bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does higher ranking ensure higher student satisfaction: evidence from higher education institutions in India
Authors: Thomas Sam 
Published: March 2024

PurposeProspective students and other stakeholders in the education system use global and national rankings as a measure of the quality of education offered by different higher educational institutions. The ranking of an Institution is seen as a measure of reputation and has a significant role in attracting students. But are students happy in the top-ranked institutions? Does a high rank translate into high student satisfaction? This study answers this question taking data from top educational institutions in India.Design/methodology/approachThis study examines how the top-ranked higher education institutions in India fare on student satisfaction. Using the data on key performance indicators published by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and student satisfaction scores of these institutions reported by NAAC, the study explores a possible relationship between the ranking of an institution and its student satisfaction score.FindingsThe study finds no significant relationship between the ranking of an institution and its student satisfaction score. The only institutional performance dimension which has a positive correlation with student satisfaction is graduate outcome. The diversity dimension is seen to be negatively correlated with student satisfaction.Practical implicationsThe importance of modifying the ranking frameworks to account for the real drivers of student satisfaction is highlighted. The items in the student satisfaction survey should be regularly updated to reflect the actual concerns of the students. This is very important given the fact that the number of Indian students going abroad for higher education recorded a six-year high in 2022 at 750,365.Originality/valueWith more than 50,000 institutions catering to over 40 million students, India has the largest higher education system in the world. Given the high level of competition among these institutions, ranking and accreditation have become important parameters used by students for selection of an institution. But do top-ranked higher education institutions have the most satisfied student community? The assumption is disproved using the most credible secondary data. This study is the first of its kind in the Indian context. It has huge implications for the most respected ranking frameworks.
A decision model to value football player investments under uncertainty
Authors: Follert Florian , Gleißner Werner 
Published: March 2024

PurposeFrom the buying club’s perspective, the transfer of a player can be interpreted as an investment from which the club expects uncertain future benefits. This paper aims to develop a decision-oriented approach for the valuation of football players that could theoretically help clubs determine the subjective value of investing in a player to assess its potential economic advantage.Design/methodology/approachWe build on a semi-investment-theoretical risk-value model and elaborate an approach that can be applied in imperfect markets under uncertainty. Furthermore, we illustrate the valuation process with a numerical example based on fictitious data. Due to this explicitly intended decision support, our approach differs fundamentally from a large part of the literature, which is empirically based and attempts to explain observable figures through various influencing factors.FindingsWe propose a semi-investment-theoretical valuation approach that is based on a two-step model, namely, a first valuation at the club level and a final calculation to determine the decision value for an individual player. In contrast to the previous literature, we do not rely on an econometric framework that attempts to explain observable past variables but rather present a general, forward-looking decision model that can support managers in their investment decisions.Originality/valueThis approach is the first to show managers how to make an economically rational investment decision by determining the maximum payable price. Nevertheless, there is no normative requirement for the decision-maker. The club will obviously have to supplement the calculus with nonfinancial objectives. Overall, our paper can constitute a first step toward decision-oriented player valuation and for theoretical comparison with practical investment decisions in football clubs, which obviously take into account other specific sports team decisions.
Insights into the application of AI-augmented research methods for informing accounting practice: the development – through AI - of accountability-related prescriptions pertaining to seasonal work
Authors: Eager Bronwyn , Deegan Craig , Fiedler Terese 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to provide a detailed demonstration of how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to potentially generate valuable insights and recommendations regarding the role of accounting in addressing key sustainability-related issues.

Design/methodology/approach
The study offers a novel method for leveraging AI tools to augment traditional scoping study techniques. The method was used to show how the authors can produce recommendations for potentially enhancing organisational accountability pertaining to seasonal workers.

Findings
Through the use of AI and informed by the knowledge base that the authors created, the authors have developed prescriptions that have the potential to advance the interests of seasonal workers. In doing so, the authors have focussed on developing a useful and detailed guide to assist their colleagues to apply AI to various research questions.

Originality/value
This study demonstrates the ability of AI to assist researchers in efficiently finding solutions to social problems. By augmenting traditional scoping study techniques with AI tools, the authors present a framework to assist future research in such areas as accounting and accountability.
Management accounting practice as understanding, supporting and advancing local epistemic methods
Authors: Jakobsen Morten 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into how management accountants can become relevant business partners out of respect for existing locally developed accounts of economic performance for decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on qualitative semi-structured interviews with local business actors, in this case, families from seven financially successful Danish dairy farms. The casework and the analysis have been informed by pragmatic constructivism.

Findings
The local business actors do not use the official accounting system for ongoing cost-management-related decision-making. Instead, they use several epistemic methods that include locally developed decision models, experiences, rules of thumb and intuition. The farmers use these vernacular accountings to compensate for the cost management illusion that the formal accounting system tends to create. What the study suggests is that when management accountants engage as business partners, they are likely to enter a space where accounting is already present.

Originality/value
This paper argues that local business actors practice epistemic methods where they develop and use vernacular accountings to support their managerial practice, also in the absence of a professional management accountant. These vernacular accountings may lead the local actors into an illusion because the vernacular accountings do not necessarily have an inherent economic logic and theoretical reliability. The role of the management accountant in such a setting is hence to understand, support and advance local epistemic methods. Becoming a business partner requires a combination of management accounting analytical skills and a sense of empathy and sensitivity regarding what is already at play and how this can become an object of discussion without violating the values of the other.
Who do freestanding emergency departments treat? Comparing Texas hospitals to satellite and independent freestanding departments in 2021 and 2022
Authors: Marthey Daniel , Ramy Maya , Ukert Benjamin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe objective was to describe characteristics of emergency department visits to Texas satellite and independent freestanding emergency departments (FrEDs) relative to hospital emergency departments (EDs).Data Sources and Study SettingThe study used all 2021–2022 hospital and FrED discharges from the publicly available Texas Emergency Department Public Use Data Files (PUDF).Study DesignWe conducted a descriptive analysis, comparing patient and visit characteristics at satellite and independent FrEDs and hospital EDs using chi‐square tests. We characterized the top 20 diagnoses and procedures ranked by volume, treatment intensity, and potentially avoidable ED use.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsDischarge data from 2021 to 2022 were combined for the analysis, and ED data at critical access hospitals were excluded.Principal FindingsOur sample consisted of 21,605,421 ED visits, 76% occurring at hospitals, 12% at satellite FrEDs, and 12% at independent FrEDs. Compared with hospitals and satellite FrEDs, patients to independent FrEDs were younger, healthier, more likely covered by private insurance, and less likely to be identified as non‐Hispanic Black or Hispanic. Visits at satellite and independent FrEDs were more likely to be of moderate and low intensity and potentially avoidable.ConclusionsOur results underscore the need to address potentially avoidable utilization of emergency services.
Colony performance of three native bumblebee species from South China and association with their gut microbiome
Authors: Han Lei , Chang Zhi‐Min , Ren Chang‐Shi , Chen Xiang‐Sheng , Smagghe Guy , Yuan Yi‐Ge , Long Jian‐Kun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBumblebees play an important ecological economic role as pollinators in nature and agriculture. For reasons of biosecurity, many countries promote the cultivation of native bumblebee species for crop pollination instead of importing “alien” species. In South China, a few bumblebee species are considered useful in this way, particularly, Bombus atripes, Bombus bicoloratus and Bombus breviceps. However, whether they are suitable for artificial rearing and forming healthy colonies for pollination, remains unknown. In this project, queens from the 3 native species of Guizhou Province were collected and colonies were started under standardized conditions. The colonies were scored based on 19 parameters, including the stage of colony development, number and weight of offspring, and diet consumed. The data revealed that B. breviceps had the best performance, produced more workers and consumed the smallest diet. Next, we performed 16S rDNA sequencing of the bacterial communities found in the guts of offspring workers, and then a correlation analysis between colony performance and gut bacteria was conducted. Here, B. breviceps showed the highest diversity in gut bacterial composition, dominated by the bacteria Gilliamella, Snodgrassella, Enterobacter, and Lactobacillus Firm5. The higher the abundance of Snodgrassella, the better the performance of the colony in the foundation stage, and later Lactobacillus Firm5, Apibacter and Bifidobacterium were beneficial during the stages of rapid growth and colony decline. Although we do not understand all of the interactions yet, these correlations explain why B. breviceps demonstrated better colony performance. Our data provide valuable information for breeding local Bombus species and will contribute to developing strong colonies for crop pollination.
Sorghum phytonutrients and their health benefits: A systematic review from cell to clinical trials
Authors: de Oliveira Lívia de Lacerda , de Alencar Figueiredo Lúcio Flávio 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSorghum is key for global food security due to its genetic variability, resilience, and rich phytonutrient content, which are linked to numerous health benefits. A systematic review assessed the health effects of sorghum by analyzing cell (n = 22), animal (n = 20), and human (n = 7) studies across antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, obesity, cancer, cardiovascular, and diabetes outcomes. This review, involving 42 papers and 177 researchers from 12 countries, collected data from sorghum accessions (acc) and significant effects. Studies used 68 identified and 8 unidentified sorghums, 57% red (n = 20), brown (n = 5), and black (n = 17) pericarp colors, and evaluated whole (n = 31), brans (n = 11), and decorticated grains (n = 2). Colored sorghum, richer in phenolic compounds, especially 3‐deoxyanthocyanins and tannins, inhibited cancer cell activities, including proliferation, tumor growth, and ROS activity, and promoted cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Sorghum elevated HO1 and eNOS expression for cardiovascular, health‐reduced platelet aggregation, and modulated platelet microparticles. They also suppressed inflammation markers and decreased lipid accumulation. Animal studies indicated sorghum's potential across antioxidant capacity, cancer and inflammation mitigation, and lipid and glucose metabolism. Translating these findings to human scenarios requires caution, especially considering cell studies do not fully represent polyphenol metabolism. Human studies provided mixed results, indicating antioxidant and potential anti‐inflammatory benefits and nuanced effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. The main risks of bias highlighted challenges in quantifying phytonutrients, identifying sorghum acc features, and lack of assessors blinding. Nonetheless, sorghum emerges as a promising functional food for countering chronic diseases in Western diets.
Vine tea total flavonoids activate the AMPK/mTOR pathway to amelioration hepatic steatosis in mice fed a high‐fat diet
Authors: Wang Chuting , Yang Fang , Zeng Wei , Chen Xin , Qiu Zhenpeng , Wang Qi , Meng Yan , Zheng Guohua , Hu Junjie 
Published: March 2024

AbstractVine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata), a traditional Chinese tea, is rich in flavonoids with various biological activities. Our study found that Vine tea total flavonoids (TFs) treatment reduced the body mass and blood lipid levels and improved the hepatic tissue morphology in mice fed the high‐fat diet (HFD). In vivo, TF treatment activated the hepatic adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, initiated autophagy, and regulated the expression levels of proteins for lipid metabolism in those HFD‐fed mice. In vitro, TF treatment dramatically reduced the lipid droplets and triacylglycerol content in HepG2 and L02 cells treated with oleic acid (OA). These were associated with the activation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway and autophagy initiation in OA‐treated hepatocytes. This phenotype was abolished in the presence of 3‐methyladenine, an autophagy inhibitor. Our results indicated that the TF activation of AMPK/mTOR leads to the stimulation of autophagy and a decrease in the buildup of intracellular lipids in hepatocytes, showing the potential of TF as a therapeutic agent for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.Practical ApplicationVine tea, a tea drink, has been consumed by Chinese folk for over a thousand years. The result of this study will provide evidence that vine tea total flavonoids have potential use as a functional material for the prevention and amelioration of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Digital innovation and de‐branching in the banking industry: Customer perception and satisfaction
Authors: Carbó‐Valverde Santiago , Cuadros‐Solas Pedro J. , Rodríguez‐Fernández Francisco , Sánchez‐Béjar José Juan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn the ever‐changing landscape of the banking industry, digital transformation has become a major challenge. Banks are transitioning towards digitalisation by utilising information and digital technologies while reducing their branch networks. This paper investigates the relationship between technological innovation and banking customers' perception and satisfaction. By analysing a comprehensive consumer finance survey, we assess how the digital transformation of banks is perceived by customers and its impact on their satisfaction. Our results demonstrate that customer perceptions of a bank's digital innovativeness are positively associated with effective digital transformation. Customers tend to be more satisfied with banks that have a higher degree of digitalisation. Furthermore, our findings reveal that customers view banks as more innovative when the reduction in bank branches since the pandemic has been more intense. These insights shed light on the technological transformation of banks and its influence on their customers, providing valuable information for banks seeking to navigate the digital landscape and improve customer satisfaction.
Use of ‘Elf Bar’ among youth and young adults who currently vape in England: cross‐sectional associations with demographics, dependence indicators and reasons for use
Authors: East Katherine , Taylor Eve V. , Simonavičius Erikas , Reid Jessica L. , Burkhalter Robin , McNeill Ann , Hammond David 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and aimsElf Bar is currently the leading e‐cigarette (vape) brand in Great Britain. This study examined youth and young adults’ use of Elf Bar, socio‐demographic characteristics and dependence indicators and reasons for use over other brands.DesignCross‐sectional survey.Setting and participantsOnline 2022 International Tobacco Control Project Youth Tobacco and Vaping Survey (N = 1355 16‐29‐year‐olds in England who had vaped in the past 30 days).MeasurementsCurrently using Elf Bar most often (versus other brands) and associations with: socio‐demographics, owning a vaping device, dependence indicators and reasons for brand choice. Logistic regressions were used.FindingsAmong 16–29‐year‐olds who vaped in the past 30 days, 48.4% (n = 732) reported Elf Bar as the brand they used most often. Among 16–17‐year‐olds, 40.7% used Elf Bar over other brands; this was lower than among 18–19‐year‐olds (60.1%) and 20–29‐year‐olds (47.4%) (P ≤ 0.002). Using Elf Bar over other brands was higher among those who were female (55.2 versus 41.5% male), identified as White (53.1 versus 30.9% other/mixed), a student (54.5 versus 44.3% not), did not own a vape (66.7 versus 44.4% who did) and typically vaped 5–8 hours after waking (62.7 versus 36.8% within 5 min) (P ≤ 0.044). Most who vaped but had never smoked used Elf Bar (64.3%), although use did not significantly differ from those who currently (45.4%), formerly (42.3%) or experimentally (48.7%) smoked (all P ≥ 0.060). Popular reasons for choosing Elf Bar over other brands were better flavour/taste (47.5%), less expensive (28.7%), easier to get (26.1%), smoother to inhale (24.0%) and popularity (23.1%). ‘Better for quitting smoking’ (10.1%) was least frequently selected reason for choosing Elf Bar over other brands.ConclusionsElf Bar brand e‐cigarettes were used by approximately half of 16–29‐year‐olds who vaped in England in 2022 and was mainly chosen over other brands for subjective responses (e.g. flavour/taste), rather than for quitting smoking.
Morphological and habitat differentiation between diploids and tetraploids of a Drakensberg near‐endemic taxon, Rhodohypoxis baurii var. platypetala (Hypoxidaceae)
Authors: Mtileni Masingitla P. , Oberlander Kenneth C. , Glennon Kelsey L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEnvironmental factors may shape the spatial distribution of ploidy levels. Here, we undertook a cytogeographical study of Rhodohypoxis baurii var. platypetala (Hypoxidaceae), a Drakensberg near‐endemic taxon. We addressed the following questions: (1) Are there mixed‐ploidy populations or is each population represented by a single ploidy level? (2) Is there a pattern in the environmental distribution of ploidy levels? (3) Are there specific environmental variables associated with each ploidy level locality? (4) Are plant traits similar or different within and among ploidy levels across populations that experience different environmental factors? We measured leaf and flower traits of individuals that were sampled for flow cytometry from 17 populations across the KwaZulu‐Natal and Free State provinces in South Africa. We extracted daily climate data for 13 variables and collected soil samples to evaluate pH and nutrient properties to characterize the sampled populations to test for relationships with ploidy level distributions. Twelve populations were found to contain only diploids, four populations contained only tetraploids, and only one population was ‘mixed ploidy’ (both diploid and triploid individuals present). There was an overlap in the altitudinal range of diploid and tetraploid populations, but diploids reached the highest altitudes recorded for the current study. We also found that R. baurii var. platypetala occurs in acidic soils and that tetraploids occurred in soils with marginally higher nitrogen and phosphorus than soils where diploids occur. Tetraploids generally occurred in warmer conditions, in drier soils, and possessed broader leaves and larger flowers than diploids. Our study suggests that soil factors and temperature at a small (within localities) spatial scale likely shape ploidy level distributions in the Drakensberg grasslands.
The dawn of a cure for sickle cell disease through CRISPR‐based treatment: A critical test of equity in public health genomics
Authors: Mboowa Gerald , Sserwadda Ivan , Kanyerezi Stephen , Tukwasibwe Stephen , Kidenya Benson 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEquity in access to genomic technologies, resources, and products remains a great challenge. This was evident especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic when the majority of lower middle‐income countries were unable to achieve at least 10% population vaccination coverage during initial COVID‐19 vaccine rollouts, despite the rapid development of those vaccines. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited monogenic red blood cell disorder that affects hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. Globally, the African continent carries the highest burden of SCD with at least 240,000 children born each year with the disease. SCD has evolved from a treatable to a curable disease. Recently, the UK medical regulator approved its cure through clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)‐based treatment, whereas the US Food and Drug Administration has equally approved two SCD gene therapies. This presents a remarkable opportunity to demonstrate equity in public health genomics. This CRISPR‐based treatment is expensive and therefore, a need for an ambitious action to ensure that they are affordable and accessible where they are needed most and stand to save millions of lives.