bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The adoption of innovative urban mobility solutions from the service-dominant logic
Authors: Medina-Molina Cayetano , Rey-Moreno Manuel , Pérez-Macías Noemí
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Urban centers, with their dense populations and evolving mobility patterns, are pivotal in addressing global sustainability challenges. This study focuses on identifying the key elements driving the adoption of sustainable urban mobility innovations, with a renewed emphasis on cycling as a core component.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing the Service Dominant Logic framework, this research examines how various conditions associated with the cycling ecosystem influence the adoption or negation of bicycles as a sustainable mode of urban transportation. The study conducts a comprehensive analysis across 60 cities to unravel these dynamics.

Findings

The investigation reveals that five distinct combinations of conditions facilitate the adoption of bicycles, while two specific combinations lead to its negation. Importantly, the study uncovers the presence of a “lock-in” mechanism, a critical factor in hindering bicycle adoption in urban settings.

Originality/value

This research contributes significantly to the field of sustainable urban mobility by integrating Service-Dominant Logic with empirical findings from a diverse set of global cities. It provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of factors influencing cycling adoption, offering a nuanced understanding of the barriers and drivers in this domain. The identification of a “lock-in” mechanism as a key impediment to cycling adoption adds a novel dimension to existing literature, presenting actionable pathways for policymakers and urban planners to foster more sustainable and bike-friendly urban environments.
Understanding Malaysia’s perceived destination image formation through online user-generated content information qualities
Authors: Asyraff Muhammad Aliff , Hanafiah Mohd Hafiz , Md Zain Nur Adilah , Patwary Ataul Karim
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the mediating effect of perceived destination image attributes on the inter-relationship between online user-generated content’s information qualities (UGC) and tourists behavior by extending the Mehrabian and Russel’s stimulus-organism-response (SOR) model.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the Malaysian tourism setting, a total of 255 valid responses from foreign inbound tourists were collected. Partial-least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test study hypotheses.

Findings

The PLS-SEM indirect path analysis confirms that cognitive image mediates the relationship between intrinsic information quality and behavioral intentions. Meanwhile, affective image significantly mediates the contextual information quality influence on behavioral intentions. Interestingly, however, this study found affective image mediated oppositely on the relationship between social information quality and behavioral intentions.

Originality/value

The study provides a better understanding of how destination image impacts the way tourists perceive different information qualities on behavioral intentions, which suggests the ongoing complex nature of these human-technology relationships within the tourism realm.
Informal employment and subjective well-being in urban China: do employment sector and working time flexibility matter?
Authors: Wang Muwen
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper tests if there exists a subjective well-being gap between informal workers in the informal and formal sectors in urban China, and explores the mechanisms behind such differences.

Design/methodology/approach

The author develops a simple theoretical model to analyze the effects of the employment sector and work time flexibility on workers' happiness and conducts a descriptive study to examine the relationship between employment type and subjective well-being using the China General Social Survey (CGSS) 2010, 2013, 2015 and 2017 datasets, a nationally representative sample.

Findings

The results show that only dependent informal work in the formal sector impairs workers' happiness, while the effect of independent informal work is not statistically significant. The potential mechanisms suggest that independent informal workers have higher working time flexibility and can work more hours to increase their earnings, which increases their subjective well-being. However, it is difficult for dependent informal workers to earn more by working more hours due to poor working time flexibility.

Originality/value

This study indicates that informal workers in the formal sector have lower subjective well-being in urban China and deserve more attention from policymakers. The author also suggests that increasing working time flexibility and encouraging self-employment can contribute to the welfare of informal workers.
FDI-related meritocratic elite and income inequality in post-communist EU countries
Authors: Supic Novica , Josifidis Kosta , Bodor Sladjana
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to shed more light on the foreign direct investment (FDI) - income inequality nexus in the post-communist EU countries. Special attention is paid to the emergence of a new meritocratic elite related to foreign capital that tends to replace the old elite inherited from the transition period at the top end of the income distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

The macroeconomic model of the relationship between income inequality and FDI is estimated by using the generalized method of moments (GMM) technique. The sample includes 10 post-communist EU member states during the period 1993 to 2020.

Findings

The results suggest that the concentration of the highest level of human capital in foreign-owned enterprises, in the institutional environment under which foreign-owned enterprises are less numerous and pay a higher wage than domestic ones, contributes to the change of the effect of FDI and human capital on income distribution from an initial decrease to a later increase in income inequality.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the existing literature by exploring the distributive impacts of sectoral reallocation of FDI inflows from manufacturing to service sectors from the perspective of heterodox economics. It specifically examines how this shift has facilitated the emergence of a new meritocratic elite associated with foreign capital, which in turn diminishes the overall anti-inequality effect of FDI in the post-communist new EU countries.
Unveiling the forces behind exercise intent in sports and fitness live streaming: a combination of symmetric and asymmetric modeling approaches
Authors: Chiu Weisheng , Kim Han Soo , Oh Young Suk , Lee Ye Hoon
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to answer the following research questions: (1) How do features of sports and fitness live streaming content influence individuals’ viewing experiences? (2) How do these antecedents interact with each other to influence individuals’ intentions to exercise in the context of sports and fitness live streaming?

Design/methodology/approach

We employed both symmetric (PLS-SEM) and asymmetric (fsQCA) analyses using data from 886 participants. A mixed approach addresses the complex nature of the decision-making process among sports and fitness live streaming users.

Findings

The findings reveal that individuals’ appraisal of their interactions with sports and fitness streamers (i.e. instant feedback, interactivity) significantly affects their perceptions of telepresence, entertainment, and flow. These, in turn, positively influence their intention to exercise in live sports and fitness streaming sessions. The study also uncovers various combinations of causal conditions leading to exercise intention, a detail overlooked by the PLS-SEM method alone.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature on cognitive appraisal theory, particularly in the context of sports and fitness live streaming, by integrating symmetric and asymmetric analyses. Practically, strategic implications are provided for practitioners in sports and fitness industry.
Major or minor? The EU food animal antibiotic policy and the varied use
Authors: Waluszewski Alexandra , Cinti Alessandro , Perna Andrea
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Limiting the use of antibiotics in food animals is a cornerstone of contemporary EU policy. Despite that marketing of antibiotics for growth promotion and nutrition has been banned since 2006, the use is still high and varied. This paper aims to investigate the forces behind the different usage patterns in Italy, with one of the EU’s most extensive use of antibiotics in animals, versus Sweden, with the union’s most restricted use, including how these usage patterns are related to EU and national policies.

Design/methodology/approach

The industrial network approach/the 4R resources interaction model is adopted to investigate the major forces behind the different antibiotic usage patterns. Furthermore, the study relies on the notion of three main characteristics related to the use of a resource activated in several user settings (Håkansson and Waluszewski, 2008, pp. 20–22). The paper investigates the Swedish and the Italian using settings, with a minimised, respectively, extensive usage of antibiotics. The study is exploratory in nature and based on qualitative data collected through a combination of primary and secondary sources.

Findings

The paper underlines the importance of integrating forces for policy to succeed in attempts to reduce the use of a particular resource. It reveals that Sweden’s radically reduced use was based on great awareness, close interactions between animal-based food producers and policy – and that integrating forces were supported by an era of state-protected food production, with promising ability to distribute the cost of change. The Italian characteristics hindering the integration of forces mounting for reduced use were restricted awareness, top-down business and policy interactions – and a great awareness about the difficulties of distributing the cost of change.

Originality/value

The study deals with the analysis of forces affecting the different usage of antibiotics within two EU settings. The investigation, based on the industrial network approach’s notion of connectivity of economic resources, that is, of exchange having a content and substance beyond discrete transactions, reveals how indirect related contextual forces, neglected by policy, have an important influence on the ability to achieve change, in this case of antibiotics usage patterns.
Socially inclusive urban governance in George Town world heritage site: housing affordability concept revisiting
Authors: Woo Kuan Heong , Khoo Suet Leng
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The article aims to ascertain the inclusiveness of urban governance in administering affordable housing issues; and to revisit the applicability of the one-third housing cost burden threshold in George Town World Heritage Site (GTWHS) of Penang state of Malaysia from the local perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Main data was collected through a 318-respondent survey, complemented by in-depth interviews with key informants.

Findings

Findings suggest that housing in GTWHS is generally unaffordable. GTWHS is neither inclusive in its housing governance and administration, nor in terms of its urban livability and sustainability. A re-examination of the applicability of the 30-percent-of-income housing cost burden threshold reveals that the local community generally perceives a “reasonable rent” in GTWHS as being less than one-third of their earnings.

Originality/value

From a local perspective, the issues of affordable housing, its administration, and the applicability of the 30-percent-of-income housing cost burden threshold in GTWHS have received inadequate attention. These crucial issues are closely linked to the livelihoods of the GTWHS community.
Navigating through digitalization challenges in strategic communication: introducing the VUCA radar
Authors: Winkler Peter , Kretschmer Jannik , Wamprechtsamer Philip
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In recent years, the acronym VUCA has gained traction in strategic communication (SC) as an umbrella term that summarizes the recurrent challenges (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) of digital communication environments. However, an integrated reflection on how the VUCA dimensions facilitate a deeper understanding of specific digitalization challenges and how to navigate through these challenges is lacking. This article aims to explore and substantiate the descriptive (how) and prescriptive (how to) potential of VUCA for SC under digitalization conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

We first provide a systematic discussion of the four VUCA dimensions based on the general strategy literature. While their descriptive value is undisputed, prescriptive advice on how to respond to these challenges is contradictory. We substantiate this observation in a second empirical step based on problem-centered interviews with strategic communicators at the agency and corporate levels.

Findings

Our findings reveal that VUCA facilitates a systematic mapping of digitalization challenges consistently identified by professionals. The proposed strategic responses, however, remain contradictory at the theoretical and empirical levels. Hence, we propose the VUCA radar as a comprehensive descriptive and prescriptive framework.

Originality/value

The radar provides (a) a systematic overview of recurrent digitalization challenges to SC at the industry and practice levels and (b) prescriptive advice on how to navigate through these challenges by balancing contradictory strategic responses at the levels of vision, understanding, clarity and agility.
The application of Gen-AI and creativity in the context of public education in frontier environments
Authors: Perez Perez Juan Ernesto
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how the creativity technique SCAMPER and generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) are linked in the formative process for the solution of business problems by groups of students from low socio-economic levels of a public university in the city of San José de Cucuta, Colombia.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of the contributions of generative artificial intelligence was developed and the knowledge gaps related to advanced artificial intelligence-based linguistic models in the education sector were mentioned. Subsequently, views on the Colombian context of science, technology and innovation were developed. Finally, the experience in the application of teaching-learning strategies through the use of Open AI’s creativity technique and ChatGPT was highlighted.

Findings

The findings highlight the complementarity of generative artificial intelligence and the SCAMPER creativity technique in the development of innovation capabilities. While human creativity highlights emotional aspects. Artificial intelligence consolidates procedural aspects and ideas focused on the primary activities of the value chain.

Practical implications

The implementation of the hybrid model in the classroom can lead to the development of new capabilities by marginalized groups immersed in the educational system. The potential positive impact of Gen-AI and human creativity will be reflected in the optimization of response times and the search for solutions to problems in different environments.

Originality/value

This opinion article highlights the implementation of AI in a Higher Education Institution located in the frontier zone of San José de Cucuta, Colombia. In addition, it involves actors of the educational system whose economic income is low. Finally, it highlights the positive impact of the integration of creativity techniques and the use of generative artificial intelligence in the classroom, highlighting the use of hybrid models (Man-Machine).
Sustainable food packaging: engagement through the public discourse on social networks
Authors: Ruiz-de-Maya Salvador , Ferrer-Bernal Elvira
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the public discourse on sustainable food packaging, evaluating the main characteristics of that discourse and how risk and analytical message content influence consumer engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use two studies with databases built from messages posted on Twitter (now X). Study 1 explores the discourse of sustainable food packaging by conducting a content/sentiment analysis. Study 2 examines more than four million messages posted by or mentioning the world’s most relevant food companies. Hypotheses are tested through censored regression analyses.

Findings

The results show that plastic is the term that can better classify how we talk about sustainable food packaging. The authors also show that food packaging messages related to sustainability, compared to those not related to sustainability, are composed using more analytical language, contributing to generating greater engagement. Moreover, social network users remain skeptical about food companies, as the latter messages on packaging sustainability generate less engagement (likes + retweets) than when other users post these messages.

Originality/value

This study addresses important points in the public discourse on social networks about the sustainability of food packaging and its language features. First, the data are representative of the food market with posts from leading worldwide food companies. Second, identifying the hot topics of the discussion on sustainability packaging on social media provides a new perspective on how companies and society view sustainable food packaging. Third, the authors show how the source of the message moderates the impact of sustainability on engagement.
The communication of sustainability on social media: the role of dialogical communication
Authors: Herrada-Lores Sara , Palazón Mariola , Iniesta-Bonillo M. Ángeles , Estrella-Ramón Antonia
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This research analyses how dialogical communication on social media enhances the effectiveness of sustainability messages in terms of brand engagement and purchase intention. Dialogical messages generate social media engagement, which helps improve consumer responses.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experimental studies (2 × 2) were conducted, in which two factors were manipulated: the dialogical potential of the message (dialogical versus monological) and message orientation (sustainability versus commercial).

Findings

The dialogical potential of the message moderates the effect of sustainability messages on brand engagement and purchase intention. Results indicate that sustainability messages featuring dialogical elements generate greater brand engagement and purchase intention than commercial messages. Furthermore, social media engagement mediates these effects.

Practical implications

This study offers valuable insights into applying dialogical principles to sustainability communication on social media. Marketers should design dialogical messages to foster dialogue with customers and enhance engagement.

Originality/value

Few studies have focused on analysing the effects of applying dialogical strategies on social media to communicate sustainability. Thus, this study highlights the importance of dialogical communication beyond the inclusion of interactive elements when communicating sustainability on social media. The inclusion of dialogical features specifically benefits sustainability messages, given the transparency and honesty they demand.
Influence factors of organizational citizenship behaviors in Latin American countries: a Brazilian case study
Authors: Vasconcelos Furtado Julia , Moreira Antonio Carrizo , Rodrigues Ricardo Gouveia , F. Mota Jorge Humberto
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Research on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) has been based on Western developed economies’ samples (or specific Eastern countries such as China and Saudi Arabia), lacking attention to developing contexts (Latin America). Even though OCBs’ antecedents in the Global North context have been thoroughly explored, Corporate Social Responsibility’s (CSR) perceptions and organizational commitment’s (OC) roles are “under-studied” in such developing contexts. This study aims to respond to the call for research on the behavioral perspective on CSR in Latin America, challenging implicit assumptions of theories developed in Western developed countries, related to the employees’ CSR perceptions and OC and OCB research.

Design/methodology/approach

In a postpositivist approach, the authors tested whether CSR and OC directly affect OCB, exploring OCB’s five dimensions – altruism, courtesy, consciousness, civic virtue and sportsmanship, with a main hypothesis that CSR and OC directly affect OCBs. The sample comprises responses from 1,059 employees from public and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Brazil – the largest economy in Latin America, yet a collectivistic society developing country, in which OCB phenomena is still underexplored or done to a lesser extent.

Findings

Whenever positively perceiving their organizations’ CSR activities, employees identify strongly with the organization, influencing positive job outcomes such as OC and OCBs. Findings indicate that despite not perfectly fitting non-North American contexts, the OCB five-dimension structure is positively related to employees’ CSR perception, confirming OC’s stronger role in the Brazilian context. Indeed, findings confirm OC’s influence over all OCB dimensions, re-stating it as a stronger predictor of behaviors like consciousness (compliance), civic virtue and sportsmanship.

Originality/value

This research accepted the challenge of bringing OC back to OCB research. Indeed, seminal work had implied OC as a robust and significant predictor of the OCB, yet in Western developed economies. The scarcity of research on the matter in developing collectivist economies such as Brazil, justifies this study’s novelty and appropriateness.
Corporate tax performance and the COVID-19 pandemic: empirical evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Saragih Arfah Habib
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to enhance the understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on corporate tax performance in the context of a large emerging country like Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative approach with multiple regression methods on a data set of 2,366 firm-year observations registered on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) from 2017 to 2022.

Findings

The primary empirical findings from the multivariate regressions suggest a positive and significant association between the COVID-19 pandemic and corporate tax performance in Indonesia. In other words, these listed firms have increased their tax avoidance activities during the pandemic. As firms face financial hardships due to the pandemic's effects, they tend to engage in tax avoidance practices to reduce current income tax payments, thereby enhancing their liquidity. In addition, over time, firms have adapted to use various tax policies introduced by the government in response to the pandemic to mitigate the adverse impacts of the crisis.

Research limitations/implications

This study draws on a sample solely from one emerging country.

Practical implications

The results of this study can aid governments, policymakers, tax authorities and companies in evaluating their strategies concerning preparedness and emergency responses during crises, particularly those caused by pandemics.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is considered one of the initial efforts to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on corporate tax avoidance in an emerging country like Indonesia.
Sustainable supplier selection in the apparel industry: an integrated AHP-TOPSIS model for multi-criteria decision analysis
Authors: Phan Ha Nhu Ngoc , Nguyen Duc Duy , Le Song Thanh Quynh
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In the apparel industry, suppliers play a significant role, directly affecting customer service levels and business profits. Integrating sustainable requirements into supplier selection not only aligns with global environmental goals but also enhances business performance, social responsibility and overall industry well-being. This study aims to design a multi-criteria model to evaluate and select the most sustainable suppliers in the fashion industry, trying to balance the conflicts in the set of sustainable development criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

The integration of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) offers advantages in sustainable supplier selection within the apparel industry. The AHP plays a crucial role in engaging multiple decision-makers with conflicting criteria to reach a consensus during the decision-making process. Conversely, the TOPSIS is used to compute alternative ratings. By simultaneously determining criteria weights and incorporating stakeholder preferences, hybrid models enhance decision-making strength and overcome limitations observed in classical multi-criteria decision-making techniques.

Findings

This research identified and classified 16 critical criteria impacting the selection of apparel industry suppliers, focusing on sustainable development. The criteria were weighted, providing a robust statistical foundation for the selection model. The results indicated that the most influential criteria were staff training, production capability, flexibility and practice of recycling. The proposed sustainable supplier selection model explains to decision-makers how criteria influence supplier ranking results compared to traditional models, supporting managers in making informed and sustainable supply chain decisions through continuous updates and enhancements.

Originality/value

This research provides new insight into the weighted impact of factors related to sustainable supplier selection in the apparel industry. The combination of a precise process and scientific knowledge will improve the quality of sustainable supplier selection.
Rosacea in East Asian populations: Clinical manifestations and pathophysiological perspectives for accurate diagnosis
Authors: Nobeyama Yoshimasa
Published: August 2024

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disorder primarily affecting the facial skin, prominently involving the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, and periorbital area. Cutaneous manifestations encompass persistent facial erythema, phymas, papules, pustules, telangiectasia, and flushing. The pathogenesis of rosacea is associated with various exacerbating or triggering factors, including microbial infestation, temperature fluctuations, sunlight exposure, physical exertion, emotional stress, consumption of hot beverages and spicy foods, and exposure to airborne pollen. These environmental factors interact with genetic predispositions in the development of rosacea. The roles of the lipophilic microbiome, ultraviolet radiation, nociceptive responses, and vascular alterations have been proposed as significant factors in the pathogenesis. These insights contribute to understanding the anatomical specificity of facial involvement and the progressive nature of rosacea. East Asian skin, predominantly classified as Fitzpatrick skin phototypes III to IV, is characterized by relatively diminished skin barrier function and increased sensitivity to irritants. Airborne pollen exposure may particularly act as a trigger in East Asian individuals, possibly mediated through toll‐like receptors. The lack of specificity in objective clinical and histopathological findings leads to diagnostic challenges for individuals with colored skin, including East Asians, particularly when erythema is the sole objective manifestation. An alternative diagnostic scheme may thus be necessary. A diagnostic approach emphasizing vascular manifestations and nociceptive symptoms potentially holds promise for individuals with darker skin tones. More research focusing on potential variations in skin physiology across different racial groups is essential to establish more effective diagnostic schemes applicable to both dark and light skin colors.
A clinical case of anaphylaxis after eating oatmeal contaminated with booklice (Liposcelis bostrychophila)
Authors: Matsumoto Chinatsu , Kawakami Yuji , Ishibashi Osamu , Sagara Ikumi , Sakaguchi Masaya , Harada Yuya , Takahashi Misaki , Niiyama Shiro , Inui Takashi , Fukuda Hidetsugu
Published: August 2024

A 52‐year‐old man presented to our department with generalized erythema, watery stools, and vomiting 30 min after ingesting coconut, oatmeal, and vegetable juice. On arrival, his blood pressure was 120/79 mm Hg, heart rate was 126 beats per min, blood oxygen saturation was 96%, and lip cyanosis was observed. The patient experienced diffuse redness throughout the body and was diagnosed as having severe anaphylaxis. A skin prick test for the leftover coconut, oatmeal, and vegetable juice, which the patient had consumed immediately before the onset of symptoms, showed a positive reaction only to the leftover oatmeal. Direct microscopic examination of the leftover oatmeal revealed numerous insect bodies that appeared as booklice. Using Western blot analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Lip b 1, a specific antigen for Liposcelis bostrychophila (badonnel), an indoor pest that inhabits various places and feeds on various indoor materials, including stored foods, was detected only in the extract of the leftover oatmeal. Based on these results, we identified an insect body infesting oatmeal, L. bostrychophila. The serum level of L. bostrychophila–specific immunoglobulin antibodies was higher than the cutoff value; therefore, we identified the disease as anaphylaxis caused by accidental ingestion of L. bostrychophila that infested the oatmeal stored in the container. We report the first case of L. bostrychophila–infested oatmeal as an orally ingested allergen in Japan.
Ecological succession shapes size–density scaling relationships of trees and soil invertebrates
Authors: Romera Poppy Joaquina , Wallace Kiri Joy , McCarthy James K. , Rai Bibishan , Mitchell Grace , Eisenhauer Nico , Lusk Christopher H. , Barnes Andrew D.
Published: August 2024

The widely observed negative scaling relationship between organism size and abundance is predicted to have a universal −0.75 scaling exponent across all life forms. However, factors influencing frequently observed deviations from this exponent, such as ecosystem succession and organism traits, remain poorly understood.

We explore the dependence of size–density scaling on ecosystem succession and organism traits by analysing size–density relationships in trees and soil invertebrates across 183 temperate forest plots comprising urban secondary forests, urban old‐growth forests and non‐urban natural forests.

Exponents of scaling relationships in urban tree and invertebrate communities progressively steepened with increasing restored (planted) forest stand age as small organisms increased in abundance. In contrast, non‐urban tree scaling relationships flattened during succession with exponents veering away from −0.75, whereas urban tree and invertebrate communities converged towards this prediction in later successional stages.

Our results shed light on how the body size structure of tree and soil invertebrate communities spanning multiple trophic levels shift over successional time as the relative abundances of large versus small‐bodied organisms increase. This study emphasises the fundamental influence of organismal traits and ecosystem succession on scaling relationships of organism body size and abundance.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Does Orthographic Variation Preclude Standardisation?
Authors: Zair Nicholas
Published: August 2024

In this response to Adams' article I begin by talking a bit, in a fairly atheoretical way, about definitions of standardisation. This is because Adams' argument that Latin was not, in the first century BC, a standard language, rests to a large degree on his own view of standardisation: one which approaches it very much from the perspective of the modern nation‐state with a highly centralised school system. I then focus on his main argument against the idea that the Latin of the first century BC was a standardised Latin: the range of spelling found in high register/official inscriptions. He is very much right to point this out, and in‐depth investigation provides many insights in understanding these texts and the social context in which they were produced—but I do not think it is as strong an argument against standardisation as Adams does. Lastly, I discuss the concept of ‘modern' vs ‘old‐fashioned' spelling, which, although briefly addressed by Adams, remains largely implicit: I think this can be usefully made more explicit, and turns out to be more complicated than Adams acknowledges.
The impact of crisis leadership on the performance in public sector: The mediation role of trust and knowledge sharing
Authors: Mao Qingduo , Fan Cong , Wang Xueying
Published: August 2024

In crisis scenarios, trust and knowledge sharing are rare and crucial for moderating the relationship between leadership and performance. This paper examines how leadership influences the performance of civil servants during crises in the public sector, mediated by trust and knowledge sharing. The authors develop a theoretical model and empirically test it with survey data from 346 civil servants in the public sector related to epidemic response in China. A structural equation model is used to examine the paths through which leadership affects performance. This research indicates that crisis leadership can directly enhance contextual performance but does not directly impact task performance. However, both explicit and tacit knowledge‐sharing behaviour can exert significant mediating effects. Furthermore, cognition‐based trust can indirectly influence task performance through a chain mediation effect involving explicit knowledge sharing. This research underscores the multifaceted impact of crisis leadership and elucidates how leaders can effectively navigate crises through different types of trust and knowledge‐sharing strategies.
Neighbors sharing pathogens: the intricate relationship between Apis mellifera and ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) nesting in hives
Authors: Tiritelli Rossella , Giannetti Daniele , Schifani Enrico , Grasso Donato A. , Cilia Giovanni
Published: August 2024

Ants are ubiquitous and eusocial insects that exhibit frequent physical contact among colony members, thereby increasing their susceptibility to diseases. Some species are often found in beehives and in their surroundings, where they exploit the food resources of honey bees. This intricate relationship may facilitate the interspecific transmission of honey bee pathogens to ants, although ants themselves may contribute to spillback phenomena. The objective of this study was to assess the presence and abundance of honey bee pathogens in ants sampled from Italian apiaries. A total of 37 colonies within 24 apiaries across 7 regions were monitored. In total, 6 pathogens were detected in adult ants and 3 in the brood. In particular, the study revealed a high prevalence of honey bee pathogens in ants, with DWV, BQCV, and CBPV being the most commonly encountered. The brood also tested positive for the same viruses. Notably, all analyzed viruses were found to be replicative in both adult ants and ant broods. Furthermore, co‐infections were prevalent, suggesting complex pathogen interactions within ant populations. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in pathogen prevalence and abundance among ant species and sample types. The findings highlight active infection in both the ants and the brood, suggesting a potential role of ants as reservoir hosts and vectors of honey bee pathogens emphasizing the need for further research to understand the implications of interspecific pathogen transmission on ant and bee health.
A review on the processing technique, physicochemical, and bioactive properties of marine collagen
Authors: Shaik Mannur Ismail , Rahman Siti Hajar Abdul , Yusri Anis Syafiqah , Ismail‐Fitry Mohammad Rashedi , Kumar Nune Satya Sampath , Sarbon Norizah Mhd
Published: August 2024

Collagens are conventionally derived from bovine and porcine sources. However, these sources were commonly associated with infectious diseases such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, foot and mouth disease, autoimmune and allergic reactions, and religious constraints. The significant amount of collagen available in marine species, especially fish skins, scales, fins, and bones, shows that marine species can be a potential alternative source to mammalian collagen. Therefore, this review aims to give a clearer outlook on the processing techniques of marine collagen and its physicochemical and bioactive properties as a potential alternative to mammalian collagen. The two most suitable extraction methods for marine collagen are pepsin‐soluble extraction and ultrasound‐assisted extraction. Additionally, marine collagen's physicochemical and bioactive properties, such as antioxidants, wound healing, tissue engineering, and cosmetic biomaterial have been thoroughly discussed in this review.

Practical Application

Collagen extracted from marine sources showed its potential in physicochemical and bioactive properties, including antioxidants and wound‐healing capabilities, as an alternative to mammalian collagen. The significant amount of collagen found in marine species, particularly in fish skins, scales, bones, and sea cucumbers, suggests that marine sources could be a viable alternative to land mammal collagen due to their abundance and accessibility. The ultrasound‐assisted extraction technique has improved the extracted marine collagen's physicochemical and bioactivity properties and quality properties.
Clinical application of convolutional neural network lung nodule detection software: An Australian quaternary hospital experience
Authors: Mark Peter , Papalia Isabella , Lai Jeffrey KC , Pascoe Diane M
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Early‐stage lung cancer diagnosis through detection of nodules on computed tomography (CT) remains integral to patient survivorship, promoting national screening programmes and diagnostic tools using artificial intelligence (AI) convolutional neural networks (CNN); the software of AI‐Rad Companion™ (AIRC), capable of self‐optimising feature recognition. This study aims to demonstrate the practical value of AI‐based lung nodule detection in a clinical setting; a limited body of research.

Methods

One hundred and eighty‐three non‐contrast CT chest studies from a single centre were assessed for AIRC software analysis. Prospectively collected data from AIRC detection and characterisation of lung nodules (size: ≥3 mm) were assessed against the reference standard; reported findings of a blinded consultant radiologist.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐seven CT chest studies were included; 52% indicated for nodule or lung cancer surveillance. Of 289 lung nodules, 219 (75.8%) nodules (mean size: 10.1 mm) were detected by both modalities, 28 (9.7%) were detected by AIRC alone and 42 (14.5%) by radiologist alone. Solid nodules missed by AIRC were larger than those missed by radiologist (11.5 mm vs 4.7 mm, P < 0.001). AIRC software sensitivity was 87.3%, with significant false positive and negative rates demonstrating 12.5% specificity (PPV 0.6, NPV 0.4).

Conclusion

In a population of high nodule prevalence, AIRC lung nodule detection software demonstrates sensitivity comparable to that of consultant radiologist. The clinical significance of larger sized nodules missed by AIRC software presents a barrier to current integration in practice. We consider this research highly relevant in providing focus for ongoing software development, potentiating the future success of AI‐based tools within diagnostic radiology.
Integration of the US cannabis market
Authors: Goodwin Barry K.
Published: August 2024

I examine the degree to which markets for cannabis are integrated using semiparametric models of spatial price linkages among US states. US attitudes toward the use of cannabis have evolved and, at the same time, laws restricting its use have been eliminated in many states. Cannabis presents the case of a unique commodity for which any interstate trade is explicitly illegal. A voluminous empirical literature has examined spatial arbitrage, trade, and market integration. Most of these studies utilize linear time series regression models. More recent work has considered increasingly more nonlinear models of market integration. I utilize fully nonlinear semiparametric generalized additive models to evaluate the spatial integration of US cannabis markets. The results confirm important nonlinearities in price relationships. Nonlinear price transmission elasticities are derived from the nonparametric modeling results. The results suggest that California cannabis markets are largely integrated with states across the nation. I find that California, which is a leading cannabis exporter, plays a price leadership role. Production of cannabis in California far exceeds the amount that can be legally grown and sold, and much of this cannabis is exported to other states. Colorado, a second primary cannabis market, generally operates in isolation from cannabis markets in other states. The likely mechanism integrating cannabis markets is the thriving trade in illegal cannabis, which has long preceded recent state‐level legislative actions that have legalized cannabis use.
Diagnostic tests for the prediction of histological chorioamnionitis and funisitis in pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membranes: A systematic review
Authors: Lanzarone Valeria , Polkinghorne Adam , Eslick Guy , Branley James
Published: August 2024

Background

Infection of the amniotic cavity is an important driver and/or consequence of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM). Prediction of infection is challenging, limiting guidance for interventions during the antenatal period. Infection typically triggers a host inflammatory response, and non‐invasive indirect markers of the maternal or fetal inflammatory response have been reported in the context of PPROM and intra‐amniotic infection. Some of these markers have also been tested in amniotic fluid (AF) samples.

Aims

This study compared markers of the inflammatory response in women with PPROM against the outcome standard of histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) or funisitis (FUS).

Methods

Searches were conducted for studies reporting diagnostic test sensitivity and specificity for proven HCA or FUS in pregnant women with PPROM after 20 weeks’ gestation. Weighted mean pooled sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value, negative predictive value, diagnostic odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each of the selected diagnostic tests.

Results

Except ultrasonographic detection of fetal thymic involution, almost all index tests analysed showed relatively low sensitivity. Maternal white cell count, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and AF IL‐6 had credible specificity. Testing of AF markers, while more consistent than serum markers, showed no clear diagnostic accuracy improvement.

Conclusions

There is a clear lack of evidence for the reliability of any individual diagnostic test to assist in the detection of HCA or FUS in women with PPROM. Combining several markers into a predictive model for improved diagnosis may be worth investigating.
Ecological Crises and Ecopolitics Research in Australia
Authors: McDonald Matt , Park Susan , Anantharajah Kirsty , Burke Anthony , Celermajer Danielle , Evans Megan C. , Eckersley Robyn , Gulliver Robyn , McNaught Rebecca , Morgan Wesley , Ruwet Melodie , Symons Jonathan , Schlosberg David , Vogler Anselm
Published: August 2024

It is difficult to exaggerate the scale of contemporary ecological crises. These challenges, particularly climate change, necessitate new modes of politics and policy, even potentially new institutions, that seem anathema to the emphases of traditional accounts of environmental political science. In this paper, we explore contemporary ecopolitics research in Australia that is attempting to come to terms with the reality of ecological crises and the geological epoch of the Anthropocene. Showcasing a range of scholarship in this area, we argue that contemporary Australian ecopolitics research identifies and engages with a wide range of sites of politics and a significant number of (consequential) political actors. It recognises the need to engage directly with key institutions while also extending our gaze to the environment movement, community groups, financial institutions, local governments, and consumers. It acknowledges that sites of politics extend from the way ecological crises are framed in public debate to policy management, practices of private corporations and even to individual patterns of consumption. And it argues for an expansive conception of ethics beyond currently living human communities, a vision which arguably better meets the reality of ecological crises and the Anthropocene epoch.
A cross‐sectional study assessing concordance with advance care directives in a rural health district
Authors: Curley Dan , Kinsman Leigh , Mooney Graeme , Whiteford Gail , Lower Tony , Hobbs Megan , Morris Beverley , Bartlett Kerry , Jacob Alycia
Published: August 2024

Objective

To measure compliance with Advance Care Directives (ACDs) for decedents in a rural setting.

Design

Observational, cross‐sectional medical records audit comparing requests in ACDs with actual outcomes.

Setting

Rural Australian coastal district.

Participants

People who had an ACD, died during the study period (30 May 2020 to 15 December 2021) and participated in a local research project.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Compliance was measured by comparing stated requests in the ACD with outcomes recorded in medical records. This included the place of death and a list of ‘unacceptable interventions’.

Results

Sixty‐eight people met the inclusion criteria (age range of 46–92 [mean 67 years; median 74 years]; 42 [62%] male). The main cause of death was cancer (n = 48; 71%). Preferred place of death was not stated in 16 ACDs. Compliance with documented preferred place of death was 63% (33/52): 48% (16/33) when the preferred place of death was home; 78% (7/9) when sub‐acute was preferred; and 100% (10/10) when hospital was preferred. Compliance was 100% with ‘unacceptable interventions’.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate strong compliance with rural patients' requests in ACDs, particularly ‘unacceptable interventions’. Home was the most common preferred place of death, but the compliance measure (48%) was the lowest in this study. This requires further exploration.