bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence for supplier scouting: an information processing theory approach
Authors: Guida Michela , Caniato Federico , Moretto Antonella , Ronchi Stefano 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to study the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting the supplier scouting process, considering the information and the capabilities required to do so.Design/methodology/approachTwelve cases of IT and information providers offering AI-based scouting solutions were studied. The unit of analysis was the AI-based scouting solution, specifically the relationship between the provider and the buyer. Information processing theory (IPT) was adopted to address information processing needs (IPNs) and capabilities (IPCs).FindingsAmong buyers, IPNs in supplier scouting are high. IT and information providers can meet the needs of buyers through IPCs enabled by AI-based solutions. In this way, the fit between needs and capabilities can be reached.Originality/valueThe investigation of the role of AI in supplier scouting is original. The application of IPT to study the impact of AI in business processes is also novel. This paper contributes by investigating a phenomenon that is still unexplored and unconsolidated in a business context.
Activity sampling in the construction industry: a review and research agenda
Authors: Lee Tsu Yian , Ahmad Faridahanim , Sarijari Mohd Adib 
Published: June 2023

PurposeActivity sampling is a technique to monitor onsite labourers' time utilisation, which can provide helpful information for the management level to implement suitable labour productivity improvement strategies continuously. However, there needs to be a review paper that compiles research on activity sampling studies to give readers a thorough grasp of the research trend. Hence, this paper aims to investigate the activity sampling techniques applied in earlier research from the angles of activity categories formation, data collection methods and data analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe method used in this paper is a systematic review guided by the PRISMA framework. The search was conducted in Scopus and Web of Science. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, selecting 70 articles published between 2011 and 2022 for data extraction and analysis. The analysis method involved a qualitative synthesis of the findings from the selected articles.FindingsActivity sampling is broadly divided into four stages: targeting trade, determining activity categories, data collection and data analysis. This paper divides the activity categories into three levels and classifies the data collection methods into manual observation, sensor-based activity sampling and computer vision-based activity sampling. The previous studies applied activity sampling for two construction management purposes: labour productivity monitoring and ergonomic safety monitoring. This paper also further discusses the scientific research gaps and future research directions.Originality/valueThis review paper contributes to the body of knowledge in construction management by thoroughly understanding current state-of-the-art activity sampling techniques and research gaps.
The machine/human agentic impact on practices in learning and development: a study across MSME, NGO and MNC organizations
Authors: Dutta Debolina , Kannan Poyil Anasha 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThe importance of learning in development in increasingly dynamic contexts can help individuals and organizations adapt to disruption. Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a disruptive technology, with increasing adoption by various human resource management (HRM) functions. However, learning and development (L&D) adoption of AI is lagging, and there is a need to understand of this low adoption based on the internal/external contexts and organization types. Building on open system theory and adopting a technology-in-practice lens, the authors examine the various L&D approaches and the roles of human and technology agencies, enabled by differing structures, different types of organizations and the use of AI in L&D.Design/methodology/approachThrough a qualitative interview design, data were collected from 27 key stakeholders and L&D professionals of MSMEs, NGOs and MNEs organizations. The authors used Gioia's qualitative research approach for the thematic analysis of the collected data.FindingsThe authors argue that human and technology agencies develop organizational protocols and structures consistent with their internal/external contexts, resource availability and technology adoptions. While the reasons for lagging AI adoption in L&D were determined, the future potential of AI to support L&D also emerges. The authors theorize about the socialization of human and technology-mediated interactions to develop three emerging structures for L&D in organizations of various sizes, industries, sectors and internal/external contexts.Research limitations/implicationsThe study hinges on open system theory (OST) and technology-in-practice to demonstrate the interdependence and inseparability of human activity, technological advancement and capability, and structured contexts. The authors examine the reasons for lagging AI adoption in L&D and how agentic focus shifts contingent on the organization's internal/external contexts.Originality/valueWhile AI-HRM scholarship has primarily relied on psychological theories to examine impact and outcomes, the authors adopt the OST and technology in practice lens to explain how organizational contexts, resources and technology adoption may influence L&D. This study investigates the use of AI-based technology and its enabling factors for L&D, which has been under-researched.
Modeling relational performance of the supply chains for prefabricated housebuilding in New Zealand
Authors: Masood Rehan , Roy Krishanu , Gonzalez Vicente A. , Lim James B.P. , Nasir Abdur Rehman 
Published: June 2023

PurposePrefabricated construction has proven to be superior in terms of affordability and sustainability over the years. As a result of sustainable production, prefabricated housebuilding has evolved into a distinct industry reliant on supplier companies acting as supply chains (SCs) for housing projects. These companies' performance is critical to the successful implementation of prefabricated housebuilding technologies. However, in comparison to those choosing manufacturing as a strategy in other industries, the life span of these companies, providing innovative housing solutions, is relatively short. This is due to critical factors influencing the performance, but the inter-relationship of the performance dimensions is more significant. This study establishes the inter-relationship of the companies involved in house building with steel prefabricated housebuilding technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe most recent factors were extracted from the literature. The relationships were developed using the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) method with the input from industry experts, and the driving factors were determined using the Matrice d'Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqués à un Classement (MICMAC) technique.FindingsCritical performance factors were classified according to performance dimensions, ranked and classified based on driving and dependence power. The inter-relationships among the performance dimensions of time, quality, cost, delivery, features and innovation were determined. Key performance strategies were proposed for prefabricated housebuilding companies involved in manufacturing and/or assembly of steel products.Originality/valueThis study established the interrelationship of performance dimensions for prefabricated house building (PHB) companies to develop strategies against critical challenges to remain competitive in the housing market. Previous research had not looked into interrelationship among the performance dimensions. The proposed performance strategies are applicable to supplier organizations using steel prefabricated technologies in similar markets around the world.
A Review of micro RNAs changes in T2DM in animals and humans
Authors: Afsharmanesh Mohammad Reza , Mohammadi Zeinab , Mansourian Azad Reza , Jafari Seyyed Mehdi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its associated complications have become a crucial public health concern in the world. According to the literature, chronic inflammation and the progression of T2DM have a close relationship. Accumulated evidence suggests that inflammation enhances the insulin secretion lost by islets of Langerhans and the resistance of target tissues to insulin action, which are two critical features in T2DM development. Based on recently highlighted research that plasma concentration of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin‐6 are elevated in insulin‐resistant and T2DM, and it raises novel question marks about the processes causing inflammation in both situations. Over the past few decades, microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of short, noncoding RNA molecules, have been discovered to be involved in the regulation of inflammation, insulin resistance, and T2DM pathology. These noncoding RNAs are specifically comprised of RNA‐induced silencing complexes and regulate the expression of specific protein‐coding genes through various mechanisms. There is extending evidence that describes the expression profile of a special class of miRNA molecules altered during T2DM development. These modifications can be observed as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of T2DM and related diseases. In this review study, after reviewing the possible mechanisms involved in T2DM pathophysiology, we update recent information on the miRNA roles in T2DM, inflammation, and insulin resistance.
Associations of blood biomarkers with arterial stiffness in patients with diabetes mellitus: A population‐based study
Authors: Liang Yong‐Qi , Zhou Rui , Chen Hao‐Wen , Cao Bi‐Fei , Fan Wei‐Dong , Liu Kuan , Zhong Qi , Huang Yi‐Ning , Wu Xian‐Bo , Zou Meng‐Chen 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundArterial stiffness contributes to additional cardiovascular risks in diabetic patients by triggering the loss of vascular and myocardial compliance and promoting endothelial dysfunction. Thus, prevention of arterial stiffness is a public health priority, and the identification of potential biomarkers may provide benefits for early prevention. This study investigates the relationships between serum laboratory tests and pulse wave velocity (PWV) tests. We also investigated the associations between PWV and all‐cause mortality.MethodsWe examined a panel of 33 blood biomarkers among diabetic populations in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. The carotid‐femoral (cfPWV) and femoral‐ankle PWV (faPWV) were measured using an automated cardiovascular screening device. The aortic‐femoral arterial stiffness gradient (afSG) was calculated as faPWV divided by cfPWV. Biomarker levels were log‐transformed and correlated with PWV. Cox proportional hazard models were employed for survival analysis.ResultsAmong 1079 diabetic patients, biomarkers including high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin, high‐sensitivity troponin T, cystatin C, creatinine, and albuminuria were significantly correlated with afSG (R = 0.078, −0.193, −0.155, −0.153, −0.116, and −0.137, respectively) and cfPWV (R = −0.068, 0.175, 0.128, 0.066, 0.202, and 0.062, respectively). Compared with the lowest tertile of afSG, the risk of all‐cause mortality was lower in the highest tertile (hazard ratio 0.543; 95% confidence interval 0.328–0.900).ConclusionCertain biomarkers related to blood glucose monitoring, myocardial injury, and renal function significantly correlated with PWV, suggesting that these putative risk factors are likely to be important atherosclerosis mechanisms in diabetic patients. AfSG may be an independent predictor of mortality among diabetic populations.
The prevalence and treatment utilization of substance use disorders among Muslims in the United States: A national epidemiological survey
Authors: Ragheb Heba , Ahmed Shireen , Uddin Sarah , Le Foll Bernard , Hassan Ahmed N. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesResearch on substance use disorder (SUD) among Muslims in the United States (US) is limited. There are several unique factors, including denial and stigma, that make this population at risk of SUD. This study explored the prevalence, treatment utilization, and impact of SUD among Muslims in the US compared with a matched control group from general respondents.MethodsData from 372 self‐identified Muslims were obtained from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions III. A matched non‐Muslim control group (N = 744) were selected based on demographics and other SUD‐related clinical variables. The impact of SUD was assessed using the 12‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐12).ResultsAmong the 372 Muslims, 53 (10.85%) had lifetime alcohol/drug use disorder, while 75 (18.42%) had lifetime tobacco use disorder (TUD). With statistical significance, alcohol use disorder (AUD) was lower while TUD was higher in the Muslim group than in the control group. The rates of all other substances were not statistically different between the Muslim and control groups. The Muslim group have higher help‐seeking and a lower mean score on the SF‐12 emotional scale than the control group.Conclusion and Scientific SignificanceMuslim Americans have higher prevalence of TUD, lower prevalence of AUD, and similar prevalence of other SUD compared to the public. Affected individuals have poor emotional functioning which may be exacerbated by the impact of stigma. This is the first study to estimate prevalence of variety of SUD in American Muslims from a national representative sample.
Multiple Large Shareholders and Firm Performance: Evidence from China*
Authors: Yan Caiyu , He Xuefei , Li Juan , He Hongqu , Ao Tianping 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAgency theory has shown that multiple large shareholders have competing monitoring and entrenchment governance effects. Therefore, this paper studies the governance effects of multiple large shareholders to determine the dominant effect in the Chinese setting. A panel data model and F‐test demonstrate that a significant positive relationship exists between multiple large shareholders and firm performance, but the positive relationship between multiple large shareholders and firm performance will be weakened by state‐owned enterprises and politically connected enterprises. Furthermore, our findings suggest that multiple large shareholders can enhance firm performance by mitigating the agent–principal problem and the principal–principal problem. Additionally, a threshold model is introduced to explore the impact of other governance mechanisms on multiple large shareholders' governance, and our findings show that enhancing controlling shareholder governance and board size significantly weakens multiple large shareholders governance, but increasing the proportion of independent directors strengthens the positive relationship between multiple large shareholders and Tobin's Q and weakens the positive relationship between multiple large shareholders and ROA.
Surviving in an age of transparency: Emancipatory transparency‐making in food governance in Italy
Authors: Koensler Alexander 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe concept of transparency is now an unescapable reference in public, professional, and private life. As transparency‐making has recently transmuted from a progressive instrument to counter corruption into a new universal ideological formation, it is time to problematize the concept of transparency and its uses. In this article, I consider transparency not as a moral principle or static ideology but as a terrain of political struggle over its meaning and practices. An emerging literature in anthropology highlights how transparency has become a form of governance that leads to a sense of deprofessionalization in working life. Based on ethnographic research with activist networks and small‐scale farmers in Italy, I investigate experiments with horizontal and inclusive forms of alternative transparency‐making in food processing. I consider three interrelated emblematic frictions within these experiments: informal versus formal, top‐down versus horizontal, and not‐for‐profit versus commercial. While these experimental forms of transparency‐making allow small‐scale farmers to reappropriate a sense of autonomy and professionalism, the frictions indicate that conventional and alternative transparency‐making are not diametrically opposed. Frictions in emancipatory transparency‐making repoliticize decision‐making processes in ways that are unknown in contemporary concepts of transparency. Ultimately, the concept of emancipatory transparency‐making calls for engagement in open dialogical processes.
Is telomere length a biomarker of sperm quality? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Fernández de la Puente María , Salas‐Huetos Albert , Valle‐Hita Cristina , Babio Nancy , Murphy Michelle M. , Canudas Silvia , Salas‐Salvadó Jordi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundTelomeres are essential for the integrity of chromosome ends during cell division and their involvement in different processes linked to aging has been established. These chromosome components are involved in spermatogenesis and seem to play an important role in fertilization and embryo development. Telomere length is shortened with each cell division. Recently, short sperm telomere length has been proposed as a potential biomarker of male infertility.ObjectivesTo conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies exploring the association between spermatozoa and/or leukocyte telomere length with sperm quality parameters and different infertility conditions.Material and methodsA systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted with studies from Medline‐PUBMED and Cochrane Library databases until May 2022. Eligible studies included cohort, cross‐sectional and case–control studies, and telomere length in spermatozoa and/or leukocytes cells was defined as the exposure. Semen quality parameters or infertility conditions (e.g., oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, or other spermatogenic impairment combinations) were defined as the outcomes.ResultsTwenty‐three observational studies were included. In the qualitative analysis, high heterogeneity was observed between studies regarding the associations between telomere length and semen parameters in different normozoospermic/fertile and oligozoospermic/infertile populations. In the meta‐analysis, spermatozoa and leukocyte telomere length were shorter in infertile individuals than in fertile individuals (mean difference [95% confidence interval]: –1.43 [–1.66 to –1.21], p‐value <0.001 and –1.67 [–2.02 to –1.31], p‐value <0.001, respectively). Moreover, in terms of sperm telomere length, these differences were also significant between individuals with a normal seminogram and individuals with a low quantity of spermatozoa in the ejaculate (–0.97 [–1.32, –0.61], p‐value <0.001).ConclusionThe current systematic review and meta‐analysis suggests the potential role of spermatozoa or leukocyte telomere length as a reliable biomarker of semen quality, which may help distinguish between infertility conditions beyond the routine semen analysis.
Visual assessment of matrix‐variate normality
Authors: Počuča Nikola , Gallaugher Michael P.B. , Clark Katharine M. , McNicholas Paul D. 
Published: June 2023

SummaryIn recent years, the analysis of three‐way data has become ever more prevalent in the literature. It is becoming increasingly common to analyse such data by means of matrix‐variate distributions, the most prevalent of which is the matrix‐variate normal distribution. Although many methods exist for assessing multivariate normality, there is a relative paucity of approaches for assessing matrix‐variate normality. Herein, a new visual method is proposed for assessing matrix‐variate normality by means of a distance–distance plot. In addition, a testing procedure is discussed to be used in tandem with the proposed visual method. The proposed approach is illustrated via simulated data as well as an application on analysing handwritten digits.
A critical view on the role of scale and instrumental imaginaries within community sustainability transitions research
Authors: Schmid Benedikt , Taylor Aiken Gerald 
Published: June 2023

AbstractResearch has recently focused on various under‐the‐radar sustainability‐oriented community initiatives to understand and support bottom‐up dynamics of social‐ecological change. While community initiatives vary widely, research on them tends towards an instrumental perspective: a will‐to‐upscale. While exploring possibilities for expanding (some of) the practices and impacts of sustainability‐oriented projects and organizations, we argue for a more cautious approach to instrumentalising community initiatives. We develop our argument around four recurring issues we identify in the literature: (1) conceptual imprecisions; (2) privileging of novelties; (3) politics of urgency; and (4) outwards orientation. In response to these critiques, and leaning on geographical theories of scale, we outline our caution. At its core, this approach is a ‘literacy of scaling’ where scaling functions as a tactic subordinate to the community.
Emerging psychopathology and clinical staging in adolescent offspring of parents with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia—A longitudinal study
Authors: Setiaman Nikita , Mesman Esther , van Haren Neeltje , Hillegers Manon 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectivesOffspring of parents with bipolar disorder (BDo) and schizophrenia (SZo) are at increased risk for these disorders and general psychopathology. Little is known about their (dis)similarities in risk and developmental trajectories during adolescence. A clinical staging approach may help define the developmental course of illness.MethodsThe Dutch Bipolar and Schizophrenia Offspring Study is a unique cross‐disorder and prospective cohort study, established in 2010. In total, 208 offspring (58 SZo, 94 BDo, and 56 control offspring [Co]) and their parents participated. Offspring were 13.2 years (SD = 2.5; range: 8–18 years) at baseline and 17.1 years (SD = 2.7) at follow‐up (88.5% retention rate). Psychopathology was assessed using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children Present and Lifetime Version, and Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment parent‐, self‐ and teacher‐reports. Groups were compared on (1) the presence of categorical psychopathology, (2) timing and development of psychopathology using a clinical staging perspective, and (3) dimensional psychopathology using a multi‐informant approach.ResultsSZo and BDo showed more categorical psychopathology and (sub)clinical symptoms, as compared to Co. SZo have, compared to BDo, an increased risk for developmental disorders, a younger age of onset, and more (sub)clinical symptoms of the mood and behavioral spectrum as reported by multiple informants.ConclusionsOur study shows that the phenotypical risk profile overlaps between SZo and BDo, although an earlier onset of developmental psychopathology was found specifically in SZo, suggesting of a potentially different ethiopathophysiology. Longer follow‐up and future studies are needed.