bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A meta-analysis of eWallet adoption using the UTAUT model
Authors: Bommer William H. , Rana Shailesh , Milevoj Emil
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to integrate extant research on eWallet adoption to better understand the key antecedents to eWallet use intention and examine whether the relationships differ across multiple moderators.

Design/methodology/approach

To integrate eWallet adoption findings, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and its extensions were utilized. Meta-analyses estimated the relationships between eWallet use intention and seven antecedents and the intercorrelations between antecedents. A total of 28 effects were calculated, utilizing 48 studies and 444 individual effect sizes, using 14,802 subjects. Using meta-analytically derived values, regression and relative weight analysis then determined each antecedent's relative utility. Furthermore, moderator analyses examined whether eight theoretically based moderators influenced the relationships between the antecedents and eWallet use intention.

Findings

Price value, hedonic motivation, facilitating conditions and social influence had the strongest relationships with the intention to use eWallets, accounting for virtually all the unique variance. The three weakest antecedents, however, still explained a large percentage of variance. No relationships were significantly moderated.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the lack of data in primary studies, some UTAUT moderators could not be analyzed. Also, common method variance may impact the findings because the primary studies used cross-sectional surveys.

Practical implications

This study provides guidance regarding how companies can increase eWallet adoption rates, which have lagged in certain countries. These recommendations include specific techniques for tailoring messages and emphasizing features and benefits.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first integrative meta-analysis conducted on eWallet use. Combining meta-analysis, regression and relative weight analysis, this study provides an integration of what is currently known about eWallet use intentions.
Assessing employees’ job motivation using BWM method and fuzzy goal programming: a case study of a petrochemical company
Authors: Banihashemi Sayyid Ali , Khalilzadeh Mohammad
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Recognizing the factors affecting employees’ job motivation is one of the necessities that can improve people’s performance and increase their effectiveness. This study aims to determine the factors affecting job motivation and to examine effective strategies to increase motivation through identifying internal and external factors.

Design/methodology/approach

In this descriptive study, the statistical population was the employees of the largest petrochemical company in Iran. The questionnaire was randomly distributed to the organization’s employees and managers based on Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory. To analyze the obtained data, first, the best and the worst factors were identified using SPSS software and then were ranked using best–worst method (BWM).

Findings

The results demonstrated that the highest rank among the motivational factors of employees is related to working environment conditions and the lowest rank is related to career advancement and development indicator. In the second stage, the best strategies for motivational factors were determined using the fuzzy goal programming method. The findings showed that 12 out of the 17 proposed solutions have the highest motivation among employees, the implementation of which can increase employee productivity in the petrochemical company under study.

Originality/value

Further to the best of the authors’ knowledge, job motivation factors in the petrochemical industry have never been examined and ranked by using the BWM method so far. Also, the goal programming approach has never been applied to determine strategies for increasing job motivation and ultimately productivity.
Lesson study and open approach development in Thailand: a longitudinal study
Authors: Inprasitha Maitree
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This research explores the “transformation” ideas of Japanese Lesson Study (LS) and Open Approach (OA) to create and sustain a Thailand LS incorporated OA (TLSOA) model to successfully adapt to the local contexts. Although LS is spreading globally, previous studies have identified several challenges to its implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The researcher employed a longitudinal research design that involved repeated investigations of a group of participants: from their fourth year as bachelor's degree students until they became eligible coordinators to practice the TLSOA model for teachers' professional development (PD). Data were collected using reflective journals, two types of survey questionnaires, and records of periodical reflective meetings over three cohorts.

Findings

As results reveal, the participating teachers' active engagement in the TLSOA model has made a positive impact on their teaching practices, collegiality, and professional self-identification. Students perceived themselves as having enormous changes in their learning behaviors. Those changes are linked to establishing a positive, student-centered, and active learning-based school culture with teachers' beliefs for innovations.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies should focus on the possible conflicts emerging between the different cultures of teaching.

Practical implications

The idea of the TLSOA model is to ensure teachers are well trained to possess sufficient skills.

Originality/value

The findings could be of value for the leaders, educators, policymakers to advocate the TLSOA model as a systematic approach to whole-school improvement and as a channel for spreading effects at the national, the APEC, and the CLMV regional levels.
Analysis and optimization of main influencing factors on vibration offset of aerostatic spindle
Authors: Chen Dongju , Zhang Xuan , Sun Kun , Fan Jinwei
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study the influence degree of three factors affecting the vibration amplitude of aerostatic spindle and optimizes each factor.

Design/methodology/approach

The vibration amplitude of the spindle is characterized according to internal structure and operating characteristics of aerostatic spindle. The radial and axial vibration models of aerostatic spindle were established by the spring-damper system. The influence degree of main influencing factors on the spindle vibration amplitude was investigated through correlation analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that the crucial factor is aerostatic spindle speed and experiments validated that increasing spindle speed can enhance spindle stability. The influence of three factors on radial vibration is greater than that on axial vibration. Finally, the values of optimal working parameters were obtained by genetic algorithm.

Originality/value

The method in this article can effectively predict aerostatic spindle vibration amplitude and perfect the stability of aerostatic spindle.
Luxury symbolism, self-congruity, self-affirmation and luxury consumption behavior: a comparison study of China and the US
Authors: Wang Zi , Yuan Ruizhi , Liu Martin J. , Luo Jun
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Despite the growing research into luxury symbolism and its influence on consumer behavior, few studies have investigated the underlying psychological processes that occur in different cultural contexts. This study investigates the relationships among luxury symbolism, psychological underpinnings of self-congruity, self-affirmation and customer loyalty, especially regarding how these relationships differ between consumers in China and those in the US.

Design/methodology/approach

Sample data were collected through surveys administered to 653 participants (327 in China and 326 in the US). A multi-group structural equation model was adopted to examine the conceptual model and proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that luxury symbolism positively influences self-consistency, social consistency, social approval and self-esteem, and subsequently impacts self-affirmation and customer loyalty. However, for US consumers, self-esteem and social approval have significantly negative impacts on self-affirmation, while for Chinese consumers, social approval has no significant impact on self-affirmation. The authors also find that interdependent self-construal positively moderates the relationship between luxury symbolism, and social approval and social consistency. Independent self-construal positively moderates the relationship between luxury symbolism and self-consistency, and negatively influences the relationship between luxury symbolism and self-esteem.

Originality/value

Based on the theory of self-congruity and self-affirmation, this study fills a literature gap by revealing the psychological underpinnings regarding luxury symbolism and customer loyalty. It extends extant studies in luxury consumption by introducing self-construal (independent self vs interdependent self) as an important cultural moderator in luxury symbolism. This paper provides insights for luxury practitioners to create efficient marketing strategies by satisfying consumers' psychological needs in different cultures.
Analysis of vertical lift capabilities of US Navy (USN) in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
Authors: Apte Aruna , Chirgwin Scott , Doerr Ken , Katakura Davis
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Vertical lift (VL) assets are vital and expensive resources in humanitarian missions. What and where supplies are needed evolves in short time following a disaster. The purpose of this paper is to offer analysis to understand the range of capabilities of these assets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use scenario analysis to investigate the tradeoff between two key capabilities of VL, agility and speed. The authors do this by generating loads and distances randomly, based on historical data. In post hoc analysis, based on different factors, the authors investigate the impact of configuration of Expeditionary Strike Force (ESG) on providing disaster relief.

Findings

The authors find the most effective deployment of VL in a HADR mission is in supplying essentials to victims in a focused region. Delivering sustainment requirements leads to substantial shortfall for survival needs. If the configuration of the ESGs were changed for HADR, it would better-meet the demand.

Research limitations/implications

Cargo capacity is modeled assuming every aircraft type was equal, in terms of mean and variance of cargo-capacity utilization. Detailed information on cargo-bay configurations was beyond the scope of our model and data. However, this means the benefit of standardizing cargo load-outs and the variability associated with randomized load-outs may be understated in the results.

Practical implications

The analysis presents decision-makers with projections of VL asset performance in the early stages of disaster relief, to assist in planning and contingency planning.

Originality/value

This research deals exclusively with the most critical but expensive capabilities for HADR: VL. The in-depth analysis illustrates the limitations and benefits of this capability.
Use of new models of construction procurement to enhance collaboration in construction projects: the UK construction industry perspective
Authors: Atkinson Robert John , Tennakoon Maheshi , Wedawatta Gayan
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The lack of collaborative working within the UK construction industry is a long-standing issue that has often been highlighted. As a result, the construction industry in the UK is encouraged to use novel procurement methods to create a collaborative working environment. This study aims to explore the collaborative features of the three new models of construction procurement introduced by the UK Government Construction Strategy in 2012.

Design/methodology/approach

Existing research/literature was reviewed to establish the key collaborative features of the new procurement models, and a questionnaire survey was adopted to obtain views of industry practitioners. A Relative Importance Index was used to analyse the collected data.

Findings

The sample of construction practitioners surveyed largely agrees with the effectiveness of collaborative features integrated within the models, with the benefits offered by early contractor involvement being seen as the most effective feature allowing collaboration. Contractual incentives, improved communication procedures and constant reflection and feedback can be used as effective strategies to enable greater collaboration in projects that use these new procurement models.

Research limitations/implications

Findings reported in the paper could help achieve greater collaboration in construction projects executed using the new models of construction procurement.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on the scepticism and/or conviction of industry practitioners regarding the collaborative benefits offered by the new procurement models, which have not yet been subjected to significant academic scrutiny.
Gains-focused vs risk-averse orientations and their impact on location-based marketing services in tourism
Authors: Beldona Srikanth , Kher Hemant V. , Lin Kunwei
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Regulatory focus theory proposes that people make decisions and engage in the pursuit of goals based on either promotional goals indicating sensitivity to gains/nongains or preventional goals reflecting sensitivity to losses/nonlosses (Aaker and Lee, 2001). The purpose of this study is to examine the roles of regulatory foci and their impact on the perceived value and usage of location-based services (LBS) in travel experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Travel planning strategies are framed along promotional or preventional lines to evaluate regulatory focus orientation and respondents’ perceptions of value in location-based marketing (LBM) services are examined. Regression analysis evaluates the primary relationships, followed by analysis evaluating the mediating effects of “travel interest messages” (discount coupons, etc.) in the regulatory-focus-perceived value in LBM relationship.

Findings

The findings indicate that the effects of promotional focus are significantly greater than those of preventional regulatory focus. Additionally, the importance of travel interest messages (discount coupons, maps, etc.) was more significant with a promotional regulatory focus than preventional regulatory focus orientation.

Practical implications

The findings provide proof of regulatory focus as a differentiator in travel consumption behavior and demonstrate how it can be used to effectively target marketing messages to augment the travel experience. Destination marketing organizations can apply regulatory focus theory in organizational settings in the areas of leadership, decision-making and front-line employee creativity that can enhance the delivery of memorable travel experiences.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to examine the relationship between gains-focused/risk-averse travel planning and their impact on perceptions of value in LBS programs in travel experiences.
Acceptance model for predicting adoption of Zakat, Infaq, and Sodaqoh (ZIS) digital payments in Generation Z
Authors: Oktavendi Tri Wahyu , Mu'ammal Immanuel
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the factors that can encourage Generation Z to continue using Zakat, Infaq and Sodaqoh (ZIS) digital payments. The factors used to determine the behavioral intention (BI) of Generation Z are adoption readiness (AR), perceived risk (PR), trust (TR) and personal innovativeness (PI).

Design/methodology/approach

AR (reflected by facilitating condition, social influence, ease of use and usefulness), PR (security risk and privacy risk), PI, TR and BI were tested using structural equation model (with smart PLS analysis tool).

Findings

AR and BI are influenced by PI. In addition, BI is also influenced by TR, where TR will increase if risk can be minimized. This study was not able to prove the role of risk on BI.

Research limitations/implications

This result focuses on Generation Z, so future research can compare results between generations. In addition, regulations between countries can affect the results of similar research, and factors that have not been used in this study can be used for future research.

Practical implications

The results show that several reflective models of AR and PR. By adding the TR factor, this study can be used to understand the attributes of the acceptance of the ZIS digital payment model. On the other hand, this research has practical implications for the success of cashless ZIS payment transactions.

Originality/value

The model in this study develops an existing acceptance model and uses this model in the ZIS digital payment for Generation Z.
State management of industrialization and social engineering in the early Turkish republic: the case of Sümerbank and its textile plants
Authors: Yülek Murat Ali , Gür Betül
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to illustrate the developmental and modernizational state management policies in the early Turkish Republic in the 1930s through the establishment of state-owned cotton textile factories in underdeveloped regions of the country. It analyzes the state’s industrial-cum-social engineering policies and their micro-level role in Turkish economic development.

Design/methodology/approach

To illustrate the government’s role in regional industrialization and modernization, this study uses an in-depth case analysis conducted in a sample of textile plants based on a microhistorical approach.

Findings

Turkey is considered among late developing countries. Following the War of Independence at the beginning of the 20th century, the new government focused on regional industrialization and social transformation through state-owned universal banks[1] acting as state agents of industrialization and modernization. Primary among them, Sümerbank constructed industrial plants in underdeveloped towns which subsequently became the nuclei of growing industrial centers of private enterprise. Sümerbank plants were also micro-level tools of westernization-based modernization of the society under the social engineering objectives of the new government.

Originality/value

This study uses a specific industrial policy measure (establishment of industrial plants) in explaining the state’s role in industrialization, regional development and social engineering. It sheds new light on the literature on state-led industrial-cum-modernization policies during earlier phases of economic development. It contributes to the international literature on the history of state management of economic and social development.
Identification of critical paths leading to cost claims for underground metro projects: a system dynamics approach
Authors: Wang Wenbao , Harsono Iwan , Shieh Chich-Jen , Samusenkov Vadim , Shoar Shahab
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Infrastructure projects play a vital role in the development of countries' economies. However, these projects, notably underground ones, are encountering growing claims as they are subject to many unknowns. Without having a clear insight into the causes of claims and their influence on one another, it is not possible to mitigate their adverse impacts on these projects' goals. To this aim, the main purpose of this study is to identify the critical paths leading to cost claims for underground metro projects.

Design/methodology/approach

First, causes of claims were identified through a literature review and then refined to 22 main causes according to the opinions of 148 Iranian experts. A qualitative system dynamics (SD) model was then provided to visualize how various causes interact with each other. The model was developed and validated by drawing on the expertise of industry-related experts, and the critical paths were finally recognized based on their frequency and severity indexes.

Findings

The findings revealed that each cause should be evaluated based on their connections with others as there are complex relations among the causes. It was also shown that the major claim paths among others were initiated due to ambiguous contract clauses, unforeseen physical conditions and land handover problems.

Originality/value

The findings of this study provide a better insight into how various causes of claims for underground metro projects are related to each other and can eventually assist project managers of different parties, even in other countries, to select proportional strategies to mitigate their adverse impacts.
Readiness of academic librarians towards the use of robotic technologies in Nigerian university libraries
Authors: Owolabi Kehinde Abayomi , Okorie Nancy C. , Yemi-Peters Oladimeji Eyitayo , Oyetola Solomon Olusegun , Bello Taofeek Olatunde , Oladokun Bolaji David
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to investigate readiness of academic librarians toward the use of robotic technologies in Nigerian university libraries. The article provides further insights on the following areas: •What are the levels of readiness of university libraries in Nigeria towards robotic technologies in terms of digital infrastructure, policy framework and human development for the adoption and use of robotics in the libraries? •What services are available in the university libraries that can be handled by robotic technologies? •Are academic librarians aware of the potential benefits of robotics in library operations? •What are the potential challenges that university libraries may face in the adoption and use of robotic technologies?

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a survey research anchored on positivism paradigm. The questionnaire was used as data collection instrument. Furthermore, 100 academic librarians were selected from the ten purposively selected ten universities. Snowballing sample technique was used to select ten academic librarians from each of the university libraries.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that the readiness of university libraries in Nigeria towards the adoption and use of robotic technologies in Nigeria is nothing to write home about. It indicates that university libraries in the country are not ready to adopt the use of this technology despite the high benefits they have to offer in library operations.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study lay on the fact that very few librarians from each of the selected university libraries were selected; and at the same time, it covers only ten university libraries in the country.

Originality/value

The study is very important to university library management on the necessary steps that need to be taken for the effective adoption of robotic technologies. This research can be a guide to them. In addition, the empirical analysis of the study contributes to social informatics development in Nigeria.
Transitioning services for eating disorder treatment, the relative importance of factors from patient, carer and clinician perspectives: a Q-methodology study
Authors: Wales Jackie , Brewin Nicola , Williamson Iain , Štický Jakub , Lawrence Rachael , Eivors Alison
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Effective transitions from child and adolescent to adult services are important for continuity of care for patients with eating disorders. This study aims to examine the relative importance of a series of statements about the transition process, elicited from an earlier service evaluation, from the perspectives of patients, parents/carers and clinicians.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-eight participants completed a Q-sort task ranking 40 statements, developed from an earlier study, using a normal distribution pattern on a scale, which ranged from strongly agree to strongly disagree, to identify their priorities for transition. Analysis resulted in the extraction of four factors explaining 52% of the variance.

Findings

Four distinct factors were elicited: “parents and carers need including too”, “facilitating effective transfer between services”, “supporting the patient through transition” and providing “timely, patient-centred care”. The study enabled similarities and differences in priorities to be observed for the three respondent groups.

Practical implications

These rankings, noting the differences between the respondent groups, can be used to inform the development of effective transition protocols. This study suggests these protocols should ensure a person-centred approach; timely planning; include parents/carers; provide continuous care and have good transfer of information and sensible timing of transitions. Differences in priorities/opinions can be addressed through open communication channels.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first UK-wide study examining priorities for transition from the perspectives of patients, parents/carers and clinicians.
Learning during (or despite) COVID-19: business students’ perceptions of online learning
Authors: Zizka Laura , Probst Gaby
Published: March 2022

Purpose

In March 2020, higher education institutions (HEIs) were obliged to complete the semester online because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the semesters that followed, HEIs reopened and closed again because of new waves of the pandemic. While flexibility was lauded, previous literature cited student problems such as lack of motivation and social contact. This study aims to explore students' perceptions of learning during four exceptional semesters.

Design/methodology/approach

Five surveys were conducted via the program LimeSurvey during the online courses at one business school in Switzerland: April 2020, June 2020, December 2020, June 2021 and December 2021. The participation varied between 56% (April and June 2020), 52% (December 2020), 47.5% (June 2021) and 42.4% (December 2021).

Findings

The results of this longitudinal study were analyzed to examine the consequences of “forced” online learning. The analysis reveals that although the students appreciate the usefulness of the learning experience, their motivation decreased. The historic crisis has underlined sudden technological changes in the learning programs that have had multiple (adverse) effects on students' learning.

Originality/value

Based on the results, this study concludes that students have mixed perceptions regarding the learning environments (traditional, hybrid or blended) moving forward. Whatever the choice, HEIs must carefully plan the most effective teaching/learning environment to ensure that students remain engaged. This study reveals the links and interconnections in this complex online setting called “learning” based on four semesters of urgent remote learning and one semester of hybrid face-to-face courses.
Entrepreneurial mothers' behaviours on their business and family life: a case study in Sri Lanka
Authors: Kodagoda Thilakshi , Samaratunge Ramanie
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study examines women entrepreneurs' understanding of motherhood and entrepreneurial career and how they negotiate this combination with their gendered understandings and social norms in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews from 20 entrepreneurial mothers in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Sub-samples were taken to achieve demographic heterogeneity.

Findings

This study found that entrepreneurial mothers do not perceive their business as separate from their motherhood understanding. They believe that their profession is a part of motherhood responsibilities. This study also found that to negotiate a combination of roles, these mothers employed two coping strategies at different levels: family and business.

Research limitations/implications

As the sample size is small, an extended research strategy would be more effective. Future research could seek to identify strategies that women entrepreneurs use to balance their business–family life.

Practical implications

This research provides implications for balancing business and family life for women entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

The paper extends the cultural and geographical scope of the literature on women entrepreneurs' business–family life experiences.
Application of Six Sigma methodology to enhance the productivity and performance of a hotel in the UAE
Authors: Ramadan Mariam Ali , Al Dhaheri Maha Khalifa , Maalouf Maher , Antony Jiju , Bhat Shreeranga , Gijo E. V.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The hotel industry is one of the primary sectors contributing to every country's economy by promoting and reinforcing tourism. The pandemic situation across the globe is forcing the hospitality industry to adopt a suitable operational excellence (OPEX) methodology and its associated tools to deliver quality service at an affordable cost. However, there is limited evidence of applying one of the prominent OPEX methodologies, such as Six Sigma (SS), to enhance the hospitality industry's productivity and performance. Thus, the purpose of the study is to explore the application of the SS methodology to reduce the cycle time of a pantry workstation in a United Arab Emirates (UAE) hotel sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted a case study approach using DMAIC (define-measure-analyse-improve-control) phases to improve the performance of the minibar updating process attached to the hotel rooms. In addition, the study effectively used several tools, including normality tests, control charts, capability analysis, cause and effect diagram, failure mode effects analysis (FMEA), value stream mapping (VSM) and GEMBA, to validate the root causes and draw robust inferences.

Findings

The average cycle time and standard deviation of the pantry process were drastically reduced. Further, the analysis showed that the process capability index was substantially improved. Consequently, a notable improvement in the process performance was witnessed, which has resulted in a profit of $50,000 per annum in the hotel.

Practical implications

The article provides a structured and disciplined approach of SS in a hotel which can be used as a benchmarking document by the academicians, practitioners and policymakers for OPEX within the hospitality industry. Further, it paves the way to develop a road map for applying SS in the hospitality sector.

Originality/value

As per the authors' knowledge, to date, no case study has been reported in top tier refereed journals regarding the application of SS in the hotel sector. Thus, the current case study bridges this gap and reiterates that SS can be effectively used with meticulous planning and deployment in the hospitality industry.
Knowledge management and community-based enterprise: an initiative to preserve the shadow puppet traditional knowledge in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Manik Hardo Firmana Given Grace , Christanti Rossalina , Setiawan Wahyu
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the dynamics of traditional wayang kulit or shadow puppet knowledge management in a community-based enterprise (CBE) known as “Wisata Wayang” in Wukirsari Village, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study was adopted, which allows the author to explore the dynamics or uniqueness of an event or cultural phenomenon more deeply.

Findings

The shadow puppet is an artefact of Javanese culture with rich life philosophy and wisdom. It guides people the pursuit of harmony with themselves, others, the universe and God. The success of knowledge management of the shadow puppet at CBE was supported by the high entrepreneurial orientation of the administrators. This study showed that entrepreneurial orientation should be extended into sociopreneurial with additional aspects, including preservation mission and communality, promoting the emergence of grassroots innovations. The knowledge of shadow puppet craft in this village is passed through nyantrik, also known as apprenticeship.

Originality/value

No previous research has explored the dynamics of traditional knowledge management in the context of CBE in Indonesia. As Indonesia has rich traditional knowledge from hundreds of tribes and prominent communal cultures, this study of community-based knowledge management contributes new insights in the knowledge management literature.
Two novel mutations in the ATP2C1 gene found in Japanese patients with Hailey–Hailey disease
Authors: Miyazaki Shun , Nakano Hajime , Mizuno Maki , Ozaki Saeko , Hoashi Toshihiko , Kanda Naoko , Saeki Hidehisa
Published: March 2022

Hailey–Hailey disease (HHD) is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis and the defective gene in HHD is ATP2C1, which encodes secretory pathway Ca2+/Mn2+ ATPase type 1 (SPCA1). Here we report four Japanese HHD patients showing three kinds of mutations with premature termination codons in the ATP2C1 gene, including two novel ones. Patient 1 was a 39‐year‐old man with a novel heterozygous mutation, c.664dup in exon 8 (p.N215Kfs*26). Patient 2 was a 33‐year‐old man (the younger brother of patient 1) with the same mutation as patient 1. Patient 3 was a 55‐year‐old man with a previously reported heterozygous mutation, c.519dup in exon 7 (p.R174Tfs*4). Patient 4 was a 33‐year‐old woman with a novel heterozygous mutation, c.2640del in exon 27 (p.L881Ffs*10). The clinical characteristics of our four cases varied in disease severity and the response to treatment. The present cases enrich the database of mutational analysis for HHD.
Unravelling the processes between phenotypic plasticity and population dynamics in migratory birds
Authors: Liu Jin , Lei Weipan , Mo Xunqiang , Hassell Chris J. , Zhang Zhengwang , Coulson Tim
Published: March 2022

Populations can rapidly respond to environmental change via adaptive phenotypic plasticity, which can also modify interactions between individuals and their environment, affecting population dynamics. Bird migration is a highly plastic resource‐tracking tactic in seasonal environments. However, the link between the population dynamics of migratory birds and migration tactic plasticity is not well‐understood.

The quality of staging habitats affects individuals' migration timing and energy budgets in the course of migration and can consequently affect individuals' breeding and overwintering performance, and impact population dynamics. Given staging habitats being lost in many parts of the world, our goal is to investigate responses of individual migration tactics and population dynamics in the face of loss of staging habitat and to identify the key processes connecting them.

We started by constructing and analysing a general full‐annual‐cycle individual‐based model with a stylized migratory population to generate hypotheses on how changes in the size of staging habitat might drive changes in individual stopover duration and population dynamics. Next, through the interrogation of survey data, we tested these hypotheses by analysing population trends and stopover duration of migratory waterbirds experiencing the loss of staging habitat.

Our modelling exercise led to us posing the following hypotheses: the loss of staging habitat generates plasticity in migration tactics, with individuals remaining on the staging habitat for longer to obtain food due to a reduction in per capita food availability. The subsequent increasing population density on the staging habitat has knock‐on effects on population dynamics in the breeding and overwintering stage. Our empirical results were consistent with the modelling predictions.

Our results demonstrate how environmental change that impacts one energetically costly life‐history stage in migratory birds can have population dynamic impacts across the entire annual cycle via phenotypic plasticity.
Seascape connectivity of temperate fishes between estuarine nursery areas and open coastal reefs
Authors: Swadling Daniel S. , Knott Nathan A. , Taylor Matthew D. , Coleman Melinda A. , Davis Andrew R. , Rees Matthew J.
Published: March 2022

While estuaries are considered valuable nurseries for many harvested fish species, little quantitative data exist about the spatial scales over which estuaries supply individuals to coastal reefs and how this influences coastal metapopulations. Quantifying this connectivity between estuaries and coastal reefs will assist the sustainable management of fisheries and key fish habitat. This information is particularly pertinent considering estuaries world‐wide are experiencing degradation and habitat loss.

We examine how the relative abundance and body length of three exploited fishes (Chrysophrys auratus, Pseudocaranx georgianus and Nemadactylus douglasii) varied in relation to the proximity and size of the nearest estuary, predicting that estuarine dependent species (i.e. C. auratus) would be smaller and more abundant on reefs close to large estuaries. As a network of ‘no‐take’ marine reserves exist across the study area, we also assessed for reserve effects and if these were influenced by the proximity and size of estuaries. Fish assemblages were surveyed using baited remote underwater video systems deployed on 629 rocky reefs across 417 km of coastline in south‐eastern Australia.

As predicted, C. auratus were smaller and more abundant on reefs adjacent to estuaries (<8.5 km), which is consistent with the species being heavily reliant on estuaries as nursery habitats. Neither the length nor abundance of N. douglasii and P. georgianus were influenced by the proximity or size of estuaries. Marine reserves consistently had higher abundances and larger C. auratus, regardless of their proximity to estuaries. However, reserve effects were more variable for both N. douglasii and P. georgianus.

Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that the dispersal of subadult Chrysophrys auratus from estuarine nurseries to coastal reefs occurs across relatively small spatial scales, highlighting that conserving the ecological functioning of estuaries is paramount to sustaining recruitment to nearby coastal fisheries. Estuary size and proximity had little influence on populations of both Nemadactylus douglasii and Pseudocaranx georgianus as these species are not greatly dependent on estuaries. We also found that the proximity to estuaries did not enhance reserve effects, instead these effects were consistent across the study area.
Railway sound barriers and housing prices
Authors: Lee Kwan Ok , Pang Alvan Hui Kiat
Published: March 2022

We analyze the impact of sound barriers on residential satisfaction and well‐being manifested in housing prices in Singapore. Using the difference‐in‐difference approach, we demonstrate a significant price effect of sound barriers in high‐rise residential environments. There was a 0.6% price increase for public housing units located within 300 m from a railway track after public announcement of sound barriers and a 1.2% further increase after barrier installation. Price effects of sound barriers are heterogeneous by the noise level prior to installation as well as the degree of noise mitigation by barriers. In contrast to the result for public housing, no significant price change was observed for private housing units that have better building design to be shielded from noise even before sound barrier installation. Among public housing, higher‐floor units experienced more substantial price increases compared with lower‐floor units exposed to less noise prior to barrier installation. Finally, the units that are very close to the railway did not enjoy price premiums brought by sound barriers potentially because noise did not fall below the threshold level of annoyance even after barrier installation.
Practical assessment of DSM‐5 alcohol use disorder criteria in routine care: High test‐retest reliability of an Alcohol Symptom Checklist
Authors: Hallgren Kevin A. , Matson Theresa E. , Oliver Malia , Caldeiro Ryan M. , Kivlahan Daniel R. , Bradley Katharine A.
Published: March 2022

Background

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is underdiagnosed and undertreated in medical settings, in part due to a lack of AUD assessment instruments that are reliable and practical for use in routine care. This study evaluates the test‐retest reliability of a patient‐report Alcohol Symptom Checklist questionnaire when it is used in routine care, including primary care and mental health specialty settings.

Methods

We performed a pragmatic test‐retest reliability study using electronic health record (EHR) data from Kaiser Permanente Washington, an integrated health system in Washington state. The sample included 454 patients who reported high‐risk drinking on a behavioral health screen and completed two Alcohol Symptom Checklists 1 to 21 days apart. Subgroups of these patients who completed both checklists in primary care (n = 271) or mental health settings (n = 79) were also examined. The primary measure was an Alcohol Symptom Checklist on which patients self‐reported whether they experienced each of the 11 AUD criteria within the past year, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders‐5th edition (DSM‐5).

Results

Alcohol Symptom Checklists completed in routine care and documented in EHRs had excellent test‐retest reliability for measuring AUD criterion counts (ICC = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.76 to 0.82). Test‐retest reliability estimates were also high and not significantly different for the subsamples of patients who completed both checklists in primary care (ICC = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.77 to 0.85) or mental health settings (ICC = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.62 to 0.83). Test‐retest reliability was not moderated by having a past two‐year AUD diagnosis, nor by the age or sex of the patient completing it.

Conclusions

Alcohol Symptom Checklists can reliably and pragmatically assess AUD criteria in routine care among patients who screen positive for high‐risk drinking. The Alcohol Symptom Checklist may be a valuable tool in supporting AUD‐related care and monitoring AUD criteria longitudinally in routine primary care and mental health settings.
Alcohol withdrawal in past‐year drinkers with unhealthy alcohol use: Prevalence, characteristics, and correlates in a national epidemiologic survey
Authors: Livne Ofir , Feinn Richard , Knox Justin , Hartwell Emily E. , Gelernter Joel , Hasin Deborah S. , Kranzler Henry R.
Published: March 2022

Background

Despite its potential to produce serious adverse outcomes, DSM‐5 alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) has not been widely studied in the general population.

Methods

We used cross‐sectional data from 36,309 U.S. adults from the 2012–2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions‐III to examine the past‐year prevalence of AWS and its correlates. We focused on an important clinical population–past‐year drinkers with unhealthy alcohol use–i.e., those with a positive score on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test–Consumption (AUDIT‐C) questionnaire. We also examined the association of AWS with sociodemographic measures, psychiatric disorders, alcohol‐related measures, and healthcare utilization.

Results

Approximately one‐third (n = 12,634) of respondents reported unhealthy alcohol use (AUDIT‐C+). Of these, 14.3% met criteria for a DSM‐5 AWS diagnosis. The mean (SE) number of withdrawal symptoms among individuals with AWS was 2.83 (1.88), with the most common being nausea/vomiting and insomnia (19.8% and 11.6%, respectively). Among AUDIT‐C+ respondents, the odds of AWS were significantly higher among males (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.17 [95% CI, 1.02–1.33]), unmarried participants (aOR = 1.55 [95% CI, 1.25–1.92]), and those at the lowest (vs. highest) income levels (aOR = 1.62 [95% CI, 1.37–1.92]). Among AUDIT‐C+ respondents, AWS was also associated with psychiatric disorders (with aORs that ranged from 2.08 [95% CI, 1.79–2.41]) for major depressive disorder to 3.14 (95% CI, 1.79–2.41) for borderline personality disorder. AUDIT‐C+ respondents with AWS also had higher odds of past‐year alcohol use disorder (aOR = 11.2 [95% CI, 9.66–13.07]), other alcohol‐related features (e.g., binge drinking), and healthcare utilization.

Conclusions

Among individuals with unhealthy alcohol use, AWS is prevalent, highly comorbid, and disabling. Given the risk of AWS among unhealthy drinkers, a comparatively large segment of the general population, clinicians should seek to identify individuals with AWS and intervene with them to prevent serious adverse outcomes.
The use of the myometrial‐cervical ratio in the ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis – A validation study
Authors: McCaughey Tristan , Mooney Samantha , Harlow Keryn , Healey Martin , Stone Kate
Published: March 2022

Background

Adenomyosis is a benign disorder defined by ectopic endometrial glands within the uterine myometrium. A study by Mooney et al reported the myometrial‐cervical ratio (MCR), a novel ultrasound measurement that was found to improve the preoperative diagnosis of adenomyosis.

Aims

To validate the association between sonographic MCR and adenomyosis confirmed on histopathology in an independent patient group.

Materials and Methods

Single‐centre retrospective cohort study including women who underwent hysterectomy between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2018 for a benign, non‐obstetric indication with an ultrasound at the study centre prior to surgery. Clinical details and histopathology were extracted. Ultrasound images were reviewed by a gynaecology ultrasound subspecialist blinded to histological findings.

Results

Eight hundred eighty‐seven patients underwent hysterectomy in the study period for eligible indications; 317 had an ultrasound at the study centre and were included. There was no statistically significant association between the MCR and adenomyosis on histology when all patients were included; however, increased MCR was associated with adenomyosis when those with fibroids on ultrasound were excluded. The area under the receiver operating characteristic for this model was 0.614 (95% CI: 0.53 to 0.69). The optimal MCR cut‐point in this subgroup was 1.79, which achieved 55.6% sensitivity and 62.8% specificity, with 58.5% correctly classified. There was no significant difference in MCR compared to traditional ultrasound markers of adenomyosis.

Conclusions

In a population undergoing hysterectomy for benign and non‐obstetric indications, the MCR applied to preoperative ultrasound was only weakly associated with a histological diagnosis of adenomyosis.
Blenders, Hammers, and Knives: Postpartum Intrusive Thoughts and Unthinkable Motherhood
Authors: Mason Katherine A.
Published: March 2022

“Intrusive thoughts” are common symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders such as postpartum obsessive‐compulsive disorder. These thoughts can include horrific flashes of violence involving one’s baby and frequently lead to shame and fear on the mother’s part, but rarely result in real‐world violence. Clinicians tend to downplay the importance of these images’ content and calm women by reminding them that they will not act on their impulses. This article leans into the dark nature of intrusive thoughts. I intersperse theoretical and ethnographic reflections with vivid fragments of narratives about intrusive thoughts collected from several years of ethnographic research conducted with postpartum women in the United States. I explore the fear, rage, and repulsion that characterize the thoughts themselves and the racism, classism, and sexism involved in clinical, institutional, and interpersonal responses to them. I suggest that dwelling on the “unthinkable” images contained within intrusive thoughts may be important for understanding and accepting the realities of mother love.