bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting gender equality during uncertainty: which policies and institutional qualities matter?
Authors: Shittu Ibrahim , Abdul Latiff Abdul Rais , Baharudin Siti 'Aisyah
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The study investigates the effect of uncertainty on gender equality and examines the policies and institutional qualities that matter for mitigating the effect.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs a Generalized Method of Moment model and data from 45 developing countries covering the period between 2005 and 2021. The estimation covers a wide range of specifications.

Findings

The study finds that uncertainty undermines gender equality. However, economic management policies, public sector management and institutions and policies for social inclusion and equity directly promote gender equality, and indirectly moderate the effect of uncertainty on gender equality. The result also establishes the existence of a Gender Kuznets Hypothesis.

Originality/value

The study offers pioneering evidence on the nexus between uncertainty, gender equality, public policies and institutional qualities. It explores the direct and indirect relationship between these variables using 18 different measures. The study offers interesting insights and implications for the gender economics literature.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-11-2023-0892
Prototype strategy, market big data and identification of latent customer needs: an organizational learning perspective
Authors: Song Xi , Wei Zelong , Bao Yongchuan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Although the literature provides insights into the role of experiential learning based on prototypes in identification of latent customer need, it offers different views on the role of product prototypes in improving the efficacy of learning customer need, and also neglects the role of vicarious learning in prototype-based experiential learning. In a data-rich environment, market big data create new opportunities to learn from vicarious, digitalized experiences that are not observable with prototype-based learning. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare the effects of product prototype strategies – basic prototype strategy and enhanced prototype strategy – on identification of latent customer needs, and determine how each prototype strategy interacts with vicarious learning based on market big data to identify latent customer needs.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected data from 299 Chinese manufacturing firms via on-site surveys to explore our research question. All of our hypotheses were supported by the regression results.

Findings

This study finds that both the enhanced and basic prototype strategies (experiential learning from direct market experience based on prototyping) have positive effects on latent need identification, but the effect of enhanced prototypes is stronger. Furthermore, the enhanced and basic prototype strategies have different interaction effects with market big data (vicarious learning from indirect market experiences) on latent need identification.

Originality/value

This research extends the literature on prototype-based learning for latent need identification. It also contributes to the experiential prototype-based learning literature by exploring the role of vicarious learning based on market big data.
The golden zone of AI’s emotional expression in frontline chatbot service failures
Authors: Chen Qian , Gong Yeming , Lu Yaobin , Luo Xin (Robert)
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to identify the categories of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot service failures in frontline, and second, to examine the effect of the intensity of AI emotion exhibited on the effectiveness of the chatbots’ autonomous service recovery process.

Design/methodology/approach

We adopt a mixed-methods research approach, starting with a qualitative research, the purpose of which is to identify specific categories of AI chatbot service failures. In the second stage, we conduct experiments to investigate the impact of AI chatbot service failures on consumers’ psychological perceptions, with a focus on the moderating influence of chatbot’s emotional expression. This sequential approach enabled us to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative aspects for a comprehensive research perspective.

Findings

The results suggest that, from the analysis of interview data, AI chatbot service failures mainly include four categories: failure to understand, failure to personalize, lack of competence, and lack of assurance. The results also reveal that AI chatbot service failures positively affect dehumanization and increase customers’ perceptions of service failure severity. However, AI chatbots can autonomously remedy service failures through moderate AI emotion. An interesting golden zone of AI’s emotional expression in chatbot service failures was discovered, indicating that extremely weak or strong intensity of AI’s emotional expression can be counterproductive.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the burgeoning AI literature by identifying four types of AI service failure, developing dehumanization theory in the context of smart services, and demonstrating the nonlinear effects of AI emotion. The findings also offer valuable insights for organizations that rely on AI chatbots in terms of designing chatbots that effectively address and remediate service failures.
Impact of supply chain finance on the business risk of core enterprises: evidence from China
Authors: Zhao Zhenjun , Lei Wenkai
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between supply chain financing (SCF) and the business risks of core enterprises, the economic value of SCF for core enterprises and the motivation for core enterprises to participate in SCF. The authors also examine the mediating effects of financing constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes the panel data of 393 companies listed on the main board of the A-share market in China from 2011 to 2014 using fixed-effect and intermediary-effect models.

Findings

The development of SCF in core enterprises can significantly reduce business risk by alleviating financing constraints.

Research limitations/implications

The study sample is from China’s A-share market, which may limit the ability to generalize results. The indicators used to measure SCF primarily consider commercial credit, which may have affected the accuracy of the study.

Practical implications

This study provides a new basis for core enterprise managers in the manufacturing sector to conduct SCF and control business risks. SCF with small and medium-sized upstream and downstream enterprises can reduce business risks and enhance competitiveness, especially under financing constraints.

Originality/value

This study focuses on core enterprises, a topic less explored in academia. It examines the impact of SCF on their performance and the mediating role of financing constraints. This study offers a novel perspective on the SCF transmission mechanism of supply chain finance and provides new insights for core enterprises.
Should the pricing or advertising decision come first in a supply chain with a network externality?
Authors: Liang Jiami , Feng Jiejian , Liu Yalan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to study how the timing of these decisions affects the total profit and the individual profits of the two agents.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper study a supply chain for a network good where there is a manufacturer and a retailer. The manufacturer determines its wholesale price and its share in the retailer’s advertising cost while the retailer decides the retail price and the advertising cost.

Findings

This paper finds that a stronger network externality leads to higher prices and higher advertising efforts. This increases the profits of both manufacturer and retailer, but the manufacturer’s share of advertising costs depends on the order in which the supply chain enterprise make their decisions, the strength of network externality and the effect of advertising determines which decision timeline results in a higher price and greater advertising effort. The manufacturer prefers the price decision to be made before the advertising decision, while the retailer prefers these decisions to be made simultaneously.

Research limitations/implications

Although this paper studies the price and advertising decision-making order preferences of channel members based on network externalities, this research can also be expanded from the following aspects based on network effects. First, network externality affects advertising cooperation between both parties in the situation such that the pricing power of retail prices is transferred from the retailer to the manufacturer and the retailer relies on revenue sharing (revenue sharing contract, nonwholesale price contract. Second, the manufacturer dominates the issues in the supply chain, but in reality, a retailer can also be the dominator or there are no dominators (Nash equilibrium). Finally, it is possible to consider pricing and advertising decisions in situations where two manufacturers or retailers compete.

Practical implications

When the price is reasonable, advertising investment is the main determinant of product sales. The greater the intensity of network externalities the more retailers will be willing to invest in advertising. An increase in the intensity of network externalities may not necessarily enhance manufacturers’ motivation or cooperative advertising, but it depends on the decision-making sequence. The strength of network externalities determines the decision-making sequence preferences of supply chain channel members whose preferences vary leading to conflicts of interest.

Originality/value

The impact of cooperative advertising or decision sequence on corporate decision-making has not been considered. To fill this gap, the paper integrates network externality and supply chain cooperative advertising models, focusing on the impact of network externality on pricing and advertising decisions, as well as on the sequence of decisions.
Exploring the affordances of service robots and the effects on frontline employees in China: a qualitative research in hotels
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Chen Mengxi , Wang Zhiyan , Law Chun Hung Roberts , Zhang Mu
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the affordances of service robots (SRs) in hotels and their effects on frontline employees (FLEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Purposive and referral samplings methods were used to conduct 28 semistructured interviews with hotel FLEs, and the transcribed manuscript was analyzed based on grounded theory.

Findings

The study identifies six dimensions of SR affordances: physical, sensory, task, safety, social and emotional affordances. The main effects of SR affordances on FLEs involve reducing work stress and mental fatigue and increasing positive emotions in the psychological aspects of FLEs. In terms of behavioral aspects, shifts in task priorities and enhancements in SR usage behaviors were observed. Accordingly, a mechanistic framework was revealed through which SR affordances influence FLEs via direct and indirect interactions between FLEs and SRs.

Originality/value

This paper expands robotics research from a supply-side perspective and is one of the few studies to investigate SR affordances in the field of hospitality research. Findings of this study provide practical guidelines for designing and implementing SRs to support hotel FLEs in their daily work.
Religiosity as a buffer against the impact of abusive supervision on employee unethical behavior: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Arshad Muhammad , Qasim Neelam , Reynaud Emmanuelle , Farooq Omer
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This research seeks to examine the mitigating effect of religiosity on the relationship between abusive supervision and unethical behavior in employees, with moral disengagement serving as a mediating factor. Drawing on social cognitive theory, the study proposes an overarching moderated mediation framework to analyze this complex dynamic.

Design/methodology/approach

The testing of the model was based on hierarchical data obtained from 70 work units in services sector. Within this framework, 70 supervisors evaluated the unethical conduct of employees, while 700 employees assessed the abusive supervision they experienced and reported on their own moral disengagement and religiosity. For the analysis of both the measurement and the hypothesized models, multilevel modeling techniques in the Mplus software were utilized.

Findings

The study's findings indicate a direct positive link between abusive supervision and employees' unethical behavior, with moral disengagement mediating this relationship. Furthermore, the research discovered that abusive supervision leads to unethical behavior in employees through moral disengagement only in instances where their religiosity is low.

Originality/value

This research delves deeper by elucidating the role of moral disengagement in the dynamic between abusive supervision and unethical behavior. Diverging from prior research, this study uniquely highlights the moderating role of religiosity, showing its potential to weaken the impact of abusive supervision on unethical behavior in employees through moral disengagement.
Internal versus external CEO hires: key differences
Authors: Jaggia Sanjiv , Thosar Satish
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Historically, most CEOs were promoted from within the organization. The internal candidates offer continuity, are well known to the Board, and have deep institutional knowledge. However, if the Board is seeking changes to the firm’s strategy, operations, or culture, they turn to outside candidates with proven track records. Shareholders react positively to the announcement of an external successor but the longer-term evidence on the performance front is mixed. Most empirical studies have tended to focus on a narrow aspect of the hiring choice, whereas we undertake a more holistic examination involving various elements.

Design/methodology/approach

We consider the salience of the CEO hiring choice from several perspectives: educational background, gender, compensation, and firm performance. We use a propensity score matching approach to ensure comparability between internally promoted and externally hired CEOs. The observed covariates for the matching algorithm include firm size, CEO tenure, and industry sector.

Findings

We find that external CEOs are significantly more likely to have received their undergraduate degree from an elite institution, majored in a STEM discipline, and earned an MBA credential. They earn higher total compensation (with a higher proportion of equity-linked performance pay) but do not outperform in terms of the ROA or Tobin’s Q metrics. Gender does not appear to play a distinguishing role in the internal versus external hiring choice. We also do not detect significant differences in firm performance outcomes associated with educational pedigree, a STEM education, or an MBA credential, whether the CEO is internally promoted or hired externally.

Originality/value

Our paper contributes by providing novel evidence on the impact of educational background on external CEO hiring decisions. Our findings carry implications for testing hypotheses stemming from signaling theory and exploring the significant role of social networks associated with elite educational institutions. Also, the finding that externally appointed CEOs do not outperform their internally promoted counterparts may be noteworthy for corporate boards' hiring committees, especially when reviewing candidates who are edge cases.
Precision forecasting in perilous times: stock market predictions leveraging google trends and momentum indicators during COVID-19
Authors: Maddodi Srivatsa , Kunte Srinivasa Rao
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study explores the complex impact of COVID-19 on India's financial sector, moving beyond simplistic public health vs. economy views. We assess market vulnerabilities and analyze how public sentiment, measured through Google Trends, can predict stock market fluctuations. We propose a novel framework using Google Trends for financial sentiment analysis, aiming to improve understanding and preparedness for future crises.

Design/methodology/approach

Hybrid approach leverages Google Trends as sentiment tool, market data, and momentum indicators like Rate of Change, Average Directional Index and Stochastic Oscillator, to deliver accurate, market insights for informed investment decisions during pandemic.

Findings

Our study reveals that the pandemic significantly impacted the Indian financial sector, highlighting its vulnerabilities. Capitalizing on this insight, we built a ground-breaking predictive model with an impressive 98.95% maximum accuracy in forecasting stock market values during such events.

Originality/value

To the best of authors knowledge this model's originality lies in its focus on short-term impact, novel data fusion and methodology, and high accuracy.• Focus on short-term impact: Our model uniquely identifies and quantifies the fleeting effects of COVID-19 on market behavior.• Novel data fusion and framework: A novel framework of sentiment analysis was introduced in the form of Trend Popularity Index. Combining trend popularity index with momentum offers a comprehensive and dynamic approach to predicting market movements during volatile periods.• High predictive accuracy: Achieving the prediction accuracy (98.93%) sets this model apart from existing solutions, making it a valuable tool for informed decision-making.
Mental health and locus of control among Naga youth giving various competitive examinations
Authors: Suokhrie Razouneinuo , Longkumer Imlisongla
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Competitive examinations, especially in a country like India, are important in deciding careers and access to prestigious institutions. Each year thousands of youth appear for different national and state level examinations, the competition for which becomes progressively tougher. Hence, it is important to study the mental health of youth appearing for competitive examinations. Nagaland, with an unemployment rate of 19.3%, is among the states with the highest unemployment rate in India. Therefore, this paper aims to study Naga youth with special focus on three aspects, namely, the status of mental health, to examine locus of control and to examine the correlation between mental health and locus of control.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in Kohima town and Dimapur town respectively with a sample comprising of 196 youth. The participants were in the age range of 15–35 years. The tools used included the Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale, Mental Health Continuum (Short-form) and a demographic questionnaire.

Findings

A considerable proportion of the participants (36%) were found in flourishing category whereas majority of the participants were either moderately healthy (46%) or languishing (17%). Age and employment status were found to have a significant relationship with mental health whereas gender was found to have a significant relationship with locus of control. Pearson chi-square showed a significant association between mental health and locus of control.

Originality/value

The present study used the mental health continuum model and locus of control to give a comprehensive view of mental health and the perceived control among Naga youth appearing competitive examinations.
Microstructural, microhardness and electrical conductivity analysis of AD31T alloy processed by friction stir processing
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Kumar Pardeep , Kumar Navin , Agarwal Saumy
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This research aims to examine the impact of friction stir processing (FSP) treatment on an aluminum alloy, especially the AD31T alloy derived from the Al-Fe-Mg-Si system. The aim is to assess the influence of different processing techniques on the microstructure and physical and mechanical characteristics of the material, with a specific focus on structural and bulk imperfections inside the stir zone (SZ).

Design/methodology/approach

The study demonstrates that augmenting the linear velocity of the tool within the 25–100 mm/min range results in significant enhancements. The enhancements include a decrease in the heat-affected zone (HAZ), a reduction in the extent of volume defects inside the SZ and a more uniform deformation. The microstructural analysis results are corroborated by data acquired from microhardness and electrical conductivity studies, confirming the beneficial influence of modifying the tool’s linear velocity on the material parameters.

Findings

This study provides significant observations on the changes in microstructure and the generation of flaws throughout the process of FSP of AD31T alloy. These results have practical implications for improving the characteristics of the alloy and optimizing the production conditions.

Originality/value

All samples exhibit a distinct reduction in electrical conductivity within the initial third of the sample, aligning with the transitional region between the base metal (BM) and the HAZ. This underscores the importance of understanding the transitional zones during FSP.
Household food expenditures and socioeconomic status in relation to dietary nutrient intake in Iranian families
Authors: Saber Amir , Jabbari Maedeh , Sadeghi Fatemeh , Gholami Mohammad Saeed , Bagheri Amir , Rezaei Satar , Nachvak Seyed Mostafa
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Examining the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) and expenses spent on food preparation on nutritional intake has always been one of the critical concerns for policymakers. This study aims to investigate the association between household food expenditure as well as SES and dietary nutrient intake in Kermanshah, Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

In this cross-sectional study, households were randomly selected from different strict in Kermanshah, Iran. Data were collected with an SES questionnaire, a demographic data collection form, a weekly food purchase checklist and a food record. The authors performed the analysis of covariance to determine the relationship of dietary nutrient intake of study participants across quintile categories of SES and total food expenses per day.

Findings

Out of 125 households, 119 households including 401 people finished the study. A significant association was observed between higher SES and higher intake of vitamin B2 (p-value = 0.03). Moreover, the household members at the top level of total food expenses per day had significantly greater dietary nutrient intake of energy (p < 0.001), potassium (p < 0.001), magnesium (p < 0.001), calcium (p < 0.001), zinc (p < 0.001), vitamin B2 (p < 0.001), B6 (p < 0.001), B12 (p = 0.002) and vitamin C (p = 0.04).

Originality/value

In our study, higher dietary nutrient intake was observed in the household members at the highest level of total food expenses daily as well as SES. Therefore, governments and policymakers should pay basic attention to optimizing food costs and improving the economic status of people.
A novel planner framework compatible with various end-effector constraints
Authors: Wang Yahao , Li Yanghong , Li Zhen , He HaiYang , Chen Sheng , Dong Erbao
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Aiming at the problem of insufficient adaptability of robot motion planners under the diversity of end-effector constraints, this paper proposes Transformation Cross-sampling Framework (TC-Framework) that enables the planner to adapt to different end-effector constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

This work presents a standard constraint methodology for representing end-effector constraints as a collection of constraint primitives. The constraint primitives are merged sequentially into the planner, and a unified constraint input interface and constraint module are added to the standard sampling-based planner framework. This approach enables the realization of a generic planner framework that avoids the need to build separate planners for different end-effector constraints.

Findings

Simulation tests have demonstrated that the planner based on TC-framework can adapt to various end-effector constraints. Physical experiments have also confirmed that the framework can be used in real robotic systems to perform autonomous operational tasks. The framework’s strong compatibility with constraints allows for generalization to other tasks without modifying the scheduler, significantly reducing the difficulty of robot deployment in task-diverse scenarios.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a unified constraint method based on constraint primitives to enhance the sampling-based planner. The planner can now adapt to different end effector constraints by opening up the input interface for constraints. A series of simulation tests were conducted to evaluate the TC-Framework-based planner, which demonstrated its ability to adapt to various end-effector constraints. Tests on a physical experimental system show that the framework allows the robot to perform various operational tasks without requiring modifications to the planner. This enhances the value of robots for applications in fields with diverse tasks.
Additive manufacturing: a bespoke solution for drug delivery
Authors: Farin Moontaha , Maisha Jarin Tasnim , Gibson Ian , Arafat M. Tarik
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, has been used in the health-care industry for over two decades. It is in high demand in the health-care industry due to its strength to manufacture custom-designed and personalized 3D constructs. Recently, AM technologies are being explored to develop personalized drug delivery systems, such as personalized oral dosages, implants and others due to their potential to design and develop systems with complex geometry and programmed controlled release profile. Furthermore, in 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the first AM medication, Spritam® (Apprecia Pharmaceuticals) which has led to tremendous interest in exploring this technology as a bespoke solution for patient-specific drug delivery systems. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of AM technologies applied to the development of personalized drug delivery systems, including an analysis of the commercial status of AM based drugs and delivery devices.

Design/methodology/approach

This review paper provides a detailed understanding of how AM technologies are used to develop personalized drug delivery systems. Different AM technologies and how these technologies can be chosen for a specific drug delivery system are discussed. Different types of materials used to manufacture personalized drug delivery systems are also discussed here. Furthermore, recent preclinical and clinical trials are discussed. The challenges and future perceptions of personalized medicine and the clinical use of these systems are also discussed.

Findings

Substantial works are ongoing to develop personalized medicine using AM technologies. Understanding the regulatory requirements is needed to establish this area as a point-of-care solution for patients. Furthermore, scientists, engineers and regulatory agencies need to work closely to successfully translate the research efforts to clinics.

Originality/value

This review paper highlights the recent efforts of AM-based technologies in the field of personalized drug delivery systems with an insight into the possible future direction.
Developing writing productivity in a graduate support community
Authors: Yaylali Ali , Albrecht Sarah , Smith Kelly Jay , Shea Kate
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how doctoral students in education and applied linguistics fields successfully navigated graduate writing demands by participating in a support community that catalyzed writing productivity, peer mentoring and feedback. Guiding graduate students’ writing processes based on scholarly interests and providing peer support are vital to scholarly productivity and transition into academia.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a collaborative analytic autoethnographic case study design (Adams et al., 2022; Chang et al., 2013), the authors narrated major events that impacted their writing and publication experiences. The authors visualized their entire doctoral writing experience based on the frequency of writing events that contributed to writing productivity. In data triangulation discussions, the authors reflected on writing experiences.

Findings

Findings show that the support community alleviated individual struggles associated with writing a dissertation and high-quality papers. Key factors contributing to scholarly growth included nonevaluative peer support, feedback and shared academic resources. Writing within the periphery of faculty research and predominantly focusing on doctoral milestones led to individual scholarly interests being overshadowed. Without structured guidance, doctoral writers may develop initiatives to alleviate individual struggles and meet academic writing demands in the disciplines.

Research limitations/implications

The authors recommend including structured guidance on developing writing productivity and a personal research agenda in the early stages of the doctorate.

Originality/value

This study offers unique examples of how a student group supported writing productivity and socialization into the academic community. It illustrates the multifaceted nature of academic writing influenced by faculty–student relationships, peers and individual initiatives. This paper provides doctoral writers and graduate programs with examples of accomplishing academic publishing goals.
Analyzing public sentiment toward economic stimulus using natural language processing
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad Ashraful Ferdous , Abdullah Mohammad , Albashrawi Mousa
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate public sentiment toward economic stimulus using textual analysis. Specifically, it analyzes Twitter’s public opinion, emotion-based sentiment and topics related to COVID-19 economic stimulus packages.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies natural language processing techniques, such as sentiment analysis, t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding and semantic network analysis, to a global data set of 88,441 tweets from January 2020 to December 2021 extracted from the Twitter platform, discussing COVID-19 economic stimulus packages.

Findings

Results show that in the fourth quarter of 2021, there is a declining trend of positive sentiment (−5%) and an increasing trend of negative sentiment (14%), which may indicate the perceived inadequacy of COVID-19 stimulus measures. Topic modeling identifies seven topics, highlighting the necessity of stimulus in the education sector.

Practical implications

The big-data findings of this study provide a better understanding of public sentiment about economic stimulus for regulators and policymakers, which can help in formulating more effective fiscal and monetary policies.

Originality/value

Public sentiment is a significant concern for regulators because of its associated ambiguity, such as how to design stimulus packages and evaluate the effectiveness of previous measures. This study applies natural language processing, contributing to the growing literature on designing effective economic stimulus.
Cancer‐associated fibroblast‐derived circFARP1 modulates non–small cell lung cancer invasion and metastasis through the circFARP1/miR‐338‐3p/SOX4 axis
Authors: Zou Wailong , Li Yulin , Zhang Jia , Yang Rui , Yan Yaxin , Zhang Xin , Yan Lei , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Xinjun , Chen Jichao
Published: August 2024

The pleiotropic effect of cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) on tumour progression depends on the environment. circFARP1 is critical for CAFs‐induced gemcitabine (GEM) resistance in pancreatic cancer. Its specific role and mechanism in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not been reported yet. We prepared a cancer‐associated fibroblasts‐conditioned medium (CAF‐CM) to incubate the A549 cells. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect RNA levels. We detected protein expression by immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, western blot and immunofluorescence. We also detected the targeting impact between circFARP1, miR‐338‐3p and SRY‐box transcription factor 4 (SOX4) by using dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA pull‐down assays. We determined cell proliferation, migration and invasion capabilities through Cell Counting Kit‐8 and transwell assays. In addition, we measured tumour volume and weight in vivo by establishing a xenograft tumour model. CircFARP1 levels were remarkably high in the CAFs. The transfection experiments found that circFARP1 downregulation in CAFs caused migration, proliferation and invasion inhibition of CAFs and A549 cells, whereas inhibiting miR‐38‐3p or overexpressing SOX4 in CAFs could significantly reverse the inhibition. In vivo study in nude mice confirmed that CAFs could promote NSCLC tumour growth and knockdown of circFARP1 could inhibit tumour growth of NSCLC, whereas miR‐38‐3p downregulation or SOX4 overexpression could significantly reverse the inhibition. circFARP1 promotes NSCLC development by stimulating miR‐338‐3p/SOX4 signalling axis to regulate CAFs.
Intrapartum and postpartum antibiotic use in seven low‐ and middle‐income countries: Findings from the A‐PLUS trial
Authors: Saleem Sarah , Yasmin Haleema , Moore Janet L. , Rahim Anum , Shakeel Iram , Lokangaka Adrien , Tshefu Antoinette , Bauserman Melissa , Mwenechanya Musaku , Chomba Elwyn , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Kavi Avinash , Derman Richard J. , Krebs Nancy F. , Figueroa Lester , Mazariegos Manolo , Nyongesa Paul , Bucher Sherri , Esamai Fabian , Patel Archana , Waikar Manjushree , Shivkumar Poonam , Hibberd Patricia L. , Petri William A. , Billah Sk Masum , Haque Rashidul , Carlo Waldemar A. , Tita Alan , Koso‐Thomas Marion , Hemingway‐Foday Jennifer , McClure Elizabeth M. , Goldenberg Robert L.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To describe the intrapartum and postpartum use of non‐study antibiotics in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) during the double‐blinded NICHD Global Network Azithromycin in Labor (A‐PLUS) trial.

Design

The antibiotic use sub‐study was a planned prospective, observational sub‐study of the A‐PLUS trial.

Settings

The study was carried out in hospitals or health centres affiliated with eight sites of the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research (Global Network) in seven countries: Bangladesh, Pakistan, India (two sites), Kenya, Zambia, The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Guatemala.

Population

Totally, 29 278 pregnant women enrolled in the A‐PLUS trial.

Methods

We collected data on 29 278 pregnant women admitted to a facility for delivery related to non‐study antibiotic use overall and during three time periods: (1) in the facility prior to delivery, (2) after delivery until facility discharge and (3) after discharge to 42 days post‐partum.

Main Outcome Measures

Non‐study antibiotic use overall and for treatment or prophylaxis by the site during the three time periods.

Results

Of the 29 278 women in the study, 5020 (17.1%; 95% CI 16.7%–17.6%) received non‐study antibiotics in the facility prior to delivery, 11 956 (40.8%; 95% CI 40.3%–41.4%) received non‐study antibiotics in the facility after delivery, and 13 390 (47.6%; 95% CI 47.0%–48.2%) women received non‐study antibiotics after delivery and after facility discharge. Antibiotics were prescribed more often among women in the Asian and Guatemalan sites than in the African sites. In the three time‐periods, among those receiving antibiotics, prophylaxis was the indication in 82.3%, 97.7% and 90.7% of the cases, respectively. The type of antibiotics used varied substantially by time‐period and site, but generally, penicillin‐type drugs, cephalosporin‐type drugs and metronidazole were used more frequently than other types.

Conclusions

Across the eight sites of the Global Network, in the facility before delivery, and in the post‐partum periods before and after facility discharge, antibiotics were used frequently, but use was highly variable by site and time‐period.
Servant Leadership and Work–Family Conflict: The Dual Mediation Effects of Thriving at Work and Workaholism
Authors: Xu Yan , Hu Wei , Liu Doudou
Published: August 2024

Extant research has uniformly demonstrated that servant leadership is beneficial for followers, teams, and even organizations. Drawing upon social information processing theory and social exchange theory, we challenge this prevalent conclusion by analyzing the dual impact mechanism of servant leadership on followers' work–family conflict. A total of 402 Chinese working adults responded to a three‐wave online questionnaire survey. The results revealed that: on the one hand, servant leadership can enhance thriving at work and reduce the work–family conflict of subordinates; on the other hand, servant leadership can also trigger workaholism in subordinates, which can increase work–family conflict. Traditionality of followers moderates the dual mechanism of servant leadership on work–family conflict. This study reveals the benefits and perils of servant leadership and the important role that traditionality plays in this unique leadership process.
Phytochemical profile, bioactivity, and molecular docking studies of natural edible mushrooms grown in Tokat and Sivas provinces of Turkey
Authors: Bayram Onur Furkan , Marah Sarmed , Turkekul Ibrahim , Ozen Tevfik
Published: August 2024

Mushrooms have been essential to the human diet because they contain balanced chemical components and some biologically active substances. In this work, we investigated the phenolics, essential oils, metal contents, antioxidant, antibacterial, DNA protective, and enzyme inhibition activities for Clitocybe geotropa, Ramaria aurea, Rhizopogon luteolus (RL), Russula delica (RD), Verpa bohemica, and Marasmius oreades mushrooms. Results exhibited a higher content for citric and succinic acids in all tested kinds. Further, we detected a high content of cis‐9‐oleic acid, linoleate, and cis‐11‐eicosanoate. All mushroom species contain a significant percentage of both Cu and Zn. Moreover, RL and RD recorded the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents. Furthermore, all samples showed standard to good antioxidant activity, and the same is true for the antibacterial and DNA protective activities. Enzyme inhibition activity was generally high and significantly higher against the urease than the thiourea. We applied molecular docking between the highest phenolic molecules with the urease to determine the mushroom extracts’ high inhibition mechanism. In conclusion, all mushroom species revealed a variety in chemical content that is probably related to their multi‐bioactivity.
Prospective study of 99mTc‐3PRGD2 SPECT/CT diagnosing metastatic lymph nodes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xiaojin , Liu Guichao , Li Zhanyu , Shi Jiyun , Liang Mingzhu , Fu Guining , Lv Liangzhan , Ju Shaolong , Wang Yin , Xu Wenhua , Wang Fan , Cao Qingdong , Shan Hong
Published: August 2024

Background

Lymph node (LN) metastasis is a significant prognostic factor for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and there are no satisfactory methods for accurately predicting metastatic LNs. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of 99mTc‐3PRGD2 single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) for diagnosing metastatic LNs in ESCC.

Methods

A total of 15 enrolled patients with ESCC underwent 99mTc‐3PRGD2 SPECT/CT and 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (18F‐FDG PET/CT) examinations preoperatively. High‐definition bone carving reconstruction technology (HD‐xSPECT Bone) was applied to quantitatively assess the LN's SUVmax via SPECT/CT. The two methods were compared for diagnosing metastatic LNs with pathology as the gold standard.

Results

Among 15 patients, 23 metastatic lymph node stations (mLNSs) were predicted by SPECT/CT, with a mean SUVmax of 2.71 ± 1.34, of which 15 were pathologically confirmed; 32 mLNSs were predicted by PET/CT with a mean SUVmax of 4.41 ± 4.02, of which 17 were pathologically confirmed. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of SPECT/CT for diagnosing metastatic LNs were 62.50%, 91.30%, 85.34%, 65.22%, and 90.32%, respectively, and those of PET/CT were 70.83%, 83.70%, 81.03%, 53.13%, and 91.67%, respectively. There was no significant difference in sensitivity (p = 0.061) or specificity (p = 0.058) between the two methods. The AUCSPECT/CT was 0.816 and the SUVmax threshold was 2.5.

Conclusion

99mTc‐3PRGD2 SPECT/CT might be an effective method for diagnosing metastatic LNs in ESCC, especially in combination with HD‐xSPECT Bone. The diagnostic efficiency of this method was noninferior to that of 18F‐FDG PET/CT. The SUVmax threshold of 2.5 showed the highest agreement with the pathology findings.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome Nephropathy Occurs in Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Ji Chao , Wang Yakun , Zhai Xiaoxiao , Ji Guoxin
Published: August 2024

Objective

This paper presents an analysis of the pregnancy trajectory and therapeutic regimen documentation of a primigravida with APSN. It aims at communicating the therapeutic approach and preventive measures for APSN in pregnancy.

Case Presentation

This paper reports the trajectory and therapeutic regimen documentation of a primigravida with APSN. The APSN was discovered in a primigravida woman aged 26 years at 11 weeks of gestation. The initial therapy regimen consists of daily administration of prednisone 10 mg, hydroxychloroquine 200 mg, dapparin 5000 IU, and aspirin 50 mg. At a gestational age of 20 + 3 weeks, the dosage of dapparin was modified to 5000 IU/other day, along with a significant rise in urinary protein level seen at 30 + 3 weeks of gestational age. The initial dosage of dapanin sodium was renewed. The patient delivered at 38 + 3 weeks of gestation without other complications.

Conclusion

It is imperative to acknowledge that altering the dosage and administration of medication should not be done haphazardly during pregnancy.
The first isotopic evidence of Early Iron Age lead ore exploitation in the Silesian‐Krakow upland, Poland: a provenance study of Lusatian culture lead ornaments
Authors: Miśta‐Jakubowska E. , Dzięgielewski K. , Rozmus D. , Czech‐Błońska R. , Szymaszkiewicz M. , Michnik M. , Gójska A. , Karasiński J. , Garbacz‐Klempka A. , Wagner B. , Duczko W.
Published: August 2024

The Bronze and Early Iron Ages witnessed a significant increase in trade relations driven by the search for valuable metals. This paper presents new insights into the use of galena from the Silesia and Krakow Upland region in southern Poland, known as the ‘Olkusz ore deposits’, within the context of metal ores in prehistoric Europe. Eleven lead‐based ornaments from Lusatian Urnfield Culture cemeteries were examined using lead isotope analysis. The majority of these ornaments were found to be made from local ore, which provides evidence for the early exploitation of Olkusz lead deposits dating back 1,000 years earlier than previously known from archaeological artefacts.
The politics of the minimum wage: Explaining introduction and levels
Authors: Kozák Michal , Picot Georg
Published: August 2024

There is much economics research on the effects of minimum wages, but little research on their politics. Yet, ever more advanced capitalist democracies have introduced minimum wages, and the setting of minimum wage levels has become increasingly politicized. This article is the first comprehensive study of the politics of the minimum wage: We analyse the determinants of adopting minimum wages as well as what explains variation in their levels over time, based on a dataset of 33 OECD countries from 1960 to 2017. We find that the decline in collective bargaining is the main driving force behind the introduction of ever more minimum wages. At the same time, left‐wing parties in government are most likely to adopt a minimum wage when bargaining coverage is low. Left governments are also associated with higher minimum wages, especially when the government has full control over level‐setting.
The ‘Prostate Embolisation AS first‐line therapY compAred to meDication in treatment naïVe men with prostAte eNlargement, a randomised ControllEd trial’ (P‐EASY ADVANCE): a randomised controlled trial of prostate embolisation vs medication for BPH
Authors: Brown Nicholas , Kiosoglous Anthony , Castree Stephanie , Firouzmand Sepinoud , McBean Rhiannon , Walker Duncan G. , Wallace Sean , Kua Boon , Gianduzzo Troy , Esler Rachel C. , Campbell Peter , Schoeman Joseph , Yaxley John
Published: August 2024

Objective

To compare prostate artery embolisation (PAE) to the combination of tamsulosin and dutasteride therapy as a potential first‐line therapy for obstructive benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in treatment‐naïve patients in the ‘Prostate Embolisation AS first‐line therapY compAred to meDication in treatment naïVe men with prostAte eNlargement, a randomised ControllEd trial’ (P‐EASY ADVANCE).

Patients and Methods

A total of 39 men with enlarged prostates, moderate–severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and obstructed/equivocal urodynamic studies (UDS), and who had no prior treatment for BPH, were randomised to receive either combined medical therapy with tamsulosin and dutasteride (medication) or PAE. Follow‐up UDS, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), uroflowmetry and ultrasound were performed at short‐ to medium‐term intervals following interventions and compared to baseline.

Results

The medication and PAE treatment groups had similar baseline characteristics, including prostate volumes (87.8 and 85.4 mL respectively), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax; 6.5 and 6.6 mL/s, respectively), IPSS (19.5 and 21, respectively) and obstructed UDS (79% and 74%, respectively). Both interventions improved voiding and bladder outflow obstruction from baseline, with more patients unobstructed after PAE (63%) compared to medication (28%) (P = 0.03). PAE patients had significantly greater reductions in prostate size (P < 0.001), incomplete emptying (P = 0.002), total IPSS (P = 0.032), Qmax (P = 0.006) and quality of life (P = 0.001). Altered ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and nausea were more common in the medication group.

Conclusion

Prostate artery embolisation was more effective than combined medical therapy at reducing urinary obstruction, decreasing prostate volume and improving LUTS in patients with BPH who had not previously been treated. This is the first randomised control study to compare PAE and combined medical therapy in exclusively treatment‐naïve patients and raises the potential of PAE as an alternative early treatment option for BPH. Further randomised comparative trials are planned to further validate the role of PAE in mitigating obstructive BPH.