bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate and evolutionary history shape latitudinal patterns of angiosperm wood density
Authors: Waris Kilara , Larjavaara Markku , Luo Ao , Lyu Tong , Li Yaoqi , Jia Wen , Wang Zhiheng
Published: January 2025

Wood density indicates important plant functions and plays a key role in carbon cycling of forest ecosystems by affecting wood decomposition. However, how wood density varies globally and how it evolved through the evolutionary history of angiosperms remain unclear. Here, by integrating data of wood density, phylogeny, and distributions for angiosperms worldwide, we estimated global spatiotemporal patterns of wood density and their relationships with modern climate and paleoclimate. We found that mean wood density decreased with latitude in the northern hemisphere but increased with latitude in the southern hemisphere. The interspecific wood density variation within each geographic unit did not show clear latitudinal gradients. Temperature was the best predictor of the global geographic pattern in mean wood density, while the geographic variation in mean wood density across high-temperature regions could be explained by geographic variation in precipitation and precipitation seasonality. Since the Cenozoic (66 million years ago (Mya)), wood density increased first (until 20 Mya) and then decreased. In general, the Cenozoic wood density was positively correlated with paleotemperature and negatively correlated with paleoprecipitation, especially during more arid periods. Interestingly, the evolutionary trends of wood density on different continents differed, which corresponded to the divergence in wood density patterns and their relationships with modern climate on different continents. Our results highlight the dominant effect of environmental temperature on global variation in angiosperm wood density with an additional strong effect of precipitation seasonality. Our study also demonstrates the critical role of aridity and biogeographic idiosyncrasies in driving angiosperm wood density evolution.
Anatomy of a fall: stationary and super-Keplerian spiral arms generated by accretion streamers in protostellar discs
Authors: Calcino Josh , Price Daniel J , Hilder Thomas , Christiaens Valentin , Speedie Jessica , Ormel Chris W
Published: January 2025

Late-stage infall onto evolved protoplanetary discs is an important source of material and angular momentum replenishment and disc substructures. In this paper, we used 3D smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations to model streamer–disc interactions for a prograde streamer. The initially parabolic streamer interacts with the disc material to excite disc eccentricity, which can last on the order of $10^5$ yr. We found that the spiral arms the streamer excited in the disc can have a variety of pattern speeds, ranging from stationary to super-Keplerian. Spiral arms with various pattern speeds can exist simultaneously, providing a way to diagnose them in observations. Streamer-induced spirals appear similar to those generated by a massive outer companion, where the pitch angle of the spiral increases towards the source of the perturbation. Additionally, the spiral arms can show large and sudden pitch angle changes. Streamer-induced spirals are long-lived, lasting approximately $3\!-\!4$ times longer than the initial streamer infall time-scale (${\sim} 10^4$ yr). After the initial interaction with the disc, a long-lasting low m azimuthal mode persists in the disc.
Quantitative analysis of ‘virtual’ SSP assessment clinics in the NHS bowel cancer screening programme in England
Authors: Nickerson Claire , Wright Suzanne , Pickering Lucy , Adams Lee , Mandli Nagamani , Hex Nick , Collins Cameron , Webb Anne , Rayment Jeffery , Emery-Downing Karen , Maclean Rebecca
Published: January 2025

Background

Bowel cancer screening in England is initially carried out using a home testing kit, with those who require further testing first being referred to an assessment clinic. During COVID-19, these assessment clinics became ‘virtual’ (telephone or video-call) where previously they had only been held face-to-face.

Methodology

A before and after study design was constructed to examine the impact of this change in clinic type on key programme metrics.

Results and Conclusions

The data showed fewer people changed their specialist screening practitioner appointments when the modality was virtual, with the virtual group also having higher clinic uptake and shorter times to first offered and first attended clinics.

Despite clinical opinion that not being able to physically see a patient would negatively impact diagnostic test quality, suggesting that incomplete tests would rise, referrals to colonoscopy would fall, and bowel preparation quality would suffer, the data did not support any of these suppositions.

Whilst the data indicated that diagnostic test uptake was lower in the virtual group, the presence of COVID-19 is likely to have skewed findings.

The IT system is being developed to support virtual clinics, which will aid future data analysis/monitoring and assist staff with clinic management.
GPCR dimerization: Drug discovery aspects and targets in renin‐angiotensin systems
Authors: Faisal Tahmid , Hussain Tahir
Published: January 2025

G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), which play crucial roles in various physiological functions, often assembled into dimers and higher‐order oligomers. This oligomerization phenomenon has been observed in diverse physiological and pathological contexts, presenting promising opportunities for drug discovery targeting vital systems such as the cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine, and renal systems. This review offers a concise understanding of GPCR dimerization, its signaling mechanisms, and its implications. Furthermore, we explored therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating receptors involved in dimer/oligomer formation within the renin‐angiotensin system.
Rates of Minimally Invasive Surgery After Introduction of Robotic-Assisted Surgery for Common General Surgery Operations
Authors: Fong Zhi Ven , Wall-Wieler Elizabeth , Johnson Shaneeta , Culbertson Richard , Mitzman Brian
Published: January 2025

Importance:

Many patients who would benefit from minimally invasive surgery (MIS) have open surgery; robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) addresses some of the limitations of laparoscopic surgery and could increase rates of MIS across different patient populations.

Objective:

To determine whether the introduction of RAS increases MIS rates and whether increases are seen across different patient populations undergoing common general surgery procedures.

Design:

A retrospective cohort study was performed to compare rates of MIS in the year before and after the index date for hospitals that did and did not introduce RAS. Generalized estimating equation regression models were used to compare rates in MIS over time.

Setting:

PINC AI Healthcare Database, an all-payor discharge database of hospitals in the United States.

Participants:

Hospitals that performed cholecystectomy, inguinal hernia repair, ventral hernia repair, and colorectal resection from 2016 to 2022.

Exposure:

RAS hospitals performing at least 1 common general surgery procedure using RAS.

Main Outcome and Measure:

The primary analysis examined rates of MIS, defined as the rate of common general surgeries that were minimally invasive (laparoscopic or RAS) in a hospital. The secondary analysis examined MIS rates for common general surgeries, across age, sex, race, ethnicity, and payor.

Results:

Of 408 hospitals included in the study, 153 (38%) introduced RAS for common general surgeries. The relative MIS rate for hospitals that introduced RAS compared with hospitals that did not went from 1.08 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.14; P < 0.01) before the index date to 1.15 (95% CI, 1.09–1.22; P < 0.01) after the index date (P
interaction < 0.01), indicating a larger increase in MIS rates among hospitals introducing RAS. MIS rates increased significantly more in hospitals that introduced RAS across patient age, sex, ethnicity, race, and payor compared with hospitals that did not introduce RAS.

Conclusions and Relevance:

Hospitals that introduced RAS for common general surgery procedures were associated with an increase in MIS rates across different patient populations compared with hospitals that did not introduce RAS.
A Generalization of the Mechanism-based Approach for Age–Period–Cohort Models
Authors: Sjölander Arvid , Gabriel Erin E.
Published: January 2025

Age–period–cohort models have a long history in epidemiology, social science, and econometrics. An important feature of these models is that they suffer from an inherent identifiability problem, due to the deterministic linear relation between age, period, and cohort. A proposed solution to this problem is the mechanism-based approach, which uses sets of mediators to identify the causal age, period, and cohort effects. Although this approach is conceptually general, previous literature has been limited to special cases and parametric identification. We derive a general nonparametric identification result, which is valid under explicit assumptions about the underlying data-generating mechanism and the set of mediators used for identification. We show how this identification result lends itself naturally to parametric estimation of the causal age, period, and cohort effects similar to the parametric G-formula estimation in causal inference.
Validity and Reliability Study of the Turkish Adaptation of the “Medical Office Survey on Patient Safety Culture”
Authors: Mevsim Vildan , Erdem Mustafa , Çöme Oğulcan , Bezircioğlu İncim
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

The safety culture within health care organizations is essential for ensuring patient well-being and optimizing health care delivery. This study addresses the pressing need to establish a culture of patient safety within primary health care settings. The aim is to conduct a comprehensive validity and reliability study for the Turkish adaptation of the “Medical Office Survey on Patient Safety Culture” (MOSPSC) scale, designed to assess patient safety culture in primary care medical offices.

Methods:

The research model follows rigorous methodology, including a systematic translation and adaptation process aligned with World Health Organization guidelines. A diverse sample of 402 family physicians from primary health care centers across Turkey participated in the study. Descriptive results highlight participants’ characteristics, work environments, and experiences in primary care. The scale’s construct validity is evaluated using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett tests, while its reliability is assessed through internal consistency analyses, including Cronbach α, split-half reliability, and item-total correlation.

Results:

Results indicate strong internal consistency, with Cronbach α values ranging from 0.42 to 0.91 for scale dimensions and an overall value of 0.89. Construct validity assessment attests to the scale’s appropriateness for assessing patient safety culture. Challenges in conducting factor analysis due to participant responses are discussed.

Conclusions:

The study contributes to the field by providing a validated and reliable tool specifically tailored for assessing patient safety culture in primary care medical offices. The Turkish adaptation of the MOSPSC scale offers health care professionals and organizations a valuable instrument for enhancing patient safety culture, identifying areas for improvement, and ultimately optimizing patient care within primary health care settings.
Pharmacovigilance Indicators in Health Services: A Systematic Review. Are There Still Relevant Gaps?
Authors: Pimentel Alessandra de Freitas , Lopes Luis P.N. , Alexandre Thaiane de Lima , Ferreira Adrielly de Barcellos Fernandes , Figueras Albert , Guaraldo Lusiele , de Matos Guacira C.
Published: January 2025

Objective:

The aim of this study was to identify potentially applicable pharmacovigilance (PV) indicators for health services available in the literature.

Methods:

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, IBECS, CUMED, SciELO, and Google Scholar bibliographic between January 1, 2004 and January 23, 2023, and 25 websites from different organizations for studies describing specific PV indicators in health services. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Appraisal of Indicators through the Research and Evaluation (AIRE) tool. The indicators were differentiated into structure, process and outcome, and also grouped according to the applicability of the PV activities carried out in health services, based on the domains proposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Results:

We identified 14 studies and 100 PV indicators classified as structural (51%), process (32%), and outcome (17%). The indicators classified according to the aspect of the PV activities they measure cover “Results of PV/ External impact” (45%); “How does the PV unit works/Management of their information” (32%); “The PV unit and team” (23%). According to AIRE, the methodological quality of the included studies varied considerably. In consensus, we selected 55 indicators that could potentially be useful to health services.

Conclusions:

This systematic review made it possible to identify a considerable number of indicators. Many of them aim to evaluate different aspects of PV activities that can be valuable from a public health and health system perspective. Therefore, we propose a new classification and a set of indicators useful for health services.
Validation of the PANAMA-Score for Survival and Benefit of Adjuvant Therapy in Patients with Resected Pancreatic Cancer After Neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX
Authors: Rompen Ingmar F. , Stoop Thomas F. , van Roessel Stijn , van Veldhuisen Eran , Janssen Quisette P. , Alseidi Adnan , Balduzzi Alberto , Balzano Gianpaolo , Berrevoet Frederik , Bonds Morgan , Busch Olivier R. , Butturini Giovanni , Javed Ammar A , Del Chiaro Marco , Conlon Kevin C. , Falconi Massimo , Frigerio Isabella , Fusai Giuseppe K. , Gagnière Johan , Griffin Oonagh , Hackert Thilo , Sparrelid Ernesto , Halimi Asif , Labori Knut J. , Malleo Giuseppe , Marino Marco V. , Mortensen Michael B. , Nikov Andrej , Lesurtel Mickaël , Keck Tobias , Kleeff Jörg , Pandé Rupaly , Pfeiffer Per , Pietrasz Daniel , Roberts Keith J. , Sa Cunha Antonio , Salvia Roberto , Strobel Oliver , Tarvainen Timo , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , Koerkamp Bas Groot , Loos Martin , Michalski Christoph , Besselink Marc G. , Hank Thomas
Published: January 2025

Aim:

To validate the prognostic value of the PAncreatic NeoAdjuvant MAssachusetts (PANAMA)-score and to determine its predictive ability for survival benefit derived from adjuvant treatment in patients after resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) following neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX

Background:

The PANAMA-score was developed to guide prognostication in patients after neoadjuvant therapy and resection for PDAC. As this score focuses on the risk for residual disease after resection, it might also be able to select patients who benefit from adjuvant after neoadjuvant therapy.

Methods:

This retrospective international multicenter study is endorsed by the European-African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (E-AHPBA). Patients with PDAC who underwent resection after neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX were included. Mantel-Cox regression with interaction analysis was performed to assess the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy.

Results:

Overall, 383 patients after resection of PDAC following neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX were included of whom 187 (49%), 137 (36%), and 59 (15%) had a low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk PANAMA-score, respectively. A discrimination in median OS was observed stratified by risk groups (48.5, 27.6, and 22.3 months, Log-Rank-Plow-intermediate=0.004, Log-Rank-Pintermediate-high=0.027). Adjuvant therapy was not associated with an OS difference in the low-risk group (HR 1.50, 95%CI:0.92-2.50), whereas improved OS was observed in the intermediate (HR 0.58, 95%CI:0.34-0.97) and high-risk groups (HR 0.47, 95%CI:0.24-0.94) (p-interaction=0.008).

Conclusions:

The PANAMA 3-tier risk groups (low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk, available via pancreascalculator.com) correspond with differential survival in patients with resected PDAC following neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX. The risk groups also differentiate between survival benefit associated with adjuvant treatment, with only the intermediate- and high-risk groups associated with improved OS.
Programming evolution of geometry in shape-morphing sheets via spatio-temporal activation
Authors: Duffy Daniel , Griniasty Itay , Biggins John , Mostajeran Cyrus
Published: January 2025

Shape-programmed sheets morph from one surface into another upon activation by stimuli such as illumination, and have attracted much interest for their potential engineering applications, especially in soft robotics. Complex shape changes can be achieved by
patterning
a simple local active deformation (e.g. isotropic swelling), to generate differential growth. Usually the material itself is designed — for example by patterning a molecular director — such that a particular shape change occurs upon exposure to a spatially uniform stimulus. A limitation of this paradigm is that typically only one target geometry can be attained as the stimulus is adjusted. Here we show that this limitation can be overcome by patterning the stimulus itself, thereby exercising spatiotemporal control over local deformation magnitudes. Thus a single physical sample can be induced to traverse a continuous family of target geometries, opening the door to precise shape adjustments, new functionalities, and designable non-reciprocal loops in shape space. We illustrate these possibilities with examples including active parabolic reflectors, chiral flow guides, and bending channels. Finding the necessary patterns of activation involves solving families of metric inverse problems; we solve these by reduction to ODEs in an axisymmetric setting, then present a novel numerical scheme to solve them in generality.
Streptacidiphilus alkalitolerans sp. nov., Streptacidiphilus cavernicola sp. nov. and Streptacidiphilus jeojiensis sp. nov. isolated from a cave, and an emended description of the genus Streptacidiphilus
Authors: Lee Soon Dong , Yang Hong Lim , Kim In Seop
Published: January 2025

Six Gram-reaction-positive, strictly aerobic, mycelium-forming actinobacteria were isolated from soils collected from a natural cave in Jeju, Republic of Korea. The isolates produced well-developed, branched, substrate mycelia and white aerial mycelia that differentiated into straight or flexuous chains of smooth-surfaced spores. Cells showed growth at 15–30 °C, pH 3.5–8.0 and 0–1% (w/v) NaCl. Most of the isolates also grew at pH 10.0. The cell-wall peptidoglycan in common contained ll-diaminopimelic acid, galactose, glucose, mannose and rhamnose. The major menaquinone was MK-9(H6) and MK-9(H8). The polar lipids in common contained phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and an unidentified phospholipid, with the presence of diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine in some strains. The predominant fatty acids in common were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and C16 : 0. Strains N1-1T, N1-3 and N1-12 contained genomes of 8.44–8.77 Mbp, and strains N1-5 and N1-10T consisted of genomes of 9.00–9.17 Mbp, while strain N8-3T contained the smallest genome (7.33 Mbp) among the isolates. The genomic DNA G+C contents of the isolates were 71.5–72.2%. Three representatives of the isolates encompassed 16–29 biosynthetic gene clusters predicted to encode for secondary metabolites. The core genome-based phylogenomic tree showed that they formed three distinct clusters within the genus Streptacidiphilus, with the closest relative, the type strain of Streptacidiphilus carbonis, which was also supported by 16S rRNA gene phylogeny. The orthologous average nucleotide identity (≤88.2%) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (≤30.3%) between three representatives of the isolates and members of the genus Streptacidiphilus and among them supported that the isolates represent three new species of the genus Streptacidiphilus, for which the names Streptacidiphilus alkalitolerans [type strain, N1-1T (=KCTC 19224T=DSM 45080T)], Streptacidiphilus cavernicola [type strain, N8-3T (=KCTC 29470T=DSM 117389T)] and Streptacidiphilus jeojiensis sp. nov. [type strain, N1-10T (=KCTC 19257T=DSM 117391T=NRRL B-24556T)] are proposed.
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Bromoviridae 2025
Authors: Thompson Jeremy R. , Canto Tomás , Carr John P. , Pallás Vicente , Šafářová Dana
Published: January 2025

Bromoviridae is a family of plant viruses with tripartite, positive-sense RNA genomes of about 8 kb in total. Genomic RNAs are packaged in separate virions that may also contain sub-genomic, defective or satellite RNAs. Virions are variable in morphology (spherical or bacilliform) and may be transmitted between hosts mechanically, via pollen, or non-persistently by insect vectors. Members of the family are responsible for major disease epidemics in fruit, vegetable and fodder crops such as tomatoes, cucurbits, bananas, fruit trees, common beans and alfalfa. Since the adoption of metagenomic high-throughput sequencing methodologies, there has been a notable increase in the number of species in the genus Ilarvirus. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the family Bromoviridae, which is available at ictv.global/report/bromoviridae.
Exploratory factor analysis as a validation tool in a questionnaire to evaluate the uptake of cataract surgery
Authors: Salowi Mohamad Aziz , Naing Nyi Nyi , Ahmad Rosdi Hajar , Wan Nawang Wan Radziah , Mustafa Norasyikin , Sharudin Siti Nurhuda , Che Omar Nor Anita , Mokhtar Azlina
Published: January 2025

Background Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) evaluates construct validity by identifying underlying relationships among questionnaire items, helping determine the number of latent constructs. This study aimed to validate a newly developed questionnaire on cataract surgery uptake among the community by interviewing subjects aged 50 years and older.   Methods A bilingual questionnaire, based on theoretical factors of knowledge, perception, attitude, and practice, was developed through literature review and expert interviews. It underwent forward-backward translation, content validity, and face validity assessment, followed by discussions with panels of eye care experts. Data for EFA were collected through interviews with subjects aged 50 and older, who had visual acuity worse than 6/18 due to cataracts or had undergone cataract surgery. Responses were analyzed for factor loadings and reliability. Principal Axis Factoring (PAF) was used for factor extraction, initially based on Eigenvalues > 1, and later fixed at eight factors. Factors were rotated using Varimax with Kaiser Normalization. Items with weak factor loadings were removed iteratively, with re-analysis conducted after each removal.   Results A total of 287 subjects were recruited and consented to EFA. All 40 items in the questionnaire (knowledge, attitude, perception and practice) were combined and analysed. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test was 0.714, indicating that factor analysis was suitable for exploring the underlying structure. Bartlett's test of Sphericity was highly significant (p < 0.001), indicating that the variables (questions) were sufficiently interrelated for factor analysis. Factors 3 and 7 had only two questions, although they showed fairly good loading with satisfactory correlation. The Cronbach's alpha reliability of all the factors varies from 0.50 to 0.72 (total = 0.72). The final questionnaire consisted of six factors and 22 questions.   Conclusions The developed and validated questionnaire demonstrated an acceptable factor structure related to knowledge, attitude, perception, and practice in evaluating cataract surgery uptake. This tool provides a reliable method for assessing cataract surgery uptake in the community.
Nucleoredoxin regulates WNT signaling during pituitary stem cell differentiation
Authors: Brinkmeier Michelle L. , Cheung Leonard Y. M. , O’Connell Sean P. , Gutierrez Diana K. , Rhoads Eve C. , Camper Sally A. , Davis Shannon W.
Published: January 2025

Nucleoredoxin (Nxn) encodes a multi-functional enzyme with oxidoreductase activity that regulates many different signaling pathways and cellular processes in a redox-dependent manner. RareNXNmutations are reported in individuals with recessive Robinow syndrome, which involves mesomelic skeletal dysplasia, short stature, craniofacial dysmorphisms, and incompletely penetrant heart and palate defects. Here we report thatNxnis expressed in the ventral diencephalon and developing pituitary gland, and thatNxndeficient mice have pituitary dysmorphology and craniofacial abnormalities that include defects in the skull base and cleft palate.Nxnmutant mice exhibit reduced WNT signaling and reduced differentiation of pituitary stem cells into hormone-producing cells. These results suggest patients with Robinow syndrome could benefit from evaluation by endocrinologists for pituitary structural imaging and hormone insufficiency.

Highlights

Nxndeficiency causes neonatal lethality, cleft palate, craniofacial abnormalities, and other structural birth defects.

Nxndeficiency causes pituitary dysmorphology.

Analysis of scRNA seq reveals delayed trajectory during early pituitary cell differentiation.

Nxndeficiency reduces canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling in developing pituitary glands.

Nxndeficiency reduces stem cell differentiation into pituitary hormone-producing cells.
Physics-guided actor-critic reinforcement learning for swimming in turbulence
Authors: Koh Christopher , Pagnier Laurent , Chertkov Michael
Published: January 2025

Turbulent diffusion causes particles placed in proximity to separate. We investigate the required swimming efforts to maintain an active particle close to its passively advected counterpart. We explore optimally balancing these efforts by developing a novel physics-informed reinforcement learning strategy and comparing it with prescribed control and physics-agnostic reinforcement learning strategies. Our scheme, coined the actor-physicist, is an adaptation of the actor-critic algorithm in which the neural network parameterized critic is replaced with an analytically derived physical heuristic function, the physicist. We validate the proposed physics-informed reinforcement learning approach through extensive numerical experiments in both synthetic Batchelor-Kraichnan and more realistic Arnold-Beltrami-Childress flow environments, demonstrating its superiority in controlling particle dynamics when compared to standard reinforcement learning methods.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
A Multi-loop Learning Blueprint for Organizational Resilience: An Inter-connectional Perspective
Authors: Shree Sonal , Kiran P. Ravi
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study explores the interplay of Multi Loop Learning (MLL), Innovative Work Behavior (IWB), and Perceived Organizational Support (POS) in enhancing Organizational Resilience (OR).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws from Dynamic Capabilities Theory and Social Exchange Theory to explore a relationship between learning processes, innovative work behavior, organizational support and resilience.

Findings

MLL can enhance OR, mediated by IWB and moderated by POS, in environments of innovation and trust.

Research limitations/implications

Additional research is needed to empirically confirm the validity of this paradigm across diverse contexts and factors influencing resilience.

Practical implications

Embedding MLL can actively support IWB. Creating positive POS supports the learning-innovation-resilience cycle for greater adaptability. A supportive environment of trust and value for employee contributions, their well-being and problem-solving skills moderates the transition from MLL to OR effectively.

Originality/value

This study advances the literature on OR and ties the theoretical constructs and real-world organizational challenges by presenting a structured framework linking MLL, IWB, POS to OR, supported by relevant theories.
How internal marketing can increase the satisfaction and retention of Generation Z employees in the banking sector
Authors: Brown David M.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify how internal marketing can be used to increase the satisfaction and retention of Generation Z employees within the global banking sector, and the changes which organizations must make to their internal marketing strategies to achieve these outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a qualitative, cross-sectional and descriptive research methodology. Data are collected through individual and focus group interviews of 38 Generation Z banking employees and of 28 older colleagues engaged in internal marketing. Thematic coding is undertaken using template analysis.

Findings

The results indicate clearly that Generation Z employees have different expectations of internal marketing from previous generations. Specifically, they demand more inclusive tones and interactive methods of communication, validation of their choice of employer and industry, and greater levels of interaction and inclusivity within internal marketing initiatives.

Originality/value

This is the first study to analyse how internal marketing in the banking sector must evolve to meet the needs of its Generation Z employees. This is critical as Generation Z is the world’s largest generational population, will staff almost all entry-level roles by 2030, and already has half its population in the workplace.
Waste management in Doha: the potential of underground systems
Authors: Almarri Bakhita Salem , Kapogiannis Georgios , Abualqumboz Moheeb , Gerges Michael
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study investigates the viability and benefits of implementing underground waste management systems in Doha in response to the city’s increasing waste production. It examines the necessity, feasibility and public opinion of these systems, exploring perceived benefits and implementation barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a convergent parallel design, the study separates quantitative and qualitative data for thorough analysis. Non-probability random sampling based on Slovin’s formula targeted 385 participants, with 100 responses and five in-depth interviews obtained. Data were analysed using SPSS and NVivo, ensuring validity and reliability through Cronbach’s alpha and instrument pretesting.

Findings

The study reveals varied perceptions among Doha residents towards municipal and zero waste initiatives, highlighting a significant gap in waste segregation practices at home and low awareness of waste disposal processes. Underground systems face significant barriers, including financial constraints and limited knowledge about advanced technologies like Lusail City’s compressed air system. The findings indicate strong public support for enhancing waste management systems and emphasize the need for better public education and strategic infrastructure investments.

Originality/value

This research offers key insights for decision-makers, improving understanding of waste management strategies in Doha. It connects theory with practice to promote sustainable and effective waste management solutions while exploring public perceptions and challenges of implementing underground systems.
Organizational political behavior and job satisfaction: an empirical evidence from Indian universities
Authors: Deep Vikas , Bath Samandeep Kaur , Bhullar Pritpal Singh
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to address a gap in the existing literature by thoroughly examining how organizational political behavior influences employee job satisfaction. The study aims to provide new insights and contribute valuable understanding to the university setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires from educators at public and private universities in India. The hypothesized model was tested using variance-based partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) on a sample of 405 university employees. The study further explores key constructs based on the reactions of teaching faculty to political behavior within organizations.

Findings

The study reveals that constructs such as reasons, friendliness, bargaining, assertiveness, coalitions and upward appeal are positively correlated with job satisfaction. Additionally, the results highlight a strong predictive relevance between job satisfaction and organizational political behavior. The findings also confirm that employees’ job satisfaction is significantly influenced by their experiences with political behavior within their organizations.

Practical implications

This study offers insightful findings that can be utilized by higher education institutions in crafting their policies and improving job satisfaction among their teaching staff. The study’s findings indicate that a high level of employee engagement can mitigate the adverse effects of organizational politics on job satisfaction.

Originality/value

There is a notable gap in research regarding the impact of organizational politics on employee job satisfaction within the workplace. This study addresses this gap by providing valuable insights into how organizational politics affect job satisfaction, specifically among university employees.
Strategic adaptation in the electric vehicle supply chain: navigating transformative trends in the automobile industry
Authors: Rehman Attique ur , Shakeel Sadiq Jajja Muhammad
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the evolution of the electric vehicles (EVs) supply chain eco-system from the lens of economy, enterprises, environment and strategy. The paper highlights the opportunities and gaps in the supply chains of EVs and further explores the evolution of the EV supply chain in the context of Asia, and other developing regions, which are transitioning towards sustainable consumption practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a literature review triangulated with primary research, specifically focusing on the case study of two focal organizations and associated frameworks in the domain of electric mobility, investigating the change led by electric mobility supply chain dynamics and how it has transformed the underlying supply chain ecosystem.

Findings

To this end, the paper presents key opportunities and challenges posed in the EV ecosystem, presenting a comprehensive framework of transitioning from internal combustion engines-based vehicles to EVs. The paper also presents a worldwide analysis of the economic and technological readiness of the countries in EVs domain. The paper also presents an EV market classification framework based on geopolitical factors.

Research limitations/implications

The paper opens horizons for further empirical studies (quantitative or qualitative) to understand the nuances of electric mobility.

Practical implications

The paper also presents implications for practicing managers in the domain of the electric supply chain to better understand the ecosystem, opportunities and mitigate challenges posed by this disruptive technology.

Originality/value

With the world working towards a zero-carbon future, understanding the challenges and opportunities in this field is important to support this global shift. The paper presents and an original and novel understanding of the EV supply chain ecosystem.
Effect of green inclusive leadership on employees’ CSR performance: a serial mediation analysis
Authors: Boutmaghzoute Hajar , Jebli Fedwa , Aboramadan Mohammed , Cabral Clement
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Building on social information processing and social exchange theories, this study aims to investigate the effect of green inclusive leadership on employees’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance via a serial mediation framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was validated using time-lagged data of 412 employees in India’s service sector.

Findings

Green inclusive leadership promotes employees’ CSR performance through green organizational climate, green work engagement and green employee advocacy.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few to explore the effects of environmentally oriented factors on employees’ CSR performance. The findings enrich the debate on organizational greening and CSR microfoundations. In addition, it provides a roadmap for practitioners to advocate for green strategies and CSR initiatives.
Amin Elkholy: the innovative reformist
Authors: Elkholy Yomna Tareef
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to illustrate that Reformism dominates much of Arab thought, and it has continued to be a major source of inspiration for contemporary Islamic philosophy. Thereafter, it shows that Amin Elkholy was a pioneer of reformism whose innovative thinking led Abd-el-Jabaar Elrefa’I and others to recognize him as the first hermeneuticist in the history of Islam.

Design/methodology/approach

The research traces Islamic Reformism's rise and development, evaluates its status in the map of modern Arab/Islamic thought and determines its main figures until arriving at Amin Elkholy. Then, it shows that through evolutionism and a comprehensive evolutionistic approach, Elkholy undertook renewal in Islamic reformism as a multidimensional innovation. So, the interaction between traditional renovation and Western evolutionism produced a highly fruitful philosophy of innovation and progress.

Findings

First, Islamic Reformism contains potential for continuous advancement and development. Second, Amin Elkholy has introduced a model of Islamic Reformism and achieved the situation of authenticity/modernization in a way that seems very compatible with our postmodernism era and postmodernist philosophy.

Research limitations/implications

The research framework has been Modern Arab Thought and Contemporary Islamic Philosophy since the beginning of the 19th Century. The approach entails some future expectations.

Practical implications

The approach entails some future expectations and suggests topics for further research.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, it is the first time to notice some compatibility between Islamic Reformism and postmodernism.
Exploring tourist switching intention to halal tourism with the push-pull-mooring theory
Authors: Timur Yan Putra , Ridlwan Ahmad Ajib , Suryaningsih Sri Abidah , Fikriyah Khusnul , Susilowati Fitriah Dwi , Rofiqo Azidni
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the push, pull and mooring effects toward switching intention to halal tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a quantitative study by accommodating a convenience sampling approach and google form media as a medium for distributing questionnaires. The object of this study is 420 Muslim tourists who have visited at least once in halal tourist attractions in Indonesia. The data were processed using a partial least squares structural equation modeling approach using the SmartPLS 4.0.

Findings

The results of the study indicate that the push factors (low service, low satisfaction and low trust), pull factors (future expectation, alternative attractiveness and Sharia compliance) and religiosity have a positive and significant influence on the switching intention in tourism. In contrast, social influence has an insignificant effect on the switching intention toward halal tourism.

Research limitations/implications

This study only accommodates Muslim and domiciled respondents in Java Island, Indonesia.

Practical implications

Improving service quality and information, particularly related to the needs of Muslim travelers (such as the availability of halal food, prayer facilities, and so on), is highly recommended as a differentiating strategy that can enhance brand equity for halal tourism providers. The government and halal tourism stakeholders can collaborate with various parties, such as universities or associations, to organize seminars, public lectures and training programs.

Originality/value

This study expands the understanding of the key determinants of switching behavior to halal tourism destinations. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first study to examine switching behavior to halal tourism and the first study to use push-pull-mooring theory in the context of halal tourism.
Measurement residual theory, analytic composites and the assessment of formative latent variables
Authors: Kock Ned
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Formative measurement, where indicators are frequently seen as causing their corresponding latent variables, is extensively used in information systems research and in such a way as to attract methodological criticism to the entire field. This paper aims to ameliorate this situation.

Design/methodology/approach

Anchored on a new measurement residual theory, this paper argues that a latent variable always exists before the corresponding indicators when data is collected via questionnaires, whether reflective or formative measurement is used. Consequently, this paper posits that the direction of causality going from indicators to latent variables normally associated with formative measurement is misguided.

Findings

This paper develops a theory-driven set of recommendations for the assessment of formative measurement quality, addressing the following elements: factor reliability, indicator redundancy, significance of indicator weights, indicator effect sizes, Simpson’s paradox instances associated with indicators, model-wide factor redundancy and use of analytic composites.

Research limitations/implications

The new theory and related recommendations are illustrated based on an empirical study of 290 geographically distributed product innovation teams that used various electronic communication media to conduct their work.

Originality/value

The data is analyzed with the software WarpPLS, a widely used structural equation modeling tool that allows for formative measurement assessment and analytic composite utilization in ways that are fully compatible with the theory-driven set of recommendations presented in this paper.
Beyond paychecks and prestige: unveiling the true drivers of faculty well-being
Authors: de Jong Pieter , Frieder Rachel , Schnusenberg Oliver , Timmerman Inga
Published: January 2025

Purpose

We aim to explore and analyze job stress, satisfaction and career mobility among finance professors in the US. Additionally, we seek to provide insights that could guide new finance PhDs and current academics in understanding how various job aspects impact their professional experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Using manual data identification and applying univariate and multivariate analyses, we survey finance professors in the US to assess their overall job satisfaction, the reasons that drive their choice of first academic positions and the factors influencing their desire to remain in or leave their current roles.

Findings

Our findings indicate that pay, location and alignment between research expectations set during the interview process and the actual job conditions are the strongest predictors of professors’ job satisfaction. Family and personal considerations play a more significant role in job search behavior for subsequent employment opportunities. Additionally, we provide evidence that perceived gender-based differential treatment within departments is associated with lower job satisfaction. Furthermore, the academic landscape has shifted following the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting faculty and students.

Originality/value

We identify the key factors influencing job satisfaction, the motivations behind career decisions and the changing job demands faced by finance academics in the US.
Disparities in court orders to relinquish firearms in civil domestic violence protection orders
Authors: Kafka Julie M. , Ellyson Alice M. , Santaularia N. Jeanie , Adhia Avanti , Ortega Alberto , Shanahan Sandra , Rowhani‐Rahbar Ali , Bowen Deirdre
Published: January 2025

Research summary

To address firearm‐related harms in the context of domestic violence (DV), federal law prohibits firearm purchase or possession for respondents in qualifying civil domestic violence protection order (DVPO) cases. Washington state further authorizes courts to order a DVPO respondent (i.e., the person who perpetrated DV) to relinquish firearms in their possession while a DVPO is in effect. Despite statutory guidelines about when to order firearm relinquishment, judicial biases or other structural factors may influence which DVPO cases include firearm relinquishment. Historically, U.S. laws and institutions have privileged White men with firearm access over minoritized individuals, but little is known about whether racial disparities exist in DVPO firearm relinquishment orders. We investigated racialized disparities in DVPO firearm relinquishment orders using a sample of 6290 granted DVPO cases from King County, Washington (2014–2020). Using logistic regression analyses, we found that White respondents had 30–50% times lower odds of being ordered to relinquish firearms compared with respondents who were Black (aOR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.6, 0.9) or Latine (aOR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.4, 0.7). Disparities were attenuated in situations when it was statutorily mandatory for the DVPO to include a firearm relinquishment order, compared with situations when the order was discretionary, although disparities remained.

Policy implications

Courts may privilege and protect firearm rights for White DVPO respondents compared with respondents who were Black or Latine. Considering that people who perpetrate DV pose a substantial risk for enacting violence in the home and in the community, DVPO firearm relinquishment should be ordered equitably and thoroughly, regardless of respondent race or ethnicity. Removing judicial discretion may improve the rate at which firearm relinquishment is ordered and mitigate disparities in firearm relinquishment based on respondent race or ethnicity, however, statutory mandates alone are not sufficient to address these problems.
Development and validity of tutorial guide for using lung ultrasound to identify “Excessive Fluid Volume” nursing diagnosis in patients with heart failure
Authors: Rodrigues Maria Camila , da Silva Thiago Vital , da Silva Teixeira Hellen Caroline , Lopes Camila Takao , de Lima Lopes Juliana , Gimenes Fernanda Raphael Escobar , D'Agostino Fabio , Santos Vinicius Batista
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to create and assess the content validity of a tutorial guide to identify the “Excessive Fluid Volume” nursing diagnosis in individuals with heart failure using lung ultrasound.

Methods

The study was divided into two phases. In the first phase, a literature review was conducted with the aim of developing a tutorial guide for performing lung ultrasound (LUS) to identify the “Excessive Fluid Volume” nursing diagnosis. In the second phase, the developed tutorial guide was initially assessed by a group of experts to assess the stages for image acquisition. Subsequently, another group of experts assessed the tutorial guide in terms of its indications, interpretation, and management. The content validity ratio (CVR) was calculated to analyze the agreement among experts.

Results

A total of 24 articles were included in the tutorial guide development. Initially, the guide was assessed by 10 experts, and after three rounds, a critical CVR value was obtained. In the second phase, the guide's indications, interpretation, and management were assessed by 14 nurses, achieving a CVR value of 1.0. The guide includes three indications for insonation, 17 stages related to acquiring pulmonary insonation, three possible interpretations of ultrasound images to identify the defining characteristics of pulmonary congestion and pleural effusion, and five potential nursing interventions.

Conclusion

The tutorial guide for identifying the “Excessive Fluid Volume” diagnosis in patients with heart failure was developed and demonstrated adequate evidence of content validity.

Implications for practice

The tutorial guide developed can be used by nurses to assess the presence of the “Excessive Fluid Volume” diagnosis in different nursing care scenarios for patients with heart failure.