bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the theoretical foundations of innovation ecosystems between 2006 and 2020: an analysis at the different approaches
Authors: Zen Aurora Carneiro , Santos Carlos Alberto Frantz dos , Santos Diego Alex Gázaro dos , da Rosa Juliana Ribeiro , Spindler Everson dos Santos
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to map and assess the conceptual development of the innovation ecosystem literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric analysis was performed using the VOSviewer, RStudio software, Bibliometrix and Biblioshiny packages. To accomplish this, 367 publications published between 2006 and 2020 and indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus databases were assessed.

Findings

The results demonstrate a rise in research during 2016, with almost 30% of publications concentrated in only six journals. The co-citation analysis presented four clusters: case studies, business and innovation ecosystems (platform approach), open innovation and national and regional innovation systems (territorial approach). We proposed a theoretical framework based on two approaches in the innovation ecosystem literature based on co-citation analysis: platform, which has its roots in the literature on strategy, and territory, grounded in research on economic geography literature.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations of the study is that only articles published in journals were analyzed, leaving out of the sample those published in congresses, books and other sources.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by presenting and clarifying the different conceptual trajectories of research in innovation ecosystems. We also proposed an analytical framework based on the two main approaches to innovation ecosystems – platform and territory. This framework presents the critical elements of managing innovation ecosystems from both perspectives.
The impact of China's trade and FDI on Africa's GVC participation and economic upgrading
Authors: Cudjoe Derrick Anquanah , He Yumei , Hu Hanhui
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study examines the impact of China's trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) on Africa's global value chain (GVC) participation and economic upgrading.

Design/methodology/approach

The study covered 48 African countries, cutting across the western, eastern, central, southern and northern subregions to cover the heterogeneity of the continent. The study adopted feasible generalized least squares panel VAR-Granger causality Wald test and system generalized methods of moments techniques for estimation.

Findings

Overall, China's FDI to Africa and US-Africa trade have a linear relationship with Africa's GVC involvement and economic upgrading. The findings suggest that although China-Africa trade has a positive impact on GVC engagement and upgrading, the marginal effect decreases in the face of US-Africa and EU-Africa trade.

Originality/value

This study provides new evidence on the impact of China's FDI and trade on African economies' GVC participation and economic upgrading. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to empirically explore the effects of China's FDI and trade on Africa's GVC integration and economic upgrading as well as from the perspectives of backward and forward GVC participation. Furthermore, the study empirically examines whether the effects of Africa's economic cooperation with China relative to its GVC engagement differ from those of Europe (EU) and the US via a comparative regression.
Using oral communication instructions to improve marketing and financial management skills of sweet potato farmers
Authors: Onah Ogochukwu Gabriella , Attah Ogwu Chris , Ibrahim Umaru Isaac , Onyia Chiebonam Chukwuemeka , Gever Esther Rita , Nwokolo Peter N. , Gever Verlumun Celestine
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of oral communication in improving the marketing and financial management skills of sweet potato farmers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a quasi-experimental design with a pre- and post-test approach. The sample was 540 sweet potato farmers that were randomly assigned to training (n = 270) and no-training groups (n = 270) with analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) as the method of data analysis. While the training group received oral training sessions for three farming seasons beginning in 2019, 2020 and 2021, the no-training group did not receive any intervention.

Findings

Before the training sessions, all the sweet potato farmers scored low on marketing skills like advertising, sales promotion and sales forecasting. Both groups also scored low on financial management skills like budgeting, investments, saving and controlling expenditures. Their annual income level was also low and both groups did not significantly differ. However, after the training and during the follow-up evaluation, the participants in the training group reported a significant improvement in their marketing skills and financial management skills. There was also an improvement in their income level from $238 (N109,480) at baseline to $523 (N240,580) after the training and $782 (N359,720) after the follow-up evaluation. On the other hand, the no-training group reported a staggered fluctuation in their income of $241 (N110,860) at baseline, $371(N170,660) during post-training evaluation and $214 (N98,440) at follow-up assessment.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation is that the study examined only one crop. There is a need to pay attention to farmers of other crops for better understanding. Another limitation of the study is that the researchers examined only oral communication. There is a need to compare more than one training to understand which is more effective. Finally, the current study did not consider the moderating effect of other factors like the source of labour and expenses.

Originality/value

This study has shown that oral communication is an effective tool for promoting the acquisition of marketing and financial management skills and enhancing agribusiness.
Information sharing in African perishable agri-food supply chains: a systematic literature review and research agenda
Authors: Obonyo Edwin , Formentini Marco , Ndiritu S. Wagura , Naslund Dag
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to provide a review of state-of-the-art literature on information sharing in the context of African perishable agri-food supply chains (AFSCs). In doing so, the authors hope to stimulate further research and advance both theory and practice on African perishable AFSCs, which is a relevant, but under-investigated context.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ systematic literature review covers a period of 21 years (2000–2021). After providing the bibliometric and methodological insights related to this sample of literature, the authors provide a detailed analysis and discussion of the key aspects of information sharing in African perishable AFSCs, based on a review framework grounded in the information sharing literature.

Findings

The authors’ review revealed that information sharing in African AFSCs is still in its nascent stage. Findings are based on four themes of (1) why share information (mainly to gain market access), (2) what information is shared (price and market information) (3) how it is shared (still traditional communication, with limited adoption of digital technologies?) and (4) antecedents, drivers and barriers (technology adoption and socio-economic background of Africans).

Research limitations/implications

This paper outlines a research agenda for advancing the theory on information sharing in AFSCs. Furthermore, the review highlights the importance of context, supply chain structure, relationships, product characteristics and culture in studying AFSCs.

Originality/value

A review on information sharing in African perishable AFSCs does not appear to exist in operations and supply chain management (O&SCM) and agribusiness journals.
Internal governance mechanisms and information value of banks’ earnings
Authors: Elnahass Marwa , Tahir Muhammad , Abdul Rahman Ahmed Noora , Salama Aly
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study examines the association between internal corporate governance mechanisms (i.e. board of directors and audit committee) and the information value of bank earnings. The authors comparatively assess this association across different bank types, Islamic versus conventional banks. The authors also investigate the mediating effect of Shariah governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize a unique and an international sample of 723 bank-year observations representing 100 listed banks from 16 countries during the period 2007–2015. The authors investigate the characteristics of the board of directors and audit committee (i.e. size and independence) and employ three core analyses for earnings informativeness (i.e. earnings persistence, cash flow predictability and reliability of loan loss provisions). Additional analyses address Shariah supervisory boards’ (SSBs’) size, financial expertise and multiple outside directorships. The authors use the random-effect Generalised Least Squares (GLS) estimation technique and provide several robustness checks and sensitivities.

Findings

The authors find that, on average, having large and independent boards (and audit committees) increases the informativeness of reported earnings for banks. Conditional on bank type, our results report strong evidence for differential effects across the two alternative banking systems. In Islamic banks, large and independent board of directors (and audit committees) is positively associated with all measures of information value. There is insignificant evidence for conventional banks. However, SSBs show no significant effect on the reported earnings’ informativeness.

Originality/value

This is the first study, to the best of our knowledge, that empirically and comparatively assesses the information value of reported earnings in association with effective internal governance while recognizing the institutional characteristics of different bank types. The authors offer new insights to policymakers, investors and other stakeholders located within countries operating on a dual banking system. The results could help regulators to improve their rules/guidance related to double-layer governance and financial reporting quality.
“This is not going to be a quick fix”: a grounded theory study of superintendents leading school integration through redistricting
Authors: Leh Krista E. , Mayger Linda Kay , Yuknis Christina
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study investigated how superintendents lead the process of within-district racial and socioeconomic integration.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers used Constructivist Grounded Theory methodology to analyze interviews with superintendents, documents and videos from four school districts in suburban, southeastern Pennsylvania.

Findings

The emergent “Leadership for In-District Integration” theory indicated that superintendents who led redistricting initiatives aligned their systems for organizational equity only after developing culturally competent leadership practices and building trusting relationships within the school community. Despite these efforts, only two of the four districts achieved racial or socioeconomic balance in the targeted grade levels. In all districts the efforts to integrate their schools for equity were ongoing.

Practical implications

The current study's findings indicate that school leaders may face less conflict with constituents about school desegregation if they capitalize on existing needs to redraw district boundaries for other purposes. Superintendents seeking to engage in such work should set clear goals for what constitutes desegregation, view integration as more than demographic balancing and seek support to develop culturally competent leadership practices that build trusting relationships among community members.

Originality/value

The Leadership for In-District Integration theory adds conceptual and practical value to the field of educational administration by effectively illustrating what it meant to superintendents to integrate a school system and revealing insights that may help other school leaders make such a change. This research is significant because it is one of the few studies that focuses primarily on leadership factors associated with integration within suburban school districts.
America’s greatest entrepreneurs and businesspeople: the third decennial survey of business historians
Authors: McCormick Blaine , Bean Jonathan
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to continue and extend the ongoing conversation about greatness in American business.

Design/methodology/approach

This survey, conducted in 2021, replicates and extends McCormick and Folsom’s 2001 and 2011 rankings of the greatest entrepreneurs and businesspeople in American history. The authors’ pool surveyed 51 experts to develop an updated ranking and explore factors of greatness.

Findings

Henry Ford topped the ranking followed by John D. Rockefeller and Steve Jobs. Business scholars ranked Oprah Winfrey the greatest female and minority businessperson.

Originality/value

The authors extend previous research by surveying the authors’ expert pool about factors of greatness in American business history. “Ability to imagine or envision the future” ranked highest with “created wealth for shareholders” in last place.
The EU MiCA Directive – chances and risks from a compliance perspective
Authors: Teichmann Fabian Maximilian Johannes , Boticiu Sonia Ruxandra , Sergi Bruno S.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to review the current EU approach to regulating crypto assets. It highlights the key points, opportunities and risks of the MiCA regulation, which is designed to provide a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets in the EU.

Design/methodology/approach

To do so, the authors extensively reviewed the literature and reports from several advisory and watchdog bodies and international organizations.

Findings

Although MiCA is an ambitious piece of legislation, there are still many unresolved issues and questions that the new regulation raises. Controversially several items have also been excluded from the MiCA regulations, including decentralized finance, non-fungible tokens unless they qualify under the existing cryptocurrency categories, as well as central bank digital currencies.

Originality/value

This study also addresses the Liechtenstein Token Act Regulation, which is considered to have served as a model for the EU MiCA Directive and the regulation of cryptocurrencies at the European level.
Beyond LMX: toward a theory-based, differentiated view of leader–member relationships
Authors: London Manuel , Volmer Judith , Zyberaj Jetmir
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This conceptual article develops a theory-based set of themes that characterize how a leader and member interact based on their attachment style, motivation to lead and follow and their interpersonal orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes that the leader's and member's attachment styles, effectuated by their motivation to lead and/or follow and their interpersonal orientation, determine the emergence of primary (most frequently occurring) and secondary (less frequently occurring) leader–member relationship (LMR) themes.

Findings

The themes are labelled mutual affirmation, control, prestige, mutual indifference, conflict, imbalance and co-dependence. The article describes how these seven themes are grounded in their own streams of research, including leader–member exchange (LMX) as the basis for the first three, and how the themes vary in behaviors that generate the operational outcomes of psychological safety, proactivity and functionality, which, in turn, yield performance outcomes. Performance outcomes affect the leader's and member's perceptions of their relationship and their anticipation for the future. Leader–member similarity, situational pressures and perceptions of others' relationships moderate LMR development.

Research limitations/implications

Each theme reflects a pattern of interactions that produces degrees of psychological safety felt by the leader and member, proactivity of the leader and member to devote energy to their relationship and how well the leader and member function together. The behaviors, in turn, influence how the leader and member perceive each other and themselves and their anticipation for the future of the relationship.

Practical implications

The model can be used by organizational development and human resource professionals to assess leader–member dyads and train leaders and members to be aware of factors that influence their relationship and how these factors affect performance outcomes.

Originality/value

The model contributes to the literature on leader–member relationships by suggesting a theory-based set of themes that characterize how the leader and team member interact and how their relationship develops.
Consumer confusion and its consequences in the e-hospitality marketplace: the mediating role of negative emotions
Authors: Sharma Anuradha , Singh Jagwinder , Prakash Gyan
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Cluttered website layout and a poor presentation of information on limited web space are present on tourism websites as ineffective marketplace stimuli that give rise to the problem of consumers' confusion. Based on stimulus organism response theory (SOR), this research investigates the three-dimensional confusion framework, its direct and indirect effect on negative eWOM, and consumers' decision postponement, considering negative emotion as a mediator.

Design/methodology/approach

On the data gathered from 501 respondents, structural equation modelling was used to test the proposed research hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal the existence of the ineffective marketplace stimulus as an antecedent of consumer confusion. Further outcomes validate the cognitive, affective and response behaviour state by demonstrating the direct influence of different types of confusion on negative emotions, electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) and decision postponement. The association between cognitive and response behaviour is also mediated by negative emotion.

Practical implications

The study offers substantial practical insights for managers and company operators to better grasp the significance of the affective dimension in consumer confusion in view of the extended SOR model to encapsulate the role of human consciousness.

Originality/value

This study is among the first extensive studies to examine consumer confusion in the context of the modified SOR model that captures the essence of human consciousness by understanding the role of affective emotions between various confusions, negative eWOM and decision postponement. In addition, the ineffective marketplace stimulus as a confusion antecedent and negative eWOM as a response behaviour were studied for the first time.
Computational modeling and simulations for predicting the nonlinear responses of reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Pandimani
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The ultimate capacity and ductility behavior of a reinforced concrete (RC) beam generally depends on its constituent material properties. This study aims to use ANSYS to accentuate the nonlinear parametric finite element (FE) simulations of RC sections under monotonic loading.

Design/methodology/approach

The concrete matrix and steel reinforcement are the primary constituent materials of RC beams. The material properties such as tensile reinforcement area, tensile bars yield strength, concrete compressive strength and strain rate in tensile reinforcement at nominal strength have significantly influenced the ultimate response of RC beams. Therefore, these intensive parameters are considered in this study to ascertain their effect on the RC beam's ultimate behavior. The nonlinear response up to the ultimate load capacity and the crack evolutions of RC beams are predicted efficiently.

Findings

The parametric study reveals that increasing the tensile steel reinforcements (from Ast = 213–857 mm2) significantly improves the ultimate load capacity by 229% and yield deflections by 20%. However, it declines the ultimate deflection by 47% and ductility by 56% substantially. Varying the strain limit (?tn = 0.010–0.0015) of tensile reinforcement has proficiently increased the ultimate load-resisting capacity by 20%, whereas the ductility declined by 62%. When the concrete strength increases (from fck = 25–65 MPa), the cracking load increases profoundly by 51%, whereas the ultimate capacity has found an insignificant effect.

Originality/value

The load-deflection response plots extracted from the proposed numerical model exhibit satisfactory accuracy (less than 9% deviation) against the experimental curves available in the literature, which emphasizes the proficiency of the proposed FE model.
Perceived stress and mental health during the pandemic of COVID-19: an examination of Taiwanese police officers
Authors: Chu Doris C.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine Taiwanese male and female police officers' perceived stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were analyzed based on surveys conducted with 1,671 officers in various cities and counties between May and July of 2021, during the period of level 3 alert of COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan.

Findings

It was found that officers who perceived poor inter-agency coordination and higher risk of infection, and those who were assigned to home quarantine duty and stationed in the metropolitan areas of Taipei, which suffered the worst spread of infected cases, were more likely to exhibit a higher level of stress. On the other hand, police identity, COVID-19 self-legitimacy, supervisor support, COVID-19 information and adaptive emotion regulation were found to be associated with an enhanced level of mental health.

Research limitations/implications

The surveys were conducted at the beginning of the community outbreak. Given the cross sectional nature of the data, the findings may not reflect officers' mental health at different phases of the pandemic.

Originality/value

Such study can add a cross-national perspective that can be utilized to generalize about policy perspectives related to police mental health at times of health crises, such as COVID-19 pandemic.
Library workers on the front lines of conspiracy theories in the US: one nationwide survey
Authors: Beene Stephanie , Greer Katie
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether and in what ways library workers in the United States encountered patrons espousing beliefs in conspiracy theories and, if so, to explore the effectiveness of the strategies they used to address information disorder during the interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was designed with an exploratory qualitative approach. Data were collected via an online survey posted to national and state library association listservs, utilizing a self-selected sampling method. Researchers inductively and deductively analyzed results, developing predetermined themes based on the research questions, then iteratively integrating unexpected data during coding.

Findings

A total of 334 responses were received over two weeks. Data represent library workers from 43 states and Washington, D.C., including various types of libraries. Library workers interacted with patrons with conspiratorial thinking, and both library workers and patrons evidenced a range of emotions and motivations.

Originality/value

This is the first national study to survey library workers and whether they encountered patrons espousing conspiracy theories. While the sample size is small, themes elucidate various strategies that library workers use for interacting with patrons who express some level of conspiracy ideation.
Does the temperature–size rule apply to marine protozoans?
Authors: Calbet Albert , Saiz Enric
Published: May 2023

The temperature–size rule suggests that there is a negative relationship between the size (volume) of an ectothermic organism and the environmental temperature experienced during its development

We question how to validate this hypothesis for the particular case of some algivorous protozoans because in many of these unicellular organisms, body size is directly related to the consumption of prey and, on most occasions, the true size of the cell is uncertain.

In our opinion, to approach this question, the actual size of the protozoan should be measured when the prey are fully digested.

To prove our arguments, we designed a series of experiments with the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina, including functional and numerical responses, time‐dependent acclimation responses and the estimation of the protozoan volume during absence of food.

We found that after the digestion of the prey Rhodomonas salina, the size of our long‐term thermally acclimated strains of Oxyrrhis marina was the same regardless of the temperature (16 and 22°C).

We believe that previous reports showing protozoan size reduction because of temperature might actually reflect imbalances between ingestion and digestion of prey, perhaps amplified by insufficient acclimation.

In support of the previous argument, we found evidence that short‐term temperature exposure experiments may suggest a negative relationship between well‐fed protozoan size and temperature, although this was not observed after long‐term acclimation.

In light of the results presented here, we suggest that the actual evidence supporting the temperature–size rule in algivorous protozoans may not be sufficiently conclusive because most of the present studies largely ignore the effect of prey presence on the grazer's volume and are usually based on short‐term responses to temperature.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Healthy eating blog readership: A cross‐sectional survey in Australian adults
Authors: Mete Rebecca , Shield Alison , Murray Kristen , Bacon Rachel , Kellett Jane
Published: May 2023

Aims

To investigate whether members of the public read blogs for the purpose of accessing healthy eating information; examine demographic predictors of healthy eating blog readership, specifically education, gender, age, body mass index, and residential location; and explore the reasons for reading, and not reading, healthy eating blogs.

Methods

This study used a cross‐sectional online self‐reported survey design collected over three time points (round 1: December 2017–March 2018, round 2: August 2018–December 2018, round 3: December 2021–March 2022). The total sample of participants comprised of 238 respondents with a mean age of 46 years old, who mostly reported gender as female (82%), being educated with a university degree (69%), and predominantly resided in urban and city areas (84%).

Results

Fifty‐one percent of respondents reported reading healthy eating blogs, suggesting that consumers were proactively seeking healthy eating information through this avenue. Participants who identified as female were 3.2 times more likely to read healthy eating blogs. Commonly, healthy eating blogs were read to receive practical information that aligned with current food choices. The main reason participants reported not reading healthy eating blogs was not thinking about using them (29%).

Conclusions

Understanding who is seeking healthy eating information through blogs, and their reasons doing so, is important to continue research into the potential effectiveness of blogs as a platform to communicate healthy eating and nutrition messages. This study provides direction for further investigation into how dietetics professionals could effectively use blogs to disseminate healthy eating information and positively influence consumer food choices and dietary intake.
Fueling employee proactive behavior: The distinctive role of Chinese enterprise union practices from a conservation of resources perspective
Authors: Han Mingyan , Zhang Maolong , Hu Enhua , Shan Hongmei
Published: May 2023

Given its importance to organizational development, interest in exploring the antecedents of employee proactive behavior has grown exponentially. Moving beyond the traditional managerial mindset, we highlight the role of Chinese enterprise union practices in fueling proactive behavior. Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, we argue that Chinese enterprise union practices can exert a downward influence on proactive behavior, and critically, this cross‐level effect can be accounted for through perceived insider status and affective commitment. Multilevel structural equation modeling based on a sample of 433 employees from 43 enterprises supported the hypotheses. This study responds to previous calls for action to commence a multidisciplinary perspective to explore predictors of proactive behavior, and contributes to a deeper understanding of the distinctive characteristics and unique effects of trade unions in China. It also presents implications for broader union research and workplace partnership initiatives aimed at promoting better labor relationships.
Effect of Lactobacillus (L. acidophilus NCIB1899, L. casei CRL 431, L. paracasei LP33) fermentation on free and bound polyphenolic, antioxidant activities in three Chenopodium quinoa cultivars
Authors: Zhang Jigang , Huang Xudong , Cheng Jianghua , Wang Chuyan
Published: May 2023

The application of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation to the production of probiotic beverages is a common method for modifying the health‐related functional characteristics and phytochemical content of such beverages. This study evaluated the effect of fermentation with Lactobacillus acidophilus NCIB1899, Lactobacillus casei CRL 431, and Lactobacillus paracasei LP33 on the total phenolic contents (PCs), flavonoid contents (FCs), phenolic profiles, and antioxidant capacities of the solvent‐extractable (free) and cell‐wall‐bound (bound) fractions in quinoa varying in bran color. Compared with unfermented beverages, LAB fermentation significantly increased the free PCs and free FCs by 15.7%–79.4% and 7.6%–84.3%, respectively. The bound PCs increased, whereas bound FCs decreased in fermented black and red quinoa juice. The increments of procyanidin B2, protocatechuic acid, p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, rutin, and kaempferol through 30 h fermentation exceeded 189%–622%, 13.8%–191%, 55.6%–100%, 48.5%–129%, and 120%–325%, respectively. However, the contents of catechin, procyanidin B1, and ferulic acid decreased with fermentation. Overall, L. acidophilus NCIB1899, L. casei CRL431, and L. paracasei LP33 strains may be suitable for producing fermented quinoa probiotic beverages. L. acidophilus NCIB1899 was superior for fermentation to L. casei CRL431 and L. paracasei LP33. Red and black quinoa had significantly higher total (sum of free and bound) PC and FC concentrations and antioxidant capacities than white quinoa (p < 0.05) because of their higher concentrations of proanthocyanins and polyphenol, respectively.

Practical Application

In this study, different LAB (L. acidophilus NCIB1899, L. casei CRL431, and L. paracasei LP33) were singly inoculated on aqueous solutions from quinoa to ferment probiotic beverage and to compare the metabolic capacity of LAB strains on nonnutritive phytochemicals (phenolic compounds). We observed that LAB fermentation greatly enhanced the phenolic and antioxidant activity of quinoa. The comparison indicated that the L. acidophilus NCIB1899 strain has the highest fermentation metabolic capacity.
Prediction of low DEXAT‐scores by routine computed tomography body scans at different kilovoltage peaks
Authors: Lin Mike , Ridley Lloyd , Seibel Markus J
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Previous studies have demonstrated positive correlations between computed tomography (CT) attenuation of lumbar spine vertebrae and their bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA). However, these studies were performed using a standard 120 kilovoltage peak (kVp) setting. As radiation attenuation in mineralised tissues varies by the tube voltage applied, we determined the diagnostic accuracy of CT attenuation at identifying individuals with low BMD at different kVp settings.

Methods

Single centre retrospective study of adults who had CT and DEXA scans within 6 months of each other. CT scans were performed at either 100 kVp, 120 kVp or dual energy (80 kVp/140 kVp). Attenuation was measured in axial cross‐sections of L1‐4 vertebrae and correlated with the results of DEXA. Receiver operated characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to determine diagnostic cut‐off thresholds.

Results

Analysis included 268 subjects (169 females; mean age: 70, range: 20–94 years). CT attenuation values at L1 or mean L1‐4 correlated positively with DEXA‐derived T‐scores. At L1, the optimal Hounsfield units (HU) thresholds for predicting DEXA T‐scores of −2.5 or less at 100 kVp, 120 kVp and dual‐energy scans were <170, <128 and <164, with corresponding AUCs of 0.925, 0.814 and 0.743 respectively. For mean L1‐4, the HU thresholds were <173, <134 and <151, with corresponding AUCs of 0.933, 0.824 and 0.707 respectively.

Conclusion

CT attenuation thresholds differ depending on the tube voltage used. We provide voltage‐specific, probability‐optimised thresholds for the identification of persons likely to have low BMD on DEXA scanning.
The Great Contrast Shortage of 2022—Lessons learnt in Australia
Authors: Kisby Giles , Seow James H , van Schie Greg , Phatouros Constantine C , Lam Kay‐Vin , Muir Tracey , Burrows Sally , Parizel Paul M
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Computed tomography (CT) imaging is one of the most commonly used diagnostic tools. Iodine‐based contrast media (IBCM) are frequently administered intravenously to improve soft tissue contrast in a wide range of CT scans. Supply chain disruptions triggered by the SARS‐CoV‐19 pandemic led to a global shortage of IBCM in mid‐2022. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of this shortage on the delivery of healthcare in Western Australia.

Methods

We performed a single‐centre retrospective analysis of the provision of CT studies, comparing historical patterns to the shortage period. We focussed our attention on the total number of CT scans (noncontrast CT [NCCT] and contrast‐enhanced CT [CECT]) and also specifically CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) and CT neck angiogram with or without inclusion of circle of Willis (CTNA) examinations. We also examined whether a decrease was compensated by increasing frequency of alternate examinations such as ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scans, carotid Doppler ultrasound studies and Magnetic Resonance Angiograms (MRAs).

Results

Since 2012, there has been an approximate linear increase in the frequency of CT examinations. During the period of contrast shortage, there was an abrupt drop‐off by approximately 50% in the CECT, CTPA and CTNA groups compared with the preceding 6 weeks (49%, 55% and 44%, respectively, with P < 0.001 in all cases). During the contrast shortage, the frequency of V/Q scans increased fivefold (from 13 to 65; P < 0.001). However, the provision of carotid Doppler ultrasound studies and MRAs remained approximately stable in frequency across recent time intervals.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that the IBCM shortage crisis had a very significant impact on the delivery of healthcare. While V/Q scans could (partially) substitute for CTPA studies in suspected pulmonary emboli, there appeared to be no valid alternative for CTNA studies in stroke calls. The unexpected and critical shortage of IBCM forced healthcare professionals to conserve resources, prioritise indications, triage patients based on risk, explore alternate imaging strategies and prepare for similar events recurring in the future.
Intrathoracic neurogenic tumors (ITNs): Management of solid and cystic lesions
Authors: Natale Giovanni , Forte Stefano , Messina Gaetana , Leonardi Beatrice , Mirra Rosa , Leone Francesco , Di Filippo Vincenzo , Pica Davide Gerardo , Capasso Francesca , Bove Mary , Noro Antonio , Opromolla Giorgia , Martone Mario , De Angelis Sabrina , Fiorelli Alfonso
Published: May 2023

Background

Intrathoracic neurogenic tumors (INTs) are derived from nerve tissue and grow within the chest. Preoperative diagnosis can be challenging and only complete surgical exeresis enables confirmation of the suspected diagnosis. Here, we analyzed our experience on management of paravertebral lesions with solid and cystic patterns.

Methods

A monocentric retrospective study was conducted, which included 25 consecutive cases of ITNs in the period from 2010 to 2022. These cases had been surgically treated by thoracoscopic resection alone, or in combination with neurosurgery in the case of dumbbell tumors. The demographic and operative data along with complications were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Twenty‐five patients were diagnosed with a paravertebral lesion of which 19 (76%) had solid features and six (24%) had cystic features. The most common diagnosis was schwannoma (72%), followed by neurofibroma (20%) and malignant schwannoma (8%). In four cases (12%) the tumor showed an intraspinal extension. None of the patients had recurrence until 6 months of follow‐up. Comparison between the VATS and thoracotomy procedures showed that outcome of discharge on the postoperative day, on average, was 2.61 ± 0.5 versus 3.51 ± 0.53, respectively (p‐value <0.001).

Conclusion

The treatment of choice for INTs is complete resection which is tailored to tumor size, location, and extension. In our study, paravertebral tumors with cystic characteristics were not associated with an intraspinal extension and did not show a different behavior from solid tumors.
Mental health, psychological distress and burnout in Australian dental practitioners
Authors: Hopcraft MS , McGrath R , Stormon N , Parker G
Published: May 2023

Background

Dental practitioners are known to experience a high level of stress, but little is known about the mental health of Australian dental practitioners. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of mental health conditions among Australian dental practitioners.

Methods

A cross sectional survey of 1483 Australian dental practitioners was carried out from October to December 2021. Participants reported aspects of mental health including depression, anxiety disorder, burnout (Sydney Burnout Measure) and psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and General Health Questionnaire 12).

Results

Self‐reported psychological distress was high, with 32.0% rated as having moderate or severe psychological distress and 59.4% a high likelihood of minor (or more severe) psychological distress. One in four participants (24.8%) were classified as likely to be experiencing burnout, with 25.9% reporting ever having a diagnosis of depression, 11.4% a current diagnosis of depression, 23.1% ever having a diagnosis of anxiety disorder and 12.9% a current diagnosis of anxiety disorder.

Conclusion

Australian dental practitioners reported a high burden of psychological distress, burnout and mental health issues, suggesting a need for education and programmes to support their mental health and wellbeing. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.
Pharmacist‐led medication review in a residential in‐reach service leads to deprescribing
Authors: Hui Jia Hao , Parikh Seema , Kouladjian O’Donnell Lisa , Mcinerney Brigid , Dillon Louise , Poojary Suma , Crabtree Amelia
Published: May 2023

Objective

To examine the effect of a pharmacist‐led medication review on deprescribing medications in a Residential In‐Reach (RIR) service which provides acute care substitution to residential aged care residents.

Methods

A pre‐post observational study was conducted. Patient characteristics and admission and discharge medications were collected over two 3‐month phases before (prephase) and after (postphase) the introduction of a pharmacist who performed a comprehensive medication review and provided deprescribing recommendations. The Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions (STOPP) version 2 was used to identify potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). The Drug Burden Index (DBI) was used to measure cumulative anticholinergic and sedative medication burden. Outcome of deprescribing was measured by the reduction in the number of PIMs, DBI scores and proportion of polypharmacy from admission to discharge.

Results

The prephase included 59 patients (mean age 87.3 years, 63% female), and the postphase included 88 patients (mean age 87.3 years, 63% female). There was a significant reduction in the mean number of PIMs (pre +0.05 ± 2.59 vs. post −0.78 ± 2.32, p = 0.04) and median DBI (pre −0.004 ± 0.17 vs. post −0.07 ± 0.2, p = 0.03) in postphase compared to prephase. The proportion of polypharmacy at discharge was reduced in the postphase (pre‐100% vs. post‐90%, p = 0.01). The most deprescribed PIMs as measured by STOPP in postphase were drugs without indication, cardiovascular system drugs and gastrointestinal system drugs.

Conclusions

The introduction of a pharmacist‐led medication review in RIR service was associated with a significant reduction in the mean number of PIMs, median DBI and polypharmacy. Future studies are needed to determine whether deprescription is sustained to examine correlations to long‐term patient outcomes.
Lived experience of participants who engaged in the co‐creation of initiatives to improve children's health in a rural Australian community
Authors: Vargas Carmen , Hillenaar Monique , Strugnell Claudia , Allender Steven , Marks Lucy , Green Melanie , Hargous Carolina Venegas , Jackson Michelle , Bell Colin , Whelan Jillian
Published: May 2023

Objective

To describe participants' lived experience of co‐creating and implementing initiatives to improve children's health.

Design

This manuscript reports an embedded case study design, which aims to describe participants' lived experiences of co‐creating community‐based initiatives. Information was gathered from an online survey and two focus groups. The two transcribed discussions from the focus groups were analysed using a 6‐step phenomenological process.

Setting

Mansfield, Australia, population 4787, is one of ten local government areas (LGA) participating in the Reflexive Evidence and Systems Interventions to Prevent Obesity and Non‐communicable Disease (RESPOND) project.

Participants

Participants were purposively selected from established community groups previously engaged by RESPOND using a co‐creation approach. The recruitment for the focus groups was a convenient sampling from participants that provided their email addresses in the online survey.

Results

Eleven participants completed the online survey. A total of ten participants attended the two focus groups of 1‐h duration: five participants in each. Participants reported feeling empowered to create unique, locally relevant and readily adaptable community‐wide change. They were supported by a strong partnership that mobilised funding for a part‐time health promotion employee. Strengthened social connections were an unexpected though highly valued outcome.

Conclusion

Co‐creation processes may assist stakeholders in delivering prevention strategies in ways that are empowering for them, responsive to the changing needs of the community, strengthen organisational partnerships and enhance community participation, social inclusion and engagement.
Cross‐border cooperation: A response to the challenges facing agri‐food cooperatives in Southern European countries
Authors: Meliá‐Martí Elena , Meira Deolinda , Corberá Martínez José , Bertuzi Rui
Published: May 2023

All agri‐food cooperatives share common interests, irrespective of their geographical borders, which should encourage them to undertake inter‐cooperation processes as well as to set up transnational cooperatives. This paper has two objectives. The first is to analyze Spanish and Portuguese cooperative regulations and the Statute for a European Cooperative Society to define how to embark on these processes in the two countries while also pinpointing the conflicts that may arise from the different regulations. Secondly, it seeks to ascertain which Spanish and Portuguese cooperatives have had experience in this field and to characterize them through a multiple‐case study, including the rationale for the processes, the advantages and the constraints. The results have revealed five cross‐border cooperation categories and show that the Statute for a European Cooperative Society has not had the expected success at the EU level, due to its complexity. However, in general, the lack of expected cross‐border cooperative experiences is not due to legal, language or management issues. It is for different reasons. Firstly, cooperatives think that they can achieve the same objectives through inter‐cooperative agreements. Secondly, government policies protect the regional nature of their cooperatives, rather than encouraging them to expand their business and therefore their capacity to respond to current challenges.
Advances in malaria pharmacology and the online guide to MALARIA PHARMACOLOGY: IUPHAR review 38
Authors: Armstrong Jane F. , Campo Brice , Alexander Stephen P. H. , Arendse Lauren B. , Cheng Xiu , Davenport Anthony P. , Faccenda Elena , Fidock David A. , Godinez‐Macias Karla P. , Harding Simon D. , Kato Nobutaka , Lee Marcus C. S. , Luth Madeline R. , Mazitschek Ralph , Mittal Nimisha , Niles Jacquin C. , Okombo John , Ottilie Sabine , Pasaje Charisse Flerida A. , Probst Alexandra S. , Rawat Mukul , Rocamora Frances , Sakata‐Kato Tomoyo , Southan Christopher , Spedding Michael , Tye Mark A. , Yang Tuo , Zhao Na , Davies Jamie A.
Published: May 2023

Antimalarial drug discovery has until recently been driven by high‐throughput phenotypic cellular screening, allowing millions of compounds to be assayed and delivering clinical drug candidates. In this review, we will focus on target‐based approaches, describing recent advances in our understanding of druggable targets in the malaria parasite. Targeting multiple stages of the Plasmodium lifecycle, rather than just the clinically symptomatic asexual blood stage, has become a requirement for new antimalarial medicines, and we link pharmacological data clearly to the parasite stages to which it applies. Finally, we highlight the IUPHAR/MMV Guide to MALARIA PHARMACOLOGY, a web resource developed for the malaria research community that provides open and optimized access to published data on malaria pharmacology.