bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manipulation of natural transformation by AbaR-type islands promotes fixation of antibiotic resistance inAcinetobacter baumanniipopulations
Authors: Tuffet Rémi , Carvalho Gabriel , Godeux Anne-Sophie , Laaberki Maria-Halima , Venner Samuel , Charpentier Xavier
Published: October 2023

The opportunistic pathogenAcinetobacter baumannii, a major global public health concern, has developed multiple variants of AbaR-type genomic islands that confer multidrug resistance. The mechanisms facilitating the persistence of these potentially costly islands withinA. baumanniipopulations have remained enigmatic. In this study, we employed a combination of investigative methods to shed light on the factors contributing to their selective advantage and long-term persistence. The dissemination of AbaR islands is intricately linked to their horizontal transfer via natural transformation, a process through which bacteria can import and recombine exogenous DNA, facilitating allelic recombination, genetic acquisition, and deletion. In experimental populations, we first quantified the rate at which natural transformation events occur between individuals. Our findings indicate that the rate of AbaR deletion events is marginally higher than the rate of their acquisition. When this result is integrated into a model of population dynamics not exposed to antibiotic selection pressure, it leads to the swift removal of AbaRs from the population, a pattern that stands in contrast to AbaR prevalence in genomes. Yet, genomic analyses show that nearly all AbaRs-carryingA. baumanniihave at least one AbaR disruptingcomM, a gene encoding a helicase critical for natural transformation. We discovered that such disruption differentially inhibits the rate of genetic acquisition and deletion. Specifically, they significantly impede the removal of AbaRs while still enabling the host cell to acquire and recombine short sequences, such as allelic variants. Through mathematical evolutionary modeling, we demonstrate that AbaRs inserted intocomMgain a selective advantage over AbaRs inserted in sites that do not inhibit or completely inhibit transformation, in line with the genomic observations. The persistence of AbaRs within populations can be ascribed to their targeted integration into a gene, substantially diminishing the likelihood of their removal from the bacterial genome. In contrast, this integration enables the host cell to preserve the ability to acquire and eliminate various short heterologous sequences, enabling the host bacterium - and thus its AbaR - to adapt to the unpredictability of the environment and persist over the long term. This work underscores how AbaRs, and potentially other Mobile Genetic Elements (MGEs), can manipulate natural transformation to ensure their persistence in populations, ultimately leading to the high prevalence of multidrug resistance.
Widespread Occurrence and Diverse Origins of Polintoviruses Influence Lineage-specific Genome Dynamics in Stony Corals
Authors: Stephens Danae , Faghihi Zahra , Moniruzzaman Mohammad
Published: October 2023

Stony corals (OrderScleractinia) are central to vital marine habitats known as coral reefs. Numerous stressors in the Anthropocene are contributing to the ongoing decline in coral reef health and coverage. While viruses are established modulators of marine microbial dynamics, their interactions within the coral holobiont and impact on coral health and physiology remain unclear. To address this key knowledge gap, we investigated diverse stony coral genomes for ‘endogenous’ viruses. Our study uncovered a remarkable number of integrated viral elements recognized as ‘Polintoviruses’ (ClassPolintoviricetes) in 30Scleractiniagenomes, with several species harboring hundreds to thousands of polintoviruses. We reveal massive paralogous expansion of polintoviruses in stony corals, alongside presence of integrated elements closely related to Polinton-like viruses (PLVs), a group of viruses that exist as free virions. These results suggest multiple integrations of polintoviruses and PLV-relatives, followed by their paralogous expansions shaped stony coral genomes. Gene expression analysis reveals all polintovirus structural and non-structural hallmark genes are expressed, strongly supporting free virion production from polintoviruses. Our results revealing a significant polintovirus diversity across theScleractiniaorder open a new research avenue into their possible roles in disease, genomic plasticity, and environmental adaptation in this key group of organisms.
Radiologist Performance and Reliability of MR Scoring Systems in Perianal Fistulizing Crohn’s Disease: Retrospective Analysis in a Real-World Clinical Practice
Authors: Abushamma Suha , Balakrishna Ravella , George Alvin , Hickman John , Ludwig Daniel R. , Shetty Anup S. , Zulfiqar Maria , Ganapathy Aravinda , Bishop Grace , Elumalai Anusha , Arora Jyoti , Miller Philip , Deepak Parakkal , Ballard David H.
Published: October 2023

Background

Perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease (CD-PAF) is difficult to treat, and several MR scoring systems have been developed to assess treatment response.

Objective

To assess the relationship between CD-PAF MR scoring systems and radiologists’ subjective assessment of CD-PAF severity and treatment response on baseline and follow-up pelvic MR.

Methods

Retrospective single institution study of consecutive symptomatic patients with CD-PAF patients who underwent pelvic MR before and ≥3 months after initiating biologic therapy during a 10-year period (December 2011 to December 2021). One of four radiologists interpreted baseline and follow-up MRs. Scoring systems included variables in the modified Van Assche index (mVAI), magnetic resonance novel index for fistula imaging in CD (MAGNIFI-CD), and pediatric MR-based perianal Crohn’s disease (PEMPAC) index. For initial and follow-up MR, a 5-point Likert scale assessed severity (1=mild, 3=moderate, 5=marked). On follow-up MR, radiologists evaluated fistula response as 1-improved, 3-stable, or 5-worsened CD-PAF severity. All four study radiologists scored the baseline MR in 20 patients to calculate inter-reader agreement statistics. Interrater reliability was assessed with the Krippendorff α coefficient for categorical variables and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for continuous variables.

Results

The final cohort included 96 CD-PAF patients (50 men; mean age=33.0 years) with 192 baseline and follow-up MRs. Moderate to substantial agreement was observed among radiologists for MAGNIFI-CD, mVAI, PEMPAC, and Likert scores (ICC: 0.716, 0.756, 0.535, and 0.679 respectively). Individual components of MR scoring systems had Fair to Substantial agreement (Alpha: 0.195 to 0.730). Significant univariate associations were found between MR scoring systems and radiologists’ Likert severity assessments (p<0.001, Pearson correlation coefficients ≥0.820). In patients meeting criteria for change in disease severity (n=17), all scoring systems demonstrated AUC values ≥0.93.

Conclusion

The MR scoring systems for CD-PAF (MAGNIFI-CD, mVAI, and PEMPAC) demonstrated strong associations with radiologists’ subjective assessments of severity and treatment response on baseline and follow-up pelvic MR. Inter-reader agreement of these scoring systems outperformed individual MR factors.
Functional coherence of theXistandRSXprotein interactomes: X chromosome inactivation in marsupials
Authors: McIntyre Kim L. , Waters Shafagh A. , Zhong Ling , Hart-Smith Gene , Raftery Mark , Graves Jennifer A. Marshall , Waters Paul D.
Published: October 2023

Long range epigenetic silencing is epitomised by X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in mammals. It is mediated by independently evolved, non-homologous long noncoding RNAs in eutherian and marsupial mammals (XISTandRSX). TheXistinteractome, comprising proteins that mediate the silencing process, is well documented in mouse studies. Here we interrogate proteins that interact withRSXusing chromatin isolation by RNA purification followed by mass spectrometry (ChIRP-MS) in a marsupial representative,Monodelphisdomestica. We identify 135 proteins that interact withRSX, of which 56 have orthologues in theXistinteractome. Remarkably, nearly 90% of the combinedXistandRSXinteractomes are within the same protein-protein association network. This network clustered into three major groups with distinctive functional enrichments, including RNA splicing and processing, regulation of translation and ribosomal biogenesis, and epigenetic transcriptional silencing. The proteins of theRSXinteractome were enriched for regions of intrinsic disorder in common with theXistinteractome, identifying this as a feature of ribonucleoprotein complexes associated with XCI. We also show that RNAi knockdown of representativeRSXinteractors, HNRNPK and CKAP4, led to reactivation of transcription from the inactive X chromosome, indicating a role for each in marsupial XCI. Thus, despite the absence of linear sequence homology betweenXistandRSX, they exhibit extraordinary functional coherence that indicates potential for post-transcriptional regulation, a feature not previously associated with the molecular machinery of XCI.
The Essential Role of Latrophilin-1 Adhesion GPCR Nanoclusters in Inhibitory Synapses
Authors: Matúš Daniel , Lopez Jaybree M. , Sando Richard C. , Südhof Thomas C.
Published: October 2023

Latrophilin-1 (Lphn1, a.k.a. CIRL1 and CL1; gene symbolAdgrl1) is an Adhesion GPCR that has been implicated in excitatory synaptic transmission as a candidate receptor for α-latrotoxin. Here we analyzed conditional knockin/knockout mice for Lphn1 that contain an extracellular myc-epitope tag. Surprisingly, we found that Lphn1 is localized in cultured neurons to synaptic nanoclusters that are present in both excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Conditional deletion of Lphn1 in cultured neurons failed to elicit a detectable impairment in excitatory synapses but produced a decrease in inhibitory synapse numbers and synaptic transmission that was most pronounced for synapses close to the neuronal soma. No changes in axonal or dendritic outgrowth or branching were observed. Our data indicate that Lphn1 is among the few postsynaptic adhesion molecules that are present in both excitatory and inhibitory synapses and that Lphn1 by itself is not essential for excitatory synaptic transmission but contributes to inhibitory synaptic connections.
Diversity and adaptability of RNA viruses in rice planthopper,Laodelphax striatellus
Authors: Mao Qian-Zhuo , Ye Zhuang-Xin , Yuan Jing-Na , Ning Chao , Chen Meng-Nan , Qi Yu-Hua , Zhang Yan , Li Ting , He Yu-Juan , Lu Gang , Huang Hai-Jian , Zhang Chuan-Xi , Chen Jian-Ping , Li Jun-Min
Published: October 2023

Although a large number of insect-specific viruses (ISVs) have recently been discovered from hematophagous insect, studies on ISV diversity and their association with phytophagous insect hosts were still insufficient. A systematic RNA virome investigation was performed for an important plant virus vector, small brown planthopper (SBPH),Laodelphax striatellus. A total number of 22 RNA viruses (including 17 novel viruses) belonging to various families were successfully identified and characterized. Subsequent analysis indicated that the overall RNA virus transcripts per million (TPM) in SBPH was relatively consistent throughout various different developmental stages of the insects, although the titers of individual viruses differ among different insect tissues, suggesting a delicate balance between ISVs and insect hosts. Moreover, analysis of virus-derived small interfering RNA (siRNA) demonstrated that siRNA mediated antiviral immune response of SBPH was activated in response to the replication of the discovered RNA viruses. Additionally, evaluation for potential cross-species ability of SBPH-ISVs showed that certain SBPH ISVs could successfully infect and replicate in another two rice planthoppers, the brown planthopper and the white-backed planthopper, through microinjection. In conclusion, the RNA virome and their adaptability in SBPH revealed in this study will contribute to a better understanding of the intimate relationship between ISVs and the host insects.
Semi-synthetic nanobody-ligand conjugates exhibit tunable signaling properties and enhanced transcriptional outputs at neurokinin receptor-1
Authors: Emidio Nayara Braga , Cheloha Ross W.
Published: October 2023

Antibodies have proven highly valuable for therapeutic development; however, they are typically poor candidates for applications that require activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest collection of targets for clinically approved drugs. Nanobodies (Nbs), the smallest antibody fragments retaining full antigen-binding capacity, have emerged as promising tools for pharmacologic applications, including GPCR modulation. Past work has shown that conjugation of Nbs with ligands can provide GPCR agonists that exhibit improved activity and selectivity compared to their parent ligands. The neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R), a GPCR targeted for the treatment of pain, is activated by peptide agonists such as Substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA), which induce signaling through multiple pathways (Gs, Gqand β-arrestin). In this study, we investigated whether conjugating NK1R ligands with Nbs that bind to a separate location on the receptor would provide chimeric compounds with distinctive signaling properties. We employed sortase A-mediated ligation to generate several conjugates consisting of Nbs linked to NK1R ligands. Many of these conjugates exhibited divergent and unexpected signaling properties and transcriptional outputs. For example, some Nb-NKA conjugates showed enhanced receptor binding capacity, high potency partial agonism, prolonged cAMP production, and an increase in transcriptional output associated with Gssignaling; whereas other conjugates were virtually inactive. Nanobody conjugation caused only minor alterations in ligand-induced upstream Gqsignaling with unexpected enhancements in transcriptional (downstream) responses. Our findings underscore the potential of nanobody conjugation for providing compounds with advantageous properties such as biased agonism, prolonged duration of action, and enhanced transcriptional responses. These compounds hold promise not only for facilitating fundamental research on GPCR signal transduction mechanisms but also for the development of more potent and enduring therapeutics.
Female empowerment and masculinity – a cultural trait? Evidence from the CEE countries
Authors: Gaweł Aleksandra , Mroczek-Dąbrowska Katarzyna , Bartosik-Purgat Malgorzata
Published: October 2023

Purpose

As women’s position in the economy and society is often explained by cultural factors, this study aims to verify whether the observed changes in female empowerment in the region of Central and East European (CEE) countries of the European Union (EU) are associated with masculinity as a cultural trait.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply the k-means clustering method to group CEE countries into clusters with similar levels of female empowerment in two time points – 2013 and 2019. Next, the authors examine the clusters and cross-reference them with the national culture’s masculinity to explore the interrelations between female empowerment and cultural traits in the CEE countries and their development in time.

Findings

The analyses reveal that female empowerment is not uniform or stable across the CEE countries. The masculinity level is not strongly related to women’s position in these countries, and changes in female empowerment are not closely linked to masculinity.

Originality/value

Despite the tumultuous history of women’s empowerment in the CEE countries, the issues related to gender equality and cultural traits pertaining to the region are relatively understudied in the literature. By focusing on the CEE region, the authors fill the gap in examining the independencies between female empowerment and cultural masculinity.
The impact of audit quality and climate change reporting on corporate performance: a review and future research agenda
Authors: Alaamri Yazen , Hussainey Khaled , Nandy Monomita , Lodh Suman
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to review prior literature on the impact of audit quality and climate change reporting on corporate performance. It also aims to offer avenues for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the systematic literature review, bibliometric investigation and forest plot, the authors systematized the scientific knowledge from 183 papers.

Findings

Earlier studies either focused on audit quality and corporate performance or discussed the link between climate change and corporate performance. However, the way that audit quality and climate change can together influence corporate performance is yet to be examined. The authors fill the gap by examining the possible link between audit quality and climate change and establishing the influence of it on corporate performance from the existing literature.

Originality/value

Because of the immense importance of the company's contribution to climate change, the research findings will open up avenues for future research. In addition, findings will be useful for world policymakers in strengthening or modifying existing corporate responsibility policies.
Strengthening ethical guardrails for emerging technology businesses
Authors: Chari Murali
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to make the case that ethical guardrails in emerging technology businesses are inadequate and to develop solutions to strengthen these guardrails.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on literature and first principles reasoning, the paper develops theoretical arguments about the fundamental purpose of ethical guardrails and how they evolve and then uses this along with the characteristics that distinguish emerging technology businesses to identify inadequacies in the ethical guardrails for emerging technology businesses and develop solutions to strengthen the guardrails.

Findings

The paper shows that the ethical guardrails for emerging technology businesses are inadequate and that the reasons for this are systematic. The paper also develops actionable recommendations to strengthen these guardrails.

Originality/value

The paper develops the novel argument that reasons for the inadequate ethical guardrails in emerging technology businesses are systematic and stem from the inadequacy of laws and regulations, inadequacy of boards and the focus of business executives.
The potential of corruption based on Hofstede cultural dimensions and institutional quality: an international evidence
Authors: Putra I Putu Mega Juli Semara , Sihombing Ranto Partomuan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the risk of corruption in several countries based on the cultural dimensions of Hofstede and institutional quality (IQ).

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from the Corruption Perception Index, Hofstede index and Worldwide Governance Indicators in 92 countries. Structural equation modeling based on partial least squares was used to test the proposed model.

Findings

The findings support the fraud triangle theory, which states that high transparency of individualist cultural attitudes and institutional control mechanisms reduces the opportunities for fraud to occur. From this research, it is also concluded that culture is a factor that tends to be constant and difficult to change.

Research limitations/implications

Research limitations include: First, it is limited to the number of samples, where the number of samples depends on the availability of data. However, only 92 countries intersect and have complete information. Second, this study only uses individualism from the Hofstede cultural dimension to see the risk of corruption.

Practical implications

The result of this study implicates the policymakers in government agencies to increase IQ to reduce the risk of corruption.

Originality/value

This is a preliminary study that discusses national culture (NC) and corruption, as well as the effect of the mediating variable, namely, the IQ. By including IQ, the authors hope that the impact of the effects of NC on corruption risk can be clarified.
Can CSR constrain accruals and real earnings management during the COVID-19 pandemic? An international analysis
Authors: El-Feel Hania Waleed Tawfik , Mohamed Diana Mostafa , Amin Hala Magdy , Hussainey Khaled
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to provide insights into the complicated relationship between earnings management (EM) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) during the financial downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Parametric t-tests and non-parametric Wilcoxon rank-sum tests accompanied by ordinary least squares regression analysis, augmented with Newey–West procedure approaches, are used for a sample that consists of 1,984 firms from 47 countries for the period of 2014–2020. EM was proxied once with discretionary accruals using the modified Jones model (1995) and once with real earnings management (REM) using the Roychowdhury model (2006). This study uses environmental, social, and governance scores from the Thomson Reuters database as a proxy for CSR.

Findings

The results reveal that firms tend to engage more in EM practices during the pandemic and that more socially responsible firms tend to be honest and transparent during the financial reporting process. Interestingly, it was found that more socially responsible firms engaged less in REM practices during the pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this research help lenders, investors, policymakers and managers gain a better understanding of EM practices during a negative shock and shed light on the importance of CSR in being ethical.

Originality/value

The findings extend both the literature on the role of CSR in promoting financial reporting quality and the literature on the impact of COVID-19 on accrual and REM practices.
Benchmarking urban competitiveness for economic recovery: an application to Porto and Lisbon
Authors: Sgambati Sabrina , Carvalho Luís
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the competitive potential of different classes of municipalities within larger metropolitan areas, considering three dimensions of place competitiveness, associated to contemporary economic recovery agendas: the “dual transition” (green and digital) and socio-economic resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed methodology is divided in two stages, the first aiming at developing a new Index of Urban Competitiveness, based on three key dimensions of place development, by using principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis; the second intends to identify municipalities’ main competitive assets, throughout the examination of the existing links between the overall competitiveness index and intra-metropolitan place conditions in each dimension. This methodology is applied to the metropolitan areas of Porto and Lisbon.

Findings

The analysis shows a weak link between population size and urban competitiveness, suggesting that economic recovery investments primarily targeting larger municipalities will not necessarily lead to greater metropolitan competitive advantages. On the contrary, taking into consideration place-based interventions for different “clubs” of municipalities would more likely contribute to enhance competitive performance and valorise territorial assets. Furthermore, while the relationship between competitiveness and environmental performance appears to be non-linear, digitalization and economic and social resilience prove to be key for urban competitive potential.

Originality/value

By drawing on contemporary notions of urban competitiveness, the work proposes a revised method to evaluate competitiveness, latent qualities and intrinsic features of places, constituting an initial step to conceive suitable metropolitan development and investment strategies for economic recovery.
Paradoxical career strengths and successes of ADHD adults: an evolving narrative
Authors: Crook Tamsin , McDowall Almuth
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neuro-developmental condition that has frequently been pathologised in career research and broader society to date. The study seeks to reframe such assumptions through a qualitative positive-focused exploration of career stories of ADHD adults, elicited through a strength-focused technique with wide applicability for coaching and other career-based development activities.

Design/methodology/approach

Situated in a strength-focused coaching psychology paradigm, the authors undertook semi-structured interviews with 17 participants, using an adapted feedforward interview technique (FFI) rooted in positive psychology (PP), to investigate individuals' strengths and successful career experiences.

Findings

Narrative thematic analysis of the transcripts identified two core themes: “the paradoxical nature of strengths” and “career success as an evolving narrative”. The participants described how they have achieved career success both “in spite of” and “because of” ADHD. The use of the FFI demonstrated a helpful and easily taught method for eliciting personal narratives of success and strengths, an essential foundation to any coaching process.

Originality/value

This research provides a nuanced overview, and an associated conceptual model, of how adults with ADHD perceive their career-based strengths and experiences of success. Further, the research shows the value of using a positive psychological coaching approach when working with neurominority individuals, using a successful adaptation of the FFI. The authors hope that the documentation of this technique and the resulting insights will offer important guidance for managers as coaches and internal and external career coaches, as well as providing positive and relatable narrative resources for ADHD adults.
Indian automotive supply chains: barriers to circular economy for sustainable development
Authors: Nandha Gopan S. , Balaji M.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The present paper examines the barriers hindering the implementation of circular economy practices in Indian automotive industries and identifies the most critical barriers to be eradicated during the circular economy implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a questionnaire survey-based analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach, 21 barriers to circular economy implementation are identified through a literature review and ranked using the opinions of relevant industrial experts.

Findings

Barriers, minimal or no proper economic incentives, difficulty in ensuring product quality and costing of CE products are identified as top barriers to be eliminated first to boost the chances of successful implementation of circular economy practices in Indian automotive industries.

Practical implications

The study not only offers a roadmap on the order of elimination of barriers towards a circular economy but also provides insights from industrial experts on how these barriers can be eradicated and the ill effects of each barrier from an automotive industry perspective.

Originality/value

The authors develop a theoretical framework for barrier analysis for circular economy implementation in the Indian automotive sector using the classic AHP approach to identify the most critical barriers against successful implementation. Further, this study offers managerial implications on how these barriers can be eradicated in real.
Herd behavior in cryptocurrency market: evidence of network effect
Authors: Wanidwaranan Phasin , Termprasertsakul Santi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study examines herd behavior in the cryptocurrency market at the aggregate level and the determinants of herd behavior, such as asymmetric market returns, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, 2021 cryptocurrency's bear market and the network effect.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors applied the Google Search Volume Index (GSVI) as a proxy for the network effect. Since investors who are interested in a particular issue have a common interest, they tend to perform searches using the same keywords in Google and are on the same network. The authors also investigated the daily returns of cryptocurrencies, which are in the top 100 market capitalizations from 2017 to 2022. The authors also examine the association between return dispersion and portfolio return based on aggregate market herding model and employ interactions between herding determinants such as, market direction, market trend, COVID-19 and network effect.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that herding behavior in the cryptocurrency market is significantly captured when the market returns of cryptocurrency tend to decline and when the network effect of investors tends to expand (e.g. such as during the COVID-19 pandemic or 2021 Bitcoin crash). However, the results confirm anti-herd behavior in cryptocurrency during the COVID-19 pandemic or 2021 Bitcoin crash, regardless of the network effect.

Practical implications

These findings help investors in the cryptocurrency market make more rational decisions based on their determinants since cryptocurrency is an alternative investment for investors' asset allocation. As imitating trades lead to return comovement, herd behavior in the cryptocurrency has a direct impact on the effectiveness of portfolio diversification. Hence, market participants or investors should consider herd behavior and its underlying factors to fully maximize the benefits of asset allocation, especially during the period of market uncertainty.

Originality/value

Most previous studies have focused on herd behavior in the stock market. Although some researchers have recently begun studying herd behavior in the cryptocurrency market, the empirical results are inconclusive due to an incorrectly specified model or unclear determinants.
“A melting pot”: challenging student behaviour in the United Kingdom’s further education sector
Authors: Zaman Abu
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Challenging behaviour among school pupils has been the focus of extensive research in the UK and beyond; however, there has been a lack of recent comparable research on these issues in the further education (FE) sector. This paper aims to report the findings from a larger PhD research examining the introduction of interventions based on restorative justice implemented in colleges. This study focuses on the extent and nature of challenging student behaviour, as explained and understood by the students and staff.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used an interpretivist exploratory case study design and mixed qualitative research methods. The institute considered in the case study, Restorative College (pseudonymised), has education provisions for students aged 16+ years and enrols over 16,000 students annually. In the academic year 2017/2018, Restorative College committed itself to becoming a “restorative” institution. Data collection consisted of three stages (including semi-structured interviews, analyses of institutional policy documents and focus group discussions) and was conducted over 14 months.

Findings

The extent and nature of challenging student behaviours in the FE sector are significant and merit further research and analysis to support policy development.

Research limitations/implications

Given the research methods adopted (single case study and qualitative research), the findings do not necessarily represent experiences across the FE sector.

Originality/value

This study emphasises the need to expand research on challenging behaviour in the FE sector, which has been limited thus far, also making a contribution in this direction.
Linkages between technologies and supply chain performance: benefits, power and risk reduction
Authors: Zelbst Pamela J. , Yang Liu , Green Kenneth W. , Sower Victor E.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the combined impact of the Industry 4.0 blockchain and industrial internet of things technology (IIoT) technologies on the development of supply chain linkages associated with power, benefits and risk reduction and the ultimate impact of the linkages on supply chain performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural model with blockchain and IIoT as antecedents to the supply chain power, benefits and risk reduction linkages and the linkages as antecedent to supply chain performance is theorized. Data collected from 303 US manufacturing managers are analyzed using a covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB/SEM) methodology.

Findings

The CB/SEM results indicate that blockchain technology does not directly impact implementation of the linkages. Rather, implementation of blockchain technology supports implementation of IIoT technology, which strengthens supply chain linkages, thereby improving supply chain performance.

Research limitations/implications

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to provide empirical evidence that Industry 4.0 technologies such as blockchain and IIoT strengthen linkages among supply chain partners related to power, benefits and risk reduction and that those stronger linkages lead to improved supply chain performance. It should be noted that this study is based on data from managers representing only one sector (manufacturing) and one country (USA). Replication based on data from other sectors and countries is needed to support generalization of the results.

Practical implications

Practitioners are provided with empirical evidence that the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies such as blockchain and IIoT support supply chain management. These technologies facilitate data and information sharing among supply chain partners, enabling the integration and coordination of business processes throughout the entire supply chain.

Social implications

The ultimate customers of supply chains benefit when supply chain partners work together efficiently and effectively. The implementation of blockchain and IIoT digital technologies lead to improve linkages among supply chain partners driving improvements in both efficiency and effectiveness, thus benefiting customers and society.

Originality/value

Industry 4.0 technologies are relatively new with the promise of improved supply chain performance. The efficacy of Industry 4.0 technologies as mechanisms to enhance information sharing is demonstrated based on the results of this study.
Technological advancement and regulatory quality
Authors: Shen Jiahao , Liu Runze , Lin Yanling , Ibrahim Ridwan Lanre
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the intervening role of technological innovation and regulatory quality in the financial sector–sustainable economic growth nexus in accordance with SDG‐8 in 38 sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries from 1996 to 2020. The empirical model endogenizes government expenditure, structural change, foreign direct investment, and human capital as covariates. The study verifies and examines the hypothesis by adopting common correlated mean group, system generalized method of moments, and panel quantile regression. Findings reveal that financial development drives sustainable economic growth in SSA for the long‐run model with improved magnitudinal effects observed with the intervention of technological innovation and regulatory quality. Furthermore, both technological innovation and regulatory quality promote sustainable economic growth in SSA. Moreover, structural change, foreign direct investment and government are boosters for sustainable economic growth whereas military expenditure hinders the growth. Recommendations are made based on the findings.
Systemic and iatrogenic factors contribute to the development of severe hypernatraemia in vulnerable inpatients
Authors: Kathpal Esha , Boehm Emma , Nguyen Christopher S. , Vogrin Sara , Hamblin Peter S.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To determine all‐cause in‐hospital mortality associated with severe hypernatraemia and the causes, comorbidities, time to treatment, discharge destination and postdischarge mortality.

Design

Retrospective observational cohort study.

Patients

Severe hypernatraemia, (sodium concentration ≥ 155 mmol/L), at any time during a tertiary hospital admission in Melbourne, Australia, 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019 (pre‐COVID19).

Measurements

Deaths, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), hypernatraemia causes, time to treatment, discharge destination.

Results

One hundred and one inpatients: 64 community‐acquired, 37 hospital‐acquired. In‐hospital mortality was 38%, but cumulative mortality was 65% by 1 month after discharge, with only a minor further increase at 6 and 12 months. After adjusting for peak sodium concentration, the community acquired group had significantly reduced odds of in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio 0.15, 95% confidence interval [0.04−0.54], p = .003). Iatrogenic factors were present in 57% (21/37) of the hospital‐acquired group. Only 55% of all cases received active sodium directed treatment. Time to start treatment did not affect outcomes. High levels of comorbidity were present, median CCI (IQR) was 6 (5−8) in the community and 5 (4−7) in the hospital group. Dementia prevalence was higher in the community group, 66% (42/64) versus 19% (7/37) (p = .001). Infection was the most common precipitant with 52% (33/64) in the community and 32% (12/37) in the hospital group. Of the survivors, 32% who had been living independently required residential care after discharge.

Conclusions

Mortality was high and loss of independence in survivors common. To potentially improve outcomes, hypernatraemia‐specific guidelines should be formulated and efforts made to reduce system and iatrogenic factors.
Telemedicine as a path to bridging inequities in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Yardi Ruta , McLouth Christopher J. , Mathias Sally , Jehi Lara
Published: October 2023

Objective

Access to epilepsy specialist care is not uniform in the USA, with prominent gaps in rural areas. Understanding the reasons for nonattendance at epilepsy appointments may help identify access hurdles faced by patients. This study was undertaken to better understand clinic absenteeism in epilepsy and how it may be influenced by telemedicine.

Methods

In this retrospective study, social determinants of health were collected for all adult patients scheduled in epilepsy clinic, as either an in‐person or telemedicine appointment, at University of Kentucky between July 2021 and December 2022. The primary outcome measure was attendance or absence at the appointment. Subgroup analyses were done to better understand the drivers of attendance at telemedicine visits and evaluate telemedicine utilization by underserved populations.

Results

A total of 3025 patient encounters of in‐person and telemedicine visits were included. The no‐show rate was significantly higher for in‐person visits (32%) compared with telemedicine visits (20%, p < .001). A nominal logistic regression model identified seven factors increasing risk of absenteeism, including in‐person visits, prior missed appointments, longer lead times to appointment, Medicaid/Medicare as payors, no significant other, lower mean annual income, and minority race. For each $10 000 increase in mean annual income, the odds of missing the appointment decreased by 8% (odds ratio = .92, 95% confidence interval = .89–.96, p < .001). Forty‐one percent of underserved population opted for telemedicine visits, and they had a lower no‐show rate (22%) as compared with in‐person visits (33%, p < .001). Predictors of no‐shows to televisits (1382) included Medicare/Medicaid coverage (as opposed to private insurance), no significant others, and a history of missing appointments.

Significance

Telemedicine is effective at improving attendance, overcoming socioeconomic hurdles, and widening access to epilepsy care, particularly among underserved populations. Access to telecare depends on insurance coverage and emphasizes the need to include telemedicine in insurance plans to ensure uniform access to high‐quality epilepsy care, irrespective of socioeconomic status.
Research unbundling and market liquidity: Evidence from MiFID II
Authors: Fu Anqi , Jenkinson Tim , Newton David , Xie Ru
Published: October 2023

The second Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) mandated the unbundling of payments for research and trading. This research explores whether the impact of MiFID II differs between large and small firms in terms of analyst coverage and stock liquidity. Focusing on the UK stock markets we find a significant drop in analyst coverage on the Main Market, which leads to a deterioration in market liquidity. In contrast, the requirement of AIM firms to retain a Nominated Adviser, who often provides research coverage, has mitigated the impact of MiFID II.
Icelandic Whimbrel first migration: Non‐stop until West Africa, yet later departure and slower travel than adults
Authors: Carneiro Camilo , Gunnarsson Tómas G. , Kaasiku Triin , Piersma Theunis , Alves José A.
Published: October 2023

Migratory behaviour in young individuals is probably developed by using a complex suite of resources, from molecular information to social learning. Comparing the migration of adults and juveniles provides insights into the possible contribution of those developmental factors to the ontogeny of migration. We show that, like adults, juvenile Icelandic Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus islandicus fly non‐stop to West Africa, but on average depart later, follow less straight paths and stop more after reaching land, resulting in slower travel speeds. We argue how the variation in departure dates, the geographical location of Iceland and the annual migration routine of this population make it a good model to study the ontogeny of migration.
Everyday ordinariness, neglected but important for mental health nurses' therapeutic relationships: An initial exploration for applying Daniel Kahneman's two systems of thinking
Authors: Deveau Roy
Published: October 2023

Mental health nurses undertake difficult and complex roles. Therapeutic relationships and engagement between mental health nurses and people experiencing severe mental ill‐health provide the core purpose and rationale for such mental health care. These relationships are influenced by factors outside of frontline mental health nurses control. They are difficult to define or describe with clarity, have limited ‘quantitative’ evidence of effectiveness and are frequently not experienced as therapeutic. This paper presents some initial ideas regarding ‘everyday ordinariness’ using psychologist Daniel Kahneman's two systems of thinking as a focus for understanding and potentially improving mental health nurse practice, and therapeutic relationships and engagement.
Impact of pureed and liquidised diets on health‐related quality of life scores in older patients during postacute rehabilitation: A pilot study
Authors: Shimizu Akio , Yamaguchi Kohei , Tohara Haruka
Published: October 2023

Background

Consuming texture‐modified diets was considered to negatively affect health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL). However, the precise relationship between the levels of food texture consumed and HR‐QoL remains uncertain. The present study aimed to determine the association between levels of food texture consumed and HR‐QoL.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 122 hospitalised patients aged ≥ 65 years (mean ± SD age 78.9 ± 7.9 years; 48.4% female) who required postacute rehabilitation. Consumed food texture levels were classified using the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) framework 2.0. HR‐QoL was evaluated using the five‐level EuroQoL five‐dimension (EQ‐5D‐5L). The association between food texture levels and HR‐QoL was analysed using a multivariate linear regression model.

Results

The lower food texture levels consumed were associated with significantly lower EQ‐5D‐5L scores. Consumption of pureed (IDDSI Level 4) and liqudised (IDDSI Level 3) diets were associated with lower EQ‐5D‐5L scores among older patients undergoing postacute rehabilitation (regression coefficient –0.304; 95% confidence interval = −0.472 to −0.137 and regression coefficient, −0.444, 95% confidence interval = −0.676 to −0.213, respectivly).

Conclusions

The findings suggest a link between the consumption of pureed and liquidised diets and lower HR‐QoL scores in older hospitalised patients undergoing rehabilitation. To establish a clearer cause‐and‐effect relationship, future research should encompass multicentre and longitudinal studies, building upon the insights from the present study.
Motivations for violent extremism: Evidence from lone offenders’ manifestos
Authors: Grigoryan Lusine , Ponizovskiy Vladimir , Schwartz Shalom
Published: October 2023

This study explores the motivational drivers of violent extremism by examining references to motivational goals—values—in texts written by lone offenders. We present a new database of manifestos written by lone offenders (N= 103), the Extremist Manifesto Database (EMD). We apply a dictionary approach to examine references to values in this corpus. For comparison, we use texts from a matched quota sample of US American adults (N= 194). Compared to the general population, extremists referred more often to values of security, conformity, tradition, universalism, and power, and less often to values of benevolence, stimulation, and achievement. In extremist manifestos, ingroup descriptions referred more to security and universalism values, whereas power values dominated outgroup descriptions. Non‐extremists referred to the same values in conjunction with “us” and “them” (benevolence and self‐direction). The values that extremists referenced suggest interpersonal detachment and a clear delineation of value narratives around “us” and “them”.
Patent licensing for signaling the cost‐reduction innovation: The case of the insider innovator
Authors: Wu Cheng‐Tai , Tsai Tsung‐Sheng
Published: October 2023

We analyze the patent licensing contracts offered by an insider innovator that has private information about the quality of innovation that can be transferred to two downstream firms. When information is complete, the first‐best choice is a pure‐royalty contract which is accepted by both firms (i.e., is nonexclusive). When information is incomplete, however, no nonexclusive contract can be supported as a separating equilibrium; it can only be the case where the innovator sells an exclusive contract to only one firm or a nonlicensing contract where no license is sold. In particular, when the gap in the innovation between the efficient and inefficient type is sufficiently small, there does not exist any separating equilibrium. It is sharply different from the case of an outsider innovation, in which a separating equilibrium always exists.