bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influences of country-level factors on corporate governance adherence: an analysis of multinational corporations’ subsidiaries in India
Authors: Sharma Neetu , Gerged Ali Meftah , Elheddad Mohammed , Haloub Radi , Al-Najjar Basil
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of institutional factors on corporate governance (CG) compliance within subsidiaries of multinational corporations (MNCs) operating in India, drawing on institutional and legitimacy theories.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach uses a comparative analysis of CG compliance across MNC subsidiaries in India, focusing on the impact of institutional distance between home and host countries, the quality of national governance and the level of corruption in the host country. It further examines how these factors vary between secondary and tertiary industries and between subsidiaries originating in developed versus developing economies. The authors use a range of robust econometric techniques, including semi-parametric methods of panel data models, generalised method of moments and non-parametric method of panel quantile regression, to conduct a comprehensive analysis.

Findings

This study suggests three principal findings: First, certain institutional mechanisms, namely, national governance quality index (NGQI), institutional distance and host country corruption (CL), exert a substantial impact on corporate governance compliance index (CGCI) levels in MNC subsidiaries. The empirical evidence reveals a positive and significant relationship between CGCI and NGQI and a negative yet significant relationship with CL at a 1% significance level. Second, the influence of these institutional factors varies across different sectors, suggesting a differential susceptibility to institutional impacts between secondary and tertiary industries. Third, the role of institutional factors diverges based on the subsidiary’s country of origin. The data indicates that the compliance behaviours of subsidiaries from developed and developing economies are distinctly influenced, underscoring the pronounced effects of geographical and economic contexts on CG practices.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive understanding of how institutional factors affect CG compliance in MNC subsidiaries, with a specific focus on India’s emerging economy. It offers original insights into the differential impacts of institutional factors across industries and origin countries, thereby providing practical recommendations for enhancing CG practices within MNC subsidiaries in emerging economies like India.
Prediction of limit states occurrence probability in curved bridges based on artificial intelligence and statistical analysis
Authors: Karimi-Moridani Komeyl
Published: December 2024

Purpose

It evaluated the seismic vulnerability based on fewer factors by presenting the effectiveness of seismic and structural parameters. The proposed method first demonstrated the effect of earthquake ground motion inputs on predicting the slight, moderate, extensive and collapse limit states and confirmed the method’s efficiency. The fragility curves illustrated with the approach of the present study are compared with the traditional techniques, such as analytical methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the different macro- and micro-structural characteristics and the earthquake records, achieving a certain relation from regression analysis using artificial neural networks (ANNs) is difficult. With this background in mind, the present study aimed to compare the proposed model of the considered bridge with the analytical and ANN results. After statistical analysis and estimation of the most effective factors in predicting responses from the proposed approach, two-parameter two- and three-dimensional fragility curves are extracted.

Findings

Due to the structural differences between horizontally curved bridges, the methodology does not require any classification of bridge classes to predict responses. For a specific L/R of the bridge, the parameters cumulative absolute velocity (CAV) and Sa (T1) can provide a good estimate of the seismic fragility curves, and the proposed approach with less parameter assignment also leads to good results. With less computational effort, fragility curves can be illustrated.

Originality/value

The proposed method demonstrated the ability to accurately estimate the occurrence and non-occurrence limit states while maintaining a low computational cost and the derivation of a curved bridge’s seismic fragility curve.
Examining the employability benefits of international case competitions
Authors: Carayannopoulos Sofy , Damnjanovic Vesna
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Case competitions are growing in popularity, in part because they are believed to build the skills and employment opportunities that higher education institutions are struggling to provide. We add to the nascent research on case competitions and answer calls for more exploration of career-related aspects of case competitions by exploring their employability benefits and opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

We use extant research and experiential learning theory to identify four key benefits and their interrelationships. These are tested using survey data of 212 international case competition students.

Findings

We confirm four dominant benefits of learning through feedback, broadened horizons, the development of skills and enhanced employment opportunities, and confirm the interrelationship between them. Importantly, we demonstrate the critical role that feedback plays in the development of skills and broadened horizons.

Practical implications

The findings confirm that HIEs should encourage students to participate in extracurriculars, and in particular, case competitions. The implications provide guidance on how to structure extracurricular and case competition activities to maximize skill development and employment opportunities. Insights are also relevant to coach training.

Originality/value

Prior work has focused on individual benefits and largely ignored the critical role of feedback. We build and test hypotheses on benefit interrelationships and validate the impact of feedback. We thereby extend experiential learning and research on the employability benefits of case competitions and extracurricular activities in general. Our insights are relevant to maximizing the value of extracurriculars and maximizing the value of case training and competitions, in particular to achieve employability advantages.
Corporate social responsibility and cost of debt: the moderating role of insider and institutional ownership
Authors: Aljabri Qadri
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the cost of debt (CoD). In this CSR-CoD relationship, the significance of insider and institutional ownership is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The research sample consists of 145 non-financial companies listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange between 2010 and 2021. The level of a firm’s participation in CSR-related activities is measured through multidimensional financial methodology, whereas CoD is the ratio of interest expenses to average interest-bearing debt outstanding.

Findings

The result of fixed effect model, based on the Hausman test, demonstrates that CSR has a negative impact on CoD, which supports the risk mitigation hypothesis and the stakeholder’s perspective of CSR. Insider ownership has an insignificant effect on CoD, confirming the management entrenchment hypothesis; nevertheless, institutional ownership has a significant positive impact on CoD, supporting the shareholder’s conflict argument. Finally, insider and institutional ownership interaction has no statistically significant effect on the CSR-CoD connection, favoring neither corporate governance’s complementing nor substitutive impacts. The results are subject to robustness by using various economic methodologies and alternative measurements of CSR.

Practical implications

The study’s findings will assist regulatory authorities, investors, financial analysts and other stakeholders in better understanding the CSR-CoD relationship and the role of insider and institutional ownership in that relationship.

Originality/value

The literature contains very little research on the impact of CSR on COD. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in an emerging market to experimentally assess this relationship and analyze the impact of insider and institutional ownership in this relationship.
Effect of relation or effect of investment? Procedural justice and physician authority as factors shaping the well-being of patients
Authors: Prusiński Tomasz , Burdziej Stanisław , Główczewski Michał
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The aim of the study was to determine the predictive power of two relational factors, procedural justice and legitimacy, against the well-being of patients receiving medical care.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample consisted of 590 patients in treatment for somatic conditions in hospital outpatient clinics. The study was conducted in a correlational scheme. Subjects evaluated their relationship with their chosen doctor. In order to verify the hypotheses, SEM was carried out.

Findings

The relationship effect was noted. Procedural justice was a significant and positive predictor of psychological well-being, while distributive justice, i.e. time and money invested by the patient in their treatment, was not. The perceived legitimacy of the doctor was not a significant predictor of the psychological well-being of their patient. The relationship between the experience of procedural justice and psychological well-being was serially mediated by patients’ perceived physician legitimacy and perceived life satisfaction.

Originality/value

Relational factors shape treatment outcomes operationalized by patients’ subjective sense of well-being. Fair patient handling is a predictor of positive treatment outcomes.
Examining the intention-behavior gap in consumer switching: the moderating role of switching costs
Authors: Zhao Cong
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the gap between switching intentions and actual switching behaviors among customers, addressing a gap in previous research that focused on either intentions or behaviors in isolation.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 376 survey responses from retail bank customers in China were obtained through an online survey and subsequently analyzed using the Macro PROCESS.

Findings

The results indicate that factors such as reputation, pricing, service failures and competitors’ advertising significantly influence switching intentions. However, only reputation directly impacts actual switching behavior. A notable intention-behavior gap exists, with switching costs moderating this relationship by reducing the likelihood of intentions leading to actual switching.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by incorporating both intentions and behaviors into a single model. It provides new insights into the intention-behavior discrepancy and highlights the moderating role of switching costs, offering a more comprehensive understanding of consumer switching dynamics.
Unraveling the AI enigma: how perceptions of artificial intelligence forge career adaptability through the crucible of career insecurity and skill development
Authors: Burhan Qurat-ul-Ain
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) integration in the workplace yields positive outcomes, yet its impact on employees remains incompletely understood. This study aims to examine employee viewpoints regarding AI and its influence on employee career attitudes, behaviors and skill enhancement. The author examines how employees perceive AI and its impact on their career adaptability within the context of career self-management.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers conducted hypothesis testing using AMOS; data was collected from 255 software house employees working in Pakistan. This study is time-lagged in nature. Data on AI perception was collected at time 1. After three weeks, data was collected for hypotheses related to mediation, and employees filled out a questionnaire related to career adaptability at time 3 with the interval of three weeks.

Findings

This study indicates a strong correlation between beliefs about AI dominance in the job market and increased career adaptability. The researchers discovered that career insecurity and skill development are pathways that elucidate employees’ perceptions of AI dominating their decisions regarding career adaptability.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that AI perception has the potential to influence employees, motivating them to enhance their abilities and pursue adaptable career trajectories. The study indicates that employees’ unfavorable perceptions of AI can result in behaviors associated with career adaptability.
Oh, @#%$!: a replication and expansion of Martaindale et al. (2023)
Authors: Doyle Madison K. , Sandel William L. , Martaindale M. Hunter
Published: December 2024

Purpose

In 2023, Martaindale and colleagues examined the impact of police officers’ language (profane versus non-profane) during use of force incidents on civilians’ perceptions of the reasonableness of the applied force. The authors noted the lack of audio in the video conditions as a limitation worth addressing in future research. The current study replicated the work of Martaindale and colleagues and addressed the noted limitation by adding audio voice over for the officers’ dialogue to each video condition.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a 1 × 4 independent groups design with random assignment to one of four test conditions, participants (n = 160) viewed one of two dashcam use of force videos that were voiced over with either a clean or profane-laden depiction of the officers’ language. After watching the video, participants responded to a short questionnaire including a five-item reasonableness index and demographics. The current study also compares the replication sample to the original sample to determine whether reasonableness ratings differ significantly between those who heard and those who read the officer’s dialogue. Two-way ANOVA and OLS regression models were used.

Findings

Overall, and like the findings in Martaindale et al. (2023), the videos containing profanity were perceived as less reasonable than the corresponding videos without profanity. This study indicated that profane language used by officers, regardless of whether it is read or heard, impacts civilians’ perceived reasonableness of force. Implications are discussed within.

Originality/value

This study advances the understanding of how police officers’ language during use of force incidents affects civilians’ perceptions by addressing a notable limitation in prior research. Building on the work of Martaindale et al. (2023), this study incorporates audio voiceovers to enhance the realism and ecological validity of the experimental conditions. This also provides a more comprehensive analysis of the impact of profanity on perceived reasonableness of force. Comparing the replication sample to the original sample data contributes to the robustness of the findings, emphasizing the critical role of language in shaping public perceptions of police behavior.
Looking inside the panarchy: reorganisation capabilities for food supply chain resilience against geopolitical crises
Authors: Altuntas Vural Ceren , Balci Gokcay , Surucu Balci Ebru , Gocer Aysu
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Drawing on panarchy theory and adaptive cycles, this study aims to investigate the role of reorganisation capabilities on firms’ supply chain resilience. The conceptual model underpinned by panarchy theory is tested in the agrifood supply chains disrupted by a geopolitical crisis and faced with material shortage. The study considers circularity as a core reorganisational capability and measures its interplay with two other capabilities: new product development and resource reconfiguration capabilities to achieve supply chain resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research design is followed to test the relationships between circularity capabilities, resource reconfiguration capabilities, new product development capabilities and supply chain resilience. A cross-sectional survey is applied to a sample drawn from food manufacturers who are dependent on wheat and sunflower oil as raw material and who are faced with material shortages in the aftermath of a geopolitical crisis. Measurement models and hypotheses are tested with the partial least squared structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) based on 324 responses.

Findings

The results show that new product development and resource reconfiguration capabilities fully mediate the relationship between circularity capabilities and supply chain resilience. In other words, the food producers achieved supply chain resilience in response to agrifood supply chain disruption when they mobilised circularity capabilities in combination with new product development and resource reconfiguration capabilities.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that producers in the agrifood industry and even those in other industries need to develop circularity capabilities in combination with new product development and resource reconfiguration capabilities to tackle supply chain disruptions. In a world that is challenged by geopolitical and climate-related crises, this means leveraging 3R practices as well as resource substitution and reconfiguration in new product development processes.

Originality/value

The study explores the release and reorganisation phases of adaptive cycles in a panarchy by analysing the interplay between different capabilities for building supply chain resilience in response to disruptions challenging supply chains from higher levels of the panarchy. The results extend the theoretical debate between circularity and supply chain resilience to an empirical setting and suggest the introduction of new variables to this relationship.
Evaluating accuracy of cervical spine computed tomography interpretation by emergency trainees with the use of a structured protocol
Authors: Malhotra Geetika , Varma Dinesh , Mitra Biswadev
Published: December 2024

Objective

Radiological evaluation of cervical spine injury with computed tomography (CT) scanning is a fundamental component of the assessment of major trauma. Accurate interpretation of scans is essential for safe clearance or diagnosis of injuries. However, delays in radiologist reporting often result in prolonged spinal immobilisation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a simple, structured reporting tool to improve assessment of CTs of the cervical spine by emergency medicine trainees.

Methods

A prospective pre‐ and post‐intervention cohort study was undertaken within a major metropolitan ED. Participants in the pre‐intervention phase interpreted a set of randomly selected cervical spine CTs. The post‐intervention phase presented the same task with the additional provision of a structured cervical spine CT reporting template designed in collaboration with radiologists and emergency physicians. Interpretation by trainees was evaluated for concordance with the final radiology report by two blinded assessors.

Results

A total of 155 cervical spine CT scans were reported by the 46 participants. Participants in the cohorts were similar with regards to experience and country of primary medical degree. Concordance with the radiology report in the pre‐intervention phase was 60% (95% CI 0.48–0.71), compared with a concordance of 54% (95% CI 0.42–0.65) in the post‐intervention phase (P = 0.46).

Conclusions

Interpretation of cervical spine CT scans by trainees was inferior compared to radiologists and did not improve with a structured reporting template. Other innovative strategies towards timely reporting of CT scans by radiologists of the cervical spine are indicated for earlier definitive diagnosis.
Changing trends in lung cancer disease burden between China and Australia from 1990 to 2019 and its predictions
Authors: Zhao Dan , Mu Haijun , Yu Ping , Deng Chao
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Lung cancer (LC) is a leading cause of death and presents a substantial societal burden. This article compares its disease burden and risk factors between China and Australia to support health policymakers for LC prevention and treatment.

Materials and Methods

The data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study were used to analyze disease temporal trends using Joinpoint regression model. The Bayesian age‐period‐cohort model was used for prediction. The population‐attributable fraction (PAF) was used to analyze LC risk factors.

Results

In 2019, the age‐standardized rates (ASR) of incidence and of mortality of LC in China were 41.71/100 000 and 38.70/100 000, while Australia's rates were 30.45/100 000 and 23.46/100 000. It showed an increasing trend in China but a decreasing trend in Australia. By 2030, the ASR of incidence and mortality are predicted to be 47.21/100 000 and 41.54/100 000 in China, while Australia's rates will reach 30.09/100 000 and 23.3/100 000, respectively. Smoking is the most common risk factor for LC, followed by particulate matter and occupational carcinogenesis. The PAF of smoking dropped in Australia (from 68.38% to 53.75% in females; 77.41% to 58.47% in males) but increased in China (from 19.56% to 26.58% in females; 80.45% to 82.03% in males) from 1990 to 2019.

Conclusions

The disease burden of LC in China is rising, whereas in Australia, it is declining. China still faces a heavy LC burden. Risk factor analysis supported for further improving the compliance and enforcement of polices on tobacco control and environmental management to reduce this disease burden.
High‐velocity nasal insufflation versus noninvasive positive pressure ventilation for moderate acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the emergency department: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Yamane David P. , Jones Christopher W. , Wilkerson R. Gentry , Oliver Joshua J. , Shahamatdar Soroush , Loganathan Aditya , Bolden Taylor , Heidish Ryan , Kelly Connor L. , Bergeski Amy , Whittle Jessica S. , Dungan George C. , Maisiak Richard , Meltzer Andrew C.
Published: December 2024

Background

Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the emergency department (ED) involve dyspnea, cough, and chest discomfort; frequent exacerbations are associated with increased mortality and reduced quality of life. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NiPPV) is commonly used to help relieve symptoms but is limited due to patient intolerance. We aimed to determine whether high‐velocity nasal insufflation (HVNI) is noninferior to NiPPV in relieving dyspnea within 4 h in ED patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure.

Methods

This randomized control trial was conducted in seven EDs in the United States. Symptomatic patients with suspected COPD, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) ≥ 60 mm Hg, and venous pH 7.0–7.35 were randomized to receive HVNI (n = 36) or NiPPV (n = 32). The primary outcome was dyspnea severity 4 h after the initiation of study intervention, as measured by the Borg score. Secondary outcomes included vital signs, oxygen saturation, venous pCO2, venous pH, patient discomfort level, and need for endotracheal intubation.

Results

Sixty‐eight patients were randomized between November 5, 2020, and May 10, 2023 (mean age 65.6 years; 47% women). The initial pCO2 was 77.7 ± 13.6 mm Hg versus 76.5 ± 13.6 mm Hg and the initial venous pH was 7.27 ± 0.063 versus 7.27 ± 0.043 in the HVNI and NiPPV groups, respectively. Dyspnea was similar in the HVNI and NiPPV groups at baseline (dyspnea scale score 5.4 ± 2.93 and 5.6 ± 2.41) and HVNI was noninferior to NiPPV at the following time points: 30 min (3.97 ± 2.82 and 4.54 ± 1.65, p = 0.006), 60 min (3.09 ± 2.70 and 4.07 ± 1.77, p < 0.001), and 4 h (3.17 ± 2.59 and 3.34 ± 2.04, p = 0.03). At 4 h, there was no difference between the groups in the pCO2 mm Hg (68.76 and 67.29, p = 0.63). Patients reported better overall comfort levels in the HVNI group at 30 min, 60 min, and 4 h (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

In participants with symptomatic COPD, HVNI was noninferior to NiPPV in relieving dyspnea 4 h after therapy initiation. HVNI may be a reasonable treatment option for some patients experiencing moderate acute exacerbations of COPD in the ED.
Comparison of three dentine replacement materials in terms of different characteristics
Authors: Dulger Kivanc , Kosar Tugba
Published: December 2024

This in vitro study evaluated three dentine replacement materials: Biodentine, Ketac Molar and TheraBaseCa. Specimens of each material (n = 19) were prepared for investigations of hardness, calcium release, pH and water sorption–solubility. SEM and EDX analysis were also used for these investigations. One‐way ANOVA and robust ANOVA tests were used for normally and non‐normally distributed data for statistical analysis, respectively. TheraBaseCa showed the lowest hardness (p < 0.001), while Biodentine had the highest pH and calcium release (p < 0.001). Significant differences in water sorption–solubility were observed as Biodentine>Ketac Molar>TheraBaseCa (p < 0.001). SEM and EDX revealed that Biodentine had a crystalline structure with O, Ca, C, Si and Bi; Ketac Molar had a particulate matrix with O, C, F, Ca, Si and Al; and TheraBaseCa had a matrix with C, O, Si, Yb, Al and Ca. In conclusion, Biodentine was more alkaline and released more calcium, while TheraBaseCa had the lowest water sorption—solubility over 28 days.
Home‐based functional electrical stimulation protocol for people with chronic stroke. Efficacy and usability of a single‐center cohort
Authors: Covarrubias‐Escudero F. , Balbontín‐Miranda F. , Urzúa‐Soler B. , Ciuffardi R. , Muñoz M. , Hernández V. , Appelgren‐González J. P.
Published: December 2024

Background

Stroke survivors often face challenges in recovery and reintegration after acute care. Home‐based rehabilitation, incorporating advanced technologies like Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), shows promise for improving long‐term outcomes by providing more accessible, high‐intensity, and task‐oriented rehabilitation outside traditional clinical settings.

Method

This study assessed efficacy and usability of a 10‐week home‐based rehabilitation protocol for 52 individuals with chronic stroke. The intervention featured a cloud‐based platform, a mobile application, and functional electrical stimulation devices. Participants were categorized into groups for tailored exercise training and received both synchronous and asynchronous sessions. Efficacy was measured through standardized motor function tests, while usability was evaluated based on adherence, patient satisfaction, and the frequency of technical support requests.

Results

High adherence (74.03%) and a satisfaction of 73% were observed. On average, patients performed on average 414 min of unsupervised exercise per week. Significant improvement, including a median decrease of 6.08 s (22%) in Timed Up and Go (TUG) [z (24) = 4.17, p < 0.001], a median decrease of 4.04 s (17%) in Five Times Sit to Stand (5STS) [z (28) = 3.96, p < 0.001], Motor Assessment Scale (MAS) showed a mean increase of 3.2 ± 2.8 points, paired t‐test [t (20) = −5.01 p < 0.001] and an increase of 0.095 m/s (28%) in 10‐Meter Walk Test (10MWT) [z (24) = 3.71, p < 0.001]. Clinical relevance was observed in all outcome measures compared with the reported Minimum Detectable Change.

Conclusion

This evaluation of a home‐based physiotherapy protocol indicates that integrating FES devices with virtual platforms and mobile applications can sustain high adherence while improving functional outcomes in chronic stroke rehabilitation. The prescription of high‐intensity training, significant improvements in balance, gait, and overall functionality were observed, highlighting the viability of this approach for home‐based programs.
Relationship between the full‐field stimulus test and self‐reported visual function in patients with retinitis pigmentosa: REPEAT Study report No. 3
Authors: Karuntu J. S. , Tulp S. B. A. E. , Boon C. J. F.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To determine the relationship between the full‐field stimulus test (FST) and self‐reported visual function using the Michigan Retinal Degeneration Questionnaire (MRDQ) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, patients with clinically diagnosed RP (n = 31) performed FST to determine retinal sensitivity thresholds for blue, red and white stimuli. The difference between the blue and red thresholds was used to identify photoreceptor mediation type. Patients completed the MRDQ from which disability (Θ) scores were derived across seven visual function domains. Correlations between the FST thresholds and MRDQ domain Θ‐scores were analysed using Spearman's rank correlation.

Results

The median age was 38.0 years, and photoreceptor mediation was rod‐based in 11 patients (35.5%), cone‐based in seven patients (22.6%) and mixed in 13 patients (41.9%). The highest disability scores were reported in the domains of ‘mesopic peripheral function’ and ‘scotopic function’. Significant correlations were found between all chromatic stimuli thresholds and the MRDQ domains of ‘scotopic function’, ‘mesopic peripheral function’ and ‘photopic peripheral function’. The strongest correlations of these domains were observed with the blue FST (p < 0.001). The threshold on blue stimulus FST and age were significant predictors of the domain scores on ‘scotopic function’ (p < 0.001), ‘mesopic peripheral function’ (p < 0.001) and ‘photopic peripheral function’ (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Strong correlations between MRDQ domains related to rod function and FST were found in patients with RP. These findings confirm that FST can be used as an informative and clinically relevant endpoint in RP trials when evaluating therapeutic interventions.
“I have nothing to complain about”: The limits of law in mitigating everyday violence in domestic workers' lives
Authors: Fleischer Friederike
Published: December 2024

Colombia has taken a leading role in Latin America in recognizing domestic workers' rights, including rights to a salary, social security, and other benefits. Nevertheless, domestic workers remain largely informal, are neither organized nor aware of their labor rights; mistreatment, and racism remain common. Drawing on discussions about domestic work and the struggles for labor organization, in this article I explore this discrepancy. Women's experiences are marked by structural, symbolic, and everyday violence. The private nature of paid domestic work, socioeconomic differences, and the local labor market create a steep power imbalance between workers and employers. Instead of demanding their rights women thus appeal to employers' conscience to treat them well. In effect, the Colombian case highlights that progressive legislation is not enough to change domestic workers' plight. I argue that we need more immediate interventions, such as a universal basic income, welfare programs, or national employment guarantees, which would strengthen women's negotiating power in the labor market. The article contributes to discussions about class, labor rights, and inequality in the Global South and beyond.
Predicting Diagnostic Conversion From Major Depressive Disorder to Bipolar Disorder: An EHR Based Study From Colombia
Authors: Service Susan K. , De La Hoz Juan F. , Diaz‐Zuluaga Ana M. , Arias Alejandro , Pimplaskar Aditya , Luu Chuc , Mena Laura , Valencia‐Echeverry Johanna , Ramírez Mauricio Castaño , Bearden Carrie E. , Sabatti Chiara , Reus Victor I. , López‐Jaramillo Carlos , Freimer Nelson B. , Olde Loohuis Loes M.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Most bipolar disorder (BD) patients initially present with depressive symptoms, resulting in a delayed diagnosis of BD and poor clinical outcomes. This study aims to identify features predictive of the conversion from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) to BD by leveraging electronic health record (EHR) data from the Clínica San Juan de Dios Manizales in Colombia.

Methods

We employed a multivariable Cox regression model to identify important predictors of conversion from MDD to BD.

Results

Analyzing 15 years of EHR data from 13,607 patients diagnosed with MDD, a total of 1610 (11.8%) transitioned to BD. Predictive features of the conversion to BD included severity of the initial MDD episode, presence of psychosis and hospitalization at first episode, family history of BD, and female gender. Additionally, we observed associations with medication classes (positive associations with prescriptions of mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and negative associations with antidepressants) and a positive association with suicidality, a feature derived from natural language processing (NLP) of clinical notes. Together, these risk factors predicted BD conversion within 5 years of the initial MDD diagnosis, with a recall of 72% and a precision of 38%.

Conclusions

Our study confirms previously identified risk factors identified through registry‐based studies (female gender and psychotic depression at the index MDD episode) and identifies novel ones (suicidality extracted from clinical notes). These results simultaneously demonstrate the validity of using EHR data for predicting BD conversion and underscore its potential for the identification of novel risk factors, thereby improving early diagnosis.
Effect of introduction of intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring on glycaemic control in individuals living with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with non‐insulin therapies—A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ssemmondo Emmanuel , Shah Najeeb , Newham Milly , Rigby Alan , Buckland Rachel , Deshmukh Harshal , Sathyapalan Thozhukat
Published: December 2024

Aims

This pilot randomised controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of introducing isCGM on glycaemic control and diabetes distress in individuals with T2DM receiving non‐insulin therapies.

Materials and Methods

Forty adults with T2DM were randomised to either receive FreeStyle Libre 2 (Libre 2), an isCGM system, or FreeStyle Libre Pro iQ (Libre Pro) also known as ‘blinded’ CGM. Participants were followed for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was a fall in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of ≥5.5 mmol/mol. Diabetes distress was assessed using the two‐item diabetes distress scale (DDS2).

Results

The median age was 59.5 years; 57.5% were male. Of the Libre 2 users, 53% achieved a ≥5.5 mmol/mol reduction in HbA1c compared to 35% in the Libre pro group (p = 0.34). Compared to Libre Pro, the use of Libre 2 was associated with an improved time in range at 12 weeks of 18 percentage points (confidence interval 2–35, p = 0.028). Participants in the Libre 2 group exhibited a non‐significant reduction in HbA1c levels of 8 mmol/mol compared to the Libre Pro group after 12 weeks. However, no significant differences were observed in other CGM metrics or diabetes distress between the study groups.

Conclusions

The use of isCGM in individuals living with T2DM on non‐insulin therapy showed promise in improving glycaemic control, as evidenced by increased TIR, albeit without a significant reduction in HbA1c or impact on diabetes distress, suggesting this could be potentially beneficial in individuals with T2DM.
Perspective: Hippocampal theta rhythm as a potential vestibuloacoustic biomarker of anxiety
Authors: Bosecke Corey , Ng Marcus , Dastgheib Zeinab , Lithgow Brian John
Published: December 2024

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses — afflicting 19% of Americans every year and 31% within their lifetimes — yet diagnoses remain based on symptom checklists because existing technologies have yet to produce biomarkers sufficiently robust for clinical use. Some techniques provide superior spatial resolution of deep brain regions implicated in anxiety but have poor time resolution; while others measure signals in real time but lack spatial resolution. Often, the goal of probing deep brain regions in humans for anxiety research is to measure a putative analogue of a mammalian brain rhythm linked to behaviour that is suggestive of anxiety. This 4–12 Hz, 1–2 mV, behaviourally modulated, nearly sinusoidal “hippocampal theta rhythm” (hTheta) is one of the largest normal extracellular synchronous signals in mammals and although it has been linked to anxiety processes, its function remains unclear. This paper reviews the literature on hTheta as it relates to anxiety and sensory, in particular vestibuloacoustic, signals, concludes that hTheta can modulate sensory signals during anxiety and posits that such modulation of vestibular signals may be an anxiety biomarker that could be detected non‐invasively in humans.
Effects of immune status on stopover departure decisions are subordinate to those of condition, cloud cover and tailwind in autumn‐migrating common blackbirds Turdus merula
Authors: van Mastrigt Tjomme , Matson Kevin D. , Lagerveld Sander , Huang Xinrou S. , de Boer Willem F. , van der Jeugd Henk P.
Published: December 2024

Migratory birds encounter a large variety of parasites and pathogens en route and invest in immune defences to limit the risk and fitness costs of infection. Since both migration and immune defences carry costs, individuals on tight budgets may face trade‐offs between migratory progress and immune status. Many species alternate legs of strenuous migratory flight with stopovers during which birds refuel, rest, and recover physiologically. Despite this, most time and energy consumed during migration are actually spent on stopovers. As a result, identifying what determines stopover duration is key in understanding how migratory birds balance investments in immune defences and migration. Yet, it is unknown under what conditions an individual's immune status may affect migratory progress through the duration of stopovers. We explored whether immune status at arrival affects stopover duration by radio‐tagging and blood‐sampling common blackbirds Turdus merula during autumn stopovers on the Dutch island of Vlieland. To measure immune status, we quantified levels of bacterial killing ability, natural antibodies, complement, and haptoglobin, as well as heterophil–lymphocyte ratios. We show that stopover departures peaked during periods with low cloud cover and strong tailwinds. While lean birds prolonged stopovers, we only found a weak tendency of prolongation in birds with elevated haptoglobin levels. We conclude that effects of immune status on minimum stopover durations are subordinate to those of condition, cloud cover, and tailwinds in autumn‐migrating common blackbirds. Hence, future studies on the link between immune defences and stopover durations should take weather conditions into account.
Towards a Design of the Best Practices for AR‐Guided Oral Communication Development: A Systematic Review of Selected Research Published From 2000 to 2023
Authors: Hsu Keng‐Chih , Liu Gi‐Zen
Published: December 2024

Background

Augmented reality (AR) emerges as a technology with considerable promise and substantial potential for pedagogical integration within language education contexts. However, there remains a scarcity of review studies exploring the best practices and principles for oral communication facilitation based on robust theoretical models or research‐proven theories.

Objectives

This paper aims to explore the major constituents for achieving the successful outcomes of AR‐assisted oral communication, grounded in the theory‐based design model, and formulate theoretical guidelines to enhance the best practice facilitation process.

Methods

Starting from 255 sources, 25 studies from the ISI Web of Science were selected through rigorous screening processes based on the guidelines of the PRISMA statement. Furthermore, the researchers adopted qualitative content analysis and complementary quantitative descriptive analysis for data synthesis in accordance with four key variables of the established model.

Results and Conclusions

The results showed that the guided learner‐directed learning approach supported by constructionists and reflective learning mechanisms was identified as an effective pedagogical design. Additionally, educational practitioners could employ hybrid learning strategies, including situated, collaborative, self‐regulated and game‐based learning strategies, to facilitate effective verbal communication. Finally, besides augmenting location‐based content and facilitating contextual information and discussion, AR designers were advised to integrate personalised features such as self‐monitoring and evaluating and learner manipulation of virtual objects into system development to promote learners' locus of control and embodied cognition.
A Giant Left Atrial Appendage Aneurysm With Incessant Atrial Tachycardia
Authors: Wei Hui‐Qiang , Xue Yumei , Wu Shulin , Liao Hongtao
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Left atrial appendage aneurysm (LAAA) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly that involves the progressive dilatation of the left atrial appendage (LAA), predisposing the patient to serious complications such as atrial tachyarrhythmias, life‐threatening systemic thromboembolism, and cardiac dysfunction.

Methods and Results

We described a case of a 36‐year‐old woman with incessant atrial tachycardia (AT) originating from LAAA, which surgical intervention successfully terminated AT after attempted ablation failed. The AT terminated after the LAA was excised. There was no recurrence at the follow‐up period of 3 months.

Conclusion

We present and discuss the management of rare incessant AT arising from giant LAAA where the localization was confirmed on electroanatomic mapping. LAA resection via video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery is minimally invasive approach to manage the LAAA AT, uniformly considered safe and successful.
Opening the Black Box of ‘Convergence’ in the European Monetary Union: A Discursive Analysis
Authors: Alonso Simón Guillermo
Published: December 2024

‘Convergence’ stands out as a prominent signifier in discourse about the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), recently also gaining prominence in debates within Comparative Political Economy (CPE) studies on the Eurozone crisis. However, these studies neglect the concept's endogenous deployment in EMU discourse and, therefore, how it influences capitalist restructuring efforts within it. This article tackles the latter by providing a critical policy discourse analysis of key texts throughout the Union's history, linking the use of the term to the institutional development of the EMU. By doing so, not only does it identify the concept's constitutive discursive role as a frame and problem of monetary integration, but it also showcases its limitations from a CPE perspective, specifically by combining insights from the aforementioned studies with those of Europeanisation research and by subsequently criticising the neoclassical and neofunctionalist assumptions guiding ‘convergence’ efforts in EMU.
Classifying and mapping gender ideologies globally: Gender attitudes in 47 countries at the turn of the 21st century
Authors: Shu Xiaoling , Zhu Bowen , Meagher Kelsey D.
Published: December 2024

Objective

This paper analyzed cross‐national variations in two dimensions of gender attitudes in 47 countries at the turn of the 21st century: beliefs about vertical gender equality and horizontal gender differentiation.

Background

We argue that societies do not experience universal, unidirectional progress toward nontraditional gender attitudes. The distribution of global attitudes toward horizontal and vertical gender differentiation displays uneven patterns across nations.

Method

Using data from the World Values Surveys (N = 72,304) and employing machine learning, multilevel linear models, and multilevel multinomial models to analyze individual‐ and country‐level influences.

Results

We mapped gender ideologies globally by classifying individuals into four domains of ideological space—three varieties of egalitarianism: liberal egalitarian, egalitarian essentialist, and flexible traditionalist values, and one traditional ideology of traditional essentialist.

Conclusions

The liberal egalitarian gender ideology was widespread globally including in Muslim‐majority countries, and country characteristics correlated with gender ideologies in divergent ways. Female labor force participation was associated with three nontraditional ideologies that are progressive at least on one dimension. Economic development was linked with liberal egalitarian and egalitarian essentialist attitudes, both supporting gender equality. Generous public‐funded parental leave policies correlated with flexible traditionalist ideology that buttressed women's dual roles but not gender equality.

Implications

These results demonstrated an uneven societal transition in gender attitudes globally. Global gender ideologies charted three divergent trajectories toward multiple forms of non‐traditionalism. Although people in social democratic welfare states, liberal and conservative welfare states, former socialist countries, and Muslim‐majority countries occupied four distinct domains of gender ideology, different nation‐states were not monoliths conforming to the prevailing ideologies of their societies.
A typology of US parents' mental loads: Core and episodic cognitive labor
Authors: Weeks Ana Catalano , Ruppanner Leah
Published: December 2024

Objective

This article examines whether domestic cognitive labor functions like other forms of domestic labor as a means to “do gender.”

Background

Domestic cognitive labor is increasingly conceptualized as the invisible thinking work associated with childcare and housework. A critical question for this growing literature is the gender distribution of cognitive labor tasks: do women do it all, or does domestic cognitive labor follow similar patterns to other forms of domestic physical labor (e.g., childcare and housework), cleaving by separate spheres of activity? In this regard, is domestic cognitive labor another way parents “do gender” at home?

Methods

Applying unique survey data from a sample of US parents (N = 3000), we assess a 21‐item battery measuring different domestic cognitive labor tasks. We first apply exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to identify whether domestic cognitive labor holds underlying constructs. Second, we estimate whether gender differences in these indices are robust in regression models net of a range of sociodemographic factors.

Results

We identify that domestic cognitive labor, like other forms of domestic labor, forms two distinct facets, with mothers holding the bulk of the core Daily tasks related to family well‐being and fathers holding the Episodic tasks related to maintenance and finances. Further, we document that, consistent with previous housework literature, question wording structures parents' reported contributions by gender.

Conclusion

Ultimately, our study expands our theoretical, conceptual, and methodological understanding of domestic cognitive labor and points to the value of “doing gender” perspectives.