bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT for Assessment of Tumor Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Ko Woo Seog , Kim Seong-Jang
Published: March 2023

Objective

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracies of 18F-FDG PET/CT for prediction of tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in bladder cancer (BC) patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Patients and Methods

The PubMed, Cochrane database, and Embase database were searched from inception through November 30, 2022 for studies evaluating diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG PET/CT for prediction of tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in BC patients. Based on data extracted from patient-based and lesion-based analysis, we calculated the pooled sensitivity and specificity with the 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Also, we calculated positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR−), and constructed summary receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

Across 5 studies (12 results), the pooled sensitivity of 18F-FDG PET/CT was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.72–0.91), and the pooled specificity was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.59–0.86). Likelihood ratio (LR) syntheses gave an overall positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 3.3 (95% CI, 2.0–5.6) and negative likelihood ratio (LR−) of 0.22 (95% CI, 0.12–0.38). The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 15 (95% CI, 7–36). The pooled sensitivity of 18F-FDG PET/CT for prediction of pathologic complete response was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.56–0.78), and the pooled specificity was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.60–0.88). The pooled sensitivity of 18F-FDG PET/CT for prediction of clinical response and nonresponse was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.85–0.98), and a pooled specificity was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.42–0.91).

Conclusions

18F-FDG PET/CT showed a good diagnostic performance for prediction of tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in BC patients.
Impact of Early Gastrojejunal Stenosis on Weight Loss in Patients Undergoing Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Authors: Shariq Omair A. , Portela Ray , Bews Katherine A. , Mundi Manpreet S. , Kellogg Todd , Habermann Elizabeth B. , Dayyeh Barham Abu , Kendrick Michael L. , Ghanem Omar M.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Gastrojejunal (GJ) anastomotic stenosis is a well-described complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB); however, its impact on weight loss outcomes is not well elucidated.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent RYGB at our institution between 2008 and 2020. Propensity score matching was used to match 30 patients who developed GJ stenosis within the first 30 days post-RYGB with 120 control patients who did not develop this outcome. Short and long-term complications and mean percentage of total body weight loss (TWL) were recorded at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 to 5 years, and 5 to 10 years postoperatively. Hierarchical linear regression modeling was used to analyze the association between early GJ stenosis and the mean percentage of TWL.

Results:

Patients who developed early GJ stenosis had a 13.6% increase in the mean percentage of TWL when compared with controls in the hierarchical linear model [P < 0.001 (95% CI: 5.7; 21.5)]. These patients were also more likely to present to an intravenous infusion center (70% vs 4%; P < 0.01), require readmission within 30 days (16.7% vs 2.5%; P < 0.01), and/or develop an internal hernia (23.3% vs 5.0%) postoperatively.

Conclusions:

Patients who develop early GJ stenosis after RYGB have a greater degree of long-term weight loss compared with patients who do not develop this complication. Although our findings support the key contribution that restrictive mechanisms play in maintaining weight loss after RYGB, GJ stenosis remains a complication associated with significant morbidity.
The temporal and spatial signature of microglial transcriptome in neuropathic pain
Authors: Liu Zeyuan , Liu Yuzhou , Dai Junxi , Lao Jie
Published: March 2023

Microglial activation following peripheral nerve injury is crucial for neuropathic pain (NP) development; however, studies on time-specific and spatial characteristics of microglial transcriptome are scarce. Firstly, we comparatively analysed microglial transcriptome of different brain regions and multiple timepoints after nerve injury by analysing the gene expression profile of GSE180627 and GSE117320. Then, we performed a mechanical pain hypersensitivity test on 12 rat neuropathic pain models using von Frey fibres at various timepoints after nerve injury. To further explore the key gene clusters closely related to the neuropathic pain phenotype, we conducted a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) on the GSE60670 gene expression profile. Lastly, we performed a single-cell sequencing analysis on GSE162807 for identifying microglia subpopulations. We found that the trend of microglia’s transcriptome changes after nerve injury was that mRNA expression changes mainly occur early after injury, which is also consistent with phenotypic changes (NP progression). We also revealed that in addition to spatial specificity, microglia are also temporally specific in NP progression following nerve injury. The WGCNA findings revealed that the functional analysis of the key module genes emphasized the endoplasmic reticulum’s (ER’s) crucial role in NP. In our single-cell sequencing analysis, microglia were clustered into 18 cell subsets, of which we identified specific subsets of two timepoints (D3/D7) post-injury. Our study further revealed the temporal and spatial gene expression specificity of microglia in neuropathic pain. These results contribute to our comprehensive understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of microglia in neuropathic pain.
Heavy metal contamination in pristine environments: lessons from the Juan Fernandez fur seal (
Arctocephalus philippii philippii
)
Authors: Toro-Valdivieso Constanza , Jugdaohsingh Ravin , Powell Jonathan J. , Hoffman Joseph I. , Forcada Jaume , Moore Charles , Blacklaws Barbara
Published: March 2023

Heavy metals, including mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd), occur naturally or anthropogenically and are considered toxic to the environment and human health. However, studies on heavy metal contamination focus on locations close to industrialized settlements, while isolated environments with little human activity are often ignored due to perceived low risk. This study reports heavy metal exposure in Juan Fernandez fur seals (JFFS), a marine mammal endemic to an isolated and relatively pristine archipelago off the coast of Chile. We found exceptionally high concentrations of Cd and Hg in JFFS faeces. Indeed, they are among the highest reported for any mammalian species. Following analysis of their prey, we concluded that diet is the most likely source of Cd contamination in JFFS. Furthermore, Cd appears to be absorbed and incorporated into JFFS bones. However, it was not associated with mineral changes observed in other species, suggesting Cd tolerance/adaptations in JFFS bones. The high levels of silicon found in JFFS bones may counteract the effects of Cd. These findings are relevant to biomedical research, food security and the treatment of heavy metal contamination. It also contributes to understanding the ecological role of JFFS and highlights the need for surveillance of apparently pristine environments.
Morphological and functional regionalization of trunk vertebrae as an adaptation for arboreal locomotion in chameleons
Authors: Molnar Julia , Watanabe Akinobu
Published: March 2023

Regionalization of the vertebral column can help animals adapt to different kinds of locomotion, including arboreal locomotion. Although functional axial regionalization has been described in both chameleons and arboreal mammals, no morphological basis for this functional regionalization in chameleons has been proposed. However, recent studies have described regionalization in the presacral vertebral column of other extant squamates. To investigate possible morphological regionalization in the vertebral column of chameleons, we took morphometric measurements from the presacral vertebrae of 28 chameleon species representing all extant chameleon genera, both fully arboreal and ground-dwelling, and performed comparative analyses. Our results support chameleons exhibiting three or four presacral morphological regions that correspond closely to those in other sauropsids, but we detected evolutionary shifts in vertebral traits occurring in only arboreal chameleons. Specifically, the anterior dorsal region in arboreal chameleons has more vertically oriented zygapophyseal joints, predicting decreased mediolateral flexibility. This shift is functionally significant because stiffening of the anterior thoracic vertebral column has been proposed to help bridge gaps between supports in primates. Thus, specialization of existing morphological regions in the vertebral column of chameleons may have played an important role in the evolution of extreme arboreal locomotion, paralleling the adaptations of arboreal primates.
Genome-wide analysis of individual coding variants and HLA-II-associated self-immunopeptidomes in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Wendorff Mareike , ElAbd Hesham , Degenhardt Frauke , Höppner Marc , Uellendahl-Werth Florian , Wacker Eike M. , Wienbrandt Lars , Juzenas Simonas ,   Regeneron Genetic Center, Koudelka Tomas , Ellinghaus David , Bacher Petra , Tholey Andreas , Laudes Matthias , Ziemann Malte , Bokemeyer Bernd , Schreiber Stefan , Lenz Tobias L. , Franke Andre
Published: March 2023

Genome wide association studies contributed to a better understanding of the etiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While over 240 genetic associations with IBD have since been identified, functional follow-up studies are still in their infancy with the overall pathogenesis of IBD remaining unsolved. E.g., a functional understanding of the genetic association between the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region and ulcerative colitis (UC) – one subtypes of IBD – is still lacking. Here, we analyzed whether an autoimmune reaction involving the HLA class II proteins HLA-DQ and -DR, both being strongly associated with UC, could be a disease trigger or driver. To this end, genotype data derived from whole exome sequencing and genome-wide SNP array data of 863 German UC patients as well as 4,185 healthy controls were analyzed. Association analyses identified novel variants in theNOD2andSNX20genes to be linked with UC and confirmed known HLA allele associations. Employing the genetic data, we generated patient-specific self-immunopeptidomes andin silico predicted HLA-peptide binding. Peptidome-wide association analyses of peptide binding preferences in a set of candidate proteins yielded significant associations with 234 specific peptides. Interestingly, none of those peptides showed a differential presence in case and control samples. The disease-associated candidate peptides predicted to be presented by risk HLA proteins contained predominantly aromatic amino acids. In contrast, protective HLA proteins were predicted to bind peptides enriched in acidic amino acids. In summary, we present a proof-of-concept immunogenetic analysis that contributes to a better understanding of the HLA in UC.
Trends in STI testing, diagnoses, and use of online chlamydia self-sampling services among young people during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in England
Authors: Sonubi Tamilore , Sheik-Mohamud Dahir , Ratna Natasha , Bell James , Talebi Alireza , Mercer Catherine H , Sinka Katy , Migchelsen Stephanie J , Folkard Kate , Mohammed Hamish
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Measures to control COVID-19 reduced face-to-face appointments and walk-ins at sexual health services (SHSs). Remote access to SHSs through online self-sampling for STIs was increased. This analysis assesses how these changes affected service use and STI testing among young people in England.

Methods

Data on all chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis tests from 2019-2020 amongst English-resident 15-24 year olds (hereafter referred to as ‘young people’) were obtained from national STI surveillance datasets. We calculated proportional differences in tests and diagnoses for each STI, by demographic characteristics including age and socioeconomic deprivation, between 2019 and 2020. Among those tested for chlamydia, we used binary logistic regression to determine crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) between demographic characteristics and being tested for chlamydia by an online service.

Results

Compared to 2019, there were declines in testing (30% for chlamydia, 26% for gonorrhoea, 36% for syphilis) and diagnoses (31% for chlamydia, 25% for gonorrhoea and 23% for syphilis) among young people in 2020. These reductions were greater amongst 15-19 year-olds (vs. 20-24 year-olds). Among young people tested for chlamydia, those living in the least deprived areas were more likely to be tested using an online self-sampling kit compared to those living in the most deprived areas (males; OR=1.24[1.22-1.26], females; OR=1.28[1.27-1.30]).

Conclusion

The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in England saw declines in STI testing and diagnoses in young people and disparities in the use of online chlamydia self-sampling which risk widening existing health inequalities.

Implications and contributions

There was a decrease in STI testing of young people during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in England with larger reductions among teenagers. There was an increase in use of online STI self-sampling services but with inequalities in provision which risk widening existing inequalities in sexual health.
Comparative Analysis of Nebulizers in Clinical use for Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC)
Authors: Göhler Daniel , Oelschlägel Kathrin , Ouaissi Mehdi , Giger-Pabst Urs
Published: March 2023

Objective

Technical ex-vivo comparison of commercial nebulizer nozzles used for Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC).

Methods

The performance of four different commercial nebulizer nozzles (Nebulizer; HurriChem™; MCR-4 TOPOL®; QuattroJet) was analysed by comparing: i) technical design and principle of operation, ii) operational pressure as function of the liquid flow rate, iii) droplet size distribution via laser diffraction spectrometry, iv) spray cone angle, spray cone form, and horizontal drug deposition through image-metric analyses, and v) chemical resistance via exposing to a cytostatic solution and metallurgic composition by means of spark optical emission spectral analysis.

Results

The Nebulizer exhibits a nearly identical technical design, implying a comparable performance (e.g., mass median droplet size of 29 μm) as the original PIPAC nozzles (MIP/ CapnoPen). The other three nozzles demonstrate varying degrees of performance deviation from the original PIPAC nozzles. The HurriChem™ shares a similar design and principle of operation as the Nebulizer, but produces a finer aerosol with a particle size of 22 μm. The operating principles of MCR-4 TOPOL®and QuattroJet significantly differ from that of the original PIPAC nozzle technology. The MCR-4 TOPOL®nebulizer has a hollow spray cone that leads to the production of significantly larger aerosol droplets (50 μm) compared to the original PIPAC nozzles. The QuattroJet generates an aerosol droplet (22 μm) similar in size to the HurriChem™ and exhibits improved spatial drug distribution.

Conclusion

While the introduction of new PIPAC nozzles is a welcome development, differences in performance and efficacy were noted. Therefore, it is recommended that PIPAC nozzles that deviate from the current standard undergo bioequivalence testing and be implemented in accordance with the IDEAL-D framework prior to routine clinical use.
Early EEG biomarkers of perinatal arterial ischemic stroke:a case series
Authors: Fang Xiu-Ying , Wu Qiong , Wang Ying-Jie , Mao Jian
Published: March 2023

Background

Continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring after seizures may provide an early clue to the diagnosis of perinatal arterial ischemic stroke (PAIS). We aimed to explore EEG biomarkers and seizure patterns of PAIS within 7 days.

Methods

Data of children with PAIS were retrospectively analyzed. Using multi-channel video electroencephalogram (vEEG) and amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG), the patients were divided into three groups according to the monitoring start time after symptom onset: ≤48 h, 48–72 h, and 4–7 days. The characteristics of EEG activity and the law of seizures were compared across groups. Together with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the spatial correspondence between brain electrical activity and injury site was determined.

Results

Of 21 children studied, 19 (90.47%) developed disease within 48 h of delivery. Abnormal sleep–wake cycle, abnormal fast-wave activity, abnormal wave activity, hemispheric asymmetry, electrographic seizures (ESz), and electroclinical seizures (ECSz) were more common in the ≤48 h group and 48–72 h group. Differences among all groups were statistically significant (P<0.01). The most common abnormal wave activity was sharp wave or freak wave, consistent with the MRI-confirmed injury site. ESz and ECSz were detected in 12 cases (92.31%) in the ≤48 h group and two cases (15.38%) in the 48–72 h group, 66.67% were clonic, and 91.67% were frequent seizures. ESz or ECSz were not detected in the 4–7-day group. The starting point of ESz or ECSz was consistent with the area of the lesion shown by MRI.

Conclusions

Bi-hemispheric diffuse abnormal fast wave activity, sharp wave or freak wave activity in the local brain region, and ESz or ECSz initiated in the same brain region are EEG biomarkers indicating PAIS. The duration of ESz or ECSz triggered by PAIS was less than 72 h.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the amygdala and subregions at 3 Tesla: A scoping review
Authors: Foster Sheryl L. , Breukelaar Isabella A. , Ekanayake Kanchana , Lewis Sarah , Korgaonkar Mayuresh S.
Published: March 2023

The amygdalae are a pair of small brain structures, each of which is composed of three main subregions and whose function is implicated in neuropsychiatric conditions. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) has been utilised extensively in investigation of amygdala activation and functional connectivity with most clinical research sites now utilising 3 Tesla (3T) MR systems. However, accurate imaging and analysis remains challenging not just due to the small size of the amygdala, but also its location deep in the temporal lobe. Selection of imaging parameters can significantly impact data quality with implications for the accuracy of study results and validity of conclusions. Wide variation exists in acquisition protocols with spatial resolution of some protocols suboptimal for accurate assessment of the amygdala as a whole, and for measuring activation and functional connectivity of the three main subregions, each of which contains multiple nuclei with specialised roles. The primary objective of this scoping review is to provide a comprehensive overview of 3T fMRI protocols in use to image the activation and functional connectivity of the amygdala with particular reference to spatial resolution. The secondary objective is to provide context for a discussion culminating in recommendations for a standardised protocol for imaging activation of the amygdala and its subregions. As the advantages of big data and protocol harmonisation in imaging become more apparent so, too, do the disadvantages of data heterogeneity.
Toxic or not toxic? Interlaboratory comparison reveals almost fifty-fifty chance in the cytotoxicity assessment (ISO 10993-5) of an identical medical device
Authors: Gruber Sarah , Nickel Angela
Published: March 2023

Background

Medical device manufacturers are obliged to prove the biocompatibility of their products when they come into contact with the human body. The requirements for the biological evaluation of medical devices are specified by the international standard series ISO 10993. Part five of this series describes the performance ofin vitrocytotoxicity tests. This test evaluates the effects of medical device use on cell health. The existence of the specific standard suggests that the tests will produce reliable and comparable results. However, the ISO 10993-5 offers wide latitude in the test specifications. In the past, we noticed inconsistencies of the results from different laboratories.

Objective

To determine if the specifications of the standard ISO 10993-5 are sufficient for assessing the comparability of test results and, if not, identify potential influencing factors.

Methods

An interlaboratory comparison was conducted for thein vitrocytotoxicity test according to ISO 10993-5. Fifty-two international laboratories evaluated the cytotoxicity for two unknown samples. One was polyethylene (PE) tubing, which is expected to be non-cytotoxic and the other was polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing, for which a cytotoxic potential was presumed. All laboratories were asked to perform an elution test with predefined extraction specifications. The other test parameters were freely chosen by the laboratories according to the guidelines set by the standard.

Results

To our surprise only 58 percent of the participating laboratories identified the cytotoxic potential of both materials as expected. Particularly for PVC a considerable variation of the results between the laboratories was observed (mean = 43 ± 30 (SD), min = 0, max = 100). We showed that ten percent serum supplementation to the extraction medium, as well as longer incubation of the cells with the extract, greatly increased the test sensitivity for PVC.

Conclusion

The results clearly show that the specifications set by the ISO 10993-5 are not sufficient to obtain comparable results for an identical medical device. To set requirements that ensure reliable cytotoxicity assessments, further research will be necessary to identify the best test conditions for specific materials and/or devices and the standard needs to be revised accordingly.
Why do online reviewers seek anonymity? Empirical evidence on the effects of prior anonymous reviews and focal reviews
Authors: Zhang Zhiyun , Zhang Ziqiong , Zhang Zili
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Online reviewers' identity information is an essential cue by which consumers judge reviews on ecommerce platforms. However, few studies have explored how prior anonymous reviews and focal reviews affect reviewers' preference for anonymity. The purpose of this paper is to investigate why reviewers seek anonymity in terms of prior anonymous reviews and focal reviews.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on restaurant reviews collected from meituan.com, one of the largest group-buying ecommerce platforms in China, this study employed logistic regression to examine how prior anonymous reviews and focal reviews are associated with reviewers' preference for anonymity.

Findings

Results show that the volume and sequence of prior anonymous review are positively associated with the likelihood of reviewers' preference for anonymity, whereas focal review valence is negatively correlated with this preference. Focal review length is positively correlated with reviewers' preference for anonymity but negatively moderates the roles of review valence and prior anonymous reviews on this preference.

Originality/value

This study expands the information disclosure literature by exploring determinants of user identity disclosure from a reviewer perspective. This research also offers a methodological contribution by employing a more accurate measure to calculate reviewers' preference for anonymity, enhancing the empirical results. Lastly, this work supplements the online review literature on how prior anonymous reviews and focal reviews are associated with reviewers' identity disclosure.
Relationship between abusive supervision and workers' well-being in construction projects: effects of guanxi closeness and trust in managers
Authors: Ju Lei , Ji Yun Peng , Wu Chunlin , Ning Xin , He Yang
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The high-pressure nature of the construction industry, along with the COVID-19 pandemic, triggered abusive supervision (i.e. workplace bullying and incivility behaviour) that has diminished workers' well-being. However, despite the growing prevalence in practice and increasing concern in academia, abusive supervision remains largely unexplored by construction management scholars. This study aims to fill the gap in the current literature by analysing the effects of abusive supervision on construction workers' well-being, the mediating role of guanxi closeness and the moderating role of trust in the manager.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was completed by 258 Chinese construction workers. The data underwent mediation and moderation analyses using PROCESS macro 3.5 for SPSS.

Findings

The results revealed that managers' abusive supervision reduced construction workers' well-being at work and in life. Guanxi closeness between manager and workers mediated the relationship between managers' abusive supervision and construction workers' well-being. Additionally, trust in managers moderated the mediating effect of guanxi closeness. This study further revealed that the emotional connection between construction managers and workers, such as expressive guanxi closeness and affective-based trust, is important in handling the impact of abusive supervision on the workers.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide support for recent calls to address negative manager behaviours such as abusive supervision in construction management. They aid the development of a more comprehensive internal mechanism that considers the influence of guanxi closeness on the outcomes of abusive supervision by managers at construction sites. Additionally, interventions that develop trust in managers may be particularly effective in alleviating the tension of abusive supervision. More attention should be paid to managers' emotional connections in daily construction project management.

Originality/value

Rather than concentrate on positive leadership, this study shifts the focus to negative leadership in construction project management by identifying abusive supervision as a negative primary antecedent of workers' well-being. While prior research has highlighted how negative manager behaviours affect workers' well-being from the conservation of resources theory (COR) perspective, this study is the first, to the authors’ knowledge, to adopt a social exchange theory perspective by introducing guanxi closeness as a mediator. It contributes to a greater understanding of how trust in the manager alleviates the negative effect of the person's abusive supervision on construction workers.
Mental and general health at the edges of owner occupation
Authors: Truong N.T. Khuong , Smith Susan J. , Wood Gavin , Clark William A.V. , Lisowski William , Ong ViforJ Rachel
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider one test of a well-functioning housing system – its impact on wellbeing. Exploring one indicator of this, this study aims to track changes in mental and general health across a mix of tenure transitions and financial transactions in three jurisdictions: Australia, the UK and the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Using matched variables from three national panel surveys (Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia, British Household Panel Survey/Understanding Society and Panel Study of Income Dynamics) over 17 years (2000–2017) to capture the sweep of the most recent housing cycle, this study adopts a difference-in-difference random-effects model specification to estimate the mental and general health effects of tenure change and borrowing behaviours.

Findings

There is an enduring health premium associated with unmortgaged owner-occupation. Mortgage debt detracts from this, as does the prospect of dropping out of ownership and into renting. A previously observed post-exit recovery in mental health – a debt-relief effect – is not present in the longer run. In fact, in some circumstances, both mental and general health deficits are amplified, even among those who eventually regain homeownership. Though there are cross-country differences, the similarities across these financialised housing systems are more striking.

Practical implications

The well-being premium traditionally associated with owner occupation is under threat at the edges of the sector in all three jurisdictions. In this, there is cross-national convergence. There may therefore be scope to introduce policies to better support households at the edges of ownership that work across the board for debt-funded ownership-centred housing systems.

Originality/value

This paper extends the duration of a previous analysis of the impact of tenure transitions and financial transactions on well-being at the edges of ownership in the UK and Australia. The authors now track households over nearly two decades from the start of the millennium into a lengthy (post-global financial crisis) era of declining housing affordability. This study adds to the reach of the earlier study by adding a general health variable and a third jurisdiction, the USA.
Is transformational leadership always good for innovation? The moderating effect of transformational leadership on the personality–innovativeness link through knowledge sharing
Authors: Vo An H.K. , Nguyen Tuan-Duong , Le Yen-Nhi , Cao Huong Ngoc Quynh , Le Van Ngoc Thanh , Huynh Khanh-Linh
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Based on the model of Big-Five personality traits and theories of person–environment interaction, this study aims to investigate the moderating effects of personality traits on innovativeness through knowledge sharing (KS).

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 318 Vietnamese employees was collected. The hypothesized model was tested by using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results indicate that extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness to experience have relationships with innovativeness through the mediating effect of KS. Furthermore, transformational leadership (TL) mitigates the positive relationship between agreeableness and openness to experience and innovativeness.

Practical implications

Based on the research results, the authors suggest several practical implications for enhancing employees' innovative organizational behaviours. Transformational leaders should be aware of and control the relationships with employees high in agreeableness and open to experience to ensure that employees' innovativeness can be freely developed.

Originality/value

This research systematically investigates the effect of each personality on employees' innovativeness. Furthermore, this study contributes to the leadership literature by suggesting the dark side of TL that can negatively influence the innovative ability of employees with certain personality traits.
Startup valuation reassessed: against celebrity, sustainability and state intervention
Authors: Hoffmann Christian Hugo
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to showcase that the valuation of startups is still considered to be more “art than science”. Moreover, such non-rigorous approaches often lead to valuations, which turn out to be too high, which in turn has become a well-known phenomenon to a broader audience due to shining examples such as We Work. This is reason enough to revisit the important topic of where we stand today with startup valuation procedures and methodologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature synthesis and exploratory analysis.

Findings

While some studies describe sound results about how to assess startups, what the authors found was that many questions remain open or have not been covered at all. This is the reason why the authors needed to apply a substantial amount of reasoning in the analysis of studies, which do not exactly deal with startup companies. The authors provided some interesting impulses for future research.

Originality/value

Based on an original overview of the current state of research about the valuation of startup companies, this paper makes the following principal contribution to both the literature and practice: on the one hand, the authors assess four impact factors on startup values critically; on the other, the authors provide an outlook on promising future research avenues.
The leadership challenge of increasing productivity in the workplace without increasing burnout risk
Authors: Whiteoak John , Abell Daniel , Becker Karen
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the critical question of how to increase productivity without also increasing the burnout risk. A systems thinking framework was applied to explore individual perceptions of team dynamics and how they relate to morale, work–life balance (WLB) and hours worked.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an online survey, data from 1,222 Australian workers were analysed using hierarchical multiple regression and principal components analysis (PCA).

Findings

Self-reported productivity was found to be predicted by engagement whereas burnout and morale had minimal impact. Burnout risk was not related to hours worked but was reduced when WLB, quality work and trust is higher. Co-worker effort impacted morale and a factor labelled as team “sense of accomplishment” (SoA) was identified.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this research have limited generalisability to wider populations due to sampling methods, being conducted in the Australian context and respondents coming from a diverse range of occupations. The sample being skewed towards younger age groups and the acknowledged use of single-item measures may also restrict drawing broader conclusions from the results.

Originality/value

A socio-technical systems thinking model to diagnose the link between workplace burnout and productivity is applied. The approach involved understanding the importance of trust and how the connection between people and systems can influence morale.
Constructing the accurate forecast: an actor-network theory approach
Authors: Henttu-Aho Tiina , Järvinen Janne T. , Lassila Erkki M.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper empirically demonstrates the major organizational events of a rolling forecasting process and the roles of controllers therein. In particular, this study aims to investigate how the understanding of a “realistic forecast” is translated and questioned by various mediators in the rolling forecasting process and how it affects the quality of planning as the ultimate accuracy of forecasts is seen as important.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows an actor-network theory (ANT) approach and maps the key points of translation in the rolling forecasting process by inspecting the roles of mediators. This qualitative case study is based on interviews with controllers and managers involved in the forecasting process in a single manufacturing company.

Findings

The paper identified two episodes of translation in the forecasting process, in which the forecast partially stabilized to create room for managerial discussion and debate. The abilities of controllers to infiltrate various functional groups and calculative practices appeared to be one way to control the accuracy of forecasting, although this was built on a façade of neutrality.

Originality/value

Prior literature identifies the aims of interactive planning processes as being to improve the quality of planning. The authors apply ANT to better understand the nature of mediators in constructing an entity called a “realistic rolling forecast”.
Brand equity and company performance: evidence from a quasi-experiment in an emerging market
Authors: Oliveira Marta Olivia Rovedder de , Sonza Igor Bernardi , da Silva Tamires Silva
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Marketing and brand managers are under more pressure than ever before to demonstrate the impact of the managers' strategies and actions on company value, especially in an emerging market. In this context, the authors investigate the relationship between brand equity and company performance using the rankings of most valued brands from Brand Finance (BF), Brand Analytics (BZ) and Interbrand (IB).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use used a panel from the period between 1990 and 2018 (29 years), consisting of a sample of 689 companies with shares traded in an emerging market representing 7,970 observations with unbalanced data. The authors applied a dynamic Differences-in-Differences Ordinary Last Squares (DID OLS) method.

Findings

The main finding of this study is that brands ranked as valuable significantly increased the brands' companies' intangible assets, return on assets, free cash flow (FCF) and market value.

Research limitations/implications

The present study helps brand and marketing managers show to chief executive officers (CEOs) and shareholders the importance of brand development. In addition, valuable brand companies of an emerging market may represent an interesting opportunity for market investors.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the marketing literature, addressing the fields of marketing and finance, by analyzing the performance of companies separately over a long period, with different metrics, an unconventional model in the marketing area and different rankings of valuable brand names.
The impact of unproved reserve news on the energy stock volatility: an empirical investigation on Turkey
Authors: Arzova Sabri Burak , Koy Ayben , Şahin Bertaç Şakir
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the effect of unproven energy reserve news on the volatility of energy firms' stocks. Thus, investors' perception of unproven energy reserves is revealed. Additionally, the study aims to determine whether the effect of the news changes according to time and volatility level.

Design/methodology/approach

The general autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) and exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (EGARCH) models consist of the energy reserve exploration news in Turkey for the period 2009–2022 and the volatility of 14 energy stocks.

Findings

The results indicate energy exploration news's negative and significant effect on volatility. According to empirical results, energy stock volatility is most affected in the first ten days. Besides, the results show that the significant models of energy reserve news in low-volatility stocks are proportionally higher than in high-volatility stocks.

Research limitations/implications

Only unproved reserve news is included in the analysis, as sufficient confirmed reserves could not be reached during the sampling period. Further studies can compare proven and unproved reserve news effects. Additionally, a similar analysis can be conducted between Turkey and another country with a similar socio-economic character to examine different investor behaviors.

Practical implications

This research includes indications on managing investors' reactions to unproven energy reserve news.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by analyzing unproven reserves. Contrary to previous studies, examining stock volatility also makes the study unique.
The meaning of being a social entrepreneur in the society of multiple transitions
Authors: Vidovic Davorka
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate the meaning of being a social entrepreneur in a society marked with multiple transitions. It aims to understand how theoretical concepts of social entrepreneurs, including common dichotomies between economic and social, collective and individual, reflect in social entrepreneurs’ rationale, values and identities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used an exploratory and qualitative approach. Empirical data were gathered during 14 semi-structured interviews with Croatian social entrepreneurs. Thematic analysis was used as an analytical framework.

Findings

The findings suggest complexity of social entrepreneurs’ rationale and identities as they face challenges in balancing different goals. Democratic and participative governance appeared to be the weakest link of social enterprises. Identity of social entrepreneurs in the society of multiple transitions is fluid and changes through the continuum from pure social to pure commercial, from more related to civil society to more related to the market, from mostly individual to mostly collective.

Research limitations/implications

The main limits of the study are related to sampling strategy and the small sample size. Generalization is limited by the nature of qualitative research and relies on analytical and naturalistic generalization.

Practical implications

The findings of the study may contribute to ecosystem development that would be more suitable for social enterprise realities in a specific context.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on the individual level and provides rare insights into social entrepreneurs’ rationale, values and identities.
Is your working life good? Alienation in the nexus between job characteristics and organizational citizenship behavior of hospitality frontline employees
Authors: Chen Kaung-Hwa , Ye Ying
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study motivated by humanistic care aims to identify hospitality frontline employees’ alienation in Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic, and based on the job demands-resources (JD-R) model, the mediating role of alienation between job characteristics and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) is discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors drew on the JD-R model to delineate the mechanisms by which job demands (including emotional dissonance and work–home conflict) and job resources (including job support, training and possibility for career development) affect OCB through employees’ alienation. This study adopted snowball sampling and purposive sampling to conduct a questionnaire survey aimed at Taiwanese hospitality frontline employees. A total of 373 valid questionnaires were retained, and structural equation model was used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results revealed that job demands of emotional dissonance and work–family conflict positively affect alienation; job resources of job support, training and possibility for career development negatively affect alienation; alienation negatively affects OCB; and alienation mediates the relationship between job characteristics and OCB fully.

Research limitations/implications

Considering that alienation plays a full mediating role between job characteristics and organizational outcomes, this study put forward specific suggestions on how to increase job resources and reduce job demands to weaken alienation and further improve organizational performance in management practices. And practical implications were provided to help hospitality human resource management deal with the issue of talents retention. In addition, “work authenticity” should be introduced as a mediator in the future research. “Work authenticity” reflects employees’ positive working life state and is the opposite of “alienation.” The effectiveness of employees’ positive and negative working life state in communicating job characteristics and organizational outcomes can be compared.

Originality/value

The specific alienation experience of hospitality frontline employees is defined. Moreover, by introducing the alienation theory, this study demonstrates the health impairment path of JD-R model and suggests that job characteristics affect OCB through the full mediation of alienation.
Applying deep learning to predict innovations in small and medium enterprises (SMEs): the dark side of knowledge management risk
Authors: Figueiredo Ronnie , Ferreira João J. , Camargo Maria Emilia , Dorokhov Oleksandr
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to predict the dark side of knowledge management risk to innovation in Portuguese small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It examines the spinner innovation model factors of knowledge creation, knowledge transfer, private knowledge, public knowledge and innovation in uncertain environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a conceptual model to support the analysis. The survey data stemmed from a sample of 208 Portuguese SMEs in Portugal. The authors analyzed the primary data from thead hocsurvey using the data mining (deep learning) technique.

Findings

The research sets out and tests factors relevant to understanding how to predict innovation in uncertain business environments. This study identifies four factors fostering innovation in SMEs: knowledge creation, knowledge transfer, public knowledge management and private knowledge management. Knowledge creation showed the best return and presented the closest relationship with innovation.

Originality/value

Innovation models generally measure the relationships between variables and their impacts on the economy (economic and regional development). Predictive models are considered in the literature as a gap to be filled, especially in an uncertain environment in the SME context.
Analysis of cytokine profiles in sera of single and multiple infantile hemangioma
Authors: Sakata Mariko , Kunimoto Kayo , Kawaguchi Ami , Inaba Yutaka , Kaminaka Chikako , Yamamoto Yuki , Kakimoto Nobuyuki , Suenaga Tomohiro , Tokuhara Daisuke , Jinnin Masatoshi
Published: March 2023

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are benign vascular tumors that are common in infancy. They vary in growth, size, location, and depth, and although most lesions are relatively small, approximately one fifth of patients have multiple lesions. Risk factors for IH include female sex, low birth weight, multiple gestation, preterm birth, progesterone therapy, and family history, but the mechanism that causes multiple lesions is unclear. We hypothesized that blood cytokines are involved as a cause of multiple IHs, and tried to prove this using sera and membrane arrays from patients with single and multiple IHs. Serum samples were obtained from five patients with multiple lesions and four patients with a single lesion, none of which had received any treatment. Serum levels of 20 cytokines were measured using human angiogenesis antibody membrane array. Four of the 20 cytokines (bFGF, IFN‐γ, IGF‐I, and TGF‐β1) were higher in the patients with multiple lesions than in those with single lesion, with statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Notably, signal for IFN‐γ was evident in all cases with multiple IHs, but was absent in cases with single IH. Although not significant, there was mild correlation between IFN‐γ and IGF‐I (r = 0.64, p = 0.065), and between IGF‐I and TGF‐β1 (r = 0.63, p = 0.066). bFGF levels were strongly and significantly correlated with the number of lesions (r = 0.88, p = 0.0020). In conclusion, blood cytokines could act as a cause of multiple IHs. This is a pilot study with a small cohort, so further large‐scale studies are necessary.