bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contexts of organizational learning in developing countries: the role of training programmes in Egyptian public banks
Authors: Mousa Mohamed , Massoud Hiba , Ayoubi Rami 
Published: April 2021

PurposeLittle research into organizational learning in the public sector in developing countries' is known. In this paper, the authors investigated the context of organizational learning in the public banks in Egypt.Design/methodology/approachAn ethnographic field research was employed by spending a month inside each of two public banks in Egypt. The ethnographic experience was operationalised by using direct observations of learning processes, procedures and practices, semi-structured interviews with learning specialists and focus group discussions with bankers. The authors used thematic analysis to determine the main themes in the previous data collection methods of ethnographic approach.FindingsThe findings confirmed a lack of clear focus for the organizational learning practices employed by the banks, which highlights issues of seriousness in undertaking and/or tackling organizational learning, and increased doubts in relation to the added value of the different forms of formal trainings bankers participate in. To enhance the culture and maintain effective functioning of formal organizational learning, the authors suggest considering the following three categories of barriers: purpose-related barriers, implementation and evaluation barriers.Originality/valueDespite the generalisability caveats associated with the organizations studied, the authors believe that this paper contributes to the existing theory of organizational learning as it provides insights and understanding on the purpose, frame, conduct and results of organizational learning in the public sector. More specifically, the study is unique and is different from previous relevant studies as it relies on ethnographical approach in exploring how organizational leaning practices are perceived in public banks in developing countries.
Fabrication and characterization of pillar interdigitated electrode for blood glucose sensing
Authors: Bose Anindya , Sengupta Sarthak 
Published: April 2021

PurposeA bio-sensor has been developed in this study for the purpose of point-of-care diagnostics. Point-of-care-diagnostic is a type of diagnosis where the diagnostic centre, i.e. the diagnosis kit is made available at the location of the patient when the patient needs immediate action. In this process of diagnosis a compact, portable, integrated kit must be available which can diagnose the disease of the patient by testing various analytes.Design/methodology/approachUsing a fully experimental methodology, a blood glucose sensor is made by conducting carbon interdigitated electrode (IDE) on a flexible substrate. IDEs are used to increase the effective capacitance of the structure, as well as the effective electroactive area of the sensor. Interdigitated structure permits two-electrode sticks with “each other” and “infuse” together. As a consequence, the distance between electrodes can be tuned to a much smaller value than traditional thin-film architectures. Narrowing the distance between electrodes allows for fast ion diffusion that offers better rate capability and efficiency in power density. The fabricated device exhibits a remarkable value of sensitivity in the order of 2.741 µA mM-1 cm−2.FindingsA highly sensitive, portable and inexpensive blood glucose sensor has been developed in this context.Originality/valueThis research study can be a scope for future research in the field of bio-sensors.
An analysis of factors and conditions pertaining to the rise of the sharing economy
Authors: Yeganeh Hamid 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThis study aims to examine the various factors and conditions pertaining to the rise of the sharing economy.Design/methodology/approachAfter framing the sharing economy concept, the study adopts a multidisciplinary approach and relies on the extant literature to analyze and classify eight major groups of factors behind the rise of the sharing economy.FindingsThe analysis indicates that the sharing economy (1) represents a significant paradigm shift emphasizing utilization rather than possession and relying on mutual trust, collaboration and reciprocity; (2) benefits from fundamental transformations such as the world population growth, global urbanization, surge in the world middle class and the convergence of tastes and preferences; (3) relies on technological innovation but is affected by socio-cultural and psychological conditions; (4) is driven by emerging trends in consumption, marketing and working conditions; (5) benefits from lax or nonexistent regulation and taxation; and (6) is recognized as clean and environmentally friendly.Originality/valueThis paper's chief contribution resides in adopting a multidisciplinary perspective to offer an in-depth analysis of the various types of factors behind the rise of the sharing economy.
CSR at scale: the relationship between corporate social commitment and social progress in developing economies
Authors: Whittingham Keith L. 
Published: April 2021

PurposeIn recent decades, companies have increasingly engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), with the goal of providing benefit to both society and the company. While these efforts can have measurable social impact at the local level, the cumulative impact may be much harder to observe and measure, due to the wide variety in both the CSR initiatives and the social challenges they seek to address. This study is an initial investigation of the relationship between national levels of commitment to CSR and national measures of social progress, in a sample of developing countries.Design/methodology/approachUsing country-level participation in the UN Global Compact (UNGC) as a proxy for the level of CSR commitment, and 2018 Social Progress Index (SPI) scores, we investigate the relationship between these variables. SPI component and sub-component scores serve as dependent variables in several OLS regression models. Independent variables included the total number of companies participating in the UNGC, along with economic and socio-political control variables.FindingsRegression models indicate that higher CSR commitment levels are related with higher scores in the primary components of social progress, but only in some sub-components and not others. Practitioners and policymakers can leverage this understanding when developing and supporting corporate social initiatives.Originality/valueTo our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to demonstrate the country-level impact of firm-level CSR commitment and is among the first to employ the Social Progress Index.
Technopreneurship intention among nonbusiness students: a quantitative assessment
Authors: Soomro Bahadur Ali , Shah Naimatullah 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe present study attempts to identify the predictive power of technopreneurial-related activities (TRAs), technopreneurial self-efficacy (TSE) and technopreneurial motivation (TM) on technopreneurial intention (TE) among the nonbusiness students.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework is developed for investigation. A quantitative approach is adopted for this research, and the data are collected from the 282 students of the different public sector universities with a survey questionnaire. The application of structural equation modeling (SEM) is applied to investigate the impact of TRAs, TSE and TM on TE.FindingsThe results of SEM found a positive and significant impact of TRAs, TSE and TM on TE among the nonbusiness students of Pakistan.Practical implicationsThe study would be beneficial for the planners and policymakers of universities to improve modes of technopreneurship. The findings may encourage the students to develop strong beliefs, abilities and skills to start a new venture. The literature of entrepreneurship and technopreneurship may further enrich with empirical evidence of the present study.Originality/valueThe study would make technopreneurs able to deal with society's challenges.
Sustainability and financial performance relationship: international evidence
Authors: Yilmaz Ilker 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe purpose of the article is to examine the relationship of corporate sustainability to firm financial performance by presenting international data.Design/methodology/approachThe sample includes non-financial companies from five emerging economies known as BRICS for a five-year period of 2014–2018. The study uses the ESG (environmental, social, governance) scores from Sustainalytics database and financial data from company reports. Panel regression models are developed to figure out the relationship.FindingsThe results of the article revealed that there is a positively significant relationship between sustainability performance and financial performance. Total ESG score has produced significant results while the individual scores of environmental, social, and governance have produced insignificant results; implying that the components of total ESG score have a joint effect on the financial performance.Practical implicationsThe results of the article have important practical implications for companies. Engagement in sustainable business practices will help improve the financial performance. In addition, the companies should be active in all components of sustainability.Originality/valueThe article contributed empirical evidence for sustainability-financial performance relationship by using the international evidence from five emerging economies.
“Comet‐tailing” associated with gunshot entrance wounds
Authors: Prahlow Samuel P. , Brown Theodore T. , Dye Daniel , Poulos Christopher , Prahlow Joseph A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA “plated bullet” has a thin layer of electroplated metal covering the lead core of the projectile. In certain situations, this thin layer of electroplated metal can fracture upon discharge of the firearm. When such fracturing occurs, vaporous lead can escape through the fracture lines of the spinning projectile, resulting in a spiral‐shaped deposition of dark residue surrounding a central bullet defect. The spiral‐shaped pattern is referred to as “comet‐tailing,” or the “vortex effect.” In this report, three homicide cases with associated comet‐tailing are presented. Police, death investigators, and forensic pathologists should be aware of this unique finding.
A step towards the validation of bacteria biotic indices using DNA metabarcoding for benthic monitoring
Authors: Aylagas Eva , Atalah Javier , Sánchez‐Jerez Pablo , Pearman John K. , Casado Nuria , Asensi Jorge , Toledo‐Guedes Kilian , Carvalho Susana 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEnvironmental genomics is a promising field for monitoring biodiversity in a timely fashion. Efforts have increasingly been dedicated to the use of bacteria DNA derived data to develop biotic indices for benthic monitoring. However, a substantial debate exists about whether bacteria‐derived data using DNA metabarcoding should follow, for example, a taxonomy‐based or a taxonomy‐free approach to marine bioassessments. Here, we showcase the value of DNA‐based monitoring using the impact of fish farming as an example of anthropogenic disturbances in coastal areas and compare the performance of taxonomy‐based and taxonomy‐free approaches in detecting environmental alterations. We analysed samples collected near to the farm cages and along distance gradients from two aquaculture installations, and at control sites, to evaluate the effect of this activity on bacterial assemblages. Using the putative response of bacterial taxa to stress we calculated the taxonomy‐based biotic index microgAMBI. The distribution of individual amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), as a function of a gradient in sediment acid volatile sulphides, was then used to derive a taxonomy‐free bacterial biotic index specific for this data set using a de novo approach based on quantile regression splines. Our results show that microgAMBI revealed a organically enriched environment along the gradient. However, the de novo biotic index outperformed microgAMBI by providing a higher discriminatory power in detecting changes in abiotic factors directly related to fish production, whilst allowing the identification of new ASVs bioindicators. The de novo strategy applied here represents a robust method to define new bioindicators in regions or habitats where no previous information about the response of bacteria to environmental stressors exists.
Assessing soil microbial biodiversity as affected by grazing and woody vegetation cover in a temperate savannah
Authors: El Mujtar Verónica A. , Gregorutti Viviana C. , Eclesia Roxana P. , Wingeyer Ana , Lezana Lucrecia , Canavelli Sonia B. , Tittonell Pablo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAlthough it is well established that land use and management affects soil microbial biodiversity, with consequences for soil‐mediated ecosystem services, knowledge on human‐induced variability in soil bacterial and fungal communities is more abundant for cropping than for livestock systems. In particular, grazing management affects vegetation cover and light availability to lower vegetation layers, particularly in wooded grazing ecosystems. Our objective was to evaluate the use of T‐RFLP analysis to characterise soil microbial community patterns. We worked in a grazed temperate savannah in Entre Ríos (Argentina) and focused on two farms with different grazing management, resulting in different vegetation cover. At each farm, we sampled soils from four conditions forming a two shrub cover conditions (open and close) by two light availability conditions (high and low) factorial set with three replicates. T‐RFLP data for bacteria and fungi were used to characterise biodiversity patterns (diversity indexes, relative abundance of operational taxonomic units and community structure). Analyses were performed, between and within farms, using nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis, non‐parametric multivariate analysis of variance and network analysis. Variation patterns of soil microbial communities were detected using T‐RFLP analysis in savannah soils from these two livestock farms. Farm, light and shrub conditions were statistically significant factors shaping variation patterns. For bacterial communities, light availability and shrub cover affected biodiversity and community structure respectively, but this impact was detected only for the farm with lower grazing intensity. For fungal communities, light availability was the factor shaping community structure, also with slightly higher impact on the farm with lower grazing intensity. These results suggest that in temperate woodlands lower grazing intensity, associated with higher vegetation cover, increases bacterial biodiversity while it decreases fungal community structure. Soil bacterial and fungal communities, showed contrasting patterns, and appear as sensitive indicators to monitor grazing management effects. We showed that T‐RFLP analysis is a cost‐effective methodology (compared to Illumina sequencing) that would be useful to disentangle impact of grazing intensity and vegetation cover in grazed temperate savannah.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma survival in South Australia: time trends and impact of tumour location
Authors: Meng Rosie , Chen John W. , D'Onise Katina , Barreto Savio G. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundIt is unclear how global developments in management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have affected survival of Australian patients. This study aimed to determine trends in survival of PDAC over the last three decades in South Australia and to compare survival based on cancer location (head and uncinate process versus body and tail).MethodsA retrospective observational cohort study to include all cases of PDAC reported to the South Australian (state) Cancer Registry from 1990 to 2017.ResultsA total of 1051 patients diagnosed with PDAC between 1990 and 2017 were included. An overall increase in number of reported PDAC cases over time with more than a doubling in the crude rate from 1.73 to 3.50 per 100 000 persons between the decades 1990–1999 and 2010–2017 (P < 0.001) was noted. Overall median survival for PDAC was 7.4 months (95% confidence interval 6.8–8.0 months) and this has improved in recent decades. Overall median survival for PDAC affecting head and uncinate process of pancreas was significantly higher compared to body and tail (7.6 months versus 4.1 months; P < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study from South Australia demonstrates an increased reporting of PDAC over the last three decades. Although overall survival for patients with PDAC remains low, there has been a modest improvement in recent decades. The overall survival is significantly lower for patients with PDAC involving the body and tail compared to the head and uncinate process of pancreas. Risk factors for poor survival include the male gender and advancing age (>70 years).
Remodelling of membrane tubules by the actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Allard Antoine , Lopes dos Santos Rogério , Campillo Clément 
Published: April 2021

AbstractInside living cells, the remodelling of membrane tubules by actomyosin networks is crucial for processes such as intracellular trafficking or organelle reshaping. In this review, we first present various in vivo situations in which actin affects membrane tubule remodelling, then we recall some results on force production by actin dynamics and on membrane tubules physics. Finally, we show that our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms by which actomyosin dynamics affect tubule morphology has recently been moved forward. This is thanks to in vitro experiments that mimic cellular membranes and actin dynamics and allow deciphering the physics of tubule remodelling in biochemically controlled conditions, and shed new light on tubule shape regulation.
Why Are Children So Distractible? Development of Attention and Motor Control From Childhood to Adulthood
Authors: Hoyer Roxane S. , Elshafei Hesham , Hemmerlin Julie , Bouet Romain , Bidet‐Caulet Aurélie 
Published: April 2021

Distractibility is the propensity to behaviorally react to irrelevant information. Although children are more distractible the younger they are, the precise contribution of attentional and motor components to distractibility and their developmental trajectories have not been characterized yet. We used a new behavioral paradigm to identify the developmental dynamics of components contributing to distractibility in a large cohort of French participants balanced, between age groups, in gender and socioeconomic status (N = 352; age: 6–25). Results reveal that each measure of these components, namely voluntary attention, distraction, impulsivity, and motor control, present a distinct maturational timeline. In young children, increased distractibility is mostly the result of reduced sustained attention capacities and enhanced distraction, whereas in teenagers, it is the result of decreased motor control and increased impulsivity.
Near‐term ecological forecasting for dynamic aeroconservation of migratory birds
Authors: Horton Kyle G. , Van Doren Benjamin M. , Albers Heidi J. , Farnsworth Andrew , Sheldon Daniel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNear‐term ecological forecasting has the potential to mitigate negative impacts of human modifications on wildlife by directing efficient action through relevant and timely predictions. We used the U.S. avian migration system to highlight ecological forecasting applications for aeroconservation. We used millions of observations from 143 weather surveillance radars to construct and evaluate a migration forecasting system for nocturnal bird migration over the contiguous United States. We identified the number of nights of mitigation required to reduce the risk of aerial hazards to 50% of avian migrants passing a given area in spring and autumn based on dynamic forecasts of migration activity. We also investigated an alternative approach, that is, employing a fixed conservation strategy based on time windows that historically capture 50% of migratory passage. In practice, during both spring and autumn, dynamic forecasts required fewer action nights compared with fixed window selection at all locations (spring: mean of 7.3 more alert days; fall: mean of 12.8 more alert days). This pattern resulted in part from the pulsed nature of bird migration captured in the radar data, where the majority (54.3%) of birds move on 10% of a migration season's nights. Our results highlight the benefits of near‐term ecological forecasting and the potential advantages of dynamic mitigation strategies over static ones, especially in the face of increasing risks to migrating birds from light pollution, wind energy infrastructure, and collisions with structures.
Use of GLP1RAs and occurrence of respiratory disorders: A meta‐analysis of large randomized trials of GLP1RAs
Authors: Wei Jin‐Ping , Yang Chang‐Lin , Leng Wen‐Hua , Ding Liang‐Liang , Zhao Guo‐Hou 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesNo large sample studies have been designed to evaluate the efficacy of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) in the primary and secondary prevention of respiratory disorders. We aimed at evaluating the relationship between use of GLP1RAs and occurrence of 12 kinds of respiratory disorders.MethodsLarge randomized placebo‐controlled trials of GLP1RAs were included. We conducted meta‐analysis using random effects model and measured heterogeneity using I2. Treatment effect was presented as risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsSeven trials including 55 922 participants were included in meta‐analysis. The occurrence rates of various respiratory disorders were low, with the minimum of 0.02% (pulmonary fibrosis) and the maximum of 2.31% (pneumonia). Although not reaching statistical significance, GLP1RAs versus placebo showed the reduced trends in the risks of nine kinds of respiratory disorders including pneumonia (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.78–1.01), squamous cell carcinoma of lung (SCCL; RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.25–1.21), asthma (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.51–1.32), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.73–1.10), but the increased trend in interstitial lung disease (ILD; RR 1.89, 95% CI 0.87–4.08). GLP1RAs had neutral effects on two other respiratory disorders. Heterogeneity in any meta‐analysis was absent or low.ConclusionGLP1RAs show the reduced trends in the risks of nine kinds of respiratory disorders (eg, pneumonia, SCCL, asthma, and COPD), but the increased trend in the risk of ILD. However, these findings need to be validated by further studies due to the low incidence rates of all the respiratory disorders.
FORUM: Saving the Museum Through Partnership
Authors: Ravenal John B. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractUsing a lifecycle model as a framework for identifying key moments of organizational maturity, this case study of a US art museum explores merger as a means for creating a turnaround. Even before the current coronavirus pandemic, many art museums found themselves facing the question of survival due to the ever‐rising fixed costs of remaining independent and the increasing competition for resources and audiences. DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, in Lincoln, Massachusetts, confronted this situation, requiring radical change to address a fiscal crisis. The result was an integration with Massachusetts’ largest preservation and conservation nonprofit. An analysis of our circumstances and process—including strengths and weaknesses, key strategic decisions, and mistakes—can offer lessons for other nonprofits in managing large‐scale change.