bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does students’ performance in the formative CLIPP examination predict their scores in the NBMEPSE?
Authors: Almekhaini Lolowa , Alsuwaidi Ahmad R. , Alkaabi Khaula Khalfan , Al Hamad Sania , Narchi Hassib
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Computer-Assisted Learning in Pediatrics Program (CLIPP) and National Board of Medical Examiners Pediatric Subject Examination (NBMEPSE) are used to assess students’ performance during pediatric clerkship. International Foundations of Medicine (IFOM) assessment is organized by NBME and taken before graduation. This study explores the ability of CLIPP assessment to predict students’ performance in their NBMEPSE and IFOM examinations.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study assessed correlation of students’ CLIPP, NBMEPSE and IFOM scores. Students’ perceptions regarding NBMEPSE and CLIPP were collected in a self-administered survey.

Findings

Out of the 381 students enrolled, scores of CLIPP, NBME and IFOM examinations did not show any significant difference between genders. Correlation between CLIPP and NBMEPSE scores was positive in both junior (r = 0.72) and senior (r = 0.46) clerkships, with a statistically significant relationship between them in a univariate model. Similarly, there was a statistically significant relationship between CLIPP and IFOM scores. In an adjusted multiple linear regression model that included gender, CLIPP scores were significantly associated with NBME and IFOM scores. Male gender was a significant predictor in this model. Results of survey reflected students’ satisfaction with both NBMEPSE and CLIPP examinations.

Originality/value

Although students did not perceive a positive relationship between their performances in CLIPP and NBMEPSE examinations, this study demonstrates predictive value of formative CLIPP examination scores for their future performance in both summative NBMEPSE and IFOM. Therefore, students with poor performance in CLIPP are likely to benefit from feedback and remediation in preparation for summative assessments.
Mediating influence of earnings management in the nexus between audit quality and company value: new proof from Jordanian market
Authors: Abu Afifa Malik Muneer , Saleh Isam , Taqatqah Fatima
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to recognize the direct influence of audit quality (AQ) on earnings management practices (EMP) and company value (CV), as well as the mediating role of EMP in the link between AQ and CV. It presents new factual proof from the Jordanian market, which is still in its early stages.

Design/methodology/approach

A pattern of 43 service firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) was collected for the timeframe (2012–2019), giving an amount of 344 firm-year observances. The data was collected from the annual reports extracted from the ASE’s database and tested with panel data analysis.

Findings

The results show that audit firm industry specialization positively affects EMP while its size and tenure do not, which implies that its industry specialization does not restrict earnings management but rather leads to an increase in opportunistic behaviors. Audit firm size and audit firm industry specialization positively affect CV, whilst audit firm tenure does not. Additionally, the findings indicate that EMP negatively affect CV, and EMP act as a mediator for the AQ–CV nexus.

Research limitations/implications

Stakeholders can use the findings to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of Jordan’s fiscal market. For example, our results will boost policymakers’ eagerness to institute suitable statutes improving Jordan’s fiscal market performance. Besides, the results can assist existing and potential investors make sound adjudication by using AQ proxies and earnings management as signals to predict future company’s value.

Originality/value

The paper differentiates itself from previous papers through initiating a new proposed model by exploring the role of earnings management as a mediator in the nexus between AQ and CV by presenting new factual proof from the Jordanian market.
Circular economy practices in the leather products industry toward waste valorization: an approach of sustainable environmental management
Authors: Maliha Mysha , Moktadir Md. Abdul , Bag Surajit , Stefanakis Alexandros I.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The global resolution of embracing dynamic and intertwined production systems has made it necessary to adopt viable systems like circular economy (CE) to ensure excellency in the business. However, in emerging countries, it is challenging to implement the CE practices due to the existing problems in the supply chain network, as well as due to the vulnerable financial condition of the business after the deadly hit of COVID-19. The main aim of this research is to determine the barriers to implementing CE considering the recent pandemic and suggest strategies to organizations to ensure CE for a cleaner environment and greener economy.

Design/methodology/approach

After an extensive literature review and validation from experts, 24 sub-barriers under the class of 6 main barriers are finalized by Pareto analysis, which is further analyzed via the best-worst method to determine the weight and rank of the barriers Further, fuzzy-Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is used to rank the proposed startegies to overcome the analysed barriers.

Findings

The results identified “unavailability of initial funding capital”, “need long time investment”, “lack of integrating production system using advance technology” and “lack of strategic planning” as the most acute sub-barriers to CE implementation. Further, fuzzy TOPSIS method is used to suggest the best strategy to mitigate the ranked barriers. The results indicated “integrated design facility to CE”, “ensuring large scale funding for CE facility” as the best strategy.

Practical implications

This study will motivate managers to implement CE practices to enjoy proper utilization of the resources, sustainable benefits in business, and gain competitive advantage.

Originality/value

Periodically, a lot of work is done on CE practices but none of them highlighted the issues in the domain of the leather products industry (LPI) and COVID-19 toward achieving sustainability in production and consumption. Thus, some significant barriers and strategies to implement CE for achieving sustainability in LPI are highlighted in this study, which is a unique contribution to the literature.
Agility assessment framework for modular and offsite construction
Authors: Salama Tarek , Said Hisham
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine if companies in the modular and offsite construction (MOC) industry are agile or not and its level of application for agility principles, which allows for quick responses to the increasingly dynamic nature of industry environments.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes an agility assessment framework for MOC that uses 48 assessment attributes organized into four categories: metrics, drivers, enablers and capabilities. A questionnaire approach was used to disseminate the framework globally in 19 countries and synthesize its relevance to the MOC industry. The questionnaire had 55 complete responses, majority of respondents work in managerial positions for MOC manufacturing facilities and onsite general contractors.

Findings

It was found that the lowest metric score for adapting to change was for cost since controlling cost would be difficult for any changes required after the design freeze stage. The top agility driver was found to be the need to respond to the wide variety of customer expectations, while the lowest driver was the existence of competing priorities. The top agility enabler was vendor partnership, which can be related to current postpandemic supply chain disruptions. Regarding technological capabilities, Europe and the USA acquired better scores compared to Asia, Latin America and Africa.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the MOC body of knowledge by creating an agility assessment tool for MOC firms to analyze their agile approach and environment, identifying the preliminary importance of agility assessment attributes and determining significant agile differences between the main MOC industry groups.
How does corporate hypocrisy reduce customer co-creation behaviors? Moderated mediation analysis of corporate reputation and self-brand connection
Authors: Jung Chang Mo , Hur Won-Moo
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Customer co-creation behaviors significantly affect a firm's performance and sustainable growth. This study tested the mediating role of corporate reputation in the relationship between corporate hypocrisy and two types of customer co-creation behaviors: customer citizenship behavior and customer participation behavior. The study also investigated the moderating effect of self-corporate brand connection on the corporate hypocrisy–corporate reputation relationship and the indirect relationship between corporate hypocrisy and customer co-creation behavior through corporate reputation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a two-wave research survey with 346 Korean bank customers and tested our hypotheses using PROCESS Macro.

Findings

Corporate reputation mediated the relationship between corporate hypocrisy and customer citizenship/participant behavior. The negative effect of corporate hypocrisy on corporate reputation was more pronounced when self-corporate brand connection was high. Self-corporate brand connection further moderated the indirect effect of corporate hypocrisy on customer citizenship/participant behavior through corporate reputation.

Originality/value

The results clearly explain how corporate hypocrisy affects customer co-creation behavior. This study advances corporate hypocrisy and corporate reputation research by proposing and verifying a moderated mediation model.
Preparedness for chemical, radiologic and nuclear incidents among a sample of emergency physicians' and general practitioners'—a qualitative study
Authors: Gyllencreutz Lina , Carlsson Carl-Pontus , Karlsson Sofia , Hedberg Pia
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study describes preparedness of emergency physicians and general practitioners following chemical, radiological and nuclear incidents.

Design/methodology/approach

Five emergency physicians and six general practitioners were interviewed individually, and data was analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Findings

The study results showed that physicians' preparedness for chemical, radiological and nuclear incidents is linked to one main category: to be an expert and to seek expertise and two categories: preparations before receiving CRN patients, and physical examination and treatment of CRN patients with subcategories.

Research limitations/implications

The results have implications for further research on the complexity of generalist vs specialist competence and knowledge when responding to chemical, radiological and nuclear incidents.

Originality/value

This study provides insights regarding chemical, radiological and nuclear preparedness among physicians at emergency departments and primary healthcare centres.
The impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the value relevance of cash flows: evidence from banks
Authors: Abou-El-Sood Heba
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper is motivated by the ongoing debate on the value relevance of cash flow statement (CFS) between bank regulators, on one hand, and accounting standard setters, on the other hand. The importance and usefulness of cash flows during economic turmoil exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic has recently gained attention. Hence, this paper investigates the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the value relevance of cash flows (CF) beyond accounting earnings and book equity.

Design/methodology/approach

A panel of 236 bank-year observations is examined for value relevance in emerging capital markets of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Using value relevance regression, operating and non-operating CF items are tested for value relevance beyond earnings and book value of equity during the periods 2018–2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2020–2021 (pandemic).

Findings

There is limited value relevance of CF beyond accounting earnings and the book value of equity. The distinction between operating and non-operating CF is not informative. However, the value relevance is significant during the pandemic, indicating that investors rely on CF for valuation purposes at times of uncertainty, corroborating further research on CF distress predictive ability.

Originality/value

This paper provides novel evidence on value relevance of CF and its superiority to accounting earnings and equity values during times of uncertainty. It extends a small body of research in the banking sector in emerging markets. Hence, it complements prior literature and has practical implications to accounting standard setters and bank regulators in emerging markets.
Barriers to supply chain performance measurement during disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Fares Naila , Lloret Jaime
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Amid the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), supply chains have faltered. This has influenced operational and financial performance and lead to uncertainty in supply and distribution. Therefore, systems measuring supply chain risk and disruption management performance have gained interest. This study explores barriers to supply chain performance measurement during disruptions such as COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a survey and literature review, the authors formalise the barriers and rank them using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) fuzzy Višekriterijumsko kompromisno rangiranje (VIKOR) methodology. A total of 14 experts in 11 countries were surveyed. Performance measurement is based on a balanced scorecard.

Findings

Fifteen barriers are identified. Based on DEMATEL analysis, the cause–effect relationships among the four scorecard aspects are explored. The customer axis is revealed as the cause, while the financial, internal business and learning/development are identified as the effect of the supply chain performance measurement. Fuzzy VIKOR calculations show that uncertainty of investment, disrupted cash flows and the bullwhip effect are the most critical barriers to measure supply chain performance during outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

The study identifies and ranks general barriers; additional research is required to differentiate barriers in specific industrial sectors.

Practical implications

The findings may help develop proactive, resilient supply chain performance strategies to overcome disruptions.

Social implications

Policy-makers and decision-makers in industrial and service firms can explore these findings to inform strategies for robust supply chains that can resist disruption in risky environments.

Originality/value

This research addresses a knowledge gap in barriers to measure supply chain performance in post-pandemic areas. It is unclear how far firms will measure supply chain performance in terms of learning from disruption patterns, managing financial and customer demand processes in light of COVID-19. This study contributes by explaining the influences among the barriers and exploring them, offering insights from multiple stakeholders.
Antecedents of digital supply chains for a circular economy: a sustainability perspective
Authors: Dwivedi Ashish , Chowdhury Priyabrata , Agrawal Dindayal , Paul Sanjoy Kumar , Shi Yangyan
Published: April 2023

Purpose

A digital supply chain (DSC) positively enhances circular economy (CE) practices. However, what factors and conditions lead to the implementation of DSC for transitioning toward CE is not yet clear. Therefore, this study aims at identifying and subsequently analyzing the antecedents of DSC for CE.

Design/methodology/approach

The study identifies major antecedents of DSC for CE to achieve sustainability objectives through literature review and expert opinions. In this study, 19 potential antecedents of DSCs for CE are established from the literature and suggestions from industry professionals. A trapezoidal fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach is applied quantitatively to investigate the antecedents identified.

Findings

Conducted in the context of Indian automobile manufacturing industry, the findings of the study reflect that advanced information sharing arrangement, effective government policies for DSC and CE implementation and digitalizing the supply chains are the top three potential antecedents of DSC for a CE.

Originality/value

In the existing literature, few studies are specific to investigating the DSC and CE paradigm. The present study will help organizations develop a practical and integrated strategic approach that will foster DSC through improved knowledge of CE.
The effects of AI service quality and AI function-customer ability fit on customer's overall co-creation experience
Authors: Yang Xue
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the customer market has completely changed customer behaviors. This study aims to investigate the customers' co-creation experiences with AI in the digital age.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was used to collect data from 699 customers who had used AI-enabled banking services. Hypotheses were validated using partial least squares modeling.

Findings

The findings indicate that the customer response capabilities (e.g. perceived response expertise and perceived response speed) serve as the intermediate processes between the AI service quality and the overall co-creation experience with AI. Moreover, AI function-customer ability fit negatively moderates the direct relationship between the AI service quality and the overall co-creation experience with AI.

Originality/value

This study improves the current understanding of co-creation by investigating the human–machine co-creation (e.g. customer–AI co-creation) instead of human–human co-creation.
The impact of digital supply chain capabilities on enterprise sustainable competitive performance: an ambidextrous view
Authors: Li Ning , Liu Dai , Boadu Francis
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The construction of digital supply chains to integrate internal and external resources is becoming an important path for manufacturing enterprises to gain competitiveness. However, at present, research on the internal mechanisms of digital supply chain capabilities (DSCC) and enterprise sustainable competitive performance (ESCP) has not been sufficiently studied. Based on contextual ambidexterity theory, this study investigates whether DSCC could enable the realization of supply chain ambidexterity and further explains the mediating role of supply chain ambidexterity on DSCC and ESCP, and the boundary conditions of supply chain governance on supply chain ambidexterity and ESCP.

Design/methodology/approach

With a survey data set of 232 Chinese manufacturing enterprises from different industries, the study empirically tests a moderated mediating model and conducts hierarchical linear modeling and bootstrap to test the study's hypotheses.

Findings

The results demonstrate that: (1) DSCC positively enhance ESCP; (2) supply chain ambidexterity, which can be regarded as a synergic ability of supply chain alignment and adaptability, partially mediates the positive relationship between DSCC and ESCP; and (3) supply chain governance such as incentive governance positively moderates the association between supply chain ambidexterity and ESCP, but there is no evidence that relational governance moderates their relationship.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a new interpretive perspective to understand digital supply chains. More importantly, it reveals the importance of DSCC in contributing toward supply chain ambidexterity and ESCP, and demonstrates the differential regulating action of incentive and relational governance on the association between supply chain ambidexterity and ESCP, with implications for both academics and practitioners.
Growth hacking and international dynamic marketing capabilities: a conceptual framework and research propositions
Authors: Bargoni Augusto , Jabeen Fauzia , Santoro Gabriele , Ferraris Alberto
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Few studies have conceptualized how companies can build and nurture international dynamic marketing capabilities (IDMCs) by implementing growth hacking strategies. This paper conceptualizes growth hacking, a managerial-born process to embed a data-driven mind-set in marketing decision-making that combines big-data analysis and continuous learning, allowing companies to adapt their dynamic capabilities to the ever-shifting international competitive arenas.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the scarcity of studies on growth hacking, this paper conceptualizes this managerial-born concept through the double theoretical lenses of IDMCs and information technology (IT) literature.

Findings

The authors put forward research propositions concerning the four phases of growth hacking and the related capabilities and routines developed by companies to deal with international markets. Additional novel propositions are also developed based on the three critical dimensions of growth hacking: big data analytics, digital marketing and coding and automation.

Research limitations/implications

Lack of prior conceptualization as well as the scant literature makes this study liable to some limitations. However, the propositions developed should encourage researchers to develop both empirical and theoretical studies on this managerial-born concept.

Practical implications

This study develops a detailed compendium for managers who want to implement growth hacking within their companies but have failed to identify the necessary capabilities and resources.

Originality/value

The study presents a theoretical approach and develops a set of propositions on a novel phenomenon, observed mainly in managerial practice. Hence, this study could stimulate researchers to deepen the phenomenon and empirically validate the propositions.
Exploring a customer engagement spillover effect on social media: the moderating role of customer conscientiousness
Authors: Hollebeek Linda D. , Kulikovskaja Viktorija , Hubert Marco , Grunert Klaus G.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Though prior research has addressed customer engagement (CE) with a focal object (e.g. a brand), the dynamics characterizing customers' engagement with different objects and the potential spillover from a customer's engagement with one object to that with another remains tenuous, exposing an important literature-based gap. The authors, therefore, develop a model proposing the existence of a spillover effect from customers' brand engagement to their engagement with brand-related content and suggest customers' personality trait of conscientiousness to moderate this effect.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey-based experiment using 380 Danish Facebook users was conducted to test the model.

Findings

The results suggest customers' brand engagement as a significant predictor of their engagement with brand-related content, corroborating the proposed spillover effect. A weaker spillover effect is observed for highly (vs less) conscientious customers, substantiating the moderating role of customer conscientiousness. Moreover, customer conscientiousness is found to interact with brand content-related (i.e. commenting/content creation) task type and brand type (i.e. utilitarian/hedonic) (e.g. more conscientious customers are less likely to engage in brand-related content creation vs. commenting tasks), weakening the spillover effect.

Originality/value

This study extends prior research by quantitatively corroborating an intra-individual CE-based spillover effect from customers' brand engagement to their engagement with brand-related content. The authors also unearth a moderating role of customer conscientiousness, which interacts with brand- and brand content-related task type, on the spillover effect, informing the development of digital marketing strategies.
An assessment framework for contemporary commercial music (CCM) in higher education
Authors: de Villiers Alethea Cassandra , Gillmer Robert
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The aim of the article is to develop a framework for assessment for contemporary commercial music (CCM) in a music department that is still organised in a traditional way. Assessment of CCM in tertiary institutions and external graded music exams were described and analysed, followed by the presentation of an assessment framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This research design is a content analysis. Data was collected through purposive sampling of primary sources of CCM syllabi. These syllabi are used descriptively and analytically for comparison.

Findings

The major findings from the content analysis are presented as an assessment framework for CCM. The assessment framework has implications for teaching and learning vocal CCM at both undergraduate and postgraduate in higher education.

Practical implications

The study focused on the development of assessment criteria for CCM, in a music department where no degree specialisation for CCM exists, and CCM is manifested in the principal instrument only. The framework for assessment may be useful to practitioners and academics who are attempting to introduce CCM in classically oriented music departments and where external constraints prohibit the introduction of a degree specialising in CCM.

Originality/value

This article presents an authentic assessment framework for CCM, that considers its style and performance practices.
Antecedents and outcomes of Generation Z consumers’ contrastive and assimilative upward comparisons with social media influencers
Authors: Tian Shiyun , Cho Su Yeon , Jia Xiaofeng , Sun Ruoyu , Tsai Wanhsiu Sunny
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the dynamics in influencer-consumer relationships to understand how Generation Z consumers’ identification and social comparison with influencers shape their response to influencers’ branded posts. Specifically, this study investigates how perceived similarity and wishful identification lead to distinct social comparison mechanisms that affect Generation Z consumers’ self-improvement motives, which, in turn, drive their message engagement, brand attitudes and purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted with 295 college students who are digital natives and whose purchase decisions are heavily influenced by social media influencers.

Findings

The study findings confirmed that perceived similarity positively influenced assimilative comparison emotions of optimism, admiration and aspiration while negatively influenced contrastive comparison emotions of envy, depression and resentment. Wishful identification positively affected both assimilative and contrastive comparison emotions. Both types of social comparison emotions further affected consumers’ motivations to follow the influencer for self-improvement, thereby enhancing their brand attitude, purchase intention and engagement behaviors.

Originality/value

This study is one of the earliest attempts to investigate the relationship dynamics between influencers and consumers from the lens of social comparison. The study examines the antecedents of perceived similarity and wishful identification, the mediators of upward comparison emotions and self-improvement motives and the brand evaluation outcomes of message engagement, brand attitude and purchase intention.
Firm selection for government venture capital funding to youth tech-based startups
Authors: Sharma Lalit
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to review and understand firm selection mechanism involved in government venture capital (GVC) funding and identify key factors influencing selection of tech-based firms for GVC funding.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on real-time methodology. The data was generated from interviews of 60 young applicants, who applied for startup funding, and analyzed using statistical techniques to draw the results.

Findings

This review identifies financial viability, market viability and technological innovation to have the strongest predictive ability in firm selection process of the GVC funding program for tech-based youth-owned startups in the first round of interview. This review also highlighted that social impact is not a statistically significant variable in firm selection process in GVC funding.

Originality/value

This study tests the validity of the theory of GVC based on quantitative analysis of field data and identifies key factors with strong predictive abilities for GVC funding, more particularly for the youth-owned tech-based startups. This study brings to light the mechanism adopted for GVC funding and addresses gaps in the literature relevant to firm selection mechanism in GVC programs. This study would help GVC Fund Managers to review their own GVC programs in terms of selection mechanism and help them in appropriate designing of such programs.
Bead geometry–induced stress concentration factors in material extrusion polymer additive manufacturing
Authors: Kundurthi Saratchandra , Tran Felix , Chen Si , Mapkar Javed , Haq Mahmoodul
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Material extrusion additive manufacturing processes inevitably produce bead-shaped surface patterns on the walls of parts, which create stress concentrations under load. This study aims to investigate the influence of such stress concentrations on the strength along the build direction (“Z-strength”).

Design/methodology/approach

This work consists of two main parts – an experimental demonstration to show the significance of stress concentrations on the Z-strength, followed by numerical modeling to evaluate the theoretical stress concentration factors (kt) for such shapes. Meso-scale finite element analysis (FEA) was performed to evaluate kt at the roots of the intersecting bead shapes. The critical bead shape parameters influencing kt were identified, and parametric FEA studies were performed on different bead shapes by varying the normalized parameters.

Findings

The experimental results showed that up to a 40% reduction in the effective Z-strength could be attributed only to the presence of surface bead shapes. Bead overhang and root radius were identified as critical shape parameters influencing kt. The results of the parametric FEA studies were used to generate a single empirical equation to determine kt for any bead shape.

Originality/value

Predictive models for Z-strength often focus on crystallization kinetics and polymer chain interdiffusion to predict interlayer adhesion strength. The authors propose that the results of such studies must be combined with surface bead-shape induced stress concentration factors to obtain the combined, “effective” Z-strength.
A plea for scale, and why it matters for invasive species management, biodiversity and conservation
Authors: McMillan Nicholas A. , Fuhlendorf Samuel D. , Davis Craig A. , Hamilton Robert G. , Neumann Landon. K. , Cady Samantha M.
Published: April 2023

Invasive species are suspected to be major contributors to biodiversity declines worldwide. Counterintuitively, however, invasive species effects are likely scale dependent and are hypothesized to be positively related to biodiversity at large spatial scales. Past studies investigating the effect of invasion on biodiversity have been mostly conducted at small scales (<100 m2) that cannot represent large dynamic landscapes by design. Therefore, replicated experimental evidence supporting a negative effect of invasive plants on biodiversity is lacking across many landscape types, including large grasslands.

We collected data across eight large (333–809 ha) grassland landscapes managed with pyric herbivory—that is the recoupling of fire and grazing—to test how an invasive legume Lespedeza cuneata affected plant and bird communities at spatial grains ranging from 0.1 m2 to >3,000,000 m2.

Lespedeza cuneata invasion effects on grassland plant diversity and composition changed with scale, being negative at small spatial grains (0.1 m2) and neutral or positive at large spatial grains (>3,000,000 m2).

Lespedeza cuneata abundance did not significantly affect bird diversity at any spatial grain measured.

Lespedeza cuneata may negatively affect biodiversity if abundances are greater than those observed in this study. However, previous research suggests that Lespedeza cuneata may not be capable of exceeding 20% canopy cover across large landscapes (>400 ha). Control and eradication strategies can be costly and are fraught with risk. If data do not clearly support a negative Lespedeza cuneata abundance–biodiversity relationship, and if invasion is spatially limited across large landscapes, ongoing control and eradication efforts may be unwarranted and ineffective.

Synthesis and applications: Invasive species effects gleaned from small‐scale studies may not reliably predict their effects at larger scales. Although we recognize the importance of small‐scale studies in potentially isolating individual mechanisms, management strategies based solely on results from small‐scale studies of invasion are unlikely to increase or conserve biodiversity across large landscapes. Rather, processes that generate landscape heterogeneity—like pyric herbivory—are probably more important for promoting biodiversity across all scales. Scale is a central problem in ecology, and defining scale in management objectives is essential for effective biodiversity conservation.
The role of authentic leadership on healthcare Street‐Level Bureaucrats’ well‐being during the pandemic
Authors: Salehi Nasim , Brunetto Yvonne , Dick Tom
Published: April 2023

This study uses Conservation of Resources Theory, to explain Street‐Level Bureaucrats’ (SLBs) workplace behavioural responses to threats to their well‐being. We examine whether authentic leadership within street‐level organisations positively impacts employee well‐being by increasing SLBs’ perception of personal resources, and reducing their perceptions of work harassment. The research design comprises a survey that solicited quantitative and qualitative data from 163 healthcare SLBs working in Australian hospitals during the pandemic in April 2020. Analysis of the means indicates low levels of satisfaction with leadership and low levels of well‐being for SLBs. The structural equation modelling findings show that poor leadership is associated with higher levels of work harassment and lower levels of employee well‐being. Qualitative data support these findings. As healthcare workers were already listed as over‐represented in the stress‐related workers compensation statistics, one strategy may be to improve the level of organisational support by upskilling managers in authentic leadership behaviours with the aim of increasing their perception of support so as to increase employee well‐being. This will benefit employees and their families, and the community they service.

Points for practitioners

Street‐Level Bureaucrats (SLBs) have been increasingly experiencing the public sector gap (demand outstripping supply of resources) because of the dominance of the austerity‐driven managerialist paradigm.

The recent COVID‐19 crisis amplified the severity and impact of the public sector gap causing increased perceptions of work harassment and reductions in SLBs’ well‐being.

However, SLBs with high levels of Psychological Capital had a natural buffer in place to protect their well‐being, and as such, they perceived less work harassment and erosion of their well‐being.

The way forward is to complement the austerity‐driven managerialist paradigm in management decision‐making with authentic leadership behaviours focused on maximising the well‐being of SLBs and the public.
Young men and anxiety: Resisting, reckoning and responding
Authors: Fisher Krista , Rice Simon M. , Oliffe John L. , King Kylie , Seidler Zac E.
Published: April 2023

Anxiety is the most prevalent mental disorder experienced by young men, and when untreated, is predictive of co‐morbid mental health challenges and suicide. Despite the rising prevalence, there is a conspicuous absence of qualitative research to distil and theorise young men’s anxiety. Twenty‐five young Australian men (15–25 years), who had been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or self‐reported anxiety symptoms, took part in individual semi‐structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a constructivist grounded theory approach. A three‐process grounded theory (Resisting‐Reckoning‐Responding; Triple R Anxiety Model) depicted young men’s experiences of anxiety, gilded and guided by their masculine socialisation. Initially, young men noticed somatic symptoms (i.e., headaches, nausea and myalgia) but did not connect these symptoms to anxiety. Avoiding anxiety (e.g., denying, distracting) proved unhelpful in the longer term and as symptoms diffused, a subsequent process of reckoning anxiety (i.e., meaning making) ensued. As young men gained insight to the life limiting bounds of their anxiety, some were prompted towards actions of acceptance, seeking help proactively and employing strength‐based adaptive coping strategies. This theoretical conceptualisation of young men’s anxiety has the capacity to enhance identification and treatment efforts, improving young men’s mental health outcomes across the lifespan.
Bio‐inspired synthesis of AgNPs from lichen as potential antibacterial and mosquito larvicidal activity with negligible toxicity on Gambusia affinis
Authors: Loganathan Kalimuthu , Chellamuthu Vasugi , Karupuswami Dhanalakshmi , Mohan Kannan , Suresh Udaiyan , Panneerselvam Chellasamy , Trivedi Subrata , Aziz Al Thabiani , Alatawi Fuad A. , Munshi Alaa M. , Al‐Aoh Hatem A. , Al‐Shehri Hamza S. , Alhawiti Aliyah S.
Published: April 2023

Mosquitoes serve as reservoirs for viruses and other microorganisms, posing a significant health‐related issue for both humans as well as livestock. Control of these deadly disease‐producing mosquito vectors is of paramount importance. The chemical analysis of Parmotrema reticulatum was examined by GC–MS. Further, lichen‐mediated AgNPs were confirmed through UV–vis spectrophotometry, FTIR, TEM‐EDX, and XRD. After 24 h post‐treatment, the lichen‐synthesized AgNPs showed considerable toxicity against distinct Aedes aegypti instars with LC50 values of 44.61 (I instar), 51.27 (II instars), 61.34 (III instars), 72.95 (IV instar), and 89.84 (pupae) μg/mL, respectively. Further, both P. reticulatum extract and AgNPs greatly reduced the survival and reproductive efficiency of A. aegypti adults. Eventually, in conventional laboratory circumstances, the predatory effectiveness of Gambusia affinis against Ae. aegypti II and III instar larvae were 71.35% and 53.40%, respectively. In antibacterial assays, low concentrations of the P. reticulatum synthesized AgNPs inhibited the development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Citrobacter freundii. Surface damage, ROS production, and protein leakage are the antibacterial mechanisms of AgNPs. Overall, the lichen‐derived AgNPs can be regarded as newer and safer Ae. aegypti control instruments.
Patient‐related factors related to prolonged preparation‐to‐colonoscopy interval and insufficient purgative intake before colonoscopy: A post‐hoc observational study
Authors: Kang Xiao Yu , Lou Li Jun , Wang Ze Yu , Chen Zhang Qian , Chen Long , Wang Xiang Ping , Ren Gui , Luo Hui , Pan Yang Lin
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Prolonged preparation‐to‐colonoscopy (PC) interval and insufficient purgative intake (PI) are two important indicators for quality of bowel preparation for colonoscopy. We aimed to investigate patient‐related factors associated with increased PC interval or insufficient PI.

Methods

The post‐hoc regression analyses were performed using the data from two prospective studies (NCT04434625 and NCT04101097). Patients receiving reinforced instructions for bowel preparation were recruited. The co‐primary outcomes included prolonged PC interval or insufficient PI.

Results

Altogether 1806 patients from five endoscopic centers underwent bowel preparation from September 2019 to March 2021. The cut‐off values were 6 h for PC interval and 80% for PI. In all, 116 (6.4%) and 73 (4.0%) presented an extended PC interval and insufficient PI, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a low education level was significantly associated with PC interval ≥6 h. Female sex, body mass index (BMI), and coronary artery disease (CAD) were found to be significantly correlated with insufficient PI in univariate analysis, while multivariate analysis demonstrated BMI <20 kg/m2 (odds ratio [OR] 4.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.92–8.94, P < 0.001) and 20–25 kg/m2 (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.33–3.73, P = 0.002) and CAD (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.22–8.53, P = 0.018) were identified as independent risk factors for PI <80%.

Conclusions

In spite of reinforced education, a number of patients did not follow the instructions for bowel preparation. The factors for a prolonged PC interval did not overlap with those for insufficient PI. Individualized interference may be considered in different subpopulations.
MiGut: A scalable in vitro platform for simulating the human gut microbiome—Development, validation and simulation of antibiotic‐induced dysbiosis
Authors: Davis Birch William A. , Moura Ines B. , Ewin Duncan J. , Wilcox Mark H. , Buckley Anthony M. , Culmer Peter R. , Kapur Nikil
Published: April 2023

In vitro models of the human colon have been used extensively in understanding the human gut microbiome (GM) and evaluating how internal and external factors affect the residing bacterial populations. Such models have been shown to be highly predictive of in vivo outcomes and have a number of advantages over animal models. The complexity required by in vitro models to closely mimic the physiology of the colon poses practical limits on their scalability. The scalable Mini Gut (MiGut) platform presented in this paper allows considerable expansion of model replicates and enables complex study design, without compromising on in vivo reflectiveness as is often the case with other model systems. MiGut has been benchmarked against a validated gut model in a demanding 9‐week study. MiGut showed excellent repeatability between model replicates and results were consistent with those of the benchmark system. The novel technology presented in this paper makes it conceivable that tens of models could be run simultaneously, allowing complex microbiome‐xenobiotic interactions to be explored in far greater detail, with minimal added resources or complexity. This platform expands the capacity to generate clinically relevant data to support our understanding of the cause‐effect relationships that govern the GM.
Role of stereotactic body radiotherapy for inferior vena cava tumour thrombus in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sharma Deepti , Thaper Deepak , Kamal Rose , Yadav Hanuman Prasad
Published: April 2023

Introduction

To evaluate the role of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with inferior vena cava tumour thrombus (IVCTT) who are not suitable for other loco‐regional therapies.

Methods

This is an observational retrospective study done between May 2020 and April 2022. The data of 17 patients who underwent SBRT were collected. Patients of Child–Pugh score (CPS) A5‐B7 and along with a liver reserve of ≥700 cc were included. Local control (LC), overall survival (OS) and adverse events including hepatic decompensation were carefully recorded.

Results

In the cohort, the tumour thrombus was extended to the right atrium in nine (52.9%) patients, and regional nodal and lung were found in 60% and 31.4% of patients respectively. The median gross tumour volume (GTV) was 745 cc (107–1,650 cc). The median SBRT dose prescription was 35 Gy (25–45 Gy) in 5–10 fractions. At 6 months, LC and OS were 80% and 75% respectively. On multivariate analysis, an ALBI score >−2.36 was found to be the predictor for the poor OS. Post‐SBRT, a change in CPs by 2 points was observed in one patient (5.9%) which was managed conservatively. Post‐radiation, improvement in pain and discomfort was observed in 92.3% and 87% of patients, respectively and bone metastasis related pain was also resolved.

Conclusion

Stereotactic body radiotherapy is a safe and feasible option for HCC patients with IVC and right atrium tumour thrombosis. It not only improves the quality of life but also results in good LC and OS with acceptable toxicity. SBRT should be considered in a multidisciplinary fashion for patients presenting with tumour thrombosis extending to IVC and the right atrium.
Real‐world study of treatment and outcome of type B2 + B3 thymoma: The neglected part of thymoma
Authors: Zhao Ke , Chen Yeye , Liu Lei , Wang Guige , Zhang Jiaqi , Zhou Mengxin , Gao Xuehan , Rao Ke , Yang Libing , Guo Chao , Zhang Ye , Huang Cheng , Liu Hongsheng , Li Shanqing
Published: April 2023

Background

This study aimed to examine the treatment and prognosis of patients with type B2 + B3 thymoma and compare it with those patients with type B2 and B3 thymoma.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the results of 39 patients with type B2 + B3 thymoma, 133 patients with type B2 thymoma, and 64 patients with type B3 thymoma. The Kaplan–Meier technique was used to generate survival curves. For multivariate analysis, the Cox proportional hazard model was applied.

Results

With a median follow‐up of 60 months (range: 1–128 months), the percentage of patients with tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage III and IV disease gradually increased from 19.5% to 25.6% to 35.9% among those with histological subtypes B2, B2 + B3, and B3, respectively, p = 0.045. Twenty‐three patients experienced recurrence or metastasis. The total 10‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) rates were 86.0% overall (85.0% in type B2, 87.2% in type B2 + B3, and 87.5% in type B3). Age, R0 resection, and Masaoka–Koga stage were found to have a significant on PFS in all patients. There was no statistically significant difference in PFS between different histotypes of thymoma, p = 0.650. PFS was predicted by R0 resection in all histotypes and by the Masaoka–Koga stage in the type B2 subgroup.

Conclusion

Combining the two staging methods to guide the diagnosis and treatment of patients with B2 + B3 thymoma is recommended. R0 resection is recommended to reduce recurrence. Patients with B2 + B3 thymoma have a prognosis similar to those with a B2 thymoma or a B3 thymoma alone.
The interactive effect of organizational identification and reward type on reward valuation
Authors: Kelly Khim , Liu Weiming , Presslee Adam
Published: April 2023

Recent management trends highlight two techniques firms use to motivate employee effort: (1) fostering employees' organizational identification (OI) and (2) offering employees tangible rewards such as gift cards instead of cash rewards. We use three studies to examine how OI affects employees' reward valuation and how such effects differ depending on the reward type. Study 1 is an experiment, demonstrating that increasing OI increases the emphasis participants place on a reward's symbolic value, which then increases the total value of the reward—to a larger extent when the reward is tangible than when it is cash. Study 2 is an experiment, providing evidence that Study 1 results are robust to using a tangible reward that is not socially consumed, that is selected either by the firm or by the employee, and that is either a good or poor fit with the employee's personal preference. Finally, Study 3 is a survey, asking respondents about actual rewards they received from their current employer and capturing their actual OI with their current employer. Results in Study 3 are inferentially similar to those in Study 1 and Study 2, albeit stronger for rewards of smaller monetary value. Collectively, these results highlight the particular benefit of strong OI on how employees value tangible rewards relative to cash rewards, which should be of interest to incentive system designers.