bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the exchange rate pass-through in Turkey with uncertainty and geopolitical risk: a Markov regime-switching approach
Authors: Bilgili Faik , Ünlü Fatma , Gençoğlu Pelin , Kuşkaya Sevda
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the pass-through (PT) effect in Turkey by using quarterly data for the period 1998: Q1-2019: Q2 to understand the dynamic potential effects of exchange rates on domestic prices.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper launches several nonlinear models in which the basic determinants of domestic prices in Turkey are determined through Markov regime-switching models (MSMs). Hence, this research follows the variables of the consumer price index (CPI), USD exchange rate, gross domestic product (GDP; demand side of the economy), industrial production index (production side of the economy), economic uncertainty and geopolitical risk index for Turkey.

Findings

This work explores that the exchange rate and demand side of the economy (GDP) follow a positive nonlinear relationship with CPI at both regimes. The production side of the economy (IP) affects negatively the CPI during regime 0. Economic uncertainty influences the CPI positively at Regime 1, while geopolitical risk has a negative association with CPI at Regime 0. Eventually, the paper provides some policy proposals associated with the impacts of GDP, IP, economic uncertainty and geopolitical risk on CPI in Turkey.

Originality/value

One may claim that any PT model, which does not observe the possible structural or regime shifts in estimated parameters, might fail to estimate the coefficients unbiasedly and efficiently. Hence, this work differs from available relevant works in the literature since this paper considers linearity or nonlinearity important and reveals that the relevant PT model follows a nonlinear path rather than a linear path, this nonlinear path is converged strongly by MSMs and estimates the significant regime shifts in the constant term and, in parameters of independent variables of PT by MSMs.
Applying theory in practice: views of graduating business students
Authors: Benati Kelly , Lindsay Sophie , Fischer Juan
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Universities have traditionally focused on imparting theoretical knowledge, which graduates then transfer to the workplace. However, the unpredictable modern workplace makes this transfer less certain. Whilst the gap between theory and practice has often been considered from an employer and academic standpoint, less is known about the graduate perspective. The purpose of this study is to determine the ways in which theoretical knowledge and practical experience interact for graduating students.

Design/methodology/approach

The views of 86 undergraduate business approaching graduation were gathered on how they applied theory to practice during their recent internship.

Findings

Graduating students apply theory that they have learnt at university through the direct application of fundamental knowledge and through workplace experience, which built on and deepened the knowledge accumulated at university. The findings indicate that there is, indeed, a gap between theory and practice but that employability skills may assist in the transfer process.

Research limitations/implications

The research broadens the understanding of how theoretical knowledge is applied in practice and helps to determine if graduating students are prepared to meet the demands of an ever-changing workplace.

Practical implications

The results give us insight into how theory and practice interact for graduating students and give support to universities further exploring experiential learning opportunities for students and continuing to the development of employability skills.

Originality/value

The findings encourage a more nuanced debate regarding the role of universities and that both the provision of core theoretical concept and employability skills are necessary for graduates to effectively use their academic education in the modern workplace.
The experiences leading to resignation of female audit managers: an interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Groenewald Jurika , Odendaal Elza
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Considering the benefits that gender diversity could bring to audit firms, especially in a time when the audit profession faces criticism and the COVID-19 pandemic has widened the gender inequality gap, this study aims to explore the lived experiences of female former audit managers from a social role theory and role congruity theory perspective, to understand the factors that contributed towards their resignations.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory qualitative research approach and an interpretative phenomenological analysis design were used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior female audit managers who had resigned from Johannesburg Stock Exchange-accredited audit firms.

Findings

The female former audit managers reported their unique experiences in terms of a lack of transparent career progression discussions, audit firms being run by “old boys’ clubs” and unfair treatment linked to bias, job overload and indistinct ambitions to become audit partners.

Research limitations/implications

The homogeneous sample included a small number of female participants from a limited number of audit firms.

Originality/value

The findings could inform audit firms how to address the factors contributing to female audit managers’ resignations and to challenge stereotypes to retain more women for promotion to audit partner-level, thereby capitalising on the benefits of a diversified management structure that could lead to higher quality audits and address gender inequality.
Determinants of cash waqf fund collection in Malaysian Islamic banking institutions: empirical insights from employees’ perspectives
Authors: Ab Shatar Wan Nuraihan , Hanaysha Jalal Rajeh , Tahir Putri Rozita
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to test the main factors that affect cash waqf collection among the employees of Islamic banking institutions (IBIs) in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was gathered using a survey method from 218 employees of IBIs in Malaysia. The obtained data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software and smart partial least squares-structural equation modeling to verify the hypothesis and reach conclusions.

Findings

The results revealed that word of mouth and trust have significant positive impacts on cash waqf collection. The outcomes also confirmed that convenience and accessibility to cash waqf play significant roles in affecting cash waqf collection.

Originality/value

Based on the researchers’ knowledge, there are only a few studies which focused on measuring the driver of cash waqf collection from the employees’ perspective, particularly in the Malaysian context. This study specifically applies the theory of reasoned action to determine employees’ attitudes toward cash waqf fund collections in IBIs in Malaysia. Having an understanding of the factors that influence employees to contribute to cash waqf would better equip IBIs in managing their cash waqf contributions and in designing their marketing and branding strategies for promoting their institutions.
Interfirm cooperation and engagement barriers in a family business context
Authors: Baía Elisabeth , Franco Mário
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to understand to what extent family firms engage in and understand the importance of cooperation whilst analysing the underlying barriers that may restrain cooperative engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the purpose of this study, a qualitative exploratory approach is adopted, using a multiple case study methodology, consisting of four cases. Thus, interviews were chosen as the source of data collection, as this allows proximity and involvement with those with power to engage in cooperation.

Findings

The results highlight that family business particularities seem to have an aggravating effect on the general barriers to cooperative engagement. Managerial characteristics such as risk aversion, concern about independence and emotional attachment to the business, along with a lack of qualified knowledge, seem to be the most salient obstacles.

Practical implications

Interfirm cooperation has become more vital for organizational success. However, empirical contributions regarding the barriers to engaging in cooperation, especially within a family business context, are limited. This study seeks to present theoretical barriers to engaging in interfirm cooperation and effectively link them within a family business context.

Originality/value

Being structured around the underlying challenges for interfirm cooperation, this paper contributes to advancing this specific research stream and presents practical contributions for managers for more effective implementation.
Prisoner’s insomnia prevalence, insomnia associated factors and interventions with sleep as an outcome: a review and narrative analysis
Authors: Griffiths Chris , Hina Farah
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Insomnia is highly prevalent in prisoners. The purpose of this paper is a review of research evidence on interventions with sleep as an outcome (2000 to 2020) and rates of insomnia prevalence and associated factors in prisons (2015 to 2020).

Design/methodology/approach

An internet-based search used Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), Embase, Web of Science and Scopus. Seven interventions and eight sleep prevalence or sleep-associated factor papers were identified.

Findings

Intervention research was very limited and the quality of the research design was generally poor. Interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), yoga and mindfulness can be beneficial in a prison setting. This review identified a high prevalence of insomnia in prisons across the world, which was supported by recent evidence. Factors associated with insomnia include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorder and pain.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need for appropriately powered randomised control trials of CBT-I in prisons and a need to use objective measures of sleep quality.

Originality/value

Due to a lack of an up-to-date review, this paper fulfils the need for a review of the evidence on interventions in prison settings with sleep as an outcome, rates of insomnia prevalence and associated factors in prisons.
Operations-oriented strategies and patient satisfaction: the mediating effect of service experience
Authors: Boakye Kwabena G. , Qin Hong , Blankson Charles , Hanna Mark D. , Prybutok Victor R.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the direct and indirect effects of perceived provider professionalism and service recovery in enhancing patient satisfaction in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a survey method to investigate satisfaction among health-care consumers. This study used data collected from 210 health-care consumers to empirically test the hypotheses via structural equation modeling

Findings

This study found that service recovery has a significant direct effect on patient satisfaction. Though this study did not find perceived provider professionalism to have a direct effect on patient satisfaction, it found an indirect effect in the relationship via service experience. Thus, service experience fully/completely mediates the relationship between perceived provider professionalism and patient satisfaction, while partially mediating the significant relationship between service recovery and patient satisfaction.

Originality/value

The results further underscore the need for health-care organizations in developing countries to focus on mindfully developing operations-oriented strategies that lead to the delivery of memorable service experiences for patients.
Impact of privacy policy content on perceived effectiveness of privacy policy: the role of vulnerability, benevolence and privacy concern
Authors: Guo Yuanyuan , Wang Xin , Wang Chaoyou
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study examines how the different dimensions of a privacy policy separately influence perceived effectiveness of privacy policy, as well as the mediating mechanisms behind these effects (i.e. vulnerability, benevolence). In addition, this study considers privacy concern as a significant moderator in the research model, to examine if the relative influences of privacy policy content are contingent upon levels of users' privacy concern.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey experiment was conducted to empirically validate the model. Specifically, three survey experiments and six scenarios were designed to manipulate high and low levels of the three privacy policy dimensions (i.e. transparency, control and protection). The authors totally distributed 450 copies of the questionnaire, of which 407 were valid.

Findings

This paper found that (1) all the three privacy policy dimensions directly influence perceived effectiveness of privacy policy; (2) all the three privacy policy dimensions indirectly influence perceived effectiveness of privacy policy by enhancing perceived corporate benevolence, whereas control also affects perceived effectiveness of privacy policy by reducing perceived vulnerability; and (3) individuals with high-privacy concern are much more impacted by privacy policy contents than individuals with low-privacy concern.

Practical implications

The findings could provide website managers with guidelines on how to design privacy policy contents by reducing user perceptions of vulnerability and enhancing user perceptions of corporate benevolence. The managers need to focus on customers' perceived vulnerability and corporate benevolence when launching or updating privacy policies. Furthermore, the managers also need to attend to users' privacy concerns, especially for multinational companies or companies with specific consumer groups.

Originality/value

This study extends the current privacy policy literature by articulating the separate influences of the three privacy policy dimensions and their impact mechanisms on perceived effectiveness of privacy policy. It also uncovers privacy concerns as a boundary condition that influence the effects of privacy policy contents on users' privacy perceptions.
The implementation of Lean Six Sigma for operational excellence in digital emerging technology companies
Authors: Lameijer Bart A. , Pereira Wilmer , Antony Jiju
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to develop a better understanding of the hurdles in implementing Lean Six Sigma (LSS) for operational excellence in digital emerging technology companies.

Design/methodology/approach

We have conducted case studies of LSS implementations in six US-based companies in the digital emerging technology industry.

Findings

Critical success factors (CSF) for LSS implementations in digital emerging technology companies are: (1) organizational leadership that is engaged to the implementation, (2) LSS methodology that is rebranded to fit existing shared values in the organization, (3) restructuring of the traditional LSS training program to include a more incremental, prioritized, on-the-job training approach and (4) a modified LSS project execution methodology that includes (a) condensing the phases and tools applied in LSS projects and (b) adopting more iterative project management methods compared to the standard phased LSS project approach.

Research limitations/implications

The qualitative nature of our analysis and the geographic coverage of our sample limit the generalizability of our findings.

Practical implications

Implications comprise the awareness and knowledge of critical success factors and LSS methodology modifications specifically relevant for digital emerging technology companies or companies that share similarities in terms of focus on product development, innovation and growth, such as R&D departments in high-tech manufacturing companies.

Originality/value

Research on industry-specific enablers for successful LSS implementation in the digital emerging technology industry is virtually absent. Our research informs practitioners on how to implement LSS in this and alike industries, and points to aspects of such implementations that are worthy of further attention from the academic community.
Safety first: extending UTAUT to better predict mobile payment adoption by incorporating perceived security, perceived risk and trust
Authors: Widyanto Hanif Adinugroho , Kusumawardani Kunthi Afrilinda , Yohanes Helmy
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the antecedents of behavioral intention to use (BIU) mobile payment in Indonesia by extending unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) with user privacy constructs, namely, perceived security (PS), perceived risk (PR) and trust (Tr).

Design/methodology/approach

This is a quantitative research using the covariance-based structural equation modeling method, whereby the researchers conducted an online survey and distributed online questionnaires to users of mobile payment from all over Indonesia to obtain the data. The sample in this study consisted of 358 respondents.

Findings

This study found that social influence, facilitating conditions, PS, performance expectancy and Tr have a significant and direct influence on BIU mobile payment. PR was not found to have a significant and direct relationship with BIU, but it was indirectly affecting the latter through Tr as the mediating variable.

Originality/value

The researchers modified UTAUT by incorporating PS, PR and Tr to create a more comprehensive model in predicting mobile payment adoption, especially considering the risky nature of digital transactions in emerging economies like Indonesia. This extended model has never been thoroughly explored in previous studies.
The Academic Reading Format International Study (ARFIS): final results of a comparative survey analysis of 21,265 students in 33 countries
Authors: Mizrachi Diane , Salaz Alicia M. , Kurbanoglu Serap , Boustany Joumana
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper presents the complete findings from the Academic Reading Format International Study (ARFIS), the world's largest study of tertiary students' format preferences and behaviors. The analysis of ARFIS proceeded in two stages. This paper reveals results from the second stage for the first time and compares them with the earlier results. The authors then present and discuss the results from the combined datasets of 21,266 students in 33 countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 44 members in the ARFIS research team distributed an online survey composed of 22 Likert-style, multiple choice and open-ended questions to tertiary students on their format preferences and behaviors. Inferential statistical analysis was used on participant responses, and descriptive statistics analysis was used on the combined amalgamated dataset.

Findings

Majorities of students in all countries consistently show preference for reading their academic texts in print. However, variations of preferences do occur between countries. Overall, the language of a reading does not affect reading format preferences, but national scores on this question are greatly diverse.

Originality/value

ARFIS is the largest study of its kind created through a collaboration of researchers in countries on six continents, collecting data in more than 20 languages. The sample size, rigorous statistical analysis and consistency of results strengthen the reliability of the findings. Analysis of the first dataset has received widespread recognition, but this paper is the first to publish the second dataset and the complete amalgamated results.
Characterization of EDARADD gene mutations responsible for hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia
Authors: Asano Nobuyuki , Yasuno Shuichiro , Hayashi Ryota , Shimomura Yutaka
Published: July 2021

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a genetic disorder characterized by hypohidrosis, hypodontia, and hypotrichosis. Autosomal forms of the disease are caused by mutations in either EDAR or EDARADD. To date, the underlying pathomechanisms for HED resulting from EDARADD mutations have not fully been disclosed. In this study, we performed detailed in vitro analyses in order to characterize three dominantly inherited missense mutations, p.D120Y, p.L122R, and p.D123N, and one recessively inherited missense mutation, p.E152K, in the EDARADD gene. Nuclear factor (NF)‐κB reporter assays demonstrated that all the mutant EDARADD showed reduction in activation of NF‐κB. Importantly, p.D120Y‐, p.L122R‐, and p.D123N‐mutant EDARADD slightly reduced the NF‐κB activity induced by wild‐type EDARADD in a dominant negative manner. Co‐immunoprecipitation assays showed that all of the mutant EDARADD were capable of binding to EDAR and wild‐type EDARADD. Additional co‐immunoprecipitation assays revealed that p.D120Y‐, p.L122R‐, and p.D123N‐mutant EDARADD markedly prevented the interaction between EDAR and wild‐type EDARADD, which further indicated a dominant negative effect by these mutations. Finally, we found that p.D120Y‐, p.L122R‐, and p.D123N‐mutant EDARADD completely lost the ability to bind with TRAF6, while p.E152K‐mutant EDARADD showed a mild reduction in the affinity. Our findings will provide crucial information toward unraveling the molecular mechanisms how EDARADD gene mutations cause the disease.
Recurrent erythema multiforme: A therapeutic proposal for a chronic disease
Authors: Dias de Oliveira Natasha Favoretto , Miyamoto Denise , Maruta Celina Wakisaka , Aoki Valeria , Santi Claudia Giuli
Published: July 2021

Recurrent erythema multiforme is a chronic relapsing disease that represents a therapeutic challenge. Our objective was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical–epidemiological characteristics and therapeutic response of patients with recurrent erythema multiforme and suggest a therapeutic protocol. We included patients with recurrent erythema multiforme diagnosed between January 2000 and December 2019. Clinical symptoms and a positive serology for herpes simplex virus were the inclusion criteria to initiate acyclovir in monotherapy or a combined treatment with dapsone, thalidomide, or immunosuppressants in refractory cases. Thirty‐five patients were included and 71.4% were female. The median disease onset age was 35.7 years and the mean follow‐up was 7.58 years. The skin was the most affected site (91.4%). Herpes simplex virus immunoglobulin (Ig)G serology was positive in 91.1% of cases. Acyclovir treatment was used in 33 of 35 patients, and complete remission was achieved in 22 of 33 after the first therapeutic course; 16 of 22 relapsed and required a second acyclovir cycle. Combined treatment with dapsone was required in nine of 33 due to partial response to acyclovir; thalidomide was an adjuvant drug in four of 33 due to adverse effects to dapsone. After the first cycle of acyclovir with or without combined therapy, 19 of 33 patients relapsed and received 2–6 additional cycles. Our results suggest that recurrent erythema multiforme presents a good response to acyclovir in monotherapy or in combined therapy with dapsone or thalidomide in the majority of patients. We propose a long‐term therapeutic protocol to enable disease remission.
Prosecutors, court communities, and policy change: The impact of internal DOJ reforms on federal prosecutorial practices*
Authors: Lynch Mona , Barno Matt , Omori Marisa
Published: July 2021

The current study examines how key internal U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) policy changes have been translated into front‐line prosecutorial practices. Extending courts‐as‐communities scholarship and research on policy implementation practices, we use U.S. Sentencing Commission data from 2004 to 2019 to model outcomes for several measures of prosecutorial discretion in federal drug trafficking cases, including the use of mandatory minimum charges and prosecutor‐endorsed departures, to test the impact of the policy changes on case processing outcomes. We contrast prosecutorial measures with measures that are more impervious to discretionary manipulation, such as criminal history, and those that represent judicial and blended discretion, including judicial departures and final sentence lengths. We find a significant effect of the policy reforms on how prosecutorial tools are used across DOJ policy periods, and we find variation across districts as a function of contextual conditions, consistent with the court communities literature. We also find that a powerful driver of changes in prosecutorial practices during our most recent period is the confirmation of individual Trump‐appointed U.S. Attorneys at the district level, suggesting an important theoretical place for midlevel actors in policy translation and implementation.
Experimental Evidence on Adoption and Impact of the System of Rice Intensification
Authors: Barrett Christopher B. , Islam Asad , Mohammad Malek Abdul , Pakrashi Debayan , Ruthbah Ummul
Published: July 2021

We report the results of a large‐scale, multi‐year experimental evaluation of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), an innovation that first emerged in Madagascar in the 1980s and has now diffused to more than fifty countries. Using a randomized training saturation design with a pure control group, we find that greater cross‐sectional or intertemporal intensity of direct or indirect training exposure to SRI has a sizable, positive effect on Bangladeshi farmers' propensity to adopt (and not to disadopt) SRI. We find large, positive, and significant impacts of SRI training on rice yields and profits, as well as multiple household well‐being indicators, for both trained and untrained farmers in training villages. We also find high rates of disadoption, and clear indications of non‐random selection into technology adoption conditional on randomized exposure to training, such that adopters and non‐adopters within the same treatment arm experience similar outcomes. Rice yields, profits, and household well‐being outcomes do not, however, vary at the intensive margin with intensity of training exposure, a finding consistent with multi‐object learning models.
The association between birth by caesarean section at term and offspring cognitive and academic performance: A birth cohort study
Authors: Blake Julie A. , Pelecanos Anita , Najman Jake M. , Callaway Leonie , Scott James G.
Published: July 2021

Background

Caesarean section (CS) is associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes for both mothers and offspring. The evidence for an association between CS and reduced offspring cognitive and academic performance has been inconsistent, with considerable limitations.

Aim

The aim of this study is to compare cognitive and academic performance in childhood and early adulthood in offspring delivered by CS with those delivered vaginally at term.

Materials and methods

Data on 4327 mothers and offspring from a longitudinal birth cohort study were analysed. Offspring cognitive performance was measured by the Picture Peabody Vocabulary Test‐Revised (PPVT‐R) at ages five and 21 and the Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices at age 14. Academic achievement was assessed using the Wide Range Achievement Test at age 14.

Results

After adjustment for confounding factors, there was no statistically significant association between cognitive performance and offspring birth mode at age five (P = 0.11). The adjusted difference of mean scores at five years on the PPVT‐R for elective CS birth compared to those born by vaginal delivery was −2.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) −4.3 to −0.2), whereas for emergency CS it was 0.0 (95% CI −2.0 to 2.0). There were no differences in cognitive or academic performance at ages 14 and 21.

Conclusion

Birth mode was not significantly associated with offspring cognitive or academic performance. Our study does not support concerns that CS is associated with a reduction in cognitive performance.
COVID‐19 response by New Zealand general surgical departments in tertiary metropolitan hospitals
Authors: Toh Karen Hui Qi , Barazanchi Ahmed , Rajaretnam Nigel S. , Tan Jeffrey , Linton Tara , Murray Mark , Fagan Paul , Koea Jonathan
Published: July 2021

Background

Worldwide, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has significantly challenged the delivery of healthcare. New Zealand (NZ) faced similar potential challenges despite being geographically isolated. Given the rapid change in the COVID‐19 pandemic, hospitals in NZ were tasked with formulating their own COVID‐19 responses based on the Ministry of Health's (MoH) recommendations.

Methods

This paper evaluates how six metropolitan general surgical departments in NZ had responded to COVID‐19 in terms of changes made to rosters, theatres, clinics, acute admissions as well as additional measures taken to reduce the risk of staff exposure. It also explores how NZ fared in comparison with international guidelines and recommendations. Data from each centre were provided by an appointed clinician.

Results

All centres had adapted new rosters and a restructuring of teams. Handovers, multidisciplinary team meetings and educational sessions were held virtually. Different strategies were implemented to ration hospital resources and reduce the risk of staff exposure. Non‐urgent operations, endoscopies and clinics were deferred with allocation of dedicated COVID‐19 operating theatres. Potential COVID‐19 suspects were screened prior to admission and treated separately. Various admission and imaging pathways were utilised to increase efficiency.

Conclusion

General surgical departments in NZ had implemented a comprehensive COVID‐19 response but there is room to work towards a more unified national response. Our analysis shows that these centres across NZ had taken a similar approach which was aligned with international practices.
The effect of socioeconomic deprivation on presentation stage and long‐term outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection in Western Sydney
Authors: MacDermid Ewan , Pasch James , Fok Kar Yin , Pasch Lachlan , Premaratne Chatika , Kotecha Krishna , Barto Walid , El Khoury Toufic
Published: July 2021

Background

While socioeconomic deprivation has been shown to affect survival in colorectal cancer, other factors such as global region of birth and ethnicity also exert an effect. We wished to ascertain the influence of socioeconomic deprivation on stage of presentation and cancer survival in an ethnically diverse Australian population.

Methods

Cases from a database of resections in Western Sydney (n = 1596) were stratified into cohorts of socioeconomic quintiles. Univariate analysis was used to compare demographics, AJCC stage and histopathological details between the least and most socioeconomically deprived groups. Kaplan–Meier analysis and log‐rank testing were used to compare cancer‐specific and all‐cause 5‐year survival between the most deprived quintile and all others, after case–control matching for age and overseas birth.

Results

A total of 322 (20.2%) patients from the most socioeconomically deprived centile, and 275 (17.2%) from the least were compared. The most deprived were significantly more likely to be aged under 70 (54.1% vs. 44.4%, p = 0.019), born overseas (54.3% vs. 38.6%, p = 0.003), present with stage III disease (37.4% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.005), perforated (12.5% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.005) or circumferential tumours (37% vs. 24.3%, p = 0.043). There was no significant difference in proportions presenting with metastatic disease, or 5‐year survival between the most deprived quintile and all others after correction for age and foreign birth.

Conclusions

Socioeconomic deprivation is associated with unfavourable colorectal cancer presentation stage but not poorer 5‐year survival in our Western Sydney population. The reasons for this are unclear and demand further attention.
Followership at a distance: Follower adjustment to distal leadership during COVID‐19
Authors: Carsten Melissa , Goswami Ashita , Shepard Agnieszka , Donnelly Lilah I.
Published: July 2021

Leader distance theory has received scant empirical attention in the extant literature; however, the “work from home” orders associated with COVID‐19 have made this theory and its empirical findings highly relevant for organizations. Our study integrates leader distance theory and followership theory to understand how follower role beliefs affect follower effort, performance, and withdrawal under physical leader distance and varying conditions of leader interaction frequency. Using a three‐wave survey methodology with 260 adults working remotely, our study finds that followers' levels of effort, performance, and withdrawal were contingent on leader interaction frequency. Specifically, followers with a coproduction role orientation, who see their role as more collaborative, reported higher levels of effort under conditions of high leader interaction. Furthermore, the indirect effect of coproduction on follower performance and withdrawal via effort was moderated by leader interaction frequency. The results for followers with passive role orientations, however, were in the opposite direction. These followers reported less effort when leader interaction was high, and the mediational chain predicting performance and withdrawal was contingent on leader interaction frequency. Our study contributes to the ongoing conversation about the positive and negative effects of leader distance and positions followership characteristics as important boundary conditions of distal leadership.
Social exchange relationships and exchange ideologies of employees and supervisors: A three‐way interaction toward employee creativity
Authors: Lee Soojin , Han Soojung , Byun Gukdo , Son Seung Yeon
Published: July 2021

This study aims to better understand the effects of social exchange relationships between employees and their organizations (perceived organizational support [POS]), and their leaders (leader–member exchange [LMX]) on their creativity. To this end, we investigated how exchange ideologies of employees and supervisors affect the relationship between POS/LMX and employee creativity using a three‐way interaction test. Building on the social exchange theory, the results from our sample of 254 leader–employee dyads indicated that the relationship between POS/LMX and employee creativity is significantly more positive for an employee with strong exchange ideology than for an employee with weak exchange ideology. Moreover, POS and LMX had the strongest positive relationships with creativity when both employees and supervisors had higher levels of exchange ideology. The implications of our results and future research directions are discussed.
Shaping classroom social experiences through collaborative small‐group discussions
Authors: Lin Tzu‐Jung , Kraatz Elizabeth , Ha Seung Yon , Hsieh Ming‐Yi , Glassman Michael , Nagpal Manisha , Sallade Rebecca , Shin Sangin
Published: July 2021

Background

Students form interpersonal and intrapersonal classroom social experiences with peers. While diverse intervention programmes have been developed, few have integrated social‐emotional learning into academic activities to maximize the potential for learning and development.

Aims

This study examined the effects of collaborative small‐group discussions on students’ classroom social experiences at the interpersonal and intrapersonal levels.

Sample

The study included 250 students (Mage = 10.98, female = 52%) and six teachers from 12 English language arts fifth‐grade classrooms in two public schools in the United States.

Methods

Students were assigned to one of three conditions: Collaborative Social Reasoning (CSR), Read‐Aloud (RA), or Regular Instruction (RI). Students in the CSR condition participated in recurrent collaborative small‐group discussions about stories related to complex social‐moral issues, including friendship, social exclusion, ethics of care, and responsibility. Students in the RA condition read the same stories without discussions.

Results

Collaborative Social Reasoning students were more socially accepted by peers and were less aggressive to others compared to students in the other conditions. RA students revealed more aggressive behaviour than other groups. In a post‐intervention interview, CSR students reported improved communication and group work strategies, ability to maintain harmonious relationships, and class participation. A higher proportion of CSR students in the CSR than the other conditions reported experiencing positive change in classroom relationships. Teacher interviews were used in conjunction with student interviews to triangulate conclusions from qualitative interview data.

Conclusion

Findings suggest effective ways to structure collaborative small‐group discussions to foster positive classroom social experiences with peers.
Governance through discipline in the neighbourhood: Syrian refugees and Turkish citizens in urban life
Authors: Saraçoğlu Cenk , Bélanger Danièle
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we contend that the regulation of refugees by means of discipline is not limited to camps; it also takes place within the context of urban life. This is particularly relevant for Turkey, where only 1.5% of the 3.7 million Syrian refugees live in the camps while the rest are dispersed across Turkish cities. Our fieldwork conducted in the city of İzmir indicates that the processes of governing refugees extend into the neighbourhoods through “informal” disciplinary techniques deployed by citizens. The disciplinary techniques could take various forms, such as socio‐spatial distancing and corporal violence. The discipline in the neighbourhoods sets limits on the Syrians’ collective presence in the city and inculcates the possible results they could face if they attempt to breach these limits. The disciplinary actions of the host community unfold in the context of the Turkish state's legal regulations and discursive strategies that circumscribe Syrians to a specific political position relative to the state and, by extension, to the citizens. The process of disciplining refugees in the neighbourhoods depoliticizes Syrian refugees by obstructing their collective will to contest their precarious status and the exploitative working conditions.
Resistance to first‐generation somatostatin receptor ligands does not impair the results of gamma knife radiosurgery in acromegaly
Authors: Losa Marco , Resmini Eugenia , Barzaghi Lina R. , Albano Luigi , Bailo Michele , Webb Susan M. , Mortini Pietro
Published: July 2021

Objective

Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has proven to be an effective adjuvant treatment for patients with acromegaly. We performed the present study to investigate, which would be the outcome of GKRS, independently on the response to somatostatin receptor ligand (SRL).

Design

Retrospective, observational study.

Patients

Ninety‐six patients with active acromegaly were included.

Measurements

The cumulative probability of normalisation of insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) levels after GKRS was assessed by the Kaplan–Meier method. The association of several clinical characteristics with GKRS outcomes was explored with the use of a Cox proportional‐hazard model with the relative hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Resistance to SRL occurred in 39 of the 96 patients (40.6%). After GKRS, patients resistant to SRL had a 5‐ and 10‐year probability of remission of 40.7% (95% CI: 23.7%–57.7%) and 75.9% (95% CI: 57.9%–93.9%), respectively. Patients responding to SRL had a 5‐ and 10‐year probability of remission of 46.8% (95% CI: 32.2%–61.4%) and 58.1% (95% CI: 41.5%–74.7%), respectively. The difference was not significant (p = .48 by the log‐rank test). Multivariate Cox analysis confirmed that the only independent variables associated with GKRS outcome were basal growth hormone (GH; p = .001) and IGF‐1 multiple of the upper limit of normal levels before GKRS (p = .013).

Conclusion

We demonstrate for the first time that the responsiveness to SRL has no effect on the probability to obtain remission of acromegaly after GKRS. The remission of disease occurred more frequently in patients who had lower GH and IGF‐1 levels before GKRS.
Cooling of bat hibernacula to mitigate white‐nose syndrome
Authors: Turner Gregory G. , Sewall Brent J. , Scafini Michael R. , Lilley Thomas M. , Bitz Daniel , Johnson Joseph S.
Published: July 2021

White‐nose syndrome (WNS) is a fungal disease that has caused precipitous declines in several North American bat species, creating an urgent need for conservation. We examined how microclimates and other characteristics of hibernacula have affected bat populations following WNS‐associated declines and evaluated whether cooling of warm, little‐used hibernacula could benefit bats. During the period following mass mortality (2013–2020), we conducted 191 winter surveys of 25 unmanipulated hibernacula and 6 manipulated hibernacula across Pennsylvania (USA). We joined these data with additional datasets on historical (pre‐WNS) bat counts and on the spatial distribution of underground sites. We used generalized linear mixed models and model selection to identify factors affecting bat populations. Winter counts of Myotis lucifugus were higher and increased over time in colder hibernacula (those with midwinter temperatures of 3–6 °C) compared with warmer (7–11 °C) hibernacula. Counts of Eptesicus fuscus, Myotis leibii, and Myotis septentrionalis were likewise higher in colder hibernacula (temperature effects = –0.73 [SE 0.15], –0.51 [0.18], and –0.97 [0.28], respectively). Populations of M. lucifugus and M. septentrionalis increased most over time in hibernacula surrounded by more nearby sites, whereas Eptesicus fuscus counts remained high where they had been high before WNS onset (pre‐WNS high count effect = 0.59 [0.22]). Winter counts of M. leibii were higher in hibernacula with high vapor pressure deficits (VPDs) (particularly over 0.1 kPa) compared with sites with lower VPDs (VPD effect = 15.3 [4.6]). Counts of M. lucifugus and E. fuscus also appeared higher where VPD was higher. In contrast, Perimyotis subflavus counts increased over time in relatively warm hibernacula and were unaffected by VPD. Where we manipulated hibernacula, we achieved cooling of on average 2.1 °C. At manipulated hibernacula, counts of M. lucifugus and P. subflavus increased over time (years since manipulation effect = 0.70 [0.28] and 0.51 [0.15], respectively). Further, there were more E. fuscus where cooling was greatest (temperature difference effect = –0.46 [SE 0.11]), and there was some evidence there were more P. subflavus in hibernacula sections that remained warm after manipulation. These data show bats are responding effectively to WNS through habitat selection. In M. lucifugus, M. septentrionalis, and possibly P. subflavus, this response is ongoing, with bats increasingly aggregating at suitable hibernacula, whereas E. fuscus remain in previously favored sites. Our results suggest that cooling warm sites receiving little use by bats is a viable strategy for combating WNS.
Consequences of migratory coupling of predators and prey when mediated by human actions
Authors: Singh Navinder J. , Ecke Frauke , Katzner Todd , Bagchi Sumanta , Sandström Per , Hörnfeldt Birger
Published: July 2021

Aim

Animal migrations influence ecosystem structure, dynamics and persistence of predator and prey populations. The theory of migratory coupling postulates that aggregations of migrant prey can induce large‐scale synchronized movements in predators, and this coupling is consequential for the dynamics of ecological communities. The degree to which humans influence these interactions remains largely unknown. We tested whether creation of large resource pulses by humans such as seasonal herding of reindeerRangifer tarandusand hunting of moose,Alces alces, can induce migratory coupling with Golden Eagles,Aquila chrysaetos,and whether these lead to demographic consequences for the eagles.

Location

Fennoscandia.

Methods

We used movement data from 32 tracked Golden Eagles spanning 125 annual migratory cycles over 8 years. We obtained reindeer distribution data through collaboration with reindeer herders based on satellite tracking of reindeer, and moose harvest data from the national hunting statistics for Sweden. We assessed demographic consequences for eagles from ingesting lead from ammunition fragments in moose carcasses through survival estimates and their links with lead concentrations in eagles' blood.

Results

In spring, eagles migrated hundreds of kilometres to be spatially and temporally coupled with calving reindeer, whereas in autumn, eagles matched their distribution with the location and timing of moose hunt. Juveniles were more likely to couple with reindeer calving, whereas adults were particularly drawn to areas of higher moose harvest. Due to this coupling, eagles ingested lead from spent ammunition in moose offal and carcasses and the resulting lead toxicity increased the risk of mortality by 3.4 times.

Main conclusions

We show how migratory coupling connects landscape processes and that human actions can influence migratory coupling over large spatial scales and increase demographic risks for predators. We provide vital knowledge towards resolving human–wildlife conflicts and the conservation of protected species over a large spatial and temporal scale.
Interrater and test–retest reliability of the Hand Assessment for Infants
Authors: Ullenhag Anna , Ek Linda , Eliasson Ann‐Christin , Krumlinde‐Sundholm Lena
Published: July 2021

Aim

To evaluate the interrater and test–retest reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM), and the smallest detectable difference (SDD) of the Hand Assessment for Infants (HAI).

Method

HAI assessments of 55 infants (26 females, 29 males), 25 with clinical signs of unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) and 30 typically developing (mean [SD] age 6.8mo [2.4], range 3–11mo), were scored individually by three therapists. Three clinically experienced occupational therapists (OT 1–OT 3) with extensive experience in using the HAI, independently scored the video recorded HAI play sessions. Analysis of the combined group of infants and just the infants with clinical signs of unilateral CP (12 females, 13 males; mean age 7.6mo [2.1]) were conducted. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC, 2.1), Bland–Altman plots, SEM, and SDD were calculated.

Results

Interrater and test–retest reliability were excellent for the Both Hands Measure (BoHM) and the Each Hand Sum score (EaHS), with ICCs of 0.96 to 0.99. For individual items, the interrater and test–retest reliability was good to excellent (ICC 0.81–0.99). The SDD for the EaHS was 2 points, and for the BoHM the SDD it was 3 HAI units for infants with signs of unilateral CP.

Interpretation

The HAI results showed good to excellent reliability. The SDDs were low, indicating that results beyond these levels exceed the measurement error and, thus, can be considered true changes.

What this study adds

The Hand Assessment for Infants (HAI) shows excellent reliability.

A change of ≥3 HAI units is considered a true change.

The HAI yields reliable measures for research and clinical practice.