bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Cardiac Dysfunction in Malawian Children With Severe Febrile Illness*
Authors: Bensman Rachel S. , Berrens Zachary , Mkaliainga Treasure , Banda Blessings , Puri Kriti , Sanyahumbi Amy , Byczkowski Terri , Eckerle Michelle
Published: May 2022

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate the prevalence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) in Malawian children with severe febrile illness and to explore associations between LVSD and mortality and lactate levels.

DESIGN:

Prospective observational study.

SETTING:

Pediatric ward of a tertiary government referral hospital in Malawi.

PATIENTS:

Children between 60 days and 10 years old with severe febrile illness (fever with at least one sign of impaired perfusion plus altered mentation or respiratory distress) were enrolled at admission from October 2017 to February 2018.

INTERVENTIONS:

Focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) was performed, and serum lactate was measured for each child at enrollment, with repeat FoCUS the following day. LV systolic function was later categorized as normal, reduced, severely reduced, or hyperdynamic by two pediatric cardiologists blinded to clinical course and outcomes.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Fifty-four children were enrolled. LVSD was present in 14 children (25.9%; 95% CI, 15.4–40.3%), of whom three had severely reduced function. Thirty patients (60%) had a lactate greater than 2.5 mmol/L, of which 20 (40%) were markedly elevated (>5 mmol/L). Ten children died during admission (18.5%). Of children who survived, 22.7% had decreased LV systolic function versus 40% of those who died. Dysfunction was not associated with mortality or elevated lactate.

CONCLUSIONS:

Cardiac dysfunction may be present in one in four Malawian children with severe febrile illness, and mortality in these patients is especially high. Larger studies are needed to further clarify the role cardiac dysfunction plays in mortality and integrate practical bedside assessments for decision support around individualized resuscitation strategies.
Scleroderma and Raynaud Phenomenon: The Cold Truth Regarding the Use of Operative Management
Authors: Hakami Lee M. , Forster Grace L. , Jones Marieke K. , DeGeorge Brent R.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Raynaud phenomenon, with and without scleroderma, is a common vasospastic condition that manifests with extremity pain and skin discoloration. When conservative management fails, complications such as ischemia, ulceration, and gangrene may warrant surgical intervention. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors and use of surgical intervention in this population.

Methods:

A national insurance claims–based database with patient records from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was used for data collection. Patients with first diagnoses of Raynaud phenomenon, scleroderma, or both between 2005 and 2014 were identified. Primary outcomes included the presence of upper extremity amputation or vascular procedure, and history of amputation within 5 years of a vascular procedure. Secondary outcomes included hospital admissions, upper extremity wounds, and amputation within 1 year of diagnosis.

Results:

The Raynaud phenomenon, scleroderma, and Raynaud phenomenon with scleroderma cohorts consisted of 161,300, 117,564, and 25,096 patients, respectively. A diagnosis of both Raynaud phenomenon and scleroderma increased the odds of upper extremity amputation by 5.4-fold, vascular procedure by 4.8-fold, and amputation within 5 years of a vascular procedure by 1.5-fold. Patients with Raynaud phenomenon or scleroderma alone were 3.1 and 5.6 times less likely to undergo amputation within 5 years of a vascular procedure, respectively.

Conclusions:

Patients with both Raynaud phenomenon and scleroderma have higher likelihoods of having upper extremity amputations, vascular procedures, and amputations following vascular procedures compared to each diagnosis alone. Vascular procedures are rarely being performed. Further research is necessary to establish a standard of care and determine whether early and more frequent intervention with vascular procedures can decrease amputation rates in this patient population.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, II.
PET Imaging of Dementia
Authors: Burkett Brian J. , Babcock Jeffrey C. , Lowe Val J. , Graff-Radford Jonathan , Subramaniam Rathan M. , Johnson Derek R.
Published: May 2022

PET imaging plays an essential role in achieving earlier and more specific diagnoses of dementia syndromes, important for clinical prognostication and optimal medical management. This has become especially vital with the recent development of pathology-specific disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer disease, which will continue to evolve and require methods to select appropriate treatment candidates. Techniques that began as research tools such as amyloid and tau PET have now entered clinical use, making nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists essential members of the care team. This review discusses recent changes in the understanding of dementia and examines the roles of nuclear medicine imaging in clinical practice. Within this framework, multiple cases will be shown to illustrate a systematic approach of FDG PET interpretation and integration of PET imaging of specific molecular pathology including dopamine transporters, amyloid, and tau. The approach presented here incorporates contemporary understanding of both common and uncommon dementia syndromes, intended as an updated practical guide to assist with the sophisticated interpretation of nuclear medicine examinations in the context of this rapidly and continually developing area of imaging.
Combined 18F-FDG PET/CT Radiomics and Sarcopenia Score in Predicting Relapse-Free Survival and Overall Survival in Patients With Esophagogastric Cancer
Authors: Anconina Reut , Ortega Claudia , Metser Ur , Liu Zhihui Amy , Elimova Elena , Allen Michael , Darling Gail E. , Wong Rebecca , Taylor Kirsty , Yeung Jonathan , Chen Eric X. , Swallow Carol J. , Jang Raymond W. , Veit-Haibach Patrick
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine if radiomic features combined with sarcopenia measurements on pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT can improve outcome prediction in surgically treated adenocarcinoma esophagogastric cancer patients.

Patients and Methods

One hundred forty-five esophageal adenocarcinoma patients with curative therapeutic intent and available pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT were included. Textural features from PET and CT images were evaluated using LIFEx software (lifexsoft.org). Sarcopenia measurements were done by measuring the Skeletal Muscle Index at L3 level on the CT component. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to create a model including the radiomic parameters, clinical features, and Skeletal Muscle Index score to predict patients’ outcome.

Results

In multivariable analysis, we combined clinicopathological parameters including ECOG, surgical T, and N staging along with imaging derived sarcopenia measurements and radiomic features to build a predictor model for relapse-free survival and overall survival. Overall, adding sarcopenic status to the model with clinical features only (likelihood ratio test P = 0.03) and CT feature (P = 0.0037) improved the model fit for overall survival. Similarly, adding sarcopenic status (P = 0.051), CT feature (P = 0.042), and PET feature (P = 0.011) improved the model fit for relapse-free survival.

Conclusions

PET and CT radiomics derived from combined PET/CT integrated with clinicopathological parameters and sarcopenia measurement might improve outcome prediction in patients with nonmetastatic esophagogastric adenocarcinoma.
Delivery Methods of Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Chen Li Juen , Kamp Kendra , Fang Aaron , Heitkemper Margaret M.
Published: May 2022

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder and negatively impacts individuals' quality of life. Cognitive behavioral therapy appears effective for reducing symptoms in many irritable bowel syndrome patients. However, the optimal methods to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy and the effective treatment dosage for patients with IBS remain unclear. This article aims to provide an update on cognitive behavioral therapy research in IBS, particularly considering the dose of treatment, route of delivery (in-person vs. web- and telephone-based delivery), and outcome measures. A systematic literature review was conducted using databases of PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and Web of Science from 2008 through 2021. Twelve studies reporting randomized clinical trials comparing cognitive behavioral therapy delivered with in-person, telephone, and web for the management of IBS symptoms among adults with irritable bowel syndrome were found. The dose of treatment varied from 4 to 10 sessions. Six different scales measured various outcomes. No severe adverse reactions to cognitive behavioral therapy were reported. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for IBS symptoms regardless of the dose and the route of treatment. However, it is difficult to compare the effectiveness of these randomized clinical trials due to the various cognitive behavioral therapy protocols, combined routes of therapy delivery, and different outcome measures used.
A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of 2% Versus 4% Chlorohexidine Gluconate for Surgical Preparation of the Vagina
Authors: Patnam Radhika , Askew Amy L. , Alby Kevin , Hill Bravada M. , Willis-Gray Marcella G. , Wu Jennifer M. , Geller Elizabeth J.
Published: May 2022

Importance

There have been no studies comparing 2% and 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) for vaginal surgical site preparation despite both commonly being used.

Objectives

The primary objective was to assess the noninferiority of 2% CHX versus 4% CHX to reduce bacterial contamination rates at 60 minutes after surgical preparation of the vagina. Secondary objectives were to assess differences in colony-forming units and the sensation of postoperative vaginal burning and pain.

Study Design

This is a single-blinded randomized controlled trial of women who underwent vaginal prolapse surgery. Study participants were randomized into 2 groups: 2% CHX versus 4% CHX. Two vaginal bacterial cultures were collected: (1) preoperatively before vaginal preparation and (2) intraoperatively at 60 minutes. A questionnaire on vaginal pain and burning was administered preoperatively and postoperatively. For our sample size, assuming that 2% CHX would have double the contamination rate of 4% CHX, 26 participants were needed per group to demonstrate noninferiority.

Results

Sixty-one women participated in the study. There were no differences in baseline demographics, length of surgery, or surgical procedures. For our primary outcome, the postpreparation contamination rates were 7% for 2% CHX versus 10% for 4% CHX, with a difference of 3% (P = 0.52). This difference did meet the criteria for noninferiority. Secondary outcomes were not different between groups.

Conclusions

Two percent CHX is noninferior to 4% CHX in reducing vaginal bacterial contamination at 60 minutes after vaginal surgical site preparation, with low rates of postpreparation contamination and vaginal discomfort.
Quantifying the Added Value of 2 Common Frailty Measures for Predicting Adverse Outcomes After Elective Hysterectomy
Authors: Luchristt Douglas , Siddiqui Nazema Y. , Bretschneider C. Emi , Jelovsek J. Eric
Published: May 2022

Importance

Although frailty is predictive of adverse outcomes in predominantly male general and orthopedic surgical populations, the utility of American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program–based frailty measurement for hysterectomy is unclear.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to measure the added contribution of the modified frailty index (mFI) and Risk Analysis Index (RAI) for predicting adverse outcomes after hysterectomy.

Study Design

A secondary analysis of the 2011 to 2014 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement database was conducted. Benign elective hysterectomy by any route was included. The primary outcome was readmission within 30 days of surgery. Secondary outcomes were major (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3) and minor (grade 1–2) complications. The fraction of new prognostic information attributable to each frailty measure was estimated by the ratio of model likelihood-ratio χ2 values compared with a baseline model, including American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, and surgical route.

Results

Among 70,649 cases, 3.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.9–3.1) were readmitted within 30 days and 2.8% (95% CI, 2.7–2.9) and 5.2% (95% CI, 5.0–5.4) had major and minor complications, respectively. The RAI provided a greater fraction of new prognostic information than the mFI when predicting readmission (4.8 vs 2.7%) and major complications (4.8 vs 2.3%). Interaction analysis showed a stronger association of frailty and outcomes among individuals undergoing abdominal hysterectomy and with BMI of 40 of higher or less than 20.

Conclusions

The RAI and mFI provided modest improvement in the ability to predict adverse outcomes, which limits its clinical utility. Surgeons may consider selective utilization among those individuals undergoing abdominal hysterectomy or with BMI of 40 of higher or less than 20.
No evidence of immediate fitness benefits of within-season divorce in monogamous birds
Authors: Culina Antica , Brouwer Lyanne
Published: May 2022

Individuals of socially monogamous species can correct for suboptimal partnerships via two secondary mating strategies: divorce and extra-pair mating, with the former potentially providing both genetic and social benefits. Divorcing between breeding seasons has been shown to be generally adaptive behaviour across monogamous birds. Interestingly, some pairs also divorce during the breeding season, when constraints on finding a new partner are stronger. Despite being important for a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of social monogamy, whether within-season divorce is adaptive and how it relates to extra-pair mating remains unknown. Here, we meta-analysed 90 effect sizes on within-season divorce and breeding success, extracted from 31 studies on 24 species. We found no evidence that within-season divorce is adaptive for breeding success. However, the large heterogeneity of effect sizes and strong phylogenetic signal suggest social and environmental factors—which have rarely been considered in empirical studies—may play an important role in explaining variation among populations and species. Furthermore, we found no evidence that within-season divorce and extra-pair mating are complementary strategies. We discuss our findings within the current evidence of the adaptiveness of secondary mating strategies and their interplay that ultimately shapes the evolution of social monogamy.
Of differing methods, disputed estimates and discordant interpretations: the meta-analytical multiverse of brain volume and IQ associations
Authors: Pietschnig Jakob , Gerdesmann Daniel , Zeiler Michael , Voracek Martin
Published: May 2022

Brain size and IQ are positively correlated. However, multiple meta-analyses have led to considerable differences in summary effect estimations, thus failing to provide a plausible effect estimate. Here we aim at resolving this issue by providing the largest meta-analysis and systematic review so far of the brain volume and IQ association (86 studies; 454 effect sizes fromk= 194 independent samples;N= 26 000+) in three cognitive ability domains (full-scale, verbal, performance IQ). By means of competing meta-analytical approaches as well as combinatorial and specification curve analyses, we show that most reasonable estimates for the brain size and IQ link yieldr-values in the mid-0.20s, with the most extreme specifications yieldingrs of 0.10 and 0.37. Summary effects appeared to be somewhat inflated due to selective reporting, and cross-temporally decreasing effect sizes indicated a confounding decline effect, with three quarters of the summary effect estimations according to any reasonable specification not exceedingr= 0.26, thus contrasting effect sizes were observed in some prior related, but individual, meta-analytical specifications. Brain size and IQ associations yieldedr= 0.24, with the strongest effects observed for moreg-loaded tests and in healthy samples that generalize across participant sex and age bands.
Martingales and the fixation time of evolutionary graphs with arbitrary dimensionality
Authors: Monk Travis , van Schaik André
Published: May 2022

Evolutionary graph theory (EGT) investigates the Moran birth–death process constrained by graphs. Its two principal goals are to find the fixation probability and time for some initial population of mutants on the graph. The fixation probability of graphs has received considerable attention. Less is known about the distribution of fixation time. We derive clean, exact expressions for the full conditional characteristic functions (CCFs) of a close proxy to fixation and extinction times. That proxy is the number of times that the mutant population size changes before fixation or extinction. We derive these CCFs from a product martingale that we identify for an evolutionary graph with any number of partitions. The existence of that martingale only requires that the connections between those partitions are of a certain type. Our results are the first expressions for the CCFs of any proxy to fixation time on a graph with any number of partitions. The parameter dependence of our CCFs is explicit, so we can explore how they depend on graph structure. Martingales are a powerful approach to study principal problems of EGT. Their applicability is invariant to the number of partitions in a graph, so we can study entire families of graphs simultaneously.
A genome-wide test for paternal indirect genetic effects on lifespan inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Shenoi Vinesh Naresh , Brengdahl Martin I. , Grace Jaime L. , Eriksson Björn , Rydén Patrik , Friberg Urban
Published: May 2022

Exposing sires to various environmental manipulations has demonstrated that paternal effects can be non-trivial also in species where male investment in offspring is almost exclusively limited to sperm. Whether paternal effects also have a genetic component (i.e. paternal indirect genetic effects (PIGEs)) in such species is however largely unknown, primarily because of methodological difficulties separating indirect from direct effects of genes. PIGEs may nevertheless be important since they have the capacity to contribute to evolutionary change. Here we useDrosophilagenetics to construct a breeding design that allows testing nearly complete haploid genomes (more than 99%) for PIGEs. Using this technique, we estimate the variance in male lifespan due to PIGEs among four populations and compare this to the total paternal genetic variance (the sum of paternal indirect and direct genetic effects). Our results indicate that a substantial part of the total paternal genetic variance results from PIGEs. A screen of 38 haploid genomes, randomly sampled from a single population, suggests that PIGEs also influence variation in lifespan within populations. Collectively, our results demonstrate that PIGEs may constitute an underappreciated source of phenotypic variation.
Pre-copulatory reproductive behaviours are preserved inDrosophila melanogasterinfected with bacteria
Authors: Rose Saloni , Beckwith Esteban J. , Burmester Charlotte , May Robin C. , Dionne Marc S. , Rezaval Carolina
Published: May 2022

The activation of the immune system upon infection exerts a huge energetic demand on an individual, likely decreasing available resources for other vital processes, like reproduction. The factors that determine the trade-off between defensive and reproductive traits remain poorly understood. Here, we exploit the experimental tractability of the fruit flyDrosophila melanogasterto systematically assess the impact of immune system activation on pre-copulatory reproductive behaviour. Contrary to expectations, we found that male flies undergoing an immune activation continue to display high levels of courtship and mating success. Similarly, immune-challenged female flies remain highly sexually receptive. By combining behavioural paradigms, a diverse panel of pathogens and genetic strategies to induce the fly immune system, we show that pre-copulatory reproductive behaviours are preserved in infected flies, despite the significant metabolic cost of infection.
Rhabdothermincola salaria sp. nov., a novel actinobacterium isolated from a saline lake sediment
Authors: Gao Lei , Fang Bao-Zhu , Liu Yong-Hong , Jiao Jian-Yu , Li Meng-Meng , Antunes André , Li Wen-Jun
Published: May 2022

An actinobacterium, designated strain EGI L10124T, was isolated from saline lake sediment collected in Xinjiang province, PR China. The taxonomic position of the isolate was determined based on polyphasic taxonomic and phylogenomic analyses. Phylogenetic analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities indicated that strain EGI L10124T formed a distinct clade with

Rhabdothermincola sediminis

SYSU G02662T, with a shared sequence identity of 95.2 %. The novel isolate could be distinguished from species in the genus

Rhabdothermincola

by its distinct phenotypic, physiological and genotypic characteristics. The cells of strain EGI L10124T were aerobic, Gram-stain-positive and short rod-shaped. Optimal growth conditions of strain EGI L10124T on marine agar 2216 were registered at pH 8.0 at 37 °C. In addition, meso-diaminopimelic acid was the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The major respiratory quinone was MK-9 (H8), while the major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, C17 : 0 and C16 : 0. The polar lipids included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside and phosphatidylinositol. Based on the genome sequence of strain EGI L10124T, it appears that the G+C content of the novel isolate was 71.8 mol%. According to our data, strain EGI L10124T represents a new species of the genus

Rhabdothermincola

, for which the name Rhabdothermincola salaria sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the proposed novel isolate is EGI L10124T (=CGMCC 1.19113T=KCTC 49679T).
Wielerella bovis gen. nov., sp. nov. a member of the family Neisseriaceae associated with bovine endocarditis
Authors: Kuhnert Peter , Brodard Isabelle , Bock Sabine , Hemphill Andrew , Akarsu Hatice , Engelhardt Andreas , Kutzer Peter
Published: May 2022

Seven bacterial strains isolated from bovine endocarditis in six animals from different geographic regions were investigated in a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed all seven isolates on a distinct, monophyletic cluster in the familyNeisseriaceaewith closest similarity to type strains ofAlysiella filiformis(97.06 %) andKingella kingae(96.34 %). Whole genome sequence analysis of isolates confirmed their species status, with an average nucleotide identity >96 % between isolates and <80 % to other type species of genera ofNeisseriaceaewhile digital DNA–DNA hybridization values were >80 % and<18 %, respectively. The DNA G+C content was 42.5–43.0 mol%. Whole genome sequence based phylogeny showed the isolates being monophyletic and separated from established genera, thereby forming a new genus within the familyNeisseriaceae. Similarly, analysis of MALDI-TOF MS reference spectra clustered the isolates close together and clearly separated from other genera, making this the method of choice for identification. Biochemical markers based on classical as well as commercial identification schemes allowed separation from closely relatedNeisseriaceaegenera, even though the new taxon is biochemically not very active. Major fatty acids are C12 : 0, C14 : 0and C16 : 0. The major quinone is ubiquinone Q-8. In the polar lipid profile, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phospholipid were predominant. We propose the novel genusWielerellawith the type speciesWielerella bovisgen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is CCUG 44465T(=DSM 113289T=JF 2483T) isolatedpost mortemfrom a cow with endocarditis in Switzerland.
Crystal structures
Authors: Bürgi Hans-Beat
Published: May 2022

A personal view is offered on various solved and open problems related to crystal structures: the present state of reconstructing the crystal electron density from X-ray diffraction data; characterization of atomic and molecular motion from a combination of atomic displacement parameters and quantum chemical calculations; Bragg diffraction and diffuse scattering: twins, but different; models of real (as opposed to ideal) crystal structures from diffuse scattering; exploiting unexplored neighbourhoods of crystallography to mathematics, physics and chemistry.
Is goodwill impairment disclosure used as an impression management strategy?
Authors: Pardo Francisca , Giner Begoña
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Goodwill recognized in a business combination is one of the most controversial issues in financial reporting, and is subject to a vast amount of disclosure in the financial statements. Based on the impression management framework, this paper investigates the managerial determinants of compliance with the disclosure requirements on the goodwill impairment test.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors construct a disclosure index and hand-collect the information disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. The authors perform univariate and multivariate analyses, estimating panel data models in Spanish IBEX 35 firms, in 2008–2017.

Findings

Compliance with the impairment test information requirements is used as an impression management strategy to conceal opportunistic behavior related to non-impairment and signal positive values related to growth opportunities and low leverage.

Research limitations/implications

The results are based on a single country, characterized by low enforcement and although that helps to consider the role of impression management under a compulsory reporting system, it also requires some caution in their generalization.

Practical implications

The results might be useful for advancing the current International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) project, but also for other stakeholders since understanding firms' behavior facilitates making decisions. They might also help managers to reconsider their disclosure strategies towards third parties.

Social implications

The results may be useful for society, since they show a likely consequence of managerial opportunistic behavior. They could also assist regulators and enforcers to identify firms with incentives for non-compliance.

Originality/value

This study provides a theoretical and conceptual contribution to explain how firms use disclosure as a managerial strategy in a rather different context to the one used in previous research since it focuses on audited and regulated corporate reports. It is based on the impression management as the vehicle to strategically manipulate users' insights and decisions.
A map for the holistic BPM diagnosis
Authors: Nogueira Cintia Alves , Pádua Silvia Inês Dallavalle , Bernardo Ronaldo
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a map for the holistic business process management (BPM) diagnosis in order to guide the choice of techniques that encompass all dimensions of the business process.

Design/methodology/approach

The design science research method was used, with the elaboration of seven steps to project solutions to empirical problems: (1) identification of the problem, (2) awareness of the problem, (3) definition of expected results, (4) design and development, (5) demonstration, (6) evaluation of artifacts and (7) communication. These steps were organized in different analyzes: descriptive, experimental and observational. The descriptive analysis comprised steps one to three (identification of the problem, awareness of the problem, definition of expected results) and made use of the systematic literature review procedure for proposing artifacts. The experimental analysis comprised steps four to five (design and development, and demonstration), where the consultation with specialists' procedures and then the Delphi procedure for the construction of the artifacts were carried out. In the observational analysis, steps six (evaluation of artifacts), where two case studies were performed, and step seven (communication), in which the map for the holistic BPM diagnosis was presented were carried out.

Findings

The article systematizes the BPM diagnostic techniques scattered throughout the literature and relates how these techniques relate to dimensions. A map for the holistic BPM diagnosis is generated containing 21 techniques and 9 dimensions, with 45 relationships between these techniques and tools. Another aspect is that the map shows that in BPM promotion projects, techniques are not restricted to any specific phase of the life cycle.

Practical implications

Professionals can use the map to form a blend with selected techniques and use them for holistic BPM diagnosis according to the skills and other resources of the project team.

Originality/value

The map developed is innovative because it relates a set of consolidated techniques for each dimension of the process to provide the holistic diagnosis for the organization. It is important to highlight that these techniques and dimensions were scattered in the literature.
Use and trustworthiness of Wikipedia information: students’ perceptions and reflections
Authors: Amina Wazzuha , Warraich Nosheen Fatima
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the trustworthiness of Wikipedia information in terms of accuracy, stability, objectivity and validity among university students along with their perceptions toward the quality of the information in Wikipedia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used to use a quantitative research design based on the survey method. The questionnaire was designed with the help of literature followed by a pilot study to check its validity and reliability before data collection. A proportionate stratified sampling technique was used to collect data from students in the graduate program.

Findings

Data showed that the majority of the respondents used Wikipedia information regularly for both academic and leisure purposes. It is also noted that they usually did not edit/add content in Wikipedia entries, though they observed incomplete content in it. Findings revealed that among the four constructs of trustworthiness (accuracy, stability, validity and objectivity), respondents had certain reservations about the accuracy of Wikipedia information. They opined that content from Wikipedia is not stable and is susceptible to alternation. Nevertheless, they believed in the objectivity of Wikipedia information as the contents are verified by an editor/expert and this information is considered unbiased and impartial.

Practical implications

These findings may be helpful to fill the knowledge gap in the body of literature and to understand the accuracy.

Originality/value

The current study is the first one to analyze the trustworthiness of information in Wikipedia entries among university students in the context of a developing country.
Organizational justice and employees' intention to stay: the mediating role of job satisfaction
Authors: Knezović Emil , Neimarlija Ilma
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study investigates the relationships between the four dimensions of organizational justice (OJ) (distributive, procedural, interpersonal, and informational) and employees' intention to stay (ITS) in organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina while considering the mediating role of job satisfaction (JS).

Design/methodology/approach

Through a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey, 336 responses were collected from employees in private companies and non-governmental organizations. Structural equation modeling was performed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Results indicate support for the relationships between dimensions of OJ and ITS, except in the case of procedural justice (PJ). Similarly, JS is a full mediator in all relationships, except for PJ.

Originality/value

The study extends the literature by incorporating all four dimensions of OJ and testing them individually in relation to the ITS. Furthermore, the study deviates from a traditional approach of simple relationships by introducing the mediating role of JS. Finally, it contributes to the scarce literature in developing countries.
Incumbent defense strategies and new entrants market exit: the moderating role of relational market-based assets
Authors: Aghaie Sina , Kamran-Disfani Omid , Javadinia Amir , Farhang Maryam , Bhattarai Ashok
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the impact of incumbents’ defensive strategies, specifically price-cut and capacity expansion, on new entrants’ (NEs) exit decisions and examine the moderating role of incumbents’ relational market-based assets (RMBAs).

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon real options theory, an empirical study using logistic regression is conducted on a rich, multi-market data set of NE exits between 1997 and 2019 in the U.S. airline industry.

Findings

Contrary to intuitive expectation, the results show that cutting prices in response to entry reduces NEs’ likelihood of market exit. However, when incumbents possess strong RMBAs, using a price cut proves to be effective in pushing NEs out of a market. Moreover, an NEs’ exit likelihood is higher when incumbents expand capacities in response to entry.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, market exit is defined as a complete withdrawal from the market and operationalized as a binary variable. Future research could examine different degrees of downscaling by NEs while remaining in the market.

Practical implications

This research demonstrates the opposing effects of price-cut and capacity expansion and the crucial role of RMBAs and advises managers to be cautious and consider trade-offs when implementing their defensive strategies to push NEs out of their markets.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by examining the impact of incumbents’ defensive strategies, price-cut and capacity expansion, side by side and exploring the moderating role of RMBAs. Extant research has focused on antecedents of defensive strategies, whereas the consequences are the focus of this research.
An empirical study on data warehouse systems effectiveness: the case of Jordanian banks in the business intelligence era
Authors: Al-Okaily Aws , Al-Okaily Manaf , Teoh Ai Ping , Al-Debei Mutaz M.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Despite the increasing role of the data warehouse as a supportive decision-making tool in today's business world, academic research for measuring its effectiveness has been lacking. This paucity of academic interest stimulated us to evaluate data warehousing effectiveness in the organizational context of Jordanian banks.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a theoretical model specific to the data warehouse system domain that builds on the DeLone and McLean model. The model is empirically tested by means of structural equation modelling applying the partial least squares approach and using data collected in a survey questionnaire from 127 respondents at Jordanian banks.

Findings

Empirical data analysis supported that data quality, system quality, user satisfaction, individual benefits and organizational benefits have made strong contributions to data warehousing effectiveness in our organizational data context.

Practical implications

The results provide a better understanding of the data warehouse effectiveness and its importance in enabling the Jordanian banks to be competitive.

Originality/value

This study is indeed one of the first empirical attempts to measure data warehouse system effectiveness and the first of its kind in an emerging country such as Jordan.
The efficiency of LiDAR HMLS scanning in monitoring forest structure parameters: implications for sustainable forest management
Authors: Sofia Serena , Maetzke Federico Guglielmo , Crescimanno Maria , Coticchio Alessandro , La Mela Veca Donato Salvatore , Galati Antonino
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This article aims to compare the LiDAR handheld mobile laser scanner (HMLS) scans with traditional survey methods, as the tree gauge and the hypsometer, to study the efficiency of the new technology in relation to the accuracy of structural forest attributes estimation useful to support a sustainable forest management.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was carried out in a high forest located in Tuscany (Italy), by considering 5 forest types, in 20 different survey plots. A comparative analysis between two survey methods will be shown in order to verify the potential limits and the viability of the LiDAR HMLS in the forest field.

Findings

This research demonstrates that LiDAR HMLS technology allows to obtain a large amount of valuable data on forest structural parameters in a short span of time with a high level of accuracy and with obvious impact in terms of organisational efficiency.

Practical implications

Findings could be useful for forest owners highlighting the importance of investing in science and technology to improve the overall efficiency of forest resources management.

Originality/value

This article adds to the current knowledge on the precision forestry topic by providing insight on the feasibility and effectiveness of using precision technologies for monitoring forest ecosystems and dynamics. In particular, this study fills the gap in the literature linked to the need to have practical examples of the use of innovative technologies in forestry.
Lesson study in mathematics with TDS and RME as theoretical support: two cases from the European TIME project
Authors: Jessen Britta , Bos Rogier , Doorman Michiel , Winsløw Carl
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The authors investigate the use and potential of a theoretical combination of Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) and the Theory of Didactic Situation (TDS) to support Lesson Study (LS) in upper secondary mathematics.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study performed by university researchers, based on theoretical analysis and case studies based on documents and observation from lesson studies.

Findings

Even within a project lasting just about three years, teachers (with no preliminary experience of lesson study) engaged in lesson design based on the combination of theoretical perspectives from TDS and RME in ways that confirm the potential of that combination to enrich and focus teachers' professional development within the framework of LS . It is not clear to what extent the intensive and continued engagement of university researchers has been or would be essential for similar and longitudinal realizations of these potentials.

Practical implications

As current European frameworks seek to engage researchers and teachers in collaboration and exchange across countries, networking of major paradigms of research (like TDS and RME) and uses of them as supports for teachers' inquiry (like demonstrated in this paper) is of considerable institutional interest and potential impact on schools.

Social implications

Teachers' Inquiry in Mathematics Education (TIME) is a prerequisite for the development of Inquiry Based Mathematics Education, which in turn is required in many countries across the world, with the aim of fostering critical and competent citizens.

Originality/value

This combination of (major) mathematics education theories to support and enrich LS has not previously been investigated. While several aspects of adapting to LS Western contexts have been investigated in the past, including the inclusion of perspectives and tools from academic research, the role of university researchers is also quite open. While authors do not offer a systematic study of this role, authors examine how this role may involve development of new practical combinations of different, complementary theoretical tools, which indeed hold potential to support lesson study in a European context.
Synthesizing extreme context studies in project management journals: introducing a time-based project management typology
Authors: De Waard Erik Jurgen , Kalkman Jori Pascal
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The present article analyses extreme context studies published in leading project management journals with the aim of developing a time-based typology that could be of value for the project community at large.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors reviewed 62 articles on extreme contexts published in three main project management journals (IJMPB, PMJandIJPM) and two specialized outletsDisaster Prevention and Management (DPM)andInternational Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment (IJDRBE).

Findings

The authors present a typology, in which emergency, risky and disrupted (RED) contexts are related to the manageability of time. It shows that when pressure rises, due to high levels of urgency, uncertainty and ambiguity, control over time decreases, causing the organizational response to shift from formalized into improvised.

Research limitations/implications

Based on this review, the authors theorize the influence of extreme contexts on project management in general.

Originality/value

The study responds to the scholarly call to advance the academic debate on the relatedness of project and temporary organizations by perceiving temporality as a continuum.
Tacit knowledge in blue-collar work: how workers use it to fulfil their side of the psychological contract
Authors: Saari Tiina , Koivunen Tuija
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the role of tacit knowledge in fulfilling employees’ side of the psychological contract in blue-collar work.

Design/methodology/approach

The research questions are as follows: How is tacit knowledge acquired in blue-collar work and how do blue-collar workers use tacit knowledge to fulfil their obligations within the psychological contract? This qualitative study comprising 30 interviews uses theory-led content analysis.

Findings

Blue-collar workers need time and experience to acquire tacit knowledge. An important aspect of tacit knowledge is knowing the ways in which the work is best done in practice and seeking better ways of doing the job. Workers use their tacit knowledge to perform their work well and efficiently, even in problematic situations, and to improve their work to fulfil their side of the psychological contract.

Practical implications

Organisations should see the value of the tacit knowledge blue-collar workers possess and develop actions that involve the workers in sharing their tacit knowledge and also in planning the actions related to this knowledge sharing.

Originality/value

This study adds to the limited body of studies on the relationship between tacit knowledge and the psychological contract.
Effect of organizational justice and support on organizational commitment and employee turnover intentions: the mediating role of employee engagement
Authors: Aggarwal Arun , Jaisinghani Dinesh , Nobi Kamrunnisha
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop and test a model on antecedents and consequences of employee engagement in the context of information technology (IT) employees.

Design/methodology/approach

In this descriptive research, the data were collected from 432 employees working in IT companies operating in India. The authors performed structural equation modeling to test the proposed relationships.

Findings

The results of this study indicate a positive effect of perceived procedural justice, perceived distributive justice and perceived organizational support on employee engagement. Further, the results of this study show a positive effect of employee engagement on employees’ organizational commitment (OC) and a negative effect on employees’ turnover intentions.

Research limitations/implications

As this study uses self-reported and cross-sectional research design to collect the data, therefore, it limits the generalizations of the results.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can be beneficial for the senior managers and human resources functionaries by examining the antecedents and consequences of employee engagement.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the few studies that have examined the mediating role of employee engagement on the relationship among organizational justice, organizational support, OC and employee turnover intentions.
Modelling lifestyle-based segments of Indian wine consumers using the latent profile analysis approach
Authors: Kelkar Vageesh Neelavar , Bolar Kartikeya , Payini Valsaraj , Mallya Jyothi
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify and validate the different clusters of wine consumers in India based on the wine-related lifestyle (WRL) instrument. It also investigates how the identified clusters differ in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, such as age, gender, income, education, employment and marital status.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a survey using a structured questionnaire to collect data from wine consumers in India. The number of participants totalled to 432. The authors first identified the clusters using latent profile analysis. The authors then used the decision tree analysis based on a recursive partitioning algorithm to validate the clusters. Finally, the authors analysed the relationship between the identified clusters and socio-demographic characteristics using correspondence analysis.

Findings

Three distinct segments emerged after data were subjected to latent profile analysis, namely, curious, ritualistic and casual. The authors found that the curious cluster had a high mean score for situational and social consumption while the ritualistic cluster had a high mean for ritualistic consumption. The findings also suggest that the casual cluster had more female wine consumers.

Originality/value

This study makes methodological contributions to the wine consumer segmentation approach. First, it adopts a latent profile analysis to profile Indian wine consumers. Second, it validates the obtained clusters using the decision tree analysis method. Third, it analyses the relationship between the identified clusters and socio-demographic variables using correspondence analysis, a technique far superior to the Chi-square methods.
A flexible gripper with a wide-range variable stiffness structure based on shape memory alloy
Authors: Yang Canjun , Wu Weitao , Wu Xin , Zhou Jifei , Tu Zhangpeng , Lin Mingwei , Zhang Sheng
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Variable stiffness structure can significantly improve the interactive capabilities of grippers. Shape memory alloys have become a popular option for materials with variable stiffness structures. However, its variable stiffness range is limited by its stiffness in two phases. The purpose of this paper is to enhance the manipulation capabilities of tendon-driven flexible grippers by designing a wide-range variable stiffness structure.

Design/methodology/approach

Constitutive models of shape memory alloy and mechanical models are used to analyze the performance of the variable stiffness structure. A separated solution was used to combine the tendon-driven gripper and the variable stiffness structure. The feed-forward control algorithm is used to enhance the control stability of the variable stiffness structure.

Findings

The stiffness variable capability of the proposed variable stiffness structure is verified by experiments. The stability of the feedback control algorithm was verified by sinusoidal tracking experiments. The variable stiffness range of 8.41 times of the flexible gripper was tested experimentally. The interaction capability of the variable stiffness flexible gripper is verified by the object grasping experiments.

Originality/value

A new wide-range variable stiffness structure is proposed and validated. The new variable stiffness structure has a larger range of stiffness variation and better control stability. The new flexible structure can be applied to conventional grippers to help them gain stiffness variable capability and improve their interaction ability.