12508 research outputs found
Sort by
Influence of Board Chair and CEO mentoring relationship on Firm Performance
No full textYesDecades of scholarly efforts have failed to resolve the underrepresentation of women, in CEO and board-chair positions. This poses a major societal concern as societies are being deprived of the acknowledged positive contributions of women’s leadership. Existing studies have predominantly investigated boards’ monitoring and advisory roles, studies on the mentoring role of boards are scarce. Our study aims to identify why the CEO role remains male dominated; specifically, we investigate whether mentoring is responsible for the continued low numbers of women CEOs in Australia, specifically we study the relationship between a woman CEO and man (or woman) board-chair on the financial performance. We employ a two-stage least squares regression analysis using the Australian Stock Exchange 100 (ASX 100) companies from 2010 to 2020. The findings reveal that mentoring not only exacerbates the gender gap but also perpetuates it within ASX 100 companies
Portfolio Optimization with Minimum Assets and Dividend Yield Constraints
No full textYesThis paper develops and evaluates three portfolio optimization strategies for Real Estate Investment Trusts (FIIs), Brazilian Depositary Receipts (BDRs), and Brazilian stocks traded on the Brazilian stock exchange (B3). The aim is to guide Brazilian investors by exploring investment opportunities across these distinct financial products. FIIs are analyzed for their tax-free dividends and mandatory profit distributions, BDRs for their international exposure and ease of diversification, and stocks for their potential in capital raising and profit sharing. The research employs three optimization techniques based on Markowitz’s theory but incorporates innovative constraints such as entropy, mutual information, high-order moments, dividend yield, and ticker balancing. The study also integrates the TOPSIS methodology with entropy-weighted financial variables to enhance portfolio selection. The findings indicate that the newly developed Model 3, which includes dividend yield and ticker balancing, outperforms traditional Markowitz and modified strategies (Model 1 and Model 2) in terms of risk and return. Despite the superior performance of the Naïve strategy in certain contexts, Model 3 shows significant advantages, particularly in stock portfolios with higher returns and lower risks. In the context
of FIIs and BDRs, the results suggest that while Model 3 is competitive, BDRs present additional risks due to currency fluctuations. The study concludes that innovative constraints in portfolio optimization can provide substantial benefits to investors, offering a novel contribution to modern portfolio theory. Future research should explore different asset allocation constraints and the combined impact of multiple financial variables on portfolio performance
Valuing leadership development; exploring self-perceptions of leadership through a dedicated secondment opportunity
No full textYesIntroduction
Leadership is a recognised pillar of practice for all UK healthcare professionals and is critical at the advanced and consultant levels. A six-month national fellowship secondment provided experience and exposure to strategic level leadership activities for a cohort of imaging and oncology practitioners. During the fellowship, their self-perceptions of personal and professional leadership development were evaluated to identify the impact of the secondment.
Methods
Seven secondees were recruited to the fellowship in 2023. The multi-method evaluation comprised pre and post-secondment surveys alongside analysis of work activity diaries. Individual reflective diaries provided qualitative data subsequently analysed using narrative inquiry methodology.
Results
The surveys demonstrated a significant increase in self-rated confidence levels associated with leadership development and skills attainment in relation to communication (Z = −3.42; p = 0.01), networking (Z = −4.61; p < 0.01), policy (Z = −4.11; p < 0.01) and management (Z = −6.7; p < 0.01). In-depth analysis of the reflective diaries corroborated these findings, and four clear narrative threads were identified as being central to their experiences: self-belief, independence, partnering and visioning.
Conclusion
The fellowship opportunity improved the practitioner's self-perception of their own leadership skills development. The evaluation also highlighted specific areas of leadership which they had not been exposed to previously, and which then having experience in via the secondment, were identified as being of benefit to them in future strategic leadership activities.
Implications for practice
Non-medical practitioners working at advanced and consultant levels are not exposed to sufficient leadership development opportunities and therefore greater support for practitioners looking to align to higher levels of practice is necessary. Experiential opportunities working with leaders at system, regional or national levels, or dedicated education and training programmes that focus on key skills are required to successfully operate at this level of practice
Investigation of cytochrome p450 isoforms 1A1, 1B1 and 2W1 as targets for therapeutic intervention in head and neck cancer. Probing CYP1A1, 1B1 and 2W1 activity with duocarmycin bioprecursors
No full textThe full text will be available at the end of the embargo: 30th July 202
A Study on The Influence of Visual Electronic Word of Mouth (VeWOM) On Consumer Travel Intention: A Mental Imagery Processing Perspective from A Developing Markets Context
No full textThe full text will be available at the end of the embargo: 15th Dec 202
Exploring Ultrasonic Scalpels Remanufacturing in the UAE: Current Status, Challenges, and Next Steps
No full textNoSingle-use ultrasonic scalpels are widely used in laparoscopic surgeries, contributing significantly to electronic medical waste and high surgical costs. Reuse through remanufacturing is an opportunity to reduce waste and environmental and economic impact, which remains underexplored, particularly in the UAE. This paper examines the feasibility of establishing a safe and effective remanufacturing framework for ultrasonic scalpels within the UAE healthcare system. A literature review identified current practices and standards, followed by semi-structured interviews with healthcare and MedTech stakeholders to assess challenges and opportunities. Findings highlight the need for stringent safety, sterility, and device performance standards, supported by regulatory frameworks and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Participants also emphasized the role of robust tracking systems to monitor patient outcomes and ensure
post-reuse safety
A Promiscuous Path to Novel Guanidines: Arginine-Modifying Enzymes as Key Synthetic Players
No full textThe study falls into two sections. The 1st Section describes an efficient enzyme-catalysed process for the chemoselective (m)ethylation of various guanidine-containing molecules, including arginine analogues, derivatives, and oligopeptides. The process relies on the promiscuous methyltransferase SznE (or an engineered variant thereof) to transfer a methyl or ethyl group, from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) or S-adenosylethionine (SAE), respectively. The enzyme MtnN is included to counteract the inhibitory effect of the byproduct S-adenosylhomocysteine. The tandem catalytic system proved highly effective for >35 guanidine-containing substrates, achieving 80-100% conversion and demonstrating its utility for late-stage functionalisation of complex natural products and drugs (e.g., the pentapeptide opiorphin). These findings highlight SznE's potential for biocatalysis, engineering, and industrial applications.
The 2nd Section demonstrates the biocatalytic versatility of three amidinotransferases (SxtG1-3), when used alone or with an engineered α-oxoamine synthase domain (SxtAAOS), for synthesising various nitrogen-rich 2-aminoimidazole derivatives. A wide range of α-aminoketones of arginine, arginine derivatives, and analogues were prepared either synthetically or by leveraging the promiscuous C-C bond forming capacity of an engineered SxtA-AOS variant. These α-aminoketones serve as substrates for SxtG1-3, in the presence of amidino donors, to produce corresponding α-guanidinylated ketone intermediates that cyclise into 2-aminoimidazole derivatives. Computational analyses suggest that (double) hydrogen bonding catalyses the final cyclisation. The structural diversity of the resulting 2-aminoimidazole alkaloids showcases the flexibility of the early enzymes involved in saxitoxin biosynthesis and the engineerability of the pathway for producing novel saxitoxins with therapeutic and mechanistic enzymology potential.The full text will be available at the end of the embargo: 1st July 202
Advancing practice radiography education in the UK: An analysis of themes from higher education programmes
Full text linkYesIntroduction
The development of radiographers to the enhanced, advanced and consultant levels relies on appropriate post-registration education to develop capabilities across four pillars of practice. In an evolving landscape, higher education institutions (HEIs) need to ensure provision is viable, meets demand, and aligns with professional frameworks. This study aimed to scope the current UK post-registration radiography provision to support advancing practice and explore future directions and challenges in delivery.
Methods
The multi-method qualitative study comprised two stages. Content analysis was undertaken of online information pertaining to programmes. Semi-structured online interviews were undertaken with HEI representatives from programme teams. Content and frequency analysis of education provision and thematic analysis of interviews using Braun and Clark’s methodology was undertaken.
Results
49 post-registration radiography programmes, at 25 HEIs, were identified during content analysis. Ultrasound, projectional radiograph reporting, and breast imaging were well provided for, yet options in radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, and DXA were limited, especially outside of England. 16 (64 %) of HEIs were represented at interview and four key themes were identified; sustainability and viability of provision, fragmentation of provision, ambiguity of levels of practice and accreditation, and addressing the four pillars of practice.
Conclusion
HEIs have identified significant challenges to viability of provision, placing programmes at significant risk. Saturation of some areas of practice, uncertain funding streams, and low student numbers were perceived to present a challenge to the sustainability of UK post-registration radiography education. The provision, and how it meets the requirements of the advancing practice workforce, presents a very mixed picture.
Implications for practice
Without a sustainable and collaborative approach to post-registration radiography education, support for the future advancing practice workforce is under threat, particularly in some discipline area
A Review of the Metaverse in Higher Education: Opportunities, Challenges and Future Research Agenda
No full textNoThis study explores the implications of the metaverse from four distinct perspectives: technology, students, lecturers, and pedagogy. From the technology standpoint, we investigate the optimization of user experience design, technical limitations, accessibility, integration with existing educational technologies, the role of advanced natural language processing, machine learning, and data analytics in supporting personalized and adaptive learning experiences. Moreover, we delve into the student perspective, considering the potential impact of the metaverse on accessibility, inclusivity, and student satisfaction. We also assess the potential for personalized learning experiences, skill development, and student autonomy within the metaverse. From the lecturer’s perspective, we discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with transitioning to metaverse-based teaching, emphasizing the importance of professional development and support for educators. We examine the pedagogical benefits of metaverse-based education, highlighting how immersive and interactive learning experiences can promote deeper understanding, engagement, and motivation. Finally, the paper outlines a comprehensive research agenda that addresses the opportunities and challenges of implementing the metaverse in teaching and learning. By examining the metaverse from these diverse perspectives, this study contributes to the growing body of literature on the fusion of innovative technologies in education, providing valuable insights for technologists, educators, researchers, and policymakers
Synthesis, physicochemical, biopharmaceutical and antimicrobial characterisation of novel gatifloxacin ester pro-antibiotics for improved formulation and advanced drug delivery
No full textThe full text will be available at the end of the embargo: 26th Oct 202