bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the spectrum around numerical solutions in Siegel gauge in open string field theory
Authors: Kishimoto Isao
Published: September 2023

In bosonic open string field theory, the spectrum around the numerical tachyon vacuum solution in Siegel gauge was investigated by Giusto and Imbimbo. Using their numerical method, we study the mass spectrum around two other solutions, which are “double brane” and “single brane” solutions in Siegel gauge constructed by the level truncation approximation. The “double brane” solution was constructed by Kudrna and Schnabl and its energy might correspond to a double brane. On the other hand, the “single brane” solution was constructed by Takahashi and the author in the theory around the identity-based solution for the tachyon vacuum and its energy corresponds to the perturbative vacuum, namely, a single brane. From the eigenvalues of the matrix for the kinetic term in Siegel gauge, we find a tachyon state and a massless vector state in the ghost number g = 1 sector around the “single brane” solution, which is consistent with the perturbative vacuum, although the mass spectrum around the “double brane” solution is obscure up to truncation level L = 10 and within scalar and vector states.
Assessment of Grapefruit Expressing Anti-NodT Antibody for Huanglongbing Resistance
Authors: Vosburg Chad , Sinn Judith P. , Orbovic Vladimir , Ferrarezi Rhuanito Soranz , Macias J. Martin Zapien , Taylor Earl L. , Hilf Mark , McCollum Greg , Gottwald Tim R. , Stover Ed , McNellis Timothy W.
Published: September 2023

Growers rely on broad-spectrum agrochemicals to manage one of the most economically important fruit tree diseases, huanglongbing (HLB, citrus greening disease), presumptively caused by the gram-negative bacterium ‘ Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ ( CLas). Although genetic resistance would be an attractive alternative to chemical management, this option is not yet available for HLB. Here, we tested whether a single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody targeting the predicted CLas outer membrane transporter NodT can inhibit CLas growth or HLB disease development when expressed in ‘Duncan’ grapefruit ( Citrus × paradisi). CLas NodT is similar to TolC and could be involved in Type I secretion and virulence. The scFv antibody was expressed in grapefruit trees as a C-terminal translational fusion to the Flowering Locus T protein of Poncirus trifoliata (FT-scFv) to promote expression in the phloem. Wild-type and FT-scFv-expressing transgenic lines were challenged with CLas using three inoculation approaches: psyllid-mediated inoculation, vegetative graft inoculation, and natural exposure in grove-like conditions. With the first two approaches, HLB symptom expression and CLas bacterial titers in FT-scFv grapefruit lines were not significantly different from wild-type controls. In the grove trial, one FT-scFv line exhibited a slight, but significant, reduction in canopy chlorosis compared to wild-type controls. Wild-type and FT-scFv lines were similar in all other metrics. We conclude that the expression of anti-NodT FT-scFv antibody in grapefruit did not decrease HLB susceptibility. Although our approach was unsuccessful, we hope that documenting our results will be useful for those seeking to develop HLB-resistant citrus germplasm in the future.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Characterization of Powdery Mildew Fungi Affecting Hemp in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Rivedal Hannah M. , Wiseman Michele S. , Richardson Briana J. , Massie Stephen T. , Garfinkel Andrea R. , Ocamb Cynthia M. , Gent David H.
Published: September 2023

Hemp ( Cannabis sativa) is a new crop for Oregon and Washington. These states are also home to 90% of the country's hop ( Humulus lupulus) production. Powdery mildew is a common disease that affects both hemp and hop. There are at least two species of powdery mildew fungi that may occur on hemp, including Golovinomyces ambrosiae and Podosphaera macularis, with the latter also infecting hop. Surveys were conducted throughout Oregon and Washington in 2021 and 2022 to determine the incidence and identity of powdery mildew fungi on hemp. Seventy-four fields were evaluated at three time points. In Oregon, powdery mildew was not detected in either year in the early season but was detected in 4.6 to 6.5% of fields during mid-season and 36.8 to 41.4% of fields during late-season evaluations. Powdery mildew was not detected in Washington in any survey time point in either year. We collected 204 powdery mildew samples from surveyed fields. Both P. macularis and G. ambrosiae were detected on hemp, based on diagnostic PCR assays and sequencing, comprising approximately 17 and 96% of assayed survey samples, respectively. All P. macularis samples that amplified were mating type MAT1-1, consistent with the population occurring on hop in the region. Thirty-nine convenience samples were collected outside of surveyed fields and included the first detections of both G. ambrosiae and P. macularis on hemp in Washington. The presence of P. macularis on hemp has possible ramifications for hop producers in the region, including disruption of established management systems and introduction of novel isolates.

[Formula: see text] The author(s) have dedicated the work to the public domain under the Creative Commons CC0 “No Rights Reserved” license by waiving all of his or her rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law, 2024.
Managing hospitalized patients with COVID-19
Authors: Stricker Mike
Published: September 2023

Treatment for COVID-19 has significantly changed since the beginning of the pandemic and continues to change as new evidence is published. This article describes which COVID-19 patients require hospitalization and how to manage hospitalized patients based on current evidence from randomized clinical trials.
Substance use disorder and treatment in healthcare providers
Authors: Howell Christopher M. , Myers Jade
Published: September 2023

Substance use disorder (SUD) is associated with innumerable risk factors and patient presentations, and is a leading cause of preventable disease. Research continues to explore the role of biochemical and social constructs that may play a role in the foundation, perpetuation, and progression of SUD in at-risk populations. Healthcare providers develop SUD at lifetime rates similar to those of the general population, but detecting common signs and symptoms may be challenging, often delaying treatment until the course becomes more complicated. Compounding this are tangible and intangible reservations to care, including clinician fear of the financial cost for treatment, lost wages, and damage to professional esteem. Nonetheless, all clinicians must be able to recognize SUD and be aware of treatments for afflicted colleagues.
Virtual and Low-Fidelity Simulation: An Integrated Approach to Achieving Learning Outcomes for Early Clinical Students
Authors: Mannino Jennifer , Shah Eileen , Flannery Jacqueline
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this educational initiative was to transition a portion of onsite acute care/hospital clinical learning to an experience integrating virtual and low-fidelity simulation for undergraduate nursing students. The integrated simulation created a safe, nonthreatening environment for students to learn and develop competence and confidence to meet the demands of real-world practice settings. Virtual with low-fidelity simulation offered a standardized approach that fostered consistency in meeting clinical, course, and program outcomes.
Opioid Settlements: The Role for Addiction Medicine in Guiding Effective Spending
Authors: Whaley Sara , Sharfstein Josh , Rising Josh
Published: September 2023

States are set to receive an estimated $56 billion in funds from litigation against opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies over the next 18 years. Unlike the big tobacco settlements in the 1990s, which were often spent on items unrelated to tobacco use, guardrails set by the opioid settlements require the majority of the funds will be spent on opioid remediation. Nonetheless, state and local jurisdictions still have wide discretion on the types and quality of programs that they fund. Addiction medicine specialists have several opportunities to utilize their expertise to inform the effective investment of opioid settlement dollars.
Is phased implementation of HPV testing and triage with dual staining the way to transform organized cytology screening?
Authors: Sláma Jiří , Dvořák Vladimír , Trnková Markéta , Skřivánek Aleš , Hrabcová Karolína , Ovesná Petra , Nováčková Martina
Published: September 2023

Objective

The substantial material and legislative investments in establishing and maintaining cytological screening in the Czech Republic represent barriers to a direct transition to primary HPV screening. Therefore, the LIBUSE project was implemented to test the efficacy of phasing in HPV DNA testing as a co-test to cytology in routine screening of women >30 years of age.

Methods

Women aged 30 to 60 years who underwent regular annual Pap smears were co-tested for HPV DNA with selective 16/18 genotyping at 3-year intervals. All HPV 16/18-positive cases and/or cases with a severe abnormality in cytology were sent for colposcopy; HPV non-16/18-positive cases and LSILs were graded using p16/Ki67 dual-stain cytology, and positive cases were sent for colposcopy.

Results

Overall, 2409 patients were included. After the first combined screening (year ‘zero’) visit, 7.4% of women were HPV-positive and 2.0% were HPV16/18-positive; only 8 women had severe Pap smear abnormalities. Triage by dual staining was positive in 21.9% of cases (28/128). Biopsy confirmed 34 high-grade precancer lesions. At the second combined visit (year ‘three’), the frequency of HPV infection (5.3% vs. 7.4%) frequency of HPV16/18 (1.1% vs. 2.0%), referrals for colposcopy (35 vs. 83), and biopsy verified high-grade lesions (5 vs. 34) were significantly lower (all P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

The addition of HPV DNA testing with selective genotyping of HPV16/18 to existing cytology screening significantly increased the safety of the program. The gradual introduction of HPV testing was well received by healthcare professionals and patients, and can facilitate transformation of the cytology-based screening. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05578833.
Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy and Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Yu Shaofu , Zhai Shasha , Gong Qian , Xiang Chunhong , Gong Jianping , Wu Lin , Pu Xingxiang
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of neoadjuvant immunotherapy for patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods:

Randomized controlled trials of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in treating patients with NSCLC were comprehensively retrieved from electronic databases, eligible studies, previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses, guidelines, and conference abstracts. The meta-analysis was performed by the Stata/SE 12.0 software.

Results:

Eleven randomized controlled trials were eventually included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy significantly improved the objective response rate compared with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT; 62.46% vs 41.88%, P = 0.003), but the objective response rate of neoadjuvant double-immunotherapy was roughly comparable to that of neoadjuvant single-immunotherapy (15.74% vs 10.45%, P = 0.387). Major pathologic response (MPR) rate and pathologic complete response (pCR) rate of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy and neoadjuvant double-immunotherapy were significantly superior to neoadjuvant CT alone and neoadjuvant single-immunotherapy, respectively. Compared with neoadjuvant CT alone, neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy increased the down-staging rate (40.16% vs 26.70%, P = 0.060), the surgical resection rate (83.69% vs 73.07%, P = 0.231), and R0 resection rate (86.19% vs 77.98%, P = 0.502), but there were no statistically significant differences. Neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy did not increase the postoperative complications rate than neoadjuvant CT alone (40.20% vs 41.30%, P = 0.920). In terms of safety, neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy and neoadjuvant double-immunotherapy did not increase the incidence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and the grade 3 or higher TRAEs.

Conclusions:

In summary, neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy had better clinical efficacy than neoadjuvant CT for patients with NSCLC. MPR rate and pCR rate of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy and neoadjuvant double-immunotherapy were significantly superior to neoadjuvant CT and neoadjuvant single-immunotherapy, respectively, for patients with NSCLC, showing that MPR rate and pCR rate were probably considered as alternative endpoints for survival benefit. TRAEs were comparable between the corresponding groups. The long-term survival outcome of neoadjuvant immunotherapy for patients with NSCLC needs to be further confirmed to better guide clinical practice.
One-piece Craniofacial Bone Fracture Reduction With an Additional Single Osteotomy at the Zygomaticomaxillary Buttress: A Successful Reduction of Frontoorbitozygomaticomaxillary Fracture Associated With a Temporoparietal Bone Fracture
Authors: Park Tae Hwan
Published: September 2023

A frontoorbitozygomaticomaxillary fracture, also known as a complex midface fracture or “quadripod fracture,” is a type of facial fracture involving multiple midface region bones. This includes the frontal bone (forehead), orbitozygomatic complex (which includes the zygomatic bone or cheekbone and the orbital bones around the eye), and the maxillary bone (upper jaw). These complex midface fractures associated with temporoparietal bone fractures can occur in clinical practice. However, a single-piece fracture of these has not been reported before. This study reports a 44-year-old male patient with a significant frontoorbitozygomaticomaxillary fracture associated with a temporoparietal bone fracture combined with epidural hematoma at the superior aspect of unilateral frontoparietotemporal convexity. Surgical treatment was performed 3 weeks after the traumatic event. Despite craniotomy of the parietal bone fragment, the reduction was not possible. The facial bone reduction was finally achieved following an additional single osteotomy at the unilateral zygomaticomaxillary buttress. The follow-up CT scan taken immediately and 3 weeks postoperatively showed successful realignment of craniofacial bone fracture. In conclusion, a single-piece fracture of frontoorbitozygomaticomaxillary bone connected to a temporoparietal bone can require additional osteotomy to achieve successful outcomes in an acute setting.
Prevalence and Recognition of Malnutrition in Elderly Patients Admitted to a University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Naaman Rouba Khalil , Bakhsh Manar Abduljalil , Alsherebi Rawan Khalid , Sultan Reema Mansour
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated predictors of malnutrition and to assess the ability of nurses to recognize malnutrition among elderly hospitalized patients in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 100 patients 60 years or older were recruited. Nurses were asked whether they considered patients as malnourished or not and their answers were then compared with the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) scores for the same patients. According to the MNA-SF, 27% and 48% of the patients were malnourished and at risk of malnutrition, respectively. Only 11% of the patients with poor nutritional status were recognized by the nurses.
Nurse-led speech therapist referral initiative for older adult patients at risk of dysphagia: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Khor Adeline Nyong Siew , Juay Westine Wei Lin , Wong Yi Yan , Omar Nur Elydia Binte , Liu Yajing , Kong Yingying , Goh Mien Li
Published: September 2023

Introduction and objectives:

Dysphagia is common among older patients, affecting their nutritional status, hospital readmission, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization costs. Nurses can play a key role in early identification of dysphagia through systematic screening. This project sought to (i) achieve 80% compliance among nurses in using the 4-point questionnaire test (4QT) swallow screening test on patients and (ii) ensure all patients screening positive for dysphagia were referred to a speech therapist within 1 day.

Methods:

A short swallow screening tool was adapted from an evidence-based screening tool, the 4QT, by a team of speech therapists, a geriatrician, and a geriatric trained nurse. Ward nurses were then trained on using the tool to screen older patients upon admission or transfer to another ward. The project used the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework, which involved pre and post audits and feedback to evaluate compliance with best practice.

Results:

Compliance increased in the use of the short swallow screening tool, rising from 64% (n = 25) in the baseline audit to 71% (n = 34) in the follow-up audit. However, there was a decrease in the referral of patients who screened positive for dysphagia to speech therapists, with the rate dropping from 92% (n = 12) to 86% (n = 12). All patients (n = 12) from both baseline and follow-up audits were referred to a speech therapist within 1 day of admission/transfer post-implementation compared with 70% (n = 7) at pre-implementation.

Conclusions:

This project applied evidence-based recommendations to clinical practice and improved patient outcomes. The nurses facilitated timely referrals to speech therapists for further assessment and intervention, which was useful in the clinical context. The nurses continue to use the screening tool routinely to prevent dysphagia complications among geriatric patients.
Inducible clindamycin resistance among clinical Gram-positive cocci in Niger Republic
Authors: Yacouba Abdourahamane , Alassoum Malika Zeidou , Soumana Boubacar Marou , Saley Sahada Moussa , Ousmane Abdoulaye , Moussa Harouna , Amatagas Saidou , Alhousseini Daouda , Doutchi Mahamadou , Chaibou Salaou , Daou Mamane , Brah Souleymane , Adehossi Eric , Olowo-Okere Ahmed , Mamadou Saidou
Published: September 2023

Background

Macrolide-induced resistance to clindamycin is a well-described mechanism leading to the misuse of clindamycin and hence to treatment failure.
Herein, we determined the frequency and associated factors of inducible clindamycin resistance in Gram-positive cocci in a tertiary care hospital.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out between January and December 2022. D tests were performed as recommended by EUCAST 2021 guidelines on 100 non-duplicate clinical isolates of Gram-positive cocci to determine the prevalence of methicillin resistance and inducible clindamycin resistance among the collected isolates.

Results

Of the 100 Gram-positive cocci isolates, 56 (56.0%), 17 (17.0%) and 27 (27.0%) were respectively coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp. Among Streptococcus spp., Group D Streptococci (15.0%) were the most isolated. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represented 9 (53.0%) of S. aureus isolates. Constitutive (cMLSb) and inducible clindamycin resistance (iMLSb) phenotypes were detected in 36 (36.0%) and 14 (14,0%) of the isolates, with 38.4% and 13.7% of the S. aureus isolates exhibiting cMLSb and, iMLSb, respectively. The result of multivariate analysis showed that age groups, gender, type of samples, provenance, and bacteria, were not significantly associated with Gram-positive cocci iMLSb phenotype.

Conclusion

The study reported for the first time a high prevalence of inducible resistance of Gram-positive cocci strains to clindamycin in Niger Republic. This suggests the urgent need for the implementation of regular screening of these isolates and the wise use of clindamycin in clinical practice.
High-level anxiety is associated with worse clinical symptoms and aberrant brain networks in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Chen Zhichun , Li Guanglu , Zhou Liche , Zhang Lina , Liu Jun
Published: September 2023

Background

Anxiety is one of the most common psychiatric symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Whether anxiety shapes disease progression and brain network aberrations in PD remain largely unknown. The objective of present study is to investigate whether anxiety exacerbates clinical symptoms and brain network abnormalities of PD patients.

Methods

PD patients performing magnetic resonance imaging from Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) database were specifically included. According to the scores of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), PD patients were classified into lower quartile group (STAI score rank: 0%∼25%), interquartile group (STAI score rank: 26%∼75%), and upper quartile group (STAI score rank: 76%∼100%) based on their STAI score quartiles to investigate how anxiety affects clinical manifestations and brain networks.

Results

Anxiety was independently associated with both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD patients. Consistently, PD patients in the upper quartile group showed more severe non-motor symptoms compared to lower quartile group. Moreover, they also exhibited significantly different topological metrics in structural network compared to lower quartile group. Furthermore, we demonstrated that differential network metrics mediated the associations between anxiety and motor and non-motor symptoms of PD patients.

Conclusions

PD patients with higher anxiety level exhibited more severe clinical manifestations and disruptions of brain network topology. Diverse structural network metrics were associated with motor and non-motor symptoms of PD patients.
Forecasting drug overdose mortality by age in the United States at the national and county levels
Authors: Böttcher Lucas , Chou Tom , D’Orsogna Maria R.
Published: September 2023

The drug overdose crisis in the United States continues to intensify. Fatalities have increased five-fold since 1999 reaching a record high of 108,000 deaths in 2021. The epidemic has unfolded through distinct waves of different drug types, uniquely impacting various age, gender, race and ethnic groups in specific geographical areas. One major challenge in designing effective interventions is the forecasting of age-specific overdose patterns at the local level so that prevention and preparedness can be effectively delivered. We develop a forecasting method that assimilates observational data obtained from the CDC WONDER database with an age-structured model of addiction and overdose mortality. We apply our method nationwide and to three select areas: Los Angeles County, Cook County and the five boroughs of New York City, providing forecasts of drug-overdose mortality and estimates of relevant epidemiological quantities, such as mortality and age-specific addiction rates.

Significance

The drug overdose epidemic in the United States continues to escalate, with fatalities increasing five-fold since 1999 and reaching a record high of 108,000 individuals in 2021. The crisis is characterized by distinct waves of drug types, disproportionately affecting various demographic groups in specific geographical regions. One major challenge in designing effective interventions is to forecast age-specific overdose patterns to facilitate targeted prevention and preparedness efforts. To this end, we propose a forecasting approach that integrates observational data with an age-structured model of addiction and overdose mortality. Applying this method nationwide and in areas that are highly impacted by the overdose crisis, we provide robust drug-overdose mortality forecasts offering vital insights for effective interventions.
Poly[[μ-1,3-bis(pyridin-3-yl)urea]bis(μ4-glutarato)dicopper(II)]
Authors: Ezenyilimba Frederick C. , LaDuca Robert L.
Published: September 2023

The title compound, [Cu2(C5H6O4)2(C11H10N4O)]
n
, contains square-pyramidally coordinated CuII ions linked by anti-gauche conformation glutarate (glu) ligands into [Cu2(glu)2]
n
di-periodic coordination polymer layers with embedded [Cu2(OCO)4] paddlewheel clusters. In turn, the layer motifs are connected by 1,3-di(pyridin-3-yl)urea (3-dpu) linkers to form a [Cu2(glu)2(3-dpu)]
n
tri-periodic coordination polymer network. Treating the [Cu2(OCO)4] clusters as 6-connected nodes reveals an underlying 41263
pcu topology according to TOPOSPRO software [Blatov et al. (2014). Cryst. Growth Des.
14, 3576–3586].
The effects of positive personality on life insurance salespeople's customer orientation
Authors: Tsung You-Chien , Tseng Lu-Ming
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Studies have shown that customer orientation has a substantial impact on a business's success. This study examines the effects of positive personality on salespeople's proactive customer orientation (PCO) and responsive customer orientation (RCO) by incorporating the effects of job enthusiasm and transformational leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey is conducted. A total of 511 questionnaires are received from Taiwan's life insurance salespeople. Partial least squares (PLS) regression is used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that positive personality influences PCO and RCO both directly and indirectly through job enthusiasm. The effect of transformational leadership is also found to be significant. Financial service companies should be concerned about the important role of positive personality and transformational leadership in promoting job enthusiasm, PCO and RCO among salespeople.

Originality/value

Previous studies mostly focused on the direct relationship between customer orientation and organizational outcomes, neglecting the role of individual personality. This gap leaves us wondering how a positive personality influences a salesperson's proactive and responsive customer orientation. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to examine the mechanisms of a positive personality, job enthusiasm, and transformational leadership on salespeople's PCO and RCO.
Automation, artificial intelligence and future skills needs: an Irish perspective
Authors: Bukartaite Raimunda , Hooper Daire
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study explores insights from key stakeholders into the skills they believe will be necessary for the future of work as we become more reliant on artificial intelligence (AI) and technology. The study also seeks to understand what human resource policies and educational interventions are needed to support and take advantage of these changes.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative study where a sample of highly experienced representatives from a range of small to large Irish organisations, both public and private, provide insights into this important topic.

Findings

Findings indicate participants see a continued need for soft and hard skills as we evolve towards a more technologised workplace, with a need for employees to adopt a lifelong learning philosophy. As the knowledge economy in Ireland is well established, experts do not expect mass displacement to occur but differ with respect to the predicted rate of change. Novel HR interventions such as hiring for potential, pooling talent and establishing postgraduate supply contracts are seen as key. Current state interventions were mostly viewed positively but revamping of curricula is needed as well as stronger partnerships with tertiary institutions.

Research limitations/implications

The interpretivist nature of the study limits the generalisability of the findings as they are based on a relatively small sample from one country. Also despite the significant expertise of the sample, it is not possible to predict whether their forecasts will manifest.

Practical implications

This research highlights the need for Irish SMEs to embrace the impacts of automation and AI as many are seen to be slow in reacting to changes in technology. The study also reveals cutting edge talent management interventions for employers to adopt that will insulate them from the challenges technological change presents to recruitment and employee development.

Originality/value

The findings from this paper culminate in the development of a conceptual framework, which encapsulates the responsibilities of all parties so that future skills needs will be met. This highlights the interplay between employers, individuals/employees, the Irish Government and educational institutions, demonstrating how they are interdependent on one another as we move towards a more technologised future.
The impact of supervision on bank risk: empirical evidence from the Tunisian context
Authors: Belgacem Sana , Hadriche Manel , Belhaj Fethi
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of supervision on banking risk to determine whether prudential measures taken especially after financial crises are effective in limiting banking risks.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study focused on 210 annual reports of almost all Tunisian banks during the 2010–2019 period. Banking supervision effectiveness is measured by enforcement outputs (i.e. on-site audits and sanctions). The generalized least squares method of multivariate analysis was used to analyze this study.

Findings

The results show that supervision set up and on-site audits reduce bank risk, while the relationship between sanctions and risk appears to be non-significant. The results still hold after robustness tests by changing the bank's risk-taking indicators.

Practical implications

This study has important implications for managers and investors in the Tunisian context. In particular, the findings provide microevidence for the impact of supervision in Tunisian banks to reduce their risk-taking. The empirical results have important implications for the decision-making of bank managers and regulators in Tunisia as well as for relevant actors in similar emerging economies.

Originality/value

This study extends the previous literature on supervision by examining the relationship between supervision and banking risk in an emerging country, which has been little explored, Tunisia in particular. Furthermore, this study examines whether supervision reduces risk borne by Tunisian banks, and to the best of the researchers' knowledge, it is one of the pioneering studies of supervision in the Tunisian market. This latter market has different economic, political and social attributes compared to developed countries. So, this paper helps to clarify the impact of supervision enforcement and macroprudential policies. In addition, this paper strongly contributes to the various stakeholders “understanding of the importance and implication of supervision practices. However, since banks tend not to reduce their participation in risky activities to seek higher profits, supervisory policymakers and practitioners should also take a closer look at the composition of banks” investment portfolios to reduce moral hazard and regulatory arbitrage behavior. Empirically, the authors measure supervision by on-site audits and sanctions and examine how they affect bank risk level, which was never approached in Tunisia.
Digital wellbeing – a review of the JISC guidance from the UK and Vietnam
Authors: Foster Scott , Ly Thien Trang , Foster Anna Jayne , Ho Thi Hanh Tien , Knight Sarah
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to contribute to the discussion of wellbeing within the university education system by outlining the key issues and benefits and recognising future research on digital well-being for students. The JISC Digital wellbeing paper highlights the many positive and negative impacts associated with digital wellbeing. This paper explores how some of these features have been considered within institutions within the UK and Vietnam and highlights the emerging research in one Vietnamese institution in relation to student wellbeing, where digital wellbeing was identified as a key concern.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a technical review article which summarises key guidance for organisational digital wellbeing and then reflects on the application in the UK (a developed economy) and in Vietnam (one of the fastest growing economies). This is the first time a review has been conducted from the perspective of different countries. There are two aspects to digital wellbeing, individual and the social or organisational perspectives.

Findings

The JISC Digital wellbeing paper highlights the many positive and negative impacts associated with digital wellbeing. This paper explores how some of these features have been considered within institutions within the UK and Vietnam and highlights the emerging research in one Vietnamese institution in relation to student wellbeing, where digital wellbeing was identified as a key concern. The context of digital wellbeing within higher education is then discussed drawing similarities between the UK and Vietnamese student experiences whilst acknowledging the limitations of current research within the field.

Originality/value

Many institutions have seen a rise in the number of wellbeing challenges, and there are few examples of specific initiatives aimed at addressing digital wellbeing challenges for their stakeholders. Existing research on students' wellbeing is predominately focused on undergraduate students and does not differentiate between undergraduate and postgraduate students, nor between masters, doctoral and professional level students and does not explore the impact of digital wellbeing discretely; this is an area which would benefit from future research.
Revolutionizing healthcare organizations with Operational Excellence and Healthcare 4.0: a systematic review of the state-of-the-art literature
Authors: Detwal Pankaj Kumar , Agrawal Rajat , Samadhiya Ashutosh , Kumar Anil , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine current research on the relationship between Operational Excellence and Healthcare 4.0 (H4.0) for healthcare organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have performed a systematic literature review of 102 documents published between 2011 and 2022 from the Scopus database to identify the research trends on Operational Excellence and H4.0. Through a descriptive bibliometric analysis, this study has highlighted the year-wise trend in publication, top authors, prominent sources of publications, the country-wise spread of research activities and subject area analysis. Furthermore, through content analysis, this study has identified four clusters and proposed directions for future research of each identified cluster.

Findings

Results reflect overall growth in this area, with a few parts of the world being underrepresented in research related to Operational Excellence and H4.0. The content analysis focused on describing challenges pertaining to healthcare industries and the role of Operational Excellence tools and H4.0 technologies in dealing with various healthcare delivery aspects. The authors concluded their analysis by proposing a theoretical framework and providing theoretical and managerial implications of the study.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the paper is one of the first to analyze the existing literature on the healthcare sector at the interface of Operational Excellence and H4.0 technologies. The conceptual framework and cluster-wise future research prepositions are some of the unique offerings of the study.
Dividend policy and firm liquidity under the tax imputation system in Australia
Authors: Bai Min , Qin Yafeng , Bai Feng
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The primary goal of this paper is to investigate the relationship between stock market liquidity and firm dividend policy within a market implementing the tax imputation system. The main aim is to understand how the tax imputation system influences the relationship between firm dividend policy and stock market liquidity within a cross-sectional framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates the relationship between stock market liquidity and the dividend payout policy under the full tax imputation system in the Australian market. This study uses the Generalized Least Squares regressions with firm- and year-fixed effects.

Findings

In contrast to the negative relationship between the liquidity of common shares and the firms' dividends documented in countries with the double tax system, the study reveals that in Australia, the dividend payout ratios are positively associated with liquidity after controlling for various explanatory variables with both the contemporaneous and lagged time periods. Such a finding is robust to the use of alternative liquidity proxies and to the sub-period tests and remains during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Research limitations/implications

The insights derived from this study have significant implications for various stakeholders within the economy. The findings provide regulators with valuable insights to conduct a more holistic assessment of how the tax system impacts the economy, especially concerning the dividend choices of firms. Within the context of a full tax imputation system, investors can make investment decisions without factoring in the taxation impact. Simultaneously, firms can be relieved of concerns about losing investors who prioritize liquidity, particularly when a high dividend payout might not align optimally with their financial strategy.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by extending the literature on the tax clientele effects on dividend policy, providing evidence that the tax imputation system can moderate the impact of liquidity on dividend policy. This study examines the impact of the dividend tax imputation system on the substitution effect between dividends and liquidity.
Examination of the relationship of depression and leader support within organizational commitment and culture
Authors: Sonmez Cakir Fatma , Kucukoglu Irem , Adıguzel Zafer
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship of the organization and whether employees in the companies operating in the textile sector receive leadership support when they experience depression.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from personnel working in textile companies in organized industrial zones located within five provinces: Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, Izmir and Antalya (defined as industrial cities of Turkey). The reason for choosing these companies was related to the question of whether the mental state of the personnel may have had an impact on the success of the company, especially as the textile industry works with more manpower and knowledge due to the nature of the job. The moderation relationship of leadership support to the relationship of this situation on organizational culture and organizational commitment was analyzed using the SmartPLS program.

Findings

As a result of the analyzes, it was determined that the depression of the employees weakens the organizational commitment, thereby leading to a negative relationship within the organizational culture. But, with leadership support, the organizational commitment increases and the organizational culture is positively affected.

Research limitations/implications

As the research was conducted in companies in the textile sector in Istanbul, this limitation should be taken into account in future research. In addition, as data is collected from white-collar employees in the administrative staff position (the sample group), this situation should also be taken into account. Considering the questions asked in the questionnaire, it is recommended that future research be conducted on blue-collar workers.

Practical implications

It can be concluded that the leadership role is an important factor for organizations to prevent employees from being depressed and employees should receive positive support to ensure organizational commitment. At the same time, it can be concluded that the organizational culture is positively affected if the depression of the employees has decreased.

Originality/value

The research is an original study in terms of investigating the relationship of depression status to the leadership support of employees working in textile companies in an environment where competition is consistently intense.
A growth pattern of foreign investment motivations by individuals
Authors: Hoàng Nguyễn Thanh
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a growth comprehensive pattern to explain the phenomenon of individual foreign investment, first at the global level and then at the regional level. The patterns are developed based on a number of main theories with grounded theory (GT) as the foundation, distributed on the two pull and push forces of international business theory and migration theory; simultaneously, it is classified on the three levels (attribute–consequence–value [ACV]) of means-end theory.

Design/methodology/approach

An embedded method is applied to generate two complementary datasets from two approaches: in-depth interviews and secondary data analysis.

Findings

In this structure, the investor plays a central role as the decision-maker based on the entrepreneur's motives for internationalization (economics-driven and psychology-driven factors) and the householders' motives for emigration (aspiration and access capabilities). The external forces considered are a push from the home country (structures) and pull from the host country (immigrant investment programs [IIPs]), in which the factor of (dis)trust/misconception as a moderator has an additional impact on this mobility. Demographic factors such as gender, region, generation/age, level of education, religion and occupation generally describe the characteristics of each specific target group.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is to develop a conceptual framework.

Originality/value

The results of this study, in addition to fulfilling its own objectives, will also serve as the foundation for further research in several scientific fields such as economics, sociology and politics.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-12-2022-0786
To return or not to return: an investigation of dilemma among medical students to revisit Ukraine for educational tourism
Authors: Siddiqui Samiha , Sujood Sujood , Bano Naseem , Hamid Sheeba
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Ukraine hosts thousands of international students for educational tourism, of which more than 18,000 Indian medical students were compelled to escape Ukraine under emergency conditions of war. This paper aims to examine their intention to return to Ukraine to complete their education based on an integrated theory of planned behaviour (TPB) framework with added constructs, i.e. risk perception, career anxiety, rescue and relief memory.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 26 February 2022 to 30 June 2022 in two phases and two modes. It was ensured that the respondents were strictly confined to Indian medical students who had travelled to Ukraine for educational tourism. SPSS 25 and AMOS 23.0 were used to analyse the data. The hypotheses proposed were statistically tested.

Findings

The analysis reveals that the extended TPB model resulted in a strong model and the empirical findings corroborate that the students’ attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and career anxiety significantly and positively influence the students’ revisit intention (RI) while risk perception and rescue and relief memory have a negative influence on the RI.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides timely insights and implications to the Ukrainian tourism industry, particularly educational tourism business and medical institutions under the present turmoil, which can also act as blueprint research for destinations with a similar unstable political background.

Originality/value

The primary value of this research work is that it provides an understanding of the intention of medical students (educational tourists) towards revisiting the war-hit destination of Ukraine.
International dynamic marketing capabilities and international performance during the pandemic: a study of export manufacturers from Poland
Authors: Ciszewska-Mlinarič Mariola , Siemieniako Dariusz , Wójcik Piotr
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper contributes to studies on the relationship between dynamic capabilities (DCs) and performance by showing how domain-specific DCs – international dynamic marketing capabilities (IDMCs) – affect the international performance of exporting firms in the context of extreme environmental dynamism – during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors focus on a sample of 277 exporting manufacturers from the post-transition economy of Poland. The authors use hierarchical multiple regression analysis to test this study's hypotheses.

Findings

This study's findings show that deployment of IDMCs by export manufacturers in the context of environmental jolts contributes to better performance, and this relationship is mediated by adaptation to foreign markets and product development capability. Additionally, this study's results reveal that the significant and positive indirect effect of IDMCs on international performance (through mediators) is, however, weakened under conditions of extreme environmental dynamism.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations pertain to the cross-sectional nature of this study and the research sample, characterised by the dominance of export manufacturers of final products, the dominance of manufacturers operating in the business-to-business sector, or in the business-to-business and business-to-customer sectors simultaneously.

Practical implications

The study provides suggestions to managers on how to build resilience in international markets during turbulent times. These activities involve investments in IDMCs that support activities centred around product development and adaptation to foreign markets.

Originality/value

The novel construct of IDMCs is introduced and operationalized. The study empirically tests the direct and indirect relationship between IDMCs and performance contingent upon extreme environmental dynamism. The results demonstrate the boundary conditions for the effectiveness of these domain-specific DCs in such a research setting.