bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quadruple wavelet coherence and pairwise cointegration: comparative time-frequency analysis of bank deposit rate
Authors: Kirik Alper , Oygur Tunc , Erzurumlu Yaman Omer
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to attempt to understand the joint co-movement of bank deposit rate and its main underlying determinants (foreign exchange rate (FX) rate, cross-currency swap rate and implied forward rate). The authors also compare time and frequency variant approaches in this dynamic.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine bank deposit rates where multiple variables jointly interact, and the integration is time and frequency variant. The study applies both cointegration and wavelet coherence methods and conducts a comparative analysis. It investigates eight markets over 2005–2020 aiming to capture the impact of changing market conditions and degree of development.

Findings

The results are in line with cross-country interdependence, where we observe more robust evidence for co-movement during adverse economic conditions with higher correlation compared to other periods such as the 2007–2009 US mortgage crises, 2010–2012 Euro crises and 2019 pandemic. Moreover, wavelet analysis suggests deposit rate lags FX rate and leads cross-country swap rate. The USA arguably leads the co-movement accompanied briefly by Japan and followed closely by other developed markets and later the developing markets. Heat maps suggest clustering of countries.

Practical implications

The wavelet coherence's ability to indicate the periods and the frequencies of the relationship is essential to capture the true nature of the relationship. Such additional insight would enable the practitioners to determine the true price of the deposit rate.

Originality/value

The study captures the long suggested collective nature of three main underlying determinants of bank deposit. The results shed light on the order of dynamics in a complex bank deposit environment. Comparative analysis further highlights the valuable insight quadruple wavelet coherence provides.
Impact of socially responsible human resource management (SRHRM) on hotel employee outcomes using the role theory
Authors: Shao Danping , Peng Yun
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Based on the role theory and prosocial motivation literature, this research aims to explore the bright and dark side of socially responsible human resource management (SRHRM) on hotel employees' outcomes through the mediation of role conflict. Besides, this study examines the moderating effect of prosocial motivation between role conflict and volunteering and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected 326 employee-supervisor dyads data in two waves from 12 hotels in the province of Wuhan, China. Besides, structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was adopted to test the hypothesized model.

Findings

As expected, the result shows that SRHRM can increase employees' volunteering and decrease their OCB through the mediation of the role conflict. Further, prosocial motivation strengthens the linkage between role conflict and volunteering, but not the relationship between role conflict and OCB.

Practical implications

This result enables hotel managers to adopt SRHRM as a useful tool of carrying out suitable corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. Additionally, this study highlights the vital role of employee in successful CSR implementation.

Originality/value

Although the hotel industry contributes a lot to global economic development, CSR research specifically focused on hotel industry has been unexplored. Therefore, this research brings SRHRM into hotel industry and establishes a model specifying both the bright side and dark side effect of SRHRM in the hotel industry.
The effects of employee behavior in sustainable service organizations
Authors: Disse Isabel Kittyma , Becker-Özcamlica Hürrem
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Numerous service organizations involve employees in strengthening customer relationships. While the literature has emphasized the importance of a sustainable market orientation (SMO) for an organization’s image, it has not explored how employees’ behavior in sustainable service organizations influences the reputational effect. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of SMO-aligned employee behavior on customer attitude and behavior, while considering different SMOs and the role of value-based brand choice.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a 2 (SMO-aligned vs nonaligned) × 3 (social, environmental or economic SMOs) between-subject, scenario-based experiment with 313 participants to test the hypotheses. A moderated mediation analysis was also conducted.

Findings

The results show that SMO-aligned employee behavior has a positive impact on customers’ trust in contrast with SMO-nonaligned behavior independent of the SMO. The relationship between employee behavior and customer word-of-mouth is mediated by trust. Furthermore, the effect on trust is moderated by value-based brand choice.

Originality/value

This study contributes to employee behavior research by examining the impact of SMO-aligned employee behavior on customer outcomes in sustainable service organizations. Adding to previous research on employee behavior, it further considers the impact of value-based brand choice.
Effect of orange peel and moringa leaves extracts on quality of chicken sausages under frozen storage
Authors: Bishnoi Suman , Yadav Sanjay , Sharma Diwakar , Pathera Ashok Kumar
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study the effect of orange peel and moringa leaves extracts on microbiological safety, sensory quality, lipid oxidation and color properties of chicken sausages under frozen storage.

Design/methodology/approach

Chicken sausages were prepared by using orange peel, moringa leaves extracts and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The sausages were stored in a freezer at −18°C. Samples were taken at a regular interval of 20 days from the day of production to spoilage of sausages and analyzed for microbiological safety, sensory quality, lipid oxidation and color properties.

Findings

In comparison to the control sausage, sausages having BHT, orange peel and moringa leaves extract had a significantly (p < 0.05) lower bacterial, yeast and mold count. All the sausages were microbiologically safe for consumption till the 100th day, and the results of the 120th day crossed the permissible limits. Sensory acceptability scores of sausages were good (>6) throughout the storage period. The color values of sausages were not affected by the addition of orange peel and moringa leaves extract. The extent of lipid oxidation increased during storage, and sausages with BHT, orange peel and moringa leaves extract had significantly (p < 0.05) lower values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and free fatty acids (FFAs) toward the end of the storage period.

Originality/value

The observations of this paper endorse the use of orange peel and moringa leaves extract in meat products formulation for acceptable storage stability under frozen conditions.
Dialogic evaluation and inter-organizational learning: insights from two multi-stakeholder initiatives in sport for development and peace
Authors: Corvino Chiara , Gazzaroli Diletta , D’Angelo Chiara
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this manuscript is twofold. First, this manuscript explores how dialogic evaluation (DE), as a participatory evaluation tool, develops inter-organizational learning (IOL). Second, based on empirical analysis, the work provides pragmatic insights to support practitioners in implementing a facilitative framework grounded in DE for the increased uptake of IOL.

Design/methodology/approach

Two cases of multi-stakeholder partnerships in sport for development and peace (SDP) in Italy were analyzed and compared to explore whether and how the implementation of DE supported the development of IOL.

Findings

In both cases, applying a three-phase DE process supported several IOL outcomes, such as common knowledge, new innovative solutions development and transfer of new acquisitions. Indeed, DE promoted three key IOL objectives: the emergence of latent relational dimensions and issues to bridge multiple levels; intra- and inter-redefinition and intersection of boundaries; awareness of relevance and usefulness of what was accomplished during the partnership. This paper also discusses some practical insights for DE methodology implementation to activate IOL.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the understanding of an effective IOL by developing synergies from network interactions. Moreover, the researcher applied a novel methodology, DE, in IOL’s research domain, focusing on a different context and setting such as SDP.
Disengagement in Open Innovation: A Cognitive Perspective
Authors: Bhimani Hardik , Mention Anne‐Laure , Salampasis Dimitrios
Published: February 2022

The central tenet of open innovation (OI) is that useful knowledge is widely distributed. By purposively engaging in knowledge sourcing and sharing (KSS) activities, organisations can create and capture value through collaborative exchange with others. Organising for OI relies on the assumption that individual managers tasked to bring it to fruition will enact behavioural responses conducive to external KSS. However, understanding what characterises and informs managers’ disengagement in OI remains an unresolved challenge. The interactions between managers’ in‐role demands in OI and their self‐concept, which guide behavioural responses, are under‐investigated. Drawing on cognitive dissonance theory (CDT), this article conceptualises the sources of managerial dissonance and situates discussions on underlying influencing mechanisms, culminating towards a cognitive model of disengagement in OI. Bridging OI, psychology and management literature, hypotheses are developed to stimulate investigations into what characterises and influences managers’ disengagement in OI. Managerial implications are discussed to curate approaches that can help manage managerial dissonance in order to attain the desired organisational OI goals.
Development and testing of a survey measure of organizational perinatal patient‐centered care culture
Authors: Handley Sara C. , Passarella Molly , Martin Ashley E. , Lorch Scott A. , Srinivas Sindhu K. , Nembhard Ingrid M.
Published: February 2022

Objective

To develop and test a measure of patient‐centered care (PCC) culture in hospital‐based perinatal care.

Data Sources

Data were obtained from US perinatal hospitals: one provided survey development data and 14 contributed data for survey testing.

Study Design

We used qualitative and quantitative methods to develop the mother–infant centered care (MICC) culture survey. Qualitative methods included observation, focus group, interviews, and expert consultations to adapt items from other settings and create new items capturing dimensions of PCC articulated by The Commonwealth Fund. We quantitatively assessed survey psychometric properties using reliability (Cronbach's α and Pearson correlation coefficients) and validity (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis [CFA]) statistics, and refined the survey. After confirming aggregation suitability (ICCs), we calculated “MICC culture scores” at the individual, unit, and hospital level and assessed associations between scores and survey‐collected, staff‐reported outcomes to evaluate concurrent validity.

Data Collection

Survey development included 12 site‐visit observations, one semi‐structured focus group (five participants), two semi‐structured interviews, five cognitive interviews, and three expert consultations. Survey testing used online surveys administered to obstetric and neonatal unit staff (N = 316).

Principal Findings

Using responses from 10 hospitals with ≥4 responses from both units (n = 240), the 20‐item MICC culture survey demonstrated reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.95) while capturing all PCC dimensions (subscale Cronbach's α = 0.72–0.87). CFA showed validity through goodness‐of‐fit (overall chi‐square = 214 [p‐value = 0.012], SRMR = 0.056, RMSEA = 0.041, CFI = 0.97, and TLI = 0.96). Aggregation statistics (ICCs < 0.05) justify unit‐ and hospital‐level aggregation. Demonstrating preliminary validity, individual‐, unit‐, and hospital‐level MICC culture scores were associated with all outcomes (satisfaction with care provided, within‐unit team effectiveness, and relational coordination [RC] between units) (p‐values < 0.05), except for neonatal unit scores and RC (p‐value = 0.11).

Conclusions

The MICC culture survey is a psychometrically sound measure of PCC culture for hospital‐based perinatal care. Survey scores are associated with staff‐reported outcomes. Future studies with patient outcomes will aid identification of improvement opportunities in perinatal care.
Health professionals' views and experiences around the dietary and lifestyle management of gestational diabetes in New Zealand
Authors: North Sylvia , Crofts Catherine , Zinn Caryn
Published: February 2022

Aim

This study aimed to investigate New Zealand health professionals' views and experiences around the dietary and lifestyle management of gestational diabetes.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted remotely with health professionals; sessions were recorded and transcribed. Core themes were extracted using inductive thematic analysis using a framework method.

Results

Twenty‐seven health professionals were interviewed (13 diabetes dietitians, 8 specialist diabetes midwives, 2 community midwives, 1 antenatal clinic midwife, 1 obstetrician and 2 endocrinologists). Themes were organised into three central domains: (a) Social and cultural barriers, (b) Service provision and (c) Nutrition advice. Enabling themes included professional collaboration, innovation and creating trusting and supportive environments. Key barriers identified included accessibility, cultural barriers, overwhelmed service, fragmentation and conflicting information and nutrition resource gaps.

Conclusions

Findings highlight foremost a deficit in primary antenatal nutrition advice that may play a significant role in the fragmentation identified. Investment in community‐inclusive services providing antenatal nutrition and diabetes education appears critical to overcome barriers associated with misinformation and poor outcomes. Pathways to include nutrition education from various primary care health providers should be investigated to ease the burden from specialist gestational diabetes clinicians and allow effective delegation of dietetic resources. Revision of current nutrition guidelines for the management of gestational diabetes in New Zealand is needed to facilitate consistent messaging and standards of care.
Climate Change Impacts on Agricultural Water Availability in the Middle Rio Grande Basin
Authors: Samimi Maryam , Mirchi Ali , Townsend Nolan , Gutzler David , Daggubati Subhash , Ahn Sora , Sheng Zhuping , Moriasi Daniel , Granados‐Olivas Alfredo , Alian Sara , Mayer Alex , Hargrove William
Published: February 2022

We present a comprehensive analysis of water availability under plausible future climate conditions in a heavily irrigated agricultural watershed located in the middle section of the Rio Grande Basin in the United States Desert Southwest. Future managed streamflow scenarios (through year 2099) were selected from among 97 scenarios developed based on downscaled, bias‐corrected global climate model outputs to evaluate future inflows to the principal surface water storage reservoirs, possible future reservoir releases, and groundwater pumping to sustain irrigated agriculture. The streamflow projections describe a wide range of dry and wet conditions compared to the average historical flows in the river, indicating significant uncertainty in future water availability in the Rio Grande Basin. We applied the Soil and Water Assessment Tool to illustrate the impact of climate futures on different components of the water budget at a watershed scale. Results indicate declining reliability of reservoir storage to meet the water demand of irrigated agriculture. The impact of declining surface water can be offset by increasing the pressure on the already‐strained groundwater resources. However, the region should be prepared to use slightly saline (total dissolved solids [TDS] > 1,000 mg/L) and moderately saline groundwater (TDS > 3,000 mg/L) as fresh groundwater in the regional aquifer is depleted within the 21st Century under hotter and drier conditions and status quo agricultural land and water management practices.
Characterization of Hydraulic Properties of the Memphis Aquifer by Conducting Pumping Tests in Active Well Fields in Shelby County, Tennessee
Authors: Sahagún‐Covarrubias Sofía , Waldron Brian , Larsen Daniel , Schoefernacker Scott
Published: February 2022

Limited availability of field measurements for aquifer parameters commonly leads to nonuniqueness of numerical model solutions. Six pumping tests were conducted in five municipal well fields within Shelby County following the procedure described in the ASTM D4050‐14 and using an additional qualitative matrix framework to achieve greater reliability. Drawdown data of the pumping tests were analyzed using AQTESOLV, which allowed for partial penetration of well screens and interference from neighboring production wells. The values of transmissivity have a combined range of 600–3,100 m2/day, which is 2–4 times less than published measures that used less robust data analysis and questionable or poorly documented methods. The range of storativity was 0.0005–0.002, and again, the resulting values have greater reliability than prior investigations. Robust quality assessment in the present methodology through assignment of a scoring decision matrix provides greater trust in the measurements. With a score at or above 10 considered optimal, the methodology and test environment resulted in an average score of 8.7, a vast improvement from prior investigations that together averaged 4.1. The calculated parameter values are an improvement on historical values, constraining the two critical groundwater hydraulic terms that should reduce modeling nonuniqueness of numerical modeling solutions that should lead to improved evaluation of local groundwater resources and environmental impacts.
"It's a beer!": Brain functional hyperconnectivity during processing of alcohol‐related images in young binge drinkers
Authors: Almeida‐Antunes Natália , Antón‐Toro Luis , Crego Alberto , Rodrigues Rui , Sampaio Adriana , López‐Caneda Eduardo
Published: February 2022

Alcohol attentional bias has been pointed as a major marker of alcohol misuse. Recent evidence has revealed that brain functional connectivity (FC) may be a valuable index of the brain networks' integrity in young binge drinkers (BDs). However, there is no study to date examining the FC networks linked to the processing of alcohol‐related images in this population. The present study aimed to explore the FC signatures underlying alcohol attention bias in young BDs. Thus, electroencephalographic (EEG) activity was recorded in 54 college students (55.5% females; 27 non/low‐drinkers and 27 BDs) while performing a visual alcohol cue‐reactivity task. We evaluated whole‐brain FC profiles during the processing of alcoholic and non‐alcoholic cues, as well as their potential relationship with craving and severity of alcohol use. Results showed that, at the behavioural level, BDs rated alcohol‐related images as more pleasant/attractive than non/low‐drinkers. Furthermore, at the electrophysiological level, BDs exhibited increased beta‐band FC—particularly in the fronto‐parieto‐occipital network—when processing alcoholic cues. Conversely, they displayed reduced theta‐band FC relatively to non/low‐drinkers for non‐alcoholic images. These hyper‐/hypo‐connectivity patterns were associated with higher alcohol craving levels. Findings are congruent with previous neurofunctional studies reporting an attentional bias towards alcohol‐related information in BDs. These results may have important clinical implications as this neural reactivity to alcoholic cues may contribute to the maintenance and/or escalation of the drinking pattern. Finally, the present study constitutes the first evidence showing that FC networks may be a sensitive indicator to alcohol attentional bias in BDs.
Functional connectivity in the central executive network predicts changes in binge drinking behavior during emerging adulthood: an observational prospective study
Authors: Lesnewich Laura M. , Pawlak Anthony P. , Gohel Suril , Bates Marsha E.
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims

Binge drinking contributes to the immense public health burden associated with alcohol use, especially among younger drinkers. Little is known about the underlying neurobiology of changes in this behavior over time. This preliminary study aimed to identify neurobiological markers of binge drinking behavior change during emerging adulthood.

Design

Observational prospective investigation of neurobiological predictors of binge drinking behavior.

Setting

Communities surrounding a large, public university in the northeastern United States.

Participants

A total of 42 emerging adults (48% female), approximately half meeting criteria for an alcohol use disorder.

Measurements

Past month binge drinking, the dependent variable, was assessed at two time‐points (T1, T2) via self‐report. Ten indices of resting‐state functional connectivity within the central executive network (CEN), a brain network involved in executive function, were collected at T1 and specified as independent variables in cross‐sectional and prospective Poisson models. All models controlled for age, sex, and alcohol use disorder status.

Findings

The cross‐sectional model yielded five significant associations between CEN connectivity and binge drinking incidence. Connections anchored primarily in the anterior CEN exhibited negative associations with binge drinking incidence (P = 0.001, 0.004, 0.011), and connections stemming from the right posterior parietal cortex exhibited positive associations with binge drinking incidence (P = 0.041, 0.045). In prospective models, stronger frontoparietal connectivity between the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and left posterior parietal cortex predicted greater increases in binge drinking incidence over time (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

There is an association between central executive network connectivity and heavy drinking, as well as evidence that functional pathways within the central executive network may contribute to changes in problematic drinking behaviors.
Infrequent detection of unintentional fentanyl use via urinalysis among people who regularly inject opioids in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Lam Tina , Barratt Monica J. , Bartlett Mark , Latimer Julie , Jauncey Marianne , Hiley Sarah , Clark Nico , Gerostamoulos Dimitri , Glowacki Linda , Roux Claude , Morelato Marie , Nielsen Suzanne
Published: February 2022

Background and aim

The current phase of the North American ‘opioid crisis’ is characterised by illicit fentanyl use; however, the presence of illicit fentanyl in Australia is unknown. This study aimed to monitor unintentional fentanyl consumption in Australia.

Design

Rapid urine drug screens (UDS) paired with surveys conducted within supervised injecting facilities (SIFs) and confirmatory laboratory testing.

Setting

Sydney and Melbourne, Australia.

Participants

Clients who used heroin within the past 2 days (n = 911 tests, 2017–2021). Participants were demographically similar to the overall client base (median age 43, 72% male).

Measurements

UDS were conducted using BTNX Rapid Response fentanyl urine strip tests with cross‐reactivity to numerous fentanyl analogues. Positive urine samples were analysed using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Surveys covered past 3 day drug use and lifetime report of fentanyl in heroin.

Findings

Two percent of participants reported intentional use of fentanyl, mostly through fentanyl patches. Of the 911 rapid UDS conducted, 17 (1.9%) yielded positive results. Eight of these (all from Melbourne) were not explained by survey‐reported fentanyl use in the past 3 days. Of these 8 unexplained positives, confirmatory laboratory analysis was conducted on 6, with 4 deemed to be false positives, and 2 confirmed for the presence of fentanyl. This represents the first confirmation of unintended use of fentanyl type substances in this population.

Conclusion

There is limited evidence of unintentional fentanyl use among people in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia who regularly inject heroin, suggesting that, currently, there is very little illicit fentanyl in Australian drug markets accessed by supervised injecting facilities attendees. This study demonstrates the feasibility of quick onsite testing to cost‐effectively screen large samples for fentanyl; however, the high false positive rate emphasises the need for confirmation of positive tests through advanced analytical techniques.
HIV clinic‐based extended‐release naltrexone versus treatment as usual for people with HIV and opioid use disorder: a non‐blinded, randomized non‐inferiority trial
Authors: Korthuis P. Todd , Cook Ryan R. , Lum Paula J. , Waddell Elizabeth Needham , Tookes Hansel , Vergara‐Rodriguez Pamela , Kunkel Lynn E. , Lucas Gregory M. , Rodriguez Allan E. , Bielavitz Sarann , Fanucchi Laura C. , Hoffman Kim A. , Bachrach Ken , Payne Elizabeth H. , Collins Julia A. , Matthews Abigail , Oden Neal , Jacobs Petra , Jelstrom Eve , Sorensen James L. , McCarty Dennis
Published: February 2022

Background and aim

Opioid agonist medications for treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) can improve human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outcomes and reduce opioid use. We tested whether outpatient antagonist treatment with naltrexone could achieve similar results.

Design

Open‐label, non‐inferiority randomized trial.

Setting

Six US HIV primary care clinics.

Participants

A total of 114 participants with untreated HIV and OUD (62% male; 56% black, 12% Hispanic; positive for fentanyl (62%), other opioids (47%) and cocaine (60%) at baseline). Enrollment halted early due to slow recruitment.

Intervention

HIV clinic‐based extended‐release naltrexone (XR‐NTX; n = 55) versus treatment as usual (TAU) with buprenorphine or methadone (TAU; n = 59).

Measurements

Treatment group differences were compared for the primary outcome of viral suppression (HIV RNA ≤ 200 copies/ml) at 24 weeks and secondary outcomes included past 30‐day use of opioids at 24 weeks.

Findings

Fewer XR‐NTX participants initiated medication compared with TAU participants (47 versus 73%). The primary outcome of viral suppression was comparable for XR‐NTX (52.7%) and TAU (49.2%) [risk ratio (RR) = 1.064; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.748, 1.514] at 24 weeks. Non‐inferiority could not be demonstrated, as the lower confidence limit of the RR did not exceed the pre‐specified margin of 0.75 in intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis. The main secondary outcome of past 30‐day opioid use was comparable for XR‐NTX versus TAU (11.7 versus 14.8 days; mean difference = −3.1; 95% CI = –8.7, 1.1) in ITT analysis. Among those initiating medication, XR‐NTX resulted in fewer days of opioid use compared with TAU in the past 30 days (6.0 versus 13.6, mean difference = −7.6; 95% CI = –13.8, −0.2).

Conclusions

A randomized controlled trial found supportive, but not conclusive, evidence that human immunodeficiency virus clinic‐based extended‐release naltrexone is not inferior to treatment as usual for facilitating human immunodeficiency virus viral suppression. Participants who initiated extended‐release naltrexone used fewer opioids than those who received treatment as usual.
Loot box engagement: relationships with educational attainment, employment status and earnings in a cohort of 16 000 United Kingdom gamers
Authors: Close James , Spicer Stuart Gordon , Nicklin Laura Louise , Lloyd Joanne , Lloyd Helen
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims

Loot boxes are purchasable randomised rewards in video games that share structural and psychological similarities with gambling. Systematic review evidence has established reproducible associations between loot box purchasing and both problem gambling and problem video gaming. We aimed to measure the association between loot box engagement and socioeconomic correlates.

Design

The study was a cross‐sectional online survey using the recruitment platform, Prolific.

Setting

United Kingdom (UK).

Participants

A cohort of 16 196 UK adults (18 + years) self‐reporting as video gamers.

Measurements

Respondents were asked about their game‐related purchasing behaviour (including loot boxes), recent monthly spend on loot boxes and gambling engagement (gambling in any form; gambling online; playing ‘social casino’ games). A range of demographic variables were simultaneously captured, including age, sex, ethnicity, earnings, employment and educational attainment.

Findings

Overall, 17.16% of gamers in our cohort purchased loot boxes, with a mean self‐reported monthly spend of £29.12. These loot box purchasers are more likely to gamble (45.97% gamble) than people who make other types of game‐related purchases (on aggregate, 28.13% of non‐loot box purchasers gamble), and even greater still than those who do not make any game related purchases (24.38% gambleP < 0.001). Loot box engagement (as binary yes/no or as monthly spend normalised to earnings) was significantly associated with younger age (P < 0.001 andP < 0.001; respectively, for binary yes/no and monthly spend, adjusted for false discovery rate correction), male sex (P < 0.001 andP = 0.025), non‐university educational attainment (P < 0.001 andP < 0.001) and unemployment (P = 0.003 andP = < 0.001). Lower earners spent a higher proportion of monthly earnings on loot boxes (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The demographic associations of video game loot box engagement (younger age, male sex, non‐university educational attainment and unemployment) mirror those of other addictive and problematic behaviours, including disordered gambling, drug and alcohol misuse.
Cannabis legalization and traffic injuries: exploring the role of supply mechanisms
Authors: Kilmer Beau , Rivera‐Aguirre Ariadne , Queirolo Rosario , Ramirez Jessica , Cerdá Magdalena
Published: February 2022

Background and aim

In Uruguay, residents age 18 and older seeking legal cannabis must register with the government and choose one of three supply mechanisms: self‐cultivation, non‐profit cannabis clubs or pharmacies. This is the first paper to measure the association between type of legal cannabis supply mechanism and traffic crashes involving injuries.

Design

Ecological study using ordinary least squares regression to examine how department‐level variation in registrations (overall and by type) is associated with traffic crashes involving injuries.

Setting

Uruguay.

Cases

532 department‐quarters.

Measurements

Quarterly cannabis registration counts at the department level and incident‐level traffic crash data were obtained from government agencies. The analyses controlled for department‐level economic and demographic characteristics and, as a robustness check, we included traffic violations involving alcohol for departments reporting this information. Department‐level data on crashes, registrations and alcohol violations were denominated by the number of residents ages 18 and older.

Findings

From 2013 to 2019, the average number of registrations at the department‐quarter level per 10 000 residents age 18 and older for self‐cultivation, club membership and pharmacy purchasing were 17.7 (SD = 16.8), 3.6 (SD = 8.6), and 25.1 (SD = 50.4), respectively. In our multivariate regression analyses, we did not find a statistically significant association between the total number of registrations and traffic crashes with injuries (β = −0.007; P = 0.398; 95% CI = −0.023, 0.01). Analyses focused on the specific supply mechanisms found a consistent, positive and statistically significant association between the number of individuals registered as self‐cultivators and the number of traffic crashes with injuries (β = 0.194; P = 0.008; 95% CI = 0.058, 0.329). Associations for other supply mechanisms were inconsistent across the various model specifications.

Conclusions

In Uruguay, the number of people allowed to self‐cultivate cannabis is positively associated with traffic crashes involving injuries. Individual‐level analyses are needed to assess better the factors underlying this association.
Role of innate immune receptors TLR4 and TLR2 polymorphisms in systemic lupus erythematosus susceptibility
Authors: Elloumi Nesrine , Tahri Safa , Fakhfakh Raouia , Abida Olfa , Mahfoudh Nadia , Hachicha Hend , Marzouk Sameh , Bahloul Zouhir , Masmoudi Hatem
Published: February 2022

Aim

Through their recognition of various bacterial cell wall components, TLR2 and TLR4 participate in the innate response and modulate the activation of adaptive immunity. Therefore, the genetic background of these receptors might play a crucial role in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we investigated the possible association between polymorphisms within TLR2 and TLR4 genes with SLE susceptibility.

Material and methods

A total of 100 SLE patients and 200 unrelated healthy controls of the Tunisian population were enrolled in the study.TLR4rs4986790, TLR4rs4986791, and TLR2rs5743708 genotyping were performed using a polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The number of guanine‐thymine (GT) repeat microsatellite in the intron 2 of TLR2 gene was analyzed by sequencing.

Results

We reported a lack of allelic and genotypic association between SNPs of TLR4 and TLR2 genes and SLE pathogenesis. No correlation was found with any SLE features. However, SLE susceptibility was associated with the GT repeat microsatellite polymorphism in the human TLR2 gene. Further subclassification of alleles into three subclasses revealed a significant association between the long‐sized repeats ((GT) >23) and SLE.

Conclusion

Though the results showed the absence of genetic association of TLR4 and TLR2 SNPs with the risk of developing SLE, we have identified a protective association between the microsatellite polymorphism in intron 2 of the TLR2 gene and SLE. Functionally, these (GT)n repeats may confer modifying effects or susceptibility to certain inflammatory conditions.
Managing emotions in psychosis: Evaluation of a brief DBT‐informed skills group for individuals with psychosis in routine community services
Authors: Lawlor Caroline , Vitoratou Silia , Duffy James , Cooper Ben , De Souza Tanisha , Le Boutillier Clair , Carter Ben , Hepworth Claire , Jolley Suzanne
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Individuals with psychosis report that emotion regulation (ER) difficulties are treatment priorities, yet little is known about how targeted ER interventions may help. We evaluated a new eight‐session Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)–informed skills group specifically adapted for individuals with psychosis: the Managing Emotions Group (MEG) in diverse, inner‐city community services.

Method

A mixed‐method design was utilised to assess the feasibility (acceptability and potential clinical impact) of local delivery of MEG. Uptake, completion (≥50% of sessions), post‐session satisfaction ratings, and thematic analysis of qualitative feedback from 12 completers assessed acceptability. Pre–post‐intervention changes in psychological distress, self‐reported ER difficulties, and adaptive ER skill use assessed potential clinical impact.

Results

Forty‐eight individuals (81% of attenders) completed the intervention (Mage = 43, 54% female) of whom 39 completed pre‐ and post‐group measures. Participants reported high satisfaction and meaningful improvements in understanding and managing emotions, with positive impact on daily life. Self‐reported psychological distress, ER difficulties, and adaptive ER skill use significantly improved, with medium‐to‐large pre‐post effects (d = 0.5–0.7) except lack of emotional clarity (d = 0.3).

Conclusions

MEG was feasible and acceptable, and a future feasibility randomised controlled trial is warranted.

Practitioner points

Individuals with psychosis report that support with their emotions is a priority.

Brief interventions for emotion regulation difficulties are acceptable to individuals with psychosis and can be feasibly delivered in a local outpatient service.

Distress and emotion regulation difficulties and skills improved significantly from pre–post treatment for clients completing the managing emotions group.

Further implementation and evaluation are needed to support continued refinement to meet the needs and priorities of individuals with psychosis.
Pharmacologic induction of PGC‐1α stimulates fetal haemoglobin gene expression
Authors: Sun Yanan , Habara Alawi , Le Cuong Quang , Nguyen Nicole , Chen Raymon , Murphy George J. , Chui David H. K. , Steinberg Martin H. , Cui Shuaiying
Published: February 2022

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that affects millions around the world. Enhancement of fetal γ‐globin levels and fetal haemoglobin (HbF) production in SCD patients leads to diminished severity of many clinical features of the disease. We recently identified the transcriptional co‐activator PGC‐1α as a new protein involved in the regulation of the globin genes. Here, we report that upregulation of PGC‐1α by infection with a lentivirus expressing PGC‐1α or by the small‐molecule PGC‐1α agonist ZLN005 in human primary erythroid progenitor CD34+ cells induces both fetal γ‐globin mRNA and protein expression as well as the percentage of HbF‐positive cell (F cells) without significantly affecting cell proliferation and differentiation. We further found that the combination of ZLN005 and hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide) exhibited an additive effect on the expression of γ‐globin and the generation of F cells from cultured CD34+ cells. In addition, ZLN005 induced robust expression of the murine embryonic βh1‐globin gene and to a lesser extent, human γ‐globin gene expression in sickle mice. These findings suggest that activation of PGC‐1α by ZLN005 might provide a new path for modulating HbF levels with potential therapeutic benefit in β‐hemoglobinopathies.
Sexual Identity‐Behavior Discordance in Canada
Authors: Silva Tony , Fetner Tina
Published: February 2022

This paper uses two surveys to examine sexual identity‐behavior discordance in Canada. The first is the Sex in Canada survey (SCS), which is a private survey of 2,303 Canadians. The second is the 2015–2016 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), which is a large nationally representative government‐administered survey with 109,659 respondents. Results from the CCHS show that identity‐behavior discordance and overall rates of same‐sex contact are lower in Canada than in the US, UK, or Australia. An estimated .7 percent of males and 2.7 percent of females aged 15–64 who had had lifetime sex identified as heterosexual yet have had same‐sex contact, figures which equate to an estimated 65,700 males and 255,100 females. Few demographic factors were associated with discordance. Results from the SCS show that about two‐thirds of heterosexuals with identity‐behavior discordance were moderately supportive of LGBQ rights and one‐third were moderately homophobic. Future research will need to uncover why a lower proportion of Canadians report same‐sex partners and identity‐behavior discordance than their counterparts in the US, UK, or Australia.

Cet article utilise deux enquêtes pour examiner la discordance entre l'identité sexuelle et le comportement au Canada. La première est l'enquête Sex in Canada (SCS), qui est une enquête privée menée auprès de 2 303 Canadiens. La seconde est l'Enquête sur la santé dans les collectivités canadiennes (ESCC) de 2015–2016, qui est une grande enquête représentative à l'échelle nationale administrée par le gouvernement auprès de 109 659 répondants. Les résultats de l'ESCC montrent que la discordance identité‐comportement et les taux globaux de contacts entre personnes de même sexe sont plus faibles au Canada qu'aux États‐Unis, au Royaume‐Uni ou en Australie. On estime que 0,7 % des hommes et 2,7 % des femmes âgés de 15 à 64 ans ayant eu des rapports sexuels au cours de leur vie se sont identifiés comme hétérosexuels, mais ont eu des contacts avec des personnes du même sexe, ce qui correspond à environ 65 700 hommes et 255 100 femmes. Peu de facteurs démographiques étaient associés à la discordance. Les résultats de l'enquête SCS montrent qu'environ deux tiers des hétérosexuels présentant une discordance entre identité et comportement étaient modérément favorables aux droits des LGBQ et qu'un tiers était modérément homophobe. Les recherches futures devront découvrir pourquoi une plus faible proportion de Canadiens déclarent avoir des partenaires de même sexe et être en désaccord avec leur identité et leur comportement que leurs homologues aux États‐Unis, au Royaume‐Uni ou en Australie.
Exploring 10 years of dissemination of the F‐words for Child Development: A multifaceted case study
Authors: Cross Andrea , Soper Alice Kelen , Tomas Vanessa , Grahovac Danijela , Brocklehurst Julie , Kay Diane , Baptiste Sue , Gorter Jan Willem , Rosenbaum Peter
Published: February 2022

Background

There is growing interest in exploring how to move research findings into practice. Since 2014, a team of families and researchers has been working to promote and study the dissemination of the “F‐words for Child Development” (Function, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, and Future). This case study describes our dissemination strategies and uses the Diffusion of Innovation theory to understand the factors contributing to the uptake of the F‐words—a function‐promoting, strengths‐based, and family‐centred innovation in child health and development.

Methods

Between November 2011 and November 2021, we collected data from multiple sources: our dissemination strategies, including affiliated documents/artefacts (e.g., videos and presentations) and evaluation data (e.g., surveys and Google/video analytics). We used a two‐step analysis: (1) a chronological time series to describe the processes involved along with indicators of dissemination over time (e.g., increase knowledge and awareness); and (2) Diffusion of Innovation theory to explore the factors that contributed to the uptake of the F‐words.

Results

Multifaceted dissemination strategies were essential to raise awareness and increase families' and service providers' knowledge of the F‐words. These included three primary strategies: (i) development and distribution of educational materials; (ii) presentations at educational meetings; and (iii) educational outreach visits. Additional strategies, such as the use of mass media, collaboration with early adopters/champions, and the involvement of family members further supported dissemination efforts. Diffusion of Innovation factors (innovation characteristics, time, social systems, and communication channels) all contributed to the uptake of this innovation.

Conclusions

Purposeful planned dissemination practice, to increase knowledge and awareness of an innovation, is an important step in the knowledge translation process. Over a period of 10 years, through the use of multiple dissemination strategies conducted in partnership with families and service providers, the F‐words have spread globally. Diffusion of Innovation theory has served to help understand how and why the F‐words are being shared and adopted around the world.
The effect of female board representation on the level of ownership in foreign acquisitions
Authors: Askarzadeh Fatemeh , Lewellyn Krista , Islam Habib , Moghaddam Kaveh
Published: February 2022

Research Question/Issue

How female representation on corporate boards affects firm outcomes that have significant implications for stakeholders is a major corporate governance issue in the 21st century. We examine the effect of female director representation on acquirers' boards on the level of ownership in foreign acquisitions. We further test how the relationship is moderated by institutional distance, that is, the dissimilarities between host and home countries' institutional environments.

Research Findings/Insights

Using a sample of 1118 firm‐year observations in 48 countries from 1997 to 2016, we find that greater female representation on acquiring firms' boards is associated with lower levels of ownership in foreign acquisitions. In addition, we find that only firms with a critical mass of 30% or more women on the board prefer low ownership. We also find that institutional distance, measured as the Mahalanobis distance between countries based on the extracted factor of the regulative institutional profile for each country, magnifies the relationship.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Using the information economics perspective, we decompose acquisition risks into ex ante and ex post hazards. Then by integrating this perspective with gender role theory, we challenge the assumption of unidimensional risk attitudes of female directors. Thus, we contribute to the debate about how female directors affect firms' strategic choices. Further, our findings provide unique insights to international corporate governance research that focuses on how female representation on boards affects firm‐level outcomes. In addition, our finding that institutional difference moderates the effect of female directors highlights that institutional context should be considered for understanding boards' strategic roles.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Board nominating committees should match a firm's board composition to the desired acquisition strategy with respect to the types of risk they wish to undertake. The study also highlights the dilemma that female directors may face in balancing their managerial and gender roles and may assist firms in better addressing these concerns.
A case of histiocytoid angiosarcoma mimicking Rosai‐Dorfman disease histopathologically
Authors: Khurana Maya , Song David , No Daniel , Cassarino David S.
Published: February 2022

There are very few documented cases of histiocytoid angiosarcoma in the literature. We report a rare case of histiocytoid angiosarcoma demonstrating emperipolesis, a histopathologic finding that mimics Rosai‐Dorfman disease (RDD). A 77‐year‐old male presented with a subcutaneous nodule on his left forehead. Microscopic examination of the tumor revealed a dense lymphohistiocytic and plasmacytic infiltrate with large epithelioid cells, many of which showed abundant pale eosinophilic to foamy‐appearing cytoplasm, and some of which displayed phagocytosis of intact inflammatory cells and erythrocytes. The tumor also showed significant cytologic atypia and pleomorphism. Immunohistochemical stains showed strong staining of the histiocytoid cells and focal anastomosing‐like vascular spaces for CD31 and ERG‐1, but were essentially negative for CD68, lysozyme, CD163, S100, and CD1a, consistent with a vascular endothelial tumor. This case expands the spectrum of findings that can be identified in angiosarcomas, and should help to prevent potential misdiagnosis as a less aggressive tumor such as RDD.