bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the contextual factors affecting financial shared service implementation and firm performance
Authors: Ou Peiyu , Zhang Chenxi
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Although the financial shared service (FSS) mode has become a well-established organizational arrangement, current information system (IS) research remains limited and mixed. The purpose of this study is to narrow research gaps in the literature on shared services from an FSS practice perspective. The following research questions guide this study: (1) what are the important antecedents of FSS implementation? (2) what is the impact of FSS implementation on firm performance?

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework and previous innovation studies, this study explores the impact of FSS implementation on firm performance. A questionnaire survey was conducted on Chinese firms using partial least squares (PLS) for data analysis.

Findings

The authors find technological, organizational and environmental factors affect the extent and depth of FSS implementation. The empirical results show that relative advantage, compatibility, top management support, managerial obstacles and competitive pressure significantly affect FSS implementation, but bandwagon pressure does not have a direct impact on it. Top management support is the most important factor, and managerial obstacles and compatibility are controllable and manageable factors for firms. The study confirms that FSS improves the financial and non-financial performance of firms significantly, and the degree of improvement in non-financial is greater than that in financial performance.

Practical implications

A comprehension of the key factors influencing FSS implementation will help companies predict weaknesses in their implementation plan and design suitable strategies to handle deployment to achieve these benefits. Managers can make a comprehensive decision regarding the long-term development of combining FSS and the suitability of companies.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the shared services implementation theory by identifying a set of theoretical factors that shape a firm's shared service implementation. This study provides empirical support to gauge the impact of FSS implementation on firm performance and provides new evidence for a shared-service payoff study. Moreover, the study extends the applicability of the TOE framework and the balanced scorecard (BSC) viewpoint to the FSS implementation field.
Modeling a closed-loop vaccine supply chain with transshipments to minimize wastage and threats to the public: a system dynamics approach
Authors: Andiç-Mortan Esen , Gonul Kochan Cigdem
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to focus on building a conceptual closed-loop vaccine supply chain (CLVSC) to decrease vaccine wastage and counterfeit/fake vaccines.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a focused literature review, the framework for the CLVSC is described, and the system dynamics (SD) research methodology is used to build a causal loop diagram (CLD) of the proposed model.

Findings

In the battle against COVID-19, waste management systems have become overwhelmed, which has created negative environmental and extremely hazardous societal impacts. A key contributing factor is unused vaccine doses, shown as a source for counterfeit/fake vaccines. The findings identify a CLVSC design and transshipment operations to decrease vaccine wastage and the potential for vaccine theft.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to establishing a pandemic-specific VSC structure. The proposed model informs the current COVID-19 pandemic as well as potential future pandemics.

Social implications

A large part of the negative impact of counterfeit/fake vaccines is on human well-being, and this can be avoided with proper CLVSC.

Originality/value

This study develops a novel overarching SD CLD by integrating the epidemic model of disease transmission, VSC and closed-loop structure. This study enhances the policymakers’ understanding of the importance of vaccine waste collection, proper handling and threats to the public, which are born through illicit activities that rely on stolen vaccine doses.
A systematic literature review: digital marketing and its impact on SMEs
Authors: Jadhav Gauri Girish , Gaikwad Shubhangi Vitthal , Bapat Dhananjay
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the available literature on the use of digital marketing and its impact on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study identifies the use of digital marketing practices and its impact on SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review has been conducted on digital marketing, and its implementation in SMEs. The impact of digital marketing on SMEs performance is observed over the past 12 years through the resources which are undertaken for the study, namely, Science Direct, Scopus, Springer, IEEE Explorer, ACM Digital Library, Engineering Village, ISI Web of Knowledge database is used to search the research publications on the selected topic.

Findings

Although some SME firms use digital marketing, their impact is not similar where we can recommend a fixed strategy for applying digital marketing. This review provides an insight into how digital marketing has evolved over the period of time and how SMEs are adopting it for their sustenance.

Practical implications

This study will give theoretical analysis of various benefits received by SMEs because of digital marketing in the different capacities helping organizations to uplift their productivity. Mind mapping will give the idea of impact of SMEs on their various performances in rural as well as in the urban areas. This study will give further scope for digital marketers to approach those industries specifically at rural parts of the nation for bringing change into their marketing operations and also for increasing turnover by the use of digital marketing.

Originality/value

Research on the use of digital marketing by SMEs firms is still at the embryonic stage in India. This study is a pioneering effort to review the use of digital marketing in SMEs and identify research priorities for scholars and practitioners.
How work-family conflict affects knowledge workers' innovative behavior: a spillover-crossover-spillover model of dual-career couples
Authors: Song Jiayi , Jiao Hao , Wang Canhao
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Innovative behavior is a microfoundation of an organization’s innovation. Knowledge workers are the main creators of innovations. With the boundaries between work and family becoming increasingly ambiguous, the purpose of this study is to explore how the work–family conflict affects knowledge workers’ innovative behavior and when such a conflict arises.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the theoretical model, this study collected data from a time-lagged matched sample of 214 dual-career couples. The data were analyzed with the bias-corrected bootstrapping method.

Findings

The results of this study showed that work-to-family conflict had not only a direct negative effect on knowledge workers’ innovative behavior but also an indirect effect through spouses’ within-family emotional exhaustion and knowledge workers’ family-to-work conflict. If wives’ gender role perceptions are traditional, then the indirect serial mediating effect is weakened, but if such perceptions are egalitarian, then the mentioned effect is aggravated.

Practical implications

In terms of organizational implications, managers could alter their approach by reducing detrimental factors such as work–family conflict to improve knowledge workers’ innovative behavior. Emotional assistance programs for both knowledge workers and their spouses can be used to prevent the detrimental effect of work–family conflict on innovative behavior. As to social implications, placing dual-career couples into a community of likeminded individuals and promoting their agreement on gender role identity will greatly reduce the negative effects of work–family conflict.

Originality/value

Starting from the perspective of the behavior outcome of knowledge management, this study advances the existing knowledge management literature by enriching the antecedents of knowledge workers’ innovative behavior, illuminating a spillover–crossover–spillover effect of work–family conflict on knowledge workers’ innovative behavior and identifying the boundary condition of this transmission process.
Blood supply chain network design: a systematic review of literature and implications for future research
Authors: Agac Gokhan , Baki Birdogan , Ar Ilker Murat
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to systematically review the existing literature on the blood supply chain (BSC) from a network design perspective and highlight the research gaps in this area. Moreover, it also aims to pinpoint new research opportunities based on the recent innovative technologies for the BSC network design.

Design/methodology/approach

The study gives a comprehensive systematic review of the BSC network design studies until October 2021. This review was carried out in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). In the literature review, a total of 87 studies were analyzed under six main categories as model structure, application model, solution approach, problem type, the parties of the supply chain and innovative technologies.

Findings

The results of the study present the researchers’ tendencies and preferences when designing their BSC network models.

Research limitations/implications

The study presents a guide for researchers and practitioners on BSC from the point of view of network design and encourages adopting innovative technologies in their BSC network designs.

Originality/value

The study provides a comprehensive systematic review of related studies from the BSC network design perspective and explores research gaps in the collection and distribution processes. Furthermore, it addresses innovative research opportunities by using innovative technologies in the area of BSC network design.
Promoting meaningfulness in work for higher job satisfaction: will intent to quit make trouble for business managers?
Authors: Haque Amlan , Khan Sardana Islam
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Limited empirical research has been conducted on the mediational influence of employees' intent to quit (IQ) and strategic human resource management (SHRM) to examine meaningfulness in work (MW) and job satisfaction (JS). Applying the psychological contract theory (PCT), this paper aims to explore the relationships among SHRM, IQ, MW, and JS; and the mediational influence of IQ on the relationship between SHRM and MW.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines a proposed hypothesised model with a two-stage technique of structural equation modelling, including four propositions. A web-based survey including a pilot test was directed to collect data targeting a sample of 200 full time Bangladeshi employees.

Findings

The results indicate that SHRM has significant effects on employees' IQ and MW, and IQ has a partial mediational impact on the direct relationship between SHRM and MW. Moreover, employees' IQ on MW was negative, and MW on JS was significantly positive among Bangladeshi employees.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that organisations aiming higher MW and JS should encourage SHRM and align their HRM functions accordingly. Furthermore, the implications of the study results can help organisations and HR managers to recognise the adverse effects of IQ on MW and the effective implementation of SHRM for higher MW and JS.

Originality/value

Despite the significant relationship between HRM and employee motivation, limited empirical research has been conducted on the mediational influence of IQ from PCT. Therefore, this paper examines the unique mediational role of IQ on the relationship between SHRM and MW, which has not been utterly observed from a developing nation's employee perspective.
Building human brands: the role of critical reviews
Authors: Pomirleanu Nadia , Chennamaneni Pavan Rao , John-Mariadoss Babu , Schibrowsky John A.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study evaluates the factors related to the creation of a human brand in the brand inception stage.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing content analysis of expert reviews, we establish the role played by valence (positiveness), depth (number of statements) and timing of subjective and objective critical reviews for human brands. To address these issues, we employ generalized estimating equations to model numerical ratings of celebrity reviews evaluating a nascent human brand.

Findings

The findings show that subjective reviews have the potential to influence the probability of survival of a human brand in the brand inception period, are increasingly consequential during the inception period stages and are more influential than objective reviews. We also found that the valence of objective reviews can negatively and significantly relate to human brands in their late inception stage.

Originality/value

This is the first research to demonstrate the importance of critical reviews in building human brands, with a focus on the first moment of a brand's inception. More importantly, this research enriches our understanding of the larger process of personal brand building as it may emerge over time.
Equity crowdfunding syndicates and fundraising performance: the effect of human capital and lead investor reputation
Authors: Zhang Ye , Scholes Louise , Fu Kun , Hughes Mathew , Tang Fangcheng
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper is about equity crowdfunding syndicates as a form of entrepreneurial finance and looks specifically at the lead investors' human capital and their ability to raise funds.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop regressions on a unique hand-collected dataset of 178 lead investors taken from the US-based platform AngelList.

Findings

Results indicate that lead investors' specialized human capital has a positive effect on their syndicate fundraising performance. However, it does not find a significant effect of general human capital. It also finds that specialized human capital is mediated by the reputation of the lead investor on the platform.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends human capital theory in the crowdfunding context by providing a more comprehensive portrait of human capital and in doing so, shifts the focus from an entrepreneur to an investor perspective, an approach much neglected in the crowdfunding literature.

Originality/value

This study advances the current knowledge on crowdfunding as it is one of the first to understand syndicate investment as an innovative and alternative platform-based financial channel. It also contributes to the current debate on the role of human capital in crowdfunding and more generally to entrepreneurial finance.
Paternal leadership and employee creativity: the mediating role of psychological safety
Authors: Sürücü Lütfi , Yıldız Halil , Sağbaş Murat
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This research aims to analyze the factors affecting the people's performance working in the health sector to improve the services the health sector provide to society and increase the efficiency of their institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual model covering paternalistic leadership, employee creativity and psychological safety as an intermediary role has been suggested. A questionnaire was applied to 600 employees of three hospitals in Izmir voluntarily and 531 questionnaire data were obtained to test the proposed model. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences-23 and Amos-18 were the statistical software used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results suggest that paternalistic leadership positively affects employee creativity and psychological safety plays a mediating role in this relationship. While the effects of paternalistic leadership on employee resourcefulness are readily available, paternalistic leadership's mechanisms need elucidation.

Originality/value

Previous studies have addressed issues, such as employees' job satisfaction and organizational commitment, covering Far East countries. Yet, the present research's findings enhance the cultural understanding of the conditions, where the paternalistic leader affects employee creativity. Moreover, leader affects must have managerial contributions to institutions.
Online channel mode selection in a platform supply chain in the presence of consumer returns
Authors: Yang Bing
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Motivated by the real-world practice that the boom of the online selling induces a higher product return as well, selecting which online channel mode indicates who takes ownership over the product and thus bears the loss of the product return. This paper aims to seek the optimal online channel modes for the two members in a platform supply chain in the presence of product returns.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to develop a platform supply chain that consists of one platform company and one supplier. Along with an offline distribution channel, the supplier can choose two alternative online selling modes (i.e. the reselling and agency modes) to sell its product through the online marketplace. This paper applies Stackelberg game to derive the equilibrium with different business scenarios and selects the optimal online channel modes for two parties, respectively. Moreover, this paper extends to a different supply chain with a reverse channel leadership and a different product return policy for testing the robustness.

Findings

Several interesting and important results are derived in this paper. Firstly, it is found that the relative pricing are largely relied on the costs of two channels. Secondly, the platform supply chain may benefit from a pure channel rather than the dual-channel when this channel enjoys a relatively low cost and/or a sufficiently high consumer preference. Then, the platform and the supplier act contradictorily when selecting their optimal online channel modes. To be specific, the platform motivates to choose the online reselling mode when both the commission rate and the slotting fee are relatively low, whereas the supplier is likely to select the online agency mode under this circumstance. Finally, a win-win situation in regards to the optimal online channel mode for two parties is achievable with numerical experiments.

Practical implications

Based on the analytical studies, the results derived in the authors’ work can provide managerial insights to assist the supplier and the platform company in determining the operational decision and selecting the optimal online channel mode to deal with consumer returns. In addition, appropriate commission rate along with slotting fee will make both parties achieve a win-win situation in determining their optimal online channel mode.

Originality/value

To the authors’ best knowledge, this paper makes the first move to determine the optimal online channel mode in the content of consumer returns and study how it is affected by different product return policies.
The clock is ticking: contexts, tensions and opportunities for addressing environmental justice in sport management
Authors: Chen Chen , Kellison Timothy
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore what environmental justice (EJ) can offer to sport management research and highlights the urgency for sport management scholars interested in environmental and ecological issues to engage with EJ as an important research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is primarily a position and conceptual paper. Drawing from multidisciplinary literature (e.g. critical human geography, environmental sociology, Indigenous studies and postcolonial studies), it provides an overview of the major conceptualizations of EJ and discusses important premises for sport management researchers to engage with EJ topics.

Findings

EJ offers opportunities for sport management researchers to form stronger analyses on existing racial, socio-economic, and gender-related inequities manifest in the sport industry. The incorporation of EJ can strengthen the emerging sport ecology research in sport management and offer opportunities for sport management researchers to form stronger analyses on existing racial, class and gender-related inequities manifest in the sport industry.

Originality/value

It provides a critical and original intervention to the sport management literature. EJ's emphasis on power and its position at the convergence of social movements, public policy, and scholarship hold important potential for sport management researchers to advance scholarship with “actions,” addressing environmental harms and seeking practical solutions for enhancing communities' well-being.
Digital Privacy: GDPR and Its Lessons for Australia
Authors: Das Chaudhury Ratul , Choe Chongwoo
Published: February 2023

Australia's Privacy Act 1988 is under review with a view to bringing Australia's privacy laws into the digital era, more in line with the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This article discusses how the GDPR can be refined and standardised to be more effective in protecting privacy in the digital era while not adversely affecting the digital economy that relies heavily on data. We argue that an ideal data policy should be informative and transparent about potential privacy costs while giving consumers a menu of opt‐in choices into which they can self‐select.
Managing Human Resources During a Global Crisis: A Multilevel Perspective
Authors: Malik Ashish , Sanders Karin
Published: February 2023

We develop a multi‐level framework for understanding the impact of human resource management (HRM) practices in managing people during a significant global crisis. We provide a critical review of the research on the topic, focusing on papers published in the British Journal of Management (BJM). Our review focuses on papers dealing with people management issues during or after a global crisis event. To this end, two BJM special issues and other articles on global crises published were selected for our critical review. Our choice of additional papers reviewed was deliberate. We reviewed papers from several other premier outlets covering diverse geographies. Such an approach allows for delineating critical factors and practices that stand out despite national, cultural, industry and sectoral differences. These papers cover the two major global crises in the last two decades: the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID‐19 Pandemic. We conclude with future research directions.
The relationship between well‐being and HbA1c in adults with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review
Authors: Pérez‐Fernández Aida , Fernández‐Berrocal Pablo , Gutiérrez‐Cobo María José
Published: February 2023

Background

Diabetes has been associated with psychological problems, which in turn have been related to poorer glycemic control (glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c]). On the contrary, psychological well‐being constructs have been associated with superior medical outcomes, including better HbA1c.

Aim

The main objective of this study was to systematically review the existing literature about the relationships between subjective well‐being (SWB) and HbA1c in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Medline, time restricted to 2021, for studies examining the link between HbA1c and the cognitive (CWB) and affective (AWB) components of SWB. A total of 16 eligible studies were selected according to the inclusion criteria, of which 15 measured CWB and 1 AWB.

Results

Of the 15 studies included, 11 showed a relationship between CWB and HbA1c, with a higher level of HbA1c being related to poorer CWB. The other four studies did not find any significant association. Finally, the only study examining the relationship between AWB and HbA1c found a marginally association between these variables in the expected direction.

Conclusion

The overall data suggest that CWB is negatively related to HbA1c in this population, but these results are inconclusive. This systematic review offers clinical implications, such as the possible evaluation, prevention, and treatment of the problems associated with diabetes through the study and training of the psychosocial variables that may directly influence SWB. Limitations and future lines of investigation are discussed.
Camera trap inventory of wild mammals in the Hinda District, Republic of Congo
Authors: Orban Ben , Mottram Phoebe , Melville Haemish , Gaugris Caroline Anne Vasicek , Thomas Alain , Drescher Karsten , Kabafouako Gérard N. , Gaugris Jerome
Published: February 2023

Mammals play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning; knowledge of their presence and distribution is important for conservation and development planning. In this study, camera traps were used to survey mammals in the Republic of Congo's Kouilou Department. After 985 trap nights 15 species were recorded. Notable records include the endangered white bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) and side striped jackal (Canis adustus). No evidence of primate activity was recorded. Species diversity comparisons highlighted the high conservation potential of Terra Firma forests. Savanna and grassland systems showed limited conservation potential due to low species detectability resulting from anthropogenic disturbance.
Neurotrophins: are they involved in immune tolerance in pregnancy?
Authors: Milyutina Yulia P. , Arutjunyan Alexander V. , Korenevsky Andrey V. , Selkov Sergey A. , Kogan Igor Yu.
Published: February 2023

In this review, an attempt was made to substantiate the possibility for neurotrophins to be involved in the development of immune tolerance based on data accumulated on neurotrophin content and receptor expression in the trophoblast and immune cells, in particular, in natural killer cells. Numerous research results are reviewed to show that the expression and localization of neurotrophins along with their high‐affinity tyrosine kinase receptors and low‐affinity p75NTR receptor in the mother‐placenta‐fetus system indicate the important role of neurotrophins as binding molecules in regulating the crosstalk between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems in pregnancy. An imbalance between these systems can occur with tumor growth and pathological processes observed in pregnancy complications and fetal development anomalies.
Optimal dose of adrenaline auto‐injector for children and young people at risk of anaphylaxis: A phase IV randomized controlled crossover study
Authors: Patel Nandinee , Isaacs Emily , Duca Bettina , Nagaratnam Nanthagopan , Donovan Jackie , Fontanella Sara , Turner Paul J.
Published: February 2023

Background

Guidelines recommend intramuscular injection of 500 μg adrenaline (epinephrine) for anaphylaxis in teenagers and adults; however, most autoinjectors deliver a maximum 300 μg dose. We evaluated plasma adrenaline levels and cardiovascular parameters (including cardiac output) following self‐injection with 300 μg or 500 μg adrenaline in teenagers at risk of anaphylaxis.

Methods

Subjects were recruited to a randomized, single‐blind two period crossover trial. Participants received all 3 injections (Emerade® 500 μg, Emerade® 300 μg, Epipen® 0.3 mg) on 2 separate visits (allocated in a randomized block design), at least 28 days apart. Intramuscular injection was confirmed by ultrasound, and heart rate/stroke volume assessed using continuous monitoring. The trial was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03366298).

Results

Twelve participants (58% male, median 15.4 years) participated; all completed the study. 500 μg injection resulted in a higher and more prolonged peak concentration (p = 0.01) and greater Area‐Under‐Curve for plasma adrenaline (p < 0.05) compared to 300 μg, with no difference in adverse events. Adrenaline caused a significant increase in heart rate irrespective of dose and device. Unexpectedly, 300 μg adrenaline resulted in a significant increase in stroke volume when delivered with Emerade®, but a negative inotropic effect with Epipen® (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These data support a 500 μg dose of adrenaline to treat anaphylaxis in individuals >40 kg in the community. The contrasting effects on stroke volume between Epipen® and Emerade®, despite similar peak plasma adrenaline levels, are unexpected. There is an urgent need to better understand differences in pharmacodynamics following adrenaline administration by autoinjector. In the meantime, we recommend adrenaline injection by needle/syringe in the healthcare setting in individuals with anaphylaxis refractory to initial treatment.
The effect of testosterone treatment on bone mineral density in Klinefelter syndrome: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Willems Stien , David Karel , Decallonne Brigitte , Marcq Philippe , Antonio Leen , Vanderschueren Dirk
Published: February 2023

Background

Although Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most frequent sex‐hormone disorder, there is ongoing uncertainty about the often associated sex‐hormone deficiency, its impact on common comorbidities, and therefore about prevention and treatment. In this study, we focus on bone loss, reported to occur in over 40% of KS patients, and the impact of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on this comorbidity.

Objectives

This single‐center retrospective cohort study in a tertiary hospital compared the effect of treatment with TRT to no TRT on evolution of bone mineral density (BMD) in KS patients.

Methods

After a medical chart review, a total of 52 KS subjects were included in this study. BMD was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and expressed as T‐scores.

Results

The subjects were divided into three groups, according to TRT. In the subgroup that only started TRT after baseline measurements (mean age 31 years), we observed significant gain in BMD T‐score at the lumbar spine (0.58 ± 0.60, p = 0.003; mean gain of 0.62% areal BMD per year) and total femur T‐score (0.24 ± 0.39, p = 0.041; mean gain of 0.25% areal BMD per year) after a mean follow‐up period of 7.5 years. Compared to untreated subjects, a significant difference in evolution was demonstrated at the lumbar level (+0.58 ± 0.60 vs. −0.14 ± 0.42, p = 0.007). In untreated subjects with normal testosterone levels, a loss of BMD (−0.27 ± 0.37, p = 0.029; mean loss of 0.49% areal BMD per year) at the femoral neck was measured. This decline was equal to the predicted loss seen in the general male population.

Conclusion

TRT results in BMD gain in patients with KS with testosterone deficiency, mainly at the lumbar spine. However, this effect is limited (0.62% per year). Patients who were not treated with TRT because of sufficient endogenous testosterone levels, showed only the predicted age‐related bone loss during follow‐up. The need for TRT in maintaining bone health in KS should be evaluated on an individual basis according to the degree of sex steroid deficiency.
On two conjectures about perturbations of the stochastic growth rate
Authors: Giaimo Stefano
Published: February 2023

The stochastic growth rate describes long‐run growth of a population that lives in a fluctuating environment. Perturbation analysis of the stochastic growth rate provides crucial information for population managers, ecologists and evolutionary biologists. This analysis quantifies the response of the stochastic growth rate to changes in demographic parameters. A form of this analysis deals with changes that only occur in some environmental states. Caswell put forth two conjectures about environment‐specific perturbations of the stochastic growth rate. The conjectures link the stationary distribution of the stochastic environmental process with the magnitude of some environment‐specific perturbations. This note disproves one conjecture and proves the other.
We the People. Who? The face of future American politics is shaped by perceived foreignness of candidates of color
Authors: Chirco Patrizia , Buchanan Tonya M.
Published: February 2023

Pursuing a more equitable political representation of a country's demographics is essential both as a matter of principle and pragmatism (i.e., realpolitik). As such, the goal of the present study was to replicate and expand on research on the impact of voter race/ethnicity and ideology on voting behaviors and interpersonal judgments of political candidates of color from different racial and ethnic groups. After participants (N = 282) saw the same political candidate of color (randomly assigned to identify as Mexican American vs. African American), we assessed interpersonal judgments and behaviors (e.g., expertise, voting intentions), perceived Americanness, and memory for skin tone of the candidate. In support of hypotheses and previous research/theory, white voters expressed more positive interpersonal judgments toward the African American political candidate and rated him to be more American than the Mexican American political candidate. We expanded upon previous research by directly testing the role of perceived Americanness in the differential judgments of political candidates’ race/ethnicity by white voters, with evidence supporting partial mediation. Our findings further showed that judgments toward a political candidate of color were also predicted by voters’ political affiliation. Specifically, conservative (vs. liberal) voters generally expressed less positive interpersonal judgments toward the candidates of color and perceived them to be less American and patriotic. Ramifications related to these findings are discussed.
Increased incidence of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in 2021 correlating with the ongoing vaccination campaign against COVID‐19 in a tertiary center – A monocentric analysis
Authors: Schaefers C. , Paulsen F.‐O. , Frenzel C. , Weisel K. , Bokemeyer C. , Seidel C.
Published: February 2023

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) was reported as a rare complication of COVID‐19 vaccines. We conducted a retrospective single‐center analysis of all ITP cases detected in 2021 and compared the quantity with the pre‐vaccination years, from 2018 to 2020. In 2021, a two‐fold increase in ITP cases was identified compared to previous years; 11 of 40 cases (27.5%) were considered COVID‐19‐vaccine related. Our study highlights an increase in ITP cases at our institution, probably related to COVID‐19 vaccinations. Further studies are needed to investigate this finding globally.
SLC3A2 promotes tumor‐associated macrophage polarization through metabolic reprogramming in lung cancer
Authors: Li Zhuan , Chen Songming , He Xiang , Gong Siyuan , Sun Lunquan , Weng Liang
Published: February 2023

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the most abundant immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment and possess crucial functions in facilitating tumor progression. Emerging evidence indicates that altered metabolic properties in cancer cells support the tumorigenic functions of TAMs. However, the mechanisms and mediators the underly the cross‐talk between cancer cells and TAMs remain largely unknown. In the present study, we revealed that high solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2) expression in lung cancer patients was associated with TAMs and poor prognosis. Knockdown of SLC3A2 in lung adenocarcinoma cells impaired M2 polarization of macrophages in a coculture system. Using metabolome analysis, we identified that SLC3A2 knockdown altered the metabolism of lung cancer cells and changed multiple metabolites, including arachidonic acid, in the tumor microenvironment. More importantly, we showed that arachidonic acid was responsible for SLC3A2‐mediated macrophage polarization in the tumor microenvironment to differentiate into M2 type both in vitro and in vivo. Our data illustrate previously undescribed mechanisms responsible for TAM polarization and suggest that SLC3A2 acts as a metabolic switch on lung adenocarcinoma cells to induce macrophage phenotypic reprogramming through arachidonic acid.
Peer victimization and empathy for victims of bullying: A test of bidirectional associations in childhood and adolescence
Authors: Trach Jessica , Garandeau Claire F. , Malamut Sarah T.
Published: February 2023

Anti‐bullying interventions often assume that knowing how it feels to be bullied increases empathy for victims. However, longitudinal research on actual experiences of bullying and empathy is lacking. This study investigated whether within‐person changes in victimization predicted changes in empathy over 1 year using random‐intercept cross‐lagged panel models. Self‐ and peer‐reported victimization, and cognitive and affective empathy for victims were measured in a sample of 15,713 Finnish youth (Mage = 13.23, SDage = 2.01, 51.6% female; 92.5% had Finnish‐speaking parents; data was collected in 2007–2009 when information about participants’ race/ethnicity was not available due to ethical guidelines for the protection of personal information). Results indicated small, positive longitudinal associations from victimization to cognitive empathy. Implications for empathy‐raising interventions are discussed.
Folic acid deficiency exacerbates the inflammatory response of astrocytes after ischemia‐reperfusion by enhancing the interaction between IL‐6 and JAK‐1/pSTAT3
Authors: Cheng Man , Liang Xiaoshan , Shi Linran , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Liwen , Gong Zhongying , Luo Suhui , Wang Xuan , Zhang Xumei
Published: February 2023

Aim

To demonstrate the role of IL‐6 and pSTAT3 in the inflammatory response to cerebral ischemia/reperfusion following folic acid deficiency (FD).

Methods

The middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model was established in adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats in vivo, and cultured primary astrocytes were exposed to oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) to emulate ischemia/reperfusion injury in vitro.

Results

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression significantly increased in astrocytes of the brain cortex in the MCAO group compared to the SHAM group. Nevertheless, FD did not further promote GFAP expression in astrocytes of rat brain tissue after MCAO. This result was further confirmed in the OGD/R cellular model. In addition, FD did not promote the expressions of TNF‐α and IL‐1β but raised IL‐6 (Peak at 12 h after MCAO) and pSTAT3 (Peak at 24 h after MCAO) levels in the affected cortices of MCAO rats. In the in vitro model, the levels of IL‐6 and pSTAT3 in astrocytes were significantly reduced by treatment with Filgotinib (JAK‐1 inhibitor) but not AG490 (JAK‐2 inhibitor). Moreover, the suppression of IL‐6 expression reduced FD‐induced increases in pSTAT3 and pJAK‐1. In turn, inhibited pSTAT3 expression also depressed the FD‐mediated increase in IL‐6 expression.

Conclusions

FD led to the overproduction of IL‐6 and subsequently increased pSTAT3 levels via JAK‐1 but not JAK‐2, which further promoted increased IL‐6 expression, thereby exacerbating the inflammatory response of primary astrocytes.
Gain‐of‐function of progesterone receptor membrane component 2 ameliorates ischemic brain injury
Authors: Zhou Chao , Zhu Taiyang , Ni Wanyan , Zhou Hui , Song Jiaxing , Wang Miao , Jin Guoliang , Zhou Yan , Han Jingjing , Hua Fang
Published: February 2023

Objective

Progesterone receptor membrane component 2 (PGRMC2) belongs to the membrane‐associated progesterone receptor family, which regulates multiple pathophysiological processes. However, the role of PGRMC2 in ischemic stroke remains unexplored. The present study sought to determine the regulatory role of PGRMC2 in ischemic stroke.

Methods

Male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The protein expression level and localization of PGRMC2 were examined by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. The gain‐of‐function ligand of PGRMC2 (CPAG‐1, 45 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into sham/MCAO mice, and brain infarction, blood–brain barrier (BBB) leakage, and sensorimotor functions were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging, brain water content, Evans blue extravasation, immunofluorescence staining, and neurobehavioral tests. The astrocyte and microglial activation, neuronal functions, and gene expression profiles were revealed by RNA sequencing, qPCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining after surgery and CPAG‐1 treatment.

Results

Progesterone receptor membrane component 2 was elevated in different brain cells after ischemic stroke. Intraperitoneal delivery of CPAG‐1 reduced infarct size, brain edema, BBB leakage, astrocyte and microglial activation, and neuronal death, and improved sensorimotor deficits after ischemic stroke.

Conclusion

CPAG‐1 acts as a novel neuroprotective compound that could reduce neuropathologic damage and improve functional recovery after ischemic stroke.
Early post‐transplant leukopenia in heart transplant recipients and its impact on outcomes
Authors: Batra Jaya , DeFilippis Ersilia M. , Golob Stephanie , Lumish Heidi , Clerkin Kevin , Topkara Veli K. , Restaino Susan , Lee Sun Hi , Latif Farhana , Raikhelkar Jayant , Fried Justin , Oh Kyung Taek , Lin Edward , Colombo Paolo C. , Yuzefpolskaya Melana , Sayer Gabriel , Uriel Nir
Published: February 2023

Background

Leukopenia in the early period following heart transplantation (HT) is not well‐studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for the development of post‐transplant leukopenia and its consequences for HT recipients.

Methods

Adult patients at a large‐volume transplant center who received HT between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2020 were included. The incidence of leukopenia (WBC ≤3 × 103/μL) in the first 90‐days following HT, individual risk factors, and its effect on 1‐year outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Of 506 HT recipients, 184 (36%) developed leukopenia within 90‐days. Median duration of the first leukopenia episode was 15.5 days (IQR 8–42.5 days). Individuals who developed leukopenia had lower pre‐transplant WBC counts compared to those who did not (6.1 × 103/μL vs. 6.9 × 103/μL, p = .02). Initial immunosuppressive and infectious chemoprophylactic regimens were not significantly different between groups. Early leukopenia was associated with a higher mortality at 1‐year (6.6% vs. 2.1%, p = .008; adjusted HR 3.0) and an increased risk of recurrent episodes. Rates of infection and rejection were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

Leukopenia in the early period following HT is common and associated with an increased risk of mortality. Further study is needed to identify individuals at highest risk for leukopenia prior to transplant and optimize immunosuppressive and infectious chemoprophylactic regimens for this subgroup.
Quality assessment of donor liver procurement surgery using an unadjusted CUSUM prediction model. A practical nationwide evaluation
Authors: Lam Hwai‐Ding , Schaapherder Alexander F , Alwayn Ian PJ , Nijboer Willemijn N , Tushuizen Maarten E , Hemke Aline C , Baranski Andrzej , Pas Stéphanie L Van der
Published: February 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the value of the unadjusted CUSUM graph of liver surgical injury and discard rates in organ procurement in the Netherlands.

Methods

Unadjusted CUSUM graphs were plotted for surgical injury (C event) and discard rate (C2 event) from procured livers accepted for transplantation for each local procurement team compared with the total national cohort. The average incidence for each outcome was used as benchmark based on procurement quality forms (Sep 2010–Oct 2018). The data from the five Dutch procuring teams were blind‐coded.

Results

The C and C2 event rate were 17% and 1.9%, respectively (n = 1265). A total of 12 CUSUM charts were plotted for the national cohort and the five local teams. National CUSUM charts showed an overlapping “alarm signal.” This overlapping signal for both C and C2, albeit a different time period, was only found in one local team. The other CUSUM alarm signal went off for two separate local teams, but only for C events or C2 events respectively, and at different points in time. The other remaining CUSUM charts showed no alarm signaling.

Conclusion

The unadjusted CUSUM chart is a simple and effective monitoring tool in following performance quality of organ procurement for liver transplantation. Both national and local recorded CUSUMs are useful to see the implication of national and local effects on organ procurement injury. Both procurement injury and organ discard are equally important in this analysis and need to be separately CUSUM charted.
Preparation ofCitrus reticulatapeel nano‐encapsulated essential oil and in vitro assessment of its biological properties
Authors: Torshabi Maryam , MoadabShoar Zahra , Negahban Maryam
Published: February 2023

Dental caries is the most common biofilm‐dependent oral disease.Streptococcus mutansis among the main microorganisms responsible for the development of dental caries. Nano‐suspension ofCitrus reticulata(tangerine) peel essential oil in 0.5% (v/v) concentration was prepared and its antibacterial effect onS. mutansin planktonic and biofilm forms as well as its cytotoxic and antioxidant effects were assessed and compared with chlorhexidine (CHX). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of free essential oil, nano‐encapsulated essential oil, and CHX was 5.6% (v/v), 0.0005% (v/v), and 0.0002% (w/v), respectively. The percentage of biofilm inhibition by the free essential oil, nano‐encapsulated essential oil, and CHX at half‐MIC was 67.3%, 24%, and 90.6%, respectively. The nano‐encapsulated essential oil had no cytotoxicity and showed significant antioxidant effects in different concentrations. Nano‐encapsulation of tangerine peel essential oil significantly enhanced its biological activities in much lower concentrations than the free essential oil (11,000 times diluted). It also showed lower cytotoxicity and higher antibiofilm effects in sub‐MICs compared with CHX, indicating the optimal potential of tangerine nano‐encapsulated essential oil for incorporation in the composition of organic antibacterial and antioxidant mouth rinses.
Prediction of court decision from Arabic documents using deep learning
Authors: Zahir Jihad
Published: February 2023

The increasing amount of electronic legal documents represents a great opportunity for the development of intelligent computational systems for legal texts processing and classification. Most of these systems use classical machine learning and large datasets in English. This paper proposes an approach to automatically predict legal case outcome from written description of the events in Arabic using deep learning. An in‐house corpus from the decisions of the Moroccan Court of Cassation is built and used to train a deep learning model that predicts judgement. As the created corpus is of limited size, a new data augmentation method is proposed to boost the prediction performance. Two settings for text representation are tested, namely FastText and GloVe embeddings, and multiple deep learning models architectures are tested. The proposed approach succeeds in predicting judicial decisions of the Moroccan Court of Cassation with an accuracy of 80.51% on six classes. Even with a small dataset, the proposed data augmentation method was helpful in improving the overall models' performance. Despite the advancement in the area of legal judgement prediction over the years, this work is the first attempt to predict legal outcome using the documents of the Moroccan Cassation court. The corpus created in the context of this work will be made publicly available to the community.