bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring the impact of information and communication technology investment on the profitability of Indian manufacturing MSME
Authors: Joshi Aman Kumar , Matai Rajesh , Murthy Nagesh N. 
Published: February 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) investment on the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) profitability in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used a framework based on the ICT investment and firm size, measuring the impact on profit before depreciation, interest, tax and amortisation of MSME by taking a random sampling of 300 Indian MSME manufacturing firm’s secondary data from the Prowess database. This framework was analysed using the design of experiment (DoE) technique.

Findings
The study showed that ICT investment has a significant positive relationship with profitability. This study examines the different ICT investment levels to predict investment strategies and fine-tune profit targets. The critical finding is that ICT investment maximises profit at one million rupees. This discovery aids MSME leaders’ sustainable business decision-making.

Research limitations/implications
This study has an explicit limit to the Indian context, where the firm requirements of countries are different, and these findings need to be validated with many operating variables and applied to more firms with more data. Even so, as a theoretical implication, this study took a novel approach to ICT adoption (through ICT investment) in the Indian MSME sector with guiding levels of ICT investment for each type of firm (i.e. micro, small and medium). This study opens new avenues for investigating researchers and stakeholders by exploring other factors responsible for ICT adoption.

Practical implications
This study uniquely provides practitioners with the functional level of ICT investment for MSMEs in the Indian context. These finding guides top management to make strategic ICT adoption decisions with information symmetry. At the same time, these findings suggest financial institutions astern their credit programme to provide credit for ICT investment in MSMEs.

Social implications
This study highlights the value of ICT as a practical resource for business owners that significantly makes MSMEs more informed and profitable, thus creating more jobs and incrementing the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Originality/value
This study offers unique empirical findings on how decision makers in MSMEs maximise profits through optimal ICT investment levels depending upon the firm size in an emerging economy like India. There is evidence in the study to conclude that ICT is a need of MSME and has implications for firm performance.
Multinational corporations and the blocking of trade unions in Germany
Authors: Langbein Helene 
Published: February 2024

Purpose
This study aims to analyze the effect the liberalization of industrial relations in Germany has had on trade unions’ influence on companies’ decisions. Particular attention is given to European measures of flexibilizing company law and how they affect industrial relations in Germany.

Design/methodology/approach
After presenting a theoretical basis regarding industrial relations and corporate governance, the paper then demonstrates, via a case study, the effects of the flexible European company law. It examines the strategic avoidance of trade union activity at SAP, a case that ended up before the European Court of Justice.

Findings
The flexibility of European company law allows companies to limit the influence of trade unions on company decisions. Limiting trade unions' internal participation weakens their position overall. Precautionary measures to protect employees’ rights help to reduce the dangers of this process.

Originality/value
The influence of European law brings a new perspective to the transformation of the German industrial relations model. The analysis of the strategy of using the legal type of the European company (Societas Europaea) to limit the internal activity of trade unions demonstrates the connection between institutional settings and corporate governance.
Addressing endogeneity in marginal revenue product estimates of shirking in Major League Baseball
Authors: Paulsen Richard J. 
Published: February 2024

PurposeWhile much of the literature testing for shirking by professional athletes have used performance metrics, some works have quantified shirking in dollar terms by comparing salary to estimated marginal revenue product (MRP). However, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) approaches to measuring shirking by comparing salary to MRP have an endogeneity problem, as salary and contract length are determined simultaneously. We test for shirking in Major League Baseball (MLB) using an MRP approach, addressing this potential endogeneity.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses instrumental variables regression to address potential endogeneity using MLB season-level player and team data from 2010 to 2017.FindingsUsing OLS regression, the impact of an additional year of guaranteed contract on shirking is estimated at approximately $1m in 2010 US dollars, and the impact of having a long-term contract is estimated at $5m, estimates comparable to those in the literature. Using instrumental variables regression, these impacts increase to $1.6m and over $9m in 2010 dollars.Practical implicationsGiven large, causal shirking estimates, profit maximizing sports organizations should take caution when negotiating long-term contracts. These findings also have important implications for other labor market settings where workers feel job security.Originality/valueTo our knowledge, this is the first work testing for shirking in sports using an MRP approach which uses instrumental variables regression to address potential endogeneity.
‘No distinction exists as to religion, profession, or sex’: Imperial Reform and the Electoral Culture of the East India Company's Court of Proprietors, 1760–84
Authors: Gilding Ben 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAs contemporaries frequently pointed out, and often in disparaging terms, the governing institutions of the British East India Company contained an almost unprecedented ‘democratical’ element. By this, they were referring to the Company's General Court of Proprietors, its sovereign deliberative body, composed of all East India stockholders. Ownership of certain proportions of stock conferred the rights to participate in debate, to vote on policy, and to elect on an annual basis the directors who governed the day‐to‐day affairs of the Company. These electoral rights were granted solely by virtue of stock‐ownership and made no distinctions based on sex, social status, nationality or religion. This article examines the ways in which women, non‐Britons and religious minorities, in particular, took advantage of the opportunities for political participation opened up by the politicisation of the East India Company's general court in the 1760s, as well as the ways in which this was discussed and debated by contemporaries both in parliament and the press. Tracing the political activities of Mary Barwell, William Bolts and Joseph Salvador provides a unique window into a variety of ways in which the Company offered an alternative venue for political activity for groups often otherwise excluded from the formal politics at Westminster. In doing so, it also shows how the democratic elements of the Company's general court played a significant role in shaping the reform of the East India Company between 1767 and 1784, a process which ultimately led to their curtailment.
Blood biomarkers for the differentiation between central and peripheral vertigo in the emergency department: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Klokman Vincent W. , Koningstein Fiona N. , Dors Job W. W. , Sanders Marieke S. , Koning Sam W. , de Kleijn Dominique P. V. , Jie Kim E. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground/introductionIn patients with acute vestibular syndrome (AVS), differentiating between stroke and nonstroke causes is challenging in the emergency department (ED). Correct diagnosis of vertigo etiology is essential for early optimum treatment and disposition.ObjectivesThe aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to summarize the published evidence on the potential of blood biomarkers in the diagnosis and differentiation of peripheral from central causes of AVS.MethodsA literature search was conducted for studies published until January 1, 2023, in PubMed, Ovid Medline, and EMBASE databases analyzing biomarkers for the differentiation between central and peripheral AVS. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies questionnaire 2 was used for quality assessment. Pooled standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were calculated if a biomarker was reported in two or more studies. Heterogeneity among included studies was investigated using the I2 metric.ResultsA total of 17 studies with 859 central and 4844 peripheral causes of acute dizziness or vertigo, and analysis of 61 biomarkers were included. The general laboratory markers creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, albumin, C‐reactive protein, glucose, HbA1c, leukocyte counts, and neutrophil counts and the brain‐derived biomarkers copeptin, S100 calcium‐binding protein β (S100β), and neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) significantly differentiated central from peripheral causes of AVS.ConclusionsThis systematic review and meta‐analysis highlights the potential of generalized inflammatory markers and brain‐specific blood protein markers of NSE and S100β as diagnostic biomarkers for central from peripheral differentiation in AVS. These results, as a complement to clinical characteristics, provide guidance for future large‐scale diagnostic research, in this challenging ED patient population.
Human‐Centred Learning Analytics: 2019–24
Authors: Buckingham Shum Simon , Martínez‐Maldonado Roberto , Dimitriadis Yannis , Santos Patricia 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHuman‐Centred Learning Analytics (HCLA) has emerged in the last 5 years as an active sub‐topic within Learning Analytics, drawing primarily on the theories and methods of Human‐Computer Interaction (HCI). HCLA researchers and practitioners are adopting and adapting HCI theories/methods to meet the challenge of meaningfully engaging educational stakeholders in the LA design process, evaluating systems in use and researching the sociotechnical factors influencing LA successes and failures. This editorial introduces the contributions of the papers in this special section, reflects more broadly on the field's emergence over the last five years, considers known gaps and indicates new opportunities that may open in the next five years.
Integrating Social Cognition Into Domain‐General Control: Interactive Activation and Competition for the Control of Action (ICON)
Authors: Ward Robert , Ramsey Richard 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSocial cognition differs from general cognition in its focus on understanding, perceiving, and interpreting social information. However, we argue that the significance of domain‐general processes for controlling cognition has been historically undervalued in social cognition and social neuroscience research. We suggest much of social cognition can be characterized as specialized feature representations supported by domain‐general cognitive control systems. To test this proposal, we develop a comprehensive working model, based on an interactive activation and competition architecture and applied to the control of action. As such, we label the model “ICON” (interactive activation and competition model for the control of action). We used the ICON model to simulate human performance across various laboratory tasks. Our simulations emphasize that many laboratory‐based social tasks do not require socially specific control systems, such as those that are argued to rely on neural networks associated with theory‐of‐mind. Moreover, our model clarifies that perceived disruptions in social cognition, even in what appears to be disruption to the control of social cognition, can stem from deficits in social representation instead. We advocate for a “default stance” in social cognition, where control is usually general, but representation is specific. This study underscores the importance of integrating social cognition within the broader realm of domain‐general control processing, offering a unified perspective on task processing.
Financial conflicts of interest among presenters, panellists and moderators at haematology and oncology FDA workshops
Authors: Miller Sarah L. , Haslam Alyson , Prasad Vinay 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the characteristics and financial conflicts of interest of presenters, panellists and moderators at haematology and oncology workshops held jointly with or hosted by the US FDA.SettingWe included information on all publicly available haematology or oncology FDA workshop agendas held between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022.ExposureGeneral and research payments reported on Open Payments, industry funding to patient advocacy organizations reported on their webpages or 990 tax forms and employment in both pharmaceutical and regulatory settings.ResultsAmong physicians eligible for payments, 78% received at least one payment from the industry between 2017 and 2021. The mean general payment amount was $82,170 for all years ($16,434 per year) and the median was $14,906 for all years ($2981 per year). Sixty‐nine per cent of patient advocacy speakers were representing organizations that received financial support from the pharmaceutical industry. Among those representing regulatory agencies or pharmaceutical companies, 16% had worked in both settings during their careers.Conclusions and RelevanceOur findings in this cross‐sectional study show a majority of US‐based physician presenters at haematology and oncology workshops held jointly with members of the US FDA have some financial conflict of interest with the pharmaceutical industry. These findings support the need for clear disclosures and suggest that a more balanced selection of presenters with fewer conflicts may help to limit bias in discussions between multiple stakeholders.
Spatio‐temporal integrated Bayesian species distribution models reveal lack of broad relationships between traits and range shifts
Authors: Wiethase Joris H. , Mostert Philip S. , Cooney Christopher R. , O'Hara Robert B. , Beale Colin M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimClimate change and habitat loss or degradation are some of the greatest threats that species face today, often resulting in range shifts. Species traits have been discussed as important predictors of range shifts, with the identification of general trends being of great interest to conservation efforts. However, studies reviewing relationships between traits and range shifts have questioned the existence of such generalized trends, due to mixed results and weak correlations, as well as analytical shortcomings. The aim of this study was to test this relationship empirically, using analytical approaches that account for common sources of bias when assessing range trends.LocationTanzania, East Africa.Time period1980–1999 and 2000–2020.Major taxa studied57 savannah specialist birds found in Tanzania, belonging to 26 families and 11 orders.MethodsWe applied recently developed integrated spatio‐temporal species distribution models in R‐INLA, combining citizen science and bird Atlas data to estimate ranges of species, quantify range shifts, and test the predictive power of traditional trait groups, as well as exposure‐related and sensitivity traits. We based our study on 40 years of bird observations in East African savannahs, a biome that has experienced increasing climatic and non‐climatic pressures over recent decades. We correlated patterns of change with species traits using linear regression models.ResultsWe find indications of relationships identified by previous research, but low average explanatory power of traits from an ecological perspective, confirming the lack of meaningful general associations. However, our analysis finds compelling species‐specific results.Main conclusionsWe highlight the importance of individual assessments while demonstrating the usefulness of our analytical approach for analyses of range shifts.
Making physical activity fun and accessible to adults with intellectual disabilities: A pilot study of a gamification intervention
Authors: Turgeon Stéphanie , MacKenzie Alexandra , Batcho Charles Sebiyo , D'Amour Jason 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundOnly about 9% of individuals with intellectual disabilities reach the government's physical activity (PA) recommendations. Combining gamification and technology seems particularly promising in overcoming personal and environmental barriers to PA participation.MethodEighteen adults with varying levels of intellectual disabilities completed a pilot study to assess the initial effects of a cycling gamification intervention on levels of PA, fitness, psychosocial outcomes, and challenging behaviours. The study comprised three designs: pre‐post single group, AB single‐case, and qualitative. Social validity, implementation barriers and facilitators were also explored.ResultsNearly all 18 participants cycled daily. Time and distance cycled daily increase during the intervention while a decrease in stereotyped behaviours was observed. Participants and staff found the intervention enjoyable and socially valid.ConclusionsResults of the multiple‐design study suggest that gamification interventions may be a suitable, enjoyable, and promising way to contribute to PA participation of adults with intellectual disabilities.
From Liberalisation to Industrial Policy: Towards a Geoeconomic Turn in the European Defence Market?
Authors: Fiott Daniel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe European defence market can be described as a geoeconomically relevant sector that forms part of Europe's overall economy, not least in the way that it is a producer of military capabilities and technologies and a repository of scientific skills. Traditionally, European Union (EU)‐level steps to support and liberalise the sector have reflected a regulatory approach marked by soft law, but in recent years, the EU has also developed financial tools to incentivise defence co‐operation. Looking specifically at the European Defence Fund (EDF), this article views this transition as evidence of a ‘geoeconomic turn’ in European defence market policy that is a response to structural challenges related to technology control, security of supply and geopolitical competition. Employing relative gains theory and liberal intergovernmentalism, this article charts the transition from market liberalisation to industrial policy in EU defence market initiatives based on specific intra‐ and extra‐political dynamics.
The lucky and unlucky daughter: Gender, land inheritance and agrarian change in Ratanakiri, Cambodia
Authors: Beban Alice , Bourke Martignoni Joanna 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn many agrarian societies, women come to own land, and people secure care in old age through land inheritance. The social norms guiding inheritance shape gendered, generational and class‐based relations of power in rural areas, and intra‐family land rights can be lost when inheritance norms shift. In Cambodia's northeastern Ratanakiri province, rapid agrarian change over the past decade—including the expansion of land grabs, cash cropping and Khmer in‐migration—is transforming decision‐making around inheritance. Based on a large sample of qualitative interviews and focus groups carried out in 2016 and 2020 with Indigenous and Khmer communities, we focus on the ways in which intergenerational and gendered obligations of care are being reconfigured as land scarcity and inequalities within rural areas become more pronounced. We argue that social norms around land inheritance are in flux, with a proliferation of diverse practices emerging including a shift from matrilineal to bilateral inheritance amongst some Indigenous families, the deferment of marriage and inheritance decisions due to a lack of land and parents taking on debt to buy land and secure care in older age. These changes are reconfiguring gendered and generational identities in relation to land and have potentially negative consequences for land‐poor families, in particular, for poor Indigenous women. These changes are symptoms of a larger ‘crisis of care’ in rural communities.
Evaluation of an advanced antioxidant and double‐conjugated retinoid/AHA cream in participants with FST IV–V
Authors: Grimes Pearl E. , Nelson Diane B. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundTopical antioxidants and retinoids are foundational components of an effective skincare regimen. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a potent free radical scavenger that supports efficient mitochondrial energy creation. An advanced antioxidant combines topical allyl PQQ with existing WEL antioxidant technology (TAP) to comprehensively address extrinsic and intrinsic skin aging. In conjunction with TAP, a double‐conjugated retinoid/alpha hydroxy acid (AHA‐Ret) designed to minimize irritation and optimize delivery was used over 12 weeks to improve the appearance of photodamaged skin.Patients/MethodsTwice‐daily application of TAP and nightly application of AHA‐Ret was evaluated in female participants aged 40–65 years with FST IV–V and mild (3) to moderate (6) facial photodamage using a 10‐point grading scale. Visible improvements from baseline in lines/wrinkles, skin texture, skin tone, skin dullness and erythema were assessed using a six‐point grading scale (0 = None to 5 = Severe). Adverse Events (AEs) were captured throughout the study period.ResultsParticipants (N = 21; mean age, 56 years) equally represented mild and moderate photodamage, and FST IV and V (41%, Hispanic; 36%, African American; and 32%, Caucasian). Significant mean improvements from baseline occurred in skin dullness, skin texture, and skin tone (all, p < 0.0001), and significant mean reductions from baseline were demonstrated in erythema and melanin at Week 12. Mild, transient AEs were reported. No participant discontinued study participation due to an AE.ConclusionsA skincare regimen comprised of an advanced antioxidant and AHA‐Ret cream, in conjunction with daily use of a broad‐spectrum sunscreen (SPF 56), led to significant improvements at 12 weeks in the appearance of photodamaged skin in females with FST IV and V.
What security and for whom? The social construction of exclusion of migrants from citizen security and health security in Mexico
Authors: Stoesslé Philippe 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis article explores the social construction of international migrants as a threat to public health and public safety in Mexico, specifically in the case of the Metropolitan Area of Monterrey, since relations within this new sense of “otherness” in this city cause issues for public health and citizen security as traditionally conceived. An in‐depth review of the secondary literature on citizen security and health security related to migration and of the Mexican legal framework was conducted, and public information requests were made to Mexican public agencies. If citizen and health security are complementary paradigms, migrants seem excluded from their application. Far from being considered holders of rights, they are primarily restricted in their exercise of rights because they are not “citizens.” These “newcomers” are perceived as “pathogenic agents” and “criminal illegal immigrants” rather than as deserving of these rights by the authorities, the media, and the majority population of Monterrey. These dynamics are likely to keep them not only on the fringes of “the city” but also in a very vulnerable position to fall victim to of all kinds of exploitation, resulting in a form of “management” of human mobility based on exclusion.