bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is career development resource always perceived good in SMEs? A comparative analysis of employment
Authors: Joo Jaehong , Kim Dahyun , Song Ji Hoon , Yoo Myunghyun
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether employees perceive career development resources the same and to identify which factors affect these perceptions differently, considering their employment type within small- and medium-sized enterprises in South Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative methodology to explore the differential perceptions of the relationship between organizational support practices, person–job fit and employee attitudes. The authors used a sample of 1,560 employees comparing the responses of Generation Z employees across employment type.

Findings

This study delved into organizational factors such as the support system and fairness in performance appraisal, alongside individual factors like person–job fit according to employment type. It enabled to ascertain the relative significance of these factors in shaping employees’ views on career development.

Originality/value

This study enriches the discussion on the specific career development traits of this demographic. This study also discusses theoretical and practical implications for human resource development, emphasizing strategic interventions that enable employees to actively manage their careers and foster a positive work environment.
Usability evaluation of academic library websites: a systematic literature review
Authors: Jilani Malik Asif , Sheikh Arslan , Shah Faiz Ali , Saqlain Syed Muhammad
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to systematically review the published literature on the topic of academic library website usability evaluation. It determines the most significant subattributes in the usability evaluation of academic library websites. The study also looks at the metrics that have been used to evaluate the usability of academic library websites. Then, it identifies the most significant usability evaluation method (UEM) that has been discussed in the literature. Lastly, it identifies the research gaps in the literature regarding the proposed approaches to usability evaluation of academic library websites.

Design/methodology/approach

In this systematic literature review (SLR), the research conducted in the area of usability evaluation of academic library websites from 1995 to 2023 was reviewed.

Findings

The results of this study disclose that “effectiveness” is the most significant usability subattribute in the context of usability evaluation of academic library websites. Furthermore, “user testing” is the most significant UEM that has been applied in most of the primary studies. Some of the metrics used for the measurement of effectiveness were user preference, error rate and number of correct answers. Similarly, some of the metrics used, for efficiency, were response time, click count, time on task, logical information architecture and efficient information retrieval and so on. The common research gap in the reviewed literature is a lack of a generalized framework applicable to any academic library website for its usability evaluation.

Practical implications

This study is useful for library website developers to better understand the required features of a library website.

Originality/value

This is the first SLR on the topic of academic libraries’ website usability evaluation.
The importance weights of Generation Z’s demand for product innovation in single-detached houses in Thailand, using a modified analytical hierarchy process (M-AHP)
Authors: Nititerapad Chunyarat , Chetsurakul Sorranut
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the importance weights of the demand for product innovation, specifically in single-detached house among Generation Z in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

The significant quantitative research, analyzed using a modified analytical hierarchy process, involved a total of 400 Generation Z responses. These responses were categorized by two levels of house prices: up to US$150,000 and above US$150,000, with 200 people per price level. The data were then analyzed with Likert-scale questionnaire through the modified analytical hierarchy process model, providing valuable insights into Generation Z’s housing preferences.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that the sample group with house prices up to US$150,000 prioritizes innovation that provides convenience, while the groups with house prices above US$150,000 prioritize security innovations. Generation Z’s top three innovations with highest demand in single-detach houses are related to security innovation.

Research limitations/implications

This study is advantageous for developers which can be used to plan and design homes for Generation Z customers.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to determine the importance weights of Generation Z’s demand for product innovation of single-detached houses in Thailand.
A luxury consumption perspective on motivations for brand value co-creation in emerging markets
Authors: Shaikh Shayan , Gummerum Michaela
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Whereas research on brand value co-creation is being conducted from a number of different perspectives, the psycho-social mechanisms that motivate consumers towards brand value co-creation have room for theory development. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature on brand value co-creation in luxury consumption by analysing the role of a number of psychological constructs that impact consumers’ proclivity towards brand value co-creation.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study were collected through a large-scale questionnaire-based design and were evaluated using a multivariate statistical analysis technique.

Findings

The results show that the need for autonomy, the need for belonging and the need for uniqueness mediate the relation between consumers’ self-concept and proclivity towards brand value co-creation. The findings indicate that luxury brand managers need to develop a critical mix of co-creational strategies in a way in which the brand harmoniously satisfies a need for relational identity co-creation while also providing varied heterogenous interactions.

Originality/value

This research has been conducted in an emerging market of Asia, thus providing insights into what motivates co-creation in an under-researched but lucrative market segment. The Socio-Economic Class A of emergent countries has an inelastic purchasing power and disposable income to consume luxury brands. Only by understanding the underlying purchase motivations of these consumers can brand managers effectively benefit from their co-creation endeavours.
Fatigue performance analysis of steel joints with high frequency mechanical impact (HFMI) based on the notched stress method
Authors: Xu Jianxin , Du Delei , Song Jian , Li Dongming , Li Yana
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Notched fatigue life curves of welded joints were established and compared with International Institute of Welding (IIW) standards to verify the metal fatigue performance of welded joints treated with pneumatic impact (PIT).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper was based on the notched stress method, and this approach not only allows for the assessment of fatigue failure of welded structures with toes and roots but also for the assessment of fatigue strength of joints with localized post-treatments. The paper summarizes the nominal stress data of weld and pneumatic impact treated (PIT) steel joints of different strengths, fits the nominal stress curves of the joints without the use of strength and obtains the stress concentration factor of the joints through the establishment of the finite element (FE) method. Notched fatigue life curves for welded joints were established and compared with IIW standards.

Findings

Notched stress concentration data obtained by the FE method was more reliable. The slope of the fatigue life curve of welded joints treated with pneumatic impact (PIT) increases by at least 2.5%, and the stress concentration factor decreases by 20%.

Originality/value

In the fatigue study of notched systems, there were fewer studies on fatigue life assessment of joints processed by high frequency mechanical impact. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the fatigue test data of typical strength steel welded joints and fit fatigue life curves, and the research content provides an important reference for improving the safety and fatigue failure assessment of heavy steel structures.
Navigating the COVID-19 crisis: a study of healthcare leadership response in India and the USA
Authors: Panchamia Jallavi , Abichandani Yogita , Arora Ridhi
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has reignited the debate on effective leadership during a crisis. The study examined healthcare leaders' experiences, challenges and responses amid the COVID-19 crisis in India and the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Thematic analysis culminated in developing a thematic framework that encapsulates the behavior of operational healthcare leaders in India and the USA to illustrate how they responded to the global pandemic. Twelve hospital leadership experiences were collected through in-depth Interviews.

Findings

The study highlighted comparable experiences and leadership responses from the USA and India. Thematic framework induced from three themes and eight sub-themes to illustrate how leaders handled unknown challenges of the pandemic, which they countered with increased accountability as a leader, extended need-based networking with inevitable experience of self-role distance, leading to their pragmatic approach and reinforcement of self-belief.

Research limitations/implications

The study findings provide a way forward for revisiting existing crisis management frameworks and cross-cultural leadership theories in terms of behavioral aspects integration with the technical or operational aspects of crisis management.

Practical implications

Healthcare leaders aiming to rebuild hospital systems would benefit from the study by incorporating identified skills such as coping with emotional labor, self-role distance, perseverance, pragmatic approach, networking with extended stakeholders, and extra-role behaviors into training and mentoring programs.

Originality/value

Using a thematic analysis approach, the study’s two-country research design identified a homogeneous leadership response despite a distinct countrywide context.
When finance becomes a weapon: the challenge of central bank sanctions under international law
Authors: Franchini Daniel
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to take stock of the increasing use of central bank sanctions as a foreign policy tool and to analyse their compatibility with international legal principles, such as non-intervention, state immunity and human rights.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of state practice regarding central bank sanctions and the international legal framework that governs them. It systematically examines relevant international legal principles, identifies potential violations and explores justifications and defences states may use to support the legality of these sanctions.

Findings

The analysis reveals that central bank sanctions often clash with various international legal norms, including non-intervention, state immunity and human rights. This study argues that such sanctions can only be justified as countermeasures in exceptional circumstances and must adhere to strict conditions to be lawful, particularly concerning their proportionality and humanitarian impacts.

Originality/value

This study fills a gap in international legal scholarship by providing a dedicated analysis of central bank sanctions. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, legal practitioners and scholars on the legal complexities and potential ramifications of using central bank sanctions as a foreign policy instrument.
Fostering brand love through branded memes on social media
Authors: Kim Minseong , Baek Tae Hyun
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the psychological mechanisms underpinning the impact of branded memes on brand love on social media.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a self-reported online survey, data from 479 verified Facebook users were analyzed using structural equation modeling to examine the interrelationships among sense of liberation, perceived trendiness, hedonic engagement, perceived humor, self-brand connection and brand love.

Findings

The results indicate that a sense of liberation significantly influences self-brand connection but does not directly affect perceived humor. Perceived trendiness is a key predictor of both perceived humor and self-brand connection. However, hedonic engagement has no substantial effect on perceived humor or self-brand connections. Importantly, perceived humor plays a crucial role in strengthening self-brand connections and fostering brand love.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first empirical exploration to showcase the consumer brand love formation process facilitated by branded memes, offering valuable insights into meme-marketing strategies. This highlights the importance of perceived humor and trendiness in enhancing brand love through social media platforms.
Effect of creep on behavior of steel columns at elevated temperatures
Authors: Yoosofpoor Avandari Abolfazl , Nouri Gholamreza , Morovat Mohammad Ali , Keyvani Ghamsari Jafar
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study focuses on the impact of creep on the behavior of steel columns at elevated temperatures, considering both loading rates and creep buckling. The loading rate directly influences the duration of loading, while creep buckling illustrates how the critical buckling load depends on load duration. The capacity curve of the steel column is obtained for temperatures ranging from 400°C to 900°C, with loading rates varying from 2.5 to 0.10 mm/min. Additionally, the stress distribution across the cross-section of the column is analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of comprehensive experimental data at elevated temperature, including results from tension, buckling and creep buckling tests, is employed. The data from fast tension tests are used in the current study. Also, accurate coefficients for the creep model are obtained. As a result, a behavioral model for ASTM A992 steel has been developed, which accurately predicts the performance of steel columns at high temperatures. The effect of loading rate on the stress-strain curve of steel was determined and compared with Eurocode and NIST models. Additionally, parametric analysis is performed, specifically focusing on creep buckling of steel columns across a temperature range of 400°C–900°C.

Findings

In this study, a behavioral model for ASTM A992 steel has been developed, accurately predicting the performance of steel columns at high temperatures. The phenomenon of creep buckling in ASTM A992 steel columns has been investigated at temperatures ranging from 400 to 900° and compared with Eurocode standards. Reducing the loading rate in steel tensile testing can lead to a decrease of up to 40% in the tensile strength of steel at high temperatures. If a fire lasts for up to 200 min, the buckling load of the steel column can be reduced by up to 50%.

Originality/value

This study assesses the impact of creep on steel columns using unique experimental data obtained from steel samples. The data from fast tension tests are utilized in this study, effectively eliminating errors associated with creep effects. The behavioral model of steel is derived from these fast tension tests, and specific coefficients for the creep model are obtained. The proposed model has been validated through both fast and slow tensile tests of ASTM A992 steel. Additionally, this model has been compared with several commonly used high-temperature steel behavior models. The ability of these models to predict the buckling load of steel columns has also been evaluated.
A thermodynamic approach to knowledge in rural companies in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Authors: Cegarra-Navarro Juan Gabriel , Sánchez-Medina Agustín J. , Bratianu Constantin , Cegarra-Sánchez Jorge
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Practical wisdom involves making sound decisions in complex, uncertain situations by addressing emotions, moral virtues and context-rational knowledge. This issue is crucial for SMEs when there is a sudden increase in the dynamics of emotions or moral virtues, particularly in rural companies. Rural managers need practical wisdom (PW) to effectively integrate rational, emotional and spiritual knowledge in making decisions with a sense of purpose, adaptability and hope.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts concepts derived from the knowledge management (KM) field to shed light on two research questions: Is PW different from an individual’s point of view compared to a collective one? How can PW be achieved from a collective standpoint? Examples from the recent history of Gran Canaria are mentioned, and valuable lessons for rural companies are also derived from three companies.

Findings

This paper contributes to raising the managers’ awareness of practical wisdom by exploring how SMEs, particularly in rural contexts, can use knowledge that is deeply intertwined with values, emotions and community considerations, thus enriching the thermodynamics model of KM.

Originality/value

No previous studies have analysed the connection between knowledge and PW of rural companies. Therefore, this paper not only strengthens interpersonal relationships within the rural business community but also encourages the exchange of valuable experiences. By striking the right balance between emotional, ethical and rational capacities, rural businesses can more effectively leverage shared knowledge, creating a support network that fosters resilience and sustainable growth.
A call for transforming physicians-as-administrators into professional hybrid medical leaders: insights from northern India
Authors: Gulati Kamal , Davies Julie , Singh Angel Rajan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the non-clinical challenges of physicians in northern India and to re-imagine an alternative scenario of hybrid professional medical management and leadership where physicians enact roles as strategic boundary spanners.

Design/methodology/approach

In this qualitative study, 30 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with men and women physicians and thematically analysed.

Findings

Physicians reported that they were unprepared formally for mainly ad hoc non-clinical responsibilities. Findings identified a range of six types of aspirational, willing, incidental, ambivalent, agnostic and actively resistant behaviours among physicians who were expected to undertake administrative, rather than strategic leadership tasks.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study makes a novel theoretical contribution to the dearth of literature on medical leadership in a low-middle income South Asian country. By examining physicians’ views on their non-clinical responsibilities, this study highlights the strategic potential for developing physicians formally as professional hybrid managers and leaders who effectively bridge medical and managerial domains beyond the current scenario of physicians operating as untrained administrators.
Antifragility and organizations: an organizational design perspective
Authors: Adobor Henry , Kudonoo Enyonam Canice
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper presents a unique approach to exploring how organizations can be designed to cope with uncertainty and benefit from unexpected events. Our focus is on antifragility, a concept gaining traction in organizational design.

Design/methodology/approach

We adopt a design perspective based on a socio-technical and complex adaptive systems perspective to explore the physical and social elements necessary for creating the landscape and pathways for antifragility. We present a framework that includes human systems and design elements and how these foster self-organization and adaptation.

Findings

Self-organization depends on the context in which it develops. Therefore, designing complex adaptive systems requires developing the landscape and pathways to generate self-organization. The interaction of the social and organizational elements promotes self-organization and antifragility. The design elements of redundancy, loose coupling, modularity and scalability influence the context within which self-organization emerges. Individual and organizational mindfulness, self-management and continuous learning allow for rapid reconfiguration under uncertainty, creating the landscape and pathways for organizations to benefit from unexpected events.

Research limitations/implications

Creating organizations with a focus on deriving benefits, rather than striving to return to the previous state, especially in the face of unforeseen disruptions, represents a fundamental shift in perspective. This contribution is important given the predictions of a world that will increasingly face black swan events. Therefore, preparing organizations for thriving under stress has important implications for theory.

Practical implications

An organization’s ability to create value from stressors is a key advantage. As the goal of any organization is long-term sustainability, those with antifragile capabilities are better positioned for success. Organizations can move beyond mere recovery by using design to create conditions that promote antifragility, as is the case with robustness and resilience. This paper provides a roadmap for organizations to thrive amidst disruptions, offering practical strategies for implementation and equipping the reader with actionable steps to enhance their organization’s adaptability.

Originality/value

Designing organizations to benefit from disruptions represents a significant paradigm shift. The nascent field of understanding how organizations can embody antifragility is of great value. This paper is among the first to offer a design-oriented approach to this concept, adding significant value to the existing body of knowledge. The perspective and insights presented in this research will engage scholars and practitioners in organizational design and management.
The end of too-big-to-fail? Evidence from senior bank bond yield spreads around the Dodd–Frank act
Authors: Balasubramnian Bhanu , Cyree Ken B.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

We examine yield spreads, defined as the difference between the yield to maturity of the risky bank bond and that of a risk-free bond with similar maturity and other characteristics, after controlling for market, liquidity and tax factors. We use senior bonds issued by banks since one of the goals of the Dodd–Frank Act (DFA) is to reduce the possibility of a full-fledged bailout of banks. If markets do not believe that banks will be bailed out, senior bondholders will bear a higher exposure to default risks, and such risk perceptions will be reflected in the yield spread levels.

Design/methodology/approach

We use generalized method of moments (GMM) for parameter estimation with standard errors corrected for autocorrelation and heteroskedasticity using the Newey–West (1987) procedure with five lags.

Findings

Our results indicate a discount of 133 basis points in yield spreads due to the TBTF or too-big-to-fail factor prior to the DFA. However, the market charges a net premium of 36 basis points for the TBTF factor immediately after the DFA (a total change of 169 basis points). We examine commercial banks and noncommercial banks (primarily investment banks and insurance firms) separately. For commercial banks, the discounts observed prior to the DFA changes to a premium after the DFA. For investment banks, the higher premium charged prior to the DFA is reduced after the DFA.

Research limitations/implications

Not all banks issue bonds and not all issued bonds trade in the secondary market frequently.

Practical implications

After the Great Recession, there is a sustained effort across the globe, to remove the possibility of a bailout of very large banks. With systemic risk monitoring, improved capital regulation, stress testing and other regulations on banks and other shadow banking organizations, the question of whether market perceives implicit guarantee of very large financial institutions. We have examined a new security that is not treated as capital.

Social implications

If taxpayer bailouts are avoided, such resources can be used for other developmental purposes. The moral hazard problems of bank manager are also reduced.

Originality/value

We are the first to exclusively examine the senior bonds issued by banks around the enactment of the DFA, 2010.
Eurocentric ethics and Pakhtunwali in Northwest Pakistan: decolonising qualitative research
Authors: Sanaullah
Published: January 2025

Purpose

While conducting research in non-Western contexts, local cultural values confront conventional research ethics, which results in methodological difficulties. It is significant for researchers to know the problems and the ways they can manage them.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a decolonial and autoethnographic approach, in this article, I reflect on issues encountered during two rounds of fieldwork on the Taliban’s insurgency (2007–2009) in northwestern Pakistan. I focus on the data-collection phase.

Findings

The major difficulties related to how local values of Pakhtunwali, such as hospitality, bravery, honour and gender differences, challenge research ethics such as confidentiality, informed consent, voluntary participation, equal representation and beneficence. I argue for integrated research approaches that adhere to Eurocentric ethics but are culturally appropriate in a non-Western context, facilitating researchers and positively impacting the researched community.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers need to know how to respond to the difficulties. It is hoped that the insights of this article will contribute to good research practices among those who research indigenous communities, especially the Pakhtuns in northwest Pakistan.

Originality/value

The decolonial efforts have become a rich body of discourse, but decolonising research in the context of Pakhtunwaali (the culture of Pakhtuns) in Pakistan requires greater attention. Methodological difficulties that occur due to applying the Eurocentric approach in the northwest region of Pakistan is a significant area to explore.
Diclofenac Enhances the Response of BRAF Inhibitor to Melanoma Through ROS/p38/p53 Signaling
Authors: Qin Haihong , Li Zheng , Wu Jinfeng , Liu Xiao , Wang Ruilong , Xu Jinhua , Zhu Xiaohua
Published: January 2025

BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) represent a cornerstone in melanoma therapy due to their high efficacy. However, the emergence of resistance causes a significant challenge to their clinical utility. This study aims to investigate the potential of diclofenac as a sensitizer for BRAFi therapy in melanoma and to elucidate its underlying mechanism. BRAFi‐acquired resistant melanoma cell lines SK‐MEL‐5R and A375R were established and treated with diclofenac in combination with BRAFi PLX4032. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, cell proliferation was determined by crystal violet staining, cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry, and intracellular ROS levels were measured using the DCFH‐DA probe‐labeled and flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed by JC‐1 staining and flow cytometry, and protein expression levels were detected by western blotting. Our results demonstrated that diclofenac significantly augmented the cytotoxicity of PLX4032 and enhanced its ability to induce apoptosis in SK‐MEL‐5R and A375R cells. Diclofenac treatment led to the release of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), consequently reducing transmembrane potential, promoting mitochondrial apoptosis, and activating the ROS downstream p38/p53 signaling pathway. Pretreatment with N‐acetylcysteine significantly reversed the sensitizing effect of diclofenac on PLX4032 in SK‐MEL‐5R cells. These findings suggested that diclofenac sensitized BRAFi‐resistant melanoma cells to BRAFi by increasing ROS release and activating p38/p53 signaling pathway. Diclofenac might serve as a promising adjunct therapy to overcome BRAFi resistance in melanoma treatment.
Identifying Bacteria Responsible for Non‐Sulphate‐Based Hydrogen Sulphide Production in Aquaculture
Authors: Nguyen‐tiêt Alexandre , Puente‐Sánchez Fernando , Bertilsson Stefan , Aalto Sanni L.
Published: January 2025

The unintended microbiological production of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) poses a significant challenge in engineered systems, including sewage treatment plants, landfills and aquaculture systems. Although sulphur‐rich amino acids and other substrates conducive to non‐sulphate‐based H2S production are frequently present, the capacity and potential of various microorganisms to perform sulphate‐free H2S production remain unclear. In this study, we identify the identity, activity and genomic characteristics of bacteria that degrade cysteine to produce H2S in anaerobic enrichment bioreactors seeded with material from aquaculture systems. Our comparison with canonical sulphate‐reducing bacteria reveals that both sulphur sources contribute to microbial H2S production, with cysteine facilitating a more rapid process compared to sulphate. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and metagenomic analysis identified four bacterial families—Dethiosulfatibacteraceae, Fusobacteriaceae, Vibrionaceae and Desulfovibrionaceae—as central to non‐sulphate H2S production. Metagenome‐ and metatranscriptome‐assembled genomes elucidated the primary cysteine degradation pathway mediated by cysteine desulphidase cyuA and indicated that some bacteria may also utilise cysteine as a carbon source in sulphate‐based H2S production.
Digital Foetal Scalp Stimulation Versus Foetal Blood Sampling to Assess Foetal Well‐Being in Labour: A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Yambasu Sahr , Boland Fiona , O'Donoghue Keelin , Curran Colleen , Shahabuddin Yulia , Cotter Amanda , Gaffney Geraldine , Devane Declan , Molloy Eleanor J. , Murphy Deirdre J.
Published: January 2025

Objective

To establish whether digital foetal scalp stimulation (dFSS) performs better than foetal blood sampling (FBS) in terms of reducing the rate of caesarean section (CS) in labour, without adversely affecting perinatal outcomes.

Design

A multicentre parallel‐group randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Maternity centres in Ireland.

Population

The study aimed to randomise 2500 nulliparous women who required a second‐line test of foetal well‐being in labour due to abnormal cardiotocography (CTG).

Methods

Participants were randomly allocated to dFSS or FBS in a 1:1 ratio. Analysis was according to the published protocol and included a meta‐analysis of the pilot study data and trial data.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome was CS.

Results

Due to lower‐than‐expected randomisations, the trial concluded early. Of 534 consented participants, 124 had a second‐line test of foetal well‐being in labour and 43 (34.7%) were randomised; 20 to dFSS and 23 to FBS. The rate of CS was 40.0% (8/20) in the dFSS group and 47.8% (11/23) in the FBS group (absolute difference 7.8%; OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.22–2.44). The rate of CS was lower in the dFSS group when the trial data were included in a meta‐analysis with the pilot data (n = 50), although the confidence limits were wide (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.17–0.96). There was no significant difference in rates of adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes. Of the nonrandomised participants who received a second‐line test, 65% (53/81) received dFSS.

Conclusions

The small sample size limits the ability to conclude whether dFSS performs better as a second‐line test of foetal well‐being in labour than FBS. A clinician preference for dFSS was apparent, even though robust evidence is lacking.

Trial Registration: This trial was prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov on the 31st of March 2022. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05306756 (Access at https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05306756?cond=fetal%20blood%20sampling&rank=3)
Allocating charities' financial reporting requirements using tiers – Australian perspectives
Authors: Wen Han , Gilchrist David , Agrawal Prerana , Bayne Lyndie
Published: January 2025

The Australian accounting standard setter, funders and the sector itself express concern about reporting obligations established via regulatory requirements that are arbitrarily allocated using a tiered system based on income levels. This study investigates the utility of the current financial reporting framework by interviewing experienced preparers. Findings reveal stakeholders demand more detailed information, current accounting standards are seen as unsuitable, and irrelevant disclosures reduce report relevance. The tiered reporting system is viewed as outdated, especially for small and medium‐sized charities. We contribute to the literature on not‐for‐profit accounting by highlighting current system limitations and suggesting improvements for alignment with stakeholder needs.
Leisure activity and subjective well‐being of older adults in Australia and Thailand: The impact of affiliation, restoration and meaning
Authors: Wora Nutyathun , Pachana Nancy A. , Taephant Nattasuda
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To explore leisure activity types among older adults in Australia and Thailand and how psychological mechanisms of restoration, affiliation and meaning in leisure activities impact subjective well‐being (SWB).

Methods

A survey was administered to 125 older adults aged 60 and above (65 from Australia and 60 from Thailand). The survey collected demographic information, self‐rated health and SWB. Participants were also asked to manually list their top three leisure activities and provide details on each activity's frequency, duration and ratings of restoration, affiliation and meaning. Statistical analyses included correlation analysis and standard multiple regression.

Results

‘Meaning’ significantly predicts well‐being for Thai participants, while ‘restoration’ predicts well‐being for Australians. Cultural differences were evident in preferred leisure activities. For example, ‘TV and internet uses’ was higher among Thai participants, and ‘Creative’ activities were higher among Australian participants. ‘Exercise’ was the top leisure activity in both countries, with many comments suggesting that health benefits are the primary reason for leisure.

Conclusions

Encouraging culturally relevant leisure activities with health benefits that also promote meaning and restoration may enhance well‐being among older adults.
Metabolic bariatric surgery generates substantial, sustained weight loss and health improvement in a real‐world setting
Authors: Brown Wendy A. , Brown Dianne L. , Holland Jennifer F. , Campbell Angus , Cottrell Jenifer , Ahern Susannah , Reilly Jennifer , Garduce Patrick , Wetter James , Hamdorf Jeffrey M. , Talbot Michael , Baker Samuel , MacCormick Andrew D. , Caterson Ian D.
Published: January 2025

Background

To determine if the positive outcomes from clinical trials regarding the safety and efficacy of metabolic bariatric surgery are reproducible at a national level.

Methods

A longitudinal registry‐based observation study with data collected from all persons undergoing metabolic bariatric surgery in Australia from 28 February 2012–31 December 2021 including data from 122,567 index patients who underwent 134,625 completed bariatric procedures.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Defined adverse outcomes at 90‐days (unplanned readmission, intensive care admission and re‐operation; death), annual change in weight (percent total body weight loss (TBWL)), diabetes treatment and need for re‐operation.

Results

79.0% of participants were female. Mean age on the day of surgery was 44.0 years (SD 11.8; range 12.9‐87.9 years) and mean BMI 41.7 kg/m2 (SD 7.6). At 5‐years participants who underwent one anastomosis gastric bypass had TBWL 34.88% (SD 8.67%), roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass 30.73 % (SD 9.47%); sleeve gastrectomy 26.5% (SD 10.5%) and adjustable gastric bands 17.6% (SD 12.1%). At 90‐days 3.6% of procedures recorded a defined adverse event. 13,904 (13.6%) primary participants reported being treated for diabetes at baseline. No medication for diabetes was required by 71.6% (follow‐up 58%) at 1‐year and 61% (follow‐up 22%) at 5‐years.

13 904 (13.6%) primary participants reported being treated for diabetes at baseline. No medication for diabetes was required by 71.6% (follow‐up 58%) at 1‐year and 61% (follow‐up 22%) at 5‐years.

Conclusions

Metabolic bariatric surgery is safe and induces substantial weight loss with reduced need for diabetes medications in the real‐world.

ClinicalTrials.gov ID

NCT03441451.
Rigid maxillomandibular fixation using a novel technique involving unbonded polymethylmethacrylate canine tooth moulds and interarch wiring for maxillomandibular trauma in three cats
Authors: Goggin K , Snelling S
Published: January 2025

Mandibular and maxillary fractures are common in small animals and present significant challenges for repair due to the intricate anatomical features involved. This retrospective case series describes a technique for achieving rigid open mouth maxillomandibular fixation using interarch wiring while maintaining correct alignment between the upper and lower teeth with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) moulds of the canine teeth for treating maxillomandibular fractures in cats. The study includes a description of the postoperative outcomes and complications encountered. The surgical technique successfully achieved anatomical dental occlusion and restored jaw function in all three cats. The implants were well tolerated, with only minor complications such as mild ptyalism and temporary tongue protrusion. No intraoperative complications occurred, and all three cats resumed normal hard food consumption after implant removal. This study provides initial evidence that the use of rostral interarch wiring combined with PMMA canine tooth moulds can result in clinical union and normal occlusion, given appropriate surgical case selection. This technique is simple to perform, requires minimal inventory and can be implemented in clinical settings where thorough anatomical planning is conducted.
How to Mentor But Not to Helicopter Students in Inclusive Higher Education
Authors: Hawelka Verena , Kreilinger Maria , Penn Christina , Steindl Eva
Published: January 2025

Background

BLuE – ‘Bildung, Lebenskompetenz und Empowerment’ [‘Education, Life Skills and Empowerment’] – is an inclusive university programme with a peer‐mentoring system, where students of the primary education programme assist students with attributed cognitive or mental disabilities as tutors. Deutsch et al. (2024) showed that it is a challenge to achieve a balance between providing adequate support and avoiding well‐meant but exaggerated support. This balance requires on‐going negotiations.

Methods

The participatory research project contained two sequences of semi‐structured focus groups with BLuE students and tutors.

Results

Various points of tension, all concerning negotiation of responsibility, were identified. Tutors individually seem to manage responsibility for the BLuE student's study without openly discussing it, often making decisions internally. BLuE students make decisions for themselves in accordance with tutors' preferences but without reference to recognised problems.

Conclusions

Tutors play a crucial role in fostering self‐responsibility and autonomy in BLuE students. Rather than feeling solely responsible for ensuring course requirements are met, tutors and BLuE students should engage in open discussions about how to share responsibility for the student's studies and the process of gaining greater independence.
Prevalence and Determinants of Sensitisation to Neomycin in North‐Eastern Italy, 1997–2021
Authors: Cegolon Luca , Larese Filon Francesca ,   the North‐East Research Group on Contact Dermatitis
Published: January 2025

Background

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) induced by topical application of neomycin is frequently reported.

Objectives

This multi‐center study investigated prevalence and determinants of neomycin sensitisations in 30 629 outpatients from North‐eastern Italy during 1997–2021.

Patients and Methods

European baseline and extended Triveneto series were applied on the upper back of patients patch testing for suspected ACD and removed after 48 h.

Results

Prevalence of neomycin sensitisation was 2.29% (=701/30 629), significantly decreasing over time, especially after 2003. Neomycin sensitisation increased with age, especially in female patients older than 60 with leg dermatitis. The majority of patients sensitised to neomycin (74.5%) tested positive also against other haptens, particularly ingredients included in creams and emollients, as lanolin or benzocaine or preservatives as thimerosal or parabens.

Conclusions

The decreasing prevalence of neomycin sensitisation over time likely reflected reduced accessibility and circulation of neomycin in Italy, due to containment of prescriptions and over‐the‐counter accessibility. Older individuals are typically more likely to be treated by topical medications and antibiotics as neomycin for various conditions, including stasis dermatitis. Since ACD caused by topical medications is relatively easy to miss, comprehensive drug history and patch testing are essential for any patient with suspected sensitisation caused by neomycin.
Sources of uncertainty in estimation of climate velocity and their implications for ecological and conservation applications
Authors: Carroll Carlos , Mahony Colin R.
Published: January 2025

The velocity of climate change, which estimates the migration speed necessary to maintain constant climatic conditions, is increasingly used to map climate‐related threats to biodiversity. Using newly developed climate velocity data for North America to 2100 based on an ensemble of current‐generation climate projections, we asked how important differing sources of uncertainty from global climate model projections are, how the magnitude of this uncertainty compares with the internal variability of the climate system, and what aspects of climate velocity are robust to such uncertainty. We found that most variation was due to contrasts among global climate models, followed by variation among alternative emissions pathways. However, correlation was great enough (0.817) to allow application of velocity to inform conservation and management. In contrast, internal variability (i.e., weather at multidecadal timescales) resulted in low correlation between simulated and observed velocity for the 2001–2020 period. A null model using current baseline climate data and assumed uniform 2° heating was moderately correlated with velocity from ensemble future projections, helping to identify model‐independent velocity patterns difficult to capture via rules such as protection of elevational gradients. Such uncertainty analyses are essential for informed application of velocity and other climate exposure metrics.
Update Vulvadermatologie – Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Brägelmann Christine , Wölber Linn , Susok Laura , Anemüller Waltraud , Prüßmann Wiebke , Ivanova Irina , Niebel Dennis
Published: January 2025

Die Vulva stellt als periorifizielles Hautareal eine Übergangszone dar; dies bedingt funktionelle und physiologische Besonderheiten. In der Allgemeinbevölkerung und bei medizinischem Fachpersonal sind Kenntnisse zur Anatomie der Vulva unzureichend; unrealistische Vorstellungen bezüglich des Normalbefundes sind verbreitet. Anatomische Normalvarianten können bei Nichtkenntnis sowohl Patientinnen als auch Untersuchende beunruhigen. Neoplastische Vulvaerkrankungen werden in Deutschland meist durch Fachärztinnen und Fachärzte für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe behandelt, chronisch entzündliche Dermatosen, welche häufig den weiblichen Genitalbereich betreffen (zum Beispiel Psoriasis, atopische Dermatitis, Hidradenitis suppurativa, Vitiligo), überwiegend durch Fachärztinnen und Fachärzte für Haut‐ und Geschlechtskrankheiten. Infektiöse Vulvadermatosen und sexuell übertragbare Infektionen werden gleichermaßen von beiden Fachbereichen versorgt. Einige Dermatosen treten gehäuft an der Vulva auf; die Nomenklatur bedingt eine Verwechslungsgefahr (Lichen sclerosus, Lichen planus, Lichen simplex chronicus). Dieser Artikel bietet eine Übersicht über Grundlagen der Vulvaanatomie und ‐physiologie und gibt Empfehlungen zu Diagnostik und Therapie der häufigsten Vulvadermatosen mit einem Schwerpunkt auf chronisch entzündliche Dermatosen, um eine praktische Hilfestellung im Alltag für alle beteiligten Behandlerinnen und Behandler zu bieten. Die interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit und Etablierung von Schwerpunktsprechstunden können die Versorgung verbessern.
Rice Margins Under Climate Change: Labour and Knowledge in Mangrove Rice Networks in Guinea‐Bissau
Authors: Sousa Joana , Dabó Ansumane Braima , Luz Ana Luísa
Published: January 2025

The effects of climate change add to the challenges facing those with rice‐based livelihoods in West Africa. This article presents a long‐term ethnographic case study in southern Guinea‐Bissau where, in contrast to other reported cases in the region, uncertainty regarding the future of mangrove rice production overlaps with efforts to rehabilitate abandoned mangrove rice paddies. Agricultural knowledge is produced, renewed and transmitted along with the construction of site‐specific, techno‐ecological hybrids needed for water management in rice fields. This article analyses the role of communal, reciprocal and contract labour in the circulation of knowledge between villages with historically stable rice production (rice refugia) and villages where production has been discontinuous (rice margins). Knowledge circulation and experimentation are key to local adaptation to climate change and climate resilience programmes can play a role if they are able to adapt to current needs, for instance, by considering decentralized funding strategies. By promoting the exchange of services and goods, decentralization of funding can facilitate the redistribution of knowledge and labour, particularly if rice refugia, as regional knowledge repositories, participate in the recovery of rice production in rice margins. These connections revitalize and strengthen regional rice knowledge networks and their ability to confront climate change.