bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of artificial oocyte activation on blastocysts rate in patients with low blastocyst rates: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sendy Feras , Hemmings Robert , Kadoch Isaac-Jacques , Jamal Wael , Phillips Simon
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Physiological oocyte activation requires a synergy between the oocyte and sperm to release calcium (Ca2+) through oscillations. The absence of such synergy between the oocyte and sperm leads to a negative impact on oocyte activation. Studies have shown that Artificial oocyte activation (AOA) is helpful in cases with failed or low fertilization rates. Studies present mixed opinions about increasing blastocyst rate.

Methods

A retrospective cohort single-center study was performed between January 2018 and October 2023, including 54 couples with suboptimal blastocyst development. The study compared intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) AOA cycles with previous conventional ICSI cycles and conventional ICSI without AOA cycles with previous conventional ICSI cycles in couples with failed or low blastocyst rates (< 30%) in the original ICSI cycle.

Results

We compared 22 AOA cycles to previous conventional ICSI cycles in the same patients and 32 conventional ICSI cycles without AOA to previous conventional ICSI cycles in the same patients. After AOA, the blastocyst rate was not significantly higher than the control group (48% vs 29% p=0.19). Conversely, the blastocyst rate was significantly higher in the conventional ICSI without AOA cycles than in the control group (48% vs 24% p=0.04). The fertilization rate was not statistically significant between the first and second cycles in both groups.

Conclusion

The literature still lacks strong evidence for AOA overcoming impaired embryonic development. Therefore, AOA remains reserved for couples with a failed or low fertilization history to improve fertilization results. Optimal laboratory conditions and ovarian stimulation modifications without AOA may improve blastocyst rates.
MUC1andMUC4expression are inversely correlated and trigger immunological response and transport pathways in gliomas
Authors: Machado Gabriel Cardoso , Ferrer Valéria Pereira
Published: July 2024

Diffuse gliomas are tumors that arise from glial or glial progenitor cells. They are currently classified as astrocytoma isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant or oligodendroglioma IDH-mutant, and chromosome arms 1p/19q-codeleted, both slower-growing tumors, or glioblastoma (GBM), a more aggressive tumor. Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of gliomas, the median survival time after diagnosis of GBM remains low, approximately 15 months, with a 5-year overall survival rate of only 6.8%. Therefore, new biomarkers and therapy targets that could support better prognosis of these tumors would be of great value. MUC1 and MUC4, membrane-bound mucins, has been identified as a potential biomarker in several tumors. However, the role of these mucins in adult gliomas has not yet been well explored. Here, we show for the first time, in a retrospective study and byin silicoanalysis, the relevance and correlation of these genes in adult gliomas. Analysis of adult diffuse glioma patient cohorts revealed differential methylation and expression patterns of MUC1 and MUC4 across GBM and non-GBM subtypes. GBM patients exhibited decreased MUC1 methylation and elevated expression (r-0.25, p < 0.0001) whereas increased MUC4 methylation and its lower expression (r-0.13, p = 0.1344). Conversely, in non-GBM patients, MUC1 showed higher methylation levels and low expression (r-0.27, p < 0.0001) whereas MUC4 showed lower methylation levels and high expression (r-0.32, p < 0.0001). The expression levels of these genes influenced overall survival (OS) in gliomas patients (p = 0.0344), with high MUC1 and low MUC4 expression associated with worse OS. MUC1 and MUC4 correlated with MUC20 in both GBM (r = 0.54) and non-GBM (r = 0.53) patients (p < 0.0001). Functional enrichment analysis revealed distinct biological roles for co-expressed genes with MUC1 involvement in innate immunity, antigen processing, pro-inflammatory responses in both non-GBM and GBM cohorts, and integrin-based signaling pathways in GBM patients. MUC4 co-expressed genes were involved in ion transport in GBM patients. Using molecular docking, we observed that MUC1 has domains that are physically capable of interacting with immune response-related proteins such as Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products (RAGE), Major Histocompatibility Complex II (MHCII), and extracellular matrix receptor integrin alpha 2 (ITGA2). These findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying glioma progression and highlight MUC1 and MUC4 as potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in glioma management.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis is associated with increased all-cause mortality
Authors: Li Zhao , Song Rui , Zhang Yingzhi , Tan Jiahe , Chen Zhiwei
Published: July 2024

Background

Recently, the new nomenclature metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) was proposed to supersede non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). To optimize the management of these patients, it is crucial to comprehend the similarities and differences between individuals with NASH and MASH.

Methods

We analyzed data from 13,846 participants in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, along with their linked mortality through 2019. NASH and MASH were defined based on respective criteria. Survey-weight adjusted multivariable Cox proportional model was used to examine mortality.

Results

The overall prevalence of steatohepatitis, NASH and MASH was 5.7% (n=788), 4.1% (n=564) and 5.5% (n=763), respectively. Most individuals with NASH (96.8%) could be categorized as MASH, but only 69.7% individuals with MASH qualified as NASH. During a median follow-up of 27 years, individuals with MASH exhibited a 53% higher risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.53, 95% CI 1.24-1.89). But individuals with NASH didn’t show an association with all-cause mortality after adjustment for metabolic risk factors (aHR 1.14, 95% CI 0.91-1.44). Notably, individuals who met the criteria for MASH but not NASH (NASH(-)/MASH(+)) had a higher risk of all-cause mortality (aHR 2.47, 95% CI 1.71-3.57) compared to those with NASH(+)/MASH(+) (aHR 1.22, 95% CI 0.97-1.55). Moreover, advanced fibrosis was only associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in individuals with MASH, not NASH.

Conclusions

MASH, rather than NASH, was associated with an elevated risk of all-cause mortality after adjusting for metabolic risk factors. Well-designed prospective studies are needed to assess and validate our findings.
Stress about Eviction or Loss of Housing and Child Mental Health
Authors: Hanson Jamie L.
Published: July 2024

Importance

Eviction and housing loss are pressing public health concerns. Understanding how caregivers’ stress about eviction or loss of housing relates to specific childhood psychiatric issues across development is important.

Objective

To examine associations between stress about eviction or loss of housing and caregiver-reported child depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and behavioral problems, adjusting for sociodemographic factors.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative survey, collected between July 2022 to January 2023.

Setting

United States.

Participants

Over 36,000 caregivers and children from a national survey.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Caregiver-reported child depression, anxiety, ADHD, and behavioral problems. Generalized linear mixed models were used to test associations with stress about eviction or loss of housing.

Results

Analyses from a sociodemographically diverse sample of 36,710 children indicated that stress about eviction or loss of housing was associated with 4-35% increased odds of internalizing psychopathology (i.e., depression and anxiety) in children. Relations were sometimes moderated by age, with stronger associations for younger children. No consistent relations emerged between stress about eviction or loss of housing and ADHD or behavioral problems after adjustment.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study provided new insights into how stress about eviction or loss of housing is differentially associated with internalizing versus externalizing psychopathology across child development. Prospective longitudinal research is still needed to fully understand these complex relations over time. Findings underscored the importance of policies and interventions to address housing instability and its mental health consequences for children.

Key Points

Question

What are the associations between caregivers’ stress about eviction or housing loss and children’s mental health outcomes across different ages?

Findings

In this cross-sectional study of 36,638 children, stress about eviction or housing loss was associated with increased odds of internalizing symptoms (e.g., depression; anxiety), with stronger relations seen for depression in younger children. No consistent associations were found with ADHD or behavioral problems after adjusting for different sociodemographic factors.

Meaning

Stress about eviction or housing loss may differentially impact children’s mental health outcomes, particularly internalizing symptoms in younger children. This underscores the importance of housing stability interventions for child mental health.
Single-cell transcriptomics predict novel potential regulators of acute epithelial restitution in the ischemia-injured intestine
Authors: Rose Elizabeth C. , Simon Jeremy M. , Gomez-Martinez Ismael , Magness Scott T. , Odle Jack , Blikslager Anthony T. , Ziegler Amanda L.
Published: July 2024

Intestinal ischemic injury damages the epithelial barrier predisposes patients to life-threatening sepsis unless that barrier is rapidly restored. There is an age-dependency of intestinal recovery in that neonates are the most susceptible to succumb to disease of the intestinal barrier versus older patients. We have developed a pig model that demonstrates age-dependent failure of intestinal barrier restitution in neonatal pigs which can be rescued by the direct application of juvenile pig mucosal tissue, but the mechanisms of rescue remain undefined. We hypothesized that by identifying a subpopulation of restituting enterocytes by their expression of cell migration transcriptional pathways, we can then predict novel upstream regulators of age-dependent restitution response programs. Superficial mucosal epithelial cells from recovering ischemic jejunum of juvenile pigs were processed for single cell RNA sequencing analysis, and predicted upstream regulators were assessed in a porcine intestinal epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2) and banked tissues. A subcluster of absorptive enterocytes expressed several cell migration pathways key to restitution. Differentially expressed genes in this subcluster predicted their upstream regulation included colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1). We validated age-dependent induction ofCSF-1by ischemia and documented that CSF-1 and CSF1R co-localized in ischemic juvenile, but not neonatal, wound-adjacent epithelial cells and in the restituted epithelium of juveniles and rescued (but not control) neonates. Further, the CSF1R inhibitor BLZ945 reduced restitution in scratch wounded IPEC-J2 cells. These studies validate an approach to inform potential novel therapeutic targets, such as CSF-1, to improve outcomes in neonates with intestinal injury in a unique pig model.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

These studies validate an approach to identify and predict upstream regulation of restituting epithelium in a unique pig intestinal ischemic injury model. Identification of potential molecular mediators of restitution, such as CSF-1, will inform the development of targeted therapeutic interventions for medical management of patients with ischemia-mediated intestinal injury.
Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assays for the Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance Elements inVibrio cholerae
Authors: Negrón Daniel Antonio , Trivedi Shipra , Tolli Nicholas , Ashford David , Melton Gabrielle , Guertin Stephanie , Jennings Katharine , Necciai Bryan D. , Sozhamannan Shanmuga , Abramson Bradley W.
Published: July 2024

The bacteriumVibrio choleraecauses diarrheal illness and can acquire genetic material leading to multiple drug resistance (MDR). Rapid detection of resistance-conferring mobile genetic elements helps avoid the prescription of ineffective antibiotics. Colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays provide a rapid and cost-effective means for detection at point-of-care, but it can be difficult to design primer sets, determine target specificity, and interpret subjective color changes. We developed an algorithm for thein silicodesign and evaluation of LAMP assays within the open-source PCR Signature Erosion Tool (PSET) and a computer vision application for the quantitative analysis of colorimetric outputs. As an example, we generated new LAMP assays targeting drug resistance inV. choleraeand evaluated existing ones based onin silicotarget specificity andin vitrotesting. Improvements in the design and testing of LAMP assays, with heightened target specificity and a simple analysis platform, increase utility for in-field applications.
“Tiny Biome Tales”: a gamified review about the influence of lifestyle choices on the human microbiome
Authors: Schweitzer Matthias , Wlasak Maximilian , Wassermann Birgit , Marcher Florian , Poglitsch Christian , Pirker Johanna , Berg Gabriele
Published: July 2024

In the last two decades, new discoveries from microbiome research have changed our understanding of human health. It became evident that daily habits and lifestyle choices shape the human microbiome and ultimately determine health or disease. Therefore, we developed “Tiny Biome Tales” (https://microbiome.gamelabgraz.at/), a science pedagogy video game designed like a scientific review based exclusively on peer-reviewed articles, to teach about the influence of lifestyle choices on the human microbiome during pregnancy, early and adult life, and related health consequences. Despite the scientific character, it can be played by a broad audience. Here, we also present a scientific assessment, and showed that playing the game significantly contributed to knowledge gain. The innovative style of the “gamified review” represents an ideal platform to disseminate future findings from microbiome research by updating existing and adding new scenes to the game.
Epidemiological trends of osteoarthritis at the global, regional, and national levels from 1990 to 2021 and projections to 2050
Authors: Qiao Lichun , Li Miaoqian , Deng Feidan , Wen Xinyue , Deng Huan , Xue Zhaowei , Wan Ping , Xiang Rongqi , Xie Yanjun , He Huifang , Fan Xiangyu , Song Yufei , Wang Jun , Han Jing
Published: July 2024

Background

Osteoarthritis is a major cause of disability worldwide, with its prevalence expected to increase due to ageing populations and rising obesity. Understanding the epidemiological trends in osteoarthritis is critical for public health planning and intervention strategies.

Methods

This study analyzed global, regional, and national data on osteoarthritis incidence, prevalence, and Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) utilizing the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Statistical modelling was used to assess trends over the past 32 years and projections were made for 2050 based on demographic changes and historical data.

Results

In 2021, 607 (95% UI: 538-671) million people worldwide had osteoarthritis, with 46.6 (95% UI: 41.1-51.6) million new cases and 21.3 (95% UI: 10.2-42.9) million DALYs. Age-standardized incidence, prevalence and DALYs rates increased to 535.00 (95% UI: 472.38-591.97), 6967.29 (95% UI: 6180.70-7686.06), and 244.50 (95% UI: 117.06-493.11) per 100,000 population, with knee osteoarthritis accounting for more than 56%. Age-standardized rates of osteoarthritis were higher in females than in males. East Asia, South Asia, and Western Europe were the regions and China, India, and the United States were the countries with the highest burdens. In addition, high body-mass index (BMI) led to 4.43 (95% UI: -0.42-12.34) million DALYs, with an increase of 205.10%. Bayesian age-period cohort projections showed that the burden of osteoarthritis would continue to rise from 2021 to 2050.

Conclusions

The findings indicated that the burden of osteoarthritis is on a rising trend with an ageing population and increasing global obesity rates, with females and middle-aged and older age groups being the current populations of concern. Comprehensive public health policies and strategies are urgently needed to address its impact. Increased awareness, early detection and effective management are essential to reduce the burden of osteoarthritis in the coming decades, especially among vulnerable groups.
Efficiency of an autonomous, dynamic information engine operating on a single active particle
Authors: Cocconi Luca , Chen Letian
Published: July 2024

The Szilard engine stands as a compelling illustration of the intricate interplay between information and thermodynamics. While at thermodynamic equilibrium, the apparent breach of the second law of thermodynamics was reconciled by Landauer and Bennett's insights into memory writing and erasure, recent extensions of these concepts into regimes featuring active fluctuations have unveiled the prospect of exceeding Landauer's bound, capitalizing on information to divert free energy from dissipation towards useful work. To explore this question further, we investigate an autonomous dynamic information engine, addressing the thermodynamic consistency of work extraction and measurement costs by extending the phase space to incorporate an auxiliary system, which plays the role of an explicit measurement device. The nonreciprocal coupling between active particle and measurement device introduces a feedback control loop, and the cost of measurement is quantified through a suitably defined auxiliary entropy production. The study considers different measurement scenarios, highlighting the role of measurement precision in determining engine efficiency.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Bridging the microscopic divide: a comprehensive overview of micro-crystallization and in vivo crystallography
Authors: Chavas Leonard Michel Gabriel , Coulibaly Fasséli , Garriga Damià
Published: July 2024

A series of events underscoring the significant advancements in micro-crystallization and in vivo crystallography were held during the 26th IUCr Congress in Melbourne, positioning microcrystallography as a pivotal field within structural biology. Through collaborative discussions and the sharing of innovative methodologies, these sessions outlined frontier approaches in macromolecular crystallography. This review provides an overview of this rapidly moving field in light of the rich dialogues and forward-thinking proposals explored during the congress workshop and microsymposium. These advances in microcrystallography shed light on the potential to reshape current research paradigms and enhance our comprehension of biological mechanisms at the molecular scale.
Exploring the mediating effect of intellectual capital on the relationship between ethical leadership and innovative performance
Authors: Sharma Diksha , Sharma Meena
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The study examines the role of ethical leadership in the innovative performance of employees. Further, the purpose of the study is to investigate the mediating effect of human capital and social capital on the relationship between ethical leadership and the innovative performance of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected primary data from 386 managerial-level employees of information technology (IT) companies in the northern region of India. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data and derive the direct and indirect effects.

Findings

The findings indicate a significant positive impact of ethical leadership on the innovative performance of employees. Further, it was found that ethical leadership has both direct and indirect effects on the innovative performance of employees, where the indirect effect was mediated through intellectual capital (IC). The research confirms that IC and ethical leadership are crucial resources for fostering a knowledge-driven culture and innovative performance amongst employees.

Originality/value

The research has made a novel attempt to explore the interplay between ethical leadership, IC and innovative performance in the Indian context. Further, the study provides actionable strategies for business leaders to optimise business processes and encourage innovative practices amongst employees in the company.
Hospital operations management – characterising patients’ process flows in emergency departments
Authors: Lima Rui M. , Lopes Erik Teixeira , Lopes Derek Chaves , Gonçalves Bruno S. , Cunha Pedro G.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This work aims to integrate the concepts generated by a systematic literature review on patient flows in emergency departments (ED) to serve as a basis for developing a generic process model for ED.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines, considering Lean Healthcare interventions describing ED patients’ flows. The initial search found 141 articles and 18 were included in the systematic analysis. The literature analysis served as the basis for developing a generic process model for ED.

Findings

ED processes have been represented using different notations, such as value stream mapping and workflows. The main alternatives for starting events are arrival by ambulance or walk-in. The Manchester Triage Scale (MTS) was the most common protocol referred to in the literature. The most common end events are admission to a hospital, transfer to other facilities or admission to an ambulatory care system. The literature analysis allowed the development of a generic process model for emergency departments. Nevertheless, considering that several factors influence the process of an emergency department, such as pathologies, infrastructure, available teams and local regulations, modelling alternatives and challenges in each step of the process should be analysed according to the local context.

Originality/value

A generic business process model was developed using BPMN that can be used by practitioners and researchers to reduce the effort in the initial stages of design or improvement projects. Moreover, it’s a first step toward the development of generalizable and replicable solutions for emergency departments.
Corporate social responsibility, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and financial performance, with implications for human resource development
Authors: Sharma Ekta , McLean Gary N.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

India is one of the fastest developing economies, but it faces numerous socioeconomic problems, such as hunger, poverty, under- and unemployment, gender inequity and illiteracy. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding at the corporate level could tackle these socioeconomic problems, providing support to the nation’s overall development. Mandated CSR expenditures, in alignment with the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, would support the nation’s contributions to building a sustainable future. Several questions, however, remain. Thus, this study aims to explore relationships between a company’s gross and net profits and its expenditures for CSR; and mapped the specific CSR activities used to address each of the 17 UN SDGs and then draw implications for human resource development (HRD).

Design/methodology/approach

The data were gathered from published annual reports (2019–23) of 60 Fortune 500 Indian companies. A zero-order correlation was used to find the relationship between CSR expenditure and gross, as well as net, profits. Furthermore, the CSR activities of the sample were mapped with the UN SDGs.

Findings

There was a positive, moderate to strong correlation between CSR expenditures and gross profit (r = 0.82, p < 0.01), but for net profit, the correlation was strong (r = 0.85, p < 0.01). All CSR activities mapped to at least one of the SDGs.

Originality/value

The alignment of CSR activities and SDGs based on Fortune 500 Indian companies has not yet been explored. Also, no study to date discusses the gaps in the CSR expenditures for specific UN SDGs.
A novel evaluation method of Chinese female lower body shapes based on machine learning
Authors: Yao Xiaofeng , Shen Jinzhu , Wang Jianping
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define the evaluation criteria for Chinese female lower body shapes and simplify the evaluation process of shapewear, including girdles, shaping pants, etc.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized a machine learning algorithm based on support vector regression and optimized by a genetic algorithm to construct an evaluation model for the contour beauty of Chinese female lower body shapes. A total of 64 virtual 3D models of women were measured. These models were rated by 42 raters using the Likert 9 psychological scale and data was obtained from 310 female samples.

Findings

Eight factors were selected and used to create a regression prediction model. The model achieved an accuracy of 84.7% for the training samples and 86.6% for the test samples.

Originality/value

The model can be utilized to assess the aesthetic appeal of the female lower body and to evaluate the shaping impact of shapewear. The research and evaluation of shapewear for the female lower body are of great significance, particularly in enhancing production efficiency.
Exploring political corporate social responsibility: a qualitative content analysis of multinational corporations' diplomacy efforts during the Russia–Ukraine war
Authors: Ertem-Eray Tugce , Ki Eyun-Jung
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Using political corporate social responsibility (PCSR) as a theoretical framework, this study aims to examine how multinational corporations (MNCs) can function as nonstate actors in public diplomacy efforts during the Russia–Ukraine war.

Design/methodology/approach

A thematic analysis using qualitative content analysis was conducted on 98 new releases from the websites of the top 50 MNCs listed in the Fortune Global 500.

Findings

The findings indicate that MNCs elucidate their initiatives aimed at providing a secure environment for war victims through their news releases, with notable variations in responses based on the companies' geographical location. MNCs also mentioned strengthening the power of public authorities by rebalancing power dynamics between governments and intergovernmental initiatives under war conditions.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first empirical investigations to research corporate diplomacy and explore the theoretical implications of PCSR for corporate diplomacy.
Mitigating the infodemic of the pandemic: hospital librarians’ enactment and development of information resilience in healthcare organisations
Authors: Ahlryd Sara , Hanell Fredrik
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The challenges to healthcare caused by the COVID-19 pandemic forced hospital librarians to develop their abilities to cope with change and crises, both on a social level and an organisational level. The aim of this study is to contribute to knowledge about how hospital librarians developed library services during the pandemic and how these changes contributed to building information resilience in the healthcare organisation. This paper also seeks to explore how resilience theory, and specifically the concept information resilience, can be used within library and information science (in LIS) to investigate resilience in the library sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Nine semi-structured interviews with librarians were conducted at four different hospital libraries in four different regions in Sweden between March and May 2022. The empirical material was analysed through an interaction between the tzheoretical perspective and the empirical material through a thematic analysis. In each theme, specific resilience resources are identified and analysed as components of the information resilience developed by hospital librarians.

Findings

The results show that hospital librarians contribute to several different information resilience resources, which support information resilience in the healthcare organisation. Three aspects characterize the qualities of resilience resources: access, flexibility, and collaboration. The findings suggest that the framework for analysing information resilience used in this study is well suited for studying the resilience of libraries from both organisational and informational aspects.

Originality/value

The analysis of information resilience on an organisational level presents a novel way to study resilience in the library sector.
The diffusion of financial technology-enabled innovation in GCC-listed banks and its relationship with profitability and market value
Authors: Musleh Alsartawi Abdalmuttaleb
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between the diffusion of technology-enabled innovation in financial services (i.e. financial technology [FinTech]) and the financial performance, i.e. profitability and market value of the banks listed in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive review of the literature was carried out, and a diffusion index of 73 items including was adopted to measure the level of FinTech usage or diffusion for the banks that are listed on the GCC stock exchanges. The study used return on assets (ROA) and Tobin’s Q (TQ) as proxies to measure profitability and market value, respectively.

Findings

The findings of the empirical results indicate that there is a positive relationship between FinTech implementation and market performance (TQ) in the GCC banks. The results also showed that the highest level of FinTech implementation was 79.7% by United Arab Emirates banks followed by Bahraini banks at 76.7% based on the index developed for this study.

Practical implications

This study, hence, recommends that policymakers and governments implement supportive policies and initiatives, allowing consumers to embrace technology as part of their way of life. This encourages banks and other organizations to formulate strategies that integrate technology into operations.

Originality/value

This paper offers new contributions to the GCC literature regarding financial technology and provides recommendations to the GCC financial institutions, financial markets, policymakers and governments.
Understanding the role of social media and dynamic capabilities in innovation performance in AgTech: a serial mediation model
Authors: Foguesatto Cristian Rogério , Balestrin Alsones , Martins Bibiana Volkmer , Frare Anderson Betti
Published: July 2024

Purpose

We developed and tested a theoretical model that measures the importance of social media and dynamic capabilities with regard to improving innovation performance in startups from the agribusiness sector (AgTech), that is, technology-based companies with scalability potential that operate in the agribusiness sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This model analyzed three dynamic capabilities: internal collaboration capacity, absorptive capacity, and organizational agility. To test this theoretical model, we employed structural equation modeling with partial least squares estimation (PLS-SEM) analyzing 237 AgTech in Brazil.

Findings

Our results show that the use of social media positively affects innovation performance and contributes to internal collaboration capability (a second-order construct that encompasses commitment, communication, and trust). Internal collaboration is an antecedent of absorptive capacity and organizational agility. These two dynamic capabilities positively impact innovation performance. Our results also indicate that these dynamic capabilities serially mediate the relationship between social media and innovation performance.

Practical implications

While some literature describes the dark side of social media, our study sheds light on the importance of these platforms to improve internal collaboration in AgTech, a pivotal capability that is necessary to develop other relevant capabilities.

Originality/value

This study presents results from one of most large AgTech survey found in literature. Furthermore, this study also shows that there are dynamic capabilities essential to develop others relevant dynamic capabilities, indicating that innovation performance involves a sequential integration of capabilities.
Audit committee cash compensation and related-party transactions: the role of directors’ affiliation
Authors: Alkebsee Radwan , Alhebry Adeeb A. , Tiron-Tudor Adriana , Gubara Gubara Farah , Alsayegh Abdulkarim
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between the audit committee’s (AC) cash compensation and related-party transactions (RPTs). This paper also explores whether the affiliation of directors on the AC has a differential effect on the association between AC members’ cash compensation and RPTs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses data from Chinese-listed firms for the period from 2007 to 2017 and use the ordinary least square regressions, to test the association between AC cash compensation and RPTs. To alleviate the endogeneity concerns, this paper applies the generalized method of moment, the two-stage least square regression technique and the Granger causality test.

Findings

This paper documents a negative association between the AC members’ cash compensation and RPTs. The findings reveal that one standard deviation increase in the AC’s cash compensation leads to around 0.08% reduction in the amount of RPTs. Further analysis shows that the cash compensation of AC independent directors is negatively associated with RPTs, whereas that of nonindependent directors shows no significant impact. The results remain robust to endogeneity tests. The results might be of interest to both practitioners as well as regulatory bodies and investors.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to try to examine the relationship between AC cash compensation and RPTs in the context of China. This study also is the first attempt to consider the affiliation of AC directors by decomposing the AC compensation into independent and nonindependent directors. Also, it adds to the literature on the determinants of RPTs.
Resisting and disrupting neoliberal subjectivity in self-directed education: what can we learn from black homeschoolers
Authors: Tougas Renee
Published: July 2024

Purpose

From the in-group status as a former homeschool parent, the goal is to problematize the entanglement of neoliberalism within self-directed education (SDE) pedagogies. Further and importantly, this study aims to bring attention to and examine the neoliberal resistant practices found in Black homeschooling.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative literature review, content analysis and autoethnographic reflection to critically examine the neoliberal subjectivity of SDE and identify neoliberal-resistant SDE practices of Black homeschooling families.

Findings

This paper identifies SDE’s vulnerability to neoliberal subjectivity despite the neoliberal oppositional ethos of many of its practices and its antiestablishment historical context and rhetoric. It analyzes conceptions of self, autonomy and freedom (the ideas that underwrite self-direction) that can inform a critical self-directed learning (SDL) approach. It explores contemporary Black homeschooling and SDE practices for evidence of these conceptions, arguing that this demographic, at the margin of the discursive homeschooling community, instantiates an authentic resistance and disruption to neoliberal subjectivity in SDE.

Originality/value

Very little research has been done on neoliberal subjectivity in the discursive SDE community. The vulnerability of SDE to neoliberalization is important to SDL homeschoolers, unschoolers and other SDE facilitators who want to practice alternative-to-mainstream values or social justice-oriented pedagogy. Without awareness of this vulnerability, neoliberal hegemony can be reproduced by SDE practices.
A critical review of data mining in education on the levels and aspects of education
Authors: Fuseini Inusah , Missah Yaw Marfo
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This systematic literature review aims to identify the pattern of data mining (DM) research by looking at the levels and aspects of education.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews 113 conference and research papers from well-known publishers of educational data mining (EDM) and learning analytics-related research using a recognized literature review in computer science by Carrera-Rivera et al. (2022a). Two major stages, planning and conducting the review, were used. The databases of Elsevier, Springer, IEEE, SAI, Hindawi, MDPI, Wiley, Emerald and Sage were searched to retrieve EDM papers from the period 2017 to 2023. The papers retrieved were then filtered based on the application of DM to the three educational levels – basic, pre-tertiary and tertiary education.

Findings

EDM is concentrated on higher education. Basic education is not given the needed attention in EDM. This does not enhance inclusivity and equity. Learner performance is given much attention. Resource availability and teaching and learning are not given the needed attention.

Research limitations/implications

This review is limited to only EDM. Literature from the year 2017 to 2023 is covered. Other aspects of DM and other relevant literature published in EDM outside the research period are not considered.

Practical implications

As the current trend of EDM shows an increase in zeal, future research in EDM should concentrate on the lower levels of education to identify the challenges of basic education which serves as the core of education. This will enable addressing the challenges of education at an early stage and facilitate getting a quality education at all levels of education. Appropriate EDM techniques for mining the data at this level should be the focus of the research. Specifically, techniques that can cater for the variation in learner abilities and the appropriate identification of learner needs should be considered.

Social implications

Content sequencing is necessary in facilitating an easy understanding of concepts. Curriculum design from basic to higher education dwells much on this. Identifying the challenge of learning at the early stages will facilitate efficient learning. At the basic level of learning, data on learning should be collected by educational institutions just as it is done at the tertiary level. This will enable EDM to accurately identify the challenges and appropriate solutions to educational problems. Resource availability is a catalyst for effective teaching and learning. The attributes of a learner will enable knowing the true nature of the learner to determine the prospects of the learner.

Originality/value

This research has not been published in any journal. The information presented is the original knowledge of the authors. However, a pre-print of the work is in Research Square.
The potential of self-access language centres in fostering lifelong global citizenship: towards a community of practice approach
Authors: D. Smith Michael , Niboshi Ran , Samuell Christopher , Timms Simon F.N.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Drawing primarily on the Japanese context, this study aims to highlight this setting to emphasise the potential for tertiary-level self-access language centres to develop lifelong global citizenship, self-reflection and cross-cultural collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

This inquiry calls on the community of practice approach to account for the shared interests motivating lifelong cross-cultural participation, the quality of social engagement between actors, and the material and cognitive tools called upon to realise global citizenship’s shared enterprise.

Findings

As argued here, embracing various cultures and inclusive participation can lead to a broader understanding of global citizenship, avoiding narrow-minded views of globalism through shared knowledge and critical practices. Further, self-access provides a cost-effective, technology-mediated alternative to bilateral student mobility, whereby digital community-building occasions cross-cultural practice that may be extended throughout a learner’s life, irrespective of their financial status or place of study.

Originality/value

This study is one of a select few drawing on the community of practice framework within the context of lifelong global citizenship. Nevertheless, such an approach remains primed for future development. With a social constructivist philosophy in view, the authors suggest complementary qualitative research approaches that highlight the socially situated nature of both disciplines.
Barriers to digital financial inclusion and digital financial services (DFS) in Pakistan: a phenomenological approach
Authors: Nizam Kehkashan , Rashidi Muhammad Zaki
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Financial inclusion plays an essential role in today’s modern era. There has been a growing recognition that financial inclusion is an important enabler in poverty reduction. It is an essential tool in enabling inclusive growth and reducing poverty. This study aims to identify the barriers that limit customers to use digital financial services (DFS) in Pakistan. Second, this study aims to spread awareness of DFS and benefits of digital financial inclusion and services to retain customers in Pakistan. Third, the study purposes to retain old customers toward DFS in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is qualitative phenomenology study. The data were collected through interviews (i.e., online or face-to-face, depending on participants convenience). The sample comprised respondents with different age and different nature of work. Before conducting actual interviews, the interview questions were validated by three experts working in the State Bank of Pakistan in the relevant field. The interviews took from those individuals who were have digital financial account, but not using it due to some reasons. Data analysis carried out by using the NVivo software to deliver the themes after analyzing the data by querying, visualizing and coding.

Findings

The study categorized s6 themes as second order themes including dependency, illiteracy, lack of trust, cost, lack of access to financial services and financial instability by emerging 16 subject themes as 1st order themes. It including financial illiteracy, digital illiteracy, lack of knowledge, depend on spouse, depend on parents/children, depend on siblings, fear, security issues, privacy issues, lack of internet access, lack of account access, unemployment, low income, high expenses, other cost and transaction cost. These barriers limit DFS adoption and its use. This study found that 90% respondents were financial illiterate and 80% respondents do not have the knowledge of new recent e-payment system.

Originality/value

However, this study contributes to reducing these barriers and spreading knowledge about financial inclusion and DFS. From a managerial perspective, additional attention needs to be devoted to the adoption of financial inclusion and innovation in DFS.
Plant species composition and key‐species abundance drive ecosystem multifunctionality
Authors: Li Xinshuai , Chen Youchao , Liu Feng , Cheng Xiaoli , Zhang Quanfa , Zhang Kerong
Published: July 2024

Global biodiversity loss has generated great interest in the role of plant communities in driving ecosystem functions. There is limited understanding of how soil properties, plant richness and plant community composition interact to affect ecosystem multifunctionality.

We conducted a constructed ecosystem experiment by simultaneously manipulating soil origin (i.e. fertile farmland soil and relatively infertile bare land soil), plant richness and community composition (one‐species monoculture, and all possible two‐, three‐ and four‐species combinations of five plants) to evaluate their influence on ecosystem multifunctionality related to the accumulation of biomass, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in plants, greenhouse gas emissions, soil nutrients, soil N fixation and mineralization of N and phosphorus (P).

We found that ecosystem multifunctionality was significantly affected by soil origin, plant community composition and the community‐weighted mean (CWM) of plant biomass, but not by plant richness.

We grouped the community composition into the N‐fixing group (including N‐fixing plants) and the non‐N‐fixing group (excluding N‐fixing plants). The N‐fixing plant group exhibited significantly higher multifunctionality than the non‐N‐fixing species group in both soil origins. For bare land soil, multifunctionality increased with the increasing relative abundance and biomass ratio of Albizia julibrissin (N‐fixing species) in communities, but decreased with the biomass ratio of Platycladus orientalis (non‐N‐fixing species). For farmland soil, multifunctionality increased with the abundance of Toona sinensis (non‐N‐fixing species) and the biomass ratio of Albizia julibrissin, but decreased with the abundance and biomass ratio of Morus alba (non‐N‐fixing species). These results indicate that the key species determining ecosystem multifunctionality vary under different soil conditions.

Synthesis and applications: We propose that plant community composition and the relative abundance and biomass ratio of key species drive ecosystem multifunctionality. We suggest that selecting the appropriate plant combination under different soil conditions should be emphasized in ecological restoration projects. Our study highlights the differentiated roles of key species on ecosystem functions under different resource conditions. The N fixation in general plays a crucial role in driving ecosystem multifunctionality and the N‐fixing plants can serve as restoration tools in nutrient‐poor degraded lands.