bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital signage as an opportunity to enhance the mall environment: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Roux Thérèse , Mahlangu Sfiso , Manetje Thembeka
Published: June 2020

Purpose

There is ample evidence supporting the generalizability of the stimuli-organism-response framework in the retail field, with limited extensions to digital signage inside malls. This article postulates that favourable perceptions of the mall environment result in stronger approach behaviours than positive experienced emotions. This varying indirect effect is predicated to be moderated by shoppers' enjoyment of hedonic digital signage content.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted at two upmarket super-regional malls in South Africa with a wide variety of contemporary digital signage displaying hedonic content. Purposive quota sampling was used to intercept and survey 400 regular shoppers viewing dynamic hedonic digital signage content. Data was collected via an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Hayes macro conditional process analysis was used to determine the moderating role of hedonic content enjoyment and to estimate regression coefficients of the proposed model.

Findings

It was found that favourable perceptions of the mall environment is strongly associated with approach behaviours relative to the indirect effect of positive experienced emotions. When shoppers' enjoyment of hedonic content is factored in the model, low enjoyment of hedonic content shows an insignificant effect of digital signage on approach behaviours. However, for high enjoyment of hedonic content, this relationship is positive and significant.

Research limitations/implications

Digital signage was only studied as a design cue and the promising role as social cue or ambient factor were thus not take into account. It also applied a cross-sectional survey rather than an experiment and has modelled the effects of digital signage as a part of retail atmospherics rather than its presence or absence in malls. The results were generated based on a survey with shoppers from two upmarket super-regional malls in South Africa while viewing digital signage displaying hedonic content. Findings might differ for utilitarian content and other settings.

Practical implications

Practical recommendations on how shopping mall management could utilise digital signage to possibly increase approach behaviours are provided.

Originality/value

There is very limited research on the effects of digital signage on shoppers in the mall environment. This study is one of the first to consider enjoyment of digital signage content inside malls as moderating variable. Additionally, this study contributed to this growing field of shopper-oriented technologies in methodological and pragmatic manners.
Employers’ perception of graduates with on-line degrees in Tanzania: two-pronged lesson for on-line graduates and course developers
Authors: Kisanga Dalton Hebert
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the employers’ perceptions of graduates with on-line degrees.

Design/methodology/approach

The Ajzen and Fishbein’s (1980) theory of attitude formation and change informed the study. This Web-based study used self-administered open-ended questionnaires to collect data. It used purposive sampling to select 15 employers from nine employment sectors in Tanzania and used thematic analysis to analyse the data.

Findings

Findings indicate that employers prefer graduates with traditional to those with on-line degrees. However, the increasing number of organisations transforming from analogue to digital operations has opened the door for blended learning graduates to compete in the job market as factors associated with practical skills, relevant post-graduation job experience, reputation of the virtual university, course content and duration can work in their favour. These are factors on-line students need to consider when choosing an on-line degree programme. Similarly, institutions offering on-line degrees should strengthen their programmes by making these features an integral part of their education to boost the acceptability of their graduates in the job market and undermine negative perceptions associated with such degrees.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings have implication to higher education institutions which need to structure their on-line programmes as recommended by employers who emphasised on increasing physical learners–instructor and learner–learner interactions as well as reducing on-line programme cost to increase students’ enrolment.

Practical implications

The research findings have practical implication to prospective on-line students that they should focus on reputable virtual university that integrates its on-line programme with hands-on skills.

Social implications

To eliminate the negative perceptions and enhance integrity of on-line education, institutions providing on-line education need to be accredited by relevant bodies to offer on-line courses. Consequently, this will improve quality and strengthen students as well as societal satisfaction and confidence on on-line education.

Originality/value

The present study explored employers’ perceptions of graduates with on-line degrees versus those with traditional degrees in Tanzania. This study has yet to be conducted in Tanzania and thus produces a significant contribution to the literature, as it will help to inform prospective on-line programme students on relevant factors looked upon by employers in favour of or against graduates with on-line degrees.
Emergency remote teaching environment: a conceptual framework for responsive online teaching in crises
Authors: Whittle Clayton , Tiwari Sonia , Yan Shulong , Williams Jeff
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to provide an educational framework for not only the emerging COVID crisis but also future emergency remote teaching environments (ERTE).

Design/methodology/approach

Using participatory design methodologies, this study engages K-12 teachers and professional instructional designers in a design-focused discussion.

Findings

This work identifies thematic elements present across multiple subject areas, school districts, learner ages and socio-economic situations. Using these themes, as well as design solutions created by our participants, the authors propose the ERTE framework.

Research limitations/implications

The framework presented is grounded in the experiences of a limited number of teachers, but presents a theoretically grounded approach to teaching in an emergent field.

Practical implications

This framework is designed for practical application for use by teachers operating in ERTE.

Originality/value

Though multiple online teaching frameworks exist, the ERTE framework is novel in its emphasis on shifting constants and variables rather than planned pedagogy and is specifically for use in unplanned or responsive remote teaching situations.
Blockchain for next generation services in banking and finance: cost, benefit, risk and opportunity analysis
Authors: Osmani Mohamad , El-Haddadeh Ramzi , Hindi Nitham , Janssen Marijn , Weerakkody Vishanth
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to help in providing a better understanding of the application of blockchain technology in the context of the banking and finance sectors. The aim is to outline blockchain's benefits, opportunities, costs, risks as well as challenges of the technology in the context of banking and finance services.

Design/methodology/approach

Careful examination of the extant literature, including utilising relevant academic-based research databases has been carried out. It covered reviewing various research contributions published in peer-reviewed journals, academic reports, as well as technical reports to help in identifying related benefits, opportunities, costs and risks.

Findings

The findings reveal that there are limited contributions in utilising blockchain in the banking and finance sectors when compared with other sectors. As such, the study highlighted the relevant perspective of benefits, opportunities, costs and risks within such sectors.

Practical implications

This study helps in offering a focal point to banking and financial sector managers and decision-makers for realising the value and offerings of blockchain technology as well as associated strategies and programmes.

Originality/value

This study highlights the need for a holistic understanding of the various aspects of cost, benefits, risk and opportunities to create blockchain applications that work for banking and finance sectors
Cognitive biases in MCDM methods: an embedded filter proposal through sustainable supplier selection problem
Authors: Deniz Nurcan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Expert evaluation is the backbone of the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. The experts make pairwise comparisons between criteria or alternatives in this evaluation. The mainstream research focus on the ambiguity in this process and use fuzzy logic. On the other hand, cognitive biases are the other but scarcely studied challenges to make accurate decisions. The purpose of this paper is to propose pilot filters – as a debiasing strategy – embedded in the MCDM techniques to reduce the effects of framing effect, loss aversion and status quo-type cognitive biases. The applicability of the proposed methodology is shown with analytic hierarchy process-based Technique for Order-Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution method through a sustainable supplier selection problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The first filter's aim is to reduce framing bias with restructuring the questions. To manipulate the weights of criteria according to the degree of expected status quo and loss aversion biases is the second filter's aim. The second filter is implemented to a sustainable supplier selection problem.

Findings

The comparison of the results of biased and debiased ranking indicates that the best and worst suppliers did not change, but the ranking of suppliers changed. As a result, it is shown that, to obtain more accurate results, employing debiasing strategies is beneficial.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, this approach is a novel way to cope with the cognitive biases. Applying this methodology easily to other MCDM techniques will help the decision makers to take more accurate decisions.
Analysing enablers of knowledge management in improving logistics capabilities of Indian organisations: a TISM approach
Authors: Yadav Devendra K. , Pant Manoj , Seth Nitin
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify and analyse the main enablers of knowledge management (KM) in improving the logistics capabilities of Indian organisations and develop a model based on the contextual relationship among the identified enablers.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, this study uses a systematic literature review and questionnaire-based survey approach to identify the enablers of KM; and later, total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) was used to evolve mutual relationships among the identified 11 enablers for developing a hierarchical model.

Findings

The results of the analysis show that enablers, namely, organisational structure and leadership, application of advanced information and communication system, collaboration with established stakeholders and organisational learning and innovative approaches are identified as main enablers for improving the logistics capabilities of Indian organisations.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides useful implications for the researchers working on exploring the role of KM enablers in improving the logistics capabilities of organisations.

Practical implications

This study provides rich practical implications for the manufacturers, supply chain managers, logistics service providers and logistics consultants involved in the decision-making process. They can focus majorly on knowledge creation and knowledge storage processes to improve the logistics performance of their respective organisations.

Originality/value

This study is an attempt to identify the enablers of KM that could improve the logistics capabilities of Indian organisations. The application of the TISM method to develop a theoretical framework is the novel contribution of this study.
The government’s role in creating an innovation ecosystem: the Springfield Armory as hub in the Connecticut River Valley
Authors: Ford Robert C. , Yoho Keenan D.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate, through the example of the Springfield Armory and its role in the development of interchangeable parts, the critical role of government in establishing a cluster of organizations that evolved into an innovation ecosystem primarily located in the Connecticut River Valley in the 1800s. Using the Springfield Armory example, we use the related but largely unjoined concepts of ecosystem and networks to show that these organizational forms are effective in driving innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The design uses an in-depth analysis of the role of the Springfield Armory to explicate the joining of network and ecosystem theory as an early example of the importance of governmental funding and support for innovation.

Findings

The development of interchangeable parts in the American arms industry in the 19th century transformed manufacturing worldwide. At the heart of this transformation was the network of arms makers that developed in the Connecticut River Valley as a direct result of US Government investment and support. This network of arms makers evolved into an ecosystem of mutually reinforcing relationships as machine tool manufacturers benefited from an environment of free-flowing intellectual property, information and growing governmental demand for arms. The Armory illustrates the government’s role in initiating and sustaining clusters of innovation that otherwise might not have developed as quickly.

Originality/value

Much of the research on the role of government in creating innovation ecosystems and organizational networks is based on modern organizations. This use of the Springfield Armory in the early 1800s broadens the knowledge on how innovation ecosystems in conjunction with networked organizations can be created by governments serving the public good.
Road to digital manufacturing – a longitudinal case-based analysis
Authors: Demeter Krisztina , Losonci Dávid , Nagy Judit
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The authors’ main objective is to examine the resource alteration underlying the digital manufacturing transformation. The authors rely on the adaptation aspect of dynamic capabilities (DC) theory and their analysis shows how and why a factory adapts its resources and capabilities during digital transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

To grasp the change, the authors apply the longitudinal case study method within a revelatory case setting. The digital transformation is detailed from the perspective of a subsidiary that has played a key role in the division's digital transformation.

Findings

Analysing the revealed four stages of the transformation through the lenses of the DC components of adaptation (sensing capability, absorptive capacity, integrative capability, relational capability), this study suggests a sequence with unbalanced characteristics. Each stage starts with sensing capability, each component appears during each stage and each stage is dominated by a different component. Relying on the path dependency concept, the authors also present that the interplay between lean as an old resource stock and digital manufacturing as a new resource stock is rather a necessity, especially at the beginning of the transformation (at a corporation that pursues lean for years).

Practical implications

Digital strategy development is rather an intermediate element of the transformation, since committed personnel (or maybe their network) start bottom-up and coordinate initiatives as they sense the opportunities in the environment. Top managers should rely on their accumulated knowledge and involve them into the transfer coalition in the top-down phase of digitalization. The authors’ case also underlines that starting to experiment with novel technologies requires a solid (and usually expensive) technological and human basis. Finally, process improvement focussed developments at a high-performing factory might be just enough to deal with ever-demanding customer expectations.

Originality/value

This study is among the firsts in operations management that relies on the DC theory to follow up the digital transformation of a factory. A further valuable contribution is that the adaptation process is examined in a longitudinal case study.
Understanding the relationships between social media influencers and their followers: the moderating role of closeness
Authors: Taillon Brian J. , Mueller Steven M. , Kowalczyk Christine M. , Jones Daniel N.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the role of closeness and the relationships between social media influencers and their followers, and, more specifically, how social media influencers can effectively manage their human brands.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were conducted to explore social media influencers. Qualitative content analysis and modeling with path analysis were used to analyze the data.

Findings

Results found attractiveness and likeability to positively predict attitudes toward the influencer, word-of-mouth and purchase intentions, whereas similarity only predicted word-of-mouth from the follower. Closeness served as a moderator but had different effects. Closeness positively moderated the effect of attractiveness on purchase intentions; however, it had a negative effect with similarity on purchase intentions. Moreover, closeness moderated the effect of likeability on attitude toward the influencer.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited by the student sample as well as the students’ self-identification of a social media influencer. Future research should include experimental design manipulating well-known/followed or fictional social media influencers on different social media.

Practical implications

This paper explores the characteristics of social media influencers as well as the potential outcomes associated with influencers on social media. The implications for marketers and advertisers include a better understanding of how consumers engage with influencers on social media.

Originality/value

The role of closeness is identified as a moderator of consumers’ behaviors toward social media influencers.
The role of CSR in sport consumption decision-making
Authors: Yu Chung-Long
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on sport spectator's decision-making using extended model of goal-directed behavior (EMGB).

Design/methodology/approach

An on-site survey was conducted for individuals (N = 408) who attended professional baseball games held in Taiwan.

Findings

Structural equation modeling indicated that the proposed EMGB offered a comprehensive perspective on the complicated decision-making process of sporting event spectators, which increased the explanatory power for predicting future game attending intentions. Specifically, positive anticipated emotion, subjective norm, past behavior, perceived behavioral control and attitude were important determinants of desire, which in turn influenced behavioral intention. The perception of CSR initiatives also played a role in the development of both desire and behavioral intention.

Originality/value

Based on the findings, sport managers should consider integrating CSR actions into management and marketing strategies to enhance individuals' desire and intention to attend games. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to use MGB to study sport spectating, hence extending theoretical development of MGB.
Performance in neo-liberal doctorates: the making of academics
Authors: Courtois Cynthia , Plante Maude , Lajoie Pier-Luc
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to better understand how academics-in-the-making construe doctoral performance and the impacts of this construal on their positioning in relation to doctoral performance expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on 25 semi-structured interviews with PhD students from Canadian, Dutch, Scottish and Australian business schools.

Findings

Based on Decoteau’s (2016) concept of reflexive habitus, this study highlights how doctoral students’ construal is influenced by their previous experiences and by expectations from other adjacent fields in which they simultaneously gravitate. This leads them to adopt a position oscillating between resistance and compliance in relation to their understanding of doctoral performance expectations promoted in the academic field.

Research limitations/implications

The concept of reflexivity, as understood by Decoteau (2016), is found to be pivotal when an individual integrates into a new field.

Practical implications

This study encourages business schools to review expectations regarding doctoral performance. These expectations should be clear, but they should also leave room for PhD students to preserve their academic aspirations.

Originality/value

It is beneficial to empirically clarify the influence of performance expectations in academia on the reflexivity of PhD students, as the majority of studies exploring this topic mainly leverage auto-ethnographic data.
The impact of COVID-19 outbreak on United Kingdom infrastructure sector
Authors: Jallow Haddy , Renukappa Suresh , Suresh Subashini
Published: June 2020

Purpose

In December 2019, news broke out from the World Health Organisation (WHO), with the first outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China. On 11 March 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 to officially be a pandemic. The UK was put under lockdown on the 23 March 2020 by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the lockdown introduced strict measures put into place including the restriction for unnecessary working from offices, and only leaving houses if it is deemed essential. Therefore, this paper focusses on the changes that the infrastructure sector has had to undertake in order to adhere to the COVID-19 lockdown rules while being productive.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the new and unexplored nature of the research problem, a qualitative research methodology was adopted. In total, five semi-structured interviews from three infrastructure sector organisations were conducted to collect data, which was then analysed using thematic analysis for inference and conclusion.

Findings

The results indicate that the lockdown is proving to be difficult to manage projects as staff members are working from home. This leads to delays on a project activities as many staff members cannot physically go on site and conduct works. The managers are finding difficult to manage their teams. However, technological tools such as video chat and meetings via online platforms have proven to be most effective in communications with project teams. The Building Information Modelling Design has been useful as the 3D design models helps to visualise the project within team meetings in order to comply with the COVID-19 rules and follow social distancing guidelines while still carrying on works. However, induction to any new starter is proving to be difficult to manage with the pandemic and lockdown as it involves a drugs and alcohol test prior to commencing work of that project.

Originality/value

This paper provides a rich insight into the understanding and awareness of the impact of COVID-19 and the changes that the infrastructure sector has had to undertake in order to adhere to the lockdown rules while being productive. This study contributes towards informing policymakers on some lessons learnt from the management of the COVID-19 from an infrastructure sector perspective. Furthermore, 12 key implications are drawn for decision-makers within the infrastructure sector business to rethink and act to deal with the pandemic crisis.
Fourth industrial revolution, digital servitization and relationship quality in Italian B2B manufacturing firms. An exploratory study
Authors: Grandinetti Roberto , Ciasullo Maria Vincenza , Paiola Marco , Schiavone Francesco
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Industry 4.0 is dramatically affecting businesses behaviours and strategies, transforming products design, manufacture, operations and services. An outcome of this transformation is digital servitization. This paper aims to contribute to the extant literature about digital servitization in B2B contexts by analysing how I4.0-based servitization affects the quality of supplier–customer relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted a qualitative methodology based on an exploratory multiple case study. In particular, the study included 22 Italian B2B manufacturing firms whose I4.0-based digital servitization approaches are described and, then, analysed in relation to the quality of supplier–customer relationships.

Findings

The access to customers and data is critical to enable advanced digital services and for improving relationship quality; the levels of relational intimacy and informational openness lead to two subsequent levels of data-driven efficiency and data-driven effectiveness, impacting significantly on relationship quality and enabling relational innovation.

Originality/value

The research explores the link, so far underestimated, between digital servitization and relationship quality in industrial contexts.
A multiobjective grid interactive solar photovoltaic DSTATCOM system using cascaded observer-based DFLL approach
Authors: Dash Byomakesh , Sharma Renu , Subudhi Bidyadhar
Published: June 2020

Purpose

A cascaded observer-based transfer delay frequency locked loop (CODFLL) algorithm is developed to control the distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) to address various power quality (PQ) issues arise because of distorted grid and load conditions. Moreover, frequency locked loop is included along with the observer to take care of the frequency drift from nominal value and to improve its performance during steady state and transient conditions. During daylight, the proposed system works as photovoltaic (PV) DSTATCOM and performs multiple functions for improving PQ whilst transferring power to grid and load. The system under consideration acts as DSTATCOM during night and bad weather condition to nullify the PQ issues.

Design/methodology/approach

CODFLL control algorithm generates reference signal for hysteresis controller. This reference signal is compared with an actual grid signal and a gate pulse is produced for a voltage source converter. The system is made frequency adaptive by transfer delay adaptive frequency locked loop (FLL). Peak power is extracted from a PV source using the perturb and observe technique irrespective of disturbances encountered in the system.

Findings

The PV system’s performance with the proposed controller is studied and compared with conventional control algorithms such as least mean fourth (LMF), improved second-order generalized integrator frequency locked loop (ISOGI-FLL), synchronous reference frame phased lock loop (SRF-PLL) and frequency adaptive disturbance observer (DOB) for different cases, for example, steady-state condition, dynamic condition, variable insolation, voltage sag and swell and frequency wandering in the supply side. It is found that the proposed method tracks the frequency variation faster as compared to ISOGI-FLL without any oscillations. During unbalanced loading conditions, CODFLL exhibits zero oscillations. Harmonics in system parameters are reduced to the level of IEEE standard; unity power factor is maintained at the grid side; hassle-free power flow takes place from the source to the grid and load; and consistent voltage profile is maintained at the coupling point.

Originality/value

CODFLL control algorithm is developed for PV-DSTATCOM systems to generate a reference grid current.
Convergent evolution of niche structure in Northeast Pacific kelp forests
Authors: Starko Samuel , Demes Kyle W. , Neufeld Christopher J. , Martone Patrick T.
Published: June 2020

Much of the morphological and ecological diversity present on earth is believed to have arisen through the process of adaptive radiation. Yet, this is seemingly at odds with substantial evidence that niches tend to be similar among closely related species (i.e. niche conservatism). Identifying the relative importance of these opposing processes in driving niche evolution under different circumstances is therefore essential to our understanding of the interaction between ecological and evolutionary phenomena.

In this study, we make use of recent advances in our understanding of the phylogeny of kelps (Laminariales) to investigate niche evolution in one of the most ecologically significant groups of benthic habitat‐forming organisms on the planet. We quantify functional traits and use community sampling data from a kelp diversity hotspot to determine which traits are responsible for the habitat (β) niche of kelps and whether they are labile or conserved across the kelp phylogeny.

We find that combinations of functional traits have evolved convergently across kelp subclades and that these functional traits are significant predictors of community structure. Specifically, traits associated with whole‐kelp structural reinforcement and material properties were found to be significantly correlated with species distributions along a gradient of wave disturbance and thus predict the outcome of environmental filtering. However, kelp assemblages were made up of species that are more phylogenetically distinct than expected (i.e. phylogenetic overdispersion), suggesting that niche partitioning along this gradient of wave disturbance has been an important driver of divergence between close relatives.

These results are consistent with the hypothesis that environmental filtering associated with wave disturbance plays an essential role in determining the habitat niche of kelps across local communities and further suggest that this process can drive phenotypic divergence and niche partitioning between close relatives. We propose that parallel adaptive radiation of kelp subclades has shaped the diversity and species composition of kelp forests in the Northeast Pacific and we discuss how evidence from the literature on incipient or ongoing speciation events supports this hypothesis.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
The puzzle of quality upgrading of Chinese exports from the trade liberalization perspective
Authors: Huang Xianhai , Liu Kun , Chen Hangyu
Published: June 2020

Trade liberalization could accelerate the process of quality upgrading through the competition effect. However, that the quality of Chinese exports exhibits an opposite performance pattern is puzzling. The present paper uses a framework based on multiproduct firms to analyse the mechanism of how the product quality of exports is affected by trade liberalization to explain this puzzle. The model includes two major mechanisms: the competition effect and the market effect. There is a huge gap in the influence on the product quality of exports between a decrease in tariff barriers and non‐tariff barriers: firms' product quality increases (decreases) when non‐tariff barriers (tariff barriers) fall. The data of Chinese firms from 2001 to 2011 supports this conclusion. Further research reveals that the influence of trade liberalization on the product quality of exports in China varies among different types of firms.
A critical review of the Cochrane meta‐analysis of routine late‐pregnancy ultrasound
Authors: Smith GCS
Published: June 2020

A Cochrane review of universal late‐pregnancy ultrasound has been highly influential in guiding UK practice, concluding that it does not improve outcome. However, the meta‐analysis combines trials that used diverse definitions of screen positive, were designed in the absence of high‐quality data on diagnostic effectiveness and did not couple screening to an effective intervention. Moreover, even if the trials had combined a highly effective screening test with a highly effective intervention, the sample size was 15% of that required to study perinatal death. It is not known whether universal late‐pregnancy ultrasound confers benefit on the mother or baby.

Tweetable abstract

Despite >50 years of research, we do not know whether universal late‐pregnancy ultrasound confers benefit on the mother or baby.
Association between potential primary care emergency service and general practitioner care utilisation in New South Wales
Authors: Yang Baohui , Messom Raymond
Published: June 2020

Objective

To examine patterns of potential primary care (PPC) ED presentations and any association between PPC ED presentations and frequency of general practitioner (GP) care utilisation in New South Wales, Australia.

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional study of 6 221 762 New South Wales patients who had at least one service in public hospitals, EDs or Medical Benefit Schedule claimable for GP service between 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 is conducted to examine association between PPC ED presentations and GP care utilisation using logistic regression adjusting for comorbidity index and a number of other covariates. Data over 2010/2011 to 2014/2015 are included for analyses of trends and patterns in PPC ED and GP care utilisation.

Results

Forty‐one percent of the ED presentations were PPC ED presentations over the 5 years 2010/2011 to 2014/2015. Population rates of PPC ED presentations and GP care both increased over the period, with higher PPC ED presentation rates in regional areas, and higher GP care rates in major cities. GP care utilisation was associated with reduced odds for PPC ED presentations, with the adjusted odds ratios ranging from 0.28 for patients with one GP care service to 0.48 for patients with five or more GP care services compared with patients with none. Increased comorbidity index was also associated with increased risk of PPC ED presentations.

Conclusion

GP care utilisation was associated with reduced risk for any PPC ED presentations after adjusting for comorbidity index and the other factors.
Dietitians Australia position statement on telehealth
Authors: Kelly Jaimon T. , Allman‐Farinelli Margaret , Chen Juliana , Partridge Stephanie R. , Collins Clare , Rollo Megan , Haslam Rebecca , Diversi Tara , Campbell Katrina L.
Published: June 2020

It is the position of Dietitians Australia that clients can receive high‐quality and effective dietetic services such as Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) delivered via telehealth. Outcomes of telehealth‐delivered dietetic consultations are comparable to those delivered in‐person, without requiring higher levels of additional training nor compromising quality of service provision. Dietitians Australia recommends that policy makers and healthcare funders broaden the recognition for telehealth‐delivered dietetic consultations as a responsive and cost‐effective alternative or complement to traditional in‐person delivery of dietetic services. The successful implementation of telehealth can help to address health and service inequalities, improve access to effective nutrition services, and support people with chronic disease to optimise their diet‐related health and well‐being, regardless of their location, income or literacy level, thereby addressing current inequities.
Current trends in large‐scale viral surveillance methods in mosquitoes
Authors: Park Ki Beom , Patnaik Hongray Howrelia , Kim Tae‐Yun , Jo Yong Hun , Kim Nam‐Yeon , Yang Sung‐Chan , Lee Wook‐Gyo , Lee Hee‐Il , Cho Shin‐Hyeong , Han Yeon Soo
Published: June 2020

Vector‐borne and zoonotic infectious diseases are serious public health concerns that affect approximately half of the world's population. In particular, arthropod‐borne viruses (arboviruses) have contributed to more mortality and morbidity worldwide with the emergence of dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika virus diseases. The infections have scaled up due to urbanization, globalization, and international mobility. Traditionally, the spread of mosquito‐borne viral diseases to humans was considered a low health priority concern. However, their categorization as emerging infectious diseases and public health emergencies of international concern has heightened the attention given by the government, academia, research, and industry for the development of timely, cost‐efficient, and sustainable solutions. The urgency has increased in the wake of global climate change. The focus on effective interventions includes epidemiological monitoring, vector control measures, molecular diagnostics, vaccines, and environmental determinants. In this review, we discuss the etiology and predisposition of mosquito‐borne viruses that are detrimental to public health and economically damaging when disseminated as epidemics. We focus on the large‐scale virus surveillance methods with special reference to innovations and interventions in molecular detection science and technologies that include viral nucleic acid isolation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based diagnostics, and high‐throughput sequencing technologies. In addition, we discuss the development of a viral RNA extraction and PCR‐based diagnostic kit (Invirustech) that can extract viral RNA from mosquitoes with verified applications in PCR‐based molecular diagnostics of Pan‐flavivirus.
Screening potential reference genes for reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction normalization in Atrijuglans hetaohei (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea)
Authors: Li Feifei , Li Yan , Wang Tao , Li Tianfeng , Zhu Shuying , Pei Pei , Tang Guanghui
Published: June 2020

Atrijuglans hetaohei Yang (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea), is one of the major pests that seriously damage the walnut fruits. Although the morphology and physiology of A. hetaohei have been widely studied, suitable reference genes for normalizing target gene expression have not been identified. In this study, the expressions of eight candidate reference genes including GAPDH, β‐Tubulin, TATA‐binding protein (TBP), Histone, Ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme 9 (UBC9), arginine kinase (AK), 28S and elongation factor 1 alpha (EF1α) in different developmental stages and various larval tissues of A. hetaohei were determined using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, the expression stability of the selected reference genes was evaluated by ΔCt method, BestKeeper, NormFinder, geNorm and ReFinder, a comprehensive software platform. These results demonstrated that the best reference genes were GAPDH and 28S at different developmental stages of A. hetaohei; and the optimum references in various larval tissues of A. hetaohei were 28S, Histone and TBP. Our study should be useful to analyze the expression profiles of target genes and form a solid foundation for future research on the understanding of the genes' biological functions in A. hetaohei.
Agricultural health and medicine education—Engaging rural professionals to make a difference to farmers' lives
Authors: Adams Jessie , Cotton Jacqueline , Brumby Susan
Published: June 2020

Objective

Despite continued higher rates of workplace injuries, earlier morbidity and mortality and challenging climatic environments, few formal programs focus on the health, well‐being and safety of farmers. The agricultural health and medicine unit, developed in 2010, was designed to increase cultural competence and empower rural professionals to improve the health, well‐being and safety outcomes of farming populations in Australia. This study aimed to understand the extent to which graduates (2010‐2018) use the knowledge and skills gained in their current occupations and identify barriers and enablers faced in implementing them.

Design

Mixed‐methods descriptive study.

Setting

Graduates were invited to complete an online survey. Following the survey, graduates participated in a phone interview until saturation was reached.

Participants

Forty‐one graduates completed the survey (31% response rate), and eleven interviews were conducted.

Interventions

Education in agricultural health and medicine.

Main outcome measures

Graduates use of knowledge and skills gained from the course and the barriers and enablers they experienced in implementation.

Results

The most represented occupations were nursing, medicine and agriculture (farming). Of respondents, 76% agreed their ability to diagnose, treat or prevent agricultural occupational illness or injury had improved. Positively, 42% use course content professionally at least weekly. Fifty‐one per cent experienced barriers in implementing their new knowledge, and little evidence of career advancement was observed.

Conclusion

This study informs the continuous development of the agricultural health and medicine curriculum and highlights the importance of a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to improving the health, well‐being and safety of farming populations. Despite engaged graduates, the continued high workplace mortality, preventable non‐communicable disease and challenging climatic conditions highlight the need for strategic prioritisation of farmers' health across health, agriculture and policy settings.
The feasibility and safety of early ileostomy reversal: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ng Zi Qin , Levitt Michael , Platell Cameron
Published: June 2020

Background

Recent evidence supports the safety of early reversal of a temporary stoma, within 14 days of construction. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate the post‐operative morbidity and overall feasibility of early stoma reversal.

Methods

Medline and Cochrane databases were searched for studies up to June 2019 that investigated the outcomes of early stoma reversal (EC, defined as closure ≤14 days from the index operation) versus late stoma reversal (LC, ≥8 weeks from the index operation). Meta‐analysis was performed on the respective rates of post‐operative morbidity, anastomotic leak, wound infection, bleeding, sepsis, small bowel obstruction and ileus.

Results

Nine studies were included (667 patients analysed). Meta‐analysis showed no significant difference in the post‐operative morbidity rate, anastomotic leak rate, rates of small bowel obstruction, bleeding and ileus between EC and LC. However, the wound infection rate was significantly higher after EC than LC; relative difference 0.10 (95% confidence interval 0.00–0.19, P = 0.047). The stoma‐related complication rate was significantly higher after LC than EC; relative difference −0.28 (95% confidence interval ‐0.45 to −0.11, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

The concept of early stoma reversal is appealing, and this meta‐analysis confirms the safety of early stoma closure with an associated reduction in stoma‐related complications despite higher wound infection rates. However, the results need to be interpreted with caution due to the heterogeneity of the studies included, especially in respect of the definition of complications that were used. Further well‐designed prospective studies are required prior to confident adoption of early stoma closure into clinical practice.
Dating and provenance of glass artefacts excavated from the ancient city of Tall Zirā‛a, Jordan
Authors: Kemp V. , Schmidt K. , Brownscombe W. , Soennecken K. , Vieweger D. , Häser J. , Shortland A.
Published: June 2020

Fourteen glass objects recovered from excavations at the ancient city of Tall Zirā‛a, Jordan, were analysed using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) to determine the period and origin of manufacture. The composition of glasses manufactured in the Late Bronze Age (LBA) and Iron Age are distinctly different, therefore major element analysis can be used to distinguish between the groups relatively easily. The LA‐ICP‐MS analysis provided quantitative trace element data which were used to determine the provenance of those glasses identified as LBA. This research discusses the implications of the presence of both Egyptian and Mesopotamian LBA glasses and examines the varying compositions and colour strategies employed in both the LBA and Iron Age objects. Specifically, glass in the LBA was considered to be one of the highest status items attainable, playing an instrumental role in diplomatic gift‐giving. When considered with the archaeological information, the significance of these finds at Tall Zirā‛a indicates that this city was a settlement of high status, not primarily a convenient trading stop on the Transjordan route.
Increased concentrations of bioactive adrenomedullin subsequently to angiotensin‐receptor/neprilysin‐inhibitor treatment in chronic systolic heart failure
Authors: Arfsten Henrike , Goliasch Georg , Bartko Philipp E. , Prausmüller Suriya , Spinka Georg , Cho Anna , Novak Johannes , Haslacher Helmuth , Strunk Guido , Struck Joachim , Hülsmann Martin , Pavo Noemi
Published: June 2020

Aims

The clinically investigated rationale for neprilysin (NEP)‐inhibition by angiotensinreceptor‐NEPinhibitor (ARNi) therapy is to induce elevations in endogenous natriuretic peptides. NEP, however, cleaves a broad spectrum of substrates, which partially hold significant implications in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The effect of NEP inhibition on these peptides has not been investigated thoroughly. This study explored the response of adrenomedullin (ADM) regulation to the initiation of ARNi.

Methods

Seventy‐four patients with stable HFrEF and initiation of ARNi were prospectively enrolled, 67 patients on continuous angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme inhibitor(ACEi)/angiotensin‐receptor blocker (ARB) therapy served as control. Plasma bioactive‐ADM (bio‐ADM), mid‐regional‐pro‐ADM (MR‐proADM), B‐typenatriuretic peptide (BNP) and N‐terminal‐pro‐BNP (NT‐proBNP) were determined at baseline, short‐term, 1‐year and 2‐year follow up.

Results

Following ARNi initiation both bio‐ADM and MR‐proADM concentrations were significantly increased at early and long‐term follow up (bio‐ADM [pg/mL]: 26.0 [interquartile range {IQR}: 17.7–37.5] vs. 50.8 [IQR: 36.5–78.1] vs. 54.6 [IQR: 42.0–97.1] vs. 57.4 [IQR: 48.5–161.6]; MR‐proADM [nmol/L]: 0.87 [IQR: 0.64–1.12] vs. 1.25 [IQR: 0.93–1.79] vs. 1.42 [IQR: 0.95–1.90] vs. 1.60 [IQR: 1.12–2.46], P < .0001 for all). The ratios bio‐ADM/MR‐proADM and BNP/NT‐proBNP increased during ARNi‐therapy proving improved availability of bioactive peptides. The proportional increase of bio‐ADM markedly exceeded BNP increase. Patients converted to ARNi showed similar biomarker patterns irrespective of baseline renin–angiotensin system blocker therapy, i.e. ACEi or ARB (P > .05 for all), indicating that activation of the ADM‐axis arises particularly from NEPinhibition.

Conclusion

The significant increase of MR‐proADM and bio‐ADM together with an elevated bioADM/MR‐proADM ratio suggest both enhanced formation and reduced breakdown of bioactive ADM following the initiation of ARNi. Activation of the ADM‐axis represents a so far unrecognized effect of ARNi.
Two worlds collide? The role of Chinese traditions and Western influences in Chinese preservice teachers’ perceptions of appropriate technology use
Authors: Dong Chuanmei , Mertala Pekka
Published: June 2020

This study reports Chinese preservice teachers’ perceptions of appropriate technology use in early childhood education (ECE). China provides an interesting but understudied research context as research into technology use in the early years is western‐centric and the contemporary Chinese ECE is characterized as a hybrid combining traditional Chinese values and Western influences which differ from each other in a rather fundamental manner. Interpretive analysis of qualitative interviews with eight purposefully selected preservice teachers revealed three intertwining determinants as appropriate technology use: objective, time and context. Both, Chinese cultural traditions and Western educational ideas were evident in shaping the participants’ perceptions of appropriate technology use, with the former being the major influence in restraining the preservice teachers’ vision and understanding of technology integration. Implications for teacher education, educational policies and future research are discussed.