bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The functional background of the compensation committee chair: the choice and weight of performance measures in CEO compensation
Authors: Kalelkar Rachana , Nwaeze Emeka
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The authors analyze the association between the functional background of the compensation committee chair and CEO compensation. The analysis is motivated by the continuing debate about the reasonableness of executive pay patterns and the growing emphasis on the role of compensation committees.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors define three expert categories—accounting, finance, and generalist—and collect data on the compensation committee (CC) chairs of the S&P 500 firms from 2008 to 2018. The authors run an ordinary least square model and regress CEO total and cash compensation on the three expert categories.

Findings

The authors find that firms in which the CC chair has expertise in accounting, finance, and general business favor performance measures that are more aligned with accounting, finance, and general business, respectively. There is little evidence that CC chairs who are CEOs of other firms endorse more generous pay for the host CEO; the authors find some evidence that CC chairs tenure relative to the host CEO's is negatively associated with the level of the CEO's pay.

Research limitations/implications

This study suggests that firms and regulators should consider the background of the compensation committee chair to understand the variations in top executive.

Practical implications

Companies desiring to link executive compensation to particular areas of strategy must also consider matching the functional background of the compensation committee chair with the target strategy areas. From regulatory standpoint, requiring compensation committees to operate independent of inside directors can reduce attempts by inside directors to skim the process, but a failure to also consider the impact of compensation committees' discretion over the pay-setting process can distort the executives' pay-performance relation.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the effects of the functional background of the compensation committee chair on CEO compensation.
Determinants and consequences of job crafting under the boundary conditions of work uncertainty
Authors: Irfan Syed Muhammad , Qadeer Faisal , Sarfraz Muddassar , Bhutta Mohammed Khurrum
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper explores critical job resources (CRJRs) as predictors of job crafting and sustainable employability. Using job demands-resources (JD-R) theory as a theoretical lens, the authors examine how job crafting mediates CRJR and sustainable employability and whether work uncertainty as a boundary condition further strengthened these associations using moderated mediation approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a cross-sectional time-lagged research design by collecting data from 483 knowledge workers in Pakistan's healthcare and universities, both public and private. The authors used structural equation modeling using AMOS 25.0 software to examine the proposed relationships’ mediation, moderation and moderated-mediation processes, such as Hayes (2018) process models 1,7,14 and 58. In addition, the authors tested a structural model with self-developed estimands instead of using process macros available in SPSS by computing variables.

Findings

The results of this study confirmed that CRJR predicts job crafting and employees' sustainable employability. Furthermore, comprehensive testing suggested that mediation of job crafting between CRJR and sustainable employability further strengthened in the presence of a boundary condition of work uncertainty.

Originality/value

The study uncovers CRJR (job, organizational, social and relational) as a predictor of job crafting. The authors suggest that job design integrating CRJR helps organizations and managers promote job crafting and make employees responsible for their sustainable employability. The proposed CRJR has not been used as a predictor of job crafting, and no such study tested CRJR as a predictor of sustainable employability. The authors made comprehensive testing to examine the boundary condition of work uncertainty while examining the CRJR and sustainable employability relations via job crafting.
Covergalls Incorporated
Authors: Haq Rana , Pearce Joanne , Nyabeze Theresa
Published: September 2023

Social implications

The case study will help improve systemic gender-related challenges for women in STEM, male-dominated nontraditional workplaces, such as mining, and contribute to CASE FOR WOMEN database of women-centered business teaching cases.

Learning outcomes

The learning objectives are as follows: discuss gender issues in nontraditional science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM)–related male-dominated industries; conduct a strategic competitive strengths and weaknesses, the opportunities and threats analysis and political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental analysis; evaluate relevant information and decision criteria to assess the options; provide recommendations for strengthening vision mission and strategy; and analyze the business model using the Business Model Canvas.

Case overview/Synopsis

Alicia Woods (she/her), founder of Covergalls Inc., was facing an unexpected challenge during the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic restrictions and lockdowns which had created an unprecedented disruption to her business. Should Covergalls continue on its current path, or was it time to branch out?

Complexity academic level

This case is suitable for diversity, equality and inclusion, strategic management, entrepreneurship, marketing or leadership courses at the undergraduate BBA and graduate MBA level on campus or online.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CCS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Digital leadership framework to support firm-level digital transformations for Construction 4.0
Authors: Gledson Barry , Zulu Sambo Lyson , Saad Ali M. , Ponton Hazel
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Against a background context of Construction 4.0, this study aims to explore what digital leadership in construction firms is, why it is necessary and what considerations it involves. It provides a digital leadership considerations framework to aid organisational digital transformations.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the research question informing what digital leadership involves, an interpretivist study was conducted. Eleven purposively selected expert practitioners, including construction business leaders and company digital champions were surveyed using in-depth semi-structured interviews. This obtained insights and reflections on how construction leaders can impel digital transformations.

Findings

How construction leaders can embed the skills to drive such transformation in their firms, what the essential digital skills for construction businesses now are in Construction 4.0 and how leaders can attempt to evaluate the value of digital technology for their business practices, are all crystallised. Impacts of digital transformations on the construction workplace are also highlighted.

Practical implications

Because of this work, business leaders will be better equipped to lead and support further digital transformation efforts in Construction 4.0. Future research directions aid academics.

Originality/value

Clear definitions of digital transformation and digital leadership are provided, and a digital leadership considerations framework is provided to support firm-level digital transformations for Construction 4.0.
How do individuals with autism participate in work life? A study on inclusive employability
Authors: Efeoğlu İbrahim Efe , Kılınçarslan Ömür
Published: September 2023

Purpose

In studies considering the employment of individuals with autism, the organisational context – which consists of the behaviours and attitudes of employees – has frequently been neglected. This study investigates the employment of workers with autism, who have an intellectual disability (AID) in Türkiye. The study aims to understand the perspectives of managers and co-workers with regard to the employment of individuals with AID.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted interviews with 23 people who were the co-workers, managers and parents of workers with AID. They also reviewed performance documents concerning employees with AID and analysed the data using qualitative content analysis.

Findings

The employment of individuals with AID has caused concern amongst employees within organisations. However, training activities have raised awareness of autism amongst those employees. This new awareness has overcome initial negative judgements about the employment of individuals with AID, turning these instead into positive ones. Thus, social interaction between workers with AID and their co-workers has increased.

Practical implications

This research provides evidence of the positive impact of employees with AID on companies and shows that employing individuals with AID in inclusive contexts improves their quality of life. It also provides guidance for the design of training programmes for employees and the adaptation processes of people with disabilities in the workplace.

Originality/value

This study emphasises the role of the organisational context in the successful employment of people with AID in supported employment settings. It could contribute to changing attitudes and negative expectations and guide interventions in these contexts.
Elevating the constraints – the case of Atulya Dairy
Authors: Joshi Prasad Vasant , Choubey Vardhan Mahesh , Desale Harshal Gangadhar
Published: September 2023

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of this study are to understand the theory of constraints and related concepts, to evaluate constraints impeding organizational growth and to develop a solution addressing the constraints in the best possible way.

Case overview/synopsis

Bottlenecks or constraints impede an organization from reaching its full potential, thus having implications for the internal and external functionalities of the organization. Internally, many resources remain idle or deteriorate, as constraints always hamper the overall capacity. Externally, the organization might lose the customer for not fulfilling their demands. The organization may be unable to procure the raw material at economical prices from the suppliers, as large-quantity orders may not be placed. This case was designed to make students understand the theory of constraints (TOC) and related concepts. The TOC framework was a management philosophy developed by Dr Eliyahu Goldratt and popularly mentioned in his book The Goal. This case study considered a dairy plant as its central focus. The protagonist was challenged by the existing constraints in his dairy plant, and his dilemmas were introduced. The dairy processes were discussed, followed by details of supplies made to the dairy plant regularly. The capacity constraints at different levels were mentioned. The case also discussed the quick fixes adopted by the dairy to overcome the constraints. Finally, this case ended with a dilemma presented before the protagonist and a dire need for a solution thereafter.

Complexity academic level

This case was appropriate for introducing TOC to undergraduate and postgraduate courses in operations management, logistics and supply chain management and general management.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 9: Operations and Logistics.
Logistics value in e-commerce and its impact on customer satisfaction, loyalty and online retailers' performance
Authors: Kawa Arkadiusz , Zdrenka Wojciech
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that create value for the customer in the area of e-commerce logistics and to verify whether these factors impact online retailers' performance through customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in a business to customer (B2C) area.

Design/methodology/approach

For the purpose of the study, a model of logistics value in e-commerce was introduced. The model was proposed based on the literature review. A total of 592 correctly filled questionnaires from telephone and web interviews [computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) and computer-assisted web interview (CAWI)] were studied. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were conducted in the study.

Findings

It was confirmed that four of five defined logistics value dimensions have positive impact on customer satisfaction. These dimensions are communication of delivery status, convenience of receipt, reception experience and convenience of return. The influence of speed of delivery on customer satisfaction was not confirmed. It was also confirmed that customer satisfaction has a positive impact on customer loyalty and that customer loyalty positively impacts online retailers' performance.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the current understanding of the influence of logistics factors on online retailers' performance through customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. There have been few studies that concern logistics value in e-commerce, with particular emphasis on above-mentioned relations. It is especially an important issue due to the fact that logistics can potentially lead to gain a competitive advantage in e-commerce.
A scoping review of sleep management as an occupational therapy intervention: expanding a niche area of practice in mental health
Authors: Yoo Ingyu
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the existing literature on sleep-related interventions and confirm the intervention methods and their effectiveness led by occupational therapists.

Design/methodology/approach

All the relevant literature published from 2010 to June 31, 2022, in five prominent databases were searched using the five-stage review framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley.

Findings

In this review, four types of sleep-related interventions were led by occupational therapists (tool use, exercise program, sleep education and occupational-based program). When the intervention was analyzed based on its content, occupational therapists demonstrated excellent ability in interventions based on sensory intervention and lifestyle redesign.

Originality/value

Various factors cause sleep problems; hence, the development of individualized and extensive occupational therapy intervention methods is required.
TALC: the role of TMM on loyalty intention and financial literacy as confounding variable in destination rejuvenation stage
Authors: Suryaningsih Ika Barokah , Sumani  , Hamid Rahmad Solling , Noviasari Tria Putri
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of the tourism marketing mix (TMM) and the perceived quality of tourism services on tourist satisfaction and loyalty intention in marine tourism in East Java, i.e. beaches. In addition, this study also examines the impact of financial literacy on loyalty intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 320 tourists who were visiting the beach. Data was collected using the accidental sampling technique. Moderated structural equation modelling (MSEM) was registered as the analytical tool used in this study.

Findings

The results of the study show that the innovation and renovation carried out on beach tourism during the rejuvenation stage had an impact on increasing tourist visits. The TMM and the perceived quality of tourism services provided significantly increased tourist satisfaction and loyalty intention. In addition, financial literacy is found to be an important factor in promoting tourists’ loyalty intention.

Research limitations/implications

As mentioned in the conclusion, there are just a dim number of prior research that are able to back up the argument of the role of financial literacy in instigating suboptimal financial behaviour and performance in the context of tourism behaviour, especially highlighting the loyalty intention. Not to mention that prior research is not specifically intended in the tourism field, which makes it hard to extend the argument while structuring the literature review and developing the hypothesis.

Originality/value

This study is mainly important due to its emphasis on financial literacy on its role in promoting tourists’ loyalty intentions, as it found that financial literacy holds a critical role while there is barely any existing literature that focuses on this topic.
Naked body disposal: an indicator of the type of sexual homicide
Authors: Georgoulis Hana , Beauregard Eric , Chopin Julien
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether sexual homicide offenders (SHO) who dispose of the victim’s body naked present with particular crime scene characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to answer this question through the use of a sequential logistic regression to test the individual effects of each set of crime scene variables against the manner of disposal using a sample of 662 solved cases of extrafamilial sexual homicide from an international database.

Findings

Results demonstrated that the modus operandi behaviors of sexual penetration, asphyxiation, dismemberment and overkill were significantly associated with the body being disposed of naked. In addition, removing or destroying evidence from the scene was also significantly associated with a naked victim. In contrast, the body was more likely to be dumped clothed if the contact scene was deserted and the victim was a stranger. These results suggest that SHOs who dispose of the body naked are more in line with the sadistic sexual murderer, while clothed victims are often disposed of by angry offenders.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the particular manner of disposing the victim’s body naked in cases of sexual homicide.
Augmenting hotel performance in Malaysia through big data analytics capability and artificial intelligence capability
Authors: Naz Shumaila , Haider Syed Arslan , Khan Shabnam , Nisar Qasim Ali , Tehseen Shehnaz
Published: September 2023

Purpose

At the forefront of current research is the investigation of how big data analytics capability (BDAC) and artificial intelligence capability (AIC) can enhance performance in concert. Therefore, current study intended to conduct more deep research into emerging phenomena and attempts to cover the gap by exploring how entrepreneurial orientations (EO) emphasize the use of two emerging capabilities under the moderating role of environmental dynamism which in turn augment co-innovation and hotel performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from four-star and five-star hotels located in Kula Lumpur and Langkawi in Malaysia. A total of 260 responses were obtained from IT staff and senior managers with the assistance of a Manpower agency for data analysis. The hypotheses were examined by analyzing the data using PLS-SEM technique through Smart PLS 3 software.

Findings

The result revealed that EO has a positive and significant effect on co-innovation (CIN). Additionally, the BDAC and AIC have been tested and proven to be potential mediators between EO and CIN. Also, environmental dynamism as moderator has positive and significant effect on BDAC and co-innovation performance, however, not significant impact on AIC and co-innovation performance. Lastly, findings displayed positive and significant moderated mediation impact of environmental dynamics on BDAC and CIN with hotel performance, but not significant influence on AIC and co-innovation with hotel performance. For theoretical corroboration of the research findings, the current study integrated EO, resource-based view theory and contingent dynamic capabilities (CDC), because neither single stance can explicate an extant research framework.

Practical implications

This study anticipated the several implications for the entrepreneurs of hospitality industry. Managers are recommended to invest in the entrepreneurial traits of the employees/organizations and make strategic readjustment of their capabilities for sustained business performance.

Originality/value

The study goes beyond the normal inquiry by investigating moderated mediation impact of environmental dynamism between two emerging capabilities, co-innovation and hotel performance relationships. Another novelty of this study is to culminate the exploitation and adoption of emerging IT-based capabilities in cross domains of management, entrepreneurship, information systems management within the hotel industry.
Deferring cash commitments to mitigate COVID-19 impact on the service sector: a case study of a transition economy
Authors: Doruk Ömer Tuğsal
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to use a comparative analysis to examine the channel of deferring cash commitments, which can be seen as a strategic solution to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Moldova's service sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition analysis. The World Bank's post-COVID-19 survey is used. The methodology takes into account heterogeneity among firms.

Findings

The results of the Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition analysis show that service firms use deferred cash commitments more than industrial firms, corporate governance and their pandemic-related strategies are also effective in the post-COVID Moldovan economy. The results are robust to different modeling alternatives.

Originality/value

COVID-19 can be considered a key source of uncertainty for firms, especially those operating in economies where financial frictions occasionally occur in a transition economy. Therefore, this study can shed new light on the impact of COVID-19 on financial strategies in a transition economy.
The role of multi-family properties in hedging pension liability risk: long-run evidence
Authors: Hoesli Martin , Johner Louis , Lekander Jon
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Using data spanning 145 years for Sweden, the authors investigate the benefits of holding multi-family properties for investors who aim to hedge wage growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors assess the risk-adjusted excess return that results from adding multi-family properties to a mixed-asset portfolio that aims to track wage growth. The authors also analyse the macroeconomic determinants of asset returns. Finally, the authors test whether a causal relationship exists between the growth rate of real wages and that of real net operating income.

Findings

The benefits from holding multi-family properties are the greatest for low-risk allocation approaches. For more risky strategies, the role of real estate is more muted, and it varies greatly over time. Holding real estate was most beneficial during the first two decades of the 21st century. Multi-family properties are found to be the only asset class to be positively related to wage growth. The authors show that the net operating income acts as the transmission channel between wages and property returns.

Practical implications

The paper assesses whether the growing interest of pension funds for multi-family properties is warranted in the context of a portfolio that aims to track wage growth.

Originality/value

Using long term data makes it possible to use a rolling windows approach and hence to consider multiple outcomes for an allocation strategy over a typical investment horizon. This permits to assess the dispersion of performance across several periods rather than just one as is commonly done in the literature. The results show that the conclusions that would be drawn from looking at the past two or three decades of data differ substantially from those for earlier time periods.
Quality of internal auditing in federal educational institutions: an analysis of the perception of internal audit members and senior management
Authors: Borges Gislaine , Klein Leander Luiz
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the factors that influence the quality of internal audits in Brazilian federal educational institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study consisted of a survey whose target participants were members of the internal audits and members of the senior management of Brazilian Federal Educational Institutions. The analyses included descriptive statistics of the sample, exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The results showed that the internal audit functions, continuous improvement practices and relationship between internal and external auditors as factors had a positive impact on the internal audit quality dependent variable. The internal audit functions and continuous improvement practices as factors influenced both models that were created (audit members and senior management), whereas the relationship between internal and external auditors was only relevant to senior management. Organizational support and internal audit autonomy, on the other hand, were not statistically significant.

Originality/value

Considering the recent Brazilian research on internal auditing in Educational Institutions, this study differs from others in that it covered all the Universities (63), Federal Institutes (38), Federal Centers of Technological Education (2) and Colégio Pedro II. Another relevant issue refers to the target audience, addressing both the members of the internal audits (supply side) and the Senior Management (one of the main parties impacted by the work of the internal audits).
Unveiling the secrets: decoding the factors influencing MSMEs' accounting process and strategic debtors' management in Oman
Authors: Alalawi Maha Ali , Thottoli Mohammed Muneerali , Al-Shukaili Aisha Hamed , Al-Amri Fatema Khamis
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study investigates determinant factors (influence of the third party (ITP), credit policy (CP) and follow-up process (FP)) of micro, small and medium enterprises' (MSMEs) accounting processes (APs) and strategic debtors' management.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a sequential mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods for comprehensive data analysis. Phase I involved purposively selecting and interviewing 10 MSME owners or accountants to gain insights into debtors' management. In Phase II, a quantitative approach was used for collecting survey data from 72 MSME owners or accountants. Structural equation modeling-partial least squares (SEM-PLS) are the statistical tools that validated the study's proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The findings indicate that determinant factors (ITP, CP and FP) positively affect MSMEs' AP, significantly influencing strategic debtors' management. As a result, sole proprietors can use this study's findings to create value through systematic management of their debtors, guaranteeing sustainable firm growth and profitability.

Practical implications

The sample has restricted to MSMEs in Oman, where the findings may not be generalized to other companies. Overall, the findings suggest that it requires considering the proposed determinant factor of MSMEs' AP to manage their debtors or accounts receivable (AR) to be more profitable.

Originality/value

MSMEs play an essential role in the growth of any country's economy. However, the dearth of comprehensive research on influential factors of MSMEs' debtors’ management studies justifies the significance of the current study.
Escape Outdoors: evaluating social media with Davey and Sky
Authors: Finney Sherry Lee , Penney Megan
Published: September 2023

Research methodology

Information for this case was gained first-hand as the case authors are also the protagonists. Care was taken to ensure case material was presented in an unbiased and accurate manner.

Case overview/synopsis

Sherry Finney, co-manager and partner at Escape Outdoors (EO), North Sydney, Nova Scotia, has just about completed a social media campaign collaboration with Cape Breton outdoor influencers, Davey and Sky. This was the company’s first collaboration with social influencers, and EO had done it to increase their follower base, particularly on Instagram. Defining measures of success was the task now facing Finney and her Sales and Marketing Assistant, Megan Penney. The campaign costs were in the range of $500, and if EO were to do this campaign again, they needed to understand the pros and cons and if it was a success. The campaign would end in a few days, and before it was finalized, Finney and Penney had to decide what final metrics would be required for evaluation and, specifically, how the campaign would be evaluated.

Complexity academic level

This case is intended for courses in social media marketing, marketing management, marketing analytics, digital marketing or entrepreneurship. The typical user of this case will be an undergraduate or graduate business student who has completed an introductory marketing concepts course.
The Walt Disney Company and Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill
Authors: Hall Kelly R. , Subramanian Ram
Published: September 2023

Research methodology

This secondary source case is based mainly on legislative documents (that tracked the initiation and progress of the Parental Rights in Education bill that later became an Act), corporate documents (published by The Walt Disney Company) and news articles from publications such as The New York Times and Bloomberg. All sources are cited in the case narrative and as end notes.

Case overview/synopsis

In April 2022, The Walt Disney Company and its CEO, Robert Chapek, were at the center of a controversy over the company’s opposition to the State of Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill. The bill, dubbed “Don’t Say Gay” by its critics, prohibited instruction on sexual identity and gender orientation in the state’s elementary schools. The controversy stemmed from Disney’s initial non-reaction to the bill and its later strident opposition and call for its repeal. Chapek was pressured by negative media publicity and employee disgruntlement on the one hand and adverse economic consequences for opposing the bill by the state’s Governor, Ron DeSantis. Chapek and the Board had to respond to the political threats to Disney’s economic well-being while appeasing its employees and other stakeholders who wanted the company to be a corporate champion in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Complexity academic level

The case is best suited for advanced undergraduate or graduate leadership, strategic management and marketing courses. From a leadership and strategic management perspective, the case is well-suited for demonstrating the evolving expectations of leaders and corporate social responsibility, as well as the concepts of issue framing and nonmarket management. Instructors may also leverage the case in marketing courses (e.g. brand management), as CEO activism (i.e. messaging and practice) is one characteristic of brand activism (Animation Guild, 2022).
Investigating causality between natural resource rents, openness, and economic growth: A quantile approach
Authors: Balounejad Nouri Roozbeh
Published: September 2023

In the present study, the causality between resource rents, openness, and economic growth was investigated using the quantile causality method and quarterly data (2006–2021) in Iran. The advantage of this method is that it makes it possible to investigate the relationships of variables in the conditional distribution tail and all quantiles by using quantile‐based conditional regressions. The results showed a bi‐direction causality between resource rents and growth in the tail of the distribution. Therefore, in the upper median quantiles, the causality is from the resources rent to growth, and in the lower quantiles, the causality is in the opposite direction. The results confirmed, in general, the presence of bi‐direction causality between economic growth and openness in quantiles. In the middle quantile, there is a uni‐direction causality relationship from growth to the trade openness, and in the upper quantile, there is causality from openness to economic growth. In addition, the results showed evidence of a tail dependency between resource rents and trade openness, in some quantiles, the causal relationship is from openness to the resources rent, and in the median quantiles, the causality is from rent to openness. These results show that the rent effect of natural resources can be considered as an opportunity for economic growth by adopting appropriate and flexible policies by governments. We recommend the implementation of more trade liberalization policies to maximize the benefits from trade openness, especially in the countries where the resource curse phenomenon reported. Important policy implications can be learned from the empirical results.
Prognostic value of defining characteristics in frail elderly syndrome: Hospital readmission and mortality outcomes
Authors: Roldán‐Chicano María T. , García‐López María M. , Martínez‐Pacheco María C. , Rodríguez‐Tello Javier
Published: September 2023

Objective

To identify the most relevant clinical characteristics of the nursing diagnosis frail elderly syndrome (FES) in hospitalized patients aged 65 or older and analyze their impact on 9‐month mortality and hospital readmission.

Methods

A prospective and prognostic accuracy study was conducted in patients aged 65 or older, who were admitted to hospital more than 24 h. A consecutive convenience sampling process was used. Assessment included defining characteristics (DCs) of FES, clinical fraility scale (CFS), frail scale (FS), and 9‐month mortality and hospital readmission. Statistical tests were used to verify associations between variables. Binary logistic regression analysis and area under the curve were used, to identify significant predictors for the outcomes and evaluate the prognostic accuracy of the DCs.

Findings

This study involved 150 patients. CFS scored 65 patients (43.3%, confidence interval 95% 35.2% a 51.6) as frail and proved a prognostic value of mortality at 9 month from pre‐frail state (p = 0.020). The mean number of DCs for FES nursing diagnosis was 6.35 (SD = 3.14). Validated tools for measuring frailty were associated with all DCs, excepting nutritional imbalance: below body needs. The hospital readmission during the following 9 months was only statistically related to memory impairment (p = 0.07).

Conclusion

Clinical frailty scale showed good results as a predictor of mortality. The study suggests exploring including it, in clinical manifestations of elderly frail syndrome. This study found that only memory impairment defining characteristic was predictive of hospital readmission. Further research should identify other relevant and prognostic clinical manifestations.

Implication for nursing practice

These findings highlight the importance of being vigilant on cognitive decline during hospital admissions. The most prevalent and determinant DCs identified in this study indicate that clinical should focus on preserving functional and mental abilities as well as mobility.
Pro‐inflammatory cytokines are modified during the multiplication of Trypanosoma cruzi within the placental chorionic villi and are associated with the level of infection via the signaling pathway NF‐κB
Authors: Benizio Evangelina , Moreira‐Espinoza María José , Triquell María Fernanda , Mezzano Luciana , Díaz‐Luján Cintia M. , Fretes Ricardo E.
Published: September 2023

Problem

Congenital Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) infection has been associated with changes in the levels of TNF‐α and IFN‐γ during the pregnancy. Therefore, we propose to study the participation and dynamics of proinflammatory cytokines in the infection process of placental explants infected by T. cruzi in vitro.

Method of Study

Chorionic villous explants (CVE) obtained of human term placentas (n = 8) from normal pregnancies were cultured with 105 trypomastigotes/mL of Tulahuen strain DTU VI for 0, 2, 4, 16, 24, 48 and 72 h. Explants were treated with sulfasalazine (SULF) (5 mM) and N‐acetyl‐cysteine (NAC) (15 mM), as inhibitors molecules of NF‐κB pathway, or LPS (1 μg/mL) for 24 and 72 h p.i. Motile trypomastigotes were counted in culture supernatants. Immunohistochemistry and ELISA for TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, IL‐1β, IL‐4, and IL‐10 were performed in CVE and culture supernatants respectively. The parasite load was measured by RT‐qPCR.

Results

T. cruzi invades the chorionic villi from 4 h p.i. increasing significantly its DNA at 48 and 72 h p.i. of culture (parasite multiplication phase). They were detected in stromal cells, which was related to elevation of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IFN‐γ, and IL‐10. The inhibition of NF‐κB activity in the explants decreased the production of the analyzed cytokines, showing elevated levels of T. cruzi DNA during the multiplication phase of the parasite.

Conclusions

Placental tissue modifies the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines during the phase of parasite multiplication, but not during the invasion phase, which in turns modifies the level of infection via the signaling pathway NF‐κB.
Risk assessment of post‐myocardial infarction patients with preserved ejection fraction using 45‐min short resting Holter electrocardiographic recordings
Authors: Triantafyllou Konstantinos , Fragakis Nikolaos , Gatzoulis Konstantinos A. , Antoniadis Antonios , Giannopoulos Georgios , Arsenos Petros , Tsiachris Dimitrios , Antoniou Christos‐Konstantinos , Trachanas Konstantinos , Tsimos Konstantinos , Vassilikos Vassilios
Published: September 2023

Background

Risk stratification for sudden cardiac death in post‐myocardial infarction (post‐MI) patients remains a challenging task. Several electrocardiographic noninvasive risk factors (NIRFs) have been associated with adverse outcomes and were used to refine risk assessment. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of NIRFs extracted from 45‐min short resting Holter ECG recordings (SHR), in predicting ventricular tachycardia inducibility with programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) in post‐MI patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Methods

We studied 99 post‐MI ischemia‐free patients (mean age: 60.5 ± 9.5 years, 86.9% men) with LVEF ≥40%, at least 40 days after revascularization. All the patients underwent PVS and a high‐resolution SHR. The following parameters were evaluated: mean heart rate, ventricular arrhythmias (premature ventricular complexes, couplets, tachycardias), QTc duration, heart rate variability (HRV), deceleration capacity, heart rate turbulence, late potentials, and T‐wave alternans.

Results

PVS was positive in 24 patients (24.2%). HRV, assessed by the standard deviation of normal‐to‐normal R–R intervals (SDNN), was significantly decreased in the positive PVS group (42 ms vs. 51 ms, p = .039). SDNN values <50 ms were also associated with PVS inducibility (OR 3.081, p = .032 in univariate analysis, and 4.588, p = .013 in multivariate analysis). No significant differences were identified for the other NIRFs. The presence of diabetes, history of ST‐elevation MI (STEMI) and LVEF <50% were also important predictors of positive PVS.

Conclusions

HRV assessed from SHR, combined with other noninvasive clinical and echocardiographic variables (diabetes, STEMI history, LVEF), can provide an initial, practical, and rapid screening tool for arrhythmic risk assessment in post‐MI patients with preserved LVEF.
The level of education and the risk for retinal detachments and breaks: A registry‐based case–control study
Authors: Pettersson Albert , Bryngelsson Ing‐Liss , Makdoumi Karim
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Myopia is the most important risk factor for developing retinal tears and retinal detachment (RD). Due to altered lifestyle factors myopia is increasing in the world. In this study, the correlation between educational level and risk for retinal detachment were analysed.

Methods

A case–control registry study was conducted including a total of 10 268 individuals. Data were collected from registries of the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare as well as the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics. Cases were defined as ICD‐10 H33 (retinal detachments and breaks). For each case, a matched control was selected with the same age and sex, living in the same county at the time of diagnosis. The study population was divided into seven groups with regard to educational level and compared using conditional logistic regression.

Results

In the total population, the odds ratio (OR) increased in a proportional fashion with a higher level of education. The odds ratio for the total population at the highest education level was 1.77 and increased to 2.00 when excluding individuals with diabetes. Out of the 5134 cases, 72% were men and 28% women. A statistically significant difference between sexes was only confirmed for the second highest education level.

Conclusion

Individuals with a longer education have a significantly higher risk for retinal complications in the form of RD and breaks. Higher education is a risk factor for retinal complications in both sexes but seemingly more strongly in men.
Joy at work turns to sorrow at home: The influence of flow experience on work–family conflict and a three‐way interaction effect
Authors: Feng Xingyu , Han Ping , Terpstra Tong Jane
Published: September 2023

Despite convincing evidence suggesting that organizations benefit from employees' flow states, when and how work flow experience generates negative effects remain largely understudied. By integrating the spillover‐crossover model and perseverative cognition theory, we established a model to explain how flow experience induces employees' positive rumination after work (i.e., problem‐solving pondering), which ultimately results in work–family conflict. We proposed that mindfulness acts as a buffer factor in this process but further elucidated that work–family segmentation preference serves as a boundary that may alter or even completely reverse the original effects of mindfulness. Our experience sampling method yielded 1425 data points from 186 employees and their family members across 10 workdays in China, and multilevel analyses supported our propositions. We identified the mediating role of problem‐solving pondering in transmitting the effects of flow to work–family conflict. Additionally, we confirmed the three‐way interaction effect among mindfulness, segmentation preference, and flow. Specifically, the harmful effect of flow is assuaged when segmentation preference and mindfulness are both high. However, flow experience causes severe work–family conflict when mindfulness is high and segmentation preference is low. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.
Relational resource geographies of beche‐de‐mer under moratorium
Authors: Watt Lucas
Published: September 2023

Moratorium is a common marine resource management strategy used by nation‐states that abruptly reclassifies the harvesting and trade of designated resources as ‘illegal’ for a defined period. Nation‐states use moratoria to help ecological stocks of overharvested marine species to recover. The Fijian state instituted a moratorium on the harvest and trade of beche‐de‐mer between 2017 and 2022 due to evidence of overfishing. Through ethnographic fieldwork with Fijian beche‐de‐mer fishers, traders and exporters, I examine how the moratorium affected relational trade flows of beche‐de‐mer. In precolonial Fiji, marine resources flowed through historically established regional socio‐cultural pathways. During the colonial period, Chinese migrants in Fiji occupied a unique relational positionality to indigenous (itaukei) communities, which allowed them bridge domestic and international resource markets. Through my ethnographic fieldwork, I detail how beche‐de‐mer continued to be traded during and post moratorium within such a relational resource geography. I argue that the relational ties between itaukei communities and Chinese‐Fijian buyers that subsequently connect to international markets undermined the moratorium restrictions, as well as the new conditionalities of trade after the moratorium was lifted. Such relationality in the marine resource trade renders moratoria an ineffective marine resource management strategy as it is inattentive to Pacific context.
Countering anti‐democratic policies in democracies: The importance of value‐oriented citizenship
Authors: Passini Stefano
Published: September 2023

Living in democratic systems may lead the citizens of those countries to be less vigilant of the policies enforced by their governments, with the risk of endorsing anti‐democratic measures. Rights violations can indeed occur even in a democratic country. The aim of the present research is to understand whether people tend to be more accepting of repressive police actions when they occur in a country considered democratic than when they are perpetrated in a country considered authoritarian. Results on 363 Italian participants showed that participants were less ready to condemn a violent police intervention when it occurred in a country perceived to be democratic than in one considered to be less so. Moreover, as hypothesized, this paradox is supported more by people with a low value orientation, while people with a high value orientation do not accept intervention in either context. The implication of this research was to show the importance of considering theories that focus on the legitimacy of the authority's demands. Specifically, the political orientation theory emphasizes the importance of monitoring the policies issued even by established democracies to protect from their possible degeneration into autocracies.
Mindful but forgetful: The negative effect of trait mindfulness on memories of immoral behavior
Authors: Reynolds Scott J. , Eliseo Matt , Watkins Trevor S. , Mariam Misha
Published: September 2023

Drawing from existing theory and empirical evidence on mindfulness, we posit that trait mindfulness is associated with less accurate memories of immoral conduct. We report three studies that provide evidence of this argument. One significant implication of this finding is that it provides a more balanced and complete view of mindfulness. Specifically, while mindfulness is widely promoted for its positive effects for employee well‐being, mindfulness may inadvertently promote a biased moral self‐perception based on inaccurate memories of one's past immoral conduct. In a fourth study, we explore this implication and demonstrate that memory mediates the negative relationship between trait mindfulness and self‐reported immoral conduct. This research contributes to literatures on mindfulness, memory, morality, and to the growing body of work assessing the importance of mindfulness.