Entrepreneurial Marketing and Start-up Performance : The Mediating Role of Hope and Resilience

This research examines the role of positive emotions in translating entrepreneurial marketing into start-up performance. While previous studies have explored the relationships between entrepreneurial marketing and performance (Bachmann et al., 2021), entrepreneurial marketing and aggregate emotional responses (Cavanaugh et al., 2011; Woodman et al., 2009), and the impact of these emotional responses on performance outcomes (Alqatani et al., 2023), there have not yet been investigations on specific positive emotions, namely that of hope and resilience, and their role in translating entrepreneurial marketing into performance. Hence, this research expands our understanding of how the hope and resilience of the start-up founder may influence start-up performance. This thesis employs a systematic literature review (SLR), two experiments, a survey, and a post-hoc fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to achieve the research aim of investigating the types of founders and the configurations of conditions leading to start-up performance. The SLR is conducted to identify the gaps in the relevant literature and potential future directions for investigations to enhance the literature on the mediating role of emotions in the relationships between entrepreneurial marketing and start-up performance. The experiment demonstrates the causal effect of hope and resilience on start-up performance by capitalising on and bridging one of the research questions. This study also employs a survey to develop and test the nomological network of the constructs of entrepreneurial marketing, hope, resilience, and performance in the context of Australian start-ups. In addition, given that recovery and adaptation to contextual conditions are crucial for any start-up, this thesis explores the moderating effect of technological turbulence on the association between entrepreneurial marketing and resilience and how strategic agility moderates the impact of entrepreneurial marketing on hope in recovery from adverse situations. The study further employs an fsQCA to identify the different positive emotions of founders that affect start-up performance. The research sheds light on critical positive emotional factors that enhance start-up performance, such as hope and resilience. This research has three underpinning theories: the appraisal theory (Roseman & Smith, 2001), the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions (Fredrickson, 2004), and the contingency theory (Whalen et al., 2016). The appraisal theory posits that emotions are elicited by individuals’ evaluations (appraisals) of events or situations, which determine their emotional responses based on perceived significance and relevance to personal goals. This theory emphasises that different appraisals of entrepreneurial marketing can lead to varied emotional responses, such as hope and resilience in start-up founders, even in similar circumstances. This research also develops literature on the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions (Fredrickson, 2004), which asserts that positive emotions (e.g., hope and resilience) broaden the thought-action repertoires of individuals (e.g., start-up founders) and enhance their creativity and openness to new experiences in their start-ups. Over time, these broadened mindsets help build lasting personal resources, such as marketing skills and social connections, which contribute to overall success and performance. This research also develops literature on the contingency theory (Whalen et al., 2016) by incorporating strategic agility and technological turbulence as moderators. The findings of this research are significant to start-up founders and policymakers. Theoretically, the SLR highlights several gaps that indicate avenues for future researchers. The experimental study posits hope and resilience are two missing causal mechanisms in start-up performance. The survey further highlights the reliability and validity of the nomological network of constructs employed in the conceptual model. Understanding the relationship between entrepreneurial marketing, hope and resilience, strategic agility, and technological turbulence can be leveraged to develop effective strategies that enhance start-up performance. Consequently, this research contributes to the marketing and entrepreneurship literature by providing valuable knowledge to start-up founders to improve performance

Impact of dementia and mild cognitive impairment on bone health in older people

Mild cognitive impairment, dementia and osteoporosis are common diseases of ageing and, with the increasingly ageing global population, are increasing in prevalence. These conditions are closely associated, with shared risk factors, common underlying biological mechanisms and potential direct causal pathways. In this review, the epidemiological and mechanistic links between mild cognitive impairment, dementia and skeletal health are explored. Discussion will focus on how changes in brain and bone signalling can underly associations between these conditions, and will consider the molecular and cellular drivers in the context of inflammation and the gut microbiome. There is a complex interplay between nutritional changes, which may precede or follow the onset of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia, and bone health. Polypharmacy is common in patients with MCI or dementia, and there are difficult prescribing decisions to be made due to the elevated risk of falls associated with many drugs used for associated problems, which can consequently increase fracture risk. Some medications prescribed for cognitive impairment may directly impact bone health. In addition, patients may have difficulty remembering medication without assistance, meaning that osteoporosis drugs may be prescribed but not taken. Cognitive impairment may be improved or delayed by physical activity and exercise, and there is evidence for the additional benefits of physical activity on falls and fractures. Research gaps and priorities with the aim of reducing the burden of osteoporosis and fractures in people with MCI or dementia will also be discussed

Half a century of Omega – The International Journal of Management Science : A bibliometric analysis

Omega – The International Journal of Management Science is a leading international journal in management science and operations research. In 2023, Omega celebrated its 50th anniversary. Motivated by this event, this paper provides an in-depth, critical analysis of Omega's development as a leading academic journal over fifty years. The article visualizes a dynamic and evolving academic landscape through the lens of several bibliometric indicators including bibliographic coupling, keyword co-occurrence, and institutional productivity using the Web of Science Core Collection database. The aim is to identify Omega's leading trends in highly cited papers, authors, universities, countries, journals, keywords and topics. The work also develops a graphical mapping of the bibliographic material using the VOS viewer software. The results indicate that Omega is becoming strongly internationalized, with publications from institutions all over the world. Traditionally, English-speaking countries were leading the journal. But during the last few years, the results have visualized the strong growth of Europe and East Asia, and at a lower level, the rest of the countries of the world. The study not only highlights Omega's past achievements but also points towards its future trajectory, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, diversity, and innovation in maintaining its academic prominence

They too belong here : Investigating the relationship between Catholic parishes and parish schools in Aotearoa, New Zealand

This thesis investigates the relationship between Catholic parishes and parish schools in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Where once there were shared understandings of Catholic identity and mission, for many, the parish/school relationship has now become little more than physical proximity and ever more challenging, and often unfulfilled, expectations of individuals and communities. This study addresses a gap in the literature, by naming the key features of the parish/school relationship and proposing theory to enhance understanding and contextualise potential responses. Using the principles of classic grounded theory, the research draws on constant comparison of unstructured interview data from parish priests and primary school principals in a metropolitan diocese of Aotearoa New Zealand. The purpose is to construct understanding of features which these key participants perceive as enhancing or limiting the parish/school relationship. The study also combines peripheral data from the literature to provide substantive analysis of the interplay between features of identity, leadership, mission, community, and change within the parish/school dynamic. Together, these features inform the development of the Parish/School Relationship Theory (PSRT) which contextualises groups and individuals as missing, longing, participating or belonging within the relationship, as indicated by their faith mission/vision or community/connection stances. Through providing a lens for understanding and navigating the complexities of parish/school interactions, the implications and opportunities for engagement and renewal are identified. The research highlights the urgent need for a renewed focus on developing a shared sense of belonging, requiring clarity of mission and intentional community building, particularly in the face of declining parish engagement and increasing pressures on Catholic schools. While interview data was limited to the leadership positions of each entity, this research contributes to the discourse on parish formation and Catholic education by offering a framework that supports parishes and schools in fostering deeper connections. By addressing the realities of secularisation and the challenges of contemporary Catholic identity, the PSRT offers practical and theoretical pathways for revitalising the parish-school relationship in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond

The Chinese Mandarin COMHON Index and Braden Scale to assess pressure injury risk in intensive care : An inter-rater reliability and convergent validity study

Background The COMHON Index is an intensive-care-specific pressure injury risk assessment tool, which has demonstrated promising psychometric properties. It has been translated into Chinese Mandarin but requires inter-rater reliability testing and comparison to the standard care instrument (Braden Scale) before clinical use. Objectives This study aimed to test and compare the inter-rater reliability and convergent validity of the Chinese Mandarin versions of the COMHON Index and Braden Scale. Methods The study was conducted in a Chinese comprehensive intensive care unit. Based on a sample size calculation, five registered nurse raters with at least 6-months experience independently conducted risk assessments for 20 adult patients using both the COMHON Index and Braden Scale. Intraclass correlations (ICC) for inter-rater reliability, standard errors of measurement (SEM), and minimally detectable change (MDC) were calculated. Convergent validity was assessed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation for sum scores and Spearman's rho for subscales. Results Inter-rater reliability of COMHON Index and Braden Scale sum scores was very high (ICC [1,1] = 0.973; [95% confidence interval 0.949–0.988]; SEM 0.54; MDC 1.50) and high (ICC [1,1] = 0.891; [95% confidence interval 0.793-0.951]; SEM 0.93; MDC 2.57), respectively. All COMHON-Index subscales demonstrated ICC values >0.6, whereas two Braden Scale subscales (Mobility, Activity) were below this threshold. Instrument sum scores were strongly correlated (Pearson's r = −0.76 [r2 = 0.58]; p < 0.001), as were three subscale item pairs (mobility rs = −0.56 [r2 = 0.32]; nutrition rs = −0.63 [r2 = 0.39]; level of consciousness/sensory perception rs = −0.67 [r2 = 0.45] p < 0.001). Conclusion Both the COMHON Index and Braden Scale demonstrated high levels of inter-rater reliability and measured similar constructs. However, the COMHON Index demonstrated superior inter-rater reliability and the results suggest that it better detects changes in patient condition and subsequently pressure injury risk. Further testing is recommended

Feminist Complaint Collectives and Doorway Disruptions in Australian Christian Traditions

Christian traditions maintain patriarchal cultures by upholding gendered norms that can shape ministry opportunities and sanction gender inequality and sexism, while also scaffolding gendered violence. Feminist Christian women who name this inequality, or who ‘protest’ and ‘complain’ can therefore be subject to a range of adverse consequences, from subtle social disapproval to malicious abuse and exclusion. Simultaneously, although Christian women led in 19th century feminist movements, contemporary religious and secular feminists can be mutually sceptical. As a result, Christian feminist women often occupy a marginal space. Sara Ahmed has consistently argued that when feminists speak of sexism within institutional settings, the response is often to problematise the complainer. Ahmed (2021) introduces the idea of forming complaint collectives to enable feminists to do counter-institutional work. In this paper we use Ahmed’s scholarship to locate Christian feminists as ‘complainants’ and assemble ourselves to create a Christian feminist complaint collective. We present case studies of complaints and doorway disruptions in Catholic, Anglican, and pentecostal settings to challenge gender inequality and marginalisation and reconceptualise how feminist theory can be (re)applied to feminist activism within Christian religious traditions and communities

Contact-events and associated head acceleration events in semi-elite women’s rugby union : A competition-wide instrumented mouthguard study

This study aimed to quantify contact-events and associated head acceleration event (HAE) probabilities in semi-elite women’s rugby union. Instrumented mouthguards (iMGs) were worn by players competing in the 2023 Farah Palmer Cup season (13 teams, 217 players) during 441 player-matches. Maximum peak linear acceleration (PLA) and peak angular acceleration (PAA) per-event were used as estimates of in vivo HAE (HAEmax), linked to video analysis-derived contact-events and analysed using mixed-effects regression. Back-rows had the highest number of contact-events per full-match (44.1 [41.2 to 47.1]). No differences were apparent between front-five and centres, or between half-backs and outside-backs. The probability of higher HAEmax occurring was greatest in ball-carries, followed by tackles, defensive rucks and attacking rucks. Probability profiles were similar between positions but the difference in contact-events for each position influenced HAEmax exposure. Overall, most HAEmax were relatively low. For example, the probability of a back-row experiencing a PLA HAEmax ≥25g was 0.045 (0.037–0.054) for ball carries (1 in every 22 carries), translating to 1 in every 2.3 full games. This study presents the first in-depth analysis of contact-events and associated HAEmax in semi-elite women’s rugby union. The HAEmax profiles during contact-events can help inform both policy and research into injury mitigation strategies

Persuading the World of Genocide : Locating and Protecting the Foundational Rhetoric of the United Nations Genocide Convention

Raphael Lemkin’s neologism, genocide, coined in 1944 to describe the ‘crime of crimes’, was introduced to the world in the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in 1948. While the crime is thought to be almost as old as humanity itself, the events of the 20th century have provided too many examples from which the international community cannot turn away. The Convention’s definition of genocide and the elements which constitute the crime are contained within its foundational rhetoric, which—as the adjective suggests—is the layer that supports the entire edifice. The Convention is a source of law in the matter of genocide and its drafters urged that it be adopted into the domestic law of the contracting parties. The definition of genocide has not escaped criticism from numerous quarters, however, and the calls for its radical amendment (or even complete replacement) are always energetic and sometimes strident. To date the definition has remained unamended, despite the calls for change. In part, the Convention’s relative success at international law is attributable to the capacity of courts and tribunals to interpret the foundational rhetoric in such a way as to align fact matrices with the definition and elements and to achieve a just outcome. Not everything decried as ‘genocide’ rises to meet the definition: on occasion, the serious categories of war crimes and crimes against humanity provide the means by which a charge is prosecuted and defended at law. This thesis argues that the Convention possesses a ‘stable instability’ in its foundational rhetoric, especially at Article II. The many calls for amendment—some of which are considered in this study—have thus far failed to persuade the United Nations to amend its own document. Some domestic iterations of the Convention have made their own, sometimes idiosyncratic, amendments, and these have passed into law with curious results. ‘Genocide’ has passed into vernacular usage, a result of which is often-confused application divorced from its source; it becomes a blunt instrument of contempt and abuse. The Convention and its faithful reproductions provide a forensic instrument to be employed with precision and restraint, not a popular label controlled only by outrage. This thesis proposes that the Convention’s foundational rhetoric is robust and resilient, productive of just outcomes in the hands of those who wield it with due care and caution

Prevalence, management, health-care burden, and 90-day outcomes of prolonged mechanical ventilation in the paediatric intensive care unit (LongVentKids) : An international, prospective, cross-sectional cohort study

Background The number of children requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) has increased with the advancement of medical care. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of PMV worldwide, document demographic and clinical characteristics of children requiring PMV in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs), and to understand variation in clinical practice and health-care burden. Methods This international, multicentre, cross-sectional cohort study screened participating PICUs in 28 countries for children aged >37 postgestational weeks to 17 years who had been receiving mechanical ventilation (MV; invasive or non-invasive) for at least 14 consecutive days. Screening days took place every 90 days for 3 years. Patients were eligible for inclusion in the analysis if they had been receiving MV (invasive or non-invasive) for at least 14 consecutive days by their first day of screening. Eligible patients were followed up on the subsequent screening day 90 days later or at time of hospital discharge, whichever came first. Outcome data were recorded in a validated web-based case report file. The primary outcome was the prevalence of PMV. Secondary outcomes were mortality, duration of MV, tracheostomy, and number of complications. All outcomes were assessed at 90 days post-screening. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04112459. Findings Between Sept 4, 2019 and Dec 7, 2022, 14 595 children were screened on four separate screening days in 158 PICUs, and 2773 patients had been receiving MV for at least 14 days and were included in the analysis. The point prevalence of PMV was 25·8% (IQR 24·1–28·5). Median age was 0·4 years (IQR 0·2–5·3) and median weight was 8·1 kg (IQR 4·7–19·1). 625 (24·0%) of 2610 patients had a history of prematurity (<37 weeks gestational age at birth). 90-day outcome data were collected for 2430 patients. 441 (18·2%) of 2430 patients had died within 90 days. 649 (29·8%) of 2176 patients who initiated ventilation support upon hospital admission had a tracheostomy placed after the first 14 days of MV. The median time to tracheostomy placement after MV initiation was 26 days (IQR 18–52). 462 (21·2%) of 2176 patients had at least one failed extubation between MV initiation and their first screening date. 556 (25·6%) of 2174 patients who started MV upon hospital admission required MV for 21 days or less, whereas 1618 (74·4%) patients required MV for 22 days or more; 90-day mortality did not differ between these groups (18·2% vs 20·30%, p=0·288). Complications were recorded for 810 (38·4%) 2109 patients who initiated MV upon hospital admission; of these 539 (67%) had ventilator-associated pneumonia, and 212 (39%) of 539 patients had multiple episodes of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Interpretation Timing of tracheostomy was variable, and duration of MV was longer than previously reported. The large variability in patients requiring MV and the associated health-care burden and outcomes across PICUs suggest that further investigation of the factors influencing the care of children with MV is warranted. Funding Réseau en Santé Respiratoire du Québec (Respiratory Research Network of Quebec), Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec, Women and Children Health Research Institute-Clinical/Community Research Integration and Support Program, Réseau mère-enfant de la francophonie. Translations For the French and Spanish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section

Deterring drivers : A process evaluation of an initiative to reduce car theft and joyriding by first nations young people

Joyriding is a dangerous, illegal activity primarily involving young males from disadvantaged backgrounds. In Australia, First Nations youth are disproportionately represented in unlawful use of motor vehicle offenses. This study evaluates the “Deterring Drivers” program, which aims to reduce car theft and joyriding through group-based education and recreational activities. Data from participant observation and interviews highlight the program’s effectiveness in fostering social connections within a culturally safe environment, enhancing social cohesion, and promoting empathy for crime victims. In addition, the study underscores the importance of providing legal and constructive avenues for young people’s interest in cars, potentially steering them away from crime by offering training and employment opportunities