bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methyl N-{(1R)-2-[(methoxycarbonyl)oxy]-1-phenylethyl}carbamate
Authors: Mendoza Herrera María del Consuelo , Sampedro Cruz Mario , Pérez Díaz Lydia María , Rivera Márquez José Antonio , Orea Flores Laura , Bernès Sylvain
Published: March 2024

The title molecule, C12H15NO5, is a methyl carbamate derivative obtained by reacting (R)-2-phenylglycinol and methyl chloroformate, with calcium hydroxide as heterogeneous catalyst. Supramolecular chains are formed in the [100] direction, based on N—H...O hydrogen bonds between the amide and carboxylate groups. These chains weakly interact in the crystal, and the phenyl rings do not display significant π–π interactions.
How does market orientation affect disruptive green innovation? The mediating role of resource bricolage
Authors: Shang Tian-Tian , Dong Guang-Mao , Tian Min
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Based on the resource bricolage theory, we investigate the impact of proactive market orientation and responsive market orientation on firms’ disruptive green innovation. We also examine the impact of resource bricolage on disruptive green innovation and the mediating role of resource bricolage.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative data were collected from 232 firms in China. Structural equation modelling was used to test hypotheses.

Findings

The result show that proactive market orientation had positive effect on firm’s disruptive green innovation, whereas responsive market orientation had negative effect on firm’s disruptive green innovation. In addition, resource bricolage positively promotes firm’s disruptive green innovation. Resource bricolage played a mediating role between proactive market orientation and disruptive green innovation. Resource bricolage had a suppressing effect between responsive market orientation and disruptive green innovation.

Originality/value

This study makes up for the deficiency of the existing research on the relationship between market orientation and enterprise disruptive green innovation, improves the guidance mechanism of disruptive green innovation.
A hybrid approach for optimizing software defect prediction using a grey wolf optimization and multilayer perceptron
Authors: Mustaqeem Mohd , Mustajab Suhel , Alam Mahfooz
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Software defect prediction (SDP) is a critical aspect of software quality assurance, aiming to identify and manage potential defects in software systems. In this paper, we have proposed a novel hybrid approach that combines Grey Wolf Optimization with Feature Selection (GWOFS) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) for SDP. The GWOFS-MLP hybrid model is designed to optimize feature selection, ultimately enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of SDP. Grey Wolf Optimization, inspired by the social hierarchy and hunting behavior of grey wolves, is employed to select a subset of relevant features from an extensive pool of potential predictors. This study investigates the key challenges that traditional SDP approaches encounter and proposes promising solutions to overcome time complexity and the curse of the dimensionality reduction problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The integration of GWOFS and MLP results in a robust hybrid model that can adapt to diverse software datasets. This feature selection process harnesses the cooperative hunting behavior of wolves, allowing for the exploration of critical feature combinations. The selected features are then fed into an MLP, a powerful artificial neural network (ANN) known for its capability to learn intricate patterns within software metrics. MLP serves as the predictive engine, utilizing the curated feature set to model and classify software defects accurately.

Findings

The performance evaluation of the GWOFS-MLP hybrid model on a real-world software defect dataset demonstrates its effectiveness. The model achieves a remarkable training accuracy of 97.69% and a testing accuracy of 97.99%. Additionally, the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (ROC-AUC) score of 0.89 highlights the model’s ability to discriminate between defective and defect-free software components.

Originality/value

Experimental implementations using machine learning-based techniques with feature reduction are conducted to validate the proposed solutions. The goal is to enhance SDP’s accuracy, relevance and efficiency, ultimately improving software quality assurance processes. The confusion matrix further illustrates the model’s performance, with only a small number of false positives and false negatives.
Brilliance in resilience: operations and supply chain management’s role in achieving a sustainable future
Authors: Holgado Maria , Blome Constantin , Schleper Martin C. , Subramanian Nachiappan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to discuss how the mastery of resilience in operations and supply chains plays a significant role in the transition to a more sustainable future. Furthermore, it is supposed to propose avenues for future research on operational and supply chain resilience, interacting with the sustainability literature in our field.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual review of resilience and sustainability themes within operations and supply chain management research is conducted. Reflections on the topic are informed by relevant literature published over the last decade.

Findings

The major conceptual contributions are threefold: (1) This article elaborates on the understanding of operational resilience and supply chain resilience concepts and reviews their respective primary research streams. (2) It proposes resilience as the missing element in the pursuit of excellence in organizations that want to contribute to a more sustainable future. (3) The article offers a research framework that provides a future research agenda at the intersection of resilience and sustainability in operations and supply chain management research.

Originality/value

The article highlights gaps in current research and illustrates further areas of research that need to be addressed to maximize the contribution of operations and supply chain management research in supporting practitioners to achieve a more sustainable future.
Exploring resistance in family policy transfer: a comparative analysis of the Czech Republic and South Korea
Authors: Gurín Martin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Family policy is an area where policy transfer has garnered a lot of attention lately. A growing body of research demonstrates policymakers' interest in and willingness to adopt foreign family policies. However, previous studies have tended to neglect the second mechanism of policy transfer: resistance. This manuscript aims to address this research gap by exploring both the willingness and resistance to policy transfer in Czech and Korean childcare and leave policies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a qualitative research design, incorporating structured expert interviews instrumental in in-depth thematic analysis.

Findings

The analysis shows that policymakers in both countries demonstrated interest and willingness to transfer family policies, albeit employing different strategies and to varying extents. Moreover, the two countries exhibited significant differences in resistance to family policy transfer, with resistance in the Czech Republic being more frequent and effective. Resistance is directed towards both forced and voluntary transfers, although it isn't always against transfers that require a paradigm change. Policy transfer and non-transfer can concurrently be perceived as threats.

Originality/value

The study concludes that integrating both policy transfer and resistance in the analyses helps to shed light on cross-national differences in family policy change and contributes to a more nuanced portrayal of the world of policy transfer in this policy field.
The relationship between the media and corruption: perspectives of Ghanaian justice and anti-corruption officials
Authors: Amagnya Moses Agaawena
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The media is described as a fourth estate of the realm due to its ability to frame and shape discussions on governance and provide a stimulus for fighting corruption. But is the media really an effective tool for fighting corruption? This question arises due to the possibility of the media being used for propaganda, biased reporting and media owners’ and journalists’ engagement in corruption. The current study addresses the question by exploring the relationship between the media and corruption from the perspectives of Ghanaian justice and anti-corruption officials.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a qualitative approach by interviewing justice and anti-corruption officials across three administrative regions in Ghana.

Findings

The results show that while justice officials describe the media as a medium for accusing officials unjustifiably and exaggerating the scale of corruption, anti-corruption officials believe the media helps to fight corruption. In addition to uncovering and exposing public officials’ corruption, the media is also a double-edged sword characterised by intra-vigilance: the media hold “their own” (i.e. journalists fighting corruption) accountable through criticism and exposure of wrongdoings.

Practical implications

The double-edged nature of the media can strengthen and enhance the fight against corruption because anti-corruption actors and journalists will be cautious as misjudgements or errors committed will not be overlooked or concealed by the media. Therefore, anti-corruption agencies in Ghana can collaborate with the media to uncover and expose corruption committed by public officials and even journalists or media owners.

Originality/value

This study is the first in Ghana to explore the relationship between the media and corruption from the perspectives of justice and anti-corruption officials. The approach, frameworks and methodology adopted in this study can be applied in similar studies in other countries on the African continent and beyond.
Analysis of tax compliance behavior of family businesses: combining social and psychology norms and legitimacy determinants
Authors: Belahouaoui Rida , Attak El Houssain
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the tax compliance behavior of family firms by integrating social and psychological norms with legitimacy determinants, focusing specifically on the Moroccan context.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a qualitative research design, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 chief executive officers (CEOs) of Moroccan family firms. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to unravel the interplay between individual beliefs and societal norms.

Findings

The findings reveal a complex interplay between the personal norms of CEOs and chief financial officers (CFOs) and wider societal and cultural expectations, significantly influencing tax compliance behavior. The study identifies the multifaceted nature of tax compliance, which is shaped by personal ethics, family values and the dominant societal tax culture.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by its qualitative approach and focus on Moroccan family businesses, which may not be generalizable to other contexts. Future studies could use a quantitative approach and expand to other geographical settings for a more comprehensive understanding.

Practical implications

Insights from the study can assist policymakers and tax authorities in developing culturally sensitive tax compliance strategies that resonate with family business values.

Social implications

The research underscores the importance of considering sociocultural dimensions in tax compliance, fostering a more cooperative relationship between family businesses and tax authorities.

Originality/value

The study contributes a novel perspective by synthesizing social, psychological and legitimacy factors in understanding tax compliance in the unique context of family businesses.
Effect of line parameters on wheel wear of heavy–haul freight vehicle
Authors: Wang Hongkun , Zhao Yongxiang , Qi Yayun , Cao Yufeng
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The serious wear problem of heavy-haul freight vehicle wheels affects the safety and economy of vehicle operation. This paper aims to study wheel wear evolution law and the influence of line parameters on wheel wear of heavy-haul freight, and provide the basis for operation and line maintenance.

Design/methodology/approach

The wheel wear test data of heavy-haul freight vehicles were analyzed. Then a heavy-haul freight vehicle dynamic model was established. The line parameters influencing wheel wear in heavy-haul freight vehicles were also analyzed by the Jendel wear model, and the effects of rail cant, rail gauge, rail profile and line ramp on wheel wear were analyzed.

Findings

A rail cant of 1:40 results in less wheel wear; an increase in the rail gauge can reduce wheel wear; and when matched with the CHN60 rail, the wear depth is relatively small. A decrease of 9.21% in wheel wear depth when matched with the CHN60 rail profile. The ramp of the heavy-haul line is necessary to consider for calculating wheel wear. When the ramp is considered, the wear depth increases by 8.47%. The larger the ramp, the greater the braking force and therefore, the greater of the wheel wear.

Originality/value

This paper first summarizes the wear characteristics of wheels in heavy-haul freight vehicles and then systematically analyzes the effect of line parameters on wheel wear. In particular, this study researched the effects of rail cant, rail gauge, rail profile and line ramp on wheel wear.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2024-0038/
Designing a sustainable-resilient humanitarian supply chain for post-disaster relief process, an earthquake case study in Haiti
Authors: Shakibaei Hossein , Moosavi Seyyed Amirmohammad , Aghsami Amir , Rabbani Masoud
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Throughout human history, the occurrence of disasters has been inevitable, leading to significant human, financial and emotional consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a well-designed plan to efficiently manage such situations when disaster strikes. The purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive program that encompasses multiple aspects of postdisaster relief.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiobjective model has been developed for postdisaster relief, with the aim of minimizing social dissatisfaction, economic costs and environmental damage. The model has been solved using exact methods for different scenarios. The objective is to achieve the most optimal outcomes in the context of postdisaster relief operations.

Findings

A real case study of an earthquake in Haiti has been conducted. The acquired results and subsequent management analysis have effectively assessed the logic of the model. As a result, the model’s performance has been validated and deemed reliable based on the findings and insights obtained.

Originality/value

Ultimately, the model provides the optimal quantities of each product to be shipped and determines the appropriate mode of transportation. Additionally, the application of the epsilon constraint method results in a set of Pareto optimal solutions. Through a comprehensive examination of the presented solutions, valuable insights and analyses can be obtained, contributing to a better understanding of the model’s effectiveness.
Influence of social media communication on consumer purchase decisions: do luxury hotels value perceived brand authenticity, prestige, and familiarity?
Authors: Qing Wang , Safeer Asif Ali , Khan Muhammad Saqib
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of social media communications, particularly firm-generated content (FGC) and consumer-generated content (CGC) on predicting consumer purchase decisions (CPD) through the lens of perceived brand authenticity (PBA). This paper also investigates the moderating influence of brand prestige (BP) and brand familiarity in the luxury hotel sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected data from 390 consumers who were regularly using social media platforms, traveled frequently and stayed in luxury hotels. Following stringent data filtering, 371 responses were analyzed via structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings indicate that FGC and CGC significantly strengthened PBA. However, CGC was the effective driver that directly influenced CPD. Likewise, PBA directly and indirectly substantially impacted CPD. Finally, BP’s direct and moderating effects significantly influenced CPD in the luxury hotel sector.

Originality/value

This novel study contributes to signaling theory, social media communications and branding literature in the luxury hotel sector.
Absorptive capacity, relational capital and export performance among SME exporters: the moderating effect of contract
Authors: Ismail Md Daud , Ahmad Syed Zamberi , Singh Sanjay Kumar
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between absorptive capacity, relational capital and interorganizational relationship performance and examine the moderating effect of contractual governance on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative design, analyzing data collected through a survey questionnaire. The sampling frame consisted of 111 cross-industry, small and medium-sized manufacturers in Malaysia. The research model was analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results show that interorganizational relationship performance is positively influenced by relational capital and absorptive capacity. While absorptive capacity has a positive effect on relational capital, this study finds empirical evidence that contractual governance weakens the effect of absorptive capacity on relational capital. Furthermore, this study also examines the hitherto under-researched moderating effect of contractual government on absorptive capacity and relational capital and their relationship with interorganizational relationship performance.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into the interorganizational relationship among SMEs and explains the nature of knowledge management in this context. This study shows the potential role of absorptive capacity in building close cross-border interorganizational relationships.
Factors affecting the adoption of digital entrepreneurship: a survey of private schools in Nineveh Governorate in Iraq
Authors: Allawi Wisam Hasan , Alyouzbaky Bassam A.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine the factors affecting the adoption of digital entrepreneurship among the pioneers of private schools in the Nineveh Governorate, using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). The study seeks to address an academic problem represented by the low level of interest in the research literature on digital entrepreneurship. By contrast, the problem in the field is the failure of several entrepreneurial organizations, in general, and private schools, in particular.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers chose the private school sector in the Nineveh Governorate, Republic of Iraq, as the field of study. The targeted individuals represented school founders serving as investors and entrepreneurs, totaling 154 participants. The deductive approach was used as the main research method, with the survey approach as a sub-method. A questionnaire was used for data collection, and the researchers used structural equation modeling software, SmartPLS.

Findings

The results revealed that constructs such as effort expectation, social influence, facilitating conditions, behavioral intention and experience are factors contributing to predicting the transition to digital entrepreneurship.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to bridging the academic gap identified in previous research and addresses the spatial gap by focusing on private schools in the Nineveh Governorate. It aims to assess the level of interest in adopting digital leadership within this context.

Practical implications

One of the most important implications of the results of the current research is the potential expansion of the use of digital entrepreneurship by understanding the behaviors of entrepreneurs. This understanding can have positive outcomes in attracting broad segments of society to engage in this type of work due to its low costs, low risks and the absence of the need for practicing licenses. Such an expansion could contribute to the establishment of digital pioneering projects aimed at reducing unemployment in society. Additionally, this study offers insights that can guide policymakers in the country toward establishing digital business incubators that provide a suitable work environment for initiating and supporting such projects.

Originality/value

The current study presents a unique contribution, represented by using the UTAUT, to identify the acceptance of digital entrepreneurship in private schools in Iraq. This can bring benefits to entrepreneurs and educational policymakers in the country.
Decoding mood of the Twitterverse on ESG investing: opinion mining and key themes using machine learning
Authors: Jaiswal Rachana , Gupta Shashank , Tiwari Aviral Kumar
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Grounded in the stakeholder theory and signaling theory, this study aims to broaden the research agenda on environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing by uncovering public sentiments and key themes using Twitter data spanning from 2009 to 2022.

Design/methodology/approach

Using various machine learning models for text tonality analysis and topic modeling, this research scrutinizes 1,842,985 Twitter texts to extract prevalent ESG investing trends and gauge their sentiment.

Findings

Gibbs Sampling Dirichlet Multinomial Mixture emerges as the optimal topic modeling method, unveiling significant topics such as “Physical risk of climate change,” “Employee Health, Safety and well-being” and “Water management and Scarcity.” RoBERTa, an attention-based model, outperforms other machine learning models in sentiment analysis, revealing a predominantly positive shift in public sentiment toward ESG investing over the past five years.

Research limitations/implications

This study establishes a framework for sentiment analysis and topic modeling on alternative data, offering a foundation for future research. Prospective studies can enhance insights by incorporating data from additional social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook.

Practical implications

Leveraging unstructured data on ESG from platforms like Twitter provides a novel avenue to capture company-related information, supplementing traditional self-reported sustainability disclosures. This approach opens new possibilities for understanding a company’s ESG standing.

Social implications

By shedding light on public perceptions of ESG investing, this research uncovers influential factors that often elude traditional corporate reporting. The findings empower both investors and the general public, aiding managers in refining ESG and management strategies.

Originality/value

This study marks a groundbreaking contribution to scholarly exploration, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, by being the first to analyze unstructured Twitter data in the context of ESG investing, offering unique insights and advancing the understanding of this emerging field.
The differential impact of quantitative and qualitative information on outbound cross-border acquisition outcomes: evidence from emerging economies
Authors: Ahuja Sugandh , Singh Shveta , Yadav Surendra Singh
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the differential impact of qualitative and quantitative informational signals within the merger and acquisition (M&A) press releases on deal completion and duration. A significant percentage of deals by emerging market acquirers get abandoned before completion, and those that are completed have a longer duration. The limited information about the operations of acquirers from emerging markets creates suspicion among the stakeholders involved in deal resolution, hindering the completion of deals. Thus, using the signal-feedback paradigm, authors investigate how informational signals in the M&A press release impact the deal resolution.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs content analysis on M&A press releases announced by firms from five emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The technique is applied based on the exploration-exploitation framework developed by March (1991) to categorize the announced deal motives (qualitative information). Next, the authors identify the percentage of relevant quantitative information disclosed in the press release, following which results are obtained using logistic and ordinary least square regressions.

Findings

The study reports that deals with declared exploratory motives take longer to complete. Additionally, deals disclosing higher percentage of quantitative disclosure exhibit lower completion rate and increased deal duration.

Originality/value

This is the first study to provide evidence that familiarity bias impacts deal duration as relative to exploitation deals that are familiar to the stakeholders; exploratory deals take longer to conclude. Further, our analysis indicates that a greater percentage of quantitative disclosure may not always reduce information risk but rather be interpreted negatively in the form of the acquirer’s overconfidence in the deal’s potential.
Generations in the workforce
Authors: Southall Alysa
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to better understand how to interact with the five generations that currently make up our workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

The author bases her article on 8+ years of HR experience and research.

Findings

The five generations are more similar than we think. They want many of the same things, but they want them in different ways. Communication is the biggest difference between the groups.

Originality/value

The paper will better enable readers to engage workers from multiple generations in their own organizations.
The effects of thermal radiation, thermal conductivity, and variable viscosity on ferrofluid in porous medium under magnetic field
Authors: Dehghan Afifi Mohammad , Jalili Bahram , Mirzaei Amirmohammad , Jalili Payam , Ganji Davood
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the two-dimensional ferrofluid flow in porous media. The effects of changes in parameters such as permeability parameter, buoyancy parameter, Reynolds and Prandtl numbers, radiation parameter, velocity slip parameter, energy dissipation parameter and viscosity parameter on the velocity and temperature profile are displayed numerically and graphically.

Design/methodology/approach

By using simplification, nonlinear differential equations are converted into ordinary nonlinear equations. Modeling is done in the Cartesian coordinate system. The finite element method (FEM) and the Akbari-Ganji method (AGM) are used to solve the present problem. The finite element model determines each parameter’s effect on the fluid’s velocity and temperature.

Findings

The results show that if the viscosity parameter increases, the temperature of the fluid increases, but the velocity of the fluid decreases. As can be seen in the figures, by increasing the permeability parameter, a reduction in velocity and an enhancement in fluid temperature are observed. When the Reynolds number increases, an increase in fluid velocity and temperature is observed. If the speed slip parameter increases, the speed decreases, and as the energy dissipation parameter increases, the temperature also increases.

Originality/value

When considering factors like thermal conductivity and variable viscosity in this context, they can significantly impact velocity slippage conditions. The primary objective of the present study is to assess the influence of thermal conductivity parameters and variable viscosity within a porous medium on ferrofluid behavior. This particular flow configuration is chosen due to the essential role of ferrofluids and their extensive use in engineering, industry and medicine.
Does foreign direct investment promote access to basic services? The case of drinking water in Africa
Authors: Totouom Armand , Ngameni Joseph P. , Poumeni Rosine F.
Published: March 2024

Addressing the challenge of limited access to drinking water requires a comprehensive understanding of its underlying causes. This study aims to evaluate the effect of foreign direct investment (FDI) on access to basic services in Africa, focusing specifically on people's access to drinking water. Utilizing data from a panel of 51 countries spanning the period 2000–2020, we employed a two‐step system generalized method of moments to estimate dynamic econometric models. Our analysis reveals a positive correlation between FDI inflows and improved access to drinking water. A one‐percentage point increase in FDI inflows leads to a 0.026 percentage point rise in the proportion of people with access to drinking water. Notably, the effects vary between urban and rural areas, with marginal effects of 0.022 and 0.160, respectively. Furthermore, our findings indicate an inverse U‐shaped relationship between FDI and access to drinking water in Africa, signifying that while access to drinking water improves with increasing FDI, the rate of improvement diminishes. The study recommends the judicious utilization of tax revenues from multinational enterprises to fund basic service infrastructures and advocates for measures aimed at attracting additional FDIs.
Educational assortative mating in the Cameroon marriage market: Role of marriage timing
Authors: Akem Fiennasah A. , Wirba Ebenezer L. , Oumbe Tekam Honore
Published: March 2024

With the increasing education of women in developing countries, educational assortative mating has become a significant aspect in the marriage market, with educational assortative mating patterns likely to be dependent on marriage timing. Using pooled data from three recent waves of the Cameroon Demographic and Health Surveys, the paper investigates the effect of marriage timing on educational assortative mating patterns in Cameroon. To achieve the objective, the study employed the Cox proportional hazard model and a control function version of multinomial Probit. Results show that delaying marriage is expected to decrease the likelihood of women engaging in low educationally homogamous marriages while increasing the probability of women entering high educationally homogamous and hypogamous marriages. Findings further depicted that over the period 2004–2018, the likelihood of women engaging in low educationally homogamous marriages decreased meanwhile the likelihood of women considering high educationally homogamous marriages and hypogamous marriages increased. The implications of these findings are in tandem with the wisdom that, programs encouraging the girl child to delay early marriages and stay longer in school can help women engage in high educationally homogamous marriages, empower women and thus improves their socioeconomic status.
We are sidekicks! Concretizing the antecedents and outcomes of communal coping in the COVID‐19 crisis renewal
Authors: Yi Yang , Xu Dongqing , Tao Weiting , Lee Yeunjae
Published: March 2024

Scholars have gradually shifted efforts to understand the COVID‐19 crisis renewal stage. Viewing a gap in college communities' knowledge regarding COVID‐19 renewal, this study drew upon the extended theoretical model of communal coping and explored college students' stressor coping in back‐to‐campus situations. Results of an online survey (N = 460) across nine US universities, first, supported the presence of communal coping in such a situation. Second, universities' transparent communication benefited students' communal coping appraisal, while online and offline bonding social capital boosted communal coping action; both the appraisal and action components positively contributed to student adaptivity, with life satisfaction being associated only with the action dimension. Theoretical and practical implications for interdisciplinary model concretization and public health crisis renewal are discussed.
Influence of the ‘Learning Disability’ label on teachers' performance expectations—a matter of attitudes towards inclusion?
Authors: Kashikar Linda , Soemers Lara , Lüke Timo , Grosche Michael
Published: March 2024

Teachers' expectations influence students' outcomes. Studies demonstrate that teachers lower their performance expectations of students with learning problems when these students are labelled with a 'Learning Disability' (LD) diagnosis. Our study aims to investigate whether these effects can be replicated in N = 429 special and regular education teachers. We also investigate whether positive implicit and explicit attitudes towards inclusion mitigate the negative effects of the LD label on teachers' performance expectations. Teachers were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 214) or control group (n = 215). Both groups read the same description of a fictitious student with learning problems. In addition, the student was labelled as ‘learning disabled’ in the experimental group only. Results show that teachers' expected graduation level and school track recommendation were negatively affected by the LD label. It also led to a more frequent assumption that the student has an LD. Regardless of the LD label, special education teachers had lower performance expectations than regular education teachers. A positive implicit attitude towards inclusion reduced the likelihood that teachers believe that the labelled student has an LD. The findings are placed in the context of international research on disability labels and inclusive education.
Criminal background check laws and labor market inequality in the United States
Authors: McElhattan David
Published: March 2024

Research summary

A growing literature documents the effect of criminal justice contact on inequalities in the labor market. While ample evidence indicates that a criminal record itself imposes considerable disadvantage, the formal legal mechanisms that may contribute to criminal record‐based exclusion have received less empirical attention. The present study examines how one such mechanism—legal requirements for employers and license boards to perform criminal background checks—shapes labor market outcomes among formerly incarcerated people. The study draws from novel longitudinal data on the extensiveness of background check requirements at the state level, as well as individual‐level data on incarceration, wages, and unemployment from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Results show that while the extensiveness of state‐level background check requirements does not significantly affect the likelihood of unemployment, formerly incarcerated people residing in states where background check requirements are extensive are estimated to earn significantly lower wages than their counterparts in states with few screening mandates.

Policy implications

Criminal background check requirements stand as significant policy barriers that diminish the earning potential of formerly incarcerated people. Policy makers seeking to mitigate the collateral consequences of criminal convictions should narrow the scope of these laws to target specific, highly sensitive occupations, as opposed to broader workplace contexts. Reforms should also address persistent data quality issues in state criminal history record systems and shift the burdens imposed by incomplete or erroneous rap sheets. To minimize adverse self‐selection, background check procedures should clarify for applicants the role that a criminal history record may play in clearance decisions. Finally, future research should assess the marginal benefit of criminal background checks compared with other methods of screening prospective hires and licensees.
Causal relationships between Sjögren's syndrome and Parkinson's disease: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Yixuan , Zhang Ju , Jiang Huan , Qi Jiaping , Gu Qinchen , Sun Qiong , Chen Lin , Jiang Zhaoyu , Liu Aihui , Ying Zhenhua
Published: March 2024

Background

Epidemiological and observational studies have indicated an association between Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and Parkinson's disease (PD). However, consistent conclusions have not been reached due to various limitations. In order to determine whether SS and PD are causally related, we conducted a Mendelian randomization study (MR) with two samples.

Methods

Data for SS derived from the FinnGen consortium's R9 release (2495 cases and 365 533 controls). Moreover, data for PD were acquired from the publicly available GWAS of European ancestry, which involved 33 674 cases and 449 056 controls. The inverse variance weighted, along with four other effective methodologies, were employed to comprehensively infer the causal relationships between SS and PD. To assess the estimation's robustness, a number of sensitivity studies were performed. To determine the probability of reverse causality, we performed a reverse MR analysis.

Results

There was no evidence of a significant causal effect of SS on PD risks based on the MR [odds ratio (OR) = 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.95–1.11; p = .45]. Similarly, no evidence supported the causal effects of PD on SS (OR = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.81–1.04; p = .20). These findings held up under rigorous sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

MR bidirectional analysis did not reveal any cause‐and‐effect relationship between SS and PD, or vice versa. Further study of the mechanisms that may underlie the probable causal association between SS and PD is needed.
Quality of life in patients with myositis is associated with functional capacity, body composition, and disease activity—Baseline data from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jensen Kasper Yde , Aagaard Per , Suetta Charlotte , Nielsen Jakob L. , Schrøder Henrik D. , Grønset Charlotte , Simonsen Casper , Diederichsen Louise P.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To investigate the potential associations between functional capacity, muscle strength, body composition, and disease‐related measures and quality of life in patients with myositis.

Methods

Baseline measures of functional capacity (functional index 3 (FI3), 2‐minute walk test (2MWT), timed up and go (TUG) and 30‐s sit‐to‐stand (30‐STS)), muscle strength (incl. leg and handgrip strength), maximal leg extensor power, body composition (appendicular lean mass, fat percentage/mass) and disease‐related measures (disease activity & damage core sets) were examined for their associations with quality of life (physical‐ and mental component summary scores, Short Form 36 questionnaire (SF‐36)) by means of Spearman's correlation analysis.

Results

A total of 32 patients with myositis were included. Positive correlations between SF‐36 physical component summary score (PCS) and FI3, 30‐STS, TUG, 2MWT, leg extensor power, leg strength, bench press strength, and handgrip strength were observed. In contrast, fat percentage and fat mass correlated negatively with PCS. In disease‐related measures, Extramuscular global assessment, health assessment questionnaire, physician global damage, and patient global damage scores were negatively associated with SF‐36 PCS. No correlations to the mental component summary score of SF‐36 were observed.

Conclusion

All measures of functional capacity were positively related to the SF‐36 physical component summary score, indicating higher functional capacity positively affects quality of life in patients with myositis. Health assessment questionnaire and patient global damage scores demonstrated the strongest correlations with SF‐36 physical component summary scores, further supporting these patient‐reported outcomes as viable monitoring tools in patients with myositis.
Patient perceptions of behavioral flags in the emergency department: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Gonzales Rachel E. , Seeburger Emily F. , Friedman Ari B. , Agarwal Anish K.
Published: March 2024

Background

To combat increasing levels of violence in the emergency department (ED), hospitals have implemented several safety measures, including behavioral flags. These electronic health record (EHR)‐based notifications alert future clinicians of past incidents of potentially threatening patient behavior, but observed racial disparities in their placement may unintentionally introduce bias in patient care. Little is known about how patients perceive these flags and the disparities that have been found in their placement.

Objective

This study aims to investigate patient perceptions and perceived benefits and harms associated with the use of behavioral flags.

Methods

Twenty‐five semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of patients in the ED of a large, urban, academic medical center who did not have a behavioral flag in their EHR. Interviews lasted 10–20 min and were recorded then transcribed. Thematic analysis of deidentified transcripts took place in NVivo 20 software (QSR International) using a general inductive approach.

Results

Participant perceptions of behavioral flags varied, with both positive and negative opinions being shared. Five key themes, each with subthemes, were identified: (1) benefits of behavioral flags, (2) concerns and potential harms of flags, (3) transparency with patients, (4) equity, and (5) ideas for improvement.

Conclusions

Patient perspectives on the use of behavioral flags in the ED vary. While many saw flags as a helpful tool to mitigate violence, concerns around negative impacts on care, transparency, and equity were also shared. Insights from this stakeholder perspective may allow for health systems to make flags more effective without compromising equity or patient ideals.
Children's Behavioural Issues and Kinship Caregiver Depression: The Roles of Self‐Care and Formal Support
Authors: Shao Wenjing , Sun Fei , Sheneman Gretchen , Brock Michele
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine two intervening variables, self‐care and formal support that affect the relationship between children with behavioural issues and caregiver depression. Specifically, this study examines whether self‐care can mediate the relationship between children's behavioural issues and caregivers' depression levels and whether formal support can moderate the relationship between children's behavioural issues and caregivers' depression levels. Data from this study were collected from Qualtrics survey in 2020. A total of 136 participated in the survey, and 16 of them did not complete the survey. Two duplicates were removed, so the final sample size in the survey is 118 kinship caregivers in Michigan. Children's problem behaviours, depression level of caregivers, self‐care practices and kinship care navigator programme were measured. Results suggested that more frequently children showed behavioural issues, the more their behaviours are significantly associated with higher caregiver depression levels (B = 0.253, p = 0.004). The amount of caregiver self‐care practice showed a significant mediation effect between caregivers' depression level and children's behavioural issues (B = −0.314, p < 0.001), meaning more behavioural issues resulted in less self‐care practice of caregivers, and this less frequent self‐care could also result in a higher level of depression of caregivers. The moderation effect of kinship care programmes showed a disparity when caregivers were caring for children with different levels of behavioural issues. This study uncovered the differential roles of two intervening variables between children with behavioural issues and caregiver depression levels. Our findings affirmed the need to assist caregivers with children's behavioural issues in finding ways to engage in self‐care.
Transplant versus no transplant in myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia with TP53 mutation; a referral center experience
Authors: Poonsombudlert Kittika , Mott Sarah , Miller Benda , Dhakal Prajwal , Snow Anthony , Hornberg Sarah , Yodsuwan Ratdanai , Strouse Christopher , Shaikh Hira , Magalhaes‐Silverman Margarida , Sutamtewagul Grerk
Published: March 2024

A remarkably high rate of post‐transplant relapse in patients with TP53‐mutated myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia (MDS/AML) calls to question the utility of allogeneic stem cell transplant (HSCT). We, therefore, performed a retrospective analysis to compare the outcomes between HSCT (N = 38) versus non‐HSCT (N = 45) approaches. Patients in the HSCT cohort were younger (median age 63 vs. 72) while patients in the non‐HSCT cohort more commonly had complex karyotype with chromosome 17 aberrancy and 5q deletion (p < .01). A total of 69 TP53 variants including 64 pathogenic variants, and 5 variants of undetermined significance were detected. Nine patients (4 in HSCT and 5 in non‐HSCT) had multi‐hit TP53 variants. After induction: 57.9% versus 56.6% in the HSCT versus non‐HSCT cohort achieved morphologic complete remission. Median time to HSCT was 6 months and median follow‐up was 15.1 months for HSCT and 5.7 months for non‐HSCT. Median disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were 11.7 and 15.9 months for HSCT, and 4.1 and 5.7 months for non‐HSCT cohorts, respectively. Non‐relapse mortality at 12 months was 22% versus 44% for HSCT versus non‐HSCT. In the HSCT cohort, the rate of grade II–IV acute and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) was 55% and 18%, respectively. None of the patients from the non‐HSCT cohort were alive while four patients from the HSCT cohort were alive, in remission, and without GVHD (GRFS) at the time of abstraction. Better treatment strategies for patients with TP53‐mutated MDS/AML remain an area of unmet clinical need.
Impact of donor NKG2D and MICA gene polymorphism on clinical outcomes of adult and paediatric allogeneic cord blood transplantation for malignant diseases
Authors: Cox Steven T. , Patterson Warren , Duggleby Richard , Jones Owen J. R. , Madrigal J. Alejandro , Querol Sergi , Salvador Francesc Rudilla , Mata Maria Jose Herrero , Volt Fernanda , Gluckman Éliane , Szydlo Richard , Danby Robert D. , Hernandez Diana
Published: March 2024

Objectives

NKG2D is an activating receptor expressed by natural killer (NK) and CD8+ T cells and activation intensity varies by NKG2D expression level or nature of its ligand. An NKG2D gene polymorphism determines high (HNK1) or low (LNK1) expression. MICA is the most polymorphic NKG2D ligand and stronger effector cell activation associates with methionine rather than valine at residue 129. We investigated correlation between cord blood (CB) NKG2D and MICA genotypes and haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplant outcome.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 267 CB HSC recipients (178 adult and 87 paediatric) who underwent transplant for malignant disease between 2007 and 2018, analysing CB graft DNA for NKG2D and MICA polymorphisms using Sanger sequencing. Multivariate analysis was used to correlate these results with transplant outcomes.

Results

In adult patients, LNK1 homozygous CB significantly improved 60‐day neutrophil engraftment (hazard ratio (HR) 0.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4–0.9; p = .003). In paediatrics, HNK1 homozygous CB improved 60‐day engraftment (HR 0.4; 95% CI 0.2–0.7; p = .003), as did MICA‐129 methionine+ CB grafts (HR 1.7 95% CI 1.1–2.6; p = .02).

Conclusion

CB NKG2D and MICA genotypes potentially improve CB HSC engraftment. However, results contrast between adult and paediatric recipients and may reflect transplant procedure disparities between cohorts.