bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of board gender diversity on performance of public sector vis-à-vis private sector banks in India
Authors: Baby Maria Minnu , Hussain Farah
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The Companies Act of 2013 stressed upon gender diversity in the board of management considering the significant role of women toward the success of an organization. Following it, both public and private sector banks in India implemented the act from 2015 onward. This study aims to investigate whether its implementation has improved board gender diversity uniformly across public and private sector banks. Furthermore, the authors study the impact of board gender diversity on the performance of public and private sector banks in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data on listed Indian commercial banks for the period 2015–2021 have been used in this study that encompasses 15 commercial and 12 public sector banks. Return on assets, return on equity and Tobin’s Q are considered as the banking performance indicators in this study, while gender diversity of the board is measured by using Blau index. Furthermore, generalized method of moments has been adopted to analyze the effect of board gender diversity on performance of the Indian banking sector.

Findings

Empirical results exhibit that board gender diversity has been gradually improving since 2015 in both public and private sector banks in India. However, board diversity in case of public sector banks is seen to be lower than that of private sector banks. Furthermore, this study found a significant impact of board diversity on the performance indicators of both public and private sector banks.

Practical implications

This study gives a clear picture that board diversity of both public and private banks has remained quite low over the years. Apparently, women representation has been found to be less than 50% throughout the period of 2015–2021. As board diversity has significant impact on banking performance, it is important on the part of banks to take proper steps to improve the board diversity.

Originality/value

This study has added to the existing literature by highlighting on the divergence between gender diversity across public and private sector banks in India. It emphasizes on the need to improve gender diversity by a significant increase in the proportion of women in the board to create an impact on decision-making.
Integrating smart contracts into the legal framework of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhejaili Mohammad Omar Mohammad
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the integration of smart contracts into the legal framework of Saudi Arabia, spotlighting the pivotal role of blockchain technology in revolutionizing contractual processes. It evaluates the capacity of smart contracts to enhance the efficiency, security and transparency of legal transactions, while critically examining the legal challenges their adoption presents.

Design/methodology/approach

Through qualitative analysis, this research explores the operational dynamics of smart contracts, with a focus on their autonomous execution and the digital codification of contractual terms. It scrutinizes the alignment of smart contracts with the Saudi legal system, concentrating on pivotal issues such as the establishment of mutual consent, the verification of contracting parties’ capacity and adherence to conventional legal doctrines.

Findings

This study uncovers the transformative potential of smart contracts in redefining the execution of contracts, highlighting their advantages in streamlining transactions and enhancing contractual reliability. However, it also identifies significant obstacles in the path of their full integration into Saudi Arabia’s legal landscape, notably the challenge of reconciling smart contracts’ technology-driven operations with established legal norms and rectifying potential legal inconsistencies.

Originality/value

Offering fresh perspectives on the confluence of technology and law, this paper illuminates the complex task of implementing smart contracts within a legal framework that is in the process of adapting to digital innovation. It advocates for a sophisticated strategy of regulatory adjustment that promotes the legal system's evolution alongside technological progress, ensuring the effective and legally sound utilization of smart contracts.
Labour market segmentation and the gender wage gap in Spain
Authors: Núñez Hernández Fernando , Usabiaga Carlos , Álvarez de Toledo Pablo
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse the gender wage gap (GWG) in Spain adopting a labour market segmentation approach. Once we obtain the different labour segments (or idiosyncratic labour markets), we are able to decompose the GWG into its observed and unobserved heterogeneity components.

Design/methodology/approach

We use the data from the Continuous Sample of Working Lives for the year 2021 (matched employer–employee [EE] data). Contingency tables and clustering techniques are applied to employment data to identify idiosyncratic labour markets where men and/or women of different ages tend to match/associate with different sectors of activity and occupation groups. Once this “heatmap” of labour associations is known, we can analyse its hottest areas (the idiosyncratic labour markets) from the perspective of wage discrimination by gender (Oaxaca-Blinder model).

Findings

In Spain, in general, men are paid more than women, and this is not always justified by their respective attributes. Among our results, the fact stands out that women tend to move to those idiosyncratic markets (biclusters) where the GWG (in favour of men) is smaller.

Research limitations/implications

It has not been possible to obtain remuneration data by job-placement, but an annual EE relationship is used. Future research should attempt to analyse the GWG across the wage distribution in the different idiosyncratic markets.

Practical implications

Our combination of methodologies can be adapted to other economies and variables and provides detailed information on the labour-matching process and gender wage discrimination in segmented labour markets.

Social implications

Our contribution is very important for labour market policies, trying to reduce unfair inequalities.

Originality/value

The study of the GWG from a novel labour segmentation perspective can be interesting for other researchers, institutions and policy makers.
Managing my own health! An ancillary outlook on pharmaceutical and health supplements consumption
Authors: Cheng Boon-Liat , Cham Tat-Huei , Gao Zijie , Abd Rahim Mohd Fairuz bin , Lau Teck Chai , Dent Michael M.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The surge in pharmaceutical and health supplement usage among consumers aims to enhance personal well-being. This growing opportunity for pharmaceutical brands has resulted in increased market share and intensified industry competition. Using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this study aims to identify the factors influencing Malaysians’ choices regarding pharmaceutical and health supplements. In addition, the variable of past behaviour was incorporated to account for consumer decisions based on prior experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Using purposive sampling, 300 questionnaires were gathered and analysed via Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and structural equation modelling technique via Analysis of Moment Structures software to validate the reliability of each variables and the postulated relationships within the research framework.

Findings

Results revealed a pronounced impact of past behaviour on the intention to consume pharmaceutical and health supplements. The mediating role of perceived behavioural control in bridging past behaviour and consumption intention was also ascertained. Notably, the findings support the inclusion of past behaviour in the TPB as a pivotal determinant of intention.

Originality/value

The insights gleaned underscore the escalating trend of pharmaceutical consumption in Malaysia, providing strategies to enhance and maintain the competitive edge and market position of pharmaceutical brands.
Effect of income instability and social transfers on food security during COVID-19 in Tunisia
Authors: Habib Hajer , Jmaii Amal
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the implications of COVID-19 shocks on household income, food security and the role of social protection in Tunisia.

Design/methodology/approach

We used food insecurity classes proposed by FAO and data from the Economic Research Forum (ERF) Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Monitor Household Survey conducted over four waves of COVID-19 (November 2020, February 2021, April 2021 and June 2021). Here, the regression of a multinomial logistic model (MLM) is used to highlight the likelihood that a respondent’s eating habits were degraded by the COVID-19 crisis.

Findings

The findings first indicate that low-income and labor income-dependent households are the most vulnerable to shocks induced by COVID-19 and have had their food habits deteriorate considerably. Second, self-produced food by farmers who inhabit rural areas represented a food safety net during the pandemic. Finally, households that received a social transfer did not manage to overcome severe food insecurity.

Social implications

As a result, the challenges are to extend social protection coverage to households that face transitory poverty.

Originality/value

This is among the first studies to examine the effects of COVID-19 on household income and food insecurity in Tunisia. The study uses a new survey whose main objective is to monitor the impact of health crisis on Tunisian households, taking into consideration the strong labor market fluctuations. Indeed, these fluctuations, when measured against the pre-pandemic period and subsequent periods, would help to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on households’ well-being.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-11-2023-0867.
The impact of announcements of regulatory and law enforcement penalties on stock market valuation of US banks from 2000 to 2022
Authors: Brož Václav
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze stock market reactions to announcements of regulatory and law enforcement penalties imposed on banks operating in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines abnormal stock market returns around penalty announcements for banks operating in the USA from 2000 to 2022. The authors use a comprehensive data set of nearly 600 penalties to conduct their event study.

Findings

This paper finds evidence of positive and statistically significant abnormal returns on the day of the penalty announcement. However, the authors also observe negative and statistically significant abnormal returns days later, violating the semi-strong efficient market hypothesis.

Originality/value

By accounting for confounding events and analyzing subsamples, the authors reconcile conflicting results from prior literature that have variously shown negative, null or positive stock market reactions to penalty announcements.
The roles of word of mouth, religiosity and behavioral control toward halal cosmetics’ purchase intention: attitude as mediation
Authors: Fiandari Yulist Rima , Shanty Baroya Mila , Nanda Maylia Dwi
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims at discovering the antecedent of halal cosmetics’ purchase intention by conducting development on planned behavioral theory through adding the constructs of word of mouth and religiosity. Attitude plays the role as mediation variable which correlates word of mouth and religiosity toward purchase intention and mediation variable between religiosity and halal cosmetics’ purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of this study was 196 Muslim women living in Indonesia. This research was conducted using online survey via google form. The collected data were analyzed using partial least square.

Findings

Based on the research findings, word of mouth did not directly influence halal cosmetics’ purchase intention. Religiosity variable also did not directly influence halal cosmetics’ purchase intention. Attitude played the role as the mediation between word of mouth and halal cosmetics’ purchase intention. Attitude was also able to become the mediation between religiosity and halal cosmetics’ purchase intention. Behavioral control and attitude directly influenced halal cosmetics’ purchase intention.

Practical implications

This research findings supported business owners to make sure the cosmetics’ safety for the sake of the users. Halal label is a guarantee that the cosmetics’ process has been through the raw materials selection, the standardized product processing and also the hygienic distribution process.

Originality/value

The literature development of halal products, especially cosmetics, is pretty much needed, as cosmetics users tend to increase throughout the world. Business owners can elevate halal cosmetics’ position through users’ recommendation to increase the economic potential value of halal cosmetics.
Examining the socio-psychological dynamics of interpersonal and organizational deviances: the moderating influence of interpersonal justice and perceived organizational support
Authors: Abas Basit , Bukhari Shazia , Farrukh Muhammad , Iqbal Sahar
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Over time, there has been a rise in deviant behavior among hotel employees. This scenario motivates researchers and practitioners to address the issue. The study aims to examine the influence of socio-psychological factors (abusive supervision, workplace ostracism, work-family conflict and emotional exhaustion) on workplace deviance (interpersonal and organizational deviation) in the hotel industry with the moderating effect of interpersonal justice and perceived organizational support.

Design/methodology/approach

We gathered data from 416 employees in the hotel industry by employing a convenience sampling method and administered structured questionnaires. Subsequently, we conducted data analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

Results showed that abusive supervision had a direct impact on work-family conflict, emotional exhaustion and interpersonal and organizational deviation; similarly, workplace ostracism had a positive impact on work-family conflict, interpersonal and organizational deviation, but it did not significantly impact emotional exhaustion. Finally, interpersonal justice had significant moderators between abusive supervision and interpersonal and organizational deviation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the extent of research on the antecedents of interpersonal and organizational deviance and the mediating roles of work-family conflict and emotional exhaustion. Secondly, this research developed an integrated conceptual framework for categorizing the causes of interpersonal and organizational deviance by checking the mediation effect of work-family conflict (WFC) and emotional exhaustion (EE). Perceived organizational support (POS) and interpersonal justice (IPJ) as moderators, which is an addition to earlier works in this field of research.
Why is nobody talking about employment fraud?
Authors: Bescoby Roger
Published: May 2024

Purpose

A hinderance to businesses across the UK, employment fraud and absenteeism are phenomenons that need to be addressed. Fraud is a topic that remains largely unexplored for the HR profession, and covert surveillance emerges as a brilliant and effective solution to tackle the challenges that hundreds of businesses face when trying to clamp down on employment fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides insight for HR professionals as to how employee surveillance can be harnessed safely to help tackle employment fraud and absenteeism, whilst unlocking a productive and healthy environment.

Findings

Public sector organisations face a particularly significant challenge when grappling with absenteeism, with absence rates nearly double that of the private sector. A key focal point of this research revolves around the startling fact that absence rates in the public sector are alarmingly high. Still, robust investigations into these matters are seldom conducted, leaving the door wide open for fraudulent activities to persist. Covert surveillance offers a proactive approach to identify and address the root causes of almost endemic absenteeism, ensuring a healthier and more efficient workplace.

Originality/value

By embracing the power of covert surveillance, businesses not only protect their legitimate interests but also contribute to a workplace environment that thrives on transparency, honesty and loyalty. This study effectively outlines how HR professionals can effectively deploy covert surveillance to ensure they are staying within the guidelines of the law, whilst still clamping down on bad actors and protecting their bottom line.
Upset, yet loyal: employee voice amidst unionization at Starbucks
Authors: Levesque Laurie L. , O'Neill Regina M.
Published: May 2024

Research methodology

The case data are from a mix of secondary sources, which included company documents, webpages and blogposts, autobiographies co-written by Schultz, newspaper stories, news media and other publicly available videos, magazine articles, photographs of signed unionization statements, and webinar interview.

Case overview/synopsis

In late autumn 2021, the global retail coffee and foodservice company Starbucks dealt with employees at a few USA stores who initiated unionization efforts in an attempt to change their workplace. Their actions triggered a wave of similar attempts at Starbucks stores across the USA over the next few years. Employees amplified their voices on social media, stating both their love for the company and their disenfranchisement. They claimed to have little input about policies and workplace decisions that affected them and that leadership had not heard or adequately responded to concerns with staffing, safety, equipment, and abusive customers. Walkouts were staged and employees at numerous stores pursued unionization. In 2023, Laxman Narasimhan replaced Howard Schultz as CEO. His tenure started with the challenge of reengaging employees who claimed their collective voice was unheard by leadership Readers will consider what employee voice means in the context of baristas working for a large corporation, and how their emotions, commitment to and respect for the organization, and their desire to be heard, related to efforts to unionize and maintain employment.

Complexity academic level

This case can be used as a unit review to cover several organizational behavior topics or can be used with specific concepts for graduate or undergraduate students. The placement within the semester plan depends on which unit/concepts the instructor will pair with it, such as emotions in the workplace, a module on loyalty, voice and exit, or the introduction of employee voice and engagement. It can also be used in conjunction with cross-level concepts such as trust and leadership. For courses focused on talent management, employee relations, or human resource development, the case could be used to introduce multiple concepts or as a concluding assessment. It would best pair with topics such as employee satisfaction, exit, voice and loyalty, inclusive decision-making or emotions in the workplace. For a course in labor relations, the case could introduce the idea that employees’ experiences, emotions, and perceptions may be related to efforts to unionize.
How Can the Australian Government Make Primary Care and Private Health Insurance More Affordable?
Authors: Zhang Yuting
Published: May 2024

As health care costs rise in Australia, the affordability of primary care and private health insurance (PHI) are critical concerns. Key questions include whether primary care should be free for all, and what role should PHI play alongside Medicare. The Government spends $6.7 billion on PHI rebates, yet these incentives have limited impact. The Government should reduce public support on PHI and improve primary and preventive care. Primary care should be free for all low‐income people and children regardless of where they live, and cheaper for other population. This can be achieved with the current budget and better policy design.
Using artificial intelligence for economic research: An agricultural odyssey
Authors: Leigh Andrew
Published: May 2024

Generative artificial intelligence tools have been shown to substantially increase productivity in a range of different contexts. I discuss the potential and limitations of the current models, and the evidence on how economic researchers can best make use of generative artificial intelligence in their work. To illustrate these points, I show how the data analysis tools of ChatGPT can be used to address a specific question: the accuracy of agricultural forecasts—and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of artificial intelligence in data cleaning, data analysis and producing graphs and illustrations.
Prospective association between social isolation, loneliness and lung function among Chinese middle‐aged and older adults
Authors: Guo Lizhi , An Li , Wang Nandi , Ni Tingjuntao , Wang Xiaoling , Zhou Yajing , Luo Fengping , Zhang Shuo , Zhang Kaiqiang , Yu Bin
Published: May 2024

Objective

Previous research has highlighted a heightened occurrence of social isolation and loneliness in older adults diagnosed with chronic lung diseases. Nevertheless, there exists a dearth of studies that have explored the influence of impoverished social relationships on lung function. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal association between social isolation, loneliness and lung function over 4 years among middle‐aged and older Chinese adults.

Methods

This study employed two waves (2011 and 2015) of data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The analysis was limited to participants aged 45 years and above and stratified based on gender (3325 men and 3794 women). The measurement of peak expiratory flow (PEF) served as an indicator for assessing lung function. Lagged dependent variable regression models, accounting for covariates, were employed to explore the relationship between baseline social isolation and loneliness and the subsequent PEF.

Results

For women, social isolation was significantly associated with the decline in PEF at follow‐up (β = −.06, p < .001) even after adjusting for all covariates; no significant correlation was observed between loneliness and PEF. Among men, there was no significant association found between either social isolation or loneliness and PEF.

Conclusions

Social isolation is prospectively associated with worse lung function in middle‐aged and older Chinese women but not men. The results highlight the importance of promoting social relationships in public health initiatives, especially in groups that are more vulnerable.
‘They are conspiring against us’: How outgroup conspiracy theories stimulate environmental neglect in intergroup resource dilemmas
Authors: Dong Yijia , Yang Xinyi , Zhang Xiaomeng , Jiang Jiang
Published: May 2024

Natural resources are limited, and people often share these limited resources in groups, which creates an intergroup resource dilemma. To understand individuals' sustainable behaviours in intergroup resource dilemmas in the context of group interactions, the present research systematically investigates the effect of outgroup conspiracy theories on sustainable behaviours and preliminarily explores the internal mechanism underlying this effect. First, a survey study (Study 1) relying on real‐world intergroup relations first confirmed the negative correlation between outgroup conspiracy beliefs and sustainable intentions in intergroup resource dilemmas. Then, an online experimental study that utilized the real situation of a region in China (Study 2) tested the causal relationship between exposure to an outgroup conspiracy theory and sustainable intentions, as well as showing the mediating role of intergroup threat perception underlying this relationship. Finally, a preregistered experimental laboratory study (Study 3) further verified the causal effect of exposure to an outgroup conspiracy theory on sustainable behaviours, again confirming the mediating role of intergroup threat perception. In general, our research demonstrates that exposure to an outgroup conspiracy theory stimulates individuals' environmental neglect and reduces their sustainable behaviours by increasing their perceptions of intergroup threat when faced with intergroup resource dilemmas.
Brain and body disconnect: A retrospective case series of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord from chronic nitrous oxide use in Perth, Western Australia
Authors: Soderstrom Jessamine , Grigg Jodie , McWilliam Owen , Fatovich Daniel
Published: May 2024

Background

Chronic nitrous oxide (N2O) use causes inactivation of vitamin B12, resulting in neurological and psychiatric symptoms. This case series presents all N2O‐related presentations to the emergency department at Royal Perth Hospital between June 2019 and June 2021, alongside the costs of these admissions.

Case Presentation

Twenty‐two patients were identified; 68% (n = 15) were male. The median age was 22.4 years (interquartile range [IQR], 20–30). Median daily number of N2O bulbs inhaled was 150 (IQR, 64–300) with a median duration of use of 9 months (IQR, 3–12). Presentations included ataxia, paraesthesia and falls (n = 18), urinary retention (n = 3) and psychotic symptoms (n = 2). Fourteen patients had severe symptoms prompting a magnetic resonance imaging of brain and spine, confirming 12 cases of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. All patients had IMI vitamin B12 therapy, while 14 had oral methionine therapy. The median length of admission was 4 days (IQR 1–23 days). The median cost of admission per day for patients where costs were accessible (n = 7) was $2061 (IQR, $1903‐$2860).

Discussion and Conclusions

A case series of symptomatic chronic N2O use with severe neurological sequelae and significant costs associated per admission. Triangulation of emergency department and Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System data helped prompt a swift public health response, including mandatory warning labels, limits to transaction amounts and legislative changes to the Medicines and Poisons Act to make it illegal for sale if there is a suspicion that it will be abused.
Livelihood Trajectories of Rural Young People in Southern Africa: Stuck in Loops?
Authors: Hajdu Flora , van Blerk Lorraine , Ansell Nicola , Hemsteede Roeland , Mwathunga Evance , Hlabana Thandie , Robson Elsbeth
Published: May 2024

Attempts to boost rural development in the Global South tend to focus on ways in which people can transform their lives. Interventions are often designed to help overcome specific envisioned constraints and push individuals onto a pathway out of poverty. Research has contributed to nuancing this vision by documenting the non‐linearity of pathways, which often results in people being left in limbo or stuck, rather than moving forward. Based on a study in two villages in Malawi and Lesotho, this article argues that even these nuances do not fully capture the real‐life experiences of the 63 young people who participated. Interviews tracing the course of their lives between 2007–08 and 2016–17 reveal trajectories that are circular rather than linear, and show the detrimental effects of being stuck in these frustrating loops of taking action without progressing. Conceptualizing rural young people's livelihood trajectories in contexts of severe poverty as loops highlights the structural issues that need to be addressed if their lives are to be transformed. Understanding development as emancipation from sources of unfreedom means focusing on the structural constraints that keep some people in poverty, and the importance of attaining agency if they are to put their needs on the agenda and demand basic rights.
Modelling and assessment of glucose‐lactate kinetics in youth with overweight, obesity and metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease: A pilot study
Authors: Bonet Jacopo , Fox Delaney , Nelson Rafaela , Nelson Michael B. , Nelson Loretta , Fernandez Cristina , Barbieri Emiliano , Dalla Man Chiara , Santoro Nicola
Published: May 2024

Aim

In this study, we investigated glucose and lactate kinetics during a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 23 overweight and obese adolescents and assessed putative differences among participants with and without metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Methods

We enrolled 23 young people (six girls) with obesity [body mass index 33 (29‐37)]. Glucose‐lactate kinetics parameters (disposal glucose insulin sensitivity, SID; fraction of glucose converted into lactate, fr; fractional lactate clearance rate, kL) and lactate production rate (LPR) were estimated using the oral glucose‐lactate minimal model. MASLD presence was assessed using the proton density fat fraction. We analysed glucose, lactate and LPR time to peak, peak values and area under the curve and evaluated differences using the Wilcoxon test. MASLD and no‐MASLD participants were compared using the Mann‐Whitney test. Correlations between parameters were assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient (ρ). We also tested the performance of two (4 or 3 h OGTT) protocols in estimating oral glucose‐lactate minimal model and LPR parameters.

Results

Glucose peaks 30 min earlier than lactate (p = .0019). This pattern was present in the no‐MASLD group (p < .001). LPR peaks 30 min later in the MASLD group (p = .02). LPR and kL were higher in MASLD, suggesting higher glycolysis and lactate utilization. SID and fr correlate significantly (ρ = −0.55, p = .008). SID and fr were also correlated with the body mass index, (ρ = −0.45, p = .04; and ρ = 0.45; p = .03). The protocol duration did not influence the estimates of the parameters.

Discussion

Youth with MASLD showed a delayed glucose metabolism, possibly because of greater utilization of the underlying substrates. A 3‐h OGTT may be used to assess lactate metabolism effectively.
Mitigative translocation of Singleton Mint Bush (Prostanthera cineolifera) on the NSW North Coast: Effects of soil texture, horticultural practice and bushfire on the translocation outcome
Authors: Benwell Andrew , Benwell‐Clarke Jeremy
Published: May 2024

Translocation of the threatened species Singelton Mint Bush (Prostanthera cineolifera R.T.Baker & H.G.Sm.) was carried out for a highway project on the New South Wales North Coast to mitigate development impact on this species. The translocation aimed to augment an existing population with propagated plants to compensate for cleared plants and conduct field research to better understand the effects of soil properties, horticultural practices and a wildfire on translocation results. A novel soil seedbank and fire method applied ex‐situ was used to propagate plants for introduction. After an initial attempt at site‐wide introduction resulted in widespread mortality of seedlings from a wilt disease, three plot‐based experiments were carried out to examine how disease incidence was related to spatial variation in soil properties and horticultural practices. The experiments showed that relatively subtle changes in the clay and sand content of soil strongly affected susceptibility of Singelton Mint Bush seedlings to wilt disease; 12 month old seedlings performed much better than 6 month old seedlings; plants propagated from seed performed better than cuttings, and most of the recipient site represented unsuitable habitat for Singelton Mint Bush. Sufficient Singelton Mint Bush seedlings were established after 3 years, but after a bushfire, the translocated cohort recruited poorly from seed, so that after 6 years, <10% of the total Singelton Mint Bush population in the recipient site was of translocated origin and >90% of in‐situ (pre‐translocation) origin. Lessons learnt from the translocation project were that: (i) microhabitat is as important as macrohabitat in selecting a translocation recipient site; (ii) short‐term survival may not be a reliable indicator of a self‐sustaining population; (iii) translocation incorporating designed experiments can greatly improve understanding of how certain factors influence species performance and (iv) horticultural practices can be as important as ecology in determining the translocation outcome.
Compétences et transitions professionnelles au Brésil
Authors: ADAMCZYK Willian , EHRL Philipp , MONASTERIO Leonardo
Published: May 2024

Les auteurs font appel à l'apprentissage profond et au traitement du langage naturel pour construire des indicateurs de compétences et de distance professionnelle comparables entre pays, qu'ils utilisent pour produire des faits descriptifs sur les transitions professionnelles et la distribution des salaires au Brésil. À partir de données sur l'ensemble des contrats de travail formels conclus entre 2003 et 2018, ils constatent que les travailleurs mobilisant surtout des compétences cognitives non routinières sont mieux lotis en termes d'emploi, de salaire et de transition professionnelle. Ils observent des signes de progrès technologique biaisé et de polarisation de l'emploi après la crise économique brésilienne de 2014.
Penalización de la maternidad y prima de paternidad en la economía de plataformas en China. Impacto de la situación parental en los ingresos
Authors: ZHENG Qi , QIU Zitong , YANG Weiguo
Published: May 2024

La prima de paternidad y la penalización de la maternidad son conceptos clave en el estudio de la brecha de género en los ingresos. Los autores examinan la variación de ingresos por género en la economía de plataformas de China antes y después de tener hijos, mediante un modelo de mínimos cuadrados ordinarios, un análisis de los mecanismos de influencia y la descomposición de Oaxaca‐Blinder. Constatan la desaparición de la penalización de la maternidad y la transformación de la prima de paternidad en penalización por efecto de las presiones laborales y la segregación ocupacional de género, lo que obliga a los hombres a conciliar el trabajo y el cuidado infantil de una forma no tan prevalente en otros sectores.
Calificación profesional y transiciones laborales en el Brasil
Authors: ADAMCZYK Willian , EHRL Philipp , MONASTERIO Leonardo
Published: May 2024

En este artículo se presentan dos métodos para obtener medidas de calificación profesional y distancias ocupacionales de comparabilidad internacional, basados en técnicas de aprendizaje automático y de procesamiento del lenguaje natural. Con estas medidas se generan hechos descriptivos sobre las transiciones laborales y la distribución salarial en el Brasil, tras analizar todos los contratos de trabajo formales registrados en el periodo 2003‐2018. Los trabajadores que utilizan intensivamente competencias cognitivas no rutinarias obtienen mejores resultados en cuanto al empleo, los salarios y el cambio de ocupación. Tras la crisis económica brasileña de 2014, se observan indicios de cambio tecnológico con sesgo de rutina y de polarización del empleo.
Temperament and past behaviour can predict behaviour success for nitrous oxide sedation
Authors: Chua Jeannette Ming Cheng , Hong Catherine Hsu Ling , Sim Yu Fan , Choe Ruth Wei , Dhillon Ishreen Kaur , Hu Shijia
Published: May 2024

Background

There is currently insufficient evidence on potential predictors of a child's behaviour with nitrous oxide (N2O) sedation.

Aim

To examine the association between a child's temperament and behavioural outcomes during dental treatment with N2O sedation, and the child's perception to N2O sedation.

Design

At the first visit (dental treatment visit), temperament was assessed using the Child Behaviour Questionnaire—Short Form and behaviour was assessed by an independent rater using the Venham Behaviour Rating Scale. At the second visit, the child's experience with N2O sedation was elicited.

Results

Seventy‐two healthy children aged between 36 and 95 months were recruited. Planned dental treatment was completed in 84.7% of the subjects. Venham behaviour success <3 and Venham behaviour success <1 were achieved in 73.6% and 33.3%, respectively. The temperament domain of effortful control was associated with Venham behaviour score (ρ = −0.266, p = .024) and Venham behaviour success <1 (OR = 3.506, 95% CI = 1.328–9.259, p = .011). Baseline Frankl behaviour score was significantly associated with all behavioural outcomes. Venham behaviour success <3 was significantly associated with a child reporting to have enjoyed the dental treatment visit (p = .026).

Conclusion

Effortful control and baseline behaviour were associated with behavioural outcomes of N2O sedation and can be used to predict a child's behaviour.
The relationships between certified nursing assistants' voice behaviour and job satisfaction, work engagement and turnover intentions: A two‐wave survey study
Authors: Kee Karin , van Wieringen Marieke , Nies Henk , Beersma Bianca
Published: May 2024

Aim

Whereas voice behaviour has been identified as a key precursor to safe and high‐quality patient care, little is known about how voice relates to key workforce outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between certified nursing assistants' perceived promotive voice behaviour (speaking up with suggestions for future improvement) and prohibitive voice behaviour (speaking up about problems or potentially harmful situations) and their self‐reported levels of job satisfaction, work engagement and turnover intentions.

Design and methods

Dutch certified nursing assistants were recruited for a two‐wave survey study through non‐random convenience sampling. The final sample contained 152 respondents. The data were analysed using multiple linear regression analyses. In all analyses, the dependent variable at time one was controlled for.

Results

Certified nursing assistants' promotive and prohibitive voice behaviour at time one were found to be positively related to their level of job satisfaction at time two while controlling for job satisfaction at time one. No relationships with work engagement or occupational turnover intentions were found.

Conclusion

While previous research has found positive effects of voice on patient safety outcomes and team and organizational improvements in care organizations, we demonstrate that voice is also related to a key workforce outcome, that is, certified nursing assistants' job satisfaction.

Implications and impact

Recognizing the interplay between voice behaviour and job satisfaction underscores the importance of creating work environments where certified nursing assistants feel able and willing to make their voices heard—with ideas and suggestions, as well as information regarding problems and concerns.

Patient or public involvement

Three certified nursing assistants have contributed to the development of the survey.
How do people with intellectual disabilities understand friendship? A systematic meta‐synthesis
Authors: Jackson Isabel , Dagnan Dave , Golding Laura , Rayner‐Smith Kelly
Published: May 2024

Background

Previous systematic reviews of the relationships of people with intellectual disabilities have included consideration of intimate relationships. In this paper, we report a systematic review of papers describing friendship only.

Method

A systematic qualitative meta‐synthesis of the research exploring experiences of friendship as reported by people with intellectual disabilities.

Results

Seven papers met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Three superordinate themes were identified. (1) Reciprocity, ‘Someone who helps me, and I help them’. (2) The building blocks of friendships, ‘I can tell her some secrets’. (3) Managing friendship difficulties, ‘In real life it's much harder’.

Conclusion

People with intellectual disabilities value friendship and actively engage in reciprocal exchanges. We explore the strengths and limitations of current research, clinical implications, and directions for future research.
Inflammasome‐related gene signatures as prognostic biomarkers in osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhang Nan , Han Ying , Cao Hangkai , Wang Qingxin
Published: May 2024

Osteosarcoma, the primary bone cancer in adolescents and young adults, is notorious for its aggressive growth and metastatic potential. Our study delved into the prognostic impact of inflammasome‐related gene signatures in osteosarcoma patients, employing comprehensive genetic profiling to uncover signatures linked with patient outcomes. We identified three patient subgroups through consensus clustering, with one showing worse survival rates correlated with high FGFR3 and RARB expressions. Immune profiling revealed significant immune cell infiltration differences among these subgroups, affecting survival. Utilising advanced machine learning, including StepCox and gradient boosting machine algorithms, we developed a prognostic model with a notable c‐index of 0.706, highlighting CD36 and MYD88 as key genes. Higher inflammasome risk scores from our model were associated with poorer survival, corroborated across datasets. In vitro experiments validated CD36 and MYD88's roles in promoting osteosarcoma cell proliferation, invasion and migration, emphasising their therapeutic potential. This research offers new insights into inflammasomes' role in osteosarcoma, introducing novel biomarkers for risk assessment and potential therapeutic targets. Our findings suggest a pathway towards personalised treatment strategies, potentially improving patient outcomes in osteosarcoma.
Low‐power pure‐cut hot snare polypectomy for colorectal polyps 10–14 mm in size: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Kimura Hidenori , Takada Kazunori , Imai Kenichiro , Kishida Yoshihiro , Ito Sayo , Hotta Kinichi , Inoue Hiroto , Morita Yukihiro , Nishida Atsushi , Inatomi Osamu , Ono Hiroyuki , Andoh Akira
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim

Hot snare excision using electrocautery is widely used for large colorectal polyps (>10 mm); however, adverse events occur due to deep thermal injury. Colorectal polyps measuring 10–14 mm rarely include invasive cancer. Therefore, less invasive therapeutic options for this size category are demanding. We have developed hot snare polypectomy with low‐power pure‐cut current (LPPC HSP), which is expected to contribute to less deep thermal damage and lower risk of adverse events. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LPPC HSP for 10–14 mm colorectal polyps, compared with conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).

Methods

In this multicenter, retrospective, observational study, clinical outcomes of EMR and LPPC HSP for 10–14 mm nonpedunculated colorectal polyps between January 2021 and March 2022 were compared using propensity score matching.

Results

We identified 203 EMR and 208 LPPC HSP cases. After propensity score matching, the baseline characteristics between the groups were comparable, with 120 pairs. The en bloc and R0 resection rates were not significantly different between EMR and LPPC HSP groups (95.8% vs 97.5%, P = 0.72; 90.0% vs 91.7%, P = 0.82). The rates of delayed bleeding and perforation did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions

Compared with conventional EMR, LPPC HSP showed a similar resection ability without an increase in adverse events. These results suggest that LPPC HSP is a safe and effective treatment for 10–14 mm nonpedunculated colorectal polyps.
Implementation of the International Classification of Diseases 11th revision behavioural indicators for disorders of intellectual development with co‐occurring autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Lemay K. R. , Kogan C. S. , Rebello T. , Keeley J. W. , Bhargava R. , Buono S. , Cooray S. , Ginige P. , Kishore M. T. , Kommu J. V. S. , Recupero M. , Roy A. , Sharan P. , Reed G. M.
Published: May 2024

Background

The classification of mental, behavioural and neurodevelopmental disorders in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases 11th revision (ICD‐11) includes a comprehensive set of behavioural indicators (BIs) within the neurodevelopmental disorders grouping. BIs can be used to assess the severity of disorders of intellectual development in situations in which standardised measures of intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviours are not available or feasible. This international study examines the implementation characteristics of the BIs and compares them to standardised measures for assessing the severity of intellectual impairment and adaptive behaviours in disorders of intellectual development and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The clinical utility of the ICD‐11 and the fidelity of its application in international clinical settings were also assessed.

Methods

A total of 116 children and adolescents (5–18 years old) with a suspected or established diagnosis of disorders of intellectual development were included across four sites [Italy (n = 18), Sri Lanka (n = 19) and two sites in India (n = 79)]. A principal component analysis was conducted to evaluate the application of the ICD‐11 guidance for combining severity levels.

Results

Assessment using the BIs showed a higher proportion of individuals classified with mild severity, whereas the standardised measures indicated a higher proportion of severe ratings. Additionally, individuals with co‐occurring ASD tended to have more severe impairments compared with those without ASD, as indicated by both BIs and standardised measures. Overall, the BIs were considered clinically useful, although more time and consideration were required when applying the guidelines for individuals with a co‐occurring disorder of intellectual development and ASD. The principal component analysis revealed one principal component representing overall disorders of intellectual development severity levels.

Conclusions

The ICD‐11 BIs can be implemented as intended in international clinical settings for a broad range of presentations of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Use of the BIs results in similar severity diagnoses to those made using standardised measures. The BIs are expected to improve the reliability of severity assessments in settings where appropriate standardised measures for intellectual and adaptive behaviours are not available or feasible.