bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social media in healthcare emergency management: insights from Spanish hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ravenda Diego , Valencia-Silva Maika Melina , Argilés-Bosch Josep Maria , García-Blandón Josep
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the Facebook communication strategies of Spanish hospitals during health emergencies, focusing on their role in crisis management and public information dissemination.

Design/methodology/approach

Automatic topic modelling and deep learning sentiment analysis were applied to analyse 151,738 posts from 274 hospital Facebook pages (March 2020–Feb 2022). Regression analyses were used to explore the relationships between topics, sentiment scores and hospital characteristics.

Findings

The analysis revealed nine main topics, with the three most prevalent related to COVID-19: vaccine information, security measures and situational updates. This indicates that Spanish hospitals significantly relied on Facebook to manage the emergency. The communication strategies dynamically adapted to the intensity of the pandemic and varied across hospital types. Sentiment analysis showed a negative tone for posts about security measures and situational updates. These findings align with the Agenda-Setting Theory, suggesting that hospitals influenced public discourse. Vaccine information posts were more positive, resonating with the Uses and Gratifications Theory by fulfilling the audience’s need for reassurance and guidance.

Originality/value

Using replicable machine learning techniques, this study elucidates the communication strategies employed by Spanish hospitals to manage healthcare emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights factors that potentially influence these strategies and provides theoretical justifications for them. The variation in communication strategies on Facebook among different hospital categories underscores the imperative for stricter guidelines and regulations to guarantee consistent and reliable communication during emergencies. This research provides valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers aimed at developing effective health communication strategies on social media.
Artificial intelligence in entrepreneurial project management: a review, framework and research agenda
Authors: Kiani Ataullah
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper delves into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) across diverse sectors, notably project management. It examines the potential of AI to revolutionize project management processes within entrepreneurial ventures, where agility, efficiency and innovation reign supreme.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a comprehensive analysis, this study navigates the intersection of AI and entrepreneurial project management. It meticulously dissects the opportunities AI presents, the hurdles it introduces and the optimal strategies for harnessing its capabilities effectively. Drawing insights from complexity theory, a framework is crafted to delineate AI’s capacity to substitute human involvement, elucidating key considerations for transitioning to a digitally-driven paradigm in entrepreneurial project management.

Findings

The study underscores AI’s potential to augment project management processes significantly, particularly in fostering agility and innovation. However, challenges persist, necessitating adept navigation to maximize AI’s benefits. The framework delineates the extent to which AI can supplant human roles, offering crucial insights into the digital transformation of entrepreneurial project management.

Practical implications

Practitioners are equipped with valuable guidance on leveraging AI effectively, enhancing organizational agility and performance. Understanding the implications of AI adoption fosters informed decision-making in the realm of project management.

Social implications

The integration of AI in entrepreneurial project management signifies broader societal shifts toward digitalization and automation. Insights from this study contribute to navigating these transformations, fostering greater resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurial endeavors.

Originality/value

This study offers a novel perspective on the intersection of AI and entrepreneurial project management, shedding light on unexplored terrain. By drawing on complexity theory, it advances a nuanced understanding of AI’s implications, paving the way for future research avenues in this dynamic field.
Higher education of sustainable food systems: a literature review
Authors: Salminen Janne , Friman Mervi , Mikkonen Kari , Mutanen Arto
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to fill data gaps concerning solutions and practices used in sustainable food systems (SFS) in higher education (HE). The development of SFS is a vital global challenge in which HE may play a significant role.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature search and content analysis of found papers were performed. Additionally, the quantitative time trend of the emergence of research connected to SFS HE and the connectivity of content within the research papers about research questions were determined by regression analysis and data visualization, respectively.

Findings

It is evident that SFS education in universities (higher education institutes) is emerging, and the number of research papers is rapidly increasing. In the reviewed papers, universities recognized their significant role in managing wicked problems. The motivation for developing SFS education was high, with strong ambitions. SFS in HE includes developing education in-house through trans- and multidisciplinary solutions, developing education with stakeholders and supporting student growth to become responsible professionals and citizens.

Practical implications

When developing SFS education in HE both practical and theoretical research is needed. Ethical dimensions should be included in both research orientations because of the moral complexity that exists in SFS issues.

Social implications

This study shows that competence in trans- and multidisciplinary working is needed. Concomitantly, the ability of cooperation between HE, business and society is vital when solving global food challenges. Also, the local tradition of food cultivation should be respected and maintained.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first review on the development of SFS education in HEIs. A qualitative content analysis and data visualization were used to enrich the review.
Leveraging epistemic data agency with data visualizations to bridge the gap between data trends and personal experiences
Authors: Kahn Jennifer , Jiang Shiyan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

While designing personally meaningful activities with data technologies can support the development of data literacies, this paper aims to focuses on the overlooked aspect of how learners navigate tensions between personal experiences and data trends.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors report on an analysis of three student cases from a design study in which middle and high school youth assembled family migration stories using data visualization technologies with socioeconomic and demographic data. The authors used interaction analysis to examine how students responded to misalignments they encountered between their families’ experiences and data trends in their models, drawing on the theoretical construct of epistemic data agency.

Findings

This case analysis demonstrates ways in which students enacted epistemic data agency. Instructional support can help students deepen inquiry and avoid certain pitfalls, such as encoding data in unsound or misleading ways to support a particular story, while encouraging students to see themselves as an epistemic authority on par with data. This study opens pathways for future research that considers how data can shape personal narratives and how students can leverage their experiences in the stories they tell with data.

Originality/value

The authors introduce the construct of epistemic data agency to describe the conceptual and material practices that reveal and shape students’ relationships to the data. The descriptions of students enacting epistemic data agency in assembling data stories informs the understanding of how to better elevate and recognize students’ efforts in relation to disciplinary norms and support deeper, meaningful student learning with and about data.
A study on radial oil seal leakage failure due to viscoelasticity under dynamic eccentricity
Authors: Xing Yangtao , Zhai Fugang , Li Shengnan , Wang Xiaonan , He Zhiqiang
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the causes of leakage in radial oil seals under dynamic eccentricity, elucidate the influence of operating parameters on leakage failure and develop methods for predicting and preventing such leakage.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the principle of cam motion and considering viscoelasticity, develops a motion model of the compression and release of the shaft seal and proposes a method to determine its failure. In addition, this study quantifies the leakage gap and formulates a quantitative calculation model to accurately determine the location and shape parameters of the leakage gap.

Findings

Leakage gaps predominantly occur during the release phase of the shaft seal. Their presence can be identified by comparing the descending times of the seal and the shaft during this phase. An increase in rotation speed and eccentricity heightens the likelihood of gap formation, with both the dimensions and leakage rate of the gap increasing as these factors escalate. Eccentricity, in particular, has a more pronounced effect on gap formation.

Originality/value

This study clarifies the failure mechanisms of radial oil seals under dynamic eccentricity and introduces a criterion for identifying leakage gaps, providing valuable theoretical guidance for the design and optimization of radial oil seals.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2024-0192/.
Social influences on the psychological well-being of elderly individuals
Authors: Hossen Mohammad Shahadat , Salleh Siti Fatimah Binti
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This research aims to analyze the primary social factors influencing the mental health and happiness of older adults. Specifically, the paper identifies the elements of social influences on the psychological well-being of elderly individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a quantitative research methodology, survey data were collected to examine the psychological well-being of older adults, utilizing SPSS software version 28.0 for data analysis.

Findings

Psychological well-being in the elderly is intricately linked to personal, cognitive, emotional and social aspects. Seniors experiencing reduced loneliness, ample communication opportunities, active social engagement and living with family members demonstrate higher levels of psychological well-being. Surprisingly, details of daily activities in senior age showed little impact on psychological well-being.

Research limitations/implications

The research results may lack generalizability due to the chosen approach, prompting a need for further testing of proposed propositions.

Originality/value

This study fulfills an identified need to explore how psychological well-being is established in an elderly society, shedding light on critical social determinants.
The study of congestion factors for optimal entrance gate allocation in a seaport: a micro-level scenario model analysis
Authors: Chuchottaworn Natthapong , Raothanachonkun Pairoj
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper seeks to evaluate the factors that contribute to congestion at port entrances, propose a comprehensive approach to managing port gates that addresses the factors causing traffic jams and assess the outcomes of resolving the issue through an optimal model for incoming container truck traffic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a one-way ANOVA and a one-way MANOVA to examine the impact of congestion-causing factors on the waiting time of trucks in each lane at the entrance gate. The purpose of this was to comprehend the intricate issue and demonstrate the outcomes of the resolution. We used the identified factors that were causing congestion to develop a management strategy for the port gate. As part of this strategy, we implemented a policy where traffic flows in the opposite direction in certain lanes. The Simulation of Urban Mobility program introduced the microscopic traffic simulation model as a discrete event simulation.

Findings

The examination of variables influencing the congestion at the port entrance revealed that there were four factors contributing to the congestion: (1) the quantity of lanes; (2) the level of bookings; (3) the factors related to the traffic signal cycle and (4) the assignment of lane types. The one-way MANOVA analysis of the three factors yielded significant evidence for a single pair of interactions. (1) The factors to consider are the quantity of lanes, the level of booking and the assignment of lane types. If the entrance to the rear alley consists of two lanes with a width of 1.85 at the 50% capacity level, and if the critical value of the uneven queue coefficient is reached, it can result in a maximum reduction of the average waiting time by 15.02%.

Originality/value

This study is unique because it examines the surrounding environment and operational behavior of the port to identify how individual and group congestion factors interact. It uses various statistical tools to determine the allocation of the number of port entrances with a reversible lane policy and appointment level. Additionally, it analyzes the detailed results using microscopic traffic simulation modeling. The established foundational model can assist operators in simulating the queue length and mean waiting time of trucks for this specific waiting line in other ports with comparable entrance characteristics.
The WISED knowledge-creating company: rethinking SECI model in light of the digital transition
Authors: Cerchione Roberto , Centobelli Piera , Borin Elena , Usai Antonio , Oropallo Eugenio
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The effect of digital transition on knowledge management (KM) processes is becoming relevant for companies operating in different industries and the body of literature examining this impact is rapidly growing. This paper aims to critically analyse the literature on the impact of digital transition on KM by rethinking the SECI model proposed by Nonaka and proposing the WISED model for the digital knowledge-creating company.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematisation of existing studies on the topic and the analysis of the evolution of knowledge creation process in the era of digital transition was carried out through a bibliometric approach.

Findings

According to the traditional epistemological and ontological dimensions and considering the innovative KM processes identified by this study (i.e. webification, informalisation, systematisation, explicitation and digitalisation), the results highlight how the proposed WISED model can be adopted by organizations to manage knowledge through the use of digital technologies.

Originality/value

Digital transition seems to open up new horizons that can expand the potential use of the WISED model for organisations and society.
CEO power and risk taking: evidence from European banks mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Sghaier Adnène , Hamza Taher
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the relationship between CEO power and the risk profile (RP) of acquiring banks through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on 214 transactions between 2010 and 2022 involving European Union-based acquirers. To assess the impact of M&A on the acquiring bank’s RP, we compare changes in the acquirer’s RP to control banks. We use linear regression with two-stage least squares instrumental variables (2SLS-IV) to examine the effect of CEO power on changes in merger-related risk.

Findings

The findings suggest that CEO power reduces the RP of the acquiring bank. Specifically, CEOs who hold both the CEO and board chair positions tend to take fewer risks. Additionally, CEOs with high ownership, CEO pay and extensive experience (measured by tenure and acquisition experience) decrease the RP. However, prestige power is positively correlated with an increase in RPs.

Practical implications

This research examines CEO influence on bank risk post-mergers, providing insights into governance, risk and strategic choices. The findings can guide banks in CEO selection and governance to mitigate M&A risks, improving risk management and decision-making in the financial sector.

Originality/value

This study is the first empirical investigation introducing diverse executive power metrics to analyze the link between executive power and risk-taking in the European banking sector, with a specific emphasis on the impact on M&A as critical investment choices.
Readiness towards fintech adoption among micro-entrepreneurs in Malaysia
Authors: Nik Azman Nik Hadiyan , Zull Kepili Ema Izati , Allah Pitchay Anwar , Mokhtar Hisyamuddin
Published: September 2024

Purpose

People start to acknowledge, accept and adopt fintech applications due to its flexibilities, compatibility, ease to use, security and usefulness. A growing body of research reveals a positive perception of micro-enterprises towards fintech instruments. Looking at the potential of the fintech platforms and tools in Malaysia, the purpose of this study is to look at the readiness of micro-entrepreneurs towards using it as a medium in generating more income and profit for their business.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative approach with 200 questionnaires distributed to micro-entrepreneurs in Malaysia. IBM SPSS was used to perform a preliminary analysis of the data (descriptive analysis), then partial least squares-structural equation modelling SmartPLS is used to test the hypothesised relationships.

Findings

This study found perceived ease of useH1(β= 0.523,p< 0.01) and trustH4(β= 0.211,p< 0.10) play an important role in readiness to adopt fintech. Whereas, securityH3(β= 0.068) and perceived usefulness,H2(β= 0.120) are insignificant (rejected).

Practical implications

This study provides evidence on the factors that contribute most towards the inclination to use fintech application among micro-entrepreneurs. In fact, tightening the policy regarding the security matter could enhance the readiness of micro-entrepreneurs to use fintech application.

Originality/value

This study investigates factors that influence the readiness of micro-entrepreneurs to adopt fintech application, which were not considered by previous studies.
Barriers in adopting green human resource management under uncertainty: the case of Indonesia banking industry
Authors: Sulistiawan Jovi , Herachwati Nuri , Khansa Edelweiss Jinan Ratu
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the barriers to adopting green human resource management (GHRM) under uncertain conditions by integrating the resource-based view (RBV) and stakeholder theory.

Design/methodology/approach

A board of experts, which consisted of 28 practitioners and two academics, was invited to participate in the research. The fuzzy Delphi and fuzzy decision-making trials and evaluation laboratory were utilized to achieve the study's objectives.

Findings

The findings indicate that barriers encompass 14 criteria and five attributes. Among the 14 criteria, the banking industry's lack of green culture, lack of trust in green benefits, employee's capacity to change, lack of support from top management and absence of a comprehensive plan to implement GHRM are significant barriers. The attributes are management, human resources, organizational, regulatory and customer barriers.

Practical implications

Implementing GHRM in Indonesian banking necessitates practical policies and gradual adaptation strategies. Companies should establish standard operating procedures, reward systems and periodic habit changes to embed green practices effectively.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to employ stakeholder theory and the RBV in examining the barriers to green human resources adoption in the banking industry.
Social sustainability: employment of former-offenders by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Czech Republic
Authors: Gannon David
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the recruitment practice of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Czech Republic to learn whether it encourages or discourages former offenders from attempting to attain work after release.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was taken to understand the perspective of SME company owners and decision-makers within the Czech Republic. In all, 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted which examined the current recruitment practice and individual attitudes towards employing former offenders.

Findings

Through a change of employer perception, working with support agencies and amending recruitment practice, opportunities can be created for former offenders in the workplace to assist their rehabilitation. This would assist with overcoming employer attitudes which have little sense of responsibility to helping former offenders with reintegration through employment. Recruitment practices focus heavily on past accomplishments and the existence of a criminal record which can disincentivise former offenders from applying for work because of their stigmatised identity. Prior experience with offenders can lead to a change of attitude and offers a vector for changing employer attitudes. In combination with linkage to agencies which work with former offenders, small businesses could amend their recruitment practice and provide support for former offenders on their rehabilitation journey.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on a limited sample size, only 25 responses, and the need for translation from English to Czech could have led to a loss of nuance in the responses gathered. With asynchronous interviews also being used, some brief responses limited the insight which could have been gained.

Practical implications

The findings of this study highlight areas of practice which can be amended to better attract former offenders, being future-focused rather than past-focused.

Social implications

Enhancing employment opportunities for former offenders would be a major enhancer for their reintegration efforts and lower the associated social costs to society.

Originality/value

Prior research has been conducted into the offender experience, with recruiter/owner receiving far less attention. Most prior studies have been quantitative in nature, with few using a qualitative approach.
Simulation of electrostatic particulate matter sensor regeneration based on the particulate deposition patterns
Authors: Liu Jinxin , Wang Huanqin , Sun Qiang , Jiang Chufan , Zhou Jitong , Huang Gehang , Yu Fajun , Feng Baolin
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to establish a multi-physics-coupled model for an electrostatic particulate matter (PM) sensor. The focus lies on investigating the deposition patterns of particles within the sensor and the variation in the regeneration temperature field.

Design/methodology/approach

Computational simulations were initially conducted to analyse the distribution of particles under different temperature and airflow conditions. The study investigates how particles deposit within the sensor and explores methods to expedite the combustion of deposited particles for subsequent measurements.

Findings

The results indicate that a significant portion of the particles, approximately 61.8% of the total deposited particles, accumulates on the inside of the protective cover. To facilitate rapid combustion of these deposited particles, a ceramic heater was embedded within the metal shielding layer and tightly integrated with the high-voltage electrode. Silicon nitride ceramic, selected for its high strength, elevated temperature stability and excellent thermal conductivity, enables a relatively fast heating rate, ensuring a uniform temperature field distribution. Applying 27 W power to the silicon nitride heater rapidly raises the gas flow region's temperature within the sensor head to achieve a high-temperature regeneration state. Computational results demonstrate that within 200 s of heater operation, the sensor's internal temperature can exceed 600 °C, effectively ensuring thorough combustion of the deposited particles.

Originality/value

This study presents a novel approach to address the challenges associated with particle deposition in electrostatic PM sensors. By integrating a ceramic heater with specific material properties, the study proposes an effective method to expedite particle combustion for enhanced sensor performance.
Mycorrhizal fungi compromise production of endophytic alkaloids, increasing plant susceptibility to an aphid herbivore
Authors: Cibils‐Stewart X. , Vandegeer R. K. , Mace W. J. , Hartley S. E. , Powell J. R. , Popay A. J. , Johnson S. N.
Published: September 2024

Symbiosis plays a critical role in plant biology. Temperate grasses often associate with several symbiotic fungi simultaneously, including Epichloë endophytes and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, in shoots and roots, respectively. These symbionts often modulate plant–herbivore interactions by influencing nutritional traits (i.e. AM fungi‐mediated nutrient uptake) and/or the secondary chemistry (i.e. endophytic alkaloids) of their host plant. Moreover, such grasses also accumulate large amounts of silicon (Si) from the soil, which can be deposited in tissues to act as a physical anti‐herbivore defence.

Recent evidence suggests that both endophytes and AM fungi independently facilitate Si uptake. However, the consequences of their interactions with piercing‐sucking insects (i.e. aphids), or whether Si supply, endophytes, and AM fungi interact in this regard, are currently unknown. While Si deposition may be less effective against aphids than other herbivores (i.e. chewing caterpillars), Si supply can also alter plant secondary metabolite defences, which could affect sucking insects.

In a factorial greenhouse experiment, we evaluated whether these components, acting alone or in combination, altered (1) foliar primary chemistry, (2) Si and symbiont‐chemical (endophytic alkaloids) defences, as well as (3) performance of the bird cherry‐oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) feeding on tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea).

Endophytes decreased all aphid performance parameters, including population growth and reproduction by 40%, but their impact was reversed by the presence of AM fungi, leading to a 52% increase in aphid performance compared with plants solely hosting endophytes. This improvement in performance was associated with reduced loline alkaloid levels and higher shoot nitrogen in AM‐endophytic plants. Endophytes and AM fungi exhibited antagonism, with endophytes reducing AM colonization by 34% and AM presence decreasing endophyte loline alkaloids by 44%. While both fungi jointly increased Si accumulation by 39% under Si‐supplied conditions, Si had no noticeable effects on aphids. Moreover, although Si supply had no identifiable effects on AM colonization, it reduced endophyte peramine alkaloids by 24%.

Synthesis. Our findings indicate that symbiotic fungal partnerships and silicon provision may benefit plants but could weaken anti‐herbivore defences when combined. Revealing the complex interactions among diverse fungal symbionts and showcasing their effects on different anti‐herbivore defences (chemical and physical) and herbivore performance for the first time.
Household resilience to climate change in the “big three” African economies
Authors: Yusuf Sulaiman A. , Salami Adeleke O. , Akin‐Olagunju Olaide A. , Adeyemo Temitayo A. , Dada Emmanuel O.
Published: September 2024

The precarious nature of climate change and its consequences on the resilience of economies require examination. This study investigated climate change resilience in the “big three” economies in Africa—Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa—using macroeconomic data. Results indicated that Nigeria had the highest vulnerability score and South Africa had the highest resilience score. Readiness for climate change was low in all countries, especially in Nigeria. Climate vulnerability had a significant dampening effect on per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the three economies. In addition, reducing inflation is associated with increased welfare and resilience by raising per capita GDP, although the effect needs to be magnified with sound economic policies. The low adaptive capacity presents policy direction to develop human resource capacities, improve safety net delivery, and ensure effective early warning systems.
Credit constraints in higher education attendance: Longitudinal evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Eigbiremolen Godstime O. , Orji Anthony
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we examine the relationship between household wealth and higher education enrolment, with a focus on the evidence surrounding credit constraints in postsecondary education. Using unique longitudinal data that link household wealth and measures of cognitive ability at age 12 to higher education attendance at age 19–22, we differentiate short‐term credit constraints from long‐term credit constraints and test the relative importance of short‐ and long‐term credit constraints in schooling decisions. We find that short‐ and long‐term credit constraints determine the relationship between household wealth and higher education attendance. There is a need to complement short‐term policies with long‐term interventions that empower households to continue to invest in human capital development over the child's life cycle, which will crystallize in higher cognitive ability and readiness for higher education.
The promise of artificial intelligence in health: Portrayals of emerging healthcare technologies
Authors: Watson Ash , Wozniak‐O’Connor Vaughan
Published: September 2024

Emerging technologies of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision‐making (ADM) promise to advance many industries. Healthcare is a key locus for new developments, where operational improvements are magnified by the bigger‐picture promise of improved care and outcomes for patients. Forming the zeitgeist of contemporary sociotechnical innovation in healthcare, media portrayals of these technologies can shape how they are implemented, experienced and understood across healthcare systems. This article identifies current applications of AI and ADM within Australian healthcare contexts and analyses how these technologies are being portrayed within news and industry media. It offers a categorisation of leading applications of AI and ADM: monitoring and tracking, data management and analysis, cloud computing, and robotics. Discussing how AI and ADM are depicted in relation to health and care practices, it examines the sense of promise that is enlivened in these representations. The article concludes by considering the implications of promissory discourses for how technologies are understood and integrated into practices and sites of healthcare.
Revisiting the Narrative of Deforestation in Central and Southern Mainland Early Modern Portugal as a ‘Ruined Landscape’: The Case of Shipbuilding in Lisbon
Authors: TRAPAGA‐MONCHET KOLDO
Published: September 2024

Scholars have largely blamed shipbuilding for maritime expansion for being the main driver of deforestation in early modern Portugal. This article sets out to revisit the origins and reproduction of this narrative by analysing three interconnected elements in a case study of Lisbon's shipyards. Firstly, it studies the claims of forestry policies from the 1400s to the mid‐1600s. Secondly, it addresses Portuguese writers and foresters of the nineteenth century. Thirdly, it surveys the calculations of deforestation rates provided by Portuguese and foreign authors and foresters. Three main conclusions can be drawn: (1) scholars’ arguments that shipbuilding was chiefly responsible for deforestation are based on the claims set out in Portuguese forestry policies, (2) nineteenth‐century authors and writers stated multiple causes to explain the significant deforestation in early modern Portugal, and (3) it is very likely that the high deforestation rates that nineteenth‐ and early twentieth‐century authors reported are partially due to shifts in the meaning of ‘woodland’.
Becoming crisis‐ready: A systematic literature review on corporate crisis readiness and the process to achieving it
Authors: Björck Albena , Bläse Richard , Bastida Paulina
Published: September 2024

As global crises become increasingly complex and intertwined, crisis readiness has emerged as a pivotal factor for an organisation's survival. Despite a growing, interdisciplinary corpus of research underscoring the necessity for systematic crisis management and strategic communication, a comprehensive understanding of corporate crisis readiness and methodologies for its achievement remain elusive and inadequately addressed. To bridge this knowledge gap, we conducted a systematic literature review, meticulously analysing 7287 articles to identify 40 eligible studies from 1987 to 2022. Through inductive content analysis and narrative synthesis, we have delineated the concept of crisis readiness and devised a comprehensive 10‐step process framework that organisations are advised to implement in preparation for potential crises. This investigation enriches the academic dialogue on crisis readiness by integrating insights from strategic management, crisis handling, organisational development, and learning theories. This offers a more nuanced understanding of how organisations can equip themselves for crisis situations. Additionally, our study sheds light on promising directions for future research in this vital field.
SQuID (subcutaneous insulin in diabetic ketoacidosis) II: Clinical and operational effectiveness
Authors: Griffey Richard T. , Schneider Ryan M. , Girardi Margo , LaRossa Gina , Yeary Julianne , Lehmkuhl Michael , Frawley Laura , Ancona Rachel , Kaser Taylor , Suarez Dan , Cruz‐Bravo Paulina
Published: September 2024

Objective

We previously demonstrated safe treatment of low‐ to moderate‐severity (LTM) diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) using the SQuID protocol (subcutaneous insulin in DKA) in a non–intensive care unit (ICU) observation setting, with decreased emergency department length of stay (EDLOS). Here, we expand eligibility to include sicker patients and admission to a regular medical floor and collected more detailed clinical data in a near‐real‐time fashion.

Methods

This is a real‐world, prospective, observational cohort study in an urban academic hospital (March 4, 2023–March 4, 2024). LTM DKA patients were treated with IV insulin (floor or ICU) or on SQuID. We compare fidelity (time to glargine and dextrose‐containing fluids), safety (rescue dextrose for hypoglycemia), effectiveness (time to anion gap closure, time on protocol), and operational efficiency (time to bed request, EDLOS, and ICU admission rate since implementation of the protocol).

Results

Of 84 patients with LTM DKA, 62 (74%) of were treated with SQuID and 22 (26%) with IV insulin. Fidelity was high in both groups. Rescue dextrose was required in five (8%) versus four (18%) patients, respectively (difference 9%, −31% to 10%). Compared to the IV insulin group, time to anion gap was 1.4 h shorter (95% CI −3.4 to 0.2 h) and time on protocol was 10.4 h shorter (95% CI −22.3 to −5.0 h) in SQuID patients. Median EDLOS was lower in the SQuID cohort 9.8 h (IQR 6.0–13.6) than the IV floor cohort 18.3 h (IQR 13.4–22.0 h), but longer than the overall IV insulin cohort. Since inception of SQuID, ICU admission rate in LTM DKA has decreased from 54% to under 21%.

Conclusions

In this single‐center study, we observed excellent fidelity, equivalent or superior safety, and clinical and operational effectiveness with SQuID compared to IV insulin. The SQuID protocol has become the de facto default pathway for treatment of LTM DKA. Since inception of SQuID, ICU admissions in LTM DKA have decreased 33%.
Blunted reward‐related activation to food scenes distinguishes individuals with alcohol use disorder in a pilot case–control fMRI pilot study
Authors: Mellick William , McTeague Lisa , Hix Sara , Anton Raymond , Prisciandaro James J.
Published: September 2024

Background

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is thought to bias the neurocircuitry underlying reward processing and motivation to preferentially attend to conditioned alcohol cues over natural rewards. The present case–control pilot study evaluated this hypothesis using novel natural reward paradigms.

Methods

Twenty‐eight participants (AUD, n = 14, light drinkers, n = 14) were recruited—AUD participants reported 44.0% heavy drinking days (%HDD) and 4.67 drinks/day over the preceding 90 days. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were acquired during the administration of three separate picture‐viewing paradigms of alcohol cues, food scenes, and social reward, respectively. Independent samples t‐tests were performed to compare groups' fMRI data and exploratory correlation analyses were performed to examine associations with clinical characteristics of AUD.

Results

Food scenes elicited abnormally low reward‐related activation, within the superior frontal gyrus and caudate bilaterally, among AUD participants. Lower activation to food scenes within the superior frontal gyrus was, in turn, associated with higher levels of past‐month %HDD among AUD participants, specifically, along with craving and alcohol dependence severity when examined across the full sample. Contrasting reward types (e.g., alcohol cues vs. food scenes) did not reveal “preferential” activation to differentiate groups.

Conclusions

Heavy drinking appears associated with reduced responsivity to natural rewards, specifically food rather than social cues. Neural mechanisms underlying the high prevalence of malnutrition among individuals with AUD may involve some combination of blunted approach‐related affect and reduced craving‐related motivation to eat when food is present, resulting in limited engagement of cortico‐striato‐thalamic motor circuitry supporting food acquisition. However, given the preliminary nature of this pilot study, such formulations remain tentative until larger follow‐up studies can be conducted. From a potential translational standpoint, the ability of promising therapeutics to demonstrate increased responsivity to natural rewards, specifically nutritive reward may serve as a valuable complementary efficacy indicator for future clinical neuroimaging trials in AUD.
Victim blaming and belief in karma
Authors: White Cindel J. M. , Willard Aiyana K.
Published: September 2024

Witnessing the suffering of innocent victims can motivate observers to interpret the situation in ways that justify that suffering, such as viewing victims as more personally responsible or possessing negative traits. In a pre‐registered cross‐cultural experiment (N = 831 from India, Singapore and the USA), we tested whether belief in karma—a supernatural force that can be used to explain current misfortune as payback for past misdeeds—affects people's tendencies to blame victims for their misfortune. Participants read and evaluated descriptions of ostensibly innocent victims of misfortune, both before and after thinking about karma. When thinking about karma, participants rated victims as possessing more negative traits, and (in the USA) being less similar to participants themselves, compared to their baseline judgements. Belief in karma also indirectly predicted negative evaluations, due to karma believers' greater perception that victims were personally responsible for their situation. These results are consistent with previously established patterns of victim derogation and show how karma can shape social judgements in a manner that bolsters the perception of a just world where bad things are believed to happen to bad people.
The challenged urine bicarbonate excretion test in cystic fibrosis: A comprehensive analysis of urine acid/base parameters
Authors: Rousing Amalie Q. , Jeppesen Majbritt , Jensen‐Fangel Søren , Leipziger Jens , Sorensen Mads V. , Berg Peder
Published: September 2024

Aim

Renal excretion of excess HCO3− depends on renal cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and is impaired in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Urine HCO3− excretion following oral NaHCO3‐loading may be a simple in vivo biomarker of CFTR function. In this study, we investigated changes in urine acid/base parameters following oral NaHCO3‐loading to comprehensively assess the physiological response to the test and evaluate HCO3− as the primary test result.

Methods

Urine acid/base parameters (titratable acid (TA), NH4+, net acid excretion (NAE) and pH) were measured in bio‐banked urine samples from controls (n = 10) and pwCF (n = 50) who completed the challenged urine HCO3− test. The association between urine acid/base excretion parameters and clinical CF disease characteristics and CFTR modulator therapy‐induced changes were assessed.

Results

Before treatment, challenged urine acid/base excretion associated with important CF disease characteristics. TA excretion and NAE were lower in pwCF with residual function mutations, 7.9 and 16.6 mmol/3 h, respectively, and lower TA excretion and NAE associated with pancreatic sufficiency. A lower excretion of TA, NH4+, and NAE associated with a higher percentage of predicted FEV1 (1.3%, 2.5% and 0.8% per mmol/3 h higher, respectively). Modulator treatment decreased TA excretion and NAE (−2.9 and −5.3 mmol/3 h, respectively).

Conclusion

Following acute NaHCO3‐loading, increased base excretion is mirrored by decreased acid excretion. Urine HCO3− excretion sufficiently represents the additional urine acid/base parameters as test result. The observed changes in acid excretion support CFTR modulator‐induced increase of CFTR‐dependent type B intercalated cell HCO3− secretion and the use of the challenged urine HCO3− test as a possible CFTR‐biomarker.
Path planning optimization for swine manure‐cleaning robots through enhanced slime mold algorithm with cellular automata
Authors: Duan Yong Peng , Yang Ya Zhi , Cao Yue , Li Hao Ming , Hu Ze Wei , Cao Ri Liang , Liu Zhen Yu
Published: September 2024

One of the primary challenges for robotic manure cleaners in pig farming is to plan the shortest path to designated cleaning points under specified conditions with minimal processing cost and time, while avoiding collisions. However, pigs are randomly distributed in actual pig farms, which obstructs the robots' movement and complicates the rapid determination of optimal solutions. To address these issues, this study introduces the concept of interaction among cellular automaton cell neighborhoods and proposes the Cellular Automata Slime Mold Algorithm (CASMA). This enhanced slime mold algorithm accelerates convergence speed and improves search accuracy. To validate its effectiveness, CASMA was compared with four metaheuristic algorithms (ACO, FA, PSO, and WPA) through performance tests and simulated experiments. Results demonstrate that in complex pigsty environments with varying numbers of pigs, CASMA reduces average step consumption by 8.03%, 1.61%, 0.99%, and 4.26% compared with these algorithms and saves processing time by averages of 13.20%, 20.11%, 10.86%, and 6.4%, respectively. In addition, in dynamic obstacle experiments, CASMA achieved average time savings of 48.27% and 56.28% compared with A* and TS, respectively, while reducing step consumption. Overall, CASMA enhances the efficiency of manure‐cleaning robots in pig farms, thereby improving animal welfare.
Exposure–response relationships of mirvetuximab soravtansine in patients with folate receptor‐α‐positive ovarian cancer: Justification of therapeutic dose regimen
Authors: Tu Ya‐Ping , Lagraauw H. Maxime , Method Michael , Wang Yuemei , Hanze Eva , Li Lingling , Parrott Timothy , Sloss Callum M. , Westin Eric H.
Published: September 2024

Aims

This study aimed to investigate exposure–response (ER) relationships in efficacy and safety for mirvetuximab soravtansine (MIRV) which is a first‐in‐class antibody–drug conjugate approved for the treatment of folate receptor‐α‐positive platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer.

Methods

MIRV was characterized in 4 clinical studies. Exposure metrics for MIRV, its payload and a metabolite were derived from a population pharmacokinetic model. Efficacy was analysed in MIRV‐treated patients (n = 215) in a recent confirmatory, randomized, chemotherapy‐controlled MIRASOL trial and safety was evaluated in patients pooled across all 4 clinical studies (n = 757).

Results

In the MIRASOL trial (NCT04209855), MIRV demonstrated significant benefit over chemotherapy in progression‐free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS). The most common adverse events (AEs) included ocular disorders, peripheral neuropathy and pneumonitis. For PFS, ORR and OS, the trough concentration of MIRV was the predictor consistently found in ER models for efficacy. In contrast, for ocular AEs (as well as the time to onset of ocular AEs) and peripheral neuropathy, the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) of MIRV was identified as the exposure metric in ER models for safety. No exposure parameters were found to correlate with pneumonitis. Covariates in all models did not show clinically meaningful impact on efficacy or safety. Logistic regression models for ORR and ocular AEs based on AUC of MIRV were used to justify the clinical dose regimen approved for MIRV.

Conclusion

The trough concentration of MIRV correlated with efficacy whereas the AUC of MIRV was associated with major AEs. The ER relationships supported the selected therapeutic dose regimen.
Generative neural networks for experimental manipulation: Examining dominance‐trustworthiness face impressions with data‐efficient models
Authors: Sobieszek Adam , Siemiątkowski Maciej , Imbir Kamil K.
Published: September 2024

An important development in the study of face impressions was the introduction of dominance and trustworthiness as the primary and potentially orthogonal traits judged from faces. We test competing predictions of recent accounts that address evidence against the independence of these judgements. To this end we develop a version of recent ‘deep models of face impressions’ better suited for data‐efficient experimental manipulation. In Study 1 (N = 128) we build impression models using 15 times less ratings per dimension than previously assumed necessary. In Study 2 (N = 234) we show how our method can precisely manipulate dominance and trustworthiness impressions of face photographs and observe how the effects' pattern of the cues of one trait on impressions of the other differs from previous accounts. We propose an altered account that stresses how a successful execution of the two judgements' functional roles requires impressions of trustworthiness and dominance to be based on cues of both traits. Finally we show our manipulation resulted in larger effect sizes using a broader array of features than previous methods. Our approach lets researchers manipulate face stimuli for various face perception studies and investigate new dimensions with minimal data collection.