bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Definitive treatment with PD-1 blockade and radiation therapy of unresected primary desmoplastic melanoma of the nose
Authors: Gjorup Caroline A. , Pires da Silva Ines , Martin Linda , Stretch Jonathan R. , Scolyer Richard A. , Long Georgina V. , Hong Angela
Published: August 2023

Two patients with primary desmoplastic melanoma of the nose were treated with definitive anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD1) and radiation therapy. Both patients were technically resectable with partial rhinectomy but both declined for cosmetic reasons. The melanoma multidisciplinary team recommended that the patients receive PD1 blockade. The initial response to PD-1 blockade was temporary in the first case and partial in the second one. With the addition of high-dose radiotherapy, complete responses were obtained in both patients, with recurrence-free and good functional and cosmetic outcomes at a six-year and 22-month follow-up. Despite surgery being the gold standard, both cases illustrated that PD-1 blockade and radiation therapy can be a safe alternative option for desmoplastic melanoma where surgery is morbidly disfiguring.
Why Are Corneal Specialists Resistant to Treating Patients Who Have Severe Ocular Surface Disease With Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency?
Authors: Holland Edward J. , Cheung Albert Y. , Djalilian Ali R. , Farid Marjan , Mannis Mark J.
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

To highlight the paucity of surgeons performing ocular surface stem cell transplantation with systemic immunosuppression (OSSTx with SI) for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) patients, suboptimal treatments for LSCD, and obstacles to adoption.

Methods:

A review of the Eye Bank Association of America annual reports and the authors' case volume for OSSTx with SI was performed. Examination of the published literature on corneal surgeries, especially for LSCD, was completed. These findings were combined with our clinical observations to develop this editorial.

Results:

Despite techniques and protocols for OSSTx with SI published more than 30 years ago for the treatment of severe bilateral LSCD, only a small number of corneal specialists have adopted these techniques. There is a paucity of attention to this population of patients, with minimal publications to advance this area of our field. We are too often referred patients with LSCD and severe ocular surface disease that have had suboptimal treatments such as penetrating keratoplasties or primary keratoprostheses. Hesitancy for adopting OSSTx with SI is likely due to a lack of exposure to these procedures during training and fear of systemic immunosuppression. Corneal surgeons are likely unaware of the safety of systemic immunosuppression with appropriate monitoring especially when comanaging these patients with an organ transplant specialist.

Conclusion:

There is a large unmet need for the treatment of corneal blindness secondary to conjunctival and LSCD. For the vast majority of patients, OSSTx should be the first surgical choice to treat these eyes. We hope major ophthalmology centers will meet this need by building programs, and groups of corneal surgeons should collaborate to create regional centers to make this treatment more accessible to help this population.
Effect of Resistance Exercises on Function and Pain in Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wang Jyun-Jhe , Tam Ka-Wai , Hsiao Han-Yun , Liou Tsan-Hon , Rau Chi-Lun , Hsu Tzu-Herng
Published: August 2023

Objective

This review aimed to compare the effectiveness of resistance exercise with that of other exercises in functional improvement and pain control in patients with FM.

Design

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies published from their inception until March 2023. The following medical search heading terms were used: “resistance OR strength OR strengthening” AND “fibromyalgia”. The analysis was performed using the statistical package Review Manager, version 5.4.1.

Results

This study reviewed 11 randomized controlled trials involving 530 patients. In comparison with no intervention, resistance exercise reduced the FIQ total score, pain score, tender points, and depression and improved physical function. Compared with flexibility exercise, resistance exercise reduced the FIQ total score. Compared with aerobic exercise, resistance exercise shows similar effects on pain control, reduction of tender points and improvement of physical function.

Conclusions

Compared with other exercises, resistance exercise demonstrated a more favorable effect on the FIQ total score, and the effects on pain control, tender points, physical function, and depression were comparable. Thus, resistance exercise exhibits comparable or superior effects when compared with other interventions and more precise research is needed to confirm this conclusion.
Effects of non-immersive virtual reality intervention on children with spastic cerebral palsy: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Wang Nan , Liu Naiquan , Liu Shuqi , Gao Yan
Published: August 2023

This review aimed to assess the effectiveness of non-immersive virtual reality intervention compared to traditional rehabilitation in improving the functions of the upper and lower extremities, balance, and social participation among children with spastic cerebral palsy. We used librarian-designed searches of 10 databases to identify research articles on randomized controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of non-immersive virtual reality in intervening spastic cerebral palsy patients up to 4/15/2023. Independent evaluation was conducted by two trained investigators using the evaluation criteria of RCT quality indicated in the Cochrane Manual of Assessment ‘risk- of- bias tool.’ The PEDro scale was used to evaluate the method and quality of the literature. 21 research articles involving 779 patients with spastic cerebral palsy were included. Significant differences between the non-immersive virtual reality rehabilitation and traditional rehabilitation groups were observed in all indicators, except for the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test. Non-immersive virtual reality intervention is effective in improving the function of the lower extremity, balance, and social participation in children with spastic cerebral palsy, but its effect on upper limb function is still controversial.
Comparative Study of Internal Device versus External Device in Le Fort III Distraction for Syndromic Craniosynostosis
Authors: Noto Mariko , Sakahara Daisuke , Kuwahara Masamitsu , Imai Keisuke
Published: August 2023

Background:

Le Fort III distraction for syndromic craniosynostosis is performed using internal or external devices. The authors compared the results of both devices.

Methods:

The authors retrospectively evaluated 60 patients with syndromic craniosynostosis treated with Le Fort III distraction (internal or external device) between 2001 and 2021. The authors verified demographic data, surgery-related data, and complications using medical records. For each of the 2 devices, they compared the various factors associated with the device to each other.

Results:

For the external device, 32 patients with syndromic craniosynostosis were included. The mean age at surgery was 11.7 years, and the mean elongation length was 20.0 mm. Class III occlusion reoccurred in 11 patients and was significantly associated with age at surgery. Seven complications (device problems and others) were noted. Cranial pin slippage was significantly related to the elongation length. For the internal device, 28 patients with syndromic craniosynostosis were included. The mean age at surgery was 10.4 years, and the mean elongation length was 18.7 mm. There were 15 complications, including device problems, zygomaticomaxillary fractures, and infections. Elongation length was significantly related to these complications. Class III occlusion reoccurred in 9 patients and was significantly related to age at surgery.

Conclusions:

This study found that complications are significantly more likely to occur in internal devices than in external devices, especially device infection. The authors’ findings identified several factors that may assist surgeons in selecting between external and internal devices. The relationship between the amount of extension and device-related problems found in this study will be beneficial for solving these problems.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Associations of HIV and antiretroviral therapy with gestational diabetes: findings from a prospective cohort in South Africa
Authors: Bengtson Angela M. , Madlala Hlengiwe , Matjila Mushi J. , Levitt Naomi , Goedecke Julia H. , Cu-Uvin Susan , Mcgarvey Stephen T. , Werner Erika F. , Myer Landon
Published: August 2023

Objective:

To estimate associations of HIV-status and antiretroviral (ART) regimen with gestational diabetes (GDM) and postpartum glucose metabolism.

Design:

Prospective cohort study

Methods:

We enrolled pregnant persons living with HIV(PHIV) and without HIV in Cape Town, South Africa who were ≥18 years of age at 24–28 weeks gestation and followed up to 26 months postpartum. Participants were tested for GDM in pregnancy and for diabetes postpartum using a 75 g 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test and diagnosed via WHO criteria. We estimated associations of HIV-status and ART regime (efavirenz (EFV) vs dolutegravir (DTG)) with GDM and postpartum impaired glucose metabolism using multivariable log binomial or linear regression models.

Results:

Among 397 participants (median age 30 (IQR 25,34; n = 198 without HIV, n = 199 PHIV), the prevalence of GDM was 6.0% (9.0 PHIV vs 3.0% without HIV). In multivariable analyses, PHIV were at higher risk of GDM (RR 3.9 95% CI 1.4, 10.7) after adjustment for pre-pregnancy BMI and other confounders. GDM risk did not differ by ART regimen (unadjusted prevalence 8.1% DTG vs 5.6% EFV, adjusted RR 1.1, 95% CI 0.2, 6.6). Few participants had diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, or impaired fasting glucose postpartum (n = 13, 6%) with no differences by HIV or ART status.

Conclusions:

In a setting of universal GDM testing, PHIV had an increased risk of impaired glucose metabolism during pregnancy but not postpartum. Among PHIV, GDM risk was similar regardless of EFV or DTG use. Given concerns about DTG and weight gain, diabetes risk should continue to be monitored.
Evaluation of Peyton’s Four-Step Approach for Skill Acquisition in Undergraduate Medical Students: A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Garg Rohin , Sharma Gaurav , Chaudhary Anil , Mehra Simmi , Loomba Poonam Sood , Chauhan Vijendra Devisingh
Published: August 2023

Background

Skills laboratory training for procedural skills has gained a lot of significance in recent years. An instructional approach that is becoming increasingly prevalent in medical education is Peyton’s four-step approach which demonstrates benefit of peer learning under supervision of teachers.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of application of Peyton’s four-step approach versus traditional learning on medical students’ performance.

Objectives

To compare the effectiveness of training effect of application of Peyton’s four-step approach versus traditional learning on medical students’ performance to measure blood pressure, and in performing hand washing procedures. As well as to assess and compare student self-satisfaction level and confidence level.

Methodology

The present prospective intervention study was carried out among 50 Medical students of Phase I MBBS by 4 faculty members with approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. [Group A (intervention Group) and B (Control Group)], 25 students in each group were selected by using randomization. For the control group; the blood pressure measurement procedure and washing techniques were explained using the two-stage approach “see one, do one” and for the study group; each subgroup was trained to perform blood pressure measurement procedure and washing techniques using “Peyton’s four-step approach. A common scoring checklist for outcome evaluation was prepared to evaluate the student’s skills following the training session to avoid discrepancies in scoring among the faculties.

Results

It was found that in the control group 52% students were able to measure blood pressure and in study group 88% of students were able to do following skill sessions and in the control group 48% students were able to wash hands as per required protocol and in study group 96% of students were able to do following skill sessions. Regarding Students self-confidence and satisfaction levels, 24% were highly satisfied and confident in the control group as compared to 88% students among study group and a statistical difference was noted in confidence level in between two groups. Regarding the average and very good effectiveness of training, a statistical difference was found between control and study group.

Conclusions

Students who learnt through using Peyton’s four–step approach showed rapid learning, more confidence and exhibited higher competency in performing blood measurement procedure and hand washing techniques than those who learned through traditional method.
Crystal and magnetic structures of R
2Ni2In compounds (R = Tb and Ho)
Authors: Baran Stanisław , Deptuch Aleksandra , Hoser Andreas , Penc Bogusław , Przewoźnik Janusz , Szytuła Andrzej
Published: August 2023

Crystal and magnetic structures of R
2Ni2In (R = Tb and Ho) have been studied using powder neutron diffraction at low temperatures. The compounds crystallize as orthorhombic crystal structures of the Mn2AlB2 type. At low temperatures, the magnetic moments localized solely on the rare earth atoms form antiferromagnetic structures. The Tb magnetic moments, equal to 8.8 (4) μB and parallel to the c axis, form a collinear magnetic structure described by the propagation vector k = [½ , ½ , ½]. This magnetic structure is stable up to the Néel temperature T
N = 40 K. For Ho2Ni2In a complex, temperature-dependent magnetic structure is detected. In the temperature range 6.1–8.6 K, an incommensurate sinusoidal magnetic structure, described by the propagation vector k
1 = [0.24, 1, 0.52] is observed, while in the temperature interval 2.2–2.5 K a square-modulated magnetic structure, related to k
2 = [0.17,{{5} \over {6}},{{1} \over {2}}] (the component along the a axis slightly differs from the commensurate value) and its third harmonics 3k
2 = [0.50,{{5} \over {2}},{{3} \over {2}}] is found. At 3.1–3.7 K as well as below 2 K, a coexistence of both detected magnetic structures is observed. The Ho magnetic moments remain parallel to the c axis in both the sine- and square-modulated magnetic structures. The low-temperature heat capacity data confirm a first-order transition near 3 K.
Social media marketing activities and luxury fashion brands in the post-pandemic world
Authors: Shah Adnan Muhammad , Ali Mudassar
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Social media has broadened the scope of luxury brand marketing and has emerged as a salient tool for Internet marketing campaigns in the post-pandemic world. Under the theoretical lens of the SOR model, this study aims to explore the nexus between brand social media marketing (BSMM) activities and online consumer brand engagement (CBE) via mediating consumers' emotions in the modest luxury fashion branding post-pandemic context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a post-pandemic survey in five major metropolitan cities in Pakistan with a total of 584 eligible young consumers who follow the fan pages of fashion brands. Structural equation modeling was used to test hypotheses.

Findings

The findings reveal that BSMM activities have a significant influence on three emotion states (pleasure, arousal and dominance); however, only pleasure and arousal significantly drive CBE (i.e. affective engagement and activation). Moreover, the results show that pleasure and arousal partially mediate the relationships between BSMM activities and affective and activation dimensions of CBE, while dominance fully mediates the relationship between BSMM activities and cognitive engagement. Interestingly, only affective engagement was shown to be the most potent component of CBE in fostering positive emotions toward luxury fashion brands.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on social media marketing and consumer brand engagement by revealing valuable insights into post-pandemic luxury fashion branding that could assist academicians and marketing practitioners of non-Western markets.
Assessing land, nutrients and monetary value associated with postharvest loss of persimmon in Brazil: pathways toward sustainability in agri-food systems
Authors: Santos Carollyne Maragoni , Abbade Eduardo Botti , Fai Ana Elizabeth Cavalcante
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study estimates the land footprint, nutrients and monetary value of persimmon loss in Brazil, and also consolidated the methodological approach for assessing resources related to food loss.

Design/methodology/approach

It uses data on the harvested area, production, production loss and production value of persimmon in Brazil from 2014 to 2019. The persimmon loss in Brazil was converted into macro- and micronutrients, land use and monetary value.

Findings

The average annual production loss, loss production value and land footprint of persimmon are 35,100 tons, US$12m  and 1,673 hectares, respectively. Persimmon loss represents the average loss per year of 6.6bn grams of carbohydrates, 1.6bn grams of food fibers, 7.2bn milligrams of vitamin C, 41.8bn micrograms of vitamin A, 4.5bn milligrams of calcium and 54.8bn milligrams of potassium. These nutrients have the potential to meet the nutritional daily needs of approximately 135,000, 176,000 people, 270,000, 164,000, 12,000 and 32m, respectively.

Practical implications

Through (1) research and innovation; (2) infrastructure development; (3) training and education; (4) collaboration and networking; and (5) market diversification and value addition, people can increase persimmon shelf life, reduce postharvest losses and create a resilient environment for small persimmon farmers. This approach promotes sustainability in the agri-food system and empowers stakeholders.

Originality/value

This investigation helps to understand the value of food loss, considering the use of natural resources, as well as the loss of nutrients and monetary value.
Plumbing defects in residential buildings: analysis of anomalies and their causes
Authors: Gurmu Argaw , Mudiyanselage Pabasara Wijeratne
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Most residential building owners often report problems associated with the plumbing systems. If identified at the early stages, plumbing-related defects can be easily repaired. However, if unnoticed for a long period of time, they could lead to major damages and incur a significant cost to repair. Despite the problems, studies investigating plumbing anomalies and their root causes in residential buildings are limited. This study aims to explore plumbing defects and their potential causes, diagnosis methods and repair techniques in residential buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used data collected through an extensive survey of both academic and grey literature. Through the content analysis, plumbing defects and the associated causes have been identified and presented in tabular format.

Findings

The study investigated the anomalies and causes in the residential plumbing system under five key sub-systems: water supply system; sanitary plumbing system; roof drainage system; heating, ventilation, air conditioning and gas system; and swimming pool. Accordingly, some of the identified plumbing defects include leakages, corrosion, water penetration, slow drainage and cracks. Damaged pipes, faulty equipment and installations are some of the common causes of the anomalies. Visual inspection, hydrostatic pressure test, thermography, high-tech pipe cameras, infrared cameras, leak noise correlators and leak loggers are techniques used for diagnosing anomalies. Reactive, preventive, predictive and reliability-centred maintenance strategies are identified to control or prevent anomalies.

Originality/value

The findings of this research can be used as a useful tool or guideline for contractors, plumbers, facilities managers and building surveyors to identify and rectify plumbing system-related defects in residential buildings.
A comparative analysis of construction and oil and gas industry’s health and safety practises in Nigeria
Authors: Olaniran Hezekiah Farayola , Akinbile Bolatito Folasade
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Despite the contributions of both the oil and gas and construction industries to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country, both industries are still marred by incessant accidents. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare the health and safety practises of the construction and oil and gas industries in Nigeria in order to suggest the best approach to health and safety practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was developed and administered to professionals working in the construction and oil and gas industries. Data were analysed using the relative importance index (RII). An independent sample t-test was also conducted to determine whether there was a significant difference in the construction and oil and gas industries.

Findings

The study revealed that the rate at which health and safety are practised in the oil and gas industry is comparatively high compared to how they are practised in the construction industry. Proper site layout and planning, provision of a safe working environment, proper health and safety risk assessment were more predominantly practised in the oil and gas industry, while proper site layout and planning, disallowing unauthorised entry into site and the provision of a safe working environment were predominantly practised in the construction industry.

Originality/value

This study is the first to compare the health and safety practises of the construction and oil and gas industries in Nigeria. This study was significant because it would provide insight into construction and oil and gas managers, as well as other decision-makers in both industries, on how to improve health and safety practices.
Flow characteristics and wind-sheltering performance of wind barriers with different diameters of holes on railway viaducts
Authors: Liu Zhiqi , Liu Tanghong , Gao Hongrui , Gu Houyu , Xia Yutao , Xu Bin
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Constructing porous wind barriers is one of the most effective approaches to increase the running safety of trains on viaducts in crosswinds. This paper aims to further improve the wind-sheltering performance of the porous wind barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

Improved delayed detached eddy simulations based on the k-ω turbulence model were carried out, and the results were validated with wind tunnel tests. The effects of the hole diameter on the flow characteristics and wind-sheltering performance were studied by comparing the wind barriers with the porosity of 21.6% and the hole diameters of 60 mm–360 mm. The flow characteristics above the windward and leeward tracks were analyzed, and the wind-sheltering performance of the wind barriers was assessed using the wind speed reduction coefficients.

Findings

The hole diameters affected the jet behind the wind barriers and the recirculation region above the tracks. Below the top of the wind barriers, the time-averaged velocity first decreased and then increased with the increase in the hole diameter. The wind barrier with the hole diameter of 120 mm had the best wind-sheltering performance for the windward track, but such barrier might lead to overprotection on the leeward track. The wind-sheltering performance of the wind barriers with the hole diameters of 240 mm and 360 mm was significantly degraded, especially above the windward track.

Originality/value

The effects of the hole diameters on the wake and wind-sheltering performance of the wind barriers were studied, by which the theoretical basis is provided for a better design of the porous wind barrier.
Trust in the financial services context: a meta-analysis
Authors: de Oliveira Santini Fernando , Eberle Luciene , Ladeira Wagner Junior , Milan Gabriel Sperandio , Graciola Ana Paula , Sampaio Cláudio Hoffmann
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This article presents a systematic framework with a meta-analytic approach to finding various antecedents, consequents and moderating effects of trust in financial services.

Design/methodology/approach

A meta-analysis of 165 articles was performed, which generated 272 observations in a cumulative sample of 86,968 respondents.

Findings

The results of this meta-analysis demonstrated seventeen antecedents of trust constructs and four consequents. Most of these relationships were meaningful and consistent. The authors also found some significant moderators related to culture (individualism, masculinity and long-term orientation) and context (innovation index and device type).

Research limitations/implications

This meta-analysis reviewed the relationships found throughout the theoretical framework about the trust construct in financial service contexts, identifying new paths for future research. Some limitations, such as the non-use of qualitative studies and the selection of concepts, exist in the secondary data and should be noted.

Practical implications

The present study can assist financial system managers in decision-making because the findings from the meta-analysis are more consistent than those from traditional primary surveys.

Originality/value

This research tested the impact of antecedents, consequents and moderators of trust in the financial services sector and presented significant results using a meta-analytic review. This meta-analysis contributes to the marketing literature by offering a set of empirical generalizations, including relationship coefficients and fail-safe calculated numbers (FSN).
The overlap between workplace bullying and organizational dissent in New Zealand
Authors: Tootell Beth , Croucher Stephen Michael , Cullinane Joanna , Kelly Stephanie , Ashwell Douglas
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the extent to which organizational dissent predicts perception of workplace bullying. As previous studies have reported inconsistent and sometimes contradictory results regarding the interaction between the reporting of bullying and demographic variables, these variables are examined in the New Zealand context. Organizational communication research provides considerable insight into the ways individuals make sense of and resist workplace bullying through juxtaposition with the concepts of dissent and intragroup conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

A nationally representative sample of managers in New Zealand (n = 239) was conducted. Surveys included demographic questions and the following measures: Organizational Dissent Scale and Negative Acts Questionnaire Revised Scale.

Findings

Key results and indications for further research are highlighted by the third model in this study. First, workers who reported they engaged in either articulated dissent or latent dissent were more likely to perceive workplace bullying. Second, workers who are more likely to express contrary opinions in the workplace are more likely to recognize, acknowledge and tolerate less positive interactions in the workplace such as bullying.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to analyze dissent and bullying in the New Zealand context. Second, this research raises the question of whether there is a conflation of work-related bullying behaviors and bad leadership styles that may not be targeted (e.g. authoritative leadership and micromanaging). Finally, communication research provides a distinctive contribution by exploring the narrative form of worker responses to perceived bullying. In this manuscript, the authors examine potential predictors on the perception of workplace bullying in the context of New Zealand, particularly focus on the relationship between dissent and the perception of workplace bullying.
Mitigated liability of origin: a more salient category triggered by M&A as an establishment mode
Authors: Zuo Yan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how the establishment modes used by emerging economy multinational corporations (EE-MNCs) influence their subsequent experiences of liability of origin (LOO) in developed economies based on the causal-model theory of categorization.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking Chinese listed firms' direct investments in developed economies as the sample, this paper utilizes Heckman (1979)'s self-selection model to examine the effect of establishment modes. Besides, when checking the robustness, subsample analyses and 2SLS regressions are used to rule out the alternative explanation associated with LOO mitigation.

Findings

EE-MNCs that enter a developed economy by greenfield investment experience heightened LOO while entries using M&A are associated with the mitigated liability. When EEMNCs enter a more institutionally distant developed country, the establishment modes will be more determinant of their subsequent experiences of this liability. Moreover, the effect of establishment modes can recede when EE-MNCs have established their presence in a developed country for a longer time.

Originality/value

This paper utilizes the causal-model theory of categorization to articulate the underlying mechanisms through which the country-of-origin cue is weakened by the cue transmitted by M&A. It further considers the context-saliency of the cue of M&A and clarifies boundary conditions for the effectiveness of this establishment mode to mitigate LOO.
Find your limits and break them! Nurturing students’ entrepreneurship competence through innovative teaching methods and self-assessment
Authors: Antonelli Gilda , Venesaar Urve , Riviezzo Angelo , Kallaste Marianne , Dorożyński Tomasz , Kłysik-Uryszek Agnieszka
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims at measuring the results of the use of an improved and innovative teaching method, specifically designed for supporting the development of students’ entrepreneurship competence, through students’ self-assessment before and after the teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

The teaching methods design was based on the effectuation approach and considering the comprehensive entrepreneurship competence model as theoretical grounding. The teaching methods experimentation took place in three countries (Estonia, Italy and Poland), collecting pre–post self-assessment surveys from 404 students of entrepreneurship courses. The results of the experimental groups were compared, in each country, with those of control groups not exposed to the same teaching.

Findings

Students participating in classes using innovative teaching methods declared an increase in entrepreneurship competencies, with statistically significant differences, contrasting the results in the control group. The positive changes in self-assessment were observed for 13 of 14 subcompetencies investigated. The increase in the level of the self-assessment of entrepreneurship subcompetencies was significantly greater among bachelor’s degree students.

Originality/value

The strengths of the study include a diverse research sample and a uniform structure of teaching design applied in three different countries, while specific comparative studies on entrepreneurship education and its effect on learners are limited. Moreover, this study used a pre–post design and involved a control group, while most of the existing research on the effect of entrepreneurship teaching are based on different methods. Finally, while most studies measure the impact of entrepreneurship education by focusing on entrepreneurial intentions, this study focused on the development of students’ entrepreneurship competences.
The effect of internal quality integration on financial performance: the mediating role of product innovation
Authors: Yu Yubing , Li Haohui , Xu Jiawei , Zhang Min , Zhang Xiuru , Zhang Justin Zuopeng , Wu Ye
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the joint effect of internal quality integration and product innovation on financial performance by considering the mediating roles of incremental and radical product innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework was developed using the organizational capability view. Based on empirical survey data collected from 209 Chinese manufacturing firms, this research uses structural equation modeling and the bootstrapping method to test hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that internal quality integration positively impacts incremental and radical product innovation and financial performance. Further, incremental product innovation can promote radical product innovation. Both incremental and radical product innovation partially mediate the relationship between internal quality integration and financial performance.

Practical implications

The findings provide practical guidance for manufacturing companies to engage in quality integration and product innovation. Managers should encourage the internal functional departments to coordinate quality integration while promoting incremental and radical product innovation to occupy a larger market and achieve higher performance.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature in two ways. First, this study expands the theoretical research framework of the joint effects of quality integration and product innovation on financial performance. Second, through testing the mediating role of product innovation, this study provides empirical evidence for the intermediate role of internal quality integration for improving financial performance.
A systematic scoping review of 360-degree videos in teacher education
Authors: Qian Jijing , Shang Jialing , Qin Lianyi
Published: August 2023

Purpose

360-degree video is recorded with omnidirectional or multi-camera systems that capture all directions at the same time in a spherical view. With immersive technologies gaining momentum and reducing educational cost, it has attracted the interest of the academic community. However, little is known about using 360-degree video in teacher education. The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic scoping review through a systematic process based on 15 included studies to determine the characteristics, impacts, strengths and weaknesses of the 360-degree video applied to teacher education.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combines scoping and systematic review based on the PRISMA paradigm.

Findings

This paper explores that 360-degree videos are applicable to teacher education, specifically with their positive effects on pre-service teachers’ immersion, noticing, reflection and interpersonal competence. However, as for learners’ reactions, physical discomfort is reported, like motion sickness.

Research limitations/implications

First, some recently published studies on the subjects were partially accessible, which precluded the authors from adding their findings to this study. Second, the sample of articles is constrained to the search and selection strategies described in the methods section, which increases the possibility that pertinent research may be omitted. Furthermore, this study’s summary of the selected research may be inadequate. Third, only English-language publications were included in this study. Future researchers can expand on this topic by gathering additional relevant empirical data from publications in other languages.

Practical implications

Practically, findings in this study reveal the positive effects of 360-degree video in teacher education. The results may help researchers and preservice teachers better understand 360-degree video and use it more frequently in teaching. Instructional video technologies have been found to have a nearly medium effect on learning effectiveness in educational practice from a broader perspective.

Originality/value

The findings in this study can shed light on future educational technology research on instructional video technologies and technology-enhanced teacher education.
Exploring the impact of industrial robots on firm innovation under circular economy umbrella: a human capital perspective
Authors: Luo Hong , Qiao Huiying
Published: August 2023

Purpose

A new round of technological revolution is impacting various aspects of society. However, the importance of technology adoption in fostering firm innovation is underexplored. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether robot adoption affects technological innovation and how human capital plays a role in this relationship in the era of circular economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the robot adoption data from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) and panel data of China's listed manufacturing firms from 2011 to 2020, this study uses regression models to test the impact of industrial robots on firm innovation and the mediating role of human capital.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the adoption of industrial robots can significantly promote high-quality innovation. Specifically, a one-unit increase in the number of robots per 100 employees is associated with a 13.52% increase in the number of invention patent applications in the following year. The mechanism tests show that industrial robots drive firm innovation by accumulating more highly educated workers and allocating more workers to R&D jobs. The findings are more significant for firms in industries with low market concentration, in labor-intensive industries and in regions with a shortage of high-end talent.

Research limitations/implications

Due to data limitations, the sample of this study is limited to listed manufacturing firms, so the impact of industrial robots on promoting innovation may be underestimated. In addition, this study cannot observe the dynamic process of human capital management by firms after adopting robots.

Practical implications

The Chinese government should continue to promote the intelligent upgrading of the manufacturing industry and facilitate the promotion of robots in innovation. This implication can also be applied to developing countries that hope to learn from China's experience. In addition, this study emphasizes the role of human capital in the innovation-promoting process of robots. This highlights the importance of firms to strengthen employee education and training.

Social implications

The adoption of industrial robots has profoundly influenced the production and lifestyle of human society. This study finds that the adoption of robots contributes to firm innovation, which helps people gain a deeper understanding of the positive impacts brought about by industrial intelligence.

Originality/value

By exploring the impact of industrial robots on firm innovation, this study offers crucial evidence at the firm level to comprehend the economic implications of robot adoption based on circular economy and human perspectives. Moreover, this study reveals that human capital is an important factor in how industrial robots affect firm innovation, providing an important complement to previous studies.
Funding liquidity risk: does banking market structure matter?
Authors: Huynh Japan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The paper empirically investigates the link between banking market structure and funding liquidity risk.

Design/methodology/approach

With a panel of Vietnamese commercial banks from 2007 to 2021, the system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator is applied as the primary regression method, while the random-effect model and the corrected least square dummy variable (LSDVC) technique are also considered in robustness checks.

Findings

Competition may increase banks' funding liquidity risk. This finding holds for competition measures derived from the Boone index and concentration ratios but not in the case of the Lerner index as a proxy for market power. Further results indicate that the funding liquidity risk of banks that are larger and have better performance (less credit risk and higher return) tends to be less affected by competition. Besides, the overall impact of bank competition on funding liquidity risk is amplified by the financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

The study extends the empirical literature by exploring the relationship between bank competition and funding liquidity risk. Additionally, the paper also studies how the impact of bank competition on funding liquidity risk depends on the characteristics of the banking sector and the macroeconomic conditions of the economy, including the moderating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adaptive markets hypothesis and economic-institutional environment: a cross-country analysis
Authors: dos Santos Marco Aurélio , Fávero Luiz Paulo Lopes , Brugni Talles Vianna , Serra Ricardo Goulart
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study’s goal was to identify how several markets have developed over time and what determinants have influenced this process, based on adaptive markets hypothesis (AMH). In this regard, the authors consider that agents are driven by the seeking for abnormal returns to stay “alive” and their environment could somehow modify their decision-making processes, as well as influence the degree of efficiency of the market.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected the daily closing-of-the-market index from 50 countries, between 1990 and 2022. The sample includes emerging countries, developed countries and frontier markets. Then, the authors ran multilevel modeling using Hurst exponent as an informational efficiency metric estimated by two different moving windows: 500 and 1,250 observations (approximately 2 and 5 years).

Findings

The results indicate that the efficiency of the markets is not constant over time. The authors also have identified that markets follow a cyclical pattern of efficiency/inefficiency, and they are currently in a period of convergence to efficiency, possibly explained by the increase in computational capacity and speed of the available information to agents. In addition, this study identified that country characteristics are associated with market efficiency, considering institutional factors.

Originality/value

Studies of this nature contribute to the literature, considering the importance of better comprehension of market efficiency dynamics and their determinants, specially observing other theories on the relationship between information and markets (like AMH), which work with other investor assumptions than those used by efficient market hypothesis.
Training and continuous improvement: the moderation effect of transfer climate and the mediation influence of self-efficacy
Authors: Trang Pham Thu
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Although training is essential to continuous improvement, scant literature examines post-training facilitators for continuous improvement. The study aims to explore the relationship between training and continuous improvement, the mediating role of self-efficacy and the moderate role of training transfer climate.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes the questionnaire survey of 455 Vietnamese employees to test the link between continuous improvement training and continuous improvement, the moderate role of the training transfer climate and the mediating role of self–efficacy.

Findings

Research results reveal that training positively influences continuous improvement. Furthermore, self-efficacy fully intervenes in the link between training and continuous improvement. Finally, the training transfer climate positively moderates this link.

Originality/value

Although the link between training and continuous improvement is suspicious, there is scant research on post-training facilitators of continuous improvement applications. To the best of the author's knowledge, this study is one of the first to explore the moderation role of transfer climate and the mediation role of self-efficacy in the relationship between training and continuous improvement.
Non‐invasive cell‐free DNA‐based approach for the diagnosis of clinical miscarriage: A retrospective study
Authors: Balaguer Nuria , Rodrigo Lorena , Mateu‐Brull Emilia , Campos‐Galindo Inmaculada , Castellón José Antonio , Al‐Asmar Nasser , Rubio Carmen , Milán Miguel
Published: August 2023

Objective

To evaluate cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) testing as a non‐invasive approach to detecting aneuploidies in clinical miscarriages.

Design

A retrospective cohort study of women with pregnancy loss.

Setting

Hospitals and genetic analysis laboratories.

Population or sample

Pregnancy losses in the period 2021–2022.

Methods

Results derived from non‐invasive cfDNA testing (Veriseq NIPT Solution V2) of maternal blood and invasive analysis of products of conception (POC) (Ion ReproSeq) compared in 120 women who suffered a miscarriage.

Main outcome measures

Concordance rate results, cfDNA testing performance, non‐informative rate (NIR) and fetal fraction (FF).

Results

We found no significant differences in the NIR between invasive (iPOC) and non‐invasive (niPOC) analysis of POC (10.0% [12/120] versus 16.7% [20/120]). Of 120 samples, 90 provided an informative result in iPOC and niPOC groups (75%). cfDNA analysis correctly identified 74/87 (85.1%) samples (excluding triploidies). Sensitivity and specificity were 79.4% and 100%, respectively; all discordant cases were female. A binomial logistic model suggested fetal sex as the only variable influencing the concordance rate (P = 0.035). A Y‐chromosome‐based FF estimate allowed the optimal reclassification of cfDNA of non‐informative male fetuses and a more accurate evaluation of cfDNA testing performance. The difference between the two FF estimates (native algorithm and Y‐chromosome‐based) suggests that female non‐concordant cases may represent non‐informative cases.

Conclusions

Cell‐free DNA‐based testing provides a non‐invasive approach to determining the genetic cause of clinical miscarriage.
When Federal Law Goes Unnoticed: Assessing the CISG's Applicability Across U.S. Courts Based on an Empirical Research of Decisions from 1988 to 2020
Authors: Arlota Carolina , McCall Brian
Published: August 2023

The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) has reached the level of acceptance that it can be recognized as the face of international sales law. Over a century ago, the late Roscoe Pound drew attention to the dichotomy between the law as written and the law as experienced in practice. The law of the CISG “on the books” is the law of the United States. With the growth of international trade, one might expect its importance to grow in the realm of law “in action.” This article explores the CISG in action in U.S. courts during its almost four decades of being the law on the books in the United States. To this end, the authors built an original dataset based on their Westlaw search of all decisions mentioning the CISG across all U.S. federal and state courts from 1988 (when the CISG entered into force) through 2019. The dataset provides unprecedented insights into: (1) how parties raise the issue of the applicability of the CISG, (2) how courts have ruled on the Convention's applicability, and (3) the provisions of the Convention that appear most frequently in these disputes. This article empirically assesses, through logistic regressions, which factors are statistically significant for predicting if a court will apply (or decline to apply) the Convention to a disputed transaction. Finally, the article highlights many ways in which the law in action may not be as robust or comprehensive as it appears on the books.