bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring global and specific pathogenic mechanisms in Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy through multi-omics integration
Authors: Brochet Pauline , Kalil Jorge , Procaccio Vincent , Cunha-Neto Edecio , Spinelli Lionel , Chevillard Christophe
Published: October 2023

Chagas disease is a neglected disease from South America caused by a parasite,Trypanosoma cruzi. While most of infected people remains asymptomatic, around 30% develop Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCC), a very lethal cardiomyopathy characterized by an exacerbate inflammatory response. The last few years, our team has set up multiple omics analysis. Briefly, we have pointed the over-expression of many genes involved in the Th1 lymphocyte response, as well as some epigenetic features potentially involved in their regulation, including miRNA, lncRNA and methylation site. Moreover, some mitochondria mutation seems to predispose to the development of CCC. In order to understand and characterize the impact of genetic and epigenetic elements on the pathogenic process associated to CCC, we have performed here a multi-omics integration, combining transcriptomic, methylomic, miRNomic and mitochondria sequencing. We have identified two distinct pathogenic pathways that vary among patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC). One pathway is primarily influenced by IRF4, a transcription factor known for its involvement in the development of both B and T cells, while the other is driven by TLR signaling. Notably, genes related to B cells play a role in both of these processes. Additionally, we have detected certain similarities in the B cell receptors of all CCC patients, which may potentially contribute to autoimmunity. While further analysis is necessary to validate these findings, they collectively enhance our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms associated with CCC.
Cruise Control Study: Simplification of IVF Monitoring in a Mixed Protocol Using a Novel Dosing Regimen
Authors: Benguigui Jonas , Kadoch Eva , Bannan Amro , Phillips Simon , Hemmings Robert , Bissonnette François , Kadoch Isaac-Jacques
Published: October 2023

Objective

To identify the subset of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) population suitable for minimal monitoring by implementing a novel dosing regimen.

Methods

A retrospective study conducted between April 2021 and August 2022. Eligible participants were aged 18 or older, had undergone IVF stimulation using an antagonist protocol, and were prescribed a combination of follitropin delta and human menopausal gonadotropin. The dosage was either based on a patient-specific dosing regimen developed by the ovo clinic utilizing weight and AMH levels (Group 1, n=356) or determined through clinical evaluation by the physician (Group 2, n=358). On day 6, ultrasound and serum hormone analyses were performed, with adjustments made solely to the menotropin dosage in necessary.

Results

The study enrolled a total of 714 patients. In Group 1, 80,3% of patients were stimulated at maximal doses compared to 14,5% in Group 2. No cases of moderate or severe cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) were recorded. The frequency of dose adjustments before day 10 was minimal. Patients treated with non-maximal doses according to the dosing regimen showed significantly fewer adjustments on day 6 compared to those treated according to physician’s assessment (24.6% versus 46.9%, p<0.001). Among this subgroup, OHSS risk was observed in 30.4% of cases.

Conclusion

Our innovative dosing regimen suggests that initial monitoring on day 10 would suffice for IVF patients with low ovarian reserve undergoing maximal stimulation.
ASSESSING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE OF MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CARE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER- COMORO DILI TIMOR-LESTE
Authors: Lopes Agusta Amaral , Perreira Delfim da Costa , Soares Domingos , Silva Valente da , Martins Nelson
Published: October 2023

Purpose/ Introduction

Recent Evidences reveal that COVID-19 pandemic caused MCH services interruption world-wide. In Timor-Leste, MCH services is one of service priorities and delivers through 3 tiers of health structures consists of hospitals, CHCs, and HPs. The Country (Timor-Leste) identified its first case of COVID-19 in March and by April 2020, it was lockdown and stringent actions were enforced. During the pandemic COVID-19, the MOH health structures and facilities continued delivers essential health services. However, the strict lockdown and mandatory stay home order had negatively impacted the health system capacities. This study to thoroughly assess the disruption of System Components of MCH Services by interviewed frontline HCWs from Comoro -CHC, in Dili-Timor-Leste.

Patients and Methods

The cross-sectional approach with quantitative descriptive method was employed for this study. We employed a modified who six building blocks (service delivery, human resources, drugs and consumables, ICT, Financing, Stewardship) to assess system disruption of MCH services in Comoro CHC due to COVID-19 Pandemic. Sample of 99 participants consisted of medical doctors, midwives, nurses who work at MCH unit pharmacy technicians, unit laboratory technicians, a structured questionnaire was utilized and data analysis was used SPSS.

Result

The findings reveal the disruption of all 6 system blocks from MCH services in Comoro-CHC, Dili, Timor-Leste due to COVID-19 Pandemic. Except leadership, statistical tests reveal statistically significant association between interruption of five blocks from MCH services. The service delivery, human resources, drugs and consumables, ICT, Financing, Stewardship.

Conclusion

COVID-19 Pandemic Caused disruption of all six health system blocks of MCH Services in Comoro, CHC. For future pandemic preparation plan, the attention must be given to all six-health system blocks to guarantee continue delivery of MCH care in CHC Comoro, Dili, Timor-Leste and a primary health care facility and other similar settings.
A Pilot Study of a Ketogenic Diet in Bipolar Disorder: Clinical, Metabolic and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Findings
Authors: Campbell Iain H , Needham Nicole , Grossi Helen , Kamenska Ivana , Sheehan Shane , Thompson Gerard , Thrippleton Michael J , Gibbs Melissa C , Leitao Joana , Moses Tessa , Burgess Karl , Meadowcroft Ben , Rigby Benjamin P , Simpson Sharon A , McIntosh Emma , Brown Rachel , Mitchell-Grigorjeva Maja , Creasy Frances , Norrie John , McLellan Ailsa , Fisher Cheryl , Zieliński Tomasz , Gaggioni Giulia , Luz Saturnino , Campbell Harry , Smith Daniel J
Published: October 2023

Background

Preliminary evidence suggests that a ketogenic diet may be effective for bipolar disorder.

Aims

To assess the impact of a ketogenic diet in bipolar disorder on clinical, metabolic and brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) outcomes.

Method

Euthymic individuals with bipolar disorder (N=27) were recruited to a 6-8 week single-arm open pilot study of a modified ketogenic diet. Clinical, metabolic and MRS measures were assessed before and after the intervention.

Results

Of 27 recruited participants, 26 began and 20 completed the ketogenic diet for 6-8 weeks. For participants completing the intervention, mean body weight fell by 4.2kg (p<0.001), mean BMI fell by 1.5kg/m2(p<0.001) and mean systolic blood pressure fell by 7.4 mmHg (p<0.041). All participants had baseline and follow up assessments consistent with them being in the euthymic range with no statistically significant changes in symptoms (assessed by the Affective Lability Scale-18, Beck’s Depression Inventory and Young Mania Rating Scale). In some participants (those providing reliable daily ecological momentary assessment data; n=14) there was a positive correlation between daily ketone levels and self-rated mood (r=0.21, p<0.001) and energy (r=0.19 p<0.001), and an inverse correlation between ketone levels and both impulsivity (r =-.30, p<0.001) and anxiety (r=-0.19, p<0.001). From the MRS measurements, brain Glx (glutamate plus glutamine concentration) decreased by 11.6% in the anterior cingulate cortex ACC (p=0.025) and fell by 13.6% in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) (p=<0.001).

Conclusions

These preliminary findings suggest that a ketogenic diet may be clinically useful in bipolar disorder, for both mental health and metabolic outcomes. Replication and randomised controlled trials are now warranted.

Study Registration Number

ISRCTN61613198
Prevalence of postpartum depression and its association with Diabetes mellitus among mothers in Mbarara, southwestern Uganda
Authors: Atuhaire Catherine , Taseera Kabanda , Atukunda Esther C , Atwine Daniel , Matthews Lynn T , Rukundo Godfrey Zari
Published: October 2023

Background

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a major health challenge with potentially devastating maternal and physical health outcomes. Development of diabetes mellitus has been hypothesized as one the potential adverse effects of PPD among mothers in the postpartum period but this association has not been adequately studied. This study aimed at determining prevalence of postpartum depression and its association with diabetes mellitus among mothers in Mbarara District, southwestern Uganda.

Methods

This was a facility based cross sectional study of 309 mothers between 6thweek to 6thmonth after childbirth. Using proportionate stratified consecutive sampling, mothers were enrolled from postnatal clinics of two health facilities, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Bwizibwera Health center IV. PPD was diagnosed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI 7.0.2) for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5thEdition (DSM-5). Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed by measuring Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Logistic regression was used to determine the association of PPD and diabetes mellitus among mothers.

Results

The study established that PPD prevalence among mothers of 6thweeks to 6thmonths postpartum period in Mbarara was 40.5% (95% CI: 35.1-45.1%). A statistically significant association between postpartum depression and diabetes mellitus in mothers between 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum was established. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus among mothers with PPD was 28% compared to 13.6% among mothers without PPD Mothers with PPD had 3 times higher odds of being newly diagnosed with diabetes between 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum as compared to those without PPD during the same period (aOR=3.0, 95% CI: 1.62-5.74, p=0.001).

Conclusion and Recommendations

Postpartum women within 6thweeks to 6thmonths have higher risks of developing diabetes mellitus. Research is needed to determine if targeted diabetes mellitus screening, prevention interventions and management will help reduce the burden.
Who would be affected by a ban on disposable vapes? A population study in Great Britain
Authors: Jackson Sarah E. , Tattan-Birch Harry , Shahab Lion , Oldham Melissa , Kale Dimitra , Brose Leonie , Brown Jamie
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The UK government is consulting on banning disposable e-cigarettes. This study aimed to describe trends in disposable e-cigarette use among adults in Great Britain since 2021 and establish who would currently be affected by a ban on disposables.

Study design

Nationally-representative monthly cross-sectional survey.

Methods

We analysed data from 69,973 adults surveyed between January-2021 and August-2023. We estimated monthly time trends in the weighted prevalence of current disposable e-cigarette use among adults and by sociodemographic characteristics and smoking status.

Results

From January-2021 to August-2023, the prevalence of disposable e-cigarette use grew from 0.1% to 4.9%. This rise was observed across all population subgroups but was most pronounced among younger adults (e.g., reaching 15.9% of 18-year-olds compared with 1.3% of 65-year-olds), those who currently smoke (16.3%), and those who stopped smoking in the past year (18.2%). Use among never smokers remained relatively rare (1.5%), except among 18-24-year-olds (7.1%). Use was significantly higher in England than Wales or Scotland (5.3% vs. 2.0% and 2.8%) and among less (vs. more) advantaged social grades (6.1% vs. 4.0%), those with (vs. without) children (6.4% vs. 4.4%), and those with (vs. without) a history of mental health conditions (9.3% vs. 3.1%).

Conclusions

A ban on disposable e-cigarettes would currently affect one in 20 adults in Great Britain (approximately 2.6 million people). The impact would be greatest on young people, including the 316,000 18-24 year-olds who currently use disposables but who have never regularly smoked tobacco, which may discourage uptake of vaping in this group. However, a ban would also affect 1.1 million people who currently smoke and a further 744,000 who previously smoked. It would also have a disproportionate impact on disadvantaged groups that have higher rates of smoking and typically find it harder to quit.
Transcriptome variations in hybrids of wild emmer wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccoides)
Authors: Ziv Alon , kashkush Khalil
Published: October 2023

Background

Wild emmer wheat is a great candidate to revitalize domesticated wheat genetic diversity. Recent years have seen intensive investigation into the evolution and domestication of wild emmer wheat, including whole-genome DNA and transcriptome sequencing. However, the impact of intraspecific hybridization on the transcriptome of wild emmer wheat has been poorly studied. In this study, we assessed changes in methylation patterns and transcriptomic variations in two accessions of wild emmer wheat collected from two marginal populations, Mt. Hermon and Mt. Amasa, and in their stable F4 hybrid.

Results

Methylation-Sensitive Amplified Polymorphism (MSAP) detected significant cytosine demethylation in F4 hybrids vs. parental lines, suggesting potential transcriptome variation. After a detailed analysis, we examined nine RNA-Seq samples, which included three biological replicates from the F4 hybrid and its parental lines. RNA-Seq databases contained approximately 200 million reads, with each library consisting of 15 to 25 million reads. There are a total of 62,490 well-annotated genes in these databases, with 6,602 genes showing differential expression between F4 hybrid and parental lines Mt. Hermon and Mt. Amasa. The differentially expressed genes were classified into four main categories based on their expression patterns. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes are associated with DNA/RNA metabolism, photosynthesis, defense response, and phosphorylation.

Conclusion

This study highlights the significant transcriptomic changes resulting from intraspecific hybridization within natural plant populations, which might aid the nascent hybrid in adapting to various environmental conditions.
Sustainable strategy as a lever for corporate legitimacy and long-term competitive advantage: an examination of an emerging market multinational
Authors: Gomez-Trujillo Ana Maria , Gonzalez-Perez Maria Alejandra , Baena-Rojas Jose Jaime
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the process of integrating sustainability into the corporate strategy of an emerging market multinational enterprises (EMNE) to achieve and maintain corporate legitimacy over time. The research explores how deploying a corporate sustainability strategy enhances the company’s long-term competitive relevance by creating and maintaining corporate legitimacy and transferring practices based on sustainable development goals within the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a qualitative single-case design, focusing on a corporate energy services company (Interconexión Eléctrica S.A.) operating in volatile, uncertain and turbulent environments.

Findings

The findings indicate that integrating sustainability into the corporate strategy enables subsidiaries to effectively meet global requirements, considering internal and external pressures. This integration also fosters the development of unique capabilities and the internalization of standards, addressing liabilities in foreign markets, thus providing a competitive advantage and safeguarding corporate legitimacy among stakeholders.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the international business literature by providing insights into strategy development and implementation in EMNEs. Specifically, it demonstrates how a Latin American emerging multinational enterprise (multilatina) adopts new sustainability strategies to enhance its business competitiveness. The study also offers guidance for emerging market companies on developing sustainability strategies and transferring them to subsidiaries operating in complex institutional environments. Furthermore, the research provides a rationale for governments and civil society organizations on why firms are committed to sustainability, highlighting its positive impact on firm’s competitiveness and survival in international markets.
“Nurturing a trusting learning community”: perceptions of relationships in a health professions education peer mentorship program
Authors: Harrison Helen Frances , Kinsella Elizabeth Anne , Loftus Stephen , DeLuca Sandra , McGovern Gregory , Belanger Isabelle , Eugenio Tristan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate student mentors' perceptions of peer mentor relationships in a health professions education program.

Design/methodology/approach

The design uses embodied hermeneutic phenomenology. The data comprise 10 participant interviews and visual “body maps” produced in response to guided questions.

Findings

The findings about student mentors' perceptions of peer mentor relationships include a core theme of nurturing a trusting learning community and five related themes of attunement to mentees, commonality of experiences, friends with boundaries, reciprocity in learning and varied learning spaces.

Originality/value

The study contributes original insights by highlighting complexity, shifting boundaries, liminality, embodied social understanding and trusting intersubjective relations as key considerations in student peer mentor relationships.
CEO tenure, board monitoring and competitive corporate culture: how do they influence integrated reporting?
Authors: Muttakin Mohammad Badrul , Khan Arifur
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the association between chief executive officer (CEO) tenure and the quality of information disclosed through integrated reporting quality (IRQ), which combines financial and non-financial data. The authors also investigate how formal (e.g. board independence and gender diversity) and informal (e.g. corporate culture) governance mechanisms influence this association. By analysing these factors, the authors expect to provide valuable insights on the impact of CEO tenure and governance structures on the comprehensive nature of integrated reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of the top 200 Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)-listed companies from 2015 to 2019. IRQ is measured through levels of compliance with the integrated reporting (IR) framework proposed by the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC). The hypotheses are tested using multiple regression analyses.

Findings

The authors find that CEO tenure is negatively associated with IRQ. Furthermore, CEO tenure has a more positive influence on IRQ in the early CEO tenure years than later ones. The authors' study finds that the association between CEO tenure and IRQ is insignificant when firms have a high level of monitoring, as measured by board independence and gender diversity. The authors also document that competitive corporate culture moderates the negative association between CEO tenure and IRQ.

Originality/value

The authors' study highlights the significant impact of internal formal and informal governance mechanisms on disclosure practices in Australia's voluntary IR environment. By shedding light on these factors, the authors' research enhances understanding of Australian companies' IR practices and offers valuable insights for scholars, policymakers and practitioners in the field.
Not the way it used to be: B2B interactions in the era of ecosystems
Authors: Gustafson Brandon , Pomirleanu Nadia , John-Mariadoss Babu
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The COVID pandemic has prompted B2B and industrial marketing scholars to understand more about how external disruptions impact parties involved in B2B transactions. This paper aims to adopt an ecosystem perspective to conceptually classify the interactions between actors involved in B2B ecosystems.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper presents a framework across multiple levels of ecosystem interactions (at micro, meso and macrolevels) to illustrate how value cocreation and knowledge flows (as mechanisms underlying B2B relationships) are related to firm performance.

Findings

Based on this framework, this paper offers propositions and several research questions about the effects of disruptions and how they propagate among these essential business ecosystem elements.

Originality/value

This conceptual framework underscores the vital role of relationships and interactions in shaping B2B ecosystems, especially during disruptive periods. With a greater understanding of how these interactions operate across levels (micro, meso and macro), scholars and practitioners may be better able to navigate disruptive periods.
Drivers of business-to-business sales success and the role of digitalization after COVID-19 disruptions
Authors: Guesalaga Rodrigo , Ruiz-Alba Jose L. , López-Tenorio Pablo J.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the drivers of business-to-business (B2B) sales success and the role of digitalization, in a selling and sales management landscape being disrupted by COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology follows a discovery-oriented grounded theory approach, which consists of a two-stage qualitative study with sales professionals in Chile, and a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).

Findings

This research shows that interfunctional coordination, agility in the selling process and business customer engagement are critical determinants of B2B sales success, whereas digitalization moderates these relationships.

Originality/value

This research responds to a call for more research on the impact of digitalization on business relationships in different contexts and perspectives. The authors study the Chilean context, through a two-stage qualitative study, and a fsQCA analysis, which constitutes a novel combination in this stream of research.
Islamic crowdfunding and Shariah compliance regulation: problems and oversight
Authors: Sudarwanto Al Sentot , Kharisma Dona Budi , Cahyaningsih Diana Tantri
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify the problems in shariah compliance and the weak oversight of implementing Islamic crowdfunding (ICF). Shariah compliance regulation is an essential subsystem in Islamic social finance ecosystems.

Design/methodology/approach

This type of research is legal research. The research approaches are the statute, comparative and conceptual approaches. The study in this research examines Indonesia, the UK and Malaysia.

Findings

ICF is one of the fastest-growing sectors of Islamic financial technology (fintech). The Islamic fintech sector is showing maturity signals with a market size of $79bn in 2021, projected at $179bn in 2026. Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia lead the Index by Global Islamic Fintech (GIFT) Index scores. However, low shariah compliance is still an issue in implementing ICF. This problem is caused by regulatory support that is still lacking and oversight of shariah compliance is not optimal. On the one hand, shariah compliance is the ICF core principle for Shariah Governance.

Research limitations/implications

This study examines the regulation and oversight of ICF in Indonesia, Malaysia and the UK. Indonesia and Malaysia, a country with the highest GIFT index score in the world, and the UK, a country with an Islamic finance sector experiencing rapid growth.

Practical implications

The research results on shariah compliance regulation in ICF are helpful as a comprehensive approach for developing sustainable Islamic social finance ecosystems.

Social implications

Shariah compliance is the core principle of ICF governance. Its implementation can increase public trust.

Originality/value

Crowdfunding platform and issuers in ICF must implement shariah compliance. Therefore, it is essential to consider the presence of shariah compliance requirements and a Shariah Supervisory Board (DPS).
Is the counterfeit currency mechanism strictly enforced by banks and regulatory authorities?
Authors: Garg Suman , Aggarwal Renu
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Counterfeit currency ranges from a low-quality colour scanner/printer notes to high-quality counterfeits produced by hostile powers. Detecting counterfeit money notes is a national priority due to its huge negative economic impact. However, no automatic mechanism exists for identifying the source of counterfeit notes, which is a more sophisticated and critical problem. This paper aims to evaluate the procedure or mechanism which are followed by banks for fake not reporting and the effectiveness of this mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

For doing this research, primary data has been collected from bank staff (particularly front desk staff like cashier/teller). A very simple and short questionnaire has been prepared where the researcher just wants to explore that up to what extent bank staff is aware about the clauses of the counterfeit currency note (CCN).

Findings

The result shows that in approximately 38% of cases, bank staff return the fake notes to the customer without reporting, and approximately 57%–58% are unaware of the fake currency notes reporting to the nodal bank office and police.

Practical implications

Banks themselves have to take stringent actions to ensure that none of the CCNs circulate again in the economy if caught by bank officials. All the flaws in a system should be effectively monitored along with covering the loopholes in the system like lack of training, time-to-time sensitisation of front desk employees, providing protection to employees in case of any kind of threat from customer and reducing the burden of retaining the customer if a customer is at guilty.

Originality/value

This is the original work done by the researchers; in fact, the researchers were able to find only a couple of studies related to this kind of in-depth analysis in the literature. This study is done to provide feedback to the authorities on how the system is manipulated for organisational and self-interest.
Forms of nostalgia in the rhetorical history of Jack Daniel’s
Authors: Seifried Chad S. , Novicevic Milorad M. , Poor Stephen
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to use a theoretical-based case study of two distinct ownership groups of the Jack Daniel’s brand to explore how rhetorical history (i.e. malleability of the past for strategic goals) may evoke and capitalize on different forms of nostalgia. Within, the authors configure four forms of nostalgia (i.e. personal, historical, collective and cultural) from the individual or collective interaction and level of direct experience one has with the past as lived or happened.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an historical research approach which involved the identification of primary and secondary sources, facility tour, source criticism and triangulation to create themes of rhetorical history infused with nostalgic narratives using compelling evidence through rich description of this fusion.

Findings

The findings reveal how nostalgia-driven narratives reflecting different collective longing for the re-creation of an American Paradise Lost used by Jack Daniel (i.e. the man) and later but differently by Brown-Forman. This study uncovers how the company’s inherited past was used rhetorically throughout its history, beginning with the nostalgic story of Jack Daniel and the distillery’s nostalgically choreographed location in Lynchburg, Tennessee. This study delves into this setting to highlight the importance of symbols, details, emotional appeals and communications for collective memory and identity development and to showcase the ways in which they are influenced by different types and forms of nostalgia.

Originality/value

This study adds to a limited number of studies focused on understanding the impact of founders on an organization’s brand and how that is malleable. This study responds to scholarly calls to study the influence of sequenced historical rhetoric on an organization and highlight the relevance of social emotions such as nostalgia for rhetorical history. Finally, the theoretical contribution involves the advancing and construction of a theory typology of nostalgia previously proposed by Havlena and Holak in 1996.
Impact of the second-hand market on durable goods remanufacturing decisions under patent protection
Authors: Cao Xiaogang , Xiao Boning , Wen Hui , Fu Mingzhe
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper explores how the existence of a second-hand market can affect remanufacturing decisions for durable goods in the presence of patent protection.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors construct a dynamic decision model between a durable goods original manufacturer and a durable goods remanufacturer considering the characteristics of the multi-cycle uses of new durable goods and remanufactured durable goods.

Findings

The results show that (1) the second-hand market compresses the cost space of a durable goods original manufacturer and a remanufacturer; (2) when the second-hand market exists, the optimal pricing of new durable goods is reduced, the optimal pricing of remanufactured durable goods is increased and the patent cost of each unit of durable goods increases and (3) the presence of the second-hand market will increase the original manufacturer's and remanufacturer's profits.

Originality/value

The research conclusion has certain reference value for the production strategy selection of each enterprise in the process of patented product remanufacturing and the government's fiscal policy formulation at each stage of the remanufacturing industry's development.
Reviving tradition: exploring traditional Dakon game apps for library users
Authors: Nugroho Prasetyo Adi , Anna Nove E. Variant , Jarusawat Piyapat
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the implementation of the traditional Indonesian Dakon game Apps at UNAIR library called Dakon UNAIR Arena (DUNA).

Design/methodology/approach

Traditional games are an important part of a nation’s cultural heritage. However, with technological advances in the digital era, traditional games are often marginalized and forgotten because there are many computer and online-based games invented. Observation of the implementation of DUNA game at UNAIR library has been conducted on DUNA users.

Findings

DUNA game at UNAIR library gives a positive contribution to reviving the traditional Dakon game from Indonesian. Library users who participated in the DUNA game reported an increase in interest and participation in this game. Apart from that, implementing the DUNA increases a sense of pride in local culture and promotes cooperation and social interaction between library users.

Originality/value

The conclusion was that the DUNA game at UNAIR library can be an effective means of bringing back the traditional Indonesian Dakon game in the digital era. It is hoped that this research can encourage the application of other traditional games at library environments and society in general.
Boardroom diversity (task- and relation-oriented diversity) and financial stability: evidence from Chinese financial listed firms
Authors: Ning Ding , Bhat Kalimullah , Nabi Ghulam , Yinong Ren
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of boardroom diversity on the financial stability of Chinese financial listed firms. Boardroom diversity is quantified in the following aspects: relation-oriented diversity and task-oriented diversity.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel data on Chinese financial listed firms between 1998 and 2017 are used in this study. Panel regression is used to analyze the firm data for fixed effects and robust standard errors.

Findings

Task-oriented diversity of the board increases financial stability. Regarding the impact of boardroom diversity on firm risk, the results reveal that task-oriented diversity of the board reduces firm risk, which supports the predictions of this research. Regarding the moderating effect of state ownership on the relationship between boardroom diversity (task- and relation-oriented diversity) and financial stability, the results show that state ownership enhances the positive impact of the board’s task-oriented diversity on financial stability.

Practical implications

Task-oriented diversity of the board enhances the financial stability of Chinese financial listed firms. As existing studies on bank boards in China are limited, the findings of this research can be used when crafting policy initiatives to enhance financial stability.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the effect of boardroom diversity, particularly task- and relation-oriented diversity, on financial stability. It provides empirical support that boardroom diversity positively affects the financial stability of Chinese financial listed firms. This research also offers empirical evidence that state ownership enhances the positive impact of the board’s task-oriented diversity on financial stability.
Participatory action research on webs of caring in the digital age across four European countries
Authors: Leontowitsch Miranda , Putnina Aivita , Andersson Marcus , Niemistö Charlotta , Werny Rafaela , Sjögren Hanna , Mileiko Ilze , Lakševics Kārlis , Pokšāns Artūrs , Neikena Māra , Orste Līna , Malm Camilla , Oswald Frank , Hearn Jeff , Krekula Clary
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The digital age requires people of all ages to communicate and organise their lives through digital technologies. The project EQualCare investigates how the growing population of older people living alone is managing this transition, how it shapes their (non-)digital social networks and what changes on a local level need to be brought about. This paper aims to give insight into the process of participatory action research (PAR) with older people in the community across four countries and reflects on experiences made by academic and co-researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the emancipatory underpinnings of PAR, which aims to reduce inequalities through collaboration and co-design, EQualCare involved nine teams of co-researchers across Finland, Germany, Latvia and Sweden making older people the centre of policy development. Co-researchers were involved in formulating research aims, collecting data, reflecting on data, formulating and disseminating recommendations for local policy stakeholders.

Findings

Co-researchers’ motivation to invest considerable time and effort was driven by a desire to create a more equal future for older people living alone. Moreover, they were keen to involve marginalised older people and became frustrated when this proved difficult. Power dynamics played a role throughout the process but became productive as roles and responsibilities were renegotiated. Doing PAR with older people can be emotionally challenging for co-researchers when negative feelings around ageing are encountered.

Originality/value

The paper advances understanding on the process of PAR in ageing research by reflecting on the social, cultural and political contexts of doing PAR with diverse sets of older people.
The value and growth effect in the Vietnamese stock market: a mispricing explanation
Authors: Quy Duong Le
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Although the value effect is comprehensively investigated in developed markets, the number of studies examining the Vietnamese stock market is limited. Hence, the first aim of this research is to provide empirical evidence regarding returns on value and growth stocks in Vietnam. The second aim is to explain abnormal returns on Vietnamese growth and value stocks using both risk-based and behavioral points of view.

Design/methodology/approach

From the risk-based explanation, the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), Fama–French three- and five-factor models are estimated. From the behavioral explanation, to construct the mispricing factor, this paper relies on the method of Rhodes-Kropf et al. (2005), one of the most popular mispricing estimations in the financial literature with numerous citations (Jaffe et al., 2020).

Findings

While the CAPM and Fama–French multifactor models cannot capture returns on growth and value stocks, a three-factor model with the mispricing factor has done an excellent job in explaining their returns. Three out of four Fama–French mimic factors do not contain additional information on expected returns. Their risk premiums are also statistically insignificant according to the Fama–MacBeth second-stage regression. By contrast, both robustness tests prove the explanatory power of a three-factor model with mispricing. Taken together, mispricing plays an essential role in explaining returns on Vietnamese growth and value stocks, consistent with the behavioral point of view.

Originality/value

There are several value-enhancing aspects in the field of market finance. First, this paper contributes to the literature of value effect in emerging markets. While the evidence of value effect is obvious in numerous developed as well as international markets, both growth and value effects are discovered in Vietnam. Second, the explanatory power of Fama–French multifactor models is evaluated in the Vietnamese context. Finally, to the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first paper that incorporates the mispricing estimation of Rhodes-Kropf et al. (2005) into the asset pricing model in Vietnam.
Taking shape within the structural and the personal: sustainability accountability within a Swedish public sector organisation
Authors: Johnstone Leanne , Yates David , Nylander Sebastian
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to better understand how accountability for sustainability takes shape within organisations and specifically, what makes employees act in a Swedish local authority. This aim moves beyond the prevalent external face of accountability in social and environmental accounting research by observing how employees understand and act upon their multiple accountability demands.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a single case study approach within a Swedish local authority, drawing from qualitative data including semi-structured interviews, site visits and governing documents.

Findings

Sustainable action is not only the product of hierarchically enforced structural accountabilities and procedures but often must be reconciled with the personal perspectives of the public sector employees involved as part of an accountability dynamic. Additionally, the findings reveal that hierarchical accountability, rather than serving to individualise and isolate employees, acts as a prompt for the more practical and personal reconciliations of accountability with the ethics and experiences of the individual involved.

Practical implications

Greater consideration to employee socialisation processes in public sector organisations should be given to reinforce organisational governance systems and controls, and thus help ensure sustainable behaviour in practice.

Social implications

Employee socialisation processes are important for the development of sustainable practices both within and beyond organisational boundaries.

Originality/value

This study considers the interrelatedness of hierarchical and socialising accountability measures and contributes towards the understanding of the relationship between these two accountability forms, contrary to previous understandings that emphasise their contrasting nature and incompatibility.
Capital gains from player transfers as a value creation tool: some evidence from European listed football clubs
Authors: Supino Enrico , Marano Maurizio
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This article explores the value creation process from player sales in football to understand if the related capital gains correspond to significant increases in the stock value of selling companies. In addition, it aims to detect any potential drivers for higher (or slower) abnormal stock returns.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze all the capital gains of the Italian and Portuguese listed football companies (the only ones for which, based on their annual reports, it was possible to trace the net book value for each player sold and, consequently, if any, the related capital gain) from 2012 to 2020 and use event study analysis to calculate the abnormal returns of the football companies' stocks. Moreover, the authors use a multiple linear regression model to identify the factors affecting investors' reactions and value creation process intensity.

Findings

The results show that, on average, the capital gains from player transfers in football are positive income components and produce statistically significant higher abnormal returns. In addition, the authors identified some relevant drivers related to their intensity which could guide the choices of corporate executives regarding future disposals of the multi-year performance rights of players in the roster.

Research limitations/implications

This study considers only Italian and Portuguese football listed companies. It would be helpful to consider some of the companies from other countries which are also outstanding from the sports perspective, but, in practice, it was not possible due to the impossibility to trace the net book value of the single footballers sold in those clubs' public financial disclosure.

Practical implications

The value relevance of the capital gains from player trading activities should increase their importance, creating cascade effects on several activities generating value for football clubs (youth sector management, player scouting, technical improvement of the players). In addition, financial data show that the capital gains from player transfers are a basic income of European football clubs nowadays. Their executives consider these operations recurrent and continually search for more valuable transfers. Hence, it is reasonable to think that they (will) choose the players to sell considering both sports and financial aspects.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study exploring the effects of capital gains from player trading activities on professional football clubs' stock value. The results obtained are even more relevant if one considers the importance these income components have in the profit formula of professional football clubs nowadays, also because of the negative repercussions caused by the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourism e-commerce live streaming: the effects of live streamer authenticity on purchase intention
Authors: Liu Yun , Sun Xin
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the impact of live streamer authenticity (LSA) on purchase intention in tourism e-commerce live streaming, with a focus on boundary conditions and underlying mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collected from 451 participants were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

This paper found that four dimensions of LSA – sincerity, truthfulness endorsement, expertise and uniqueness – positively influenced purchase intention, while visibility did not. In addition, sincerity, truthfulness endorsement and uniqueness had an indirect influence on purchase intention through flow experience, while sincerity, truthfulness endorsement, expertise and uniqueness had an indirect effect through perceived trust. Furthermore, self-construal moderated the effect of sincerity and truthfulness endorsement on purchase intention, with the positive effect being stronger for the dependent self-construal.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first study to examine LSA dimensions and their consequences. This paper not only provides a better and more detailed understanding of the complexity of LSA but also contributes to the development of authenticity theory by responding to individual authenticity studies.
Sternal lifting technique for patients with sternal depression during robotic mitral repair
Authors: Ishikawa Norihiko , Watanabe Go , Koakutsu Toru , Horikawa Takafumi , Seguchi Ryuta , Tomita Shigeyuki , Ohtsuka Toshiya
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Traditional surgical methods have been difficult for patients with chest wall deformities, but the use of the Electrical Sternum Lifting System (ESLS) has made the surgery easier.

Materials and Surgical Technique

Patients with a sternum‐to‐vertebral distance of less than 80 mm on preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan routinely underwent sternal lift using the ESLS. The ESLS was effective in securing the operative field while suspending the sternum, allowing adequate observation of the left atrium, left ventricle, and the mitral valve, and safe mitral valve plasty. The use of the lifting device did not interfere with the robot arms, and the space between the sternum and vertebrae was widened with only a 3 mm wound to move the mitral valve surface in the sagittal plane, making the repair easy and accurate under robotic assistance. The effort to attach the ESLS was not difficult, and the postoperative cosmetic outcomes were excellent. Sixty‐three out of 1002 patients (6.3%) underwent sternal elevation using ESLS. There were 19 males and 44 females with a mean age of 50.9 ± 14.0 years. The average of sternum‐to‐vertebral (S/V) distance was 72.4 ± 8.9 cm. Two patients had S/V distance of more than 80 mm but ESLS was used because of scoliosis.
Recurrence Quantification Analysis of Crowd Sound Dynamics
Authors: Proksch Shannon , Reeves Majerle , Gee Kent , Transtrum Mark , Kello Chris , Balasubramaniam Ramesh
Published: October 2023

When multiple individuals interact in a conversation or as part of a large crowd, emergent structures and dynamics arise that are behavioral properties of the interacting group rather than of any individual member of that group. Recent work using traditional signal processing techniques and machine learning has demonstrated that global acoustic data recorded from a crowd at a basketball game can be used to classify emergent crowd behavior in terms of the crowd's purported emotional state. We propose that the description of crowd behavior from such global acoustic data could benefit from nonlinear analysis methods derived from dynamical systems theory. Such methods have been used in recent research applying nonlinear methods to audio data extracted from music and group musical interactions. In this work, we used nonlinear analyses to extract features that are relevant to the behavioral interactions that underlie acoustic signals produced by a crowd attending a sporting event. We propose that recurrence dynamics measured from these audio signals via recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) reflect information about the behavioral dynamics of the crowd itself. We analyze these dynamics from acoustic signals recorded from crowds attending basketball games, and that were manually labeled according to the crowds' emotional state across six categories: angry noise, applause, cheer, distraction noise, positive chant, and negative chant. We show that RQA measures are useful to differentiate the emergent acoustic behavioral dynamics between these categories, and can provide insight into the recurrence patterns that underlie crowd interactions.