bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of scarcity-inducing post-stockout disclosures on consumer response to stockouts
Authors: Kumar Pritosh , Hofer Adriana Rossiter , Peinkofer Simone
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Applying a middle-range theorizing to premises of signaling theory and the scarcity principle, this study aims to investigate the mechanisms and effects of different patterns of post-stockout disclosures that highlight the limited supply and high quality of a durable good on consumer satisfaction with the shopping experience and purchase intention, mediated by consumer perceived product scarcity.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses are tested with two scenario-based experiments. The first experiment—a between-subjects design—explores the effect of post-stockout disclosures on consumers' perceived scarcity, satisfaction, and purchase intention. The second experiment – a within-subject design – examines the impact of time on consumer responses to stockouts.

Findings

Results indicate that perceived product scarcity mediates the relationship between post-stockout disclosures and consumer outcomes. Specifically, post-stockout disclosures present an indirect positive effect on consumer purchase intention, despite reducing satisfaction beyond the effects of the stockout. These results are consistent when disclosures are sent through multiple channels. Results also show that consumers' perceived scarcity and purchase intention decrease over time while dissatisfaction levels remain the same when stockouts persist.

Practical implications

Even though consumers will be dissatisfied upon experiencing a stockout, specific patterns of post-stockout disclosures can be a valuable strategy for consumer retention and lost sales prevention.

Originality/value

While recent consumer-centric supply chain management literature has investigated mitigation strategies of detrimental consumer response to stockouts, such as “save-the-sale” tactics and price discounts, the mechanisms and effects of different patterns of post-stockouts disclosures highlighting the limited supply and high quality of the product are yet to be investigated.
Pay for performance in Brazilian primary health care: quality of work processes, actions and services
Authors: dos Anjos Davllyn Santos Oliveira , Scherer Magda Duarte dos Anjos , Cantalino Juliana Leal Ribeiro , da Silva Everton Nunes
Published: August 2023

Purpose

In 2011, Brazil introduced a national pay-for-performance (P4P) scheme called the National Program for Improving Primary Health Care Access and Quality (PMAQ), rolled out over three cycles and reaching more than 5,000 municipalities and 40,000 family health teams (FHTs). There is little evidence on how the PMAQ was implemented locally and whether this variation in implementation affects performance, particularly, in terms of work process indicators. This study compared different cases of municipal-level PMAQ implementation (bonuses paid or not to FHTs) over the last two program cycles to analyze the quality of the work processes, actions and services of FHTs.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a cross-sectional analytical study using secondary data from an external evaluation of the Brazilian PMAQ. In total, 27,500 FHTs participated in the evaluation. They were divided into four clusters based on whether or not municipalities paid bonuses to workers during cycles 2 and 3 of the program (2013–2019). Variables regarding work processes, actions and services were classified as “Quality Assurance – QA” or “Continued Quality Improvement – CQI”, and an individual score was assigned based on the average score of each variable.

Findings

The four clusters displayed an increase in overall QA and CQI scores between the two program cycles; though this increase was small between the set of primary health care teams that received bonuses and those that did not.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to bridging the gap in the scientific literature for evaluative studies on the relationship between direct payment for performance to health professionals and better quality actions and services in low and middle-income countries.
Does my boss’s boss matter? Examining the effects of teleworking and manager quality on employee job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wesemann Andrew
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study explicitly explores the moderating role of management quality, at multiple organizational levels, in the relationship between telework and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs fixed effects regression with clustered robust standard errors at the departmental level to account for the multilevel nature of the data.

Findings

The results of fixed effects analyses suggest that when the quality of one's direct supervisor and the quality of their supervisor's manager is high, the relationship between job satisfaction and telework frequency becomes stronger and positive.

Originality/value

This research illuminates the crucial moderating role of management quality at multiple organizational levels in the relationship between telework and employee job satisfaction during an unprecedented workforce shock.
Co-agglomeration of the culture and tourism industries in Chinese cities
Authors: Song Changyao , Zhang Qi , Li Xinjian , Zhang Anni
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The interaction between the culture and tourism industries is naturally concentrated in cities. However, the effect of their co-agglomeration on urban tourism development depends on their level of integration. This study aims to answer the following questions: Can culture–tourism co-agglomeration promote the development of the tourism economy? Is the effect of culture–tourism co-agglomeration on tourism development moderated by culture–tourism integration? Does culture–tourism co-agglomeration have spatial spillover effects?

Design/methodology/approach

Taking 262 prefecture-level cities in China from 2009 to 2019 as the research sample, this study measures the degree of culture–tourism co-agglomeration using a co-agglomeration index and measured culture–tourism integration using a coupling coordination degree model. Using a threshold model and a spatial econometric model, this study examined the effect of culture–tourism co-agglomeration on urban tourism development.

Findings

Culture–tourism co-agglomeration had a positive effect on the urban tourism economy, and the effect differed according to geographical location and city grade. Moreover, culture–tourism co-agglomeration’s effect on the urban tourism economy was affected by the level of culture–tourism integration. When the level of culture–tourism integration crossed the threshold, the positive effect of culture–tourism co-agglomeration on the urban tourism economy will be enhanced. Finally, culture–tourism co-agglomeration had positive spatial spillover effects on surrounding cities.

Originality/value

This study integrated culture–tourism co-agglomeration, culture–tourism integration and urban tourism economy into the same research framework and innovatively analyzed the effect of the scale and quality of culture–tourism interaction on the urban tourism economy.
When cause familiarity leads to positive attitudes toward brands in a cause–brand alliance: a cross-cultural study during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rezaee Vessal Saeedeh , Partouche Judith , Khelladi Insaf , Castellano Sylvaine , Orhan Mehmet , Sorio Rossella
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Building on construal level theory and applying the hypothetical distance dimension, this cross-cultural study (individualistic vs collectivistic culture) aims to explore the effects of cause familiarity on individuals' attitudes toward a brand and how cause–brand fit mediates this relationship. Furthermore, this study explores how perceived betrayal moderates the relationship between cause–brand fit and attitude toward a brand.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research design was adopted. Data collection was performed through snowball sampling of French and Turkish participants (N = 455). The collected data were then analyzed using the PROCESS macro for SPSS.

Findings

The results reveal a significant effect of cause familiarity on attitude toward the brand, wherein one's attitude toward fit in a cause–brand alliance serves as a mediator in this relationship. The results also indicate that perceived betrayal moderates the relationship between cause–brand fit and attitude toward a brand. However, when it comes to facing a global pandemic, culture has no significant effect on consumers' perceptions and attitudes toward cause–brand alliances.

Originality/value

This research investigates the enhancement of attitudes toward a brand through an alliance with a familiar cause and explains this relationship via attitudes toward fit in such an alliance. Moreover, it provides novel insights into perceived betrayal as a variable that can lead to a more pronounced relationship between attitude toward fit and attitude toward a brand.
Commodity trading and inflation: ground reality in India using bivariate GARCH models
Authors: Rastogi Shailesh , Kanoujiya Jagjeevan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The nexus of commodity prices with inflation is one of the main concerns for a nation's economy like India. The literature does not have enough volatility-based study, especially using the multivariate GRACH family of models to find a link between these two. It is the main reason for the conduct of this study. This paper aims to estimate the volatility effects of commodity prices on inflation.

Design/methodology/approach

For ten years (2011–2022), future prices of selected seven agriculture commodities and inflation indices (wholesale price index [WPI] and consumer price index [CPI]) are gathered every month. BEKK GARCH model (BGM) and DCC GARCH model (DGM) are employed to determine the volatility effect of commodity prices (CPs) on inflation.

Findings

The authors find that volatility's short-term (shock) impact on agricultural CPs to inflation does not exist. However, the long-term volatility spillover effect (VSE) is significant from commodities to inflation.

Practical implications

The study's findings have a significant implication for the policymakers to take a long-term view on inflation management regarding commodity prices. The findings can facilitate policy on the choice of commodities and the flexibility of their trading on the commodities derivatives market.

Originality/value

The findings of the study are unique. The authors do not observe any study on the volatility effect of agri-commodities (agricultural commodities) prices on inflation in India. This paper applies advanced techniques to provide novel and reliable evidence. Hence, this research is believed to contribute significantly to the knowledge body through its novel evidence and advanced approach.
How's the boss? Integration of the health-oriented leadership concept into the job demands-resources theory
Authors: Arnold Miriam , Rigotti Thomas
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Health-oriented leadership (HoL) encompasses leaders' health behaviors and attitudes toward their followers (StaffCare) and themselves (SelfCare), and there is ample evidence of its positive effects on employee well-being. However, research on the antecedents of StaffCare is still in its infancy and does not account for within-person variability. Therefore, the authors adopt a leader-centered perspective and propose a serial mediation model that links leaders' intrapersonal fluctuations in job resources and demands to StaffCare, mediated by leaders' SelfCare, work engagement and emotional exhaustion.

Design/methodology/approach

Over five working weeks, 234 school principals responded to a weekly questionnaire, resulting in a total of 956 responses. Multilevel structural equation models were used for analysis.

Findings

The data supported SelfCare as a mechanism in leaders' motivational and health-impairment processes. The proposed serial mediation of the relationship between job resources and StaffCare via leader SelfCare and work engagement was also supported.

Practical implications

The study can guide job redesign for leaders by highlighting the role of job resources. Investing in interventions aimed at the SelfCare of leaders is likely to have a positive impact on their leadership.

Originality/value

These findings suggest that job characteristics and the leader's well-being shape leader cognitions and behaviors. Therefore, the authors suggest integrating the HoL model into the job demands–resources (JD-R) model for leaders.
Autism for the professions: one university, three colleges and one undergraduate course
Authors: Carlson Mary , Krueger Wendy , Van Hecke Amy
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper discusses the elements of successful university-level, cross-disciplinary course development using best practices to foster richer relational networks and to meet the complex demands of education and treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Design/methodology/approach

The three authors created and taught a class on best practices in autism nine times. The authors assessed the knowledge base and attitudinal changes of undergraduates (most in psychology, speech pathology and audiology, and education) for two of the nine cohorts who were being prepared to work with individuals with ASD.

Findings

Pre- and postmeasures indicated significant improvement in knowledge and a predisposition to working in interdisciplinary teams. Anecdotally, a number of students indicated in course evaluations that this was their best undergraduate course.

Practical implications

The program development and research have pertinent implications for faculty who are preparing students for professions in which teamwork will be expected, for faculty preparing students to work with individuals with ASD and for any faculty who wish to engage in cross-disciplinary, collaborative teaching.

Originality/value

This is a unique look at best practices of college course development and best practices of the multiple professional fields for which students were being prepared. It was done across three different colleges within a university.
Modeling the factors affecting the internal auditor silence behavior
Authors: Ebrahimi Fahime , Sarikhani Mehdi , Rostami Amin
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the silence of internal auditors. To this end, the impacts of the perceived climate of silence, professional commitment, independence commitment, role conflict and role ambiguity on internal auditor silence have been investigated. Furthermore, the effects of role conflict and role ambiguity through independence commitment on internal auditor silence were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The statistical population of the study consisted of Iranian internal auditors in 2021. The study used a self-administered survey of 217 internal auditors. In this research, a hierarchical component model in the partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis was used to examine the hypotheses.

Findings

The results of testing the hypotheses indicated that the perceived climate of silence and role ambiguity have positive effects, and professional commitment and independence commitment have negative effects on internal auditor silence. Furthermore, role conflict has an insignificant effect on internal auditor silence. In addition, role conflict and role ambiguity affect the internal auditor silence through the independence commitment.

Originality/value

This study examined the factors affecting the internal auditor silence by combining the construct of the perceived climate of silence that has been previously discussed in the field of management with the professional (professional commitment and independence commitment) and role (role conflict and role ambiguity) factors that are discussed in the internal audit profession. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that examines the factors affecting internal auditor silence behavior. The importance of conducting this study is that it investigates a phenomenon among internal auditors that conflicts with the mission and origin of internal audit.
Exploring the role of employability: the relationship between health-promoting leadership, workplace relational civility and employee engagement
Authors: Zhang Chunyu , Liu Liping
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Drawing upon self-determination theory, this study investigates the direct and indirect impact of health-promoting leadership on employee engagement via workplace relational civility and explores the moderating effect of employability on these factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected a total of 723 matched and valid responses from nurses in Guangxi, China. Data regarding health-promoting leadership, workplace relational civility, employability and employee engagement were gathered using a survey administered in two waves, 1 week apart. The authors utilised structural equation modelling and linear regression to test the model.

Findings

This study reveals that health-promoting leadership has both direct and indirect positive effects on nurses' engagement through workplace relational civility. Furthermore, the authors found that employability negatively moderates the impact of workplace relational civility on nurses' engagement but does not moderate the impact of health-promoting leadership on nurses' engagement.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies that have examined the effects of health-promoting leadership within the nursing industry. The authors confirm the importance of health-promoting leadership and workplace relationship civility on employee engagement. In addition, this study demonstrates the moderating role of employability in employment relationships.
Start-up sustainability: does blockchain adoption drives sustainability in start-ups? A systematic literature reviews
Authors: Sreenivasan Aswathy , Suresh M.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a literature review of the past literature on the use of blockchain for attaining sustainability in start-ups, covering major characteristics of current findings, limitations and prospective study possibilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Papers that included the term “Blockchain,” “Sustainability” and “Start-ups” were considered for the analysis. Biblioshiny package under the R programming tool was considered for a detailed paper analysis.

Findings

Numerous sectors are quickly adopting blockchain technology, which has enormous potential to remove middlemen and boost sustainability in start-ups.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to 147 papers from the Scopus database through 2022.

Practical implications

This paper stresses the crucial part that blockchain technology has played in igniting a conversation about innovation and technology. This research will aid in advancing the researcher’s knowledge of blockchain technology in start-ups.

Social implications

Blockchain technology will give transparency and sustainable product or services to consumers of the start-ups.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research is based on its presentation of an organized and thorough literature evaluation, which defines the current state of the art concerning the use of blockchain for sustainability in start-ups. To create a sustainable start-up, a thorough study of how the information gained in respect of its implementation might be spread into the start-ups is presented.
Review of research on option pricing: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Sharma Prashant , Sharma Dinesh Kumar , Gupta Prashant
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Option pricing theory enables computation of the price of an option using different variables associated with the underlying security and options contract. The purpose of this study is to assess research trends that emerged in the field of option pricing. This study reviews existing literature of the option pricing domain, both qualitatively and quantitatively, and identifies potential themes for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts bibliometric analysis method to explore literature published in the option pricing domain. As part of bibliometric analysis, this study considers both descriptive and network analysis to assess publication trends. For descriptive analysis, the “bibliometrix” package proposed by Aria and Cuccurullo (2017) is used and for network analysis, VOS viewer (Van Eck and Waltman, 2017) and Gephi (Bastian et al., 2009) are used.

Findings

This study identifies research trends, top researchers, articles, journals and contributions from institutions and countries in the option pricing domain. It identifies four clusters that show different directions and also focuses on past studies on the same subject. It explores research gaps by performing an in-depth analysis of existing literature on option pricing and suggests the way forward for research in this area.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous studies have attempted to analyze the literature published in the option pricing domain. This study fulfils this research gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of studies in the option pricing area. This study identifies quality research work published in the domain, research trends, contribution by most relevant researchers, contributions across geographies and institutions and the connections among these aspects. This study also identifies important themes and provides directions for future research.
A study on aerodynamic noise characteristics of a high-speed maglev train with a speed of 600 km/h
Authors: Zhang Jie , Wu Yuwei , Gao Jianyong , Gao Guangjun , Yang Zhigang
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the formation mechanism of aerodynamic noise of a high-speed maglev train and understand the characteristics of dipole and quadrupole sound sources of the maglev train at different speed levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on large eddy simulation (LES) method and Kirchhoff–Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (K-FWH) equations, the characteristics of dipole and quadrupole sound sources of maglev trains at different speed levels were simulated and analyzed by constructing reasonable penetrable integral surface.

Findings

The spatial disturbance resulting from the separation of the boundary layer in the streamlined area of the tail car is the source of aerodynamic sound of the maglev train. The dipole sources of the train are mainly distributed around the radio terminals of the head and tail cars of the maglev train, the bottom of the arms of the streamlined parts of the head and tail cars and the nose tip area of the streamlined part of the tail car, and the quadrupole sources are mainly distributed in the wake area. When the train runs at three speed levels of 400, 500 and 600 km·h−1, respectively, the radiated energy of quadrupole source is 62.4%, 63.3% and 71.7%, respectively, which exceeds that of dipole sources.

Originality/value

This study can help understand the aerodynamic noise characteristics generated by the high-speed maglev train and provide a reference for the optimization design of its aerodynamic shape.
Abuse of power influencing sexual harassment behaviour in Pakistani sports
Authors: Sarwar Nabila
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The prevalence of sexual harassment (SH) in Pakistan can be traced back to deeply ingrained cultural ideas, myths and practices that justify and normalize such behavior. This prevalence justifies the need to uncover the factors behind this phenomenon.  As a result, a more detailed mechanism of how and why abuse of power (AOP) can influence female athletes' perceptions of SH behaviors is needed. This study aims to investigate the indirect effects of gender stereotyping in sports (GSS) and benevolent sexism (BS) using sequential mediation.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected data from 398 female athletes at football sports clubs in Pakistan. The SEM-PM technique was applied to determine whether these factors are linked to an increased risk of female athlete SH.

Findings

The direct relationship between AOP and SH was discovered to be positive and significantly associated with SH, where GSS and BS sequentially mediate the relationship between AOP and SH.

Research limitations/implications

This research provided valuable insights and data related to perceptions of athletes of SH in sports in Pakistan that can lead to the development of effective policies and introduce preventative measures. By addressing this problem, study advises sports governance officers and directors to establish policies, protocols and procedures, including periodic training and dissemination of the policy, subsequent review of its effectiveness, and successful reactions to sexual contact. To ensure that criminal and disciplinary provisions are applied by providing specialized training to the staff of sports organizations.

Originality/value

Primary data collection and analysis were focused.
The scope for using international indicators of inclusive education in Kuwait and GCC countries: A preliminary study involving special education teachers
Authors: Al‐Shammari Zaid N. , Mintz Joseph
Published: August 2023

In both the literature on inclusive education and in international policy development, there has been considerable interest in the use of sets of indicators for the implementation of inclusive education at national and local levels. Drawing on sets of indicators developed in Europe and the Pacific Islands, this study proposes a set of such indicators for Kuwait. These indicators are then presented in a survey of 161 special education teachers working in public elementary mainstream schools across Kuwait. Analysis of the results is used to explore how such indicators could play a role in promoting policy implementation for inclusive education in Kuwait and more widely in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
The intensification of parenting and generational fracturing of spontaneous physical activity from childhood play in the United Kingdom
Authors: Day John
Published: August 2023

Despite an increased drive over the past two decades in Western societies to promote children’s physically active play to improve their health, there are concerns that childhood has become less physically active. There are also fears that a previously naturally occurring aspect of childhood has become less authentically playful. Both trends highlight changes over time in the amount and type of play practiced by children and are often cited as consequences of generational shifts. Yet, research which analytically employs the concept of generation to connect changes to childhood with relevant social transformations is lacking. Inspired by Mannheim’s conceptualisation of generations, this paper draws on life history interviews with 28 United Kingdom residents born between 1950 and 1994 to propose a fracturing of naturally occurring physical activity from childhood play. As shifts in childhood and parenting have become inextricably linked, this argument illustrates the impact of an intensification to parenting upon greater parental surveillance of increasingly organised forms of childhood physical activity at the expense of spontaneous play. Future physical activity policy should be sensitive to the social climate in which recommendations for children are made, as this places expectations upon parents due to how childhood is currently understood within neoliberal contexts.
The effects of rational emotive behavioural and relaxation therapies on mathematics anxiety among deaf learners
Authors: Adigun Olufemi Timothy , Kent Chedza Denise , Khanare Fumane , Matsie Nthama
Published: August 2023

There is yet a concerted effort directed to ameliorate mathematics anxiety (MA) among deaf learners especially in Nigeria. Hence, this study examined the effects of rational emotive behavioural and relaxation therapies on MA among deaf learners. The study adopted the quantitative quasi‐experimental research design. A purposive sampling method was adopted to select three schools for the deaf in Oyo state. A random sampling procedure was employed to select 60 deaf learners who were assigned to two experimental groups and the control group. The Mathematics Anxiety Scale was used to screen participants, while a Mathematics Achievement Test was used for data collection. Data gathered were analysed using analysis of covariance and a descriptive chart. Findings revealed the efficacy of the two therapeutic interventions on the reduction of MA among the participants. The estimated mean difference between the treatments (rational emotive behavioural therapy = 5.537; relaxation therapy = 3.867) and control groups (1.670) showed higher potency of rational emotive behavioural therapy for reduction in MA among deaf learners than relaxation therapy. Based on the findings, it is important that mathematics teaching environment should be rich with tangible instructional materials that speak specifically to the emotion and cognitions of deaf learners.
DNA metabarcoding reveals seasonal changes in diet composition across four arthropod‐eating lizard species (Phrynosomatidae: Sceloporus)
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ Mauricio , HEREIRA‐PACHECO Stephanie , ALBERDI Antton , DÍAZ DE LA VEGA‐PÉREZ Aníbal H. , ESTRADA‐TORRES Arturo , ANCONA Sergio , NAVARRO‐NOYA Yendi E.
Published: August 2023

Diet composition and its ecological drivers are rarely investigated in coexisting closely related species. We used a molecular approach to characterize the seasonal variation in diet composition in four spiny lizard species inhabiting a mountainous ecosystem. DNA metabarcoding revealed that the lizards Sceloporus aeneus, S. bicanthalis, S. grammicus, and S. spinosus mostly consumed arthropods of the orders Hemiptera, Araneae, Hymenoptera, and Coleoptera. The terrestrial lizards S. aeneus and S. bicanthalis mostly predated ants and spiders, whereas the arboreal–saxicolous S. grammicus and saxicolous S. spinosus largely consumed grasshoppers and leafhoppers. The taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of the prey was higher during the dry season than the rainy season, likely because reduced prey availability in the dry season forced lizards to diversify their diets to meet their nutritional demands. Dietary and phylogenetic composition varied seasonally depending on the species, but only dietary composition varied with altitude. Seasonal dietary turnover was greater in S. spinosus than in S. bicanthalis, suggesting site‐specific seasonal variability in prey availability; no other differences among species were observed. S. bicanthalis, which lives at the highest altitude in our study site, displayed interseasonal variation in diet breadth. Dietary differences were correlated with the species’ feeding strategies and elevational distribution, which likely contributed to the coexistence of these lizard species in the studied geographic area and beyond.
Kimura's disease as a mimicker of cavernous hemangioma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wen‐Chieh Teng , Kuan‐Hui Yu , Li‐Yu Lee , Chih‐Chun Lee , Shao‐Chieh Chang , Sing‐Ya Chang , Tien‐Ming Chan
Published: August 2023

Kimura's disease (KD) is an immune‐mediated disorder which mainly affects Asian men. It appears as head and neck subcutaneous masses, with inflammatory infiltrate and elevated serum immunoglobulin E levels. The clinical presentation of KD resembles that of various diseases. Here, we report the case of a 30‐year‐old Filipino man with KD mimicking cavernous hemangioma who was treated by surgery. Careful survey for possible KD cases is crucial. Misdiagnoses are prone to futile interventions and unwanted effects. Surgery with adjuvant therapy is superior to other forms of KD treatment.
Downregulation of Krüppel‐like factor 14 accelerated cellular senescence and aging
Authors: Hou Yuli , Song Qiao , Wang Yaqi , Liu Jing , Cui Yuting , Zhang Xiaomin , Zhang Jingjing , Fu Jingxuan , Cao Min , Zhang Chi , Liu Congcong , Wang Xiaoling , Duan Huanli , Wang Peichang
Published: August 2023

Aging has been considered as a risk factor in many diseases, thus, comprehensively understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of delayed aging is important. Here we investigated whether Krüppel‐like factor 14 (KLF14) is a suppressor of cellular senescence and aging. In our research, KLF14 levels significantly decreased not only in the lymphocytes of healthy people but also in the cells and tissues of mice with aging. We performed in vitro and in vivo experiments on cells and mice to reveal the function of KLF14 in aging. KLF14 deficiency facilitates cellular senescence and aging‐related pathologies in C57BL/6J mice, whereas KLF14 overexpression attenuates cellular senescence. Mechanistically, KLF14 delays aging by binding to the POLD1 promoter to positively regulate POLD1 expression. Remarkably, cellular senescence mediated by KLF14 downregulation could be alleviated by POLD1 expression. In addition, perhexiline, an agonist of KLF14, could delay cellular senescence and aging‐related pathologies in senescence‐accelerated P8 mice by inducing POLD1 expression, as perhexiline could enhance the effect of KLF14's transcription activation to POLD1 by elevating the binding level of KLF14 to the POLD1 promoter. Our data indicate that KLF14 might be a critical element in aging by upregulating POLD1 expression, indicating that the activation of KLF14 may delay aging and aging‐associated diseases.
The new normal? Cluster farming and smallholder commercialization in Ethiopia
Authors: Dureti Guyo Godana , Tabe‐Ojong Martin Paul Jr. , Owusu‐Sekyere Enoch
Published: August 2023

Cluster farming is increasingly recognized as a viable means of improving smallholder economic integration and commercialization in many developing countries. However, little is known about its impact on smallholder welfare and livelihoods. We examine the relationship between cluster farming and smallholder commercialization using a large‐scale survey of 3969 farm households in Ethiopia cultivating high‐acreage crops such as teff, wheat, maize, barley, and sesame. Using switching regressions and instrumental variable estimators, we show that cluster farming is associated with commercialization measured as commercialization index, market surplus value, and market price. To further deal with endogeneity concerns, we also employ some pseudo‐panel models where we observe similar insights. Beyond this, we account for heterogeneities by disaggregating households based on farm scales and crops cultivated. Our findings show that cluster farming is positively associated with commercialization for all farms and crop types despite this disaggregation. However, the related gains are higher among medium and large farms and vary per crop type. These findings imply that cluster farming is crucial in improving smallholder commercialization and may be a critical entry and leveraging point for policy. We thus lend support to initiatives and plans that seek to upscale cluster farming as they can potentially improve smallholder commercialization with ensuing impacts on rural livelihoods and welfare.
Evaluation of an online education program for healthcare professionals on best practice management of perinatal deaths: IMPROVE eLearning
Authors: Medeiros Poliana de Barros , Flenady Vicki , Andrews Christine , Forbes Madeline , Boyle Fran , Loughnan Siobhan A. , Meredith Natasha , Gordon Adrienne
Published: August 2023

Background

The IMPROVE (IMproving Perinatal Mortality Review and Outcomes Via Education) eLearning, developed by the Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence in partnership with the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand was launched in December 2019. Based on the successful face‐to‐face program, the eLearning aims to increase availability and accessibility of high‐quality online education to healthcare professionals providing care for families around the time of perinatal death, to improve the delivery of respectful and supportive clinical care and increase best practice investigation of perinatal deaths.

Aims

To evaluate participants' reported learning outcomes (change in knowledge and confidence) and overall acceptability of the program.

Methods

Pre‐ and post‐eLearning in‐built surveys were collected over two years (Dec. 2019–Nov. 2021), with a mix of Likert and polar questions. Pre‐ and post‐eLearning differences in knowledge and confidence were assessed using McNemar's test. Subgroup analysis of overall acceptability by profession was assessed using Pearson's χ2.

Results

One thousand, three hundred and thirty‐nine participants were included. The majority were midwives (80.2%, n = 1074). A significant improvement in knowledge and confidence was shown across all chapters (P < 0.01). The chapter showing the greatest improvement was perinatal mortality audit and classification (21.5% pre‐ and 89.2% post‐education). Over 90% of respondents agreed the online education was relevant, helpful, acceptable, engaging. Importantly, 80.7% of participants considered they were likely to change some aspect of their clinical practice after the eLearning. There was no difference in responses to relevance and acceptability of the eLearning program by profession.

Conclusions

The IMPROVE eLearning is an acceptable and engaging method of delivery for clinical education, with the potential to improve care and management of perinatal deaths.
Assessing medical student satisfaction with rural placement: The Australian Rural Clinical School Support Survey
Authors: Elliott Jasmine , Luk Michelle , Varshney Karan , Williams Kyle , Wright Julian
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Australia has a doctor shortage in rural settings, and rural placements for medical students have an important role in increasing the likelihood of students staying in rural settings throughout their careers. However, to date there is limited research regarding medical student perceptions of rural placement quality.

Objective

We aimed to determine factors that impact the overall medical student experience during rural placements.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

Rural/remote clinical schools across Australia.

Participants

Medical students on rural/remote clinical placements for at least 6 months.

Main outcome measures

To assess factors impacting student experience on rural placements, we conducted a cross‐sectional survey, known as the Australian Rural Clinical School Support Survey (ARCSSS) which was completed online by medical students across Australia. Demographic data were collected in addition to responses regarding academic teaching, extracurricular activities, and support services. Multiple choice and Likert scale questions were utilised.

Results

A total of 107 responses to our survey were analysed. The majority of participants were female (66.4%), and in their middle years of clinical education (55.1%). Overall, respondents showed high levels of satisfaction with clinical school supervisors, and clinical education. A high proportion of respondents indicated minimal accessibility of health and other support services. While a large proportion of participants indicated satisfaction with the rural placements, it was demonstrated that students were generally dissatisfied with school wellness activities and extracurricular activities. Financial insecurity was noted.

Conclusion

The findings from our survey indicate there are numerous areas in which rural placements have been effective for medical students, and others in which improvement is needed. Furthermore, more research is required to better develop well‐being initiatives that are effective in improving overall experience.
Evaluation of androgen receptor markers in erectile dysfunction
Authors: Khodamoradi Kajal , Campbell Katherine , Arora Himanshu , Ramasamy Ranjith
Published: August 2023

Background

Steroid hormones, such as testosterone, play a crucial role in modulating the development of male internal and external genitalia as well as secondary sex characteristics by binding to the androgen receptor. Once bound, androgen receptor operates as an inducible transcription factor, interacting with a multitude of co‐regulators to initiate various downstream signaling pathways. The androgen saturation hypothesis posits that beyond a specific threshold, androgen receptor binding and functionality remain unaltered despite an increase in serum testosterone levels.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to explore the expression of these proteins in penile tissue samples from men with severe erectile dysfunction to enhance our understanding of the influence of serum testosterone on androgen receptor function.

Materials and Methods

Patients undergoing surgical management for high‐grade ED at our institution were invited to participate in the study. During inflatable penile prosthesis surgery, corpus cavernosum biopsy was obtained. Protein was extracted from each sample for western blot analysis which was probed with androgen receptor, heme oxygenase, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and phosphodiesterase type 5 antibodies with GAPDH for protein normalization.

Results

12 men agreed to participate in this study. Serum testosterone levels were obtained from all participants on the morning of their surgery. The median testosterone level was 300.15 ng/dL. Our findings revealed a decrease in androgen receptor and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression at serum testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL (p = 0.022, 0.03). Similarly, hemeoxygenase and phosphodiesterase type 5 expression levels were significantly lower at serum T concentrations below 200 ng/dL (p = 0.017, 0.014).

Discussion and Conclusion

These data showed a significant decrease in the expression of proteins downstream of the androgen receptor at lower serum T levels. This suggests a potential correlation between serum T concentration and androgen receptor signaling and supports a potential saturation value between 200 and 300 ng/dL.
Topical non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs for central serous chorioretinopathy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Larsson Janni M. E. , Boberg‐Ans Lars C. , Vangsted Andreas , van Dijk Elon H. C. , Grauslund Jakob , Hajari Javad N. , Klefter Oliver N. , Schneider Miklos , Subhi Yousif
Published: August 2023

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a prevalent exudative maculopathy and the ongoing verteporfin shortage restricts current treatment possibilities. Topical non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) have previously been proposed as a treatment for CSC, although its exact efficacy remains unclear. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we outlined the efficacy of topical NSAIDs for the treatment of CSC. We searched 11 literature databases on 13 December 2022, for any study describing topical NSAID treatment for CSC. Thirteen eligible studies were included with a total of 1001 eyes of 994 patients with CSC. Six studies were case reports, two were cohort studies and five were non‐randomized comparative studies. Where specified, topical NSAIDs used were bromfenac 0.09%, diclofenac 0.1%, ketorolac 0.4% and 0.5%, pranoprofen 0.1%, and nepafenac 0.1% and 0.3%. Studies were predominantly of cases with acute CSC and several case studies reported treatment outcomes simultaneously with discontinuation of corticosteroid use, which complicated treatment evaluation. Meta‐analyses of comparative studies revealed a statistically significant but clinically irrelevant best‐corrected visual acuity improvement of −0.04 logMAR (95% CI: −0.07 to −0.01 logMAR; p = 0.01) at 1‐month follow‐up, which became statistically insignificant at 3‐month follow‐up (−0.03 logMAR; 95% CI: −0.06 to 0.003 logMAR; p = 0.08). Further, we found no benefit in complete subretinal fluid resolution at 1‐month follow‐up (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.81–1.76; p = 0.37) or 3‐month follow‐up (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.86 to 1.59; p = 0.33). Taken together, available evidence does not support the use of topical NSAIDs for the treatment of CSC.
Non‐invasive biomarkers for close activity monitoring in birdshot chorioretinitis: Optical coherence tomography angiography and beyond
Authors: Moll‐Udina Aina , Dotti‐Boada Marina , Miguel Lucía , Rodríguez Anabel , Gascón Jesús , Sainz de la Maza Maite , Adán Civera Alfredo Manuel , Molins Blanca , Llorenç Victor
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to identify non‐invasive imaging biomarkers potentially useful for close activity monitoring in birdshot chorioretinitis (BSCR).

Methods

Cross‐sectional study of BSCR eyes included as per Levinson's and/or SUN criteria. Eyes were blindly classified into active or inactive groups per clinical inflammatory parameters, ultra‐widefield (UWF) pseudocolour images, UWF fluorescein angiography (FA) and macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) cube. Qualitative and quantitative OCT and OCT‐angiography (OCT‐A) parameters at the fundus, superonasal and inferonasal fields were compared between active and inactive eyes.

Results

Thirty consecutive BSCR patients (60 eyes) were analysed. 28 eyes (46.66%) were from women and the overall mean age was 59.7 ± 12.3 years. Active eyes showed an abnormal retinal thickening at inferonasal field (nasal retinal thickness) and a higher averaged thickened retinal index (ATRI) (72.36 active vs. 20.12 inactive, p < 0.0001). A significant moderate correlation was observed between ATRI and FA scores (r = 0.259, p = 0.022). Macular vascular loops were more frequent in the superficial vascular plexus of OCT‐A in the active eyes (p = 0.028). The vascular perfusion index tended to be higher in all subfields of active eyes but did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Multimodal imaging could be key to discerning activity in BSCR eyes. Higher ATRI and the presence of vascular loops in the superficial plexus are potential non‐invasive activity biomarkers for the close monitoring of BSCR.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: Significant histological changes among treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis B patients with normal alanine aminotransferase levels by different criteria
Authors: Li Shun , Shi Lichen , Xu Xiaoqian , Wang Hao , You Hong , Jia Jidong , Kong Yuanyuan
Published: August 2023

Background

The upper limits of normal (ULNs) of ALT are not consistent across the major international guidelines which may affect the eligibility for antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Aim

To estimate the proportions of histological changes among treatment‐naïve patients with CHB within differently defined ALT ULNs.

Methods

We searched PubMed and Embase up to May 15th, 2023, to identify studies of treatment‐naïve CHB patients with liver biopsies. We pooled proportions of moderate to severe necroinflammation, significant fibrosis, and cirrhosis in those patients within different ALT ULNs by using random‐effect models.

Results

We included 23 studies with 4010 participants. Within ALT ULN at 40 IU/L, the pooled proportions of moderate to severe necroinflammation, significant fibrosis, and cirrhosis were 33% (95% CI: 26%–42%), 32% (95% CI: 27%–38%), and 3% (95% CI: 1%–5%), respectively. Within ALT ULN at 30 IU/L for men and 19 IU/L for women, the pooled proportion of significant fibrosis remained at 30% (95% CI: 25%–34%; 432 participants). However, it was 21% (95% CI: 11%–37%; 361 participants) even in those within ALT ULN at 20 IU/L. Subgroup analyses suggested a significantly higher proportion of significant fibrosis among studies with prospective design or enrolled patients' mean age >35 or >40 years.

Conclusions

Significant histological changes occurred in approximately 1/3 of treatment‐naïve CHB patients within ALT ULN at 40 IU/L, whereas the proportion of significant fibrosis was approximately 1/5 even in those within ALT ULN at 20 IU/L.