LARS] vs. 0.58 [LVEF], p = 0.033) were superior to LVEF in predicting adverse events. Multivariate cox regression analysis showed that both GLS (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.63–0.79; p < 0.001) and LARS (hazard ratio, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93–0.98; p < 0.001) were independent predictors for the endpoint. The addition of LARS (global chi‐squared, 35.7 vs. 17.4; p < 0.05), GLS (global chi‐squared, 58.6 vs. 17.4; p < 0.05) or both LARS and GLS (global chi‐squared, 79.6 vs. 17.4; p < 0.05) to LVEF in the prediction model significantly improved its performance. The same significant improvement was also shown in the subgroups of mild (30% < LVEF ≤ 50%) and severe (LVEF ≤ 30%) reduced systolic function.

Conclusions

Regarding CAD patients with reduced LVEF, both GLS and LARS are superior to LVEF in predicting adverse events, providing significant incremental value to LVEF.
Representation in action
Authors: Hinshelwood Alec
Published: January 2024

When one is intentionally doing something, one represents that thing as a goal to be accomplished. One represents it practically. How should we characterize this practical representation further? In this paper, I argue that when one is intentionally doing something, one's representation of it as a goal to be accomplished must also be knowledge that one is intentionally doing that thing. And I argue that this knowledge must itself be one's intentionally doing that thing. I aim to show, then, that insofar as representing practically just is knowing practically, it is equally acting intentionally.
What is the quack about? Legitimation strategies and their perceived appropriateness in the foie gras industry
Authors: Claes Björn , Siraz Sonia S. , de Castro Julio , Lapeyre Eléanor Maéva
Published: January 2024

This study contributes to the legitimacy literature by investigating the perceived appropriateness of legitimation strategies used by controversial organizations. Through a mixed‐method approach comprising interviews and conjoint experiments, we shed light on how evaluators perceive the appropriateness of five legitimation strategies used by the foie gras industry in France and how evaluators' environmentalism and media skepticism influence their perceptions. Some strategies favored by the industry are perceived as inappropriate by evaluators and thus may obstruct or, worse, counter the intended goal of legitimacy enhancement. Moreover, we observe that evaluators' high environmentalism and high media skepticism affect the perceived appropriateness of the strategies, albeit not of all five. Evaluators with high media skepticism favor explanation discourses and strategies that establish a common identity of the industry. Evaluators with high environmentalism favor the use of recognizable quality standards and labels, yet they are wary of high levels of organization through structured representation of industry interests.
Analytical modeling of fatigue crack growth in plastically pre‐strained steels
Authors: Prosgolitis Christos G. , Kermanidis Alexis T.
Published: January 2024

Α fatigue crack growth analysis to simulate the effect of plastic pre‐straining on fatigue crack growth by taking into account the cyclic material properties is presented. A critical energy concept is implemented, which correlates the critical energy for failure under low cycle fatigue with the critical energy at the crack tip from the SED criterion, using an appropriate scaling factor. The fatigue damage process area controlling the crack increment is defined by the cyclic plastic zone. Analytical fatigue crack growth rates in plastically pre‐strained steels are verified and compared with experimental data in the S355MC and S460MC HSLA steels showing good agreement.
Older adult consumers and local competition in the healthcare service
Authors: Kim Jeeyeon , Jo Wooyong , Kim Alex Jiyoung , Choi Jeonghye
Published: January 2024

Population aging is a global phenomenon observed in many developed economies. On the one hand, this trend suggests significant opportunities for healthcare providers due to increasing service demand. On the other hand, it also implies that the industry requires new managerial knowledge to accommodate older adult consumers. In this research, we propose and examine the impact of older adult consumers on healthcare provider performance and identify boundary conditions related to two types of competition: intra‐ and inter‐competition. Using longitudinal data on healthcare provider revenues, we find that an increase in the older adult population increases the revenues of generalists but decreases those of specialists. Second, the positive effect of elderly consumers on generalists is amplified when intra‐competition (from same‐type physicians) increases and diminishes when inter‐competition (from different‐type physicians) intensifies. Third, for specialist healthcare providers, the negative impact of older adult population is mitigated by intra‐competition but exacerbated when inter‐competition becomes strong. Our results offer theoretical implications for the healthcare service marketing literature and managerial insights into decisions related to healthcare service locations. Specifically, our findings suggest that healthcare providers need to carefully consider the proportion of older adult consumers, the presence of local competitors, and their own specialties, as these factors all have a meaningful impact on performance.
Effectiveness of mindfulness‐based interventions delivered via technology versus therapist among patients on peritoneal dialysis at an outpatient clinic in Singapore
Authors: Aw Mei Yi , Henderson Stacey , Chan Yiong Huak , Doshi Kinjal , Htay Htay , Agus Nurliyana , Yan Wu Sin , Foo Marjorie , Aloweni Fazila
Published: January 2024

Aims

This study aimed to (i) evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness‐based interventions in improving self‐efficacy, reducing stress and anxiety among peritoneal dialysis patients, and (ii) compare the most effective method of mindfulness based interventions.

Methods

This randomized three‐arm controlled trial recruited first‐time peritoneal dialysis patients from the peritoneal dialysis outpatient clinic in Singapore. Patients were randomly allocated to either video‐assisted mindfulness training, therapist‐assisted mindfulness training or treatment‐as‐usual. All groups received 4.5 days of structured peritoneal dialysis training at the peritoneal dialysis centre, while video‐assisted mindfulness training and therapist‐assisted mindfulness training groups were taught additional mindfulness‐based techniques. The perceived stress scale, self‐efficacy, and anxiety (State and Trait Anxiety Inventory) were measured at baseline, 4‐ and 12 weeks post‐randomization, using reliable and valid instruments.

Results

Thirty‐nine patients were recruited (13 in each group). All the therapies showed a significant time trend in anxiety. Only therapist‐ and video‐assisted mindfulness training showed a significant trend in perceived stress scale scores but not treatment‐as‐usual. All Intervention X Time interactions were not significant. Patients in therapist‐ and video‐assisted mindfulness training groups had reduced perceived stress scale scores compared to treatment‐as‐usual at week 12.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the potential of mindfulness‐based interventions in reducing stress among first‐time PD patients.
Loans for welfare benefit recipients: Evidence from the Sample of Integrated Welfare Benefit Biographies (SIG) 2007–2020
Authors: Dummert Sandra , Grunau Philipp , Hohmeyer Katrin , Lietzmann Torsten
Published: January 2024

The Sample of Integrated Welfare Benefit Biographies (SIG) provides comprehensive administrative data on the labour market participation, household composition and financial situation of welfare benefit recipients and their household members in Germany between 2007 and 2020. The SIG data enables research on the dynamics of welfare receipt and labour market participation of welfare recipients. The aim of the article is to introduce the SIG and to showcase its analytical potential by empirically examining benefit loans that can be granted by welfare agencies when unexpected expenses cannot be covered by welfare recipients themselves. Loans and detailed further financial information available can be used to assess the severity of financial restrictions during welfare receipt. We found that 2% of welfare recipients received loans at least once during their benefit episode and that loans were most likely to be granted right at the beginning of a benefit episode. Moreover, the likelihood of loans increased with higher benefit needs and when a parallel employment episode started.
Tissue biomarkers of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy
Authors: Davoudi Fatemeh , Moradi Afshin , Sadeghirad Habib , Kulasinghe Arutha
Published: January 2024

Cancer immunotherapy has been rejuvenated by the growing understanding of the immune system's role in tumor activity over the past two decades. During cancer initiation and progression, tumor cells employ various mechanisms that resemble peripheral immune tolerance to evade the antitumor responses of the immune system. Immune checkpoint molecules are the major mechanism of immune resistance that are exploited by tumor cells to inhibit T‐cell activation and suppress immune responses. The targeting of immune checkpoint pathways has led to substantial improvements in survival rates in a number of solid cancers. However, a lack of understanding of the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) has resulted in inefficient therapy responses. A greater understanding of the TME is needed to identify patients likely to respond, and those that will have resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Advancement in spatial single‐cell technologies has allowed deeper insight into the phenotypic and functional diversities of cells in the TME. In this review, we provide an overview of ICI biomarkers and highlight how high‐dimensional spatially resolved, single‐cell approaches provide deep molecular insights into the TME and allow for the discovery of biomarkers of clinical benefit.
Primary and secondary defects of the thymus
Authors: Dinges Sarah S. , Amini Kayla , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Delmonte Ottavia M.
Published: January 2024

The thymus is the primary site of T‐cell development, enabling generation, and selection of a diverse repertoire of T cells that recognize non‐self, whilst remaining tolerant to self‐ antigens. Severe congenital disorders of thymic development (athymia) can be fatal if left untreated due to infections, and thymic tissue implantation is the only cure. While newborn screening for severe combined immune deficiency has allowed improved detection at birth of congenital athymia, thymic disorders acquired later in life are still underrecognized and assessing the quality of thymic function in such conditions remains a challenge. The thymus is sensitive to injury elicited from a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors, and its self‐renewal capacity decreases with age. Secondary and age‐related forms of thymic dysfunction may lead to an increased risk of infections, malignancy, and autoimmunity. Promising results have been obtained in preclinical models and clinical trials upon administration of soluble factors promoting thymic regeneration, but to date no therapy is approved for clinical use. In this review we provide a background on thymus development, function, and age‐related involution. We discuss disease mechanisms, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for primary and secondary thymic defects.
USP11 promotes glycolysis by regulating HIF‐1α stability in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Qiao Lijun , Hu Weibin , Li Linzhi , Chen Xin , Liu Liping , Wang Jingbo
Published: January 2024

Understanding the mechanisms underlying metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial for developing new therapies against this fatal disease. Deubiquitinase ubiquitin‐specific protease 11 (USP11) belongs to the deubiquitinating family and has previously been reported to play a critical role in cancer pathogenesis. Although it has been established that USP11 can facilitate the metastasis and proliferation ability of HCC, the underlying regulatory mechanisms are poorly understood. The primary objective of this research was to reveal hitherto undocumented functions of USP11 during HCC progression, especially those related to metabolism. Under hypoxic conditions, USP11 was found to significantly impact the glycolysis of HCC cells, as demonstrated through various techniques, including RNA‐Seq, migration and colony formation assays, EdU and co‐immunoprecipitation. Interestingly, we found that USP11 interacted with the HIF‐1α complex and maintained HIF‐1α protein stability by removing ubiquitin. Moreover, USP11/HIF‐1α could promote glycolysis through the PDK1 and LDHA pathways. In general, our results demonstrate that USP11 promotes HCC proliferation and metastasis through HIF‐1α/LDHA‐induced glycolysis, providing new insights and the experimental basis for developing new treatments for this patient population.
Comparative digestive biology between the ponyfishes from the Pranburi River estuary, Thailand
Authors: Kanjanarakha Tassaporn , Senarat Sinlapachai , Angsujinda Kitipong , Kaneko Gen , lida Atsuo , Kosiyachinda Pahol , Tongtako Witchaya , Imsonpang Supapong , Kettratad Jes
Published: January 2024

We investigated the digestive biology of two prevalent leiognathid species in Pranburi River estuary, Thailand: the decorated ponyfish (Nuchequula gerreoides) and the splendid polyfish (Eubleekeria splendens). A total of 632 samples collected from February to April and September to November 2017 were analysed using morphological and histological approaches. The overall structures were similar between the species: a short mucous‐cell‐rich oesophagus region, a well‐developed gastric gland uniformly present across the stomach's mucosal layer, and three finger‐like pyloric caeca between the stomach and intestine. However, there were marked differences in the mouth, gill raker, and intestinal coefficient (IC). N. gerreoides had a relatively longer mouth, smoother gill rakers, and an IC of 1.08 ± 0.01, similar to those of other carnivorous fish. In contrast, the gill raker of E. splendens had more villiform teeth that can filter‐feed better, and their IC was 2.16 ± 0.02 (i.e., longer intestine). Although digestive structures were generally similar between the ponyfishes, these differences suggest that N. gerreoides is relatively carnivorous with stronger suction, whereas E. splendens may be an omnivorous or herbivorous filter‐feeder.
A life in the surf zone: Age and feeding habits of the pompano (Trachinotus ovatus, Linnaeus, 1758) on the beaches of the Gulf of Cádiz (south‐west Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Rodríguez‐García Carlos , Abad‐Rodríguez Isabel , López‐Báez Jesús , Cabrera‐Castro Remedios
Published: January 2024

Surf zones are crucial habitats for many fish species, where they spend the initial stages of their lives, finding food and shelter. One such species is the pompano (Trachinotus ovatus). The aim of this study was to examine the age and diet of the pompano within the surf zone, along with any potential variations in the environment. The average size of the specimens was 10.61 ± 4.91 cm. The length–weight relationship was total weight (TW) = 0.0136*total length (TL)2.8512 (parameter a: 95% C.I.: 0.0130–0.0142 and parameter b: 95% C.I.: 2.8318–2.8705). The most abundant age classes were 0+ and 1+, making up 97% of the captured specimens, with significant differences in the abundance of age classes depending on the time of the day and season. The pompano primarily fed on clupeiforms, copepods, and mysids, with significant variations in diet based on the time of the day, season, and size of the specimens. This study contributes new information about the use of the surf zone by T. ovatus in its early years of life, underscoring the importance of these areas and their role as an additional ecosystem service.