bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumers’ lodging intentions during a pandemic: empirical insights for crisis management practices based on protection motivation theory and expectancy theory
Authors: Fan Alei , Kline Sheryl F. , Liu Yiran , Byrd Karen
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Drawing on protection motivation theory (PMT) and expectancy theory, this study aims to investigate consumers’ lodging consumption intentions during a pandemic crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The research survey was conducted during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (August, 2020) in the USA to investigate consumers’ lodging intentions amidst the pandemic crisis. PLS-SEM and multiple regression were conducted to explore answers to proposed research questions.

Findings

The research finds that, during the pandemic crisis, consumers’ lodging consumption intentions are subject to both their internal protection motivation evaluations and the external prevention practices implemented by the lodging facilities regardless of property types and travel purposes. Notably, the research finds that consumers are willing to make efforts and pay extra for a safe stay at lodging facilities.

Research limitations/implications

This research contributes to the literature regarding the applications of PMT and expectancy theory from a crisis management perspective, and it provides implications and guidelines to the crisis management practices in the lodging industry.

Originality/value

The current research examines the specific protection motivation appraisal factors and prevention practices significantly impacting consumers’ decisions in terms of willingness to stay at various lodging facilities (hotels and non-hotel homestay/short-term rental properties) for different purposes (business and leisure) and to pay premiums for a safe stay.
The effect of investor sentiment and the structure of shareholder ownership on corporate investment
Authors: Li Hui , Grundy Bruce
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relations amongst investor sentiment, the structure of shareholder ownership and corporate investment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a theoretical model, proposes hypotheses based on the predictions of the model and conducts empirical tests. The primary method is panel regression with fixed effects. The sample covers the US data for the period between 1980 and 2018.

Findings

This paper finds that firms with a higher proportion of retail investors invest more than otherwise similar firms. In the low-sentiment periods, the financially constrained firms invest less than the non-financially constraint firms. The positive effect of residual retail ownership on the investment level is higher for firms with a higher idiosyncratic risk.

Practical implications

The results suggest that larger share ownership of the relatively informed institutional investors may serve as a mechanism that could reduce the degree of overinvestment caused by higher investor sentiment and the over-optimistic of the relatively uninformed investors.

Originality/value

This paper provides an incremental theoretical and empirical contribution to the relations amongst investor sentiment, corporate investment and the structure of shareholder ownership.
Changes in knowledge coupling and innovation performance: the moderation effect of network cohesion
Authors: Jin Na , Yang Naiding , Fawad Sharif Sayed Muhammad , Li Ruimeng
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Collaborative research and development have remained a pertinent mechanism for conducting technological innovations. With the lens of knowledge-based view (KBV), this study aims to examine the role of changes in knowledge couplings and network cohesion to elevate innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data analysis has been performed on 53,459 patents through regression analysis with random effects. These independent and joint patents are extracted from Derwent Innovation Database.

Findings

Findings explicate that change in external existing or existing and new knowledge couplings have inverted U-shaped effects on a firm’s innovation performance. Changes in internal existing or existing and new knowledge couplings have direct positive effects on firm’s innovation performance. The moderation effect of network cohesion flattens the inverted U-shaped effect of external new and existing knowledge coupling, whereas it has no significant effect on external existing knowledge coupling. Network cohesion further elevates the effects of internal knowledge couplings – existing or existing and new.

Research limitations/implications

This study theoretically contributes to KBV and innovation management literature by highlighting the scope of changes in internal and external knowledge couplings and subsequent output. Network cohesion flattens the curviness of changes in external new and existing knowledge couplings, which is a contribution to strategic management literature.

Practical implications

Organizations need to carefully manage changes in knowledge couplings and ensure their benefits (obtain new knowledge domain or new combination) outweigh liabilities (damages to organizational routines or increase in collaboration costs). Managers must consider four kinds of knowledge coupling changes along with developing network cohesion as an R&D strategy.

Originality/value

This study is one of its types to flatten the curve through network cohesion. This study divided the changes in knowledge coupling into four types and two dimensions; external existing and new and existing knowledge couplings and internal existing and new and existing knowledge couplings.
Impact of multisensory extended reality on tourism experience journey
Authors: Santoso Halim Budi , Wang Jyun-Cheng , Windasari Nila Armelia
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The use of extended reality (XR) to create memorable experiences has attracted considerable attention, especially in tourism. Multisensory XR offers a new way of virtually previewing a destination before physical holidays. This study aims to explore how multisensory XR can be used at each stage of the tourism experience journey. This study established a model for how destination-image formation is affected by multisensory XR in each phase of tourism experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines to review studies published between 2013 and 2020, gathered from four research databases. The authors identified the predominant XR technology and sensory stimuli based on the characteristics of various tourism domains. The authors synthesized the previous studies to explain destination-image formation by using multisensory XR.

Findings

This study summarized the XR study distribution among the three stages of the tourism experience journey. The authors identified the predominant sensory stimuli and dominant XR application and developed a destination-image formation model by using multisensory XR.

Originality/value

This study highlights the holistic approach of multisensory XR in the tourism experience journey in relation to various tourism domains. It also contributes to destination-image formation in the virtual environment by providing multisensory experiences of predominant sensory stimuli at each stage.
Integrating financial literacy into economics courses through digital tools: the Finlite app
Authors: Yin Yin Khoo , Yusof Rohaila , Abe Yumiko
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the effect of the Finlite mobile app on the financial literacy of undergraduate business students in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quasi-experimental pre-intervention design. The data are collected using a quiz and a questionnaire. Cluster sampling is adopted for three different zones in Malaysia. A total of 400 business students enrolled in economics courses participated in the intervention.

Findings

The results indicate that Finlite significantly promotes students’ savings intentions, practices, decision-making, accountability, values and financial literacy. All results are analyzed based on gender and race. However, Finlite does not significantly help overcome students’ financial issues such as credit card debt and poor spending behavior.

Practical implications

Financial literacy may be efficiently promoted through digital tools integrated into economics courses. Young adults can make optimal financial decisions after graduation. Future research should explore different courses, addressing undergraduate and high-school students.

Originality/value

Previous studies predominantly examine attitudes and behaviors related to financial literacy. In contrast, this study measures the ex post impact of the Finlite mobile app on savings intentions, practices, decision-making, accountability, ability to overcome financial issues and value for money.
In search of fit or authenticity? A product-type consumer decision in celebrity brand extensions
Authors: Osorio María Lucila , Centeno Edgar , Cambra-Fierro Jesús , del Castillo Ernesto
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Celebrity-branded products constitute a brand extension growing phenomenon. Authenticity may explain why some of these offerings are successful despite low perceived fit, a traditional measure for brand extension acceptance. The purpose of this paper is to propose and test a framework based on the meaning transfer model that depicts the effects of brand extension authenticity, brand extension fit and idol attachment on the valuation of such offerings. An exploration of both functional and hedonic extensions is provided to control for product-type variables.

Design/methodology/approach

Scenario-based survey data from a general population (n = 646) was collected and analyzed with ordinary least squares regressions.

Findings

Brand extension authenticity is a significant antecedent of brand extension success in both product types, and brand extension fit is the most relevant antecedent only in functional extensions. Idol attachment exerts less influence than fit and authenticity in the functional extension. However, its relevance considerably improves in the hedonic extension.

Originality/value

A better understanding of consumers’ responses to celebrity brand extensions is essential to the branding literature. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to consider brand extension authenticity as a predictor of celebrity brand extension success and advances our knowledge of consumer behavior in relation to celebrities as brands and their products as brand extensions. The conceptual and empirical relevance of brand extension authenticity is demonstrated, highlighting its predictive power when compared with brand extension fit and idol attachment in a celebrity brand extension model, and a boundary condition related to product typology is uncovered.
The effect of perceived scarcity on strengthening the attitude–behavior relation for sustainable luxury products
Authors: Park Jaewoo , Eom Hyo Jin , Spence Charles
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether, and how, perceived product scarcity strengthens the attitude–behavior relation in the case of sustainable luxury products.

Design/methodology/approach

Three online studies were conducted to examine the moderating role of perceived product scarcity on the attitude–willingness to pay (WTP) relationship in the case of sustainable luxury products. A preliminary study (n = 208) examined the existence of an attitude–WTP gap toward a sustainable luxury product (i.e. a bag). Study 1 (n = 171) investigated the moderating effect of perceived scarcity induced by a limited quantity message on the relationship between consumer attitude and the WTP for a sustainable luxury product (i.e. a pair of shoes). Study 2 (n = 558) replicated these findings using a different product category (i.e. a wallet) while controlling for demographic variables and examined the moderating role of consumer characteristics on the scarcity effect.

Findings

Consumers’ perceived scarcity for sustainable luxury products positively moderated the relationship between product attitudes and their WTP for the products. The moderating effect of perceived scarcity was significant for consumers regardless of their tendency toward socially responsible consumption and their preference for product innovativeness. Meanwhile, the scarcity effect was influenced by the consumers’ attitude toward the brand of sustainable products.

Practical implications

This research provides empirical evidence for marketers with clear managerial implications concerning how to immediately promote consumers’ acceptance of sustainable luxury products.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the role of scarcity strategy on strengthening the attitude–behavior relation for sustainable luxury products.
Aligned but not integrated: UK academic library support to mental health and well-being during COVID-19
Authors: Cox Andrew , Brewster Liz
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To discover how UK academic libraries sought to support student mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was from a 24-question survey of UK universities distributed in May 2021 which received 56 responses from 47 different Higher Education Institution libraries. Descriptive statistics are combined with thematic analysis of open text comments.

Findings

Libraries were undertaking a wide range of activities, targeted chiefly at students and broadcast via Twitter, other social media and library web sites. The problem being addressed was the stresses of studying in the context of the pivot online and isolation caused by social distancing. Digital well-being seemed also to be an increased concern. COVID-19 had proved the value of digital support but created a number of challenges such as loss of physical space, communication barriers and lack of extra resource. The role had a somewhat informal place in the organisation. Overall library activities were aligned but not strongly integrated into institutional efforts.

Research limitations/implications

This was a study in one specific national context with a relatively limited number of total responses. There could be a non-response bias where respondents were doing more than was typical in the sector.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first papers to gather sector wide data and move beyond case studies of what individual libraries due to support to mental health and well-being. It also offers a case study of the impacts of COVID-19 on management pointing to its catalysing the digital shift, creating constraints on resources and communication and prompting the emergence of staff well-being as a consideration in management decision making.
Thematic analysis without paradox: sensemaking and context
Authors: Ozuem Wilson , Willis Michelle , Howell Kerry
Published: January 2022

Purpose

In this paper, the authors underpin thematic analysis with a philosophical and methodological dimension and present a nuanced perspective on the application of thematic analysis in a data-driven context. Thematic analysis is a widely used qualitative analytic method; it is perceived as a transparent approach that offers single meaning. However, through Husserlian descriptive phenomenology, this paper aims to examine issues regarding subject/object and multidimensional meanings and realities.

Design/methodology/approach

In most extant studies, thematic analysis has become a prescriptive approach. This emerging qualitative approach has been applied to a range of studies on social and organisational issues, knowledge management and education. However, despite its wide usage, researchers are divided as to its effectiveness. Many choose quantitative approaches as an alternative, and some disagree as to what counts as the definitive framework and process for thematic analysis. Consequently, the authors provide a level of validity for thematic analysis through emphasising a specific methodological approach based on ontological and epistemological positions.

Findings

Contrary to the common mantra from contemporary qualitative researchers who claim thematic analysis is often based on a static and enduring approach, the current paper highlights the dynamic nature of a thematic analytic approach and offers a deeper understanding of the ways in which researchers can use the right approach to understand the emerging complex data context.

Originality/value

Several insights regarding the literature on thematic analysis were identified, including the current conceptualisation of thematic analysis as a dynamic approach. Understanding thematic analysis through phenomenology provides a basis on which to undertake a whole range of inclusive approaches that were previously undifferentiated from a quantitative perspective.
Study of anisotropy through microscopy, internal friction and electrical resistivity measurements of Ti-6Al-4V samples fabricated by selective laser melting
Authors: Nespoli Adelaide , Bennato Nicola , Villa Elena , Passaretti Francesca
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the microstructural anisotropy of Ti-6Al-4V samples fabricated by selective laser melting.

Design/methodology/approach

Specimens are fabricated through a Renishaw AM400 selective laser melting machine. Three microstructures (as-built, 850°C annealed and 1,050°C annealed) and two building orientations, parallel (PA) and perpendicular (PE) to the building platform, are considered. Starting from in-depth microscopic observations and comprehensive electron backscattered diffraction imaging, the study addresses non-conventional techniques such as internal friction and electrical resistivity measurements to assess the anisotropy of the fabricated parts.

Findings

Microscope observations highlight a fine texture with columnar grains parallel to the building direction in the as-built and 850°C annealed samples. Besides, coarse grains characterized the 1,050°C annealed specimens. Internal friction measurements pointed out the presence of internal stress while storage modulus analyses appear sensitive to texture. Electrical resistivity is resulted to be dependent on grain orientation.

Originality/value

The work uses some novel characterization techniques to study the anisotropy and internal stresses of Ti-6Al-4V samples processed by selective laser melting. Mechanical spectroscopy results suitable in this kind of study, as it mimics the operating conditions of the material.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on knowledge sharing in UK higher education
Authors: Kazemian Shakiba , Grant Susan Barbara
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to explore “content” factors influencing consumptive and contributive use of enterprise social networking within UK higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology uses genre analysis and grounded theory to analyse empirical data from posts obtained through Microsoft Yammer and a focus group.

Findings

The findings reveal the motivators-outcomes-strategies and the barriers-outcomes-strategies of users. Motivators (M) include feature value, Information value, organizational requirement and adequate organizational and technical support. Barriers (B) include six factors, including resisting engagement on the online platform, emotional anxiety, loss of knowledge, the lack of organizational pressure, lack of content quality and lack of time. An Outcomes (O) framework reveals benefits and dis-benefits and strategies (S) relating to improving user engagement.

Practical implications

The research method and resultant model may serve as guidelines to higher educational establishments interested in motivating their staff and scholars around the use of enterprise social network (ESN) systems, especially during face-to-face restrictions.

Originality/value

This research study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic which provides a unique setting to examine consumptive and contributive user behaviour of ESN’s. Furthermore, the study develops a greater understanding of “content” factors leading to the benefits or dis-benefits of ESN use, drawing on user motivators, barriers and strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic in UK education.
Crowding after sudden habitat loss affects demography and social structure in a bat population
Authors: Amorim Francisco , Pita Ricardo , Mata Vanessa A. , Beja Pedro , Rebelo Hugo
Published: January 2022

The sudden loss of habitats due to natural or anthropogenic disturbances causes displacement of mobile animals from affected areas to refuge habitats, where large but often transitory concentrations of individuals may occur. While these local density increases have been previously described, the hypothesis that crowding disrupts demographic processes remains largely untested.

Here we used the sudden flooding of a river valley by a hydroelectric reservoir as a quasi‐experiment to investigate the consequences of crowding on demography, fecundity and social structure in the European free‐tailed bat Tadarida teniotis.

We monitored bat populations at roosts near and far from the flooded area, before (2013–2014), during (2015) and after (2016) habitat flooding. We assessed population demographic parameters using Capture–Mark–Recapture (CMR) models (3,821 PIT‐tagged individuals), and used genetic relatedness among individuals (1,407 individuals genotyped for 14 microsatellite markers) to infer changes in social structure.

Habitat loss through flooding was associated with significant but transitory increases in the number of bats using nearby roosts. This may be related to the higher probability of individuals arriving at those roosts during flooding, together with increases in individual local residency through time, particularly among males. Individual apparent survival was highest during flooding and lowest in the following year, while the probability of leaving a roost safe from flooding was higher near the impact area than farther away. Crowding did not negatively affect fecundity, but the arrival of new individuals led to changes in social structure as revealed by lower genetic relatedness between individuals after disturbance at roosts near the flooding area, but not in those farther afield.

Our study documents a clear example of crowding effects, suggesting that bats losing roosts due to a hydroelectric reservoir moved to alternative roosts, where local increases in population size and the arrival of new individuals reduced genetic relatedness and apparent survival, but not fecundity. These results support the hypothesis that crowding after habitat loss can disrupt population processes, even though effects may be subtle and short‐lived. Also, they point out the need to duly consider crowding effects when assessing and mitigating anthropogenic impacts on animal populations.
Improvisation and Innovation in Teams: The Jazz Effect
Authors: Audretsch David B. , Belitski Maksim , Bui Hong T. M. , Herzig Monika
Published: January 2022

While numerous models examine the linkages between improvisation and innovation, the factors that moderate this relationship at the team level are unknown. Consequently, this study builds on principles and insights from the jazz jam session framework used by jazz musicians and regression analysis to examine the nature of the improvisation process and consider how it affects innovation. By using unbalanced panel data on 2,749 teams containing between two and eight employees in the United Kingdom during 2002–2016, this study demonstrates that the success of the improvisation process relies on both internal and external factors conducive to innovation. Subsequently, the conclusions drawn may help entrepreneurs and team managers think differently about the role improvisation plays in the innovation activity. As a result, important practical implications are drawn for team managers and entrepreneurs intending to cultivate a willingness to improvise in teams and nurture collaborative relationships with external partners for innovation.
The unbearable heaviness of being Kri: house construction and ethnolinguistic transformation in upland Laos
Authors: Zuckerman Charles H.P. , Enfield N.J.
Published: January 2022

Kri people in central Laos traditionally engage in ‘heavy’ practices, including a stipulation that houses must be relocated and the flooring discarded upon a death in the family. Such ‘heavy’ practices are considered ‘real Kri’, and they are not adhered to by those who identify as Kri Phòòngq. This article examines the adoption of more enduring housing construction among the Kri, and the dynamics of ethnic identity implied by the dilemmas raised for individuals and families who must choose between (a) maintaining the heavy life of real Kri, (b) innovating new and less heavy solutions, or (c) changing identity entirely.
Circ_0007385 regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis and stemness via targeting miR‐493‐3p/RAB22A axis in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ding Dongxiao , Yang Feng , Chen Zhongjie , Ying Junjie
Published: January 2022

Background

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common cancer in the United States. Previous studies have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) can affect NSCLC progression, but its regulatory mechanism is still indistinct. In this study, we unfold the roles of circular RNA_0007385 in NSCLC tissues and cells.

Methods

Expression levels of circ_0007385, microRNA‐493‐3p (miR‐493‐3p) and Ras‐related protein Rab‐22A (RAB22A) were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) in NSCLC tissues and cells. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and stemness were examined by cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, flow cytometry analysis and sphere‐formation assay. The interaction between miR‐493‐3p and circ_0007385 or RAB22A was forecasted by bioinformatic analysis and detected by dual‐luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pulldown assays. In vivo experiments were implemented to verify the effect of circ_0007385 in vivo.

Results

Expression of circ_0007385 and RAB22A increased, whereas miR‐493‐3p level was decreased in NSCLC tissues in contrast to that in normal tissues. For functional analysis, circ_0007385 deficiency inhibited cell proliferation and stemness, whereas it promoted cell apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Mechanically, circ_0007385 acted as a miR‐493‐3p sponge to modulate RAB22A expression. Moreover, circ_0007385 could regulate the development of NSCLC by sponging miR‐493‐3p to regulate the expression of RAB22A. In addition, circ_0007385 silence also attenuated tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions

Circ_0007385 promoted NSCLC progression by sponging miR‐493‐3p to increase RAB22A expression, which also offered an underlying targeted therapy for NSCLC treatment.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test for the measurement of deterioration and recovery of health status of patients undergoing lung surgery
Authors: Huang Chun‐Yao , Hsieh Min‐Shiau , Wu Yao‐Kuang , Hsieh Po‐Chun , Yang Mei‐Chen , Tzeng I‐Shiang , Lan Chou‐Chin
Published: January 2022

Background

Patients with early lung cancer often undergo surgery. However, surgery usually results in a decline in health‐related quality of life (HRQL). Several questionnaires have previously been used to assess HRQL but some are impractical for clinical use. The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (CAT) is simple and has been widely used in respiratory diseases but not for lung cancer. We therefore conducted this study to clarify the role of the CAT in postoperative deterioration and recovery of HRQL.

Methods

Fifty‐five patients who underwent lung resection were recruited into the study. Cardiopulmonary exercise tests and respiratory muscle strength were performed 1 week before surgery (pre‐OP) and at post‐OP 1 month. HRQL was assessed through the CAT and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30) 1 week pre‐OP and post‐OP 1 and at 2 months.

Results

Fifteen (27.3%) patients underwent wedge resection, four (7.3%) underwent segmentectomy, and 36 (65.5%) underwent lobectomy. After lobectomy, exercise capacity decreased significantly. The deterioration of CAT symptoms (cough, phlegm, chest tightness, dyspnea, activity, confidence, sleep disturbance, and lack of energy) was more prominent in patients who had undergone lobectomy than wedge resection. Based on the EORTC QLQ‐C30, physical, role function, fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, dyspnea, and global health status worsened significantly, whereas there was no significant difference in other symptoms. HRQL recovered at post‐OP 2 months in patients who had undergone wedge resection but not lobectomy.

Conclusions

Postoperative HRQL and exercise capacity in patients were significantly reduced, especially those who had undergone lobectomy. The CAT significantly reflected postoperative changes in HRQL.
Household livelihood diversification in rural Africa
Authors: Musumba Mark , Palm Cheryl A. , Komarek Adam M. , Mutuo Patrick K. , Kaya Bocary
Published: January 2022

Diversification is a common livelihood strategy for rural households in developing countries, with diversification being either a choice or necessity depending on individual household contexts. Using two waves of data (from 2009 and 2011) for 1773 households from eight countries in sub‐Saharan Africa, we examined livelihood diversification and its drivers. We examined livelihood diversification by considering household involvement in three livelihood activities: crop, livestock, and non‐farm. Results indicated that 40% of households conducted all three livelihood activities, but there was heterogeneity in diversity levels. We used a correlated random effects model to identify the factors that pushed or pulled households to diversify their activities. Access to non‐agricultural credit was positively associated with livelihood diversity as it can catalyze involvement in non‐farm activities. Drought had a negative effect on livelihood diversity. Area of crop land had a positive effect on the number of livelihood activities conducted. We found that 53% of households added or removed at least one livelihood activity between 2009 and 2011, and the addition of non‐farm activities was the most common change. Our results demonstrated the dynamic nature of livelihoods and importance of shocks (such as drought) and resource endowments (land) in understanding household livelihood diversification.
Co‐testing in cervical screening among 40‐ to 42‐year‐old women is unreasonable
Authors: Borgfeldt Christer , Leksell Anneli , Forslund Ola
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The screening program for cervical cancer in Sweden recommends the use of primary human papillomavirus (HPV) screening for women aged ≥30 to 65 years. Co‐testing with both HPV analysis and cytology is recommended at the first screening after the age of 40 years. To fulfil co‐testing, all screened women aged 40–42 years within the region of Skåne were co‐tested. The aim of the audit was to investigate the proportion of severe dysplasia as diagnosed by cytology and histological follow‐up among women with Aptima HPV‐negative tests. We also calculated the cost of adding the cytology to the HPV primary screening program.

Material and Methods

The local cytology registry was used to identify women aged 40–42 years who attended screening and were co‐tested during the 4 years from January 2017 to December 2020. The Aptima HPV messenger RNA assay detects 14 HPV types. For Aptima HPV‐negative women with high‐grade cytology or histological high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs), we performed extended HPV typing for 40 HPV types with polymerase chain reaction using modified GP5+/6+ primers followed by a Luminex assay. To estimate the added cost of using cytology to identify each histologically confirmed cervical HSIL case among Aptima HPV‐negative women, we used the current cost of €21.2 per cytology evaluation at our laboratory.

Results

Of 19 599 women, 5.8% (1137/19 599) had abnormal cytology. Among Aptima HPV‐negative women, 0.11‰ (2/18 132) had histologically confirmed HSIL. One of the women was infected with HPV18 and the other with HPV73 at the diagnosis of HSIL. The calculated cost to find one HSIL, by adding cytology to HPV‐negative cases, was approximately €200 000.

Conclusions

The clinical benefit of a single cytology co‐test added to an HPV‐based screening program in women aged 40–42 years appears doubtful and economically unreasonable.
Celebrities in the heart, strangers in the pancreatic beta cell: Voltage‐gated potassium channels Kv7.1 and Kv11.1 bridge long QT syndrome with hyperinsulinaemia as well as type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lubberding Anniek F. , Juhl Christian R. , Skovhøj Emil Z. , Kanters Jørgen K. , Mandrup‐Poulsen Thomas , Torekov Signe S.
Published: January 2022

Voltage‐gated potassium (Kv) channels play an important role in the repolarization of a variety of excitable tissues, including in the cardiomyocyte and the pancreatic beta cell. Recently, individuals carrying loss‐of‐function (LoF) mutations in KCNQ1, encoding Kv7.1, and KCNH2 (hERG), encoding Kv11.1, were found to exhibit post‐prandial hyperinsulinaemia and episodes of hypoglycaemia. These LoF mutations also cause the cardiac disorder long QT syndrome (LQTS), which can be aggravated by hypoglycaemia. Interestingly, patients with LQTS also have a higher burden of diabetes compared to the background population, an apparent paradox in relation to the hyperinsulinaemic phenotype, and KCNQ1 has been identified as a type 2 diabetes risk gene. This review article summarizes the involvement of delayed rectifier K+ channels in pancreatic beta cell function, with emphasis on Kv7.1 and Kv11.1, using the cardiomyocyte for context. The functional and clinical consequences of LoF mutations and polymorphisms in these channels on blood glucose homeostasis are explored using evidence from pre‐clinical, clinical and genome‐wide association studies, thereby evaluating the link between LQTS, hyperinsulinaemia and type 2 diabetes.
Physiological plateaus during normal labor and birth: A scoping review of contemporary concepts and definitions
Authors: Weckend Marina , Davison Clare , Bayes Sara
Published: January 2022

Background

Physiological plateaus (slowing, stalling, pausing) during normal labor and birth have been reported for decades, but have received limited attention in research and clinical practice. To date, heterogeneous conceptualizations and terminology have impeded effective communication and research in this area, raising concern as to whether some physiological plateaus might be misinterpreted as dystocia. To address this issue, we provide a point of orientation, mapping contemporary concepts, and terminologies of physiological plateaus during normal labor and birth.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review, considering published and unpublished reports of physiological plateaus, reported in any language, between 1990 and 2021. Database searches of CINAHL, EMBASE, Emcare, MIDIRS, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Open Grey yielded 1,953 records, with an additional 35 reports identified by hand searching. In total, 43 reports from eleven countries were included in this scoping review.

Results

Conceptualizations of physiological plateaus are heterogeneous and can be allocated to six conceptual groups: cervical reversal or recoil, plateaus, lulls during transition, “rest and be thankful” stage, deceleration phase, and latent phases. Across included material, we identified over 60 different terms referring to physiological plateaus. Overall, physiological plateaus are reported across the entire continuum of normal labor and birth.

Conclusions

Physiological plateaus may be an essential mechanism of self‐regulation of the mother‐infant dyad, facilitating feto‐maternal adaptation and preventing maternal and fetal distress during labor and birth.
Treatment patterns and survival in advanced unresectable esophageal squamous cell cancer: A population‐based study
Authors: Pape Marieke , Vissers Pauline A.J. , de Vos‐Geelen Judith , Hulshof Maarten C.C.M. , Gisbertz Suzanne S. , Jeene Paul M. , van Laarhoven Hanneke W.M. , Verhoeven Rob H.A.
Published: January 2022

Data on treatment and survival of patients with advanced unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) from Western populations are limited. Here we describe treatment and survival in patients with advanced unresectable ESCC: patients with cT4b disease without metastases (cT4b), metastases limited to the supraclavicular lymph nodes (SCLNM) or distant metastatic ESCC at the population level. All patients with unresectable (cT4b) or synchronous metastatic ESCC at primary diagnosis (2015‐2018) or patients with metachronous metastases after primary non‐metastatic diagnosis in 2015‐2016 were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Fifteen percent of patients had cT4b disease (n = 146), 12% SCLNM (n = 118) and 72% distant metastases (n = 681). Median overall survival (OS) time was 6.3, 11.2, and 4.4 months in patients with cT4b, SCLNM, and distant metastases, respectively (P < .001). Multivariable Cox regression showed that patients with cT4b (hazard ratio 1.44, 95% CI 1.04‐1.99) and patients with distant metastases (hazard ratio 1.42, 95% CI 1.12‐1.80) had a worse survival time compared with patients with SCLNM. Among patients who received chemoradiotherapy and/or underwent resection (primary tumor and/or metastases), median OS was 11.9, 16.1, and 14.0 months in patients with cT4b, SCLNM, and distant metastases, respectively (P = .76). Patients with SCLNM had a better survival time compared with patients with cT4b and patients with distant metastases. Survival of patients with advanced unresectable ESCC in clinical practice was poor, even in patients treated with curative intent.
A new insight into the treatment of diabetes by means of pan PPAR agonists
Authors: Chandra Avik , Kaur Paranjeet , Sahu Sanjeev Kumar , Mittal Amit
Published: January 2022

PPARs stand for ‘peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors’ and are ligand‐activated transcription factors of nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. A list of the most commonly used single receptor PPAR agonists, that is α (alpha) PPAR agonists, β/δ(beta/delta) PPAR agonists, γ(gamma) PPAR agonists, along with pan PPAR agents, that are being researched on, are marketed, are in clinical trials or are being studied for further derivative findings, has been listed. Type 2 diabetes constitutes about 90% of total diabetes cases. Pan PPAR ligands could very well pave the foundation for a new class of agents, that can act on all 3 PPAR receptors, and produce better effects in general, than the individual receptor‐acting ligands or dual combination ligands (α/ γ). In this review paper, we have detailed various pan PPAR agonists that can be used to treat type 2 diabetes, which can generate potential derivatives as well.
Is the association between social support and oral health modified by household income? Findings from a national study of adults in Australia
Authors: Haag Dandara G. , Santiago Pedro R. , Schuch Helena S. , Brennan David S. , Jamieson Lisa M.
Published: January 2022

Objective

To investigate whether the association between social support and oral health outcomes is modified by levels of household income.

Methods

Data were from the National Study of Adults Oral Health (NSAOH 2004‐06), a nationally representative study comprising n = 3619 adults in Australia. Effect measure modification (EMM) analysis was adopted to verify whether the association between social support and poor/fair self‐rated oral health, lack of a functional dentition (<21 teeth) and low Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL; measured using OHIP‐14) varies according to levels of income. Poisson regressions adjusted for age, sex, education, country of birth, main language spoken at home and remoteness were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) for oral health outcomes for each stratum of social support (overall, family, friends and significant other) and income (effect modifier). We then computed the Relative Excess Risk due to Interaction (RERI), which represents the risk that is over what would be expected if the combination of low social support and low income was entirely additive. Sensitivity analyses for different cut‐offs of household income were performed.

Results

Adults with lower levels of social support had a 2.1, 1.2 and 1.9 times higher prevalence of fair/poor self‐rated oral health, <21 teeth and poor OHRQoL respectively. The RERIs observed were 0.98 (95% CI −0.01; 1.96) for poor/fair self‐rated oral health; 0.52 (95% CI −0.06; 1.10) for lack of a functional dentition and 0.50 (95% CI −0.16; 1.15) for poor OHRQoL. For all outcomes and all individual domains of social support, the positive RERIs indicated that the joint association of low social support and low household income surpassed the sum of their separate associations with objective and subjective oral health indicators.

Conclusion

Individuals with lower levels of social support had poorer oral health than those with high levels of social support, although this association was small for the outcome <21 teeth. The association between social support and poor oral health indicators is modified by levels of household income. Hence, the provision of social support had a stronger association with the oral health of low‐income participants, suggesting that socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals would mostly benefit from a social support intervention.
Bi‐allelic null variant in matrix metalloproteinase‐15, causes congenital cardiac defect, cholestasis jaundice, and failure to thrive
Authors: Abdelrahman Hanadi A. , Akawi Nadia , Al‐Shamsi Aisha M. , Ali Amanat , Al‐Jasmi Fatma , John Anne , Hertecant Jozef , Al‐Gazali Lihadh , Ali Bassam R.
Published: January 2022

Here, we delineate the phenotype of two siblings with a bi‐allelic frameshift variant in MMP15 gene with congenital cardiac defects, cholestasis, and dysmorphism. Genome sequencing analysis revealed a recently reported homozygous frameshift variant (c.1058delC, p.Pro353Glnfs*102) in MMP15 gene that co‐segregates with the phenotype in the family in a recessive mode of inheritance. Relative quantification of MMP15 mRNA showed evidence of degradation of the mutated transcript, presumably by nonsense mediated decay. Likewise, MMP15: p.Gly231Arg, a concurrently reported homozygous missense variant in another patient exhibiting a similar phenotype, was predicted to disrupt zinc ion binding to the MMP‐15 enzyme catalytic domain, which is essential for substrate proteolysis, by structural modeling. Previous animal models and cellular findings suggested that MMP15 plays a crucial role in the formation of endocardial cushions. These findings confirm that MMP15 is an important gene in human development, particularly cardiac, and that its loss of function is likely to cause a severe disorder phenotype.
The impact of three‐dimensional reconstruction and standardised CT interpretation (AMIGO) on the anatomical understanding of mesenteric vascular anatomy for planning complete mesocolic excision surgery: A randomised crossover study
Authors: Fletcher Jordan , Ilangovan Rajapandian , Hanna George , Miskovic Danilo , Lung Phillip
Published: January 2022

Background

Preoperative planning is a crucial aspect of safe complete mesocolic excision (CME) surgery. 3D models derived from imaging may help improve anatomical understanding of the complex vascular anatomy. Here, we assessed the effect of 3D models on surgeons’ anatomical understanding in comparison to a systematic approach for CT scan interpretation (AMIGO).

Method

Fifteen cases were included in the study. Two GI radiology consultants reviewed each scan to ascertain the vascular anatomy. Virtual 3D models were produced and displayed on a web‐based platform (https://skfb.ly/6OZUZ). A total of 13 surgical trainees were recruited. Candidates were assessed after baseline anatomical training and subsequently using the AMIGO method and 3D models. Five cases were randomly allocated in each round of testing for each participant. The primary outcome measure was an objective vascular anatomy knowledge score. The secondary outcome measure was subjective feedback from participants.

Results

Both 3D and AMIGO significantly improved anatomical understanding in comparison to baseline testing. However, 3D was superior to AMIGO (3D [n = 65; median score 8/14] vs. AMIGO [n = 65; median score 6/14; p < 0.0001]. For 13/15 patient cases examined, 3D was superior to the AMIGO method. Eleven participants demonstrated better anatomical understanding using 3D models versus AMIGO. Ten participants preferred 3D models in comparison to standard CT imaging.

Conclusions

3D models improve anatomical understanding of mesenteric vascular anatomy in a group of colorectal surgical trainees in comparison to a formal CT interpretation method. 3D models may be a useful planning adjunct to 2D imaging for CME surgery.
Natural resource windfalls and efficiency in local government expenditure: Evidence from Peru
Authors: Maldonado Stanislao , Ardanaz Martin
Published: January 2022

We study the role of natural resource windfalls in explaining the technical efficiency of public expenditure. Using a rich dataset of expenditure and public good provision for 1836 municipalities in Peru for the period 2001–2010, we estimate a nonmonotonic relationship between the efficiency of public good provision and the level of natural resource transfers. Local governments that were extremely favored by the boom in mineral prices were more efficient in using fiscal windfalls, whereas those that only benefited from modest transfers were more inefficient. These results can be explained by the increase in political competition associated with the boom. However, the fact that increases in efficiency were related to reductions in public good provision casts doubts on the beneficial effects of political competition in promoting efficiency.
Online videos: The hidden curriculum
Authors: Dias da Silva Marco Antonio , Pereira Andresa Costa , Vital Sibylle , Mariño Rodrigo , Ghanim Aghareed , Skelton‐Macedo Mary Caroline , Kavadella Argyro , Kakaboura Afrodite , Uribe Sergio E. , Johnson Ilona , Dalessandri Domenico , Walmsley Anthony Damien
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Dental undergraduates will access the Internet searching for learning materials to complement their training; however, open access content is not generally recommended by dental schools. This study aimed to evaluate how dental students are using online video content.

Materials and Methods

Students from eight Universities (Athens, Birmingham, Brescia, Cardiff, Melbourne, Paris, Sao Paulo and Valdivia) representing three continents were invited to complete a survey on their access and learning from online videos.

Results

International students behave similarly when studying dental content online. Of 515 respondents, 94.6% use the Internet as a learning tool. It was observed that videos are not frequently recommended during didactic lectures (9.6%). But many students (79.9%) will use YouTube for their learning which includes clinical procedures. Students will check online content before performing procedures for the first time (74.8%), to understand what was explained in class (65.9%) or read in books (59.5%), to relearn clinical techniques (64.7%) and to visualise rare procedures (49.8%). More than half of the students do not fully trust the accuracy or the reliability of online content. This does not prevent students from watching and sharing dental videos with classmates (64.4%). The content watched is not shared with teachers (23.3%) even when it contradicts what was learnt in the school (38.2%).

Conclusion

This study concludes that students regularly integrate open access digital resources into learning portfolios but are hesitant to inform their teachers about their viewing habits. Students wish to receive critical skills on how to evaluate the material they encounter outside their traditional learning space.