bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Looking into the black box of non-systemic quality management in public administration
Authors: Baschung Lukas , Weber Nicole , Hasler Stefanie , Rota Mathias 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThrough the lens of neo-institutionalism, this study suggests an up-to-date check of non-systemic quality management (QM) practices, based on the example of Swiss cantonal public administrations. Related findings shall allow public managers to choose concrete tools for quality improvement, which are less resource intensive than quality management systems (QMS).Design/methodology/approachA framework of quality management tools (QMTs) is developed based on existing literature, tested and adapted through four case studies and applied to a broader variety of Swiss public administrations based on a survey. It is detected to what extent QMTs are used, since when and with what intensity by paying attention to the respective importance of new public management (NPM) and network governance (NG)-shaped QMTs.FindingsAll examined offices use an important number of QMTs. Classical isomorphism only takes place on a superficial level. Findings are in line with more recent neo-institutional views, involving reflective attitudes of public administrations, which lead to a selective choice of QMTs. Non-systemic QM consists of NPM- and NG-shaped tools, although the latter are used less often in practice.Research limitations/implicationsThe obtained results need further confirmation based on a quantitively broader sample.Practical implicationsIt is suggested to practitioners to choose individual QMTs with a focus on performance impact, opting to use a smaller number of QMTs in a systematic way rather than a bigger number with only half-hearted application.Originality/valueThis article sheds light on the often invisible non-systemic QM in public administration.
Research on wheel wear evolution of inside axlebox metro vehicles
Authors: Qi Yayun , Dai Huanyun , Ao Peng , Cui Xiaolu , Mao Wenhui 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
Axleboxes are an important structure that connects the wheelset with the bogie frame. Inside axlebox bogies have lower wheelset yaw angle stiffness and better curve-passing performance. The purpose of this paper to study the differences in the wear evolution law and the influencing factors of the two types of metro vehicles.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper established the dynamic model and wear model of both outside axlebox and inside axlebox metro vehicles to research the wheel wear evolution law of the two types of vehicles. The curve passing performance of two vehicles is analyzed. The effect of key parameters on wheel wear is studied, including the lateral distance of the axlebox, the longitudinal stiffness of the rotary arm node, the lateral stiffness of the rotary arm node and the wheel profiles.

Findings
The results showed that the model of inside axlebox metro vehicles improved vehicle safety and curve-passing performance. At the same time, inside axlebox metro vehicles reduce wheel wear of the wheel tread area and wheel flange area. When the S1002 wheel tread profile matched with the vehicle parameters, the wheel wear is minimized.

Originality/value
This paper established a dynamic model for inside axleboxes metro vehicles, then used a wheel wear model to analyze the evolution of wheel wear and the key influencing factors of the inside axleboxes metro vehicles.

Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2024-0256/
Back to the nest: the practices employed for succession of heirs in family businesses in Brazil
Authors: Monticelli Jefferson Marlon , Bernardon Renata Araujo , Schaidhauer Pâmela Hubner , Curth Marcelo 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThe present study aims to identify the practices employed to bring heirs into family businesses as successors.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted an exploratory, qualitative investigation using a case study approach. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with external consultants and with incumbent leaders, next-generation heirs working in the firm (and likely to become successors) and employees from three family firms from different industries and under ownership and control of different generations of their respective families (first, second and third and fourth generations). In addition to surveying their general perceptions of the succession processes in their firms, each informant was asked to rate the degree of importance of 12 succession practices identified in the literature and the extent to which they exist in their respective firms.FindingsOur results showed that heirs typically enter the family business after a development process outside of the family business, which we have termed as coming back to the nest. This process was enacted through practices that we allocated to the following categories: continued development of heirs, developing relationships in the succession process, separation of roles and attitude of the successor heirs. Overall, 8 of the 12 practices derived from the theoretical framework were endorsed as important by representatives of the family businesses and 9 were endorsed by the consultants, 7 of which coincided in both groups. However, only 5 of the practices were identified as present in the firms’ succession processes by the representatives of the family businesses, while the consultants did not identify any of the 12 practices as present.Originality/valueWe present additional important practices, the adoption of which would be beneficial for family business succession, such as adapting external learning to the family business, acquiring leadership skills and experience and developing emotional intelligence. Our study advances the prior literature since we do not merely discuss succession planning but analyze in an applied manner how succession actually takes place in family businesses.
Contamination concerns and face consciousness in fashion-sharing services
Authors: Wei Xiaoyong , Wang Cheng 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThe commercial sharing service (CSS) represents an emerging business model in which users pay a minor fee to rent a product for a short period of time. Fashion CSSs enable individuals to rent various garments and accessories with the goal of enhancing one’s public image while saving money. Marketers have strived to popularize fashion CSSs, but concerns related to contamination have thwarted their efforts. Based on face consciousness theory, this research examines how consumers’ desire to enhance their public image (i.e. to “gain face”) can attenuate the negative impacts of contamination concerns and thus facilitate fashion CSS usage.Design/methodology/approachTwo scenario-based studies were conducted to collect data. Participants were recruited via online survey platforms in mainland China. The hypotheses were tested by partial least squares (PLS) path modeling and linear regression analysis.FindingsThe analysis results revealed a two-stage mediation model. Contamination concerns were found to inhibit consumers’ participation in fashion-sharing by increasing their perceived risk, which further decreased the perceived value of the CSS. However, consumers’ desire to gain face can mitigate the negative (direct and indirect) effects of contamination concerns on CSS usage, facilitating CSS adoption.Originality/valueOur findings suggest that eliciting consumers’ desire to gain face can promote fashion CSS usage and attenuate the negative impacts of contamination concerns. Moreover, consumers are less risk-averse and less concerned about shared pieces being contaminated when they seek to enhance their face through fashion products. Practical implications for fashion marketers are discussed.
Deep learning-based high-frequency jump test for detecting stock market manipulation: evidence from China’s securities market
Authors: Huang Hongyi , Wu Yanhui 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis study aims to tackle the critical issue of detecting stock market manipulation, which undermines the integrity and stability of financial markets globally. Even enhanced with machine learning, traditional statistical methods often struggle to analyze high-frequency trading data effectively due to inherent noise and the limited availability of publicly known manipulation cases. This leads to poor model generalization and a tendency toward over-fitting. Focusing on China's securities market, our study introduces an innovative approach that employs deep learning-based high-frequency jump tests to overcome these challenges and to develop a more effective method for identifying manipulative activities.Design/methodology/approachWe employed the “Jump Variation – Time-of-Day” (JV-TOD) non-parametric technique for jump tests on high-frequency data, coupled with the synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE) algorithm for re-balancing sample data. Our approach trains a deep neural network (DNN) on refined data to enhance its ability to identify manipulation patterns accurately.FindingsOur results show that the deep neural network model, calibrated with high-frequency price jump data, identifies manipulation behavior more specifically and accurately than traditional models. The model achieved an accuracy rate of 94.64%, an F1-score of 95.26% and a recall rate of 95.88%, significantly outperforming traditional models. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in mitigating over-fitting and improving the robustness of market manipulation detection.Practical implicationsThe proposed model provides regulatory entities and financial institutions with a more efficient tool to monitor and counteract market manipulation, thereby improving market fairness and investor protection.Originality/valueBy integrating the JV-TOD jump test with deep learning, this study proposed a new approach to market manipulation detection. The innovation is in its capacity to detect subtle manipulation signals that traditional methods typically overlook. Our model, which is trained on jump test data enhanced by the SMOTE algorithm, excels at learning complex manipulation patterns. This enhances both detection accuracy and robustness. In contrast to existing methods that are challenged by the noisy and intricate nature of high-frequency data, our approach shows enhanced performance in identifying nuanced market manipulations, offering a more effective and reliable method for detecting market manipulation.
Impact of nap-processing and weft density on the functionalization and protection properties of polyester uniforms produced with fancy weaves
Authors: Seddik Khaled Mohamed , Yahia Sarah 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
One important aspect of a quality work environment is its ability to protect workers from potential hazards while providing comfort, especially during long hours. This study aims to improve the properties of the polyester fabric used for uniforms by enhancing its ultraviolet (UV) protection factor (UPF), reducing electrostatic charge and increasing comfort.

Design/methodology/approach
Six different samples of polyester woven fabric were manufactured using a yarn count of 150/144 denier for the warp and 300/96 denier for the weft. Honeycomb and Bedford cord structures were performed with three different weft densities, 36, 45 and 55 weft/cm. The napping process was conducted on one side for all fabrics, and several tests were conducted before and after napping, including thickness, weight, tensile strength, elongation, air and water permeability, UPF and electrostatic charges.

Findings
The results were collected, tabulated and statistically analysed. Three different tools were used, given as follows: Column chart to define the behaviour of produced fabrics at each property; ANOVA test with p-value = 0.05 to indicate the significant and non-significant effects of different parameters; and Radar chart area to rank fabrics and demonstrate the preferable performance.

Originality/value
According to the investigated study, the produced fabrics were affected by the parameters, where despite the nap process increasing the fluffy surface and promoting airflow, UV protection and electrostatic charge, it aids in deteriorating mechanical properties and relatively reducing absorbency. Additionally, the weft densities are striking in various fabric characteristics and performances relating to the fancy weave structure.
Unveiling business environment and digital entrepreneurial activity in the European tourism industry
Authors: Abdelli Mohammed El Amine , Perez-Encinas Adriana , Rodríguez-Crespo Ernesto , Moussavou Jean , Ertz Myriam , Pinto Borges Ana , Levy-Tadjine Thierry , Jha Dipra 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis article assesses the impact of the internal and external Business Environment on the Digital Entrepreneurial Activity (DEA) in the European tourism industry.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 125 European tourism entrepreneurs in Germany and France was studied. Data were analyzed using quantitative methods.FindingsThe results indicate that a firm experiencing losses due to theft and vandalism has a positive relationship with the DEA, and there is Liquidity or Cash flow that contributes positively to DEA. The outcomes shows that there is a specific limit to the institution having liquidity or cash flow, the costs of inspection by tax officials, and the average management time with government regulations that affect digital entrepreneurs. The total cost of labor contributes significantly to the digital productivity of entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.Originality/valueThese findings have significant and practical implications for entrepreneurs and academics in the tourism industry, providing them with valuable insights for decision-making.
Impact of rifaximin on cirrhosis complications and gastric microbiota in patients with gastroesophageal variceal bleeding: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Huang Xiao Quan , Ai Ying Jie , Li Feng , Ye Si Tao , Wang Jia Hao , Zhang Rui , Zhang Wei , Zhu Yu Li , Chen Shi Yao 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesThe application of rifaximin, a non‐absorbable antibiotic, in hepatic encephalopathy (HE) has been well established; however, its effect on other complications in cirrhotic patients with previous gastroesophageal variceal bleeding (GEVB) remains unclear. Therefore, we performed a pilot randomized controlled trial aiming to evaluate the impact of rifaximin on cirrhosis‐related complications and changes in gastric microbiota.MethodsEighty cirrhotic patients who received prophylactic endoscopic treatment for variceal rebleeding were randomly assigned to the control or rifaximin treatment group (rifaximin 400 mg twice daily for 8 weeks). Primary outcome was the total liver‐related score, consisting of changes in cirrhosis‐related complications including rebleeding, ascites, HE and portal vein thrombosis (PVT). The 16S rDNA sequencing analysis was conducted with gastric lavage fluid samples for the analysis of gastric microbiota.ResultsDuring the 8‐week follow‐up, the total liver‐related score decreased significantly upon rifaximin therapy (−0.35 ± 0.14 vs 0.05 ± 0.14, p = 0.0465) as well as serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.019) and interleukin‐8 (p = 0.025) compared with the control group. The rate of PVT recanalization was significantly higher in the rifaximin group (p = 0.012). Prominent difference in gastric microbiota between the two groups was observed, and the rifaximin group had a higher abundance of several taxa which were dysregulated in the progression of cirrhosis. CRP was correlated with several taxa including Alphaproteobacteria, Rhizobiales and Collinsella.ConclusionsRifaximin may improve cirrhosis‐related complications, including PVT, in patients with previous GEVB through anti‐inflammatory and microbiota‐modulating functions. Trial registration number: NCT02991612.
Big impacts with small efforts: spatial prioritization for amphibian conservation in the Sierra Madre del Sur, Mexico
Authors: Fuentes‐de la Rosa D. L. , Aguilar‐Cámara A. , Camarena‐Hernández A. , Ochoa‐Ochoa L. M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAmphibian survival is imperiled by increasing anthropogenic disturbance and insufficient conservation efforts. Spatial prioritization is an essential tool that allows for optimization of scarce conservation resources and the identification of protected area networks that will maintain their effectiveness in the future. This study focuses on amphibians in the Sierra Madre del Sur, a Mexican biogeographic province with high amphibian species richness and endemism. We aim to (i) assess the performance of the current protected area network and (ii) identify potential expansion areas of the current network, considering their persistence in time. Using occurrence data of 107 species, we estimated distributions with species distribution models and buffers. Species were weighted according to their national and international conservation status, and future land‐use change scenarios were incorporated to identify priority areas using Zonation software. Results revealed poor performance of the current protected areas network for amphibian conservation, failing to cover any of the top 2% of amphibian priority areas. Many protected areas fall outside the top 30% priority, indicating inadequate location of protected areas for amphibian conservation. However, minimal network expansions could significantly enhance protection for high‐risk species, particularly for the Plethodontidae family. Our study highlights the potential of systematic conservation planning in improving efficient amphibian conservation, even with minimal expansions of key areas. Finally, our findings provide important insights into amphibian conservation in a region with high levels of endemism that has often been neglected in terms of biodiversity conservation efforts.
Do vaginal swabs alter empirical clinical management in obstetrics and gynaecology: A retrospective case‐series and activity‐based costing of the vaginal swab
Authors: Kirby Jordan , Leroi Marcel , Cvejic Erin , Mooney Samantha 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundVaginal swab microbiological testing is commonly performed as routine clinical management for various obstetric and gynaecological presentations. The clinical utility and cost‐effectiveness of vaginal swab microscopy, culture and susceptibilities (MCS) in altering empirical management is ill‐defined.AimsTo describe the clinical use of vaginal swabs in a tertiary women's hospital emergency department (ED), measure the impact of vaginal swabs on altering empirical clinical management, and to determine the economic cost of vaginal swab MCS.Materials and MethodsRetrospective case‐series of vaginal swabs collected at a single, tertiary women's ED between January 2021 and July 2021. Symptomatology, clinical diagnosis, test results, and pre‐swab and post‐swab clinical management were determined upon medical record review. Economic costs of vaginal swab MCS were retrospectively determined via internal accounting records, permitting unit‐level activity‐based costing.ResultsA total of 660 vaginal swabs from 584 clinical episodes were included. Vulvovaginitis was the most common indication for swab collection (34.5%, 167 samples). Altered empirical management was observed in 9.8% of all swabs (95% CI 7.4–12.2%), with marked variability between clinical indications. Antimicrobial initiation was the most common alteration in management (8.9%, 95% CI 8.7–9.1%). The estimated cost of vaginal swab MCS was $29.71 AUD; labour, consumables and disposal costs accounted for 69.3, 29.8 and 0.9%, respectively.ConclusionsThe impact of vaginal swab MCS on empirical clinical management is context‐specific and variable. The majority of swabs performed do not impact upon empirical management. Antimicrobial initiation is appreciably more common than antimicrobial cessation with vaginal swab results.
Toward an anthropology that cares: Lessons from the Academic Carework project
Authors: Greer Nikky , Fleuriet Jill , Galemba Rebecca , Han Sallie 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAnthropologists’ cross‐cultural studies of kinship, gender, and caregiving have shown how care is fundamental to the human experience. Ironically, anthropologists have been relatively silent about the caregiving we ourselves do. To understand these experiences, we conducted an online survey (N = 492), seven focus groups (N = 31), and seven in‐depth interviews of anthropologists in various career stages. We use the term “academic carework” both to describe labor made invisible through caregiving and to recognize caring relations that structure our academic work. We show how carework challenges are experienced along axes of race, gender, class, sexuality, age, and precarious academic status, underscoring how anthropology reproduces itself as a privileged space in the context of the deterioration of working conditions in the neoliberal academy. We proceed to illustrate how the prevailing institutional strategy of temporary accommodation temporally confines caregiving experiences that are ongoing and compounding. An accommodation approach encourages caregivers to interpret structural problems as individual struggles and to discipline themselves accordingly, even as they critique its neoliberal underpinnings. We offer recommendations to address the impacts of carework on professional trajectories. More broadly, however, we look to new anthropologies of care for inspiration to imagine a more inclusive anthropology.
Salvianolic acid B improves the microcirculation in a mouse model of sepsis through a mechanism involving the platelet receptor CD226
Authors: Li Xuemei , Liu Shanshou , Xie Jiangang , Liu Lin , Duan Chujun , Yang Lu , Wang Yuling , Wu Yilin , Shan Niqi , Zhang Yun , Zhang Yuan , Zhuang Ran 
Published: October 2024

Background and PurposeSalvianolic acid B (SalB) demonstrates diverse clinical applications, particularly in cardiovascular and cerebral protection. This study primarily investigated the effects of SalB on sepsis.Experimental ApproachThe model of sepsis via caecal ligation puncture (CLP) was established in male C57BL/6 mice. Therapeutic effects of SalB on hepatic and pulmonary injury, inflammatory responses and microcirculatory disturbances in sepsis were evaluated. Platelet aggregation and adhesion were measured via flow cytometry and an adhesion test. After overexpression of platelet‐related activating molecules by 293T cells, the efficient binding of SalB and platelet CD226 molecules was further evaluated. Finally, neutralizing antibody experiments were used to assess the mechanism of SalB in alleviating the progression of sepsis.Key ResultsSalB mitigated hepatic and pulmonary impairments, reduced inflammatory cytokine levels and enhanced mesenteric microvascular blood flow in septic mice. SalB enhanced CLP‐induced reduction of platelet count and platelet pressure cumulative volume. SalB reduced platelet adhesion to endothelial cells and platelet aggregation to leukocytes. A high binding efficiency was observed between SalB and the platelet adhesion molecule CD226. Ex vivo, interactions between SalB and platelets from CD226‐knockout mice were markedly decreased. In vivo administration of CD226 neutralizing antibodies significantly delayed disease progression and enhanced mesenteric microcirculation in septic mice.Conclusion and ImplicationsIn our murine model of sepsis, treatment with SalB improved the microcirculatory disturbance and hindered the progression of sepsis by inhibiting platelet CD226 function. Our results suggest SalB is a promising therapeutic approach to the treatment of sepsis.