bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate governance mechanisms and renewable energy transition
Authors: Makpotche Marcellin , Bouslah Kais , M’Zali Bouchra B.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The intensity of carbon emissions has led to the serious problem of global warming, and the consequences in terms of climatic disasters are gaining increasing attention worldwide. As the energy sector is responsible for most global emissions, developing clean energy is crucial to combat climate change. This study aims to examine the relationship between corporate governance and renewable energy (RE) consumption and explore the interaction between RE production and RE use.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts an econometric framework of a panel model, followed by the robustness check using alternative methods, including logit regressions. The bivariate probit model is used to analyze the interaction between the decision to use and the decision to produce RE. The analysis is based on a sample of 3,896 firms covering 45 countries worldwide.

Findings

The results reveal that appropriate governance mechanisms positively impact RE consumption. These include the existence of a sustainability committee; environmental, social and governance-based compensation policy; financial performance-based compensation; sustainability external audit; transparency; board gender diversity; and board independence. Firms with appropriate governance mechanisms are more likely to produce and use RE than others. Finally, while RE use positively impacts firm value and environmental performance, the authors find no significant effect on current profitability.

Originality/value

This study goes beyond previous research by exploring the impact of multiple governance mechanisms. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is also the first study examining the relationship between RE use and firm value. Overall, the findings suggest that RE transition requires, first of all, establishing appropriate governance mechanisms within companies.
Super-resolution with generative adversarial networks for improved object detection in aerial images
Authors: Haykir Aslan Ahmet , Oksuz Ilkay
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Data quality and data resolution are essential for computer vision tasks like medical image processing, object detection, pattern recognition and so on. Super-resolution is a way to increase the image resolution, and super-resolved images contain more information compared to their low-resolution counterparts. The purpose of this study is analyzing the effects of the super resolution models trained before on object detection for aerial images.

Design/methodology/approach

Two different models were trained using the Super-Resolution Generative Adversarial Network (SRGAN) architecture on two aerial image data sets, the xView and the Dataset for Object deTection in Aerial images (DOTA). This study uses these models to increase the resolution of aerial images for improving object detection performance. This study analyzes the effects of the model with the best perceptual index (PI) and the model with the best RMSE on object detection in detail.

Findings

Super-resolution increases the object detection quality as expected. But, the super-resolution model with better perceptual quality achieves lower mean average precision results compared to the model with better RMSE. It means that the model with a better PI is more meaningful to human perception but less meaningful to computer vision.

Originality/value

The contributions of the authors to the literature are threefold. First, they do a wide analysis of SRGAN results for aerial image super-resolution on the task of object detection. Second, they compare super-resolution models with best PI and best RMSE to showcase the differences on object detection performance as a downstream task first time in the literature. Finally, they use a transfer learning approach for super-resolution to improve the performance of object detection.
Sandstone mining and silicosis deaths in Rajasthan: a critical legal and policy analysis
Authors: Mohammad Shamim , Huchhanavar Shivaraj , Rahman Hifzur , Pasha Tariq Sultan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The extant literature underlines the inadequacies of legal and policy frameworks addressing the safety and health concerns of sandstone mineworkers in India. Notably, Rajasthan, a state renowned for its extractive industries, mirrors these concerns. Against this backdrop, this paper aims to critically evaluate the relevant legal and policy landscape, with an emphasis on the recent central statute: the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code of 2020 (OSHWCC). Given that the Code subsumes the key legislation pertaining to the safety and health of mineworkers, an in-depth critical analysis is essential to forge suitable policy interventions to address continued gross violations of human rights.

Design/methodology/approach

The critical analysis of legal and policy frameworks on silicosis in sandstone mineworkers is based on a comprehensive reading of existing literature. The literature includes relevant laws, case law, reports of the Rajasthan State Human Rights Commission and National Human Rights Commission, publicly available data and key scholarly contributions in the field.

Findings

Although the OSHWCC has made some changes to the existing regulatory architecture of mines in India, it has failed to safeguard the safety and health of mineworkers. Notably, the vast majority of mines in India – constituting approximately 90%, which are informal, seasonal and small-scale – remain beyond the jurisdiction of this Code. In Rajasthan, there are specific policies on silicosis, but these policies are poorly implemented. There is a serious shortage of doctors to diagnose silicosis cases, leading to under-diagnosis. The compensation for silicosis victims is insufficient; the distribution mechanism is complex and often delayed.

Research limitations/implications

The central and many state governments have not established the regulatory institutions envisaged under the OSHWCC 2020; therefore, the working of the regulatory institutions could not be critically examined.

Originality/value

The paper critically evaluates laws and policies pertaining to silicosis in sandstone mineworkers, with a special emphasis on the state of Rajasthan. It offers a comprehensive critique of the OSHWCC of 2020, which has not received much attention from previous studies.
Perceived schedule flexibility in the context of telework and its impact on stress and satisfaction with family life: the mediation effect of the family-work conflict
Authors: Freire Carla Maria Freitas Da Costa , Alves Lídia Costa
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The experience of working from home, which people had to deal with in the aftermath of the global pandemic crisis, was a test of resilience and does not necessarily have to be analysed in a negative light. In this sense, this study aims to analyse the impact of the perceived schedule flexibility, in the context of telework, on stress and satisfaction with family life among academic staff. To this end, a model was implemented to analyse the mediation role of family–work conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 248 questionnaires presented to educators and office staff at universities when teleworking was initiated due to the pandemic confinement. Structural equation analysis was designed to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

By applying a model which uses the effect of mediation of the family–work conflict, the results revealed that the perception of flexibility resulting from telework influences stress at work, as well as satisfaction with family life among academic staff.

Originality/value

There is a need to study the conditions required in the implementation of telework. This study is specifically intended to deepen some of the findings of previous studies in this area and to provide a greater understanding of how perceived flexibility can contribute to a decrease in stress and higher levels of satisfaction by reducing family interference with work.
The influence of servicescape on behavioral intentions of customers in hospitals post the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Batra Manik , Taneja Udita
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Based on the stimuli-organism-response model and relationship marketing theory, the effect of different dimensions of Servicescape (Ambience, Cleanliness, Functionality, Spatial Layout, Employee Service Quality) on Customer Satisfaction and Behavioral Intention in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic are considered.

Design/methodology/approach

The study takes a quantitative approach, applying structural equation model using partial least square structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses. A total of 360 responses were collected using questionnaires distributed to different individuals who visited private hospitals in the past two months in India.

Findings

Contradicting previous research, this study found that among servicescape dimensions, employee service quality had the maximum influence on customer satisfaction and cleanliness does not have any significant impact on customer satisfaction as hypothesized. Mediation results show that customer satisfaction has a partial mediation effect for all servicescape dimensions except ambience, as both direct and indirect effects are significant. Importance-performance map analysis was performed on the responses collected, and it was found that employee service quality is the most important dimension affecting servicescape, followed by functionality and spatial layout. Thus, health-care institutions should focus on these factors to keep their customers satisfied.

Originality/value

Past studies have focused on the roles of servicescape and customer satisfaction separately. The authors have extended the literature by examining the combined effects of both servicescape and customer satisfaction. The findings from the study, therefore, help in developing a deeper understanding of the literature on the behavior intention relationship in the context of health care, as well as in service marketing.
Analysis of the impact of network characteristics on the industry's value-added rate
Authors: Roh Jae-Whak
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study analyzed Korea's relations table through network analysis. In particular, among the centralities, eigenvector centrality, PageRank centrality and degree were used. The author studied which network characteristics affected the value-added rate.

Design/methodology/approach

A network analysis method was used.

Findings

It is the inward relationship that affects the value-added ratio of Korea's industries and the outward relationship has less influence. In particular, the inward relationship not only acts as a cost but also has an effect on the rate of added value recently.

Research limitations/implications

Since the three years of 2010, 2015 and 2019 are the target, the data are somewhat insufficient to generalize.

Practical implications

As for the value-added ratio of an industry, input is more important than output (sales). Therefore, where the input is received is very important.

Social implications

It is possible to increase the understanding of the determinants of the value-added rate of Korean industries.

Originality/value

(1) It was clarified which side is inward or outward in determining the industry in Korea. (2) The relationship between PageRank, eigenvector centrality and degree was analyzed in Korean cases. (3) Input is a cost and acts to increase added value.
Inflection points during a disruptive event: planning within the sales force
Authors: Matthews Ryan L. , Rutherford Brian N. , Matthews Lucy M. , Edmondson Diane R.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate business-to-business sales executives’ navigation of challenges and changes in planning during two separate periods (prevaccine and postvaccine) of time, which were impacted by a disruptive event (the COVID-19 pandemic).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a two-phase qualitative data collection approach. Thirteen executives, primarily from the Business-to-Business (B2B) manufacturing industry, were interviewed in phase one (2–3 months before the first COVID-19 vaccine). The second period of data collection was collected 4–5 months after vaccines became available.

Findings

The prevaccine business environment focused on short-term challenges, while the vaccine created exponential changes to long-term sales practices, suggesting the need to focus on critical inflection points that occur after the initial disruptive event.

Research limitations/implications

This exploratory study is a step toward developing a deeper understanding of managing disruptive events within a business-to-business sales environment by stressing the importance of both the actual disruptive event and the inflection points that follow the event.

Practical implications

New business models are constantly developing and evolving. However, this study suggests the biggest changes could occur after an inflection point from the disruption. Thus, firms need to consider different planning strategies before and after certain inflection points following a disruptive event. First, firms should adapt from their predisruption strategy to focus on short-term challenges during the initial phases of a disruption, likely halting most of the long-term planning. Second, inflection points create the need to move beyond short-term challenges and changes to focus on long-term changes. Third, long-term strategies and planning postinflection point will be different, and likely more complex, than long-term strategies and planning predisruption.

Originality/value

Most studies look at a disruptive event through a single data collection period. This longitudinal study compares prevaccine and postvaccine thought processes to explore the impact of an inflection point.
Just the way my brain works: capabilities for working with data in non-clinical practice
Authors: Sukovic Suzana
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Effective use of data is critically important for the provision of health services. A large proportion of employees in health organisations work in non-clinical roles and play a major part in organisational information flows. However, their practice, data-related capabilities and learning needs have been rarely studied. The purpose of this paper is to investigate issues of capabilities and learning needs related to employees' interactions with data in non-clinical work roles.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a mixed-method approach. Qualitative methods were used to explore issues, and survey was administered to gather additional data.

Findings

Data use and related capabilities at the workplace are highly contextual. A range of general, core and data-specific capabilities, underpinned by transferable skills and personal traits, enable successful interactions with data. Continuous learning is needed in most areas related to data use.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in a large public-health organisation in Australia, which is not representative of unique organisations elsewhere. The study has implications for the provision of health services, workplace learning and education.

Practical implications

Findings have implications for organisational decisions related to data-use and workplace learning, and for formal education and lifelong learning.

Originality/value

The study contributes to closing a research gap in understanding interactions with data, capabilities and learning needs of employees in non-clinical work roles. Capabilities continuum presented in this paper can be used to inform education, training and service provision. The workplace-based results contribute to theoretical considerations of capabilities required for work in technology-rich environments.
African family dynamics and family business – a perspective article
Authors: Odame Doreen Nyarko Anyamesem , Hinson Robert E.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Despite the potential benefits of family businesses, their dynamics present peculiar challenges that hinder the realisation of their full potential. This paper sought to assess the relationship between family dynamics and business development in Africa. The authors explored the dynamics of African family structures and how these structures impact family businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopted an analytical and interpretative approach to existing literature and contemporary practices in family business operations. The approach helped to synthesise emerging trends in family business operations and offered novel insights into family-owned businesses.

Findings

The findings revealed that, though family businesses have a lot to contribute to development, family dynamics can threaten their sustainability if not well moderated. Based on the findings, the authors recommend trust and transparency as critical pillars for sustained family-owned business growth. They recommend further that communication channels, documented policies and procedures and well-established feedback channels are strategies that can guide stakeholders in family businesses to build trust and transparency in the business.

Originality/value

The paper throws light on the unique contributions of family businesses to communities and individuals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). It is also an eye-opener to this relatively grey area and opens deeper discussions about sustaining family businesses.
“Fake it to make it”: exploring product counterfeiting in Türkiye
Authors: Bural Dilara , Lloyd Anthony , Antonopoulos Georgios A. , Kotzé Justin
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the issue of product counterfeiting in Türkiye and assess Türkiye’s role in the global supply chain of counterfeit goods. It sheds light on the supply-side dynamics of counterfeiting in the Turkish context.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were conducted with 46 key experts, including police officers, customs officers and trademark attorneys. The study also incorporated data from a documentary analysis of counterfeit products seized by the Bulgarian Customs.

Findings

The findings of this study highlight the significant role of Türkiye in international supply chains, serving as both a manufacturing hub for a wide array of counterfeit products and a crucial transit point for goods bound for European markets. This study suggests that counterfeiting serves as a source of livelihood for many individuals in Türkiye, with counterfeiters often justifying their activities by claiming they contribute to the country’s economy through job creation and the influx of foreign currency.

Research limitations/implications

While qualitative research is essential for exploring nuanced aspects and gaining in-depth insights, it may not provide the statistical robustness and generalizability associated with larger quantitative studies.

Originality/value

This paper is an original contribution to the understanding of product counterfeiting in Türkiye, a major counterfeit-producing country, with potential implications for the future of consumer protection and market integrity.
The role of inside debt in banks’ M&A choices: wealth expropriation or conflict resolution?
Authors: Yang Ziyun , Zhang Lanyi Yan , Yan Claire J.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of bank CEOs’ inside debt on shareholder benefits in the context of bank mergers and acquisitions (M&A) before the 2008–2009 financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing an event-study methodology, this analysis delves into market reactions to bank M&A announcements during 2006–2007, encompassing 105 M&As by 79 public commercial banks. This era witnessed heightened risk-taking behavior on the verge of the financial crisis. We explore the relation between relative inside debt and market abnormal returns at M&A announcements and the association between relative inside debt and cash payment preferences in M&As.

Findings

Evidence suggests that M&A announcements from banks where acquiring CEOs hold a substantial inside debt experience favorable stock market reaction, particularly for smaller banks. Additionally, banks with elevated CEO inside debt tend to favor cash as a payment mode for M&As.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study is the short period of data availability. The data used in this study covers only 2006 and 2007, the periods marked by notable risk-taking activities on the verge of the financial crisis. Although this period is perfectly suitable for our investigation, given the prevalence of conflicts between equity and debt holders, it is essential to acknowledge that our findings may not capture changes or trends over time. Nevertheless, the results offer valuable insights into the factors that influence the behavior of the studied population. Future research could employ a longitudinal design to address this limitation and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics over extended periods.

Practical implications

Our study has significant implications for businesses and policymakers as it provides insights into the factors contributing to financial crises and how compensation mechanisms can be used to moderate bank risk-taking. We propose that CEO inside debt compensation presents a plausible mechanism that boards of directors can incorporate into bank executive compensation contracts. By doing so, they can promote value-enhancing investments and moderate excessive risk-taking, thereby safeguarding the financial stability of individual banks and overall financial system.

Originality/value

Our study sheds light on the beneficial role of bank CEO inside debt for shareholders, contributing empirical backing to the conflict resolution viewpoint in the discourse on wealth appropriation. From a regulatory stance, our findings advocate for the inclusion of bank CEO inside debt in executive remuneration agreements. Such a strategy can empower boards of directors to mitigate undue risk and enhance shareholder value in M&As, safeguarding both individual bank and broader financial system stability.
Twitter killed the media star: a historical evolution of marketing communication used by Spanish universities
Authors: Orgilés-Amorós Macarena , Ruiz Moreno Felipe , Penagos-Londoño Gabriel I. , Tabuenca-Cuevas Maria
Published: November 2023

Purpose

In recent decades, higher education institutions (HEIs) have increasingly adopted marketing-oriented approaches. While the adoption of marketing was slower in Europe and Spain, it has become a vital tool for HEIs, both to stay competitive in a changing socio-economic context and to face the challenges posed by the transition to the University 2.0 model. This study aims to analyse the historical evolution of communication techniques used by universities, bringing into focus the relevance of social networks in the most recent decades.

Design/methodology/approach

This research methodology consists of two components. Firstly, a comprehensive analysis of the available data is conducted to investigate the earliest marketing and communication actions involving universities, as well as their evolution over time, contextualizing this within the significant shifts in the social, political and technological background. Secondly, a specific focus is placed on the contribution of social media, particularly Twitter, as a powerful tool in creating a university brand and effectively promoting educational institutions, especially during the last stage of this historical evolution. To identify and analyse these trends, Natural Language Processing is used, specifically by leveraging topic modelling techniques.

Findings

The results of this analysis offer insights into the evolution of marketing communication applied by Spanish universities and show the increasing importance of social networks and the use of specific topics and contents to enhance their impact on engagement.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by using a novel methodological approach to the research on the historical development of communication in universities in Spain, providing guidance to manage their social media strategy to differentiate themselves, increase engagement and foster brand loyalty.
Toward a model to enhance the applicability of blockchain in maritime shipping: a qualitative study from the Middle East
Authors: Abushaikha Ismail , Albahsh Rana , Alsayes Mustafa , Al-Anaswah Mohammad
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Existing literature is still lacking field works that reflect the implications and applications of blockchain in supply chain management. This paper aims to explore the role of blockchain technology in improving the performance of maritime shipping and develop a model to enhance blockchain applicability.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected through 28 semi-structured interviews from several supply chain actors in the Middle East and were analyzed based on a thematic analysis approach using NVivo software.

Findings

An emerging model for improving the performance of the maritime shipping industry through blockchain technology has been developed. The findings suggest that there are transparency and process efficiency–related improvements as an outcome of Blockchain implementation in the maritime shipping industry.

Practical implications

As shipping industry is largely fragmented, small players find it difficult to achieve great benefits such as those achieved by larger players in the sector. The authors’ model provides guidance for the implementation of Blockchain.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first scholarly works to investigate Blockchain applicability in shipping industry in the Middle East. The lack of a universal standard is a considerable challenge which is still hindering the development of blockchain applications that integrate the different actors.
Impact of British fall in Burma on Bengal famine of 1943: experience of Faridpur district of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Muhammad Saiful
Published: November 2023

Purpose

After the fall of Burma on 10 March 1942 the British government extensively implemented scorched-earth policies in Bengal like denial of rice and boats. The British government had inadequate defense equipment to resist Japanese attack in Bengal. After the Japanese invasion supply of Burmese rice suddenly stopped. Faridpur district used to import rice from Burma. The Burmese conquest created an immediate and serious crisis for several rice imported districts and coastal districts of Bengal. Hence, none of the districts of East Bengal could escape its brutal clutches and severity recorded in Chittagong, Dhaka, Faridpur, Tripura, Noakhali, Bakargonj and so on.

Design/methodology/approach

Among the affected districts of Bengal, Faridpur has been chosen as study area due to severity of famine. This study addresses the famine scenario of Faridpur. Data has been collected from primary and secondary sources. Content Analysis Research method is used to test reliability and validity of the data. Historical Analysis Research method has been followed in this study.

Findings

Finding of the study shows that the government relief issues, ignorance of warnings, political nepotism and denial policy of British government intensified the famine of Faridpur district. The wartime tactics adopted by the colonial government aggravated the famine situation. This article has shed light on the government war time policy, activity and some impacts of British decline in Burma that fueled the famine in Faridpur district.

Originality/value

This study is my original research work and has not been published else where.
The carbon footprint of global trade: Assessing the impact of trade liberalization on the carbon emissions of Chinese listed companies
Authors: Cai Meng , Li Dan , Jin Jiaming , Cui Luoyuan
Published: November 2023

There is growing concern about the relationship between carbon emissions and trade liberalization. Have carbon emissions been affected by trade liberalization? To what extent has it been affected? To answer this question, we creatively constructed a dataset of Chinese listed companies and its re‐appraisal, using the difference‐in‐difference method to investigate the impact of trade liberalization on carbon emissions at the micro level. Our results show that WTO accession leads to lower carbon emission intensity for Chinese exporters engaged in general trade compared to those engaged in processing trade, which are not directly affected by China's WTO accession. In other words, trade liberalization is beneficial for the reduction of carbon emissions and sustainable development. We also test the robustness of our results. In addition, we decompose the question of how trade liberalization affects companies' carbon emissions into research and development mechanism and productivity mechanism for analysis. Our study refines the model of carbon emission and trade issues by incorporating company import indicators and carbon emission indicators into the company production model. It also has important policy implications. Green trade and reduce carbon emissions should be advocated when developing the economy through trade liberalization.
Forensic examination of security features of the CDC‐issued COVID‐19 vaccination card and suggested improvements to minimize counterfeiting
Authors: Sheth Devansh , De Alcaraz‐Fossoul Josep
Published: November 2023

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the United States released the CDC‐issued vaccination card to document the status of immunizations. It eventually was used as a verification system to allow patrons to safely access public venues. This is/was apparently a simple printed piece of paper with minimal security features which made it an easy target for counterfeiters with little expertise required. Those unvaccinated who wished to enter areas that required proof of the COVID‐19 vaccine were soon finding alternative illegal methods to do so which led to public health concerns. This research was divided into two parts. Part A aimed to forensically identify the security features with a video spectral comparator and a stereomicroscope. Ten “known” blank cards were collected directly from dispensaries that administered the vaccine and 68 “unknowns” from individuals who received the COVID‐19 vaccine. Part B aimed to evaluate the authentication systems employed by countries outside the United States to propose a model on how the vaccination card could be improved and what security features should be included for future instances requiring proof of immunization. The results revealed the CDC document was produced with minimal security features making the document prone to counterfeiting. Furthermore, based on the information collected from other countries' vaccination certificates, it is recommended to develop a dual authentication system, with digital and printable aspects, that contains a QR code linked to a database. Other security features may include a non‐optical brightener substrate, security fibers, a watermarked logo, offset printing, and a geographical color‐coded system.
A reliability study of the Park Life public participatory geographic information system survey
Authors: Hooper Paula , Edwards Nicole
Published: November 2023

Planning policy for parks is typically guided by a standard approach that fails to account for how communities actually use parks. Moreover, few researchers know the exact parks people use, even though “use” is often hypothesised in the relationships being tested. Public participatory geographic information systems (PPGISs) present an opportunity to collect specific, spatially referenced information on park use and park‐based activities. However, the reliability of these instruments has not been studied. The Park Life PPGIS captured residential location, park location, and park‐based behavioural data from a sample of adults and was tested for reliability. Kappa scores and intra‐class correlations assessed the reliability of the items. Recall of individual items all showed acceptable reliability and mostly achieved “substantial” agreement or “near‐perfect” agreement. The Park Life PPGIS is a reliable instrument to capture park use and activities. Such information is essential for public health and physical activity researchers, urban planners, and park managers to develop informed planning and public health policies and programs that promote park use.
Baseline haemoglobin variability by measurement technique in pregnant people on the day of childbirth
Authors: Caulfield K. C. , McMahon O. , Dennis A. T.
Published: November 2023

Point‐of‐care haemoglobin measurement devices may play an important role in the antenatal detection of anaemia in pregnant people and may be useful in guiding blood transfusion during resuscitation in obstetric haemorrhage. We compared baseline haemoglobin variability of venous and capillary HemoCue® haemoglobin, and Masimo® Rad‐67 Pulse CO‐Oximeter haemoglobin with laboratory haemoglobin in people on the day of their planned vaginal birth. A total of 180 people undergoing planned vaginal birth were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Laboratory haemoglobin was compared with HemoCue and Masimo Rad‐67 Pulse CO‐Oximeter measurements using Bland–Altman analysis, calculating mean difference (bias) and limits of agreement. Five (2.8%) people had anaemia (haemoglobin < 110 g.l‐1). Laboratory haemoglobin and HemoCue venous haemoglobin comparison showed an acceptable bias (SD) 0.7 (7.54) g.l‐1 (95%CI ‐0.43–1.79), with limits of agreement ‐14.10–15.46 g.l‐1 and acceptable agreement range of 29.6 g.l‐1. Laboratory and HemoCue capillary haemoglobin comparison showed an unacceptable bias (SD) 13.3 (14.12) g.l‐1 (95%CI 11.17–15.34), with limits of agreement ‐ 14.42–40.93 g.l‐1 and unacceptable agreement range of 55.3 g.l‐1. Laboratory and Masimo haemoglobin comparison showed an unacceptable bias (SD) ‐14.0 (11.15) g.l‐1 (95%CI ‐15.63 to ‐12.34), with limits of agreement to ‐35.85 to 7.87 g.l‐1 and acceptable agreement range of 43.7 g.l−1. Venous HemoCue, with its acceptable bias and limits of agreement, should be applied more widely in the antenatal setting to detect, manage and risk stratify pregnant people with anaemia. HemoCue capillary measurement under‐estimated haemoglobin and Masimo haemoglobin measurement over‐estimated, limiting their clinical use. Serial studies are needed to determine if the accuracy of venous HemoCue haemoglobin measurement is sustained in other obstetric settings.
Evaluation of enoxaparin for bridging of warfarin in outpatients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs)
Authors: Hiruy Aklil , Anderson Keith , Bhattacharya Sanjeeb , Lee Ran , Williams James B.
Published: November 2023

Background

Patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) require systemic anticoagulation. The use of enoxaparin for bridging to warfarin remains understudied in this population.

Methods

This single‐center retrospective study was performed to characterize enoxaparin use and associated thrombotic and bleeding outcomes in adult outpatients with LVADs from January 2018 to July 2021.

Results

Fifty‐four enoxaparin bridging events were evaluated in 49 patients. Most patients with HeartMate II (HM2) and HeartWare (HVAD) devices received enoxaparin dosed 1 mg/kg every 12 h. In patients with HeartMate 3 (HM3) devices, an equal number of patients received 0.5 mg/kg every 12 h and 1 mg/kg every 12 h, with a smaller subset receiving intermediate doses. The median duration of bridging was 6 days (4–8 [IQR]). One major bleeding event required discontinuation of enoxaparin and hospitalization in a patient with an HM3 device. Thrombotic events occurred in four patients with two incidents of pump thrombosis requiring pump exchange and two ischemic strokes. All thrombotic events occurred in patients with HVAD or HM2 devices.

Conclusion

These results suggest that enoxaparin bridging in LVAD patients was well‐tolerated with low bleeding and thrombotic rates, particularly with the HM3 device.
Valuation Effects of US–China Trade Conflict: The Role of Institutional Investors
Authors: Chen Jiahui , Nie Guangyu
Published: November 2023

Employing an event study approach to the US–China trade conflict, we found that this conflict had an overall negative effect on the stock market performance of Chinese listed firms, but firms with institutional investor holdings (IIH) exhibited smaller losses than their counterparts in response to a US presidential memo announcing a trade conflict. We also examined the heterogeneous effects of this conflict on firms. The positive effect of IIH was larger for firms with foreign exposure and firms located in provinces with a higher degree of marketization. Institutional investor holdings helped to reduce firms' cost of refinancing and improved their long‐run performance given the same short‐term loss in response to the US presidential announcement during the trade conflict. These findings explain the role of institutional investors in alleviating the effects of the US–China trade conflict and achieving financial stability from a micro‐perspective. The results have policy implications for corporate governance and financial market stabilization in response to trade policy uncertainty.
Dental students' ability to judge the quality of composite restorations' exemplars depicted in photographs and their impact on preclinical skills
Authors: Rung Andrea C. , Sun Jing , George Roy
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Assessing exemplars as a formative activity is thought to promote students' learning. This study aimed to investigate dental students' ability to judge the quality of composite restorations' exemplars depicted in photographs and their impact on students' preclinical skills.

Materials and Methods

In a non‐randomised controlled crossover trial with two intervention arms, 92 undergraduates in their first preclinical course self‐enrolled in into the intervention group (A1‐INT) or control group (B1‐CT). The intervention group assessed photographic images of composite restorations before restoring an ivorine premolar with composite while the control group restored the same tooth without assessing the photographic exemplars. Intervention and control groups were swapped 3 days later in a second iteration (B2‐INT, A2‐CT). Data were analysed in SPSS® version 27 using nonparametric tests.

Results

Students who did not complete all activities in the study were excluded. Therefore, 57 out of the 92 student participants were included in the study analysis. No significant differences were observed between intervention and control groups' ability to assess quality of photographic exemplars or restoring a tooth in both iterations.

Conclusion

Students were able to identify the quality of composite restorations in photographic exemplars. It appears that assessing photographic exemplars did not have an immediate impact on students' ability to restore a tooth with composite.
The crosstalk between ILC3s and adaptive immunity in diseases
Authors: Wang Wenyan , Li Na , Guo Xiaohuan
Published: November 2023

RORγt+ group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s), the innate counterpart of Th17 cells, are enriched in the mucosal area and lymphoid tissues. ILC3s interact with a variety of cells through their effector molecules and play an important role in the host defense against a spectrum of infections. Recent studies suggest that the extensive crosstalk between ILC3s and adaptive immune cells, especially T cells, is essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis. Here we discuss recent advances in the crosstalk between ILC3s and adaptive immune responses in multiple tissues and diseases. Understanding how ILC3s engage with adaptive immune cells will enhance our comprehension of diseases and facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
Highly structured habitats mitigate size‐ and growth‐selective mortality of post‐settlement juvenile fish
Authors: Kamimura Yasuhiro , Shoji Jun
Published: November 2023

The role of vegetated habitats such as seagrass and macroalgal beds as nurseries is essential for the survival of larval and juvenile fish, although quantitative evaluation of the contribution of these habitats to nursery function is limited. Moreover, growth–survival relationships of larvae and juveniles associated with vegetated habitats have rarely been examined. To quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the processes affecting juvenile survival in vegetated habitats, we investigated whether there is a correlation between the degree of selection for bigger and faster‐growing fish and mortality rates for three cohorts by birth date of post‐settlement black rockfish (Sebastes cheni) in a macroalgal bed. We also analyzed relationships between growth rate and experienced temperature by age class to examine the effects of temperature on growth. The latest cohort, which grew under lower vegetation coverage due to a seasonal increase in water temperature, showed higher mortality with evidence of strong selection for survival of bigger and faster‐growing fish. The growth–temperature relationships showed that positive effects of temperature on growth weakened after settlement. Therefore, we suggest that macroalgal coverage has a critical role in controlling the growth–mortality relationship of post‐settlement S. cheni. Furthermore, the negative effects of high temperature on juvenile survival through loss of vegetation may be greater than the positive effects on juvenile growth. These findings would contribute to the management of fisheries resources by increasing the understanding of relationships between survival mechanisms in fish early life stages and vegetation phenology of their habitat under the increasing effects of global warming.
Retrospective comparison of postoperative dressing after eschar dermabrasion on paediatric scald wounds: Bacterial cellulose dressing and allogenic skin
Authors: Zhao Ran , Zhao Chenyuyao , Zhang Yushen , Wan Yi , Wang Yibing
Published: November 2023

Eschar dermabrasion is an easy, cost‐effective and dependable technique for debriding deep partial‐thickness burn wounds, highly suitable for paediatric scalds. Postoperative dressing plays a crucial role in the subsequent healing process. While allogenic skin (AGS) has long been considered as the optimal coverage for abraded burn wounds by Chinese burn specialists, its clinical application on children has encountered challenges. In recent years, our department has observed promising results in the application of bacterial cellulose dressing on paediatric burn wounds after dermabrasion surgery. This study aimed to retrospectively review qualified cases from the past 5 years and categorize them into two groups: 201 cases in the AGS group and 116 cases in the bacterial cellulose dressing (BCD) group. Upon statistical analysis, no differences were oberved between the groups in terms of demographic information and wound characteristics. However, the BCD group had a significantly longer surgery time (44.3 ± 7.0 min vs. 31.5 ± 6.1 min, p < 0.01) and shorter healing time (19.6 ± 2.2 days vs. 24.4 ± 4.3 days, p < 0.01) compared to the AGS group. Moreover, the BCD group required fewer dressing changes (3.5 ± 0.8 vs. 6.7 ± 2.1, p < 0.01) and demonstrated lower rates of skin grafting (10/116 vs. 46/201, p = 0.036). In conclusion, our findings suggest that the bacterial cellulose material may serve as an optimal coverage option for paediatric abraded scald wounds.
Impact of ileostomy on postoperative wound complications in patients after laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Shu , Lin Yuting , Zhong Wenjin , Xu Wenji , Huang Zhongxin , Cai Suqin , Chen Wen , Zhang Baogen
Published: November 2023

To prevent anastomotic leakage and other postoperative complications after laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery, a protective ileostomy is often used. However, the necessity of performing ileostomy after laparoscopic rectal cancer remains controversial. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to assess the benefit of ileostomy on wound infection after laparoscopic rectal cancer. The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed were used to retrieve all related documents up to September 2023. Completion of the trial literature was submitted once the eligibility and exclusion criteria were met and the literature quality assessment was evaluated. This study compared the post‐operative post‐operative complications of an ileostomy with that of non‐ileostomy in a laparoscope. We used Reman 5.3 to analyse meta‐data. Controlled studies were evaluated with ROBINS‐I. The meta‐analyses included 525 studies, and 5 publications were chosen to statistically analyse the data according to the classification criteria. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of postoperative wound infections among ostomate and nonostomate (odds ratio [OR], 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66, 4.84; p = 0.25). In 5 trials, the incidence of anastomotic leak was increased after surgery in nonostomate patients (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.12, 0.57; p = 0.0009). Two studies reported no significant difference in the length of operation time when nonstomal compared to stomal operations in patients with rectal cancer (mean difference, 0.87; 95% CI, −2.99, 4.74; p = 0.66). No significant difference was found in the rate of wound infection and operation time after operation among the two groups, but the incidence of anastomosis leak increased after operation. Protective ileostomy after laparoscopic rectal cancer was effective in reducing the risk of anastomotic leakage in patients, and we found no additional risk of infection. We cautiously conclude that protective ileostomy is active and necessary for patients with a high risk of anastomotic leakage after surgery, which needs to be further confirmed by high‐quality studies with larger samples.
Impact of diabetic versus non‐diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery on postoperative wound complications: A meta‐analysis
Authors: He Libin , Liu Mingyuan , He Yue , Guo Ailin
Published: November 2023

The effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the incidence of postoperative wound complications in patients with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is still unclear. Thus, we performed a meta‐analysis of CABG in DM patients to evaluate existing data from both prospective and historical cohorts. The objective of this trial was to assess the relevance and extent of the effect of diabetes on the outcome of previous CABG procedures. Data sources like Embase and Pubmed were found throughout the research, and the language was limited to English through manual search. The searches were performed up to August 2023. The data were extracted from the study of the inclusion/exclusion criteria, the features of the population, the statistical approach and the clinical results. A qualitative evaluation of the qualifying studies has been carried out. Out of the 1874 studies identified, 21 cohort studies were chosen for analysis. Meta‐analyses were performed in 258 454 patients (71 351 diabetic and 187 103 non‐diabetic). Twenty‐one studies on deep sternal wound infections in CABG patients showed a lower rate of deep sternal wound infections in non‐diabetes group compared with those with diabetes (OR, 2.13; 95% CI: 1.97, 2.31, p < 0.00001). And 16 studies of superficial wound infections in patients undergoing CABG were found to be associated with a lower rate of superficial injury (OR, 1.93; 95% CI: 1.53, 2.43, p < 0.00001) compared with those with diabetes; In five trials, perfusion time during CABG (MD, 2.31; 95% CI: −0.16, 4.79, p = 0.07) was observed, and there were no significant differences between diabetes and non‐diabetes. Currently, there is a higher risk for CABG in diabetes than in non‐diabetes patients with sternal infections and superficial injuries. Future randomized trials will concentrate on the treatment of such perioperatively related complications, which will lower the risk of postoperative wound infection in diabetes.