bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the key barriers of adopting Industry 4.0 in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment industry: an emerging economy example
Authors: Salman Sheak , Hasanat Sadia , Rahman Rafat , Moon Mahjabin
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Since Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is a new idea in Bangladesh, this study supports I4.0 adoption. Companies struggle to implement I4.0 and fully profit from the fourth industrial revolution’s digital transformation due to its novelty. Although barriers to I4.0 adoption are thoroughly studied, the literature has hardly examined the many aspects that are crucial for I4.0 adoption in Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry. So, the purpose of this study is to investigate the barriers of adopting I4.0 in relation to Bangladesh’s RMG industries to enhance the adoption of I4.0 by developing a framework. Ultimately, the goal of this research is to improve the adoption of I4.0 in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a comprehensive analysis of the existing research, this paper aims to reveal the barriers that must be overcome for I4.0 to be adopted. For evaluating those barriers, a decision analysis framework based on the combination of Delphi technique and Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method has been developed. The use of DEMATEL has led to a ranking model of those barriers and a map of how the barriers are connected to each other.

Findings

The findings reveal that “I4.0 training”, “Lack of Motivation” and “Resistance to Change” are the most significant barriers for adopting Industry 4.0 in RMG sector of Bangladesh based on their prominence scores.

Research limitations/implications

These findings will help the people who make decisions in the RMG industry of Bangladesh, such as company owners, managers and the executive body, come up with a plan for putting I4.0 practices into place successfully. The decision-making framework developed in this research can be utilized by the RMG industry of Bangladesh and other similar industries in developing countries to figure out how important each barrier is for them and how to get rid of them in order of importance.

Originality/value

As far as the authors are aware, there has not been a comprehensive study of the barriers inhibiting the adoption of I4.0 within the scope of Bangladeshi RMG industry. This work is the first to uncover these barriers and analyze them using the combination of Delphi technique and DEMATEL.
Reflection on publishing experiences of taught master's course students with their faculty member: actor-network theoretic discussion
Authors: Xu Yue , Fatemi Ghazalossadat , Saito Eisuke
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the attempts of taught master course students' publications from actor-network theoretic (ANT) perspectives based on the authors' experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, self-study was chosen as the research method. Self-study is a qualitative research approach based on autobiography, available materials, narratives or memory-work for researchers to investigate their own practice from professional and personal experiences and work with critical friends. In this study, self-study was conducted based on the reflective narratives of three authors (the students, Authors 1 and 2, and the lecturer, Author 3), which aims to examine the meanings and explanations of the authors' ordinary experiences and investigate a variety of their emotional memories.

Findings

By drawing on ANT, this study explored how the authors translated the assignment tasks into publications by negotiating and interacting with various human and non-human actors – academic journals. The journal articles, however, were not solely the outcome of the academic endevours of the authors. Instead, the journals played a role in helping the authors learn about the academic rigour and gain confidence in their own capabilities. Further, the journals also reinforced the academic partnerships between the authors through collaboration on drafting and revising their manuscripts.

Practical implications

Firstly, this process of helping students publish their papers should focus on their learning and experience rather than merely promoting competition. Additionally, the importance of reaching an agreement on role division and collaborative work ethics needs to be emphasised.

Originality/value

As publications have become increasingly important for graduate students, this study sheds light on the experience of taught master's course students (TMCSs) and their lecturer in jointly publishing papers. While doctoral student publications have received significant attention, TMCSs' publications have not been extensively studied, making this research valuable and original.
Consensus on the role of culture in restraining financial crime: a systematic literature review
Authors: Maulidiyah Dewi Nur
Published: July 2023

Purpose

No country is free from financial crime issues. Therefore, this paper aims to discover how to control financial crime from the perspective of national culture.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a bibliometric approach and systematic literature review analysis of 47 publications in the Scopus database.

Findings

Bibliometric and content analyses show that national culture is more often associated with tax evasion, money laundering and corruption. The role of national culture is less investigated currently in the schemes of financial statement crime, workplace fraud and cybercrime. Overall, the study concludes financial crime can be prevented by developing a culture that supports anti-fraud measures. These include individualized country profiles, feminism, low power distance, tolerance for uncertainty, short-term orientation and restraint.

Originality/value

This research provides clear knowledge of the role of the six dimensions of national culture in fighting financial crime. Finally, this study is also valuable for decision-making in designing more effective financial crime prevention programs.
Understanding experiences of suicidality within women’s prisons in England: a systematic review of the qualitative literature
Authors: Struthers Laura , Mahoney Adam
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Suicide and suicide-related incidents have increased within women’s prisons in the UK. This paper aims to synthesise the findings of qualitative literature, to gain a deeper understanding of the how women and staff in English prisons experience and explain the causes of their suicidal behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic search of five electronic databases, namely, MEDLINE, APA Psychological Information Database (Psycinfo), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (with full text – CINAHL), Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection and APA PsycArticles, was completed in January 2023. This study’s search strategy returned 1,714 articles, 7 of which were included for review. To identify relevant themes within the data, Thomas and Harden’s (2008) framework was applied. Quality appraisal was conducted by using Joanna Briggs’ Institute Checklist for Qualitative Research (Joanna Briggs Institute, 2021).

Findings

Four themes were determined, which describe the causes of suicidal behaviours in women’s prisons in England; mental health and trauma, lack of support from services and staff, contact with family and self-harm as a coping strategy. Important sub-themes were also identified including the prison environment and poor relationships with staff.

Practical implications

Further qualitative research is needed, however, the findings suggest greater support is required to aid positive mental health, including the provision of trauma informed coping strategies and improved staff training.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first systematic review conducted on the factors contributing to women’s suicide in English prisons using qualitative literature.
Implications of sustainability reporting and institutional investors’ ownership for external audit work: evidence from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Qasem Ameen , Wan-Hussin Wan Nordin , Al-Qadasi Adel Ali , Ghaleb Belal Ali Abdulraheem , Bamahros Hasan Mohamad
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to assess whether non-financial corporate social responsibility (CSR) information decreases audit risk and audit scope and enables speedier completion of audit reports. The study also investigates whether institutional investors’ ownership (IIO) has an influence on the association between CSR disclosures and audit report lag (ARL).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of 154 Saudi firms over 2016–2021 (837 observations) and applies ordinary least square regression to examine the study hypotheses.

Findings

This study’s results show that ARL is significantly shorter for firms with higher CSR disclosures. Furthermore, the findings show that IIO has no significant impact on the association between CSR disclosures and ARL.

Originality/value

This study offers new insights into how auditors respond to CSR disclosures and whether institutional investor monitoring influences the audit process in an emerging economy.
The role of digital accounting transformation in the banking industry sector: an integrated model
Authors: Al-Okaily Manaf , Alsmadi Ayman Abdalmajeed , Alrawashdeh Najed , Al-Okaily Aws , Oroud Yazan , Al-Gasaymeh Anwar S.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The digital transformation revolution has brought outstanding changes to business organizations, especially in the digital accounting transformation domain. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to explore the important role of digital accounting transformation in improving business performance in the context of the banking industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a questionnaire from the Jordanian bank sector with a sample of 190 respondents. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the collected data and test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results have shown that the adoption of digital accounting, adoption of FinTech innovation and technological competition are the major drivers for improving business performance. All direct paths leading to improving business performance were found to be significant in the hypothesized directions, while technological savvy was found to indirectly affect the relationship between (the adoption of digital accounting and FinTech innovation) and improving business performance.

Originality/value

The current study is differentiated from other studies by developing a theoretical research model to incorporate the adoption of digital accounting, adoption of FinTech innovation, technological competition, technological savvy and business performance in the Jordanian context under the digital transformation revolution. For practitioners, the findings provide policymakers with meaningful insight for organizations looking to adopt these digital technologies for improved business performance.
Hotel customers’ behavioral intentions toward service robots: the role of utilitarian and hedonic values
Authors: Ozturk Ahmet Bulent , Pizam Abraham , Hacikara Ahmet , An Qingxiang , Chaulagain Suja , Balderas-Cejudo Adela , Buhalis Dimitrios , Fuchs Galia , Hara Tadayuki , Vieira de Souza Meira Jessica , García Revilla Raquel , Sethi Deepa , Shen Ye , State Olimpia
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of hotel customers’ perceived utilitarian and hedonic values on their intention to use service robots. In addition, the influences of innovativeness, ease of use and compatibility on hotel customers’ perceived utilitarian and hedonic values were examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of the current study was collected from 11 countries including the USA, UK, Turkey, Spain, Romania, Japan, Israel, India, Greece, Canada and Brazil. A structural equation modeling was used to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicated that hotel customers’ intention to use service robots was positively influenced by their utilitarian and hedonic value perceptions. In addition, customers’ perceptions of robots’ ease of use and compatibility had a positive impact on their perceived utilitarian and hedonic values.

Originality/value

The findings of the current study provide unique contributions in the context of hospitality robotics technology adoption literature. In addition, this study provides valuable insights and novel opportunities for hospitality decision-makers to capitalize on, as they strive to strategize the integration of robot-based services into their operations.
The impact of smart destination implementations in Malaga
Authors: Karakas Ezgi , Atay Lutfi
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study assesses the impact of smart destination implementations in Malaga. Thus, this study aims to guide the transformation of destinations into smart destinations as well as the introduction of smart destination concept in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Malaga was selected because it was one of the two winners of 2020 European Capital of Smart Tourism competition as well as the winner in the accessibility category of the 2019. The research population lives in Malaga and has been professionally involved in smart destination implementations. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview of 14 smart-tourism experts in different career fields. Content analysis was applied to the findings.

Findings

Malaga has become a successful smart destination while it has had a great success in improving its attractiveness and competitiveness due to the developments in the past 20 years. Now, its citizens and tourists are very satisfied and have a higher and more attractive quality of life. Moreover, Malaga has become a leading destination, especially in accessibility and mobility.

Originality/value

Although smart destination is becoming popular topic day by day, almost all the studies are created to introduce the approach with secondary data. There are still only limited research studies conducted by primary data on a real smart destination case. Furthermore, Malaga is a quite good example to understand the importance of smart destination approach since the city has achieved to become an attractive and popular destination for both tourists and local residents.
Open-office noise and information processing
Authors: Mayiwar Lewend , Hærem Thorvald
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The authors draw on arousal-based models to develop and test a model of open-office noise and information processing. Specifically, the authors examined whether open-office noise changes how people process information and whether such a change has consequences for task performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In a laboratory experiment, the authors randomly assigned participants (107 students at a business school) to either a silent condition or a condition that exposed them to open-office noise (irrelevant speech) while completing a task that requires cognitive flexibility. The authors measured participants' physiological arousal and the extent to which they processed information intuitively and analytically during the task.

Findings

Open-office noise increased urgent processing and decreased analytical processing, which led to a respective decrease and increase in task performance. In line with a neuroscientific account of cognitive processing, an increase in arousal (subjective and physiological) drove the detrimental effect of open-office noise on task performance.

Practical implications

Understanding the information-processing consequences of open-office noise can help managers make more informed decisions about workplace environments that facilitate performance.

Originality/value

The study is one of the first to examine the indirect effects of open-office noise on task performance through intuitive and analytical processing, while simultaneously testing and providing support for the accompanying physiological mechanism.
The effect of key audit matters on the association of credit risk and earnings quality
Authors: Chiang Shuling , Kleinman Gary , Lee Picheng
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether the required disclosure and the high frequency of key audit matters (KAMs) are likely to moderate the effect of higher credit risk on earnings quality.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses 15,106 Taiwanese firm-year observations to explore the relationship between earnings quality and credit risk during the 2011 to 2020 period. We use the two-stage least squares method to test whether the presence of KAM disclosures moderated the association between earnings quality and credit risk and also to examine whether higher KAM frequency moderates the association between earnings quality and credit risk.

Findings

Our results provide evidence that the presence of a KAM disclosure requirement moderates the impact of firms with higher credit risk on earnings quality. In addition, there is significant evidence that the higher the frequency of KAM disclosures the greater the moderation impact that is found.

Originality/value

This research investigates whether the disclosure and high frequency of KAMs moderates the effect of credit riskiness on earnings quality. This study improves our understanding of whether more KAMs disclosures would improve earnings quality of firms with higher credit risk. In addition, we also use Beneish M-SCORE, as an alternative earnings quality proxy, to reinforce our empirical results. This markedly differentiates this paper from other studies.
Relationship between authentic leadership and burnout: the mediating role of civility in healthcare sector in Portugal
Authors: Kulari Genta , Laneiro Tito , Ribeiro Luísa , Leiter Michael P. , Fernandes dos Santos Maura Stephanie
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to propose a model to examine the relationship between authentic leadership (AL), civility and burnout among health-care employees. This model proposes that civility mediates the relationship between AL and burnout.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 360 (72% response rate) registered health-care employees working in two large public hospital centers in Lisbon, Portugal. The sample was predominantly female (79.4%). The instruments used to measure the variables were the AL inventory, workplace civility scale and Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey. Hayes’ PROCESS macro for mediation analysis in SPSS was used to test the hypothesized model.

Findings

The results suggest that AL has a positive direct effect on civility, adding to the negative effect of the aforementioned variables on burnout. Furthermore, civility was found to have a mediating effect on AL and burnout.

Research limitations/implications

This study may be useful for hospital management and the health-care sector as a whole, underlining the importance of AL and civility in preventing detrimental effects of burnout among health-care employees.

Originality/value

Considering that mainstream literature on AL mainly focuses on nurses, there is a scarcity of literature integrating the relationship between AL, civility and burnout among a wide range of occupational groups in the health-care sector. Furthermore, the research model has not been previously introduced when considering the mediating role of civility in the relationship between AL and burnout.
Government response and compliance behaviours: evidence from COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Thanh Tung Le , Tien Thanh Pham
Published: July 2023

Purpose

While the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc across the globe in 2020 and early 2021, Vietnam made some achievements in containing this virus. This study aims to focus on how government response could influence public compliance in Vietnam in 2020 (the first pandemic year).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used data gathered from individuals residing in Vietnam during the COVID-19 social distancing in April 2020. An online survey was used to collect the data. To conduct the empirical analysis, we used a structural equation model (SEM). The data were analyzed using SPSS 25 and AMOS 24.

Findings

Government response was positively associated with public compliance through the mediating roles of trust in government and support for government.

Practical implications

This research provides implications for crisis management in developing countries during a public health crisis, especially when or where vaccines are unavailable.

Originality/value

This research is among the first attempts that examine how government response enhances citizen compliance directly and indirectly through the mediating roles of citizen trust in government and citizen support for government.
Financial toxicity of hidradenitis suppurativa: A single‐center experience at an urban wound‐care clinic
Authors: Towfighi Parhom , Huffman Samuel S. , Bovill John D. , Shan Holly D. , Haffner Zoë K. , Kim Emily Y. , Slamin Robert , Benedict Carol D. , Evans Karen K.
Published: July 2023

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that confers a substantial financial burden to patients. The aim of the current study was to assess the patient‐reported financial impact of HS. Patients presenting to a wound center between 2010 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, comorbidities, and disease characteristics were collected. The financial impact of HS was assessed via the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity ‐ Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (COST‐FACIT) version 2 and investigator‐generated surveys. Of 199 patients contacted, 27.1% (n = 54) completed the survey. The majority were women (77.8%, n = 42) and had private health insurance (n = 30; 55.6%). Most patients (66.7%, n = 36) had Hurley stage III disease. Mean follow‐up was 2.3 + 2.8 years. The overall COST score was 19.7 + 12.4, indicating grade 1 financial toxicity (FT). Grade 0 FT was reported in 31.5% (n = 17) of patients, grade 1 in 37.0% (n = 20), grade 2 in 27.8% (n = 15), and grade 3 in 3.7% (n = 2). The mean self‐reported 12‐month out‐of‐pocket cost and credit scores were $2250 + 3269.24 and 674.6 + 95.3, respectively. Patients with private insurance had lower FT compared with Medicaid and Medicare (p = 0.003). Higher out‐of‐pocket costs were positively correlated with FT (p = 0.042), while higher credit scores were negatively correlated (p = 0.003). Patients with HS lesions in three or more anatomic regions reported the highest FT (p = 0.031). HS is a debilitating skin disorder that affects the livelihood of patients in a multifaceted manner. These patient‐reported outcomes highlight the impact that HS has on an individual's financial security, calling for further attention to this vulnerable population.
Timing of invasive species removal influences nonnative biotic resistance and trajectories of community reassembly
Authors: Torres Agostina , Morán‐López Teresa , Rodriguez‐Cabal Mariano A. , Núñez Martín A.
Published: July 2023

As biological invasions increasingly threaten biodiversity, the removal of invasive nonnative species emerges as a possibility to recover the structure and function of native communities. Yet, we have limited knowledge of how communities assemble after nonnative removals. Since most ecosystems are invaded by multiple nonnative species, the impact of their removal likely depends on the interactions among nonnative species which, in turn, are contingent on the environmental context in which they occur.

We evaluated the community assembly after the targeted removal of two highly invasive shrubs, Sweetbriar rose (Rosa rubiginosa) and Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius). The removal was performed at two different times in the growing season (early or late removal) in field and mesocosm communities. In search of general patterns across species, we modelled species responses as a function of their origin (i.e. native/nonnative) and functional traits.

We found evidence for negative and asymmetric interactions between dominant invasive species that translated into changes in the abundances of the rest of the species in the community. Depending on the identity of the removed species, the removal of invasive species affected community assembly by promoting other nonnative species or hindering the performance of native species. These effects were modulated by the timing of removal and did not depend on leaf or seed traits.

Synthesis. Accounting for nonnative interactions and their temporal dependency should improve our inferences about assembly processes and the effectiveness of nonnative removal aimed at reducing the accumulation of nonnatives.
An expert review of environmental heat exposure and stillbirth in the face of climate change: Clinical implications and priority issues
Authors: Bonell Ana , Part Cherie , Okomo Uduak , Cole Rebecca , Hajat Shakoor , Kovats Sari , Sferruzzi‐Perri Amanda N. , Hirst Jane E.
Published: July 2023

Exposure to extreme heat in pregnancy increases the risk of stillbirth. Progress in reducing stillbirth rates has stalled, and populations are increasingly exposed to high temperatures and climate events that may further undermine health strategies. This narrative review summarises the current clinical and epidemiological evidence of the impact of maternal heat exposure on stillbirth risk. Out of 20 studies, 19 found an association between heat and stillbirth risk. Recent studies based in low‐ to middle‐income countries and tropical settings add to the existing literature to demonstrate that all populations are at risk. Additionally, both short‐term heat exposure and whole‐pregnancy heat exposure increase the risk of stillbirth. A definitive threshold of effect has not been identified, as most studies define exposure as above the 90th centile of the usual temperature for that population. Therefore, the association between heat and stillbirth has been found with exposures from as low as >12.64°C up to >46.4°C. The pathophysiological pathways by which maternal heat exposure may lead to stillbirth, based on human and animal studies, include both placental and embryonic or fetal impacts. Although evidence gaps remain and further research is needed to characterise these mechanistic pathways in more detail, preliminary evidence suggests epigenetic changes, alteration in imprinted genes, congenital abnormalities, reduction in placental blood flow, size and function all play a part. Finally, we explore this topic from a public health perspective; we discuss and evaluate the current public health guidance on minimising the risk of extreme heat in the community. There is limited pregnancy‐specific guidance within heatwave planning, and no evidence‐based interventions have been established to prevent poor pregnancy outcomes. We highlight priority research questions to move forward in the field and specifically note the urgent need for evidence‐based interventions that are sustainable.
Frequent guidewire passage into the pancreatic duct is an independent risk factor for postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) among high‐risk individuals: A post‐hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial data
Authors: Goenka Mahesh K. , Akshintala Venkata S. , Kamal Ayesha , Bhullar Furqan A. , Bush Nikhil , Kumar Vijay , Chakraborty Madhurima , Gurakar Merve , Lakhtakia Sundeep , Talukdar Rupjyoti , Trikudanathan Guru , Khashab Mouen A. , Kalloo Anthony N. , Reddy D. Nageshwar , Sinha Saroj K. , Singh Vikesh K. , Kochhar Rakesh
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To systematically evaluate the patient and procedural risk factors for post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) among patients receiving rectal indomethacin.

Methods

Data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of high‐risk patients undergoing ERCP who received rectal indomethacin with or without topical epinephrine was evaluated. PEP was defined based on the consensus criteria. Pancreatic stenting was excluded to avoid confounding results with the role of epinephrine spray. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify patient and procedural risk factors for PEP.

Results

Among 960 patients enrolled in the RCT, the PEP incidence was 6.4%. An increased risk of PEP was seen with age <50 years and female gender (odds ratio [OR] 2.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35–4.26), malignant biliary stricture(s) (OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.52–8.10), >2 guidewire passes into the pancreatic duct (PD) (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.43–5.64), and pancreatic brush cytology (OR 6.37, 95% CI 1.10–36.90), whereas a decreased risk of PEP was seen with contrast‐ over guidewire‐assisted cannulation (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.02–0.99) and the use of lactated Ringer's (LR) over other fluid types (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.27–0.98). There was a significant trend between the number of guidewire passes into the PD and PEP risk (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

More than two guidewire passes into the PD and pancreatic brush cytology increased while the use of LR decreased the risk of PEP among high‐risk patients receiving rectal indomethacin. Pancreatic stent placement and/or LR should be considered in patients with >2 guidewire passes into the PD.
The new OECD arrangement on export credits: Breakthrough or bad compromise?
Authors: Klasen Andreas , Vassard Jan
Published: July 2023

Public export credits and trade insurance require a global framework of institutions, rules and regulations to avoid subsidies and a race to the bottom. The extensive modernisation of the Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits (Arrangement) of the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development intends to re‐level the playing field. This Practitioner Commentary describes the demand for adequate government interventions, considers the need for the reform and discusses key aspects of the new Arrangement. We argue that there is a breakthrough in several important areas such as tenors, repayment terms and green finance. However, we also find that the modernisation falls short in areas such as the interplay between different rulebooks, pre‐shipment instruments' regulations and climate action.
Can habitat characteristics of a West African forest‐savanna mosaic landscape model bee community composition?
Authors: Soro Nicodénin Angèle , Koné N’Golo Abdoulaye , Silué Dolourou , Yéo Kolo , Dekoninck Wouter
Published: July 2023

Bees are vital to both ecosystems and humans worldwide; supplying a range of key support facilities for the successful breeding of the majority of flowering plants. The aim of this study was to assess the bee species composition in a Sudano‐Guinean savanna zone and determining the impact of a set of environmental parameters influencing this species composition in four habitat types. Sampling was carried using yellow pan traps protocol. A total of 846 bees belonging to 3 families, 25 genera and 52 species were collected. The largest number of bee individuals was found in the Apidae family. The most abundant species was Hypotrigona sp. The highest bee species and number of individuals was recorded in the shrubby savanna. Bee species diversity and abundance were found closely correlated with the plant diversity. Gaining a better understanding of the factors influencing bee community dynamics in the given landscape can provide valuable information for conservation efforts, habitat management and help identifying species which ones could be domesticated.
Travel‐associated cost savings to patients and the health system through provision of specialist head and neck surgery outreach clinics in rural New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Venchiarutti Rebecca L. , Pearce Alison , Mathers Lara , Dawson Tania , Ch'ng Sydney , Shannon Kerwin , Clark Jonathan R. , Palme Carsten E.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Centralisation of head and neck surgical services means that patients in regional and remote Australia need to travel long distances for treatment and follow‐up, imparting a significant financial burden on patients and the health system.

Objective

To estimate costs of travel to local outreach clinics and determine potential cost savings to patients and the health system by avoiding patient travel to major cities for head and neck surgical care.

Design

Retrospective audit of three head and neck surgery outreach clinics in New South Wales, Australia over 4 years (2017–2020). Direct costs of travel from a patient's residence to their local outreach clinic were estimated. Costs of travel and accommodation to Sydney for an appointment were calculated for different travel modes. Estimated reimbursements for travel through government support schemes were calculated based on published rates.

Findings

Some 657 patients attended the three clinics, accounting for 1981 appointments. Depending on mode of travel, the estimated median cost of return travel (including accommodation) to Sydney was $379 to $739 per patient per trip and the median government reimbursement ranged from $182 to $279 per trip. In comparison, the cost of return travel by car to local outreach clinics ranged from $28 to $163 per appointment. Outreach clinics were estimated to save patients a median of $285 per trip and avoided government reimbursements of $215 per trip.

Discussion

Despite uptake in telehealth, outreach medical services remain an important asset for people living in regional areas to address inequities in access. However, the cost benefits are likely to be underestimated as our approach did not account for indirect costs associated with travel.

Conclusion

Outreach head and neck surgical services located in regional areas can reduce the financial burden on both patients and the healthcare system. Greater investment in outreach clinics could ensure sustainability of services to promote equitable access to specialised surgical services.
On the paradoxes of feminist praxis
Authors: Vijayakumar Gowri
Published: July 2023

This essay is part of a forum on Srila Roy's (2022) book, Changing the Subject. I suggest that Roy's book offers a way to sit with the paradoxes of feminist praxis by engaging with its everyday messiness and conflict. I read Roy's book through the lens of my research with sex worker activists in India, focusing on how Roy's attention to ambivalence helped me to rethink my analysis. Through ethnography, the book shows how her interlocutors strategize creatively under disempowering conditions, challenging narratives of loss and depoliticization in feminist movements. Finally, I reflect on questions the book raises about the practice of feminist research.
Neonatal outcomes following introduction of routine probiotic supplementation to very preterm infants
Authors: Healy David B. , Campbell‐Green Benjamin , Livingstone Vicki , Ryan C. Anthony , Ross R. Paul , Stanton Catherine , Dempsey Eugene M.
Published: July 2023

Aim

To evaluate the combined outcome of death and/or severe grade necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in very preterm infants admitted to Cork University Maternity Hospital, Ireland, before and after introduction of routine supplementation with Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotics (Infloran®).

Methods

A retrospective study of infants <32 weeks gestation and < 1500 g surviving beyond 72 h of life was performed. Two 6‐year epochs; pre‐probiotics (Epoch 1: 2008–2013) and with probiotics (Epoch 2: 2015–2020), were evaluated. The primary outcome was defined as death after 72 h or NEC Bell stage 2a or greater.

Results

Seven‐hundred‐and‐forty‐four infants were included (Epoch 1: 391, Epoch 2: 353). The primary outcome occurred in 67 infants (Epoch 1: 37, Epoch 2: 30, p = 0.646). After adjustment, the difference was significant (OR [95% CI]: 0.53 [0.29 to 0.97], p = 0.038). Differences between epochs did not depend on gestational age group (<28 weeks; ≥28 weeks).

Conclusion

There was an associated reduction of the composite outcome of severe grade NEC and/or death, after adjustment for confounding variables, with introduction of routine administration of a B. bifidum and L. acidophilus probiotic at our institution.
Benefits of routine probiotic supplementation in preterm infants
Authors: Rath C. P. , Athalye‐Jape G. , Nathan E. , Doherty D. , Rao S. , Patole S.
Published: July 2023

Aim

We introduced routine probiotic supplementation (RPS) of preterm infants in June 2012. We previously reported that RPS reduced the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and mortality in such infants. In this study, we assessed if the benefits of RPS were sustained for infants in the current era.

Method

We compared the outcomes of preterm infants in recent epoch 3 (RPS, 1st June 2014 to 31st December 2019) versus epoch 2 (RPS, 1st June 2012 to 31st May 2014) and epoch 1 (no RPS, 1st December 2008 to 30th November 2010). Multiple logistic and Cox regression models were used to compare the outcomes.

Results

There were 645 infants in epoch 1, 712 in epoch 2 and 1715 in epoch 3. Age at full feeds was significantly lower in epoch 3 vs. 2 and epoch 3 vs. 1 in infants <28 weeks of gestation. NEC and late‐onset sepsis (LOS) were significantly lower in epoch 3 vs. 1 in infants <28 weeks. LOS and age at full feeds were significantly lower in epoch 3 vs. 2 and epoch 3 vs. 1 in infants with gestation 28 to 32 weeks.

Conclusion

The benefits associated with RPS were sustained during epoch 3.
The initiative paradox: A social comparison perspective on why and when relational crafting leads to loneliness
Authors: Chen Lu , Cao Wenyi , Qu Yuanmei , Kang Yu , Xiang Yilin , Tang Kaixuan
Published: July 2023

Drawing upon social comparison theory, we investigated the influencing mechanism between relational job crafting and workplace loneliness and its boundary condition. A multiple‐source, multi‐wave field study was conducted with data collected from 267 employee–peer dyads in three Chinese firms. The results showed that there is an inverted U‐shaped relationship between promotion‐oriented relational crafting and loneliness via peer social undermining. Meanwhile, prevention‐oriented relational crafting is positively related to loneliness through peer social undermining. Moreover, impression management motive moderates the inverted U‐shaped relationship between promotion‐oriented relational crafting and peer social undermining. Implications of these findings are discussed.
How do working students fare? A person‐centric approach to understanding patterns of work–school conflict and facilitation
Authors: Headrick Lucille , Park Young Ah
Published: July 2023

Student workers are largely understudied in organizational research, yet they represent an important part of the workforce. Their numbers are expected to rise as tuition continues to increase, and many adult workers are returning to school. The current study utilizes a person‐centric approach to investigate latent patterns of work–school conflict (WSC) and work–school facilitation (WSF) as well as the antecedent (i.e., supervisor work–school support) and outcomes (i.e., job satisfaction, well‐being, and school outcomes) tied to these latent patterns across school weeks. In a pilot study (n = 178 student workers), we first confirmed whether classes of WSC and WSF could be identified using latent profile analysis. Then, using 347 weekly WSC and WSF experiences, multilevel latent profile analysis identified four distinct profiles of WSC and WSF at the week level. Also, this modeling demonstrated that individuals tend to fluctuate between at least two profiles across weeks. Supervisor work–school support was found to predict weekly profile membership. Furthermore, the week‐level profiles exhibited distinct relations with weekly outcomes (i.e., job satisfaction, well‐being, and school preparedness). The results provide important theoretical and practical insights into the joint experience of interrole conflict and facilitation among student workers.
Reduced incidence of tick paralysis cases in dogs and cats at two emergency clinics in South‐East Queensland since 2015: new generation prophylactics as possible explanatory variables
Authors: Ireland EM , Heller J , Leister EM , Padula AM
Published: July 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to determine the incidence of canine and feline tick paralysis cases presenting to two veterinary emergency hospitals before and after the introduction of new generation prophylactic acaricides.

Methods

This was a retrospective study, investigating the number of tick paralysis cases presenting to two emergency and critical care veterinary hospitals in South‐East Queensland, from 2008 to 2021. A total of 10,914 dogs and 3696 cats were included over the course of the study. To assess if the introduction of new generation prophylactics in 2015 has coincided with any variation in case numbers, data for each species were analysed graphically and numerically in the first instance, then interrupted time series analyses were performed for the dog and cat data independently.

Results

Accounting for seasonal and climatic variation, we estimated a 54.8% reduction in dog (95% CI 45.3%–62.7%) and 44% reduction in cat (95% CI 19.5%–46%) tick paralysis cases presenting to these two clinics. This reduction corresponded with the timing of new generation prophylactic agents being introduced, including isoxazolines and imidacloprid/flumethrin impregnated collars.

Conclusion

In the population studied, a significant reduction in the incidence of tick paralysis cases treated by veterinarians has occurred from 2015 onwards and was found to be associated with the timing of the release of new generation acaricidal products.
Post‐prostatectomy anastomotic stenosis: systematic review and meta‐analysis of endoscopic treatment
Authors: Delchet Ophélie , Nourredine Mikaïl , González Serrano Adolfo , Morel‐Journel Nicolas , Carnicelli Damien , Ruffion Alain , Neuville Paul
Published: July 2023

Objective

To perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of endoscopic procedures for treating vesico‐urethral anastomotic stenosis (VUAS) after prostatectomy, as initial VUAS management remains unclear.

Methods

A search of the MEDLINE database, the Cochrane database, and clinicaltrials.gov was performed (last search February 2023) using the following query: ([‘bladder neck’ OR ‘vesicourethral anastomotic’ OR ‘anastomotic’] AND [‘stricture’ OR ‘stenosis’ OR ‘contracture’] AND ‘prostatectomy’). The primary outcome was the success rate of VUAS treatment, defined by the proportion (%) of patients without VUAS recurrence at the end of follow‐up.

Results

The literature search identified 420 studies. After the screening, 78 reports were assessed for eligibility, and 40 studies were included in the review. The pooled characteristics of the 40 studies provided a total of 1452 patients, with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow‐up of 23.7 (13–32) months and age of 66 (64–68) years. The overall success rate (95% confidence interval [CI]) of all endoscopic procedures for VUAS treatment was 72.8% (64.4%–79.9%). Meta‐regression models showed a negative influence of radiotherapy on the overall success rate (P = 0.012). After trim‐and‐fill (addition of 10 studies), the corrected overall success rate (95% CI) was 62.9% (53.6%–71.4%).

Conclusion

This first meta‐analysis of endoscopic treatment success rate after VUAS reported an overall success rate of 72.8%, lowered to 62.9% after correcting for significant publication bias. This study also highlighted the need for a more thorough reporting of post‐prostatectomy VUAS data to understand the treatment pathway and provide higher‐quality evidence‐based care.
On threshold effect of housing finance on shared prosperity: Evidence from sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Nguena Christian Lambert , Tchana Tchana Fulbert , Zeufack Albert
Published: July 2023

Applying panel threshold regression technics along with alternative econometric investigation on a panel database of 48 sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries over the period 2000–2012, this paper analyzes the structure of housing finance in SSA countries and mainly verifies if there is a threshold effect on shared prosperity. Independently of the method used, our findings offer strong evidence of an inverted U‐shaped relationship between housing finance and inequality. The current level of development of housing finance in SSA, which is at its very early stage, is not yet an effective tool for reducing economic inequality; however, beyond a given threshold, housing finance becomes effective in reducing inequality. Indeed, higher values of housing finance depth above a certain threshold of 6.35% reduce inequality, whereas values below 6.35% and very high values have no significant impact. In addition, there is a slightly positive relationship between housing finance and labor productivity growth in SSA. Results also show that the way housing finance impact inequality is highly dependent on their ability to implement effective crisis fight policies. Controlling for countries’ income levels, legal origin, and regional proximity revealed relative benchmarking, typology, and characteristics of SSA housing finance. These findings suggest some policies to stimulate the development of housing finance in SSA. As a bonus, this paper also highlights several other pillars that can be used to support shared prosperity in SSA.
Pamoic acid‐induced peripheral GPR35 activation improves pruritus and dermatitis
Authors: Kim Chaeeun , Kim Yerin , Lim Ji Yeon , Kim Minseok , Zheng Haiyan , Kim Miri , Hwang Sun Wook
Published: July 2023

Background and Purpose

Pruritic dermatitis is a disease with a considerable unmet need for treatment and appears to present with not only epidermal but also peripheral neuronal complications. Here, we propose a novel pharmacological modulation targeting both peripheral dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons and skin keratinocytes. GPR35 is an orphan G‐protein‐coupled receptor expressed in DRG neurons and has been predicted to downregulate neuronal excitability when activated. Modulator information is currently increasing for GPR35, and pamoic acid (PA), a salt‐forming agent for drugs, has been shown to be an activator solely specific for GPR35. Here, we investigated its effects on dermatitic pathology.

Experimental Approach

We confirmed GPR35 expression in peripheral neurons and tissues. The effect of PA treatment was pharmacologically evaluated in cultured cells in vitro and in in vivo animal models for acute and chronic pruritus.

Key Results

Local PA application mitigated acute non‐histaminergic itch and, consistently, obstructed DRG neuronal responses. Keratinocyte fragmentation under dermatitic simulation was also dampened following PA incubation. Chronic pruritus in 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene and psoriasis models were also moderately but significantly reversed by the repeated applications of PA. Dermatitic scores in the 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene and psoriatic models were also improved by its application, indicating that it is beneficial for mitigating disease pathology.

Conclusion and Implications

Our findings suggest that pamoic acid activation of peripheral GPR35 can contribute to the improvement of pruritus and its associated diseases.