bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Institutional context matters: board diversity and ESG outcomes in the UAE
Authors: Alawadi Asma , Kakabadse Nada , Khan Nadeem , Bodolica Virginia 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This study empirically examines the impact of board diversity on environmental, social and governance (ESG) outcomes in organizations from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study aims to extend prior literature by covering the impacts of the institutional context on board diversity and ESG outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a thematic analysis of interviews with 42 UAE board members, this research uncovers the effects of institutional context on ESG outcomes. The study focuses on the impact of culture, the influence of regulatory bodies and the relationship between critical board diversity traits and ESG.

Findings
Three major themes emerged from the data: the impact of institutional context and culture, the impact of regulatory bodies and critical board diversity traits’ relationship with ESG. The findings indicate that the institution’s cultural and regulatory context impacts board diversity and ESG. The findings also demonstrate that the board’s functional diversity (educational and occupational diversity) and age diversity impact ESG outcomes.

Originality/value
This research contributes to resource dependence theory by indicating the specific resources diverse directors bring to a corporate board. The study also highlights how institutional context dictates the types of resources directors seek for effective ESG implementation, providing a novel insight into board diversity’s role in ESG performance.
Unpacking the relationship between entrepreneurial marketing activities and small firm performance
Authors: Aliakbari Aliasghar , Crick James M. , Chen Wei-Fen , Crick Dave 
Published: December 2024

PurposeA question remains unresolved in existing cross-disciplinary research at the marketing/entrepreneurship interface (MEI). This features circumstances when employing a combination of market-oriented and entrepreneurially-oriented activities, known as entrepreneurial marketing (EM) behavior, is likely to lead to positive performance outcomes. Earlier mixed findings provide the need to unpack the nuances of EM practices, in terms of their boundary conditions, regarding circumstances where this behavior does or does not lead to performance-enhancing outcomes. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to examine the complexities of the association between EM activities and small firm performance by assessing quadratic and moderating effects.Design/methodology/approachThis study was underpinned by resource-based theory (RBT). Survey responses were collected from 214 smaller-sized companies in the United Kingdom. The statistical data passed all major checks for reliability, different forms of validity, common method variance and endogeneity bias.FindingsEM activities had a quadratic connection with small firm performance, with this relationship being enhanced (in terms of a positive two-way interaction effect) by market dynamism (a counter-intuitive result regarding environmental conditions). Surprisingly, through a post-hoc test, coopetition (cooperation among competitors to leverage assets and overcome resource constraints) did not play any influential part in helping owner-managers to overcome the potential downsides of EM practices, like the time and cost implications of identifying and exploiting opportunities (i.e., a non-significant three-way interaction effect).Originality/valueUnique insights outline how decision-makers in smaller-sized organizations can harness the potential benefits, and minimise the likely drawbacks, of employing EM activities. However, owner-managers should be cautious when implementing these organization-wide practices, since they are likely to enhance performance, but only up to a fixed point. Indeed, excessive forms of EM activities can weaken small firms’ performance. A counter-intuitive positive moderation effect regarding market dynamism challenges certain earlier findings. Specifically, in some dynamic market conditions, EM activities could be performance-enhancing, since certain environmental-level forces might assist owner-managers to amplify the merits of behavior at the MEI when implemented effectively.
The transformational journey of YouTube entrepreneurs: a few strands of evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Piramanaygam Senthilkumaran , Lee Kuan-Huei , Pillai K Rajasekharan , Dixit Saurabh Kumar 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Ubiquitous penetration of the internet fuelled by the interactive nature of digital media has created a new genre of entrepreneurs who leverage social media to propel their businesses. This study aims to explore the transformation of one such digital entrepreneurial cohort: Food YouTubers (YTs), who have metamorphosed from being mere content creators to entrepreneurs in the context of an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors invoke a qualitative interpretive phenomenological approach to unravel the entrepreneurial transition process. A combination of personal interviews and open-ended surveys is used to collect relevant data from 14 digital entrepreneurs. The transcripts are analysed to extract meaningful codes and themes.

Findings
The study shows that these entrepreneurs’ innovativeness and readiness to meet the real-time demands of their customers made their ventures a runaway success. This is the first study to target food YTs in India, an emerging economy. While the study is exploratory in nature, it provides basic insights into the transition of a novel group of influencers into entrepreneurs.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of its kind to analyse the transition of YouTube influencers into entrepreneurs in emerging economies, as it relies more on entrepreneurial activities for their economic and social well-being.
Sanction intensity and labor force participation
Authors: Zobeiri Hoda , Nademi Younes , Gholipour Hassan F. 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study examines the impact of sanction intensity on labor force participation rate in 30 sanctioned countries from 1990 to 2019.Design/methodology/approachWe apply different dynamic threshold panel models using the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation.FindingsOur findings reveal a non-linear relationship between sanction intensity and labor force participation rate. Milder sanctions are associated with higher labor force participation rate, while intense sanctions lead to reduced participation, largely due to the damaging effects of sanctions on domestic economies.Originality/valueWhile several studies have examined the impact of sanctions on various economic, social and political factors, only a few have specifically investigated the role of sanctions on labor force participation across countries and over time.
Does market structure mediate relationship between merger and acquisition and performance of Islamic and conventional banks?
Authors: Ullah Nazim 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Merger and acquisition (M&A) plays an important role in developing the financial sector. The purpose of the paper is to analyze and evaluate the effects of M&As on the outcome of Islamic and conventional banks. Furthermore, examines the mediating role of market structure between M&A and bank outcome.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses POLS, panel data techniques and structural equation modeling to analyze a set of samples for 24 banks consisting of 10 Islamic banks and 14 conventional banks involved in M&A from 2004Q1 to 2020Q4 from 6 countries.

Findings
Generally, M&A improves the post-M&A performance of Islamic banks and conventional banks. However, there is size issue. Bank size positively affects Islamic bank performance while conventional does not. Furthermore, market structure mediates the relationship between M&A and the operational performance of Islamic and conventional banks. Implying that after M&A, the market becomes concentrated while it reduces competition.

Research limitations/implications
Number of banks are limited due to unavailability of data for pre and post-M&A. Future researches can be carried out to study the cross-border M&A along with the regulation between Islamic banks in GCC and Asia Pacific countries.

Practical implications
Improving operational performance plays a significant role. To enhance the performance of Islamic banking industry, M&A between small Islamic banks could be beneficial depending on the market structure.

Originality/value
The mediation role of market structure in between M&A and performance for Islamic and conventional banks is the main contribution of the study.
Workplace mistreatments by the management toward employees and its behavioral consequences
Authors: Burhan Qurat-ul-Ain 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of organizational mistreatments, such as workplace bullying and ostracism, on task performance. Additionally, it explores the mediating role of cyber loafing and the moderating role of negative reciprocity beliefs.Design/methodology/approachAdopting a positivism research philosophy and a deductive approach, this study focuses on the petroleum sector-related organizations where enterprise resource planning requires active Internet use, potentially leading to cyber loafing. Data were collected from employees using purposive sampling techniques, resulting in a sample size of 248. The data analysis was conducted using AMOS and SPSS software.FindingsThe results indicate that cyber loafing fully mediates the relationship between workplace bullying and ostracism on task performance. Additionally, negative reciprocity beliefs significantly moderate the relationship between workplace bullying, ostracism and cyber loafing.Originality/valueThis study presents a moderated-mediation model of organizational mistreatments and task performance, elucidating the mechanisms through the mediating role of cyber loafing and the moderating role of negative reciprocity beliefs.
Changes in food behaviours during the first COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown in Australia
Authors: Palu Aliyah , Crowther Juliette , Hart Ashleigh Chanel , Santos Joseph Alvin , Rosewarne Emalie , Pettigrew Simone , Hoek Annet C. , Trieu Kathy , Webster Jacqui 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimThe objective of this study was to explore changes in Australian consumer food behaviours during COVID‐19 public health restrictions (lockdown), to provide insights into how this unforeseen crisis event affected dietary behaviour patterns.MethodsAn online cross‐sectional survey was conducted in September 2020 with a nationally representative sample of the Australian adult population. Participants were asked to complete questions about (1) meal planning and food purchasing and (2) barriers to cooking, before and during a national‐wide COVID‐19 lockdown in early 2020. A survey‐adjusted logistic regression analysis was used to identify food behaviour changes resulting from the lockdown.ResultsA total of 4022 respondents completed the survey. Overall, food behaviour changes were found to be small and mostly positive. Eight of the 14 meal planning and purchasing related behaviours improved. This included more frequent meal planning and more time to be able to cook. However, not all changes were healthier, with more respondents reporting that they cooked meals at home using healthy ingredients less frequently during the lockdown.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate that people are willing and able to make some positive changes when they have time but that more work needs to be done to ensure that the improvements in food literacy result in healthier meals. Further consideration also needs to be given to how we can embed and amplify these positive changes into everyday habits now that public health restrictions have lifted and Australia is in post‐lockdown reality.
Origin and Emplacement of the Cambrian Yanglong Ophiolite in the North Qilian Suture
Authors: FU Changlei , XUE Wanwen , PAN Tong , YAN Zhen , GUO Xianqing , AITCHISON Jonathan C. , XIAO Wenjiao , WANG Bingzhang , LI Wufu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractFragments of Proto‐Tethyan oceanic lithosphere are well‐preserved along the southern belt of the North Qilian suture, and the origin and emplacement of these ophiolites have become subjects of intense debate. In this study, we integrate field observations, mineralogical and geochemical analyses, zircon U‐Pb dating, and isotopic data to investigate the Yanglong ophiolite. The Yanglong ophiolitic rocks are found as tectonic slices resting on the Neoproterozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks. These rocks are composed of Cambrian serpentinized peridotite, gabbro, dolerite, and rodingite. The spinels in the serpentinized peridotites have variable Cr# values (21, 38–46, and 59–61) and display affinity to those in abyssal and forearc peridotites. The dolerites show slight enrichment in Th and have elevated (La/Sm)N ratios (1.19–2.01), indicating a subduction‐related geochemical affinity. The Yanglong ophiolitic rocks have positive zircon ɛHf(t) values (+10.3–+18.4) and whole‐rock ɛND(t) values (+5.3–+6.7) indicating derivation from partial melting of a depleted mantle source. These results, together with the regional geology, collectively suggest that the Yanglong ophiolite was generated in a forearc setting during the Early Cambrian northward intra‐oceanic subduction. It was emplaced onto the Central Qilian Block during the subsequent arc‐continent collision, no later than the Early Ordovician.
Role of PI3K/AKT/MAOA in glucocorticoid‐induced oxidative stress and associated premature senescence of the trabecular meshwork
Authors: Zhang Pengyu , Zhang Nan , Hu Yixin , Deng Xizhi , Zhu Min , Lai Cheng , Zeng Wen , Ke Min 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe oxidative stress‐induced premature senescence of trabecular meshwork (TM) represents a pivotal risk factor for the development of glucocorticoid‐induced glaucoma (GIG). This study aimed to elucidate the pathogenesis of TM senescence in GIG. MethodsIntraocular pressure (IOP), transmission electron microscopy and senescence‐associated protein expression in TM were evaluated in GIG mice. Protein expression of phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1) and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), phosphorylation of AKT were quantified. ROS and mitochondrial superoxide levels were measured to evaluate cellular oxidative stress. Cell cycle analysis, β‐galactosidase staining, senescence‐associated protein expression were employed to assess the aging status of primary human trabecular meshwork cells (pHTMs). ResultsmRNA‐seq and KEGG analysis indicating PI3K/AKT pathway as a key regulator in TM of GIG. PI3K inhibitor significantly prevented IOP elevation and abnormal mitochondrial morphology of TM in the GIG mouse model. PI3K inhibitor or selective silencing of PIK3R1 alleviated dexamethasone (DEX)‐induced oxidative stress, also mitochondrial dysfunction, inhibiting MAOA expression in pHTMs. The same phenomenon was observed in the GIG models with inhibition of MAOA. Further KEGG analysis indicates that cellular senescence is the key factor in the pathogenesis of GIG. TM senescence was observed in both GIG mouse and cell models. Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/MAOA pathway significantly alleviated DEX‐induced premature cellular senescence of TM in GIG models. Glucocorticoids activated the PI3K/AKT/MAOA pathway, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and premature aging in TM, elevating IOP. This mechanism could be associated with the onset and progression of GIG, providing a potential approach for its treatment.
Judicial independence and earnings management
Authors: Jiang Ellen Jin , Jia Xiao 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWe investigate the crucial relationship between judicial independence and corporate earnings management, utilising China's staggered judicial delocalisation reform. We establish a causal and negative relationship between the judicial independence of local courts and corporate earnings management. Channel analyses demonstrate that judicial independence limits local government officials' capacity to interfere in corporate decisions and increases the ex post legal risks for information distortion. This effect is particularly pronounced among non‐state‐owned enterprises and in regions with stronger institutional frameworks. These findings highlight the indispensable role of judicial independence in fortifying the rule of law and reducing corporate information distortion.
Clinical outcomes of the implementation of acute care surgery system in South Korea: a multi‐centre, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yi Gun‐Hee , Hong Suk‐Kyung , Jun Yang‐Hee , Yoo Sungyeon , Bae Jung‐Min , Yoo Keesang , Jung Yun Tae , Kim EunYoung , Lee Narae , Ko Min Jung , Shin Hogyun , Lee Hak‐Jae 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn emergency general surgery (EGS), rapid judgement and prompt emergency surgery play a significant role in determining the patient's prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate whether implementing the acute care surgery (ACS) system in Korea has improved the clinical outcomes of patients.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted at three tertiary hospitals in Korea. The study included patients aged 18–99 years who required EGS due to acute abdomen or abdominal trauma. A window period of 4 months was set after the implementation of the ACS system, and the clinical outcomes before and after the implementation were compared.ResultsA total of 2146 patients were enrolled in the study, with 1008 in the pre‐ACS group and 1138 in the post‐ACS group. After propensity score matching, 901 patients were selected in the pre‐ACS group and 906 patients were selected in the post‐ACS group. The time from emergency room admission to operating room transfer was reduced in the post‐ACS group, with a mean of 452.2 ± 347.0 min compared to 522.1 ± 416.5 min in the pre ACS group (P = 0.001). Moreover, the complication rates were reduced in the post‐ACS group (38.3% vs. 31.3%, P = 0.006).ConclusionsThe implementation of the ACS system can lead to faster surgical decision‐making and the prompt execution of emergency surgery for patients, thereby reducing postoperative complications.
Evaluating the time to surgery for low severity trauma patients within a trauma quality improvement program
Authors: Christey Grant , Soysa Ishani , Smith Alastair 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundsThere is potential for inequity in quality improvement and prevention initiatives of low severity trauma burden may not be considered proportionately in the context of their impacts on healthcare providers or the community. This study defines and tests a small preliminary set of common, low‐severity injuries requiring non‐urgent, operative interventions in a health region of NZ.MethodsThe regional trauma registry was reviewed to develop a short list of potential diagnostic groups to be used in testing the time from admission to surgery and selection criteria were applied to find appropriate injuries. The volume of presentations over a 10‐year period were analysed.ResultsA total of 3213 events with a single injury included in the five selected diagnostic groups met the study selection criteria. The most common (32.4%) diagnostic group was the simple forearm fracture. The supracondylar fracture was the most common (65.9%) group for the 0–14 year olds. The median time delay from arrival to first operative intervention was longest in the tibial fracture group at 45.4 h, and was shortest in the supracondylar fracture group at 10.0 h. Volumes varied between diagnostic groups from an average of 22 per‐year for mandibular fractures to an average of 104 per‐year for forearm fractures.ConclusionsThe results show that the variations in process applied to different diagnostic groups are measurable and can be observed over time. This provides a platform for further work on the quality indicators and benchmarking for delivery of care to patients with low severity trauma.
Food cravings are associated with increased self‐regulation, even in the face of strong instigation habits: A longitudinal study of the transition to plant‐based eating
Authors: Saunders Blair , Milyavskaya Marina , More Kimberly R. , Anderson Jo 
Published: December 2024

AbstractFrequently engaging in a positive health behaviour, like following a vegetarian or vegan (veg*n) diet, can bring benefits to both the individual and society. We investigated the roles of two psychological determinants of behaviour—instigation habits and self‐regulation strategy use—in a cohort of individuals who were newly transitioning to a veg*n diet. In a longitudinal study over 6 months (7 waves including baseline), 222 individuals transitioning to a veg*n diet reported their monthly habit strength, craving frequency, self‐regulation strategies and animal product consumption. Our results supported the benefits of having a healthy habit, as stronger habits predicted fewer cravings and lower consumption of animal products, in line with the person's target diet. However, in contrast to some theoretical accounts, having a strong instigation habit did not reduce the use of self‐regulation strategies; people with strong habits used multiple strategies to maintain their diet, especially when they experienced frequent diet‐inconsistent cravings. These findings challenge the idea that habits eliminate the need for self‐regulation, and suggest that habits do not fully circumvent motivational challenges in the pursuit of complex health behaviours. Our results are consistent with recent suggestions that automatic and intentional processes act simultaneously during the enactment of complex health behaviours.
The Two Faces of Angiopoietin‐Like Protein 2 in Cancer
Authors: Horiguchi Haruki , Kadomatsu Tsuyoshi , Oike Yuichi 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe tumor microenvironment is composed of tumor cells and various stromal cell types, such as immune cells, fibroblasts, and vascular cells. Signaling interactions between tumor and stromal cells orchestrate the tumor microenvironment's contribution to tumor progression. Angiopoietin‐like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) is a secreted glycoprotein homologous to angiopoietins. Previous studies indicate that tumor cell‐derived ANGPTL2 serves as a tumor promoter. However, recent studies suggest that tumor stroma‐derived ANGPTL2 shows tumor‐suppressive activity by enhancing anti‐tumor immune responses, supporting a dual function for ANGPTL2 in cancer pathology. Such complexity can complicate development of effective therapeutic strategies targeting ANGPTL2. In this Review, we focus on ANGPTL2 activity in the tumor microenvironment and its function in anti‐cancer immunity.