bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teachers implementing Zimbabwean sign language regulatory frameworks for deaf learners in special schools
Authors: Kwashira Reward
Published: October 2024

Effective implementation of sign language-based instruction is crucial for providing quality education to Deaf learners at special schools. Teachers experienced challenges to effectively implement sign language policies for the Deaf learners in Zimbabwean special schools. However, this study explores how teachers implement sign language regulatory frameworks for Deaf Learners in special schools. Drawing on qualitative data from teachers, headmasters, school inspectors, and psychologists. The findings revealed critical gaps in the in-service training and professional development opportunities available to teachers serving Deaf students. Despite teachers reporting difficulties with sign language fluency and inadequate understanding of Deaf culture and pedagogy, the study found a disconnect between teachers' expressed needs and the perspectives of district-level officials, who often did not perceive additional training as necessary. This study further highlights the heavy reliance on support from external donor organizations and NGOs to provide teachers with limited sign language workshops and resources. This overreliance on precarious external funding sources compromises the sustainability and scalability of professional development initiatives. The study's implications call for a comprehensive, government-led strategy to ensure all teachers in Deaf schools receive robust, long-term training in sign language, Deaf education methodologies, and Deaf cultural competence. Strengthening the capacity of the teaching workforce is essential for upholding the rights of Deaf learners to receive instruction in their primary language and achieving meaningful implementation of sign language policies. This study contributes vital empirical evidence to inform policy reforms and teacher training programmes to support using Zimbabwean Sign Language as a medium of instruction for the Deaf.
Exploring student teachers' stressors in teaching practice in the COVID-19 era in Masvingo District, Zimbabwe
Authors: Marenyenya Marvelous
Published: October 2024

This study explores student teachers' resilience in teaching practice in the COVID-19 era in Masvingo District, Zimbabwe. More specifically, the study was intended to gain insights into the significant teaching practice COVID-19-induced teaching practice stressors. This research study contributes new knowledge to the ongoing discourses about student teachers' resilience in teaching practice in the COVID-19 era. To explore student teachers' resilience on teaching practice in COVID-19 era, the study employed a qualitative social constructivist approach through a phenomenological research design. Data were generated through focus group discussions and in-depth semi-structured interviews. One teachers' college was conveniently sampled, and twenty-one student teachers and six student teachers' mentors were purposively sampled from three primary schools in Masvingo District, Zimbabwe. Data were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. The thematic findings revealed that student teachers teaching practice in the COVID-19 era are subjected to teaching practice stressors induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as fear of contracting the COVID-19 virus, illness, isolation, stigmatization and death, anxiety, uncertainty, hopelessness, economic hardships, prolonged teaching practice period, school closures, transference of face-to-face teaching to online learning. Finally, thematic results revealed that the capacity for resilience can be developed during initial teacher preparation, so the study recommends that the teacher education curriculum include a module on resilience.
Disseminating our knowledge in an inclusive society: An inaugural editorial statement
Authors: Mukuna Kananga Robert
Published: October 2024

Inclusive research is essential at all stages of research, including data collection and dissemination. This essay investigates how current literature and the practical application of inclusive practices in the academic setting illuminate this critical but often overlooked aspect of research. It offers the South African policy of Working Paper 6 (WP6) to clarify how the principle and policy of education for all learners can be implemented in inclusive societies and development, which confront various obstacles due to psychosocial issues. It discourses the purpose of the South African Policy of WP6 and its discourses in multiple contexts by adopting innovative and more inclusive techniques for dissemination, intellectual and developmental disability research, and analysis that can reach far beyond the academic walls. It finally discusses barriers to inclusive dissemination and methods to overcome them. Even though further research needs to be explored in this regard, this article would be beneficial to scholars to champion and implement inclusivity to make research more meaningful and accessible to all who are affected by any form of exclusion and discrimination in our society.
Dynamical Viability Assessment for Habitable Worlds Observatory Targets
Authors: Kane Stephen R. , Li Zhexing , Turnbull Margaret C. , Dressing Courtney D. , Harada Caleb K.
Published: October 2024

Exoplanetary science is increasingly prioritizing efforts toward direct imaging of planetary systems, with emphasis on those that may enable the detection and characterization of potentially habitable exoplanets. The recent 2020 Astronomy and Astrophysics decadal survey recommended the development of a space-based direct imaging mission that has subsequently been referred to as the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). A fundamental challenge in the preparatory work for the HWO search for exo-Earths is the selection of suitable stellar targets. Much of the prior efforts regarding the HWO targets has occurred within the context of exoplanet surveys that have characterized the stellar properties for the nearest stars. The preliminary input catalog for HWO consists of 164 stars, of which 30 are known exoplanet hosts to 70 planets. Here, we provide a dynamical analysis for these 30 systems, injecting a terrestrial planet mass into the habitable zone (HZ) and determining the constraints on stable orbit locations due to the influence of the known planets. For each system, we calculate the percentage of the HZ that is dynamically viable for the potential presence of a terrestrial planet, providing an additional metric for inclusion of the stars within the HWO target list. Our analysis shows that, for 11 of the systems, less than 50% of the HZ is dynamically viable, primarily due to the presence of giant planets whose orbits pass near or through the HZ. These results demonstrate the impact that known system architectures can have on direct imaging target selection and overall system habitability.
Observations of Extremely Metal-poor O Stars: Weak Winds and Constraints for Evolution Models
Authors: Telford O. Grace , Chisholm John , Sander Andreas A. C. , Ramachandran Varsha , McQuinn Kristen B. W. , Berg Danielle A.
Published: October 2024

Metal-poor massive stars drive the evolution of low-mass galaxies, both locally and at high redshift. However, quantifying the feedback they impart to their local surroundings remains uncertain because models of stellar evolution, mass loss, and ionizing spectra are unconstrained by observations below 20% solar metallicity (Z
⊙). We present new Keck Cosmic Web Imager optical spectroscopy of three O-type stars in the nearby dwarf galaxies Leo P, Sextans A, and WLM, which have gas-phase oxygen abundances of 3%–14% Z
⊙. To characterize their fundamental stellar properties and radiation-driven winds, we fit PoWR atmosphere models to the optical spectra simultaneously with Hubble Space Telescope far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectra and multiwavelength photometry. We find that all three stars have effective temperatures consistent with their spectral types and surface gravities typical of main-sequence dwarf stars. Yet, the combination of those inferred parameters and luminosity for the two lower-Z stars is not reproduced by stellar evolution models, even those that include rotation or binary interactions. The scenario of multiple-star systems is difficult to reconcile with all available data, suggesting that these observations pose a challenge to current evolution models. We highlight the importance of validating the relationship between stellar mass, temperature, and luminosity at very low Z for accurate estimates of ionizing photon production and spectral hardness. Finally, all three stars’ FUV wind profiles reveal low mass-loss rates and terminal wind velocities in tension with expectations from widely adopted radiation-driven wind models. These results provide empirical benchmarks for future development of mass-loss and evolution models for metal-poor stellar populations.
Dust Survival in Galactic Winds
Authors: Richie Helena M. , Schneider Evan E. , Abruzzo Matthew W. , Torrey Paul
Published: October 2024

We present a suite of high-resolution numerical simulations to study the evolution and survival of dust in hot galactic winds. We implement a novel dust framework in the Cholla hydrodynamics code and use wind tunnel simulations of cool, dusty clouds to understand how thermal sputtering affects the dust content of galactic winds. Our simulations illustrate how various regimes of cloud evolution impact dust survival, dependent on cloud size, wind properties, and dust grain size. We find that significant amounts of dust can survive in winds in all scenarios, even without shielding from the cool phase of outflows. We present an analytic framework that explains this result, along with an analysis of the impact of cloud evolution on the total fraction of dust survival. Using these results, we estimate that 60% of 0.1 μm dust that enters a starburst-driven wind could survive to populate both the hot and cool phases of the halo, based on a simulated distribution of cloud properties. We also investigate how these conclusions depend on grain size, exploring grains from 0.1 μm to 10 Å. Under most circumstances, grains smaller than 0.01 μm cannot withstand hot-phase exposure, suggesting that the small grains observed in the circumgalactic medium (CGM) are either formed in situ due to the shattering of larger grains, or must be carried there in the cool phase of outflows. Finally, we show that the dust-to-gas ratio of clouds declines as a function of distance from the galaxy due to cloud–wind mixing and condensation. These results provide an explanation for the vast amounts of dust observed in the CGMs of galaxies and beyond.
MEASNet. I. A Model for Barium Star Identification and s-process Abundance Estimation from LAMOST DR10 Low-resolution Survey
Authors: Song Shengjun , Kong Xiaoming , Bu Yude , Yi Zhenping , Liu Meng
Published: October 2024

Barium stars are peculiar stars with enhanced slow neutron capture process (s-process) elements. Abundance analysis of them aids in better understanding the chemical evolution of the Milky Way. In this paper, we introduce a data-driven method named the memory-enhanced adaptive spectral network (MEASNet) to search for barium candidates in the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) low-resolution survey (LRS) and estimate the abundance of five s-process elements: Sr, Y, Ba, Ce, and Nd. MEASNet, trained using spectra from common stars in both LAMOST and the Galactic Archaeology with HERMES survey, showcases notable performance: for the classification task, precision = 98.22% and recall = 94.12%; in prediction, the mean absolute error for the seven elements range between 0.07 and 0.15 dex. After training, we apply the model to 4,083,003 stellar spectra from LAMOST DR10 LRS, successfully identifying 1,803,670 spectra of barium candidates ([Ba/Fe] ≥ 0.25 dex) along with their five s-process elemental abundances. The catalog enlarges the sample size, providing a wealth of data for further statistical analysis of the formation and evolution of barium stars. Meanwhile, this work highlights the potential value of MEASNet in star classification and abundance estimation, offering a strong reference for future data-driven models.
Hunting for Sulfur-containing Molecules in Space: A Spectroscopic Characterization of Cyclopropenethione Based on High-level Ab Initio Calculations
Authors: Das Subhasish , Rauhut Guntram
Published: October 2024

Cyclopropenethione falls into the class of complex organic molecules but has not yet been observed in the interstellar medium or any circumstellar disks. However, its existence is very likely, and thus this study provides high-level ab initio predictions, which may serve as reference data for future observations or experimental work. Rovibrational configuration interaction theory based on multidimensional potential energy surfaces being obtained from explicitly correlated coupled-cluster calculations has been used to predict the fundamental vibrational modes, the microwave spectrum, and low-lying rovibrational transitions. Rotational constants as well as quartic and sextic centrifugal distortion constants were obtained from vibrational perturbation theory.
Sun-as-a-star Analysis of the X1.6 Flare on 2023 August 5: Dynamics of Postflare Loops in Spatially Integrated Observational Data
Authors: Otsu Takato , Asai Ayumi , Ikuta Kai , Shibata Kazunari
Published: October 2024

Postflare loops are loop-like plasmas observed during the decay phase of solar flares, and they are expected to exist for stellar flares. However, it is unclear how postflare loops are observed in stellar flares’ cases. To clarify behaviors of postflare loops in spatially integrated data, we performed the Sun-as-a-star analysis of the X1.6 flare that occurred on 2023 August 5, using GOES X-ray flux (∼107 K), extreme ultraviolet (EUV) images taken by Atmospheric Imaging Assembly on board the Solar Dynamic Observatory (≥104.9 K), and Hα data taken by Solar Dynamics Doppler Imager on board the Solar Magnetic Activity Research Telescope at Hida Observatory, Kyoto University (∼104 K). As a result, we found that this flare showed signatures corresponding to the important dynamics of the postflare loops even in the spatially integrated data: (1) The Hα light curve showed two distinct peaks corresponding to the flare ribbons and the postflare loops. The plasma cooling in the postflare loops generated different peak times in soft X-rays, EUV, and Hα light curves. (2) Downflows were confirmed as simultaneous redshifted/blueshifted absorptions in the Hα spectra. (3) The apparent rise of postflare loops was recognized as a slowing of the decay for the Hα light curve. These results are the key to investigating stellar postflare loops with spatially integrated data. We also discuss the dependence of our results on flare locations and their possible applications to stellar observations.
Monster Shocks, Gamma-Ray Bursts, and Black Hole Quasi-normal Modes from Neutron-star Collapse
Authors: Most Elias R. , Beloborodov Andrei M. , Ripperda Bart
Published: October 2024

We perform the first magnetohydrodynamic simulation tracking the magnetosphere of a collapsing magnetar. The collapse is expected for massive rotating magnetars formed in merger events and may occur many hours after the merger. Our simulation suggests a novel mechanism for a gamma-ray burst (GRB), which is uncollimated and forms a delayed high-energy counterpart of the merger gravitational waves. The simulation shows that the collapse launches an outgoing magnetospheric shock, and a hot magnetized outflow forms behind the shock. The outflow is baryon free and uncollimated, and its power peaks on a millisecond timescale. Then, the outflow becomes modulated by the ring-down of the nascent black hole, imprinting its kilohertz quasi-normal modes on the GRB tail.
The AMS-02 Cosmic-Ray Deuteron Flux is Consistent with a Secondary Origin
Authors: Yuan Qiang , Fan Yi-Zhong
Published: October 2024

The recent measurements of cosmic-ray (CR) deuteron fluxes by AMS-02 show that the rigidity dependence of deuterons is similar with that of protons but flatter than 3He, which has been attributed to the existence of primary deuterons with abundance much higher than that from the Big Bang nucleosynthesis. The requirement of highly deuteron-abundant sources imposes a serious challenge to modern astrophysics since there is no known process to produce a large amount of deuterons without violating other constraints. In this work we demonstrate that the fragmentation of heavy nuclei up to nickel plays a crucial role in shaping/enhancing the spectrum/flux of the CR deuterons. Based on the latest CR data, the predicted secondary fluxes of deuterons and 3He are found to be reasonably consistent with the AMS-02 measurements, and a primary deuteron component is not needed. The observed differences between the spectra of D and 3He, as well as those between the D/4He (D/p) and 3He/4He (3He/p) flux ratios, measured in the rigidity space, is probably due to the kinetic-energy-to-rigidity conversion and the solar modulation, given different charge-to-mass ratios of D and 3He. More precise measurements of the fragmentation cross sections of various nuclei to produce deuterons, tritons, and 3He in a wide energy range will be very helpful in further testing the secondary origin of cosmic-ray deuterons.
A plastron fragment reveals a previously unrecorded turtle species in the Eocene of Messel Pit, Germany
Authors: Ascarrunz Eduardo , Joyce Walter G.
Published: October 2024

Depending on taxonomic opinion, between four and five turtle species are well attested for the Middle Eocene Messel Pit formation of Germany. Here, we describe specimen SMF ME-3495 from the Messel collection of the Senckenberg Museum in Frankfurt, which unambiguously corresponds to an additional turtle species. The specimen consists of a partial anterior plastral lobe that can be distinguished from other Messel turtle taxa on the basis of the presence of gular tubercles, an extensive epiplastral lip, narrow gulars that lap onto the entoplastron, and a sinuous gulo-humeral sulcus. The fragment is not sufficient to diagnose another contemporary European turtle taxon, but its epiplastral lip morphology is reminiscent of “ptychogasterid” geoemydids (Cryptodira). We also remark on bone corrosion consistent with “shell disease” and distinctive coloration.
La alusión a romances en la literatura española (siglos XV-XVII)
Authors: Asensio Jiménez Nicolás , Araújo Teresa
Published: October 2024

El romancero influyó notablemente en la literatura española de los siglos XV, XVI y XVII. Además de numerosas obras inspiradas por sus historias y personajes, con frecuencia se intercalaban en los textos citas y alusiones a romances. María Goyri recopiló cerca de 1500 referencias romancísticas de este periodo, una colección que forma parte del Archivo del Romancero de la Fundación Menéndez Pidal. Partiendo de este inventario, se pretende realizar un estudio de la alusión a romances en la literatura española entre los siglos XV y XVII a través de la estadística descriptiva. Se comprobarán qué épocas, escritores, géneros y obras recurrieron con mayor y menor frecuencia a este recurso, qué temas, romances y versos tuvieron mayor popularidad y hasta qué punto se reformularon los versos formal y semánticamente en sus nuevos contextos literarios.
A otro perro con ese hueso: modelo fraseológico para el rechazo en la historia del español
Authors: Pérez-Salazar Carmela
Published: October 2024

En estas páginas se ofrece un estudio sociopragmático, con perspectiva histórica, de un grupo de fórmulas de rechazo en español. A través de los textos de las bases de datos de la Real Academia Española y a partir de la información que ofrecen diccionarios y repertorios publicados entre los siglos XV y XXI, se describen cuatro secuencias que se ajustan a un modelo sintáctico-semántico común. El análisis histórico descubre, en las de más recorrido, la ampliación de valores pragmáticos a través del tiempo; asimismo, permite observar en algunos contextos la relación de estas fórmulas con la (des)cortesía, e incluso su vinculación con determinados estados emocionales del hablante.
La Campiña de Córdoba: fonología y morfología. El caso de Santaella (1740-1820): entre España y América
Authors: Puerma Bonilla Javier
Published: October 2024

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo avanzar en el análisis de la fonología y de la morfología de la Campiña de Córdoba entre 1740 y 1820, a partir de un corpus epistolar de proximidad comunicativa perteneciente a la misma saga familiar en la villa de Santaella. Estudiaremos el vocalismo, el consonantismo y la forma -(s-z)g- en verbos terminados en -(e)cer y en -cir. Estableceremos un diálogo de base teórica y empírica con el objeto de determinar el alcance de los rasgos de nuestro corpus en el espacio hispanohablante de la época y, con base en lo anterior, discutir la pertinencia de algunas etiquetas de cobertura frecuentes en la descripción de dichos rasgos en la historia del español.
Transformative Learning in Higher Education
Authors: Gómez Tamara Guerrero , Pilar Juan Miguel Alcántara , Lamorena Álvaro J Rojas , López Eugenia Rodríguez
Published: October 2024

Higher education is undergoing a transformation towards student-centered approaches, moving away from traditional methods to embrace innovative methodologies that encourage active student participation in learning. This chapter explores the benefits of adopting non-conventional teaching methodologies to enhance student engagement and socialization across various subjects, as well as their acquisition of relevant knowledge and skills. A specific activity within the “Games of Marketing” project is detailed, which has been implemented over five academic years with high student approval. In summary, this chapter highlights the shift towards student-centered learning in higher education and the exploration of innovative teaching methodologies through the “Games of Marketing” project. It emphasizes the project's adaptability, its impact on student engagement, and its potential to enhance learning outcomes across diverse educational settings.
Optimizing Technology Audit Lifecycle
Authors: Gupta Moksh , Jena Abinash , Gupta Monal , Sharman Raj
Published: October 2024

This research chapter examines strategies to optimize the technology audit lifecycle, focusing on the growing reliance on IT and evolving regulatory demands. It reviews traditional IT audit phases—planning, fieldwork, monitoring, and follow-up—starting with the planning phase, which sets the audit's direction through analysis of standards, economic conditions, and prior findings. Fieldwork involves assessing controls, conducting interviews, and evaluating risks. Monitoring tracks the implementation of recommendations and management responses. Proposed optimization strategies include integrating data analytics in planning, adopting control self-assessment (CSA), utilizing generalized audit software, and enhancing reporting and follow-up. The chapter also explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on auditing, emphasizing the need for effective project management and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, it covers continuous auditing techniques and automation to improve audit effectiveness and efficiency.
Identifying Opportunities in the Enhancement of an Organization's Third-Party Risk Posture
Authors: Jena Abinash , Bhardwaj Annie , Murmu Rajdeep , Seeralan Prarthana , Gupta Manish , Sharman Raj
Published: October 2024

As organizations increasingly rely on third-party entities, managing third-party risks has become crucial for overall risk governance. This chapter explores third-party risk management (TPRM), highlighting past events, challenges, opportunities in due diligence, and evolving strategies for safeguarding organizational interests in a complex, interconnected business landscape. The study reviews the current state of TPRM, recent security breaches, and challenges in managing third-party risks. It identifies common pitfalls and gaps in existing frameworks, focusing on due diligence processes, risk assessment, and mitigation techniques. Insights into various third-party risks, including cybersecurity vulnerabilities, data privacy concerns, and regulatory compliance, are provided through an extensive literature review and case analyses. Additionally, the chapter examines the role of technology, agreements, and key indicators in enhancing TPRM practices, aiming to streamline risk assessments and response mechanisms.
IS Auditing in Modernizing Legacy Systems Using Salesforce
Authors: Bollini Lokesh , Vishwanatham Rajesh , Ponnavolu Sai Kiran Reddy , Singh Raghvendra
Published: October 2024

The evolution of technology has increased the complexity of software systems. Legacy systems pose challenges due to their monolithic architecture. To stay competitive, businesses need to modernize these systems, particularly by migrating to cloud platforms. This transition is complex, requiring careful consideration of business needs, technical capabilities, and organizational culture. Financial institutions face issues like inflexibility, high maintenance costs, and limited analytical capabilities. This chapter explores modernization strategies such as upgrading components, integrating new technologies like Salesforce, or forming strategic partnerships. Salesforce, with its cloud-based architecture, offers improved data governance, regulatory compliance, cost savings, and better decision-making. The research highlights the importance of modernization to overcome legacy system limitations and emphasizes Salesforce's potential in driving organizational success in the digital era.
Exchange Rate and Financial Inclusion
Authors: Ozili Peterson K.
Published: October 2024

The relationship between financial inclusion and exchange rate has not received any attention in the literature. This study investigates the effect of the official exchange rate on the level of financial inclusion. A sample of 17 countries were analysed from 2012 to 2020. Four financial inclusion indicators were used in the analysis: the number of ATMs per 100,000 adults variable, the number of bank accounts (or depositors) per 1,000 adults variable, the number of commercial bank branches per 100,000 adults variable, and a financial inclusion index. The correlation result shows that financial inclusion and exchange rate are negatively correlated while the regression result shows that a weakening official exchange rate or currency depreciation has a significant positive impact on financial inclusion through increase in the number of bank depositors (or bank accounts) and increase in the number of commercial bank branches. The findings support the argument that currency depreciation will lead people to take more loans which will increase bank profitability and encourage banks to expand to new locations to acquire new depositors, thereby increasing financial inclusion. The implication of the study is that currency depreciation is beneficial effect for financial inclusion. It is recommended that policymakers should determine the right level of currency depreciation (or devaluation) that is needed to support national financial inclusion efforts and they should manage the exchange rate around that level.
An Analysis of the Trade Dynamics of the Textile Sector Between India and BRICS Nations
Authors: Nikita  , Singh Utkarsh Nawal Kishor , Verma Shilpy
Published: October 2024

This study examines the trade dynamics of the textile sector between India and BRICS nations, focusing on digitalization's role in facilitating trade and promoting sustainable practices. The BRICS alliance, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents a significant share of global trade and GDP. India's textile industry, crucial for employment and exports, exhibits a comparative advantage in certain products like cotton and carpets. However, trade intensity varies across BRICS countries, with strong ties observed with South Africa but challenges persisting with China. Leveraging digital technologies and sustainable practices is recommended to enhance trade competitiveness and strengthen economic ties within BRICS framework.
The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Green Innovation Performance in the Spanish Wine Industry
Authors: Martínez-Falcó Javier , Sánchez-García Eduardo , Marco-Lajara Bartolomé
Published: October 2024

This study examines the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on Green Innovation Performance (GIP) in the Spanish wine industry, with a focus on the mediating roles of Green Intellectual Capital (GIC) and Knowledge Management (KM). Using data from 202 wineries and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the findings demonstrate that CSR positively influences GIP, with GIC and KM serving as partial mediators. The research underscores CSR's strategic importance in driving green innovations, offering insights for enhancing sustainability and competitiveness in the wine industry.
Exploring the Impact of Green Intellectual Capital on Green Innovation Performance
Authors: Martínez-Falcó Javier , Sánchez-García Eduardo , Marco-Lajara Bartolomé , Millán-Tudela Luis A.
Published: October 2024

In the rapidly evolving business environment, organizations must balance environmental sustainability with economic performance to maintain competitiveness. This study investigates the influence of Green Intellectual Capital (GIC) on Green Innovation Performance (GIP) within the Spanish wine industry, emphasizing the mediating roles of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Knowledge Management (KM). Drawing from the Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV), Intellectual Capital-Based View (ICV), and Knowledge-Based View (KBV) frameworks, the research analyzes data from 202 Spanish wineries. Results indicate that GIC significantly enhances GIP, with CSR and KM serving as partial mediators. These findings contribute to the understanding of how environmental intangibles drive eco-innovation, providing actionable insights for winery managers aiming to improve sustainable practices. The study underscores the need for a holistic approach to managing GIC, integrating CSR initiatives and KM processes to achieve superior green innovation outcomes.
Modern Trade and Commerce With China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Related Projects
Authors: Idris Sofia
Published: October 2024

In the world of fast and digital modes of trade and business, the silk road seems to be obsolete. The rise of digital technologies and e-commerce platforms in the 21st century, enabling even small businesses to access global markets, has further democratized trade (Sorin et al., 2018; Ikwue et al., 2023). However, China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) promises much development and technological advancements for Pakistan in the shape of CPEC. CPEC is considered a crucial initiative for the strategic and socioeconomic development of the developing country, drawing much international attention and obstacles. However, the study is a conceptual and descriptive analysis of the CPEC and some of the major related projects.
Heuristics in International SMEs
Authors: Lahjiri Mouad , Benhida Zakia
Published: October 2024

This systematic review examines how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) leverage heuristics, or mental shortcuts, during internationalization. Analyzing 11 studies, it explores how these “rules of thumb” are used, in what areas, and how decision-makers manage uncertainty in this complex process. While highlighting a lack of interdisciplinary research and a developing field, the findings suggest heuristics are valuable for mitigating uncertainty, and call for further investigation. This review, potentially the first on heuristics and international SMEs, identifies research gaps, particularly in specific heuristic types and their impact on decision-making. By emphasizing the importance of heuristics and the need for further studies, this research paves the way for a deeper understanding of how SMEs navigate international markets.
Navigating the Nexus
Authors: Yogananthan S. , Ulle Ravishankar S. , Chinmayaaditya M.
Published: October 2024

This chapter delves into the extensive body of literature surrounding ethics and sustainability, tracing the evolution of responsible business practices, and analyzing their intricate interplay. Through a comprehensive review, this chapter investigates the theoretical foundations of business ethics and sustainability, exploring key concepts like organizational management and business ethics and sustainable environmental practices. The review critically assesses the challenges and opportunities businesses face in integrating ethical considerations into their sustainability strategies, highlighting the potential for conflicts between economic imperatives and environmental or social goals. Further, it examines the influence of globalization, technological advancements, and evolving societal expectations on the ethical and sustainability landscape. This chapter aims to provide a holistic understanding of the current state of knowledge regarding ethics and sustainability, identifying emerging trends and offering valuable insights for academics practitioners and policymakers of business.
Resilience Capital Roadmap During and Post COVID-19
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Fajar Wahyudi , Kistyanto Anang , Roziqin Ali , Ridlwan Ahmad Ajib , Hermanto Febrika Yogie
Published: October 2024

The aims of this chapter are to systematically review the development of the literature on a roadmap framework based on resilience and the recovery of MSMEs from the crisis that emerged due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, this research is used to identify research topics that must be carried out and research opportunities in the future. A systematic literature review was performed, analyzing studies related to COVID-19, MSMEs or SMEs, and resilience. The authors propose a resilience roadmap during the crisis with a recovery-based framework for reviving the MSMEs post COVID-19. The roadmap outlines six prominent resources or clusters for building resilience processes: health capital, psychological capital, human capital, social capital, technological capital, and economics capital through six applications of resilience capital and grouped into two strategies recovery-based framework. They argue that by using a resilience roadmap with a recovery-based framework that is inclusive, the MSMEs may transform into a new global economy with make policies to respond to the crisis.
Digital Transformation and Organizational Relearning in China
Authors: Zreik Mohamad
Published: October 2024

This chapter explores the profound impact of digital transformation on organizational relearning within Chinese enterprises, focusing on the Alibaba Group. Alibaba's journey from an e-commerce platform to a comprehensive digital ecosystem serves as a prime example of how continuous relearning can drive innovation and competitiveness. The chapter examines key initiatives such as cloud computing, AI, and digital payments, highlighting the strategies Alibaba employed to facilitate the unlearning of outdated practices and the acquisition of new skills. By fostering an agile and adaptive workforce, Alibaba has successfully navigated the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. This analysis provides valuable insights into the enablers, outcomes, and cultural shifts necessary for successful organizational relearning in the context of digital transformation.
Advancements in Industry 5.0
Authors: Dua Gurwinder Kaur
Published: October 2024

Recent unforeseen events have shown challenges to production processes, notably exemplified by the global COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis disrupted traditional industrial production systems, emphasizing the demand for adaptability in Industry 4.0. Nonetheless, a new paradigm, Industry 5.0, has evolved, reinforcing enhanced collaboration between humans and machines. Industry 5.0 adopts a more coordinated approach, emphasizing on human-centred strategies to improve sustainability and resilience within the framework of Industry 4.0's cyber-physical systems. The study aims to investigate the potential implementations of Industry 5.0 by reviewing existing research, identifying research limitations, and developing a systematic analysis approach. Discussions encompass the classifications of Industry 5.0, the advanced technologies necessary for this industrial revolution, and the diverse application domains enabled by Industry 5.0, such as healthcare, supply chain management, production optimization, cloud-based industrial processes, and so on.
Additive Manufacturing and Product Competencies
Authors: Al Fawal Abir , Mawlawi Allam Housni , Ashaal Ahmad
Published: October 2024

This chapter examines the incorporation of additive manufacturing (AM) as a revolutionary technology for improving product capabilities, emphasizing efficient knowledge transfer and ongoing learning inside businesses. The use of additive manufacturing has demonstrated an improvement in the production efficiency of standardized items, rendering it a crucial instrument for satisfying contemporary market requirements. Continuous education is promoted through interdisciplinary teams and flexible knowledge-sharing platforms, guaranteeing flexibility and innovation in manufacturing methods. The chapter further examines effective measures for knowledge transmission, including mentoring programs and digital platforms, which facilitate the integration of AM experience throughout organizational tiers. The chapter illustrates, via case studies, how additive manufacturing is revolutionizing industries such as healthcare and automotive by facilitating the creation of personalized solutions, including patient-specific implants and bespoke equipment.
The Type 1 Diabetes–Associated Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs1990760 in IFIH1 Is Associated with Increased Basal Type I IFNs and IFN-stimulated Gene Expression
Authors: Taylor Jared P , Blum Samuel I , Graffeo Hollis C , Shang Qiao , Qiu Shihong , Green Todd J , Botta Davide , Lund Frances E , Tse Hubert M
Published: October 2024

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease that is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors. In this study, we sought to determine whether a known genetic risk factor, the rs1990760 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (A946T) in IFIH1, resulted in a gain of function in the MDA5 protein and the effects of this mutation on the regulation of type I IFNs during infection with the diabetogenic virus coxsackievirus B3. We found that in cell lines overexpressing the risk variant IFIH1946T there was an elevated level of basal type I IFN signaling and increased basal IFN-stimulated gene expression. An investigation into the mechanism demonstrated that recombinant MDA5 with the A946T mutation had increased ATPase activity in vitro. We also assessed the effect of this SNP in primary human PBMCs from healthy donors to determine whether this SNP influenced their response to infection with coxsackievirus B3. However, we observed no significant changes in type I IFN expression or downstream induction of IFN-stimulated genes in PBMCs from donors carrying the risk allele IFIH1946T. These findings demonstrate the need for a deeper understanding of how mutations in T1D-associated genes contribute to disease onset in specific cellular contexts.
Examining Historical Data to Inform Future Preparedness: Systematic Review of the Effects of Prone Positioning on Oxygen Levels in Nonintubated COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Kulkarni Rohan , Padwal Siddharth , More Prashant , Patil Salil
Published: October 2024

Over time, there has been a significant increase in the utilization of prone positioning (PP) as a strategy to improve oxygen levels in patients requiring mechanical ventilation for the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome. PP has emerged as a potential intervention for enhancing oxygenation in nonintubated patients with COVID-19. The current systematic review aims to assess existing evidence regarding the impact of PP on oxygen parameters in this patient population. Understanding the effectiveness and possible advantages of PP in optimizing oxygenation could contribute to enhanced management strategies for COVID-19 cases, particularly those that do not require invasive mechanical ventilation. Comprehensive search was conducted using electronic databases to identify the relevant studies, covering the period of 2019–2023. A two-part tool was employed to address five specific domains alongside other potential biases. Quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies was undertaken using a risk of bias. In a present systematic review, 15 studies were included. The findings suggest that PP had a notable influence on oxygen parameters. The PP was a beneficial intervention for nonintubated patients of COVID-19 in terms of improving oxygen parameters. The evidence suggests that PP can contribute to enhanced oxygenation in patients. Further research is necessary for a better understanding of optimal techniques, patient selection criteria, and long-term outcomes linked with PP.
Serum Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein and S100B Profiles in Severity and Outcome Assessment of Moderate and Severe Head Injury Patients in India
Authors: Singh Arpana , Ramesh A. S. , Adole Prashant Shankarrao , Verma Pooja
Published: October 2024

Background:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant global health issue, with India witnessing approximately 150,000 deaths and 50,000 TBI-related fatalities annually. Severity is classified as mild, moderate, or severe using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Imaging and blood biomarkers such as serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100B aid in diagnosis and outcome prediction, yet imaging facilities are scarce in India. This highlights the necessity for dependable biomarkers. GFAP indicates astroglial injury, while S100B suggests neuronal injury, both in TBI patients’ blood. However, their associations and utility in the Indian population require further exploration. Our study addresses this gap by examining serum GFAP and S100B levels in moderate and severe TBI patients, correlating them with radiological findings and clinical outcomes.

Methodology:

This prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital on 212 patients (106 each for moderate and severely injured groups). Initial disease severity was assessed by GCS score. Outcome assessments were required of surgical intervention and mortality within 5 days.

Results:

S100B superseded GFAP in assessing disease severity. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that S100B was successful with 66% sensitivity and specificity for a cutoff value of 78.77 pg/ml. For early mortality prediction, sensitivity (S100B = 81%–87%, GFAP = 64.1%–78.6%), specificity (S100B = 60.2%–99.2%, GFAP = 54.5%–74.6%), and area under the curve-wise (S100B = 0.721–0.909, GFAP = 0.614–0.763) S100B model performed better than the GFAP model for all corresponding cutoffs (ranged S100B = 86.53–118.56 pg/ml, GFAP = 30.87–34.5 ng/ml).

Conclusion:

Taken together, our study provides strong evidence that S100B is a better marker of severity and outcome assessment than GFAP.
WhatsApp: A Blessing or Bane for Communication between Emergency Physicians and Vascular Surgeons?
Authors: Hazra Darpanarayan , Stephen Edwin
Published: October 2024

The integration of WhatsApp (WhatsApp Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA) into the health-care sector is transforming the dynamics of medical communication. Launched in 2009 and incorporated into the Facebook suite of companies in 2014, WhatsApp has become a pivotal platform for health-care professionals. It allows for quick, personal, and group messaging, which is increasingly used to exchange patient information, discuss cases, and make timely decisions. The app’s end-to-end encryption is critical for maintaining patient confidentiality, ensuring that sensitive data are only accessible to the intended recipients. This security feature and the group sharing format enable health-care teams to communicate confidentially and efficiently, bolstering the oversight capabilities of attending senior consultants or physicians over their junior peers. The real-time exchange of information is crucial in providing continuous supervision and facilitating immediate feedback, which is indispensable in clinical training and patient care. However, the widespread adoption of WhatsApp also comes with challenges and potential drawbacks, which have been the focus of past research. These studies assessed the impact of WhatsApp on health-care delivery, considering both the enhancement of communication it offers and the issues it may present, such as data security beyond encryption and the blurring of professional and personal boundaries. In this “medical opinion” from an academic tertiary care center in Muscat, we explored how emergency medicine physicians can effectively use WhatsApp to expedite or bypass referral processes for emergency cases, particularly those involving vascular and other surgical emergencies.
Imaging Descriptors of Human Papilloma Virus-mediated and Human Papilloma Virus-negative Oropharyngeal Cancers in Indian Subcontinental Patients
Authors: Mathew Benjamin Barsouma , Madhavi K. , Kumar C. H. Jagadeesh , Thomas Rohan Samuel , Pavamani Simon , Michael Rajiv , Irodi Aparna
Published: October 2024

Background:

Nearly 24,000 new cases of oropharyngeal cancers (OPCs) are reported per year in India, constituting 3.9% of cancers in all sites. By 2009, Human papilloma virus (HPV), in particular HPV-16, was established as an etiological factor and even a causative agent in OPCs being associated with up to 70% OPCs. Prior imaging-based studies have described certain differentiating factors between HPV-mediated and HPV-negative OPC, highlighting computed tomography and magnetic resonance characteristics that could help differentiate the two groups. Our study aimed to evaluate any imaging differences between HPV-mediated and non-HPV-mediated oropharyngeal malignancies in the Indian subcontinent population.

Methods:

Seventy-nine patients from the Indian subcontinent who were referred to a tertiary center in southern India between the period of January 2019 to September 2020 (19 months) were included in the study. Imaging descriptors were documented by blinded radiologists, and univariate and multivariate analysis of various imaging descriptors and imaging differences between HPV-mediated and non-HPV cases were attempted to be identified.

Results:

We found no statistically significant imaging differences between HPV-mediated and non-HPV-mediated oropharyngeal malignancies. The only epidemiologically significant difference in the two groups was that in women and nonsmokers, HPV-mediated malignancies were more common.

Conclusion:

HPV-mediated and HPV-negative malignancies have similar primary tumor as well as nodal imaging characteristics. Previously cited differences in the two groups, in Western literature, could not be demonstrated in our population. It implores further research into whether downstaging of treatment and better prognosis of HPV-mediated malignancies is actually applicable in the Indian subcontinent setting.