bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local political leadership: from managerial performances to leaders-hip hop on social media?
Authors: Sancino Alessandro 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe paper discusses the evolution of leadership practices performed by local political leaders in the last decade (2009–2019, a period which we might call post-global financial crisis and pre-COVID-19). It offers some new theoretical concepts to make sense of emerging contemporary public leadership practices, namely: leaders-hip hop; charismatic followership; and digital fabrication of charisma (digital charisma).Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a single case study, and it relies on qualitative data coming from multiple sources and collected at different points of time, specifically interviews, participant and non-participant observations from an ethnography conducted in 2009; interviews conducted between 2019 and 2020, and an analysis of the posts made within one Facebook group between February and May 2016.FindingsThe paper focuses on three stories of local political leadership at three different points in time which describe three leadership practices: political managerialism; charismatic followership; and hands-on relational leadership. It highlights the importance of hands-on relational leadership through popular acts of leadership which are performed face to face and/or on social media and the shift in the dominant technologies of local political leadership from the logic of managerialism toward the logic of social media.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is focused on a limited temporal (2009–2019) and sociocultural context (North Italy). Findings are presented as three stories, although other ways of showing qualitative data could have been used.Practical implicationsPractical implications deal with the attempt to enable a reflexive view of local governance and public leadership attentive to soft and sociocultural variables. It is important to consider these implications for the purposes of training and learning.Originality/valueThe paper introduces new concepts to understand contemporary public leadership practices; it combines insights from a decentered theory of governance and collective theories of leadership; and it makes use of storytelling as a method for analyzing and reporting the findings.
Impact of an intensive multi-disciplinary STEM enrichment program on underrepresented minority student success
Authors: Ghazzawi Dina , Pattison Donna Lynn , Horn Catherine , Hardy John , Brown Beverly 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThis study examines the impact of participation in a STEM Enrichment Summer Bridge Program, funded by the NSF Houston-Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, on undergraduate student success outcomes, particularly for under-represented students.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses propensity score matching and logistic regression analysis to examine the effects of participation in the STEM enrichment program on graduation and retention in STEM after matching on baseline socio-demographic and pre-college characteristics.FindingsThe analysis found that program participation had a significant effect on increasing both the graduation rates and retention of under-represented minority students in STEM fields. In addition, results indicated that program participation had a particularly strong impact for Pell-eligible students in terms of course grades.Research limitations/implicationsData obtained for this study were limited to a single Hispanic-serving/Asian-serving institution, and therefore are not necessarily representative of the graduation and retention trends of the larger population of underrepresented minority (URM) students across the nation.Originality/valueThis study uniquely adds to the existing body of literature surrounding the retention of URM students in STEM fields by accounting for baseline variables, such as pre-college academic achievement and socio-demographic characteristics, that could lead to bias in estimating results. Specifically, this study addresses limitations of previous studies by comparing participants and non-participants of the STEM enrichment program who are matched on a selection of baseline characteristics.
The lived experience of UK health communication professionals during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Gregory Anne , Nichols Bill , Underwood John M. 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThis research explores approaches to, impacts of and reflections on the Covid-19 pandemic for professional communicators in the English National Health Service. It was undertaken in order to understand and analyse their lived experience and make recommendations for improving future system-wide performance.Design/methodology/approachGiven the work pressure and additional commitments that communication practitioners have when working in crisis, the researchers chose a single data collection method. Qualitative and quantitative data collection was undertaken using an extensive self-completion survey instrument.FindingsTen distinct themes covering four time phases: crisis preparedness, entering the crisis, pandemic peak and post “first-wave” are discussed. They examine crisis readiness, to shifts in priorities and communication approaches to system-wide leadership and integration and the re-positioning of communication as a central player in pandemics.Practical implicationsThe research outlines a number of areas for improvement along with practical recommendations for actions in the health system in readiness for future pandemics.Originality/valueThis is the first time the lived experience of communicators working through a pandemic at all levels in a national health system has been researched in the public relations literature.
Effect of a purpose in life program on the wellness of Southern Thai adolescents
Authors: Balthip Karnsunaphat , Pasri Pimpanit , Suwanphahu Bunrome , McSherry Wilfred , Kritpracha Charuwan 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe study aimed to examine the effect of a purpose in life (PIL) program on the wellness of Thai adolescents.Design/methodology/approachTwo schools located in municipalities in southern Thailand were selected by simple random sampling. Students from each school were randomly allocated to either an experimental group (n = 35) or a control group (n = 32). The experimental group received the PIL program for 16 weeks. The control group received the routine education program. Participants' wellness was measured using the Wellness Scale (WS). The WS was validated for content validity by five Thai experts and tested for reliability with 30 junior high school students, yielding the Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.84. The differences in the mean score of wellness across time were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.FindingsThe mean scores of wellness of the experimental group and the control group were statistically significantly different across time (p < 0.001). Post hoc tests in the experimental group showed a statistically significant difference in the mean scores of wellness between Week 1 and Week 16, Week 1 and Week 20 and Week 16 and Week 20 (p < 0.05). In the control group, the results showed a statistically significant difference in the mean scores of wellness between Week 1 and Week 20 and Week 16 and Week 20 (p < 0.05).Originality/valueThe PIL program, originally developed within a Thai context and focused on the spiritual dimension, was effective in enhancing the wellness of Thai adolescents.
Developing an interpersonal communication material for primary health-care workers for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases: experience from a case in Manila, Philippines
Authors: Guevarra Jonathan P. , Zuñiga Yves Miel H. , Uezono Deinzel R. , Go John Juliard L. , Granada Carmela N. , Manese Dolores T. 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to describe the systematic process in developing an interpersonal communication material for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the City of Manila, Philippines.Design/methodology/approachThe systematic process in the development of an interpersonal communication material is presented. The seven steps in the process included mapping of available health communication materials, needs identification, development of the material, pretesting, finalization, printing/production and orientation on the use of the material.FindingsThe process followed an iterative, multistakeholder approach in order to ensure that all important insights are obtained and that the final material is contextualized, easily communicated and culturally appropriate. It is important to consider context and culture on top of the methodology in order to ensure development of appropriate interpersonal communication material. It is also important that the experience of the primary health-care workers on the use of the interpersonal communication material is properly documented for future reference, through both quantitative and qualitative evaluations.Originality/valueThe seven-step systematic process utilized can be used as a model in developing health communication materials in the field of health promotion and education.
Does intellectual capital impact firms' capital structure? Exploring the role of firm risk and profitability
Authors: D'Amato A. 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between intellectual capital and firm capital structure by exploring whether firm profitability and risk are drivers of this relationship.Design/methodology/approachBased on a comprehensive data set of Italian firms over the 2008–2017 period, this paper examines whether intellectual capital affects firm financial leverage. Moreover, it analyzes whether firm profitability and risk mediate the abovementioned relationship. Financial leverage is measured by the debt/equity ratio. Intellectual capital is measured via the value-added intellectual coefficient approach.FindingsThe findings show that firms with a high level of intellectual capital have lower financial leverage and are more profitable and riskier than firms with a low level of intellectual capital. Furthermore, this study finds that firm profitability and risk mediate the relationship between intellectual capital and financial leverage. Thus, the higher profitability and risk of intellectual capital-intensive firms help explain their lower financial leverage.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings have several implications. From a theoretical standpoint, the paper presents and tests a mediating model of the relationship between intellectual capital and financial leverage and its underlying processes. In terms of the more general managerial implications, the results provide managers with a clear interpretation of the relationship between intellectual capital and financial leverage and point to the need to strengthen the capital structure of intangible-intensive firms.Originality/valueThrough a mediation framework, this study provides empirical evidence on the relationship between intellectual capital and firm financial leverage by exploring the underlying mechanisms behind that relationship, which is a novel approach in the literature.
Multiple large shareholders and bank stability: the case of MENA banks
Authors: Boussaada Rim 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThis study aims to investigate how multiple large shareholders individually and interactively influence Middle East and North Africa (MENA) bank stability.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical framework is based on a generalized dynamic two-step system and utilizes the method of moments estimation to analyze a panel dataset of 532 bank-year observations over the 2004–2017 period.FindingsThe estimation results show that large shareholders are crucial in explaining the differences in bank stability among MENA banks. Specifically, the first- and second-largest shareholders exacerbate bank instability. However, we found that the third-largest shareholder enhances bank stability. Additionally, the coalition between the two largest shareholders increases the moral hazard problem in MENA banks and significantly decreases stability. Meanwhile, the interaction between the three largest shareholders is associated with a control contestability problem, which impels better bank stability. The results support the dispersion effect of multiple large shareholders in MENA countries.Originality/valueThe role of large shareholders in corporate governance is widely recognized. However, very little is known about the role and the real impact that multiple large shareholders may have on the banking sector. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this work is the first to analyze the relationship between multiple large shareholders and bank stability in the MENA region.
Entrepreneurs' personal network usage and the performance of young firms: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Alnahedh Mishari , Alrashdan Abdullatif 
Published: April 2021

PurposeWhile most extant research focused on different dimensions of the entrepreneurs’ social network such as the size and quality of the network, the focus of this paper is on the extent to which entrepreneurs utilize their personal network with suppliers, competitors, customers, and government officials to support the operations of their ventures. This paper also takes into account the effects of industry level determinants that can influence the relationship between entrepreneurs’ personal network usage and young firms’ performance.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs confirmatory factor analysis and moderated hierarchical multiple regressions on a sample of 246 young firms in Kuwait.FindingsThe results indicate that entrepreneurs' personal network usage is positively associated with young firms' performance. The results also reveal that industry dynamism strengthens this relationship, while in hostile industries the relationship between network usage and young firms' performance becomes weaker.Originality/valueThe present study provides insights into how the extent of utilization of an entrepreneur's personal network affects the firm's performance. Furthermore, by unpacking how industry dynamism and industry hostility influence the entrepreneurs' ability to reap benefits from their personal networks, this paper enriches the research on the role of industry factors in the performance of young firms.
Inclusive school leadership: Examining the experiences of Canadian school principals in supporting students with special education needs
Authors: Sider Steve , Maich Kimberly , Morvan Jhonel , Villella Mélissa , Ling Paul , Repp Chantelle 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAs school systems strive to support students with special education needs in inclusive schools, there has been a persistent lack of scholarly literature that addresses the ways in which school principals are engaged in this process. This article is a response to this gap and aims to examine the question: What types of experiences do school principals identify as formational in their support of students with special education needs and fostering inclusive schools? Based on the analysis of data collected from 285 school principals from six provinces in Canada, four key themes are identified including: relationships, modelling behaviours, communication and principal isolation and lack of preparation. These themes are examined with consideration for how to support principals’ professional leadership in fostering inclusive schools. As a result, this article’s significance is in its examination of the experiences of principals and how these influence their leadership practice for supporting students with special education needs and fostering inclusive schools.
Cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside and cisplatin inhibit proliferation and downregulate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in cervical cancer cells
Authors: Li Xu , Zhao Jin , Yan Tingcai , Mu Jingjing , Lin Yang , Chen Jing , Deng Haotian , Meng Xianjun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNatural compounds have been increasingly investigated as substances enhancing the effect of drugs and reducing drug‐related adverse reactions. The objective of this study was to determine how a combination of cisplatin (DDP) with cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (C3G) affected malignancy features of cervical cancer cells. The results demonstrated that the proliferation of HeLa cells treated with 5 µg/ml DDP, 400 µg/ml C3G, or a combination of both (5 µg/ml DDP and 400 µg/ml C3G) was inhibited by 17.43%, 34.98%, and 63.38%, respectively. The IC50 values for DDP and the DDP/C3G combination treatments in HeLa cells were 18.53 and 6.435 µg/ml, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that treatment with DDP, C3G, or the combination induced G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HeLa cells. Furthermore, after treatment, cyclin D1 and Bcl‐2 levels decreased; Bax, cleaved caspase‐3, p53, and TIMP‐1 were activated; and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was modulated. These anticancer effects were enhanced in cells treated with the combination of DDP and C3G compared to those treated with DDP or C3G alone. Our study indicates that C3G increases the antitumor activity of DDP, suggesting a potential strategy to reduce adverse effects associated with chemotherapy in cervical cancer.Practical ApplicationNatural biologically active food ingredients are suggested to have a potential to enhance the effect of chemotherapy in cancer. We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to the literature because it revealed, for the first time, that C3G could increase the antitumor activity of DDP, suggesting a potential strategy to reduce adverse effects associated with chemotherapy in cervical cancer.
Characteristics of Japanese patients with systemic sclerosis complicated with calcinosis
Authors: Takagi Kae , Kawamoto Manabu , Higuchi Tomoaki , Tochimoto Akiko , Hirose Hikaru , Harigai Masayoshi , Kawaguchi Yasushi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimCalcinosis is often observed in systemic sclerosis (SSc), but its pathogenesis remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore the association of clinical features with calcinosis in patients with SSc.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed analyzing 416 SSc patients from our SSc database. We examined the clinical features with relation to calcinosis and SSc.ResultsCalcinosis was observed in 24.0% of patients with SSc. The group with calcinosis comprised more female patients (P < 0.05) and diffuse cutaneous types (P < 0.001) than the group without calcinosis. Complications of Raynaud's phenomenon (P < 0.05), nail fold bleeding (NFB) (P < 0.001), peripheral bone resorption (P < 0.001), myositis (P < 0.001), and pulmonary hypertension (P < 0.05) were more frequently observed in patients with calcinosis compared with those without calcinosis. The group with calcinosis had a higher modified Rodnan total skin‐thickness score (mRSS) than the group without calcinosis (P < 0.001). The factors that affected calcinosis in multivariable analysis were peripheral bone resorption (partial correlation coefficient 0.46, 34%), anti‐Scl‐70 antibody (partial correlation coefficient 0.29, 20%), diffuse type (partial correlation coefficient 0.34, 16%) and NFB (partial correlation coefficient 0.23, 11.2%).ConclusionsCalcinosis in SSc is associated with Raynaud's phenomenon, NFB, and pulmonary hypertension, so peripheral circulatory insufficiency seems to be one of the causes of calcinosis. Furthermore, as it is related to mRSS and the diffuse cutaneous type, common factors related to skin fibrosis are considered to be involved.
Is staging breast magnetic resonance imaging prompted upgrade to mastectomy appropriate?
Authors: Jayaratne Thilina , Huang Yang Yang , Jacques Angela , Dhillon Ravinder , Porter Gareth , Bose Sharmistha , Bourke Anita , Dessauvagie Ben , Lo Glen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundBreast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) use for surgical staging is increasing, though remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of MRI in surgical decision‐making to determine if mastectomy prompted by MRI was appropriate.MethodsA single‐centre observational study in Perth, Western Australia, with the inclusion of all preoperative and postoperative studies (e.g. involved margins after breast‐conserving surgery) undergoing staging breast MRI from 1 January 2015 to 26 August 2019. A standard protocol using gadolinium contrast was used. The reference standard was postoperative histopathology or, for studies without additional surgery after MRI following breast‐conserving surgery, the next and subsequent annual screening episodes. By reviewing the final histopathology, the medical case notes and multidisciplinary team decision process, we evaluated whether the reported MRI disease extent was accurate in prompting an appropriate upgrade to mastectomy. Outcomes are reported with descriptive statistics.ResultsOf 130 cancers staged with MRI; seven were excluded as information was incomplete, 104 were performed preoperatively and 19 postoperatively. The majority (60%) staged lobular carcinoma (invasive 59%, in situ 1%) compared to ductal carcinoma (invasive 31%, in situ 8%). For preoperative MRI, half (54% – 56/104) underwent subsequent mastectomy. Of these, MRI prompted mastectomy in 45% (25/56), all appropriate for disease extent. In the postoperative staging group, two mastectomies were performed, one planned before imaging, the other prompted when MRI diagnosed residual disease and confirmed on histopathology. No false‐negative staging MRI was identified.ConclusionsIn our cohort, MRI prompted an upgrade to mastectomy in 21% (26/123), appropriate for cancer extent.
Monitoring relative blood volume changes during hemodialysis: Impact of the priming procedure
Authors: Pstras Leszek , Waniewski Jacek , Lindholm Bengt 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe monitoring of relative blood volume (RBV) changes during hemodialysis is increasingly used to evaluate the effect of dialyzer ultrafiltration on intravascular volume to guide the removal of excess fluid in a manner that maintains hemodynamic stability of the patient. RBV monitoring is typically based on an optical or acoustic sensor placed in the arterial blood line that measures a marker of hemoconcentration, such as hematocrit, hemoglobin, or total blood protein. However, the accuracy of RBV monitors and the impact of their clinical use remain the subject of ongoing debate. Here, we show that, depending on the procedure of filling the extracorporeal circuit with the patient's blood at the beginning of the dialysis session, the indications of an RBV monitor may be misleading as to the actual changes of the intravascular volume. When the blood is first pumped into the dialyzer, the priming fluid (saline) that fills the circuit may be either infused into the patient or disposed of to a drain bag. In the latter case, the intravascular volume is suddenly reduced, which is not accounted for by RBV monitors that track only the subsequent reductions in blood volume due to dialyzer ultrafiltration. We analyzed this general aspect of RBV monitoring using model‐based simulations and showed quantitatively how RBV changes calculated using hematocrit differ depending on the priming procedure.