bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exploration of green business process maturity based on ecolabels
Authors: Couckuyt Dries , Van Looy Amy
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The discipline of business process management (BPM) is challenged by investigating how work is performed in organizations while simultaneously recognizing preeminent environmental issues. Although organizations have become more open to the ecological impact of business processes through Green BPM, research in this field and guidance for practitioners remains relatively limited. Therefore, this study aims to extend and translate the conventional perspective on business process maturity towards green business process maturity levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors bridged product-focussed and process-focussed environmental management practices by surveying ecolabels against theoretical capability areas for business process maturity. Since ecolabels are instruments to develop environmental-friendly products and services, the authors looked at the underlying processes to produce such green outcomes. By surveying 89 ecolabel organizations, the authors had indirectly access to an international set of companies, operating in distinct industries and producing a wide variety of green products and services.

Findings

The authors statistically uncovered a classification of four groups of ecolabels based on the process capabilities, each representing a distinct green business process maturity level. The four levels are “Green BP immaturity”, “Green BPL maturity”, “Green BPM maturity” and “Green BPO maturity” and align with well-established concepts in the business process literature and profession.

Originality/value

Scholars are encouraged to elaborate on the identified maturity levels in order to build and test a green business process maturity model, whereas practitioner-related advice is provided based on possible green business process maturity journeys towards excellence.
How can international business research contribute towards the sustainable development goals?
Authors: Rygh Asmund , Chiarapini Eleni , Segovia María Vallejo
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Realising the sustainable development goals (SDGs) will require substantial efforts from both governments, businesses, civil society and academic researchers. This paper aims to discuss the contributions that the international business (IB) discipline can make to promoting the SDGs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is conceptual.

Findings

The authors argue that IB can contribute to promoting the SDGs, given IB’s expertise on the multinational enterprise (MNE) and knowledge that is relevant to the international dimensions that most SDGs have. However, paradigmatic features of IB such as a focus on firm-level financial performance and on the MNE as an organisation, and dominance of quantitative methods, may presently restrict the discipline’s contributions to the SDGs.

Originality/value

The authors present a set of recommendations for IB research on the SDGs, many of which imply an extension of the boundaries of the current IB paradigm.
Supporting early career project managers in construction: a multi-vocal study
Authors: Borg Jessica , Scott-Young Christina M.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore the support that project managers receive from construction project-based organisations (PBOs) in their early careers.

Design/methodology/approach

Fifty-seven semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with four key stakeholder groups including early career project managers (ECPMs) and employers from Australian construction PBOs, project management professional bodies, and university educators to ascertain (1) what organizations are currently doing and (2) what organizations can do better to support project managers in their early careers.

Findings

Thematic analysis revealed that construction PBOs' responsibilities to ECPMs entailed: (1) providing mentoring, (2) offering training, (3) collaborating with universities, (4) giving time and feedback and (5) assigning manageable workloads. However, the findings revealed inconsistencies in companies enacting these responsibilities.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to the context of the Australian construction industry, yet the findings shed valuable insights into the current practices of construction PBOs in supporting ECPMs. From a strategic resource-based view perspective, ECPMs have the potential to serve as long-term valuable organizational resources. Failure to invest in new professional entrants constitutes an area of untapped competitive advantage.

Practical implications

Construction PBOs looking to better support their ECPMs may use the results of this research as a guide to tailor their early career professional development initiatives.

Originality/value

The study adopts a holistic, multi-vocal approach by interviewing four key stakeholder groups. The findings contribute new insights into the role of construction PBOs in supporting ECPMs and the implications this has on the sustainability of their project management talent pool.
The relationship between work–life balance and job satisfaction: moderating role of training and development and work environment
Authors: Aruldoss Alex , Berube Kowalski Kellyann , Travis Miranda Lakshmi , Parayitam Satyanarayana
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between work–life balance (WLB) and job stress, job commitment and job satisfaction. Further, the role of work environment and training and development as moderators in the relationship between WLB and its consequences is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a structured survey instrument, this paper gathered data from 331 respondents working in a transportation company in southern part of India. After checking the psychometric properties of the structured survey instrument, the authors analyzed data using hierarchical regression and structural equation modeling.

Findings

The hierarchical regression results indicated that WLB is (1) negatively related to job stress, (2) positively related to job satisfaction and (3) positively related to job commitment. The results also indicated that (1) job stress is negatively related to job satisfaction, and (2) job commitment is positively related to job satisfaction. The results also support that work environment is a moderator in the relationship between (1) WLB and job stress, and (2) WLB and job satisfaction. Results also documented that training and development is a moderator in the relationship between (1) job stress and job satisfaction, and (2) job commitment and job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Since the present research is based on self-report measures, the limitations of common method bias and social desirability are inherent. However, the authors have taken sufficient care to minimize these limitations. The research has implications for managers in work organizations.

Practical implications

This study contributes to both literature on human resource management and practicing managers. The study suggests that employers need to be aware of the importance of WLB and invest moneys into training and development programs. Results also suggest maintaining congenial work environment to help employees maintain balance between work and life.

Social implications

The study is expected to contribute to the welfare of the society in terms of identifying the consequences of WLB.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights about the consequences of WLB through moderating role of training and development and work environment. To the authors’ knowledge, this is a conceptual model developed and tested and first of its kind in India.
How the social entrepreneurship business model designs in South Africa create value: a complex adaptive systems approach
Authors: Akinboade Olu Oludele Akinloye , Taft Trevor , Weber Johann Friedrich , Manoko Obareng Baldwin , Molobi Victor Sannyboy
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to understand social entrepreneurship (SE) business model design to create values whilst undertaking public service delivery within the complex environments of local governments in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Face-to-face semi-structured interview was conducted with 15 purposively selected social entrepreneurs in Gauteng and Western Cape provinces. The interview guide consisted of main themes and follow-up questions. Themes included SEs’ general history, the social business model; challenges faced and how these were overcome; scaling and growth/survival strategies. These enabled the evaluation of SEs in terms of identifying key criteria of affordability, availability, awareness and acceptability, which SEs must achieve to operate successfully in low-income markets. Social enterprise owners/managers within the electricity distribution, water reticulation and waste management services sectors were surveyed.

Findings

Most respondents focus on building a network of trust with stakeholders, through communication mechanisms that emphasize high-frequency engagements. There is also a strong focus on design-thinking and customer-centric approaches that strengthen value creation. The value creation process used both product value and service value mechanisms and emphasized quality and excellence to provide stakeholder, as well as societal value, within their specific contexts.

Practical implications

This study builds upon other research that emphasizes SEs’ customer-centric approaches to strengthen value creation and on building a network of trust with multiple stakeholders. It contributes to emphasizing the business paradigm shift towards bringing social values to the business practice.

Social implications

Social good, but resource providers are demanding more concrete evidence to help them understand their impact (Struthers, 2013). This is because it is intrinsically difficult for many social organizations to document and communicate their impact in more than an anecdotal way. The research has contributed to the understanding of how SEs can provide evidence of value creation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of how business models are designed to create value within the context of the overwhelming complexity of local government services in South Africa.
Measuring the effectiveness and impact of COVID-19 health policies on firms and UNSDGs: evidence from China
Authors: Yang Minhua , Ramiah Vikash , Pereira Vijay , Temouri Yama , Behl Abhishek
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper documents and links firm- and country-level outcomes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) by portraying how the Chinese economy has fared during the COVID-19 crisis. It does so by shedding light on the factors that determine the effectiveness of health policies implemented in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Unlike the prior literature, in which lagging performance measures are used, the authors use leading indicators with event study methodology to develop effectiveness scores and identify the determinants of effectiveness, including financial variables, firm infection, geographical location of the spread, travel bans, lockdown periods, policies of home quarantine, health innovations and other innovative measures undertaken by the Chinese authorities.

Findings

The detailed disaggregated results show many dimensions where abnormal returns are indeed associated with various health policies and that the effectiveness, influenced by firm size, profitability, firm infection and location. The results remain robust when the authors control for various event windows and models and provide evidence of a strong UNSDG link, which the authors draw up a list.

Research limitations/implications

Apart from the quantitative analysis approach, future studies can complement and add further insights by utilizing qualitative research approaches.

Practical implications

The results offers robust evidence for policy-makers and firm managers on how a crisis of such proportions and subsequent health policies is affecting different firms and why.

Social implications

The study shows how COVID-19 health policies open a new dimension in terms of energy demand reduction and lower emissions, factors linking to the UNSDGs.

Originality/value

The study is the first to show detailed disaggregated results across many dimensions where abnormal returns are indeed associated with various health policies and that the effectiveness, influenced by firm size, profitability, firm infection and location.
Forward collision warning system for motorcyclist using smart phone sensors based on time-to-collision and trajectory prediction
Authors: Lim Qun , Lim Yi , Muhammad Hafiz , Tan Dylan Wei Ming , Tan U-Xuan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a proof-of-concept (POC) Forward Collision Warning (FWC) system for the motorcyclist, which determines a potential clash based on time-to-collision and trajectory of both the detected and ego vehicle (motorcycle).

Design/methodology/approach

This comes in three approaches. First, time-to-collision value is to be calculated based on low-cost camera video input. Second, the trajectory of the detected vehicle is predicted based on video data in the 2 D pixel coordinate. Third, the trajectory of the ego vehicle is predicted via the lean direction of the motorcycle from a low-cost inertial measurement unit sensor.

Findings

This encompasses a comprehensive Advanced FWC system which is an amalgamation of the three approaches mentioned above. First, to predict time-to-collision, nested Kalman filter and vehicle detection is used to convert image pixel matrix to relative distance, velocity and time-to-collision data. Next, for trajectory prediction of detected vehicles, a few algorithms were compared, and it was found that long short-term memory performs the best on the data set. The last finding is that to determine the leaning direction of the ego vehicle, it is better to use lean angle measurement compared to riding pattern classification.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is that it provides a POC FWC system that considers time-to-collision and trajectory of both detected and ego vehicle (motorcycle).
Consumer brand engagement on social media in the COVID-19 pandemic: the roles of country-of-origin and consumer animosity
Authors: Wang Tianfu , Limbu Yam B. , Fang Xing
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic unprecedentedly shocks the market. Little is known about the impact of COVID-19 on brand engagement across country-of-origin (COO) and country-of-market (COM). To address the gap, this study examines how the spread of the COVID-19 affects consumer brand engagement on social media for global brands through the mechanisms of the COO and consumer animosity.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collect consumer engagement activity data from Facebook for eight global smartphone brands and match it with the COVID-19 statistics. Ordinary least square (OLS) models are used to estimate the impact on global brands brought by the spread of the COVID-19.

Findings

The results show that consumer brand engagement decreases for all brands in a COM as the number of confirmed COVID-19 new cases increases in the COM. Consumer brand engagement decreases for a brand across all COM as the number of confirmed COVID-19 new cases increases in the brand’s COO. If a brand’s COO is imputed for the pandemic, its consumer brand engagement will receive additional negative impacts across all COM.

Originality/value

This study enriches the COO literature by showing how the spread of a pandemic affects consumer brand engagement via COO and discovers the moderating role of consumer animosity.
Symbolic or substantive change? How a Malaysian palm oil company managed sustainability issues in words and deeds
Authors: Nor Ahmad Saidatul Nurul Hidayah Jannatun Naim , Amran Azlan , Siti-Nabiha A.K.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how a Malaysian palm oil company responded to the pressure for change towards sustainability in their sustainability reporting of negative incidents and in actual sustainability practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used qualitative methodology through an interpretive case study of a palm company. The study gathered primary and secondary data via semi-structured interviews with key organisational members and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), informal conversations, focus groups, document/annual report content analyses and observations. Symbolic and substantive management was used as the theoretical lens to explain the findings.

Findings

After experiencing a series of negative events regarding their social and environmental performance, the case company responded by using selective disclosure and a symbolic/legitimising strategy to address the majority of recurring negative events. In actual practice, the company changed structurally but policy-implementation gaps remain despite these changes. Strategically, the company changed in terms of its expansion policy but remained unchanged in traceability issues. The increased awareness of sustainability in the company’s culture appeared to suffer in favour of profit and cost/efficiency considerations that remain prominent. Both substantive and symbolic changes were found in both reports and practice but were more inclined to be symbolic.

Practical implications

The study provides guidelines for companies changing towards sustainability in both practice and reporting, in their effort to contribute to sustainable development goals.

Originality/value

The study provides evidence of symbolic and substantive changes as complementing activities instead of a dichotomy, which was mostly assumed in previous literature and suggests companies adopt a combination of these depending on the severity of sustainability-related issues, level of scrutiny and cost/efficiency considerations.
Identity, Gender Relations and Community Life in the History of the Migration of Italian Anarchists to Brazil (1890–1922)
Authors: Bignami Elena
Published: September 2021

This article investigates how women within the anarchist movement participated in the great migratory wave which saw millions of Italians leave Italy to emigrate to Brazil between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It analyses how this participation developed in the country of arrival, and in particular whether the ideals of freedom and emancipation relating to the so‐called ‘women's question’ supported by the anarchists were realised in the context of the migration project. It focuses on the comparison between the experience of women of the first generation, who were an integral part of a family migration project that left little room for individual growth, and young women of the second generation, raised in Brazil within anarchist communities and on the basis of the ideals that inspired them. It was the opportunity to grow in a context culturally inspired by the principles of freedom and autonomy that allowed some of these younger women to determine themselves, despite the generally conservative reality even within anarchist communities. This article seeks to reassess and deepen themes that previous historiography has only partially assessed due to a difficult and fragmented source based on female migration, which has often led scholars to fall back on the unfounded statement that there had only been low female participation in anarchist migration to Brazil.
‘Why should not Citadels become Academies?’ Transatlantic Tercentenaries, Higher Education and Local Pasts in Britain after the First World War
Authors: VANDREI MARTHA
Published: September 2021

This article examines two transatlantic tercentenaries that took place around the end of the First World War: that of the execution of Sir Walter Raleigh (1918) and that of the sailing of the Mayflower (1920). By sheer historical happenstance, these two major commemorative events were both centred on the county of Devon. Raleigh was associated with the city of Exeter, while the Mayflower pilgrims were indelibly linked with the maritime city of Plymouth. This thrusting into the limelight of two Devonian cities coincided with a regional effort to expand university education in the southwest. This article examines these two tercentenaries as case studies in the interaction between the transnational, regional and local dimensions of commemorative culture and historical narrative in Britain. It shows how, in both cases, internationalism fed regional rivalries, with national agendas peripheral at best. The article's second, related aim is to highlight a neglected aspect of scholarship on twentieth‐century memorialisation, namely educational institutions as legacies of historical commemorative events. In both the Raleigh and the Mayflower anniversaries, links between the British locale and internationalism superseded any national aims or agendas, with both Exeter and Plymouth vying to be the regional leader in higher education, each bolstered by their claims to significance in America. Although neither scheme ultimately came to fruition, the tercentenaries nevertheless left behind educational legacies, calling into question the stark divide between ‘public’ and ‘academic’ history.
Factors affecting use of magnesium sulphate for pre‐eclampsia or eclampsia: a qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Eddy KE , Vogel JP , Zahroh RI , Bohren MA
Published: September 2021

Background

Hypertensive disorders account for 14% of global maternal deaths. Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) is recommended for prevention and treatment of pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia. However, MgSO4 remains underused, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs).

Objective

This qualitative evidence synthesis explores perceptions and experiences of healthcare providers, administrators and policy‐makers regarding factors affecting use of MgSO4 to prevent or treat pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia.

Search strategy

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Emcare, CINAHL, Global Health and Global Index Medicus, and grey literature for studies published between January 1995 and June 2021.

Selection criteria

Primary qualitative and mixed‐methods studies on factors affecting use of MgSO4 in healthcare settings, from the perspectives of healthcare providers, administrators and policy‐makers, were eligible for inclusion.

Data collection and analysis

We applied a thematic synthesis approach to analysis, using COM‐B behaviour change theory to map factors affecting appropriate use of MgSO4.

Main results

We included 22 studies, predominantly from LMICs. Key themes included provider competence and confidence administering MgSO4 (attitudes and beliefs, complexities of administering, knowledge and experience), capability of health systems to ensure MgSO4 availability at point of use (availability, resourcing and pathways to care) and knowledge translation (dissemination of research and recommendations). Within each COM‐B domain, we mapped facilitators and barriers to physical and psychological capability, physical and social opportunity, and how the interplay between these domains influences motivation.

Conclusions

These findings can inform policy and guideline development and improve implementation of MgSO4 in clinical care. Such action is needed to ensure this life‐saving treatment is widely available and appropriately used.

Tweetable abstract

Global qualitative review identifies factors affecting underutilisation of MgSO4 for pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia.
Preparation of highly purified oleuropein by combinative technology off line of HSCCC‐PHPLC based on dual wavelength
Authors: Wang Ningli , Pei Dong , Liu Yewei , Wei Jianteng , Huang Xinyi , Di Duolong
Published: September 2021

Oleuropein is the main active substance in foods or functional foods produced from olive (Olea europaea L.) leaves. In the present study, the combinative technology off line of HSCCC‐PHPLC based on dual wavelength was used to separate highly purified oleuropein from oleuropein extract. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the conditions of HSCCC. Furthermore, a large amount of higher purified oleuropein was obtained through HSCCC at the wavelength of 254 nm, and oleuropein with the purity greater than 98.5% was obtained by PHPLC at the wavelength of 300 nm. Finally, the purity and structure identification of highly purified oleuropein were determined by various methods and its stability was investigated. As a result, oleuropein was stable in solution, and had good stability under the condition of dark storage at 4°C within a week or under the condition of dark storage at −20°C within one year.

Practical Application

In this study, an efficient method for purification and refining of oleuropein by combinative technology off line of HSCCC‐PHPLC based on dual wavelength was established. Oleuropein with the purity greater than 98.5% was macro‐obtained via the technology. The highly purified oleuropein could be used to control the quality of olive products.
Effect of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) leaves on dough properties, antioxidant activity, and bread quality using whole wheat flour
Authors: Santetti Gabriela Soster , Dacoreggio Marina Volpato , Silva Ana Carolina Mattana , Biduski Barbara , Bressiani Joseane , Oro Tatiana , de Francisco Alicia , Gutkoski Luiz Carlos , Amboni Renata Dias de Mello Castanho
Published: September 2021

This study investigated the effects of different yerba mate (YM) proportions (1.5, 2.5, and 4.5 g YM/100 g whole wheat flour (WWF) and particle sizes (245, 415.5, and 623.9 µm) on dough rheological properties, antioxidant activity, and bread characteristics. The addition of YM leaves led to a possible interaction between its phenolic compounds and the gluten network within the dough, without negative effects on dough formation. However, the larger YM particle size (623.9 µm) caused a weakening of the protein network, resulting in lower quality product compared to the other samples. Improved bread quality was found when the YM leaves were added at 2.5 g YM/100 g WWF. The total amount of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity increased as the proportion of YM increased in both flour and bread. Moreover, the phenolic compounds in 2.5 g YM/100 g WWF breads were stable during baking, showing no significant losses in the amount of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. These results suggest the YM can be successfully incorporated into baked product, improving its functional characteristics.

Practical Application

This study evaluates the technological quality of bakery product made by incorporating yerba mate leaves in whole wheat flour. The results will contribute to the production of a bread with greater functional properties due to the presence of polyphenols and phytochemicals.
Nanoparticle‐stabilized encapsulation of borneol and citral: Physicochemical characteristics, storage stability, and enhanced antibacterial activities
Authors: Wang Wen , Ren Zhihui , Wang Li , Cai Ying , Ma Hang , Fang Liming , Su Jianyu
Published: September 2021

Combinations of phytochemical(s) and engineered nanoparticles have attracted immense research interest due to their superior antimicrobial effects against contaminations. Herein, a Pickering emulsion is developed with capsulized phytochemicals including borneol and citral (BC–Cap) stabilized by hydrophilic amine‐functionalized silica nanoparticles (SiO2─NH2 NPs). The droplet sizes of Pickering emulsion were 5.2 ± 1.4 µm under the condition that the concentrations of SiO2─NH2 NPs ranged from 0.6 to 1.2 wt.%, and the emulsion showed desirable stability during storage at 40°C for 365 days. In addition, the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the Pickering emulsion were investigated. The antibacterial effect of BC–Cap increased by two‐ to fourfold compared with citral or borneol alone. Treatment of BC/BC–Cap for 4 h eliminated the formation of biofilms generated by Listeria monocytogenes (at 5/1.25 mg/ml; 2 × MIC concentration) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (at 5/2.5 mg/ml; 2 × MIC concentration). Further mechanistic studies revealed that the antibiofilm effects of BC–Cap were attributed to its ability to increase the porosity and lytic effects on the cell membrane of bacteria. Findings from the current study support the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of BC–Cap Pickering emulsion as a promising food additive.

Practical Application

The Pickering emulsion has potential applications as bacteriostatic agent in packaging materials and general surface disinfectant. The combination of borneol and citral is stabilized by hydrophilic amine‐functionalized silica nanoparticles (SiO2─NH2 NPs). With the synergistic effects of borneol and citral, the Pickering emulsion shows a promising elimination effect against the formation of biofilms produced by Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The effect of Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. leaves addition on antioxidant capacity, physicochemical properties, and in vitro digestibility of rice extrudates
Authors: Fu Xi , Liu Qing , Xu Enbo , Yang Yueyue , Zhu Kunfu , Jin Zhengyu , Jiao Aiquan
Published: September 2021

Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb.leaves (VBTL) are a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with potential natural pigments and antioxidants. Its application information on extrusion is limited. In this study, to increase the usage of foods containing VBTL, rice‐based extrudates with VBTL were investigated. The extrusion was performed at a wide temperature range (60–140°C) and with different VBTL supplementations (3%–10%). The extrudates with 10% VBTL showed a significant decrease in total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity upon extrusion. TPC and TFC increased with the rise of barrel temperature. The VBTL color was stable during the wide‐temperature extrusion process. The bioactivities of the extrudates were positively correlated with the VBTLsupplement (R = 0.943–0.989). In addition, different addition levels of VBTL significantly changed the water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), pasting properties, and in vitro starch digestibility of the extrudates. Moreover, extrudates with 3% VBTL showed the highest WAI and peak viscosity but the lowest in vitro starch digestibility. These results may suggest that rice extrudates with a low supplement of VBTL have an acceptable color and may be used as functional additives for high antioxidant and low glycemic response diets.

Practical Application

The results showed that the Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. leaves (VBTL) color and antioxidation were stable during the wide‐temperature extrusion process. Extrusion processing can be used to enlarge the usage of VBTL and simplify its traditional processing method. Applying VBTL to the process of extrusion appears to be a suitable method of producing value‐added and low glycemic response extrudates.
Come In, We’re Open (and Flexible): Trade Openness, Labour Flexibility, and Varieties of Capitalism
Authors: Tijerina Walid
Published: September 2021

For decades now, scholars have questioned the influence that international trade has had on labour regimes across the globe. This article seeks to contribute to this body of literature by assessing the relationship between trade openness and labour flexibility across countries while controlling for institutional complementarities and industrial relations values included in the varieties of capitalism (VoC) literature. In parallel, the article’s empirical core assesses the relationship between labour flexibility and trade openness within OECD and Latin American countries. As the empirical sections will highlight, the paper’s examination of the cited bivariate relationship points to a policy convergence toward labour flexibility among OECD countries that were originally considered by the VoC framework. Conversely, in Latin America, the cited relationship exhibits diverging trajectories in policy outcomes, suggesting an influential impact of the ‘pink tide’ that swept across the region at the turn of the century.
Construction and validation of conceptual and operational definitions of the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis “Ineffective health self‐management” in people living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: D'Eça Aurean , dos Santos Rodrigues Lívia , de Menezes Harlon França , Noleto dos Santos Wenysson , Lopes Camila Takáo , da Silva Richardson Augusto Rosendo
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Build and validate the content of conceptual and operational definitions of the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis of NANDA‐I “Ineffective health self‐management” in people living with HIV/AIDS.

Methods

Methodological study, with a quantitative approach. The validation was performed by 26 specialist nurses selected through the Lattes do Brazil platform. The process followed two steps: (a) proposal of new defining characteristics to the Nursing Diagnosis “Ineffective Health Self‐Management” and elaboration of conceptual and operational definitions; (b) content validation of the new defining characteristics of the Nursing Diagnosis “Ineffective Health Self‐Management” and the conceptual and operational definitions. Data were collected between October 2020 and May 2021.

Findings

The researchers included six defining characteristics as components of the diagnosis, adding to the 10 already existing in the NANDA‐I version (2021–2023). Then, the experts judged these components and 13 defining characteristics were validated using the binominal test with adequacy ratio above 85% and p value <0.05. After this stage, the conceptual and operational definitions of these defining characteristics were constructed, validating them by the content validation index ≥0.80 by the expert nurses.

Conclusions

Three new defining characteristics for Ineffective health self‐management were proposed and validated by specialists. Conceptual and operational definitions of the new and current defining characteristics were elaborated and validated for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Implications for nursing practice

The knowledge and study of the conceptual and operational definitions of nursing diagnoses can contribute to good nursing practices, assisting in the care and evaluation of nurses in the provision of care to people living with HIV/AIDS, and can avoid misunderstandings and inappropriate interpretations and can guarantee assertive clinical judgment.

Search terms

Nursing diagnosis, validation studies, nursing processes, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Development and preclinical evaluation of virus‐like particle vaccine against COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Yilmaz Ismail Cem , Ipekoglu Emre Mert , Bulbul Artun , Turay Nilsu , Yildirim Muzaffer , Evcili Irem , Yilmaz Naz Surucu , Guvencli Nese , Aydin Yagmur , Gungor Bilgi , Saraydar Berfu , Bartan Asli Gulce , Ibibik Bilgehan , Bildik Tugce , Baydemir İlayda , Sanli Hatice Asena , Kayaoglu Basak , Ceylan Yasemin , Yildirim Tugce , Abras Irem , Ayanoglu Ihsan Cihan , Cam Sefa Burak , Ciftci Dede Eda , Gizer Merve , Erganis Osman , Sarac Fahriye , Uzar Serdar , Enul Hakan , Adiay Cumhur , Aykut Gamze , Polat Hivda , Yildirim Ismail Selim , Tekin Saban , Korukluoglu Gulay , Zeytin Hasan Ersin , Korkusuz Petek , Gursel Ihsan , Gursel Mayda
Published: September 2021

Background

Vaccines that incorporate multiple SARS‐CoV‐2 antigens can further broaden the breadth of virus‐specific cellular and humoral immunity. This study describes the development and immunogenicity of SARS‐CoV‐2 VLP vaccine that incorporates the four structural proteins of SARS‐CoV‐2.

Methods

VLPs were generated in transiently transfected HEK293 cells, purified by multimodal chromatography, and characterized by tunable‐resistive pulse sensing, AFM, SEM, and TEM. Immunoblotting studies verified the protein identities of VLPs. Cellular and humoral immune responses of immunized animals demonstrated the immune potency of the formulated VLP vaccine.

Results

Transiently transfected HEK293 cells reproducibly generated vesicular VLPs that were similar in size to and expressing all four structural proteins of SARS‐CoV‐2. Alum adsorbed, K3‐CpG ODN‐adjuvanted VLPs elicited high titer anti‐S, anti‐RBD, anti‐N IgG, triggered multifunctional Th1‐biased T‐cell responses, reduced virus load, and prevented lung pathology upon live virus challenge in vaccinated animals.

Conclusion

These data suggest that VLPs expressing all four structural protein antigens of SARS‐CoV‐2 are immunogenic and can protect animals from developing COVID‐19 infection following vaccination.
Boulders in the Stream: The Lineage and Founding of the Society for the Anthropology of Consciousness
Authors: Schwartz Stephan A.
Published: September 2021

The founding of the Society for the Anthropology of Consciousness (SAC) can only be understood within the cultural context of its heritage. This paper is an historical narrative tracing the intellectual lineage of the SAC. The immediate causes were a series of symposia in 1974, including several on the challenge to anthropology represented by Carlos Castaneda, who attacked the way a critical part of anthropology was conducted. The argument in his own narrative was that one could not understand the shamanic world view without becoming a shaman. No informant could ever convey this, because so much of it was experiential. It could not be properly known unless one entered with sincerity into the experience, as a participant not just an observer. Two insights central to this thesis are particularly relevant to SAC: an aspect of human consciousness exists independent of time and space susceptible to volitional control; and, there is an interconnection between all life forms, which must be understood if the universal impulse humans feel toward the spiritual component of their lives is to properly mature. The SAC can be seen in pure Kuhnian terms as one response to the reassessment that Castaneda forced on anthropology.
Relational Life: Lessons from Black Feminism on Whiteness and Engaging New Food Activism
Authors: Chennault Carrie
Published: September 2021

Critical food scholarship and BIPOC‐led food activism are demanding government responsibility for developing equitable food systems, while contending with the failure of government to affirm Black and Brown lives. Heeding Black feminist calls for complex geographies, I trace the racial entanglements of food apartheid in daily life in Dubuque, Iowa, USA as they intersect with Growing Together, a community donation gardening program developed through federal nutrition education and state Cooperative Extension programs. Analysing interview data, I examine Growing Together’s lack of accountability for food apartheid in Dubuque, and I focus on radical strategies to disrupt racialised, taken for granted notions of city neighbourhoods as “with” and “without” food, knowledge, skills, or community character. Complex geographies reveal paths to reconfigure Growing Together around mutual interdependency and support of Black‐ and Brown‐led collective struggles against a racist state, paths that ultimately demand the deep governmental transformations called for within racial justice movements.
12‐month outcomes of ranibizumab versus aflibercept for macular oedema in central retinal vein occlusion: data from the FRB! registry
Authors: Niedzwiecki Mateusz , Hunt Adrian , Nguyen Vuong , Mehta Hemal , Creuzot‐Garcher Catherine , Gabrielle Pierre‐Henry , Guillemin Martin , Fraser‐Bell Samantha , Arnold Jennifer , McAllister Ian L. , Gillies Mark , Barthelmes Daniel
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To compare 12‐month treatment outcomes of eyes receiving aflibercept or ranibizumab for macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in routine clinical practice.

Methods

296 treatment‐naïve eyes receiving either aflibercept (171 eyes, 2 mg) or ranibizumab (125 eyes, 0.5 mg) for macular oedema secondary to CRVO were recruited retrospectively from centres using the prospectively designed FRB! registry. The primary outcome measure was the mean change in LogMAR letter scores of visual acuity (VA). Secondary outcomes included change in central subfield thickness (CST), injections and visits, time to first grading of inactivity, switching and non‐completion from baseline to 12 months.

Results

Baseline VA (SD) was somewhat better in aflibercept‐ versus ranibizumab‐treated eyes (42.5 ± 25.5 letters versus 36.9 ± 26 letters; p = 0.07) with similar CST (614 (240) μm versus 616 (234) μm: p = 0.95). The 12‐month adjusted mean (95%CI) VA change was +16.6 (12.9, 20.4) letters for aflibercept versus +9.8 (5.5, 14.1) letters for ranibizumab (p = 0.001). The mean (95%CI) adjusted change in CST was significantly greater in aflibercept‐ versus ranibizumab‐treated eyes: −304 (−276, −333) µm versus −252 (−220, −282) µm (p < 0.001). Both groups had a median (Q1, Q3) of 7 (5, 9) injections and 10 (8,13) visits. Aflibercept‐treated eyes became inactive sooner than ranibizumab (p = 0.02). Switching occurred more commonly from ranibizumab (26 eyes, 21%) than from aflibercept (9 eyes, 5%) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Both aflibercept and ranibizumab improved VA and reduced CST in eyes with CRVO in routine clinical practice, with aflibercept showing significantly greater improvements in this comparative analysis.
A stakeholders' attributions approach to integrating normative, descriptive, and instrumental corporate social responsibility
Authors: Perrault Elise , Shaver Kelly
Published: September 2021

Although there is an extensive body of research that empirically examines the antecedents and outcomes of corporate social responsibility (CSR), much less attention has been accorded to theory development that would suggest why firms engage in CSR, when, and how these initiatives pay off. In this paper, we propose an integrated model of the relationships among the ethical base for engaging in CSR, the pragmatic reality of business–society relationships, and firm strategic outcomes (e.g., normative, descriptive, and instrumental CSR, respectively). Specifically, we consider that a firm's ethical approach to CSR informs the actions and practices through which the firm pragmatically interacts with society. We argue that stakeholders interpret a firm's social performance as reaffirming, repairing, reinforcing, or reducing their perceptions of the firm's reputation—leading to attributions of trust/suspicion that affect firm outcomes. We conclude with the implications of our framework for future research and managerial practice.
Impact of regulatory interventions to restrict the combined use of renin–angiotensin system blockers: A Danish nationwide drug utilisation study
Authors: Sindahl Per , Ofori‐Asenso Richard , Hallgreen Christine Erikstrup , Kemp Kaare , Gardarsdottir Helga , De Bruin Marie Louise
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the risk minimisation measures issued by the European Medicines Agency in 2014 to restrict the combined use of renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blocking agents in Denmark. Data from the Danish National Prescription Registry covering all medications dispensed during January 2008–December 2018 was used. The outcome was monthly prevalence of patients codispensed RAS blockers. Autoregressive integrated moving average interrupted time series regression was used to evaluate dispensing trends. The prevalence of patients codispensed RAS blockers decreased from 0.01 to 0.0003%. Preintervention trend was declining and further decreased with an additional −0.45 (95% confidence interval −0.66, −0.25) codispensing per million population after the intervention. Overall, the intervention had minimal impact on the combined use of RAS blockers. However, as the combined use of RAS blockers is low, further interventions to restrict the combined use of RAS blockers may not be required in Denmark at this point.
Evaluation of the drug‐drug interaction potential of treosulfan using a physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic modelling approach
Authors: Schaller Stephan , Martins Frederico S. , Balazki Pavel , Böhm Sonja , Baumgart Joachim , Hilger Ralf A. , Beelen Dietrich W. , Hemmelmann Claudia , Ring Arne
Published: September 2021

Aims

The aim of this work is the development of a mechanistic physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model using in vitro to in vivo extrapolation to conduct a drug‐drug interaction (DDI) assessment of treosulfan against two cytochrome p450 (CYP) isoenzymes and P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) substrates.

Methods

A PBPK model for treosulfan was developed de novo based on literature and unpublished clinical data. The PBPK DDI analysis was conducted using the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) DDI index drugs (probe substrates) midazolam, omeprazole and digoxin for CYP3A4, CYP2C19 and P‐gp, respectively. Qualified and documented PBPK models of the probe substrates have been adopted from an open‐source online model database.

Results

The PBPK model for treosulfan, based on both in vitro and in vivo data, was able to predict the plasma concentration‐time profiles and exposure levels of treosulfan applied for a standard conditioning treatment. Medium and low potentials for DDI on CYP3A4 (maximum area under the concentration‐time curve ratio (AUCRmax = 2.23) and CYP2C19 (AUCRmax = 1.6) were predicted, respectively, using probe substrates midazolam and omeprazole. Treosulfan was not predicted to cause a DDI on P‐gp.

Conclusion

Medicinal products with a narrow therapeutic index (eg, digoxin) that are substrates for CYP3A4, CYP2C19 or P‐gp should not be given during treatment with treosulfan. However, considering the comprehensive treosulfan‐based conditioning treatment schedule and the respective pharmacokinetic properties of the concomitantly used drugs (eg, half‐life), the potential for interaction on all evaluated mechanisms would be low (AUCR < 1.25), if concomitantly administered drugs are dosed either 2 hours before or 8 hours after the 2‐hour intravenous infusion of treosulfan.
9p24.1 alterations and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 expression in early stage unfavourable classical Hodgkin lymphoma: an analysis from the German Hodgkin Study Group NIVAHL trial
Authors: Gerhard‐Hartmann Elena , Goergen Helen , Bröckelmann Paul J. , Mottok Anja , Steinmüller Tabea , Grund Johanna , Zamò Alberto , Ben‐Neriah Susana , Sasse Stephanie , Borchmann Sven , Fuchs Michael , Borchmann Peter , Reinke Sarah , Engert Andreas , Veldman Johanna , Diepstra Arjan , Klapper Wolfram , Rosenwald Andreas
Published: September 2021

High programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD‐L1) protein expression and copy number alterations (CNAs) of the corresponding genomic locus 9p24.1 in Hodgkin‐ and Reed–Sternberg cells (HRSC) have been shown to be associated with favourable response to anti‐PD‐1 checkpoint inhibition in relapsed/refractory (r/r) classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). In the present study, we investigated baseline 9p24.1 status as well as PD‐L1 and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II protein expression in 82 biopsies from patients with early stage unfavourable cHL treated with anti‐PD‐1‐based first‐line treatment in the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG) NIVAHL trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03004833). All evaluated specimens showed 9p24.1 CNA in HRSC to some extent, but with high intratumoral heterogeneity and an overall smaller range of alterations than reported in advanced‐stage or r/r cHL. All but two cases (97%) showed PD‐L1 expression by the tumour cells in variable amounts. While MHC‐I was rarely expressed in >50% of HRSC, MHC‐II expression in >50% of HRSC was found more frequently. No obvious impact of 9p24.1 CNA or PD‐L1 and MHC‐I/II expression on early response to the highly effective anti‐PD‐1‐based NIVAHL first‐line treatment was observed. Further studies evaluating an expanded panel of potential biomarkers are needed to optimally stratify anti‐PD‐1 first‐line cHL treatment.