bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding tourists' memorable local food experiences and their consequences: the moderating role of food destination, neophobia and previous tasting experience
Authors: Badu-Baiden Frank , Kim Seongseop (Sam) , Xiao Honggen , Kim Jungkeun
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to test a new model by examining the influence of memorable local food consumption experiences (MLFCEs) on international diners’ affective states, well-being and attitudinal loyalty. Local food tasting destination, local food neophobia and previous local food tasting experience are used as moderating variables.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative data collection method was used to source data from 900 US tourists to European countries (excluding the UK) and Asian countries. The data were quantitatively analyzed to examine the multidimensionality of tourists’ MLFCEs as well as their influence on outcome variables.

Findings

The findings indicate that MLFCEs significantly explain diners’ attitude toward local food, subjective well-being, intention to recommend and attitudinal loyalty. Also, three variables partially moderate the associations between the proposed constructs.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretically, the study enhances our understanding of the dimensional nature of tourists’ MLFCEs and how they inform the affective and behavioral states of tourists. Practically, it provides insights for local food businesses and destination marketing organizations concerning the composition of tourists’ MLFCEs and promotion of a tourism destination.

Originality/value

This study has quantitatively unraveled the dimensionality of tourists’ MLFCEs. It also developed an integrated model to test the predictive effect of MLFCEs on outcome variables and has provided a deeper understanding of the relationships, thereby enriching the literature and aiding the development of relevant theories.
Motivation behind review provision in online travel communities: do hometowner contributions matter?
Authors: Liang Sai , Ye Qiang , Zhang Xiaoxia , Law Rob , Gong Caiyan
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Online reviews have become increasingly important and numerous studies have noted the effect of social factors on the review provision of users. The purpose of this study is to investigate how hometowner contributions, which are defined as prior reviews posted by users from the same city, affect the quality of reviews by focal users.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the theories of competitive altruism, pure altruism and reciprocity, as well as several social influence theories, a conceptual framework is constructed to explain user contribution behavior. In addition, empirical models are established based on 831,737 reviews of 919 hotels on Tripadvisor.

Findings

The quality of reviews by hometowners can significantly motivate subsequent users to contribute high-quality reviews. This positive effect is stronger than the effect of previous contributions by non-hometowners. The effect of hometowner contribution is amplified in users with limited review-posting experience and/or in those from countries with a considerable cultural distance from the target destination.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides the hospitality literature with new insights into the effect of social factors on the review provision of users in the context of online hotel review websites. The results also present numerous practical implications for online travel communities.

Originality/value

This study is an early attempt to analyze the effect of prior hometowner contributions on the subsequent contribution decisions of focal users. Thus, this study provides a satisfactory starting point for determining whether the review provision of focal users can be affected differently by prior contributions from their peers from different categories.
Adaptive marketing capabilities, market orientation, and international performance: the moderation effect of competitive intensity
Authors: Reimann Caroline Kalil , Carvalho Fernando Manuel Pereira de Oliveira , Duarte Marcelo Pereira
Published: February 2022

Purpose

It is well established in marketing literature that international performance is positively affected by marketing capabilities, whether static or dynamic. However, recent theoretical development proposed adaptive marketing capabilities (AMC) as a set of capabilities able to close the marketing gap. Given the relative newness of this construct, empirical studies are still scarce. Therefore, drawing from a resource-based view perspective, this study aims to analyse the relationships among market orientation (MO), AMC and firms’ international performance, as well as the moderating effects of competitive intensity.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have used survey-based research with 335 internationalised Portuguese business-to-business small and medium sized enterprises (B2B SMEs) during June 2020. The authors analysed responses through structural equation modelling and path analysis.

Findings

Results revealed positive relationships between AMC and international performance and between MO and AMC. Furthermore, results were robust to the competitive environment.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study contributes to international marketing literature by analysing MO as an antecedent of AMC, which has never been done before. Furthermore, it analyses the simultaneous effects of MO and AMC on international performance, as well as the moderation of competitive intensity. Also, the study’s results inform managers and marketeers of internationalised firms about the advantages of adopting a market-oriented behaviour and the development of AMC, whether in more or less competitive environments.
The 40 years of discourse on racism in the Brazilian advertising self-regulation system
Authors: Rodrigues Laís , Hemais Marcus Wilcox , Costa Alessandra
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to unveil colonial racist elements related to the cases of racism in advertising judged by the Brazilian Council of Advertising Self-Regulation (Conar), from 1980 until 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative critical and historical research was developed, based on a decolonial perspective, with the use of critical discourse analysis (CDA).

Findings

By analyzing such phenomenon, the present study can discuss how self-regulatory codes that are based on the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) 1937 Code are not equipped to deal with racist issues.

Originality/value

Discussions that focus on how racial elements in advertising are treated by a regulatory agency are scarce. Despite the focus being on the Brazilian case, this phenomenon should not be understood as a particularity of this country, since problems related to racism in advertising in countries that also have ICC-type self-regulatory codes are frequent.
International students and crime: the influence of cultural, socioeconomic and mental health factors
Authors: Forbes-Mewett Helen , Schermuly Allegra Clare
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to show that international students may become victims and/or perpetrators of crime. This paper uses interview data to examine the social influences contributing to these incidences.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach using data from in-depth interviews with key informers and international students across Australia, the USA and the UK underpins this study.

Findings

The results show that the interviewees generally believed that international students were not commonly perpetrators of crime. Cultural, socioeconomic and mental health factors contributed to circumstances that involved international students as perpetrators of crime.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this paper are a need for the host country to provide a greater level of information about laws and local customs; need for international students need to have adequate finances; a need for international students to be made aware of the illegal practices of others, including those who belong to their national group; and a for greater awareness and support of the stresses associated with undertaking higher education in a foreign country.

Originality/value

Based on primary qualitative data, this paper presents an original study about crime that looks beyond the common perception that international students are always victims. This paper focusses on the often-overlooked topic of international students as perpetrators of crime and the social influences that often underpin the circumstances.
New ways of working scale development and psychometric properties: validation in higher education institutions in the GCC countries
Authors: Almahamid Soud Mohammad , Ayoub Alaa Eldin Abdelhamid , Al Salah Luma Fayez
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to develop a scale for new ways of working (NWW) in higher education institutions in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The study also intends to validate the psychometric properties of the developed scale.

Design/methodology/approach

This study targeted the academic staff of universities in the GCC region. Out of the 1,200 questionnaires distributed, only 1,016 questionnaires represented valid responses. Because there was not a unified theory for NWW, the authors developed a six-dimension tool that covered all virtual work aspects and psychometrically validated.

Findings

The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed a structural model of six factors: flexible work location; work–life balance; communication; workplace design at home; culture and motivation; and satisfaction. The model showed a satisfactory fit. The scale consisted of 32 items with a high Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.85, which demonstrated good internal consistency. The results also suggested that the NWW scale had adequate convergent and divergent validity.

Research limitations/implications

The data for the current study is a cross-sectional that represents a single sector; therefore, it would be more interesting to include more sectors. The study findings contribute to the ongoing debate in feasibility and usefulness of NWW pre, during and post-Covid-19 crisis. This research has offered a new scale for measuring NWW that fits dynamic educational environment where continuous learning and innovation are the key critical factors for survival. For this reason, further future studies need to refine, validate and improve the current scale structure. Also, because the current scale is by no means conclusive, future studies may look at other work characteristics and contextual factors that determine the success of NWW.

Practical implications

Practitioners can use the results of the current study as an intervention tool to leverage NWW acceptance to regain benefits and mitigate negative consequences. In addition, policymakers may use the scale as an evaluation tool to examine the readiness of higher education institutions to counter the COVID-19 crisis.

Originality/value

The originality of this work stems from the fact that it is the first study to develop a scale for NWW and test its psychometric properties in higher education institutions in the GCC countries, a domain that has been ignored by the extant literature.
Examining corruption prominence in SIDS – the curse and the cure for construction tender practices
Authors: Martin Hector , Miller Ashlee , Milling Amrita , Martin Marie
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Business-to-government corruption has destroyed many businesses and debilitated numerous countries. The paradox of plenty, or the curse of resources, is exacerbated in emerging oil and gas economies, where corruption is rampant. Corruption most frequently occurs within the tendering stage of construction projects and the current debate fails to arrest this ubiquitous boundless construct in small island developing states (SIDSs). The purpose of this study is to explain how the unique features of SIDS contributes to an understanding of B2G corruption during construction tendering.

Design/methodology/approach

This study elucidates corruption in the tendering process through the lens of collective action and principal–agent theories. Interviews with three experts and a questionnaire survey with 115 practitioners evaluated corruption in Trinidad’s construction industry. Principal component analysis reduced 33 corruption variables to 5 primary causes. In addition, the relative importance of potential solutions for curtailing corruption was assessed.

Findings

The derived factors highlight that governance within SID oil and gas economies, inadequate tender procedures and practices, reprehensible business growth strategies, unethical misconduct and the social networking context characterise public infrastructure tendering. The recommendations for minimising corruption in tendering are grounded in behaviour and deterrence theories and infused with technological advances.

Research limitations/implications

Using surveys and interviews circumvents the limitation of the inability to measure corruption because of the confines of respondents’ recall triggers. However, corruption is mediated by cultural norms, which limits the generalisation of the findings.

Originality/value

The study concludes that corruption results from a lack of transparency in the construction supply chain. It leads to an awareness gap between project stakeholders, which is a major risk factor and source of mistrust. The result is a lack of traceable processes and coordination among stakeholders. Consequently, the study fills the gap in responsible socio-economic consumption in SIDSs.
Productivity analysis of family takaful in Indonesia and Malaysia: Malmquist productivity index approach
Authors: Sukmaningrum Puji Sucia , Hendratmi Achsania , Rusmita Sylva Alif , Abdul Shukor Syadiyah
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the productivity level of family takaful in Malaysia and Indonesia from 2014 to 2019. Productivity can support corporate sustainability, which is one of the company’s goals.

Design/methodology/approach

The measurement of the productivity level in this study involved applying the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) method. The input variables used consisted of equity, total expenses and total investment. The output variables consisted of total profit and investment income. In addition, this research used the orientation of the output and intermediation.

Findings

Throughout the study period, the Indonesian family takaful had an average total factor productivity change (TFPCH) of about 0.945. In other words, it did not reach optimal productivity. It is more due to the low value of technological change (TECHCH). On the contrary, family takaful companies in Malaysia had called productivity, showing a TFPCH of about 1.041. Again, this is mainly due to an increase in TECHCH and efficiency change, but it is still low in pure technical efficiency change.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on factors that exist in internal takaful companies. Neither micro- nor macroeconomic variables that can affect productivity levels have been measured. In addition, this study only analyzed two countries out of the 11 countries in the Southeast Asian region.

Practical implications

Family takaful companies can use the productivity index as one of the bases of evaluation in managing their resources to enhance optimal output. Furthermore, the management of family takaful companies in Indonesia needs to focus more on technological innovation and delivery of services to increase productivity. Meanwhile, family takaful companies in Malaysia can maintain their technology usage and efficiency to operate productively. The government in both countries is expected to actively accelerate the growth of family takaful companies by producing regulatory products that strengthen the industry. Specifically, the government in Indonesia needs to make regulations that support technology improvement.

Originality/value

There is still not much research that examines family takaful’s productivity level using the MPI. The MPI is an appropriate tool to evaluate the productivity of family takaful companies. Thus, family takaful companies can improve their quality by assessing the productivity index value.
Treatment resistant depression (TRD) service outpatient’s experience of sleep, activity, and using a Fitbit wearable activity and sleep tracker
Authors: Griffiths Chris , Walker Kate , Willis Andy , Pollard Lorraine
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Depression, physical health, well-being, sleep and physical activity are interlinked. Healthy levels of physical activity and effective night-time sleep can reduce depressive symptoms. In the context of their lives and symptoms of depression, this paper aims to understand participants’ experiences of using a Fitbit, physical activity and sleep and the barriers and facilitators for healthy sleep and physical activity.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative methods were used to conduct interviews with 19 patients (4 male; 15 female) diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression undergoing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment for depression. Reflexive thematic analysis was used.

Findings

Healthy sleep and physical activity levels are interlinked and reduce depressive symptoms as well as improving well-being and physical health. A Fitbit is useful to enhance physical activity, self-awareness, motivation, healthier lifestyles and effective sleep. Barriers to healthy sleep and physical activity levels included depressive symptoms, environmental factors and anxieties. Facilitators for healthy sleep and physical activity levels included knowledge of the benefits, support from family and friends and applying sleep hygiene.

Practical implications

There is a need to provide interventions using wearable activity trackers that build on the links between increased physical activity, improved sleep, enhanced well-being, better physical health and lower depressive symptoms.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that patients undergoing TMS have had their experiences of sleep, activity and using a Fitbit investigated and reported.
Stability optimization for a simultaneously twisted and compressed rod
Authors: Kobelev Vladimir
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The authors search the optimal distribution of bending flexure along the axis of the rod. For the solution of the actual problem, the stability equations take into account all possible convex, simply connected shapes of the cross-section. The authors study the cross-sections with equal principal moments of inertia. The cross-sections are similar geometric figures related by a homothetic transformation with respect to a homothetic center on the axis of the rod and vary along its axis. The cross-section that delivers the maximum or the minimum for the critical eigenvalue must be determined among all convex, simply connected domains. The optimal form of the cross-section is known to be an equilateral triangle. The distribution of material along the length of a twisted and compressed rod is optimized so that the rod must support the maximal moment without spatial buckling, presuming its volume remains constant among all admissible rods. The static Euler's approach is applicable for simply supported rod (hinged), twisted by the conservative moment and axial compressing force.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimization problems for stability of twisted and compressed rods are studied in this manuscript. The complement for Euler's buckling problem is Greenhill's problem, which studies the forming of a loop in an elastic bar under simultaneous torsion and compression (Greenhill, 1883).

Findings

For determining the optimal solution, the authors directly compare the twisted rods with the different lengths and cross-sections using the invariant factors. The solution of optimization problem for simultaneously twisted and compressed rod is stated in closed form.

Research limitations/implications

(1) The linear stability equations are applied. (2) No nonlinear or postbuckling effects were accounted. (3) The moment-free, ideal boundary conditions on both ends of the rod assumed.

Practical implications

One of the most common design cases in mechanical engineering is the concurrent compression and twisting of the straight members. The closed-form solution allows the immediate estimation of the optimization effect for axes and rotors in industrial and automotive engineering.

Social implications

The application of lighter and material-saving structural elements allow the saving fabrication resources, reducing the mass of vehicles and industry machines. The systematic usage of material optimized structural elements assists the stabilization of global energy balance of Earth.

Originality/value

Albeit the governing ordinary differential equations are linear, the application of the optimality conditions leads to the nonlinearity of the final optimization equations. The search of closed form solution of the nonlinear differential equations is one of the mathematically hardest tasks in engineering mathematics. The closed-form solution presents in terms of higher transcendental functions.
Floridian bankruptcies and local property damage in the United States
Authors: Brotman Billie Ann , Katzman Brett
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the linkage between bankruptcy filings and hurricane events. Several independent variables related to local district court bankruptcy filings are examined. The primary question posed is whether Category 3,4 and 5 hurricanes result in personal bankruptcy filings due to the real property and other damage that ensures.

Design/methodology/approach

Landfall hurricanes in Florida from 2001 through 2018 were examined by using the fully modified least square regression model. Descriptive statistics include elasticity measures that show statistics prior and post the passage of the Bankruptcy Abuse and Prevent and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA).

Findings

The elasticity of housing prices was a useful statistic in explaining bankruptcy filings. Regression results indicate that bankruptcy filing occur within one year of a serious hurricane. The regression model found hurricane events and housing price trends were significant variable when predicting district court bankruptcy filings.

Practical implications

BAPCPA targets fraud under Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings. Unfortunately, this also had the unintended consequence of discouraging legitimated filings due to the lowering of the marginal benefit associated with filing when the “means test” is applied.

Social implications

Lack of flood insurance coverage and stagnant real estate prices could limit the desirability of filing under Chapter 13 resulting in an inventory of damaged properties being foreclosed.

Originality/value

Prior researchers relied on a descriptive approach by using percentage rates to quantify the association between hurricane damage and bankruptcy filings. By using the fully modified regression-based approach, the study herein establishes that filings occur approximately a year after the household experiences the real property loss and identifies other casual factors that influence the decision to file.
The influence of SACX0307-ZnO nanocomposite solder alloys on the optical and thermal properties of power LEDs
Authors: Skwarek Agata , Ptak Przemysław Piotr , Górecki Krzysztof , Witek Krzysztof , Illés Balázs
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to present the results of investigations that show the influence of ZnO composite soldering paste on the optical and thermal parameters of power light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Design/methodology/approach

ZnO nanocomposite solder alloys were produced via the ball milling process from the solder paste Sn99Ag0.3Cu0.7 (SACX0307) and 1.0 wt% of ZnO nanoparticle reinforcements with different primary particle sizes (200 nm, 100 nm and 50 nm). Power LEDs were soldered onto a metal core printed circuit board. A self-designed LED test system was used to measure the thermal and optical characteristics of the LEDs.

Findings

The influence of the soldering paste on the thermal and optical parameters of LEDs was observed. In all solder alloys, ZnO ceramic reinforcement, at a level of 1 wt%, increased the thermal parameters of LEDs and decreased their luminous efficiency. Thermal resistance values were10% higher, and junction temperature change over ambient temperature was 20% higher for the samples soldered with composite solder pastes than the reference sample. At the same time, luminous efficiency dropped by 32%.

Originality/value

The results prove that ZnO ceramic reinforcement of solder paste influences the thermal properties of solder joints. As was proven, the quality of the solder joints influences the whole assembly.
Value dynamics in support to social movement: Hong Kong civil servants in the anti-extradition bill movement
Authors: Tse Hans , Mak Macau K.F.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

In 2019, civil servants in Hong Kong publicly protested against their government as part of the anti-extradition bill movement. This study aims to understand how civil servants formed their support to the movement despite a deep-rooted bureaucratic culture. The authors argue that moral values (e.g. impartiality and integrity) and aspirations to liberal democracy are powerful motivations that override bureaucratic values (e.g. political neutrality and political loyalty) in the context of social movement.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a protest on-site survey (n = 277), this study analyzes the relationship between civil servants’ value orientations and their political demands and actions.

Findings

Regression analyses show that civil servants’ consideration of moral values relates positively to support to investigative demands, while a more liberal orientation predicts greater support to consequential demands and action intentions. A moderation effect is found in which greater consideration of moral values attenuates the negative effect of bureaucratic values on the support to both types of demands. In addition, the two types of values interact with each other to influence support to consequential demands, which, in turn, predicts willingness to further political actions.

Originality/value

This study seizes a valuable opportunity to examine the political participation of civil servants in Hong Kong. As Hong Kong and the civil service system face tightening authoritarian controls, the findings shed light on the dynamics of moral values, bureaucratic values and liberal orientation in motivating resistance among civil servants.
The Labour Market for Uber Drivers in Australia
Authors: Alexander Oliver , Borland Jeff , Charlton Andrew , Singh Amit
Published: February 2022

We describe the labour market for Uber drivers, the first detailed study of a gig economy market in Australia. Uber drivers' characteristics, reasons for driving with Uber, hours of work and driving schedules, earnings and job satisfaction are analysed, using both administrative and survey data. Uber drivers have diverse pathways to the job, with the objective to earn supplemental income most important in Australia. Total hours and timing of work differ substantially between drivers. Drivers express high satisfaction regarding job flexibility but lower satisfaction about pay. Hours worked and job satisfaction depend importantly on a driver's pathway to the job.
Embodying disabled liminality: A matter of mal/adjustment to dis/ableism
Authors: García‐Santesmases Andrea , Sanmiquel‐Molinero Laura
Published: February 2022

This article combines the line of work that links disability and liminality with feminist dis/ability studies to analyse how the ‘disabled body‐subject’ is produced and subjectified during hospitalisation and post‐hospitalisation. This analysis is based on six bodily itineraries conducted with three men and three women with a spinal cord injury (five with tetraplegia and one with paraplegia) acquired during their adolescence. First, we interpret hospitalisation as a phase of ‘acute liminality’ in which the disabled body‐subject starts being produced as suspicious, expropriated and de/gendered. Secondly, we illustrate how discharge and the ‘return’ to the community entail the formation of several bodily assemblages that embody mal/adjustment. This leaves the subject in a state of ‘sustained liminality’ plagued with paradoxes and ambivalence. We argue that both liminalities lead disabled subjects to do an emotional work consisting of adjusting to situations of affective disablism while also opening up spaces of resistance regarding heterosexist and ableist mandates. We conclude by pointing out the potentialities of a two‐way dialogue between medical sociology and dis/ability studies.
State‐Level Social and Economic Policies and Their Association With Perinatal and Infant Outcomes
Authors: WEBSTER JESSICA L. , PAUL DAVID , PURTLE JONATHAN , LOCKE ROBERT , GOLDSTEIN NEAL D.
Published: February 2022

Policy Points

State‐level social and economic policies that expand tax credits, increase paid parental leave, raise the minimum wage, and increase tobacco taxes have been demonstrated to reduce adverse perinatal and infant health outcomes.

These findings can help prioritize evidence‐based legislated policies to improve perinatal and infant outcomes in the United States.

Context

Rates of preterm birth and infant mortality are alarmingly high in the United States. Legislated efforts may directly or indirectly reduce adverse perinatal and infant outcomes through the enactment of certain economic and social policies.

Methods

We conducted a narrative review to summarize the associations between perinatal and infant outcomes and four state‐level US policies. We then used a latent profile analysis to create a social and economic policy profile for each state based on the observed policy indicators.

Findings

Of 27 articles identified, nine focused on tax credits, eight on paid parental leave, four on minimum wages, and six on tobacco taxes. In all but three studies, these policies were associated with improved perinatal or infant outcomes. Thirty‐three states had tax credit laws, most commonly the earned income tax credit (n = 28, 56%). Eighteen states had parental leave laws. Two states had minimum wage laws lower than the federal minimum; 14 were equal to the federal minimum; 29 were above the federal minimum; and 5 did not have a state law. The average state tobacco tax was $1.76 (standard deviation = $1.08). The latent profile analysis revealed three policy profiles, with the most expansive policies in Western and Northeastern US states, and the least expansive policies in the US South.

Conclusions

State‐level social and economic policies have the potential to reduce adverse perinatal and infant health outcomes in the United States. Those states with the least expansive policies should therefore consider enacting these evidence‐based policies, as they have shown a demonstratable benefit in other states.
Public History and Collective Transformation: A Case Study of Un/Learning the State
Authors: Krafft Erin Katherine , Davis Rikki , Meza‐Reidpath E. Denise
Published: February 2022

In the summer of 2020, amidst global pandemic and protest, a youth‐centred non‐profit organisation in Providence, RI, USA led a series of sessions meant to introduce participants to histories of slavery, incarceration, policing, abolition and transformative justice practices. Ultimately, it was an extremely successful experiment in popular education that revealed multiple dynamics: the failings of traditional education to engage with such histories; the uses of contextualising our own lives within the histories we have inherited; the importance of collaborative exploration of such histories and what Paulo Freire refers to as ‘problem‐posing’ pedagogical models; and the necessity to engage deeply with histories of violence and resistance if we are committed to mitigating contemporary forms of violence and transforming our relationships with each other and within society as a whole. Our case study of these sessions, consisting of dialogue, reflection, research and critical theory, will creatively illuminate these and other dynamics through a deep mapping of the way the sessions and their content were situated within our own collaboration and within our larger community.
Managing risk, governmentality and geoinformation: Vectors of vulnerability in the mapping of COVID‐19
Authors: Oluoch Isaac O.
Published: February 2022

In the wake of the COVID‐19 pandemic, a range of technological as well as legislative measures were introduced to monitor, track and prevent the spread of the COVID‐19 virus across the world. The measures taken by governments across the world have relied upon the use of geoinformation from satellites, drones, online dashboards and contact tracing apps to render the virus more visible, which has been instrumental in two ways. First, geoinformation has been helpful in organizing efforts for capacity building, in mapping communities living in deprived urban areas (referred to commonly as ‘slums’) and their response to COVID‐19 measures. These efforts have been part of initiatives by the United Nations as well as NGOs, using geoinformation to inform urban policymaking by representing the social, political and environmental issues facing those living in deprived urban areas. And secondly, geoinformation has also been used to control the spread of the pandemic by monitoring and limiting the behaviour of citizens through various technologies. This form of geoinformation‐driven governmentality, I will contend from critical geography and surveillance studies perspective endangers ethical values such as trust and solidarity, agency, transparency along with the rights and values of citizens.
Clinical features and risk factors associated with mortality in critically ill children requiring continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: Duyu Muhterem , Turkozkan Ceren
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The aims of this study were to describe the demographic characteristics of critically ill children requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) at our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and to explore risk factors associated with mortality.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 121 critically ill children who received CRRT from May 2015 to May 2020 in the PICU of a tertiary healthcare institution was evaluated.

Results

Overall mortality was 29.8%. In patients diagnosed with sepsis, time until CRRT initiation was significantly shorter in survivors compared to non‐survivors (p = 0.036). Based on multivariate logistic regression, presence of comorbidity (OR: 5.71), diagnoses of pneumonia/respiratory failure at admission (OR:16.16), and high lactate level at CRRT initiation (OR:1.43) were independently associated with mortality.

Conclusion

In the context of the population studied, mortality rate was lower than previously reported. Despite having a large series, heterogenous characteristics and limitations in subgroups may have influenced results and survival.
Relationship between high‐risk alcohol consumption and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) seroconversion: a prospective sero‐epidemiological cohort study among American college students
Authors: Kianersi Sina , Ludema Christina , Macy Jonathan T. , Chen Chen , Rosenberg Molly
Published: February 2022

Aims

To estimate the associations between high‐risk alcohol consumption and (1) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) seroconversion, (2) self‐reported new SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and (3) symptomatic COVID‐19.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Indiana University Bloomington (IUB), IN, USA.

Participants

A total of 1027 IUB undergraduate students (64% female), aged 18 years or older, residing in Monroe County, Indiana, seronegative for SARS‐CoV‐2 at study baseline.

Measurements

Primary exposure was high‐risk alcohol consumption measured with an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire score of 8 or more. Primary outcome was SARS‐CoV‐2 seroconversion since baseline, assessed with two SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody tests, at baseline (September 2020) and end‐line (November 2020). Secondary outcomes were (a) self‐reported new SARS‐CoV‐2 infection at the study end‐line and (b) self‐reported symptomatic COVID‐19 at baseline.

Findings

Prevalence of high‐risk alcohol consumption was 32 %. In models adjusted for demographics, students with high‐risk alcohol consumption status had 2.44 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.35, 4.25] times the risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 seroconversion and 1.84 (95% CI = 1.04, 3.28) times the risk of self‐reporting a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, compared with students with no such risk. We did not identify any association between high‐risk alcohol consumption and symptomatic COVID‐19 (prevalence ratio = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.93, 1.47). Findings from sensitivity analyses corroborated these results and suggested potential for a dose–response relationship.

Conclusions

Among American college students, high‐risk alcohol consumption appears to be associated with higher risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 seroconversion/infection.
The role of the ADVanced Organ Support (ADVOS) system in critically ill patients with multiple organ failure
Authors: Acharya Metesh , Berger Rafal , Popov Aron‐Frederik
Published: February 2022

Background

Multi‐organ failure characterized by acute kidney injury, liver dysfunction, and respiratory failure is a complex condition associated with high mortality, for which multiple individual support devices may be simultaneously required. This review aims to appraise the current evidence for the ADVanced Organ Support (ADVOS) system, a novel device integrating liver, lung, and kidney support with blood detoxification.

Methods

We performed a literature review of the PubMed database to identify human and animal studies evaluating the ADVOS system.

Results

In porcine models of acute liver injury and small clinical studies in humans, ADVOS significantly enhanced the elimination of water‐soluble and protein‐bound toxins and metabolites, including creatinine, ammonia, blood urea nitrogen, and lactate. Cardiovascular parameters (mean arterial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, and cardiac index) and renal function were improved. ADVOS clears carbon dioxide (CO2) effectively with rapid correction of pH abnormalities, achieving normalization of CO2, and bicarbonate levels. In patients with COVID‐19 infection, ADVOS enables rapid correction of acid–base disturbance and respiratory acidosis. ADVOS therapy reduces mortality in multi‐organ failure and has been shown to be safe with minimal adverse events.

Conclusions

From the small observational studies analyzed, ADVOS demonstrates excellent detoxification of water‐soluble and protein‐bound substances. In particular, ADVOS permits the correction of metabolic and respiratory acidosis through the fluid‐based direct removal of acid and CO2. ADVOS is associated with significant improvements in hemodynamic and biochemical parameters, a trend toward improved survival in multi‐organ failure, and is well‐tolerated. Larger randomized trials are now necessary to further validate these encouraging results.
Flicker‐induced retinal vascular dilation in ipsi‐ and contralateral eyes of patients with carotid stenosis before and after carotid endarterectomy: a prospective study
Authors: Ala‐Kauhaluoma Marianne , Vikatmaa Pirkka , Koskinen Suvi M. , Ijäs Petra , Nuotio Krista , Silvennoinen Heli , Relander Kristiina , Lindsberg Perttu J. , Soinne Lauri , Summanen Paula A.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Retinal vascular function was assessed in patients with carotid stenosis (CS) before and six months after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and in controls at a six‐month interval.

Methods

We studied 68 patients (81% male, mean age 69) and 41 healthy non‐medicated controls (77%, 68) from March 2015 to December 2018. Our ophthalmological examination included flicker‐induced arteriolar and venular measurements with a Dynamic Vessel Analyser in both eyes.

Results

At baseline, flicker‐induced arteriolar and venular dilation was reduced in the ipsilateral eyes of the patients compared with dilation in the controls (arteriolar 1.0% versus 2.6%, p = 0.001 and venular 2.2% versus 2.8%, p = 0.049). These differences subsided after CEA. In patients' ipsilateral eyes, flicker‐induced arteriolar dilation was borderline postoperatively (preoperative 1.0% versus postoperative 1.6%, p = 0.06), whereas venular dilation increased (2.2% versus 2.8%, p = 0.025). We found various tentative associations with the change in flicker‐induced dilations after CEA, but not with the preoperative dilations.

Conclusions

Postoperative recovery of the reduced flicker‐induced arteriolar and venular dilatation in the ipsilateral eye shows that, after CEA, the activity‐dependent vascular reactivity of haemodynamically compromised retinal tissue can improve.
Prediction of the axial lens position after cataract surgery using deep learning algorithms and multilinear regression
Authors: Langenbucher Achim , Szentmáry Nóra , Cayless Alan , Wendelstein Jascha , Hoffmann Peter
Published: February 2022

Background

The prediction of anatomical axial intraocular lens position (ALP) is one of the major challenges in cataract surgery. The purpose of this study was to develop and test prediction algorithms for ALP based on deep learning strategies.

Methods

We evaluated a large data set of 1345 biometric measurements from the IOLMaster 700 before and after cataract surgery. The target parameter was the intraocular lens (IOL) equator plane at half the distance between anterior and posterior apex. The relevant input parameters from preoperative biometry were extracted using a principal component analysis. A selection of neural network algorithms was tested using a 5‐fold cross‐validation procedure to avoid overfitting. The results were then compared with a traditional multilinear regression in terms of root mean squared prediction error (RMSE).

Results

Corneal radius of curvature, axial length, anterior chamber depth, corneal thickness, lens thickness and patient age were identified as effective predictive parameters, whereas pupil size, horizontal corneal diameter and Chang–Waring chord did not enhance the model. From the tested algorithms, the Gaussian prediction regression and the Support Vector Machine algorithms performed best (RMSE = 0.2805 and 0.2731 mm), outperforming the multilinear prediction model (0.3379 mm). The mean absolute prediction error yielded 0.1998, 0.1948 and 0.2415 mm for the respective models.

Conclusion

Modern prediction techniques may have the potential to outperform traditional multilinear regression techniques as they can deal easily with nonlinearities between input and output parameters. However, in all cases a cross‐validation is mandatory to avoid overfitting and misinterpretation of the results.
Experiences of mothers of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities in the Czech Republic
Authors: Sedláčková Dagmar , Kantor Jiří , Dömischová Ivona , Kantorová Lucia
Published: February 2022

Background

The objective of this study is to explore experiences of Czech mothers caring for children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities.

Methods

Semistructured interviews combined with biographical narration of mothers of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities and a short questionnaire for demographic data were used for data collection. Data analyses were carried out according to Van Manen's approach, including defining the main themes and description of the lived experiences of mothers.

Findings

The dominant themes that emerged from the interviews were (1) losses and limits, (2) increased demands and exhaustion, (3) worries, (4) challenges connected to help and support, (5) transformation, (6) pleasures with contentment of the child and a small development and (7) functional support.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate that mothers of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities are at risk of facing many kinds of life difficulties, but the children have also positive impact on the mothers' lives. Relevant professionals and policy makers should be aware of the needs and challenges experienced by this vulnerable population.
An investigation of the relationship between nutritional behaviours and nutritional self‐efficacy in children
Authors: Çeltek Orhan Öznur , Karayagız Muslu Gonca , Manav Gulay , Kara Recep
Published: February 2022

Background

In this study, we examined the nutritional behaviours of secondary school children and the factors affecting their nutritional self‐efficacy as well as the relationship between nutritional behaviours and nutritional self‐efficacy.

Methods

We determined from the BMIs of the 462 students participating in the study in the Fethiye district of Muğla province that 48.5% were underweight, 46.5% were normal and 5% were overweight.

Results

The participating children's grade in school and their father's education affected their nutritional behaviours. We observed at the same time that the ‘child's grade in school’, ‘father's education’ and ‘income level’ affected the ‘Nutritional Self‐Efficacy Scale’ mean score. A positive and significant relationship was found between the Nutritional Self‐Efficacy Scale and Nutritional Behaviour Scale mean scores of the children participating in the study.

Conclusions

We concluded that a useful recommendation for health professionals working in programmes aiming to improve children's eating habits would be to focus on initiatives that improve nutritional self‐efficacy and nutritional behaviours.
The effect of ownership structure on investment decisions under exogenous shocks
Authors: Ramírez Cristian , Tarziján Jorge , Lagos Gustavo
Published: February 2022

Research Question/Issue

We assess how ownership concentration influences the sensitivities of expansion investments and maintenance investments to changes in a firm's cash flow. We find the causal effect by exploiting the exogenous variation in the price of a firm's product. We also evaluate whether state versus private ownership affects the impact of ownership concentration on investment–cash flow sensitivities.

Research Findings/Insights

Using detailed data from 134 major copper mines operating in 29 countries over a 17‐year period, we show that a more concentrated ownership increases the sensitivity of expansion investments to changes in a firm's cash flow, while we do not detect a significant effect for maintenance investments. We also find that state ownership negatively moderates the effects of ownership concentration on the expansion investment–cash flow sensitivity.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

The findings improve our understanding of ownership structures and show the nuances of these structures when different ownership features are combined in the assessment of investment sensitivities.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

The asymmetric effects of ownership structures on different investment sensitivities call for a more fine‐grained analysis of incentives, benchmarking, and information disclosure policies. This issue is especially relevant in state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) and in firms with a low ownership concentration.