bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender employment contradictions in Israeli nonprofit organizations providing social care
Authors: Livnat Inbar , Almog-Bar Michal 
Published: February 2024

PurposeThis article asks how gender, ethnicity and other identities intersect and shape the employment experiences of social workers. During recent decades, governments have contracted social care to for-profit and nonprofit organizations (NPOs) globally as a part of the adaption of the neoliberal approach. Most employees in these organizations are women. However, there is a lack of knowledge about women working in social service NPOs and their unique working environments.Design/methodology/approachThis article explores the experiences of women employed as social workers in social care NPOs in Israel regarding intersectionality. 27 in-depth interviews were conducted with women social workers working in social service NPOs. Participants reflected diversity in ethnicity, religion and full-time and part-time jobs. Thematic analysis was used.FindingsThe findings shed light on: (1) the contradiction social workers experienced between the stated values of the social care NPO and those values’ conduct, (2) intersectional discrimination among social workers from vulnerable populations and (3) the lack of gender-aware policies.Social implicationsThe need to raise awareness of the social care sector and governments to those contradictions and to promote diversity through gender-aware policies and practices.Originality/valueThe article suggests a conceptualization describing gender employment contradictions in social care NPOs, discusses how the angle of intersectionality expands the understanding of the complexities and pressures exerted on social workers from minority groups and emphasizes the need for social care NPOs to acknowledge and deal with these contradictions.
Role of perceived risks and perceived benefits on consumers behavioural intention to use Buy-Now, Pay-Later (BNPL) services
Authors: Raj Vijay Amrit , Jasrotia Sahil Singh , Rai Siddharth Shankar 
Published: February 2024

PurposePerceived risk and benefits have been proposed as crucial elements in consumers’ technology adoption intention. Therefore, this study aims to use the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) framework, with perceived risks and benefits, to explore how they affect consumers’ Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) behavioural intention.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was conducted among 537 users of BNPL. Partial least square structural equation modelling analysis was performed to examine the hypothesized relationships.FindingsThe study found that perceived benefits, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, habit and social influence increase consumers’ behavioural intention towards BNPL. In contrast, perceived risk reduces the consumer’s intention to use. Additionally, the study revealed that consumers’ intention towards BNPL services positively affects their usage.Practical implicationsThe lack of information makes consumers hesitant to use BNPL. Therefore, marketers should optimize facilitating conditions, such as user-friendly interfaces, accessible resources and efficient customer support, which should be the business strategy of BNPL service providers to ensure a seamless user experience.Originality/valueThe research empirically investigates the effect of perceived benefits on consumer behavioural intention. This contribution is crucial because while there was speculation about benefits as a driving force to consumers’ adoption intention, there was a lack of sufficient empirical evidence to support it.
Risk governance and regulatory adjustments in the public commercial banks of OECD
Authors: Malik Muddassar 
Published: February 2024

PurposeThis study aims to explore the relationship between risk governance characteristics (chief risk officer [CRO], chief financial officer [CFO] and senior directors [SENIOR]) and regulatory adjustments (RAs) in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development public commercial banks.Design/methodology/approachUsing principal component analysis (PCA) and regression models, the research analyzes a representative data set of these banks.FindingsA significant negative correlation between risk governance characteristics and RAs is found. Sensitivity analysis on the regulatory Tier 1 capital ratio and the total capital ratio indicates mixed outcomes, suggesting a complex relationship that warrants further exploration.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s limited sample size calls for further research to confirm findings and explore risk governance’s impact on banks’ capital structures.Practical implicationsEnhanced risk governance could reduce RAs, influencing banking policy.Social implicationsThe study advocates for improved banking regulatory practices, potentially increasing sector stability and public trust.Originality/valueThis study contributes to understanding risk governance’s role in regulatory compliance, offering insights for policymaking in banking.
Thailand, the forgotten market for international student recruitment? A qualitative study into the strategies of regional Australian universities
Authors: Chin Daniel , van der Laan Luke , Surachartkumtonkun Jiraporn 
Published: February 2024

Purpose
This study aims to explore how student recruitment practitioners at regional Australian universities strategise student recruitment efforts in Thailand. There is scarce research addressing regional universities, with prior studies focusing on metropolitan universities. Similarly, most prior studies have focused on high-volume markets, with little research exploring emerging markets such as Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with student recruitment practitioners from regional universities that were responsible for recruiting Thai students. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes.

Findings
Regional universities lack strategic ambidexterity in their approach to recruiting international students. They viewed Thailand as requiring longer term investment and were unwilling to dedicate their limited resources towards developing this market at the expense of other markets that would yield enrolments to contribute towards short-term targets.

Practical implications
Implications are provided with relevance to the student recruitment practitioner, with strategic ambidexterity discussed.

Originality/value
The paper fills a gap in the research by exploring international student recruitment and contextualising both regional universities and Thailand as a recruitment market. This study provides useful considerations that may be relevant to other emerging markets.
The intention to adopt metaverse in Islamic banks: an integrated theoretical framework of TAM and religiosity intention model
Authors: Alshurafat Hashem , Arabiat Omar , Shehadeh Maha 
Published: February 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to explore the intention to adopt the Metaverse in Islamic banks, with a particular focus on evaluating perceived usefulness, ease of use, user satisfaction and the influence of religiosity. Integrating the technology adoption model (TAM) and religiosity intention model, this study will dissect the multidimensional aspects influencing the acceptance of Metaverse technologies.

Design/methodology/approach
Surveying Islamic bank professionals in Jordan, this study used a structured questionnaire and data augmentation to analyze Metaverse adoption factors. Using partial least squares-structural equation modeling, the relationships between ease of use, usefulness, religiosity and satisfaction were explored.

Findings
The study identifies pivotal relationships among perceived usefulness, ease of use, user satisfaction and religiosity in the context of adopting metaverse technologies in Islamic banks in Jordan. Evidence highlights the dominant role of perceived usefulness and ease in influencing both intention to use and satisfaction levels. Religiosity, while not a direct influencer, plays a collaborative role, underscoring a balanced mix of technological and religious elements that will potentially shape the adoption trajectory of metaverse technologies within this specific banking sector.

Practical implications
Integrating metaverse technologies in Islamic banks necessitates balancing technological advances with Sharia compliance. The study underscores the importance of aligning user experience with religious values and fostering innovation within Islamic ethical guidelines.

Originality/value
This study uniquely integrates the TAM and religiosity-intention model to explore metaverse adoption in Islamic banks, unveiling a nuanced interplay between technology and religious values. It offers practical insights for tailoring innovations in the Islamic financial ecosystem.
Reimagining learning through AI art: the promise of DALL-E and MidJourney for education and libraries
Authors: Adetayo Adebowale Jeremy 
Published: February 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to explore the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) image generators, specifically MidJourney and DALL-E, on education and library services. The study aims to understand how these tools can revolutionize learning experiences and library resources while also addressing the ethical considerations surrounding their use.

Design/methodology/approach
This study investigates the technical foundations of MidJourney and DALL-E, highlighting their neural network architectures. It also traces the iterative refinement of these models and examines cost, accessibility and the unique prompt-guided capabilities of DALL-E 3.

Findings
MidJourney and DALL-E show remarkable progress in generating high-quality, photorealistic images from text prompts. The iterative refinement of these models demonstrates a trend toward improved creative output and user accessibility. DALL-E 3, in particular, allows users to guide image generation through prompt modifications, offering unprecedented control over the creative process. The study identifies potential applications in personalized learning, visual communication and research support in libraries, while recognizing challenges such as cost and accessibility.

Originality/value
This research innovatively explores AI's impact on education and libraries, detailing applications in personalized learning and research while addressing legal and ethical considerations.
MultiSensory Music Drama with a student with severe/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities: A case study of teacher–researcher co‐production
Authors: Johnels Linn , Wilder Jenny , Vehmas Simo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe feasibility of a pedagogical approach—MultiSensory Music Drama (MSMD)—was investigated in collaboration with a teacher and a student with severe/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (S/PIMD). Educational research for this group of learners is scarce, but research has suggested the potential of integrating music and multisensory storytelling to promote interactive engagement. A case study using co‐production between a teacher and researchers was conducted. The development, implementation and evaluation of MSMD lessons were performed, by carrying out the lessons, iteratively refining them through stimulated recall interviews and ratings of student engagement. The long‐term feasibility was investigated through a post‐intervention survey and a follow‐up interview. Inductive content analysis was used for data analysis. In‐depth descriptions of the implementation process are provided. The teacher found the MSMD approach useful in relation to the syllabus and motivating for the student. She reported that she had continued to use MSMD with all of her students and that several of her colleagues had started to use it as well. Our results suggest that MSMD can be a meaningful approach for practitioners working with these learners. The study also reveals aspects of professional knowledge when working with students with S/PIMD.
Asymptotics for the conditional self‐weighted M$$ M $$ estimator of GRCA(p$$ p $$) models and its statistical inference
Authors: Yao Chi , Yu Wei , Wang Xuejun 
Published: February 2024

SummaryUnder the ‐order generalised random coefficient autoregressive (GRCA()) model with random coefficients we propose a conditional self‐weighted estimator of . We investigate the asymptotic normality of this estimator with possibly heavy‐tailed random variables. Furthermore, a Wald test statistic is constructed for the linear restriction on the parameters. In addition, the simulation experiments are carried out to assess the finite sample performance of theoretical results. Finally, a real data analysis about the increase (%) in the number of construction projects this year over the same period of last year is provided.
Piceatannol selectively inhibited the JNK3 enzyme and augmented apoptosis through inhibition of Bcl‐2/Cyt‐c/caspase‐dependent pathways in the oxygen–glucose deprived SHSY‐5Y cell lines: In silico and in vitro study
Authors: Rajan Ravi Kumar , Ramanathan M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractJNK3, a neuronal kinase activated by stress, plays a role in stress‐induced apoptosis, leading to neuronal cell death following cerebral ischemia. This study investigates the neuroprotective effects of piceatannol (PCT) in SHSY‐5Y neuroblastoma cells after hypoxic injury and its interaction with JNK3. We analyzed the crystal coordinates, interaction energies, and amino acid interactions to determine PCT's selectivity for JNK3. The electrostatic potential was computed using density functional theory, while molecular dynamics assessed the stability and structural consistency of the JNK3‐PCT complex. We used SP600125 (SP6), a JNK3 inhibitor, as a reference compound. Additionally, we performed cell‐free JNK 1, 2, and 3 kinase assays to evaluate the isoform selectivity of PCT. Cytotoxicity and cell viability were determined by an MTT test. To assess apoptosis, we used acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual fluorescent labeling and ANNEXIN A5‐FITC flow cytometry. Western blot was used to evaluate the attenuation of JNK3 and apoptotic proteins. In silico studies revealed a stronger binding affinity between PCT and JNK3 compared to JNK1 and JNK2, which was further supported by the in vitro kinase assay. PCT‐treated cells exhibited a decrease in Cyt‐c and caspase‐3 expression and an increase in Bcl‐2 level, compared to hypoxic control (p < .001). PCT also demonstrated superior efficacy over SP6 in inhibiting JNK3 phosphorylation (p < .001). Furthermore, PCT significantly increased the expression of neuronal genes, including NgN1, neuroD2, and survivin (p < .001). In conclusion, PCT is a potential JNK3 inhibitor, since it inhibited phosphorylation and the Bcl‐2/Cyt‐C/caspase‐3‐dependent apoptotic pathway after ischemic/hypoxic insult.
Social determinants of health and health disparities in glaucoma: A review
Authors: Acuff Kaela , Wu Jo‐Hsuan , Varkhedi Varsha , Baxter Sally L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSocial determinants of health and barriers to care can significantly impact patients' access to glaucoma care and treatment, resulting in disparities within disease presentation, progression, management, and treatment outcomes. The widespread adoption of electronic health record systems has allowed researchers and clinicians to further explore these relationships, identifying factors such as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status to be risk factors for more severe disease and lower treatment adherence. These disparities highlight potential targets for interventions to combat these disparities and improve overall patient outcomes. This article provides a summary of the available data on health disparities within glaucoma disease presentation, progression, management, treatment, and outcomes and discusses interventions to improve care delivery and outcomes among patients with glaucoma.
Temporal and spatial variability of dynamic microstate brain network in disorders of consciousness
Authors: Li Yaqian , Gao Junfeng , Yang Ying , Zhuang Yutong , Kang Qianruo , Li Xiang , Tian Min , Lv Haoan , He Jianghong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundAccurately diagnosing patients with the vegetative state (VS) and the minimally conscious state (MCS) reached a misdiagnosis of approximately 40%.MethodsA method combined microstate and dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) to study the spatiotemporal variability of the brain in disorders of consciousness (DOC) patients was proposed. Resting‐state EEG data were obtained from 16 patients with MCS and 16 patients with VS. Mutual information (MI) was used to assess the EEG connectivity in each microstate. MI‐based features with statistical differences were selected as the total feature subset (TFS), then the TFS was utilized to feature selection and fed into the classifier, obtaining the optimal feature subsets (OFS) in each microstate. Subsequently, an OFS‐based MI functional connectivity network (MIFCN) was constructed in the cortex.ResultsThe group‐average MI connectivity matrix focused on all channels revealed that all five microstates exhibited stronger information interaction in the MCS when comparing with the VS. While OFS‐based MIFCN, which only focused on a few channels, revealed greater MI flow in VS patients than in MCS patients under microstates A, B, C, and E, except for microstate D. Additionally, the average classification accuracy of OFS in the five microstates was 96.2%.ConclusionConstructing features based on microstates to distinguish between two categories of DOC patients had effectiveness.
Results of patch testing with five fragrance materials hitherto not tested: A dose‐finding study in the clinical population
Authors: Sukakul Thanisorn , Uter Wolfgang , Gonçalo Margarida , Huggard Joseph , Ljubojević Hadžavdić Suzana , Schuttelaar Marie L. A. , Svedman Cecilia , Vey Matthias , Isaksson Marléne , Niklasson Bo , Rustemeyer Thomas , Bruze Magnus 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundQuantitative risk assessment (QRA) for skin sensitization is used to derive safe use levels of sensitising fragrance ingredients in products. Post‐marketing surveillance of the prevalence of contact allergy to these ingredients provides relevant data to help evaluate the performance of these measures.ObjectivesTo determine a suitable patch test concentration for five fragrance materials that had hitherto not been tested on a regular basis. These concentrations are then to be used in a surveillance study with patch testing consecutive patients over an extended monitoring period.Materials and MethodsFuraneol, CAS.3658‐77‐3; trans‐2‐hexenal, CAS.6728‐26‐3; 4,8‐dimethyl‐4,9‐decadienal, CAS.71077‐31‐1; longifolene, CAS.475‐20‐7; benzaldehyde, CAS.10052‐7, were patch tested with other fragrance allergens in four clinics. Patch testing was conducted in three rounds, starting with the lowest concentrations of the five ingredients. The doses were increased in the subsequent rounds if no late‐appearing positive reactions and virtually no irritant reactions were reported.ResultsOverall, 373 patients were tested. No positive allergic reaction was reported to the five ingredients. Patch test results of other fragrance allergens are reported.ConclusionsThe highest test concentrations are each considered safe for patch testing consecutive patients. Further surveillance based on these preparations will evaluate the hypothesis that QRA‐driven consumer product levels of these fragrances can prevent sensitization.
Nutrient metabolism in regulating intestinal stem cell homeostasis
Authors: Shi Ruicheng , Wang Bo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntestinal stem cells (ISCs) are known for their remarkable proliferative capacity, making them one of the most active cell populations in the body. However, a high turnover rate of intestinal epithelium raises the likelihood of dysregulated homeostasis, which is known to cause various diseases, including cancer. Maintaining precise control over the homeostasis of ISCs is crucial to preserve the intestinal epithelium's integrity during homeostasis or stressed conditions. Recent research has indicated that nutrients and metabolic pathways can extensively modulate the fate of ISCs. This review will explore recent findings concerning the influence of various nutrients, including lipids, carbohydrates, and vitamin D, on the delicate balance between ISC proliferation and differentiation.
Comparing tonic and phasic dendritic calcium in cholinergic pedunculopontine neurons and dopaminergic substantia nigra neurons
Authors: Chen Rita Yu‐Tzu , Evans Rebekah C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSeveral brainstem nuclei degenerate in Parkinson's disease (PD). In addition to the well‐characterized dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), the cholinergic neurons of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) also degenerate in PD. One leading hypothesis of selective vulnerability is that pacemaking activity and the activation of low‐threshold L‐type calcium current are major contributors to tonic calcium load and cellular stress in SNc dopaminergic neurons. However, it is not yet clear whether the vulnerable PPN cholinergic neurons share this property. Therefore, we used two‐photon dendritic calcium imaging and whole‐cell electrophysiology to evaluate the role of L‐type calcium channels in tonic and phasic dendritic calcium signals in PPN and SNc neurons. In addition, we investigated N‐ and P/Q‐type calcium channel regulation of firing properties and dendritic calcium in PPN neurons. We found that blocking L‐type channels reduces tonic firing rate and dendritic calcium levels in SNc neurons. By contrast, the tonic calcium load in PPN neurons did not depend on L‐, N‐ or P/Q‐type channels. However, we found that blocking either L‐type (with nifedipine) or N‐ and P/Q‐type (with omega‐conotoxin MVIIC) channels reduces phasic calcium influx in PPN dendrites. Together, these findings show that L‐type calcium channels play different roles in the activity of SNc and PPN neurons, and suggest that low‐threshold L‐type channels are not responsible for tonic calcium levels in PPN cholinergic neurons and are therefore not likely to be a source of selective vulnerability in these cells.
Responses of intraspecific metabolic scaling to temperature and activity differ between water‐ and air‐breathing ectothermic vertebrates
Authors: García‐Gómez Guillermo , Hirst Andrew G. , Spencer Matthew , Atkinson David 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMetabolism underpins all life‐sustaining processes and varies profoundly with body size, temperature and locomotor activity. A current theory explains some of the size‐dependence of metabolic rate (its mass exponent, b) through changes in metabolic level (L). We propose two predictive advances that: (a) combine the above theory with the evolved avoidance of oxygen limitation in water‐breathers experiencing warming, and (b) quantify the overall magnitude of combined temperatures and degrees of locomotion on metabolic scaling across air‐ and water‐breathers. We use intraspecific metabolic scaling responses to temperature (523 regressions) and activity (281 regressions) in diverse ectothermic vertebrates (fish, reptiles and amphibians) to show that b decreases with temperature‐increased L in water‐breathers, supporting surface area‐related avoidance of oxygen limitation, whereas b increases with activity‐increased L in air‐breathers, following volume‐related influences. This new theoretical integration quantitatively incorporates different influences (warming, locomotion) and respiration modes (aquatic, terrestrial) on animal energetics.