bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers of the perceived social impact of the Super Bowl: mediation and moderation analyses
Authors: Wu Ji , Orr Madeleine , Inoue Yuhei , Chang Yonghwan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Building on the social leverage model (SLM), this study aims to examine the influence of event-related attributes on residents' perceived social impact of a major sport event, as mediated by event involvement. It also investigates the moderating effect of event rights holders' credibility on the relationship between event involvement and perceived social impact.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a two-wave, time-lagged survey, data were collected from 220 residents of a Super Bowl host city. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

High celebratory atmosphere, social camaraderie and social responsibility as perceived before the event were associated with residents' perceptions of the social impact of the Super Bowl. Moreover, the association between social camaraderie and perceived social impact was mediated by event involvement. When appraising the rights holder as credible, involved residents reported an increased level of perceived social impact.

Originality/value

This study contributes to research on the SLM by demonstrating its application among indirect participants of major sport events. Additionally, it suggests the imperative role of rights holders' credibility in promoting the perceived social impact among involved residents.
The effect of environmental competitiveness, customer and competitor orientation on export performance
Authors: Arun Korhan , Yildirim Ozmutlu Saniye
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Customer orientation (CO) means meeting customers’ needs better than competitors. Competitor orientation means using and acting upon the knowledge of competitors. Thus, the main aim of this study is to analyze the effects of environmental competitiveness on export performance by examining the moderating roles of these variables.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data from 5,000 firms from a survey run in 2021 in Turkey facilitated by the Chamber of Commerce, the authors tested their hypotheses using partial least squares structural equation modeling and correlation analysis.

Findings

The results show that competitor orientation positively affects the relationship between a competitive environment and export performance. However, the authors do not find evidence of a significant effect on CO.

Practical implications

Service sector managers should sacrifice customers to gain export market share in favor of superiority with competitors.

Originality/value

Prior research has yet to emphasize the importance of competition intensity in export performance for service-logistics firms. However, the environmental competitiveness–performance relationship is better explained with the help of these test results and the two additional moderators suggested in this work. Moreover, the export performance indicators were gathered from an independent source.
Role of justification of unethical behaviour in sustainable fashion consumption among Indian consumers: a parallel mediation approach
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet , Gupta Sangeeta , Singh Lata Bajpai
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Sustainable consumption is an important topic for different industries, including the fashion industry. Despite a favourable attitude of consumers towards sustainable products in the fashion industry, the actual purchase by the consumers is limited. Thus, the present study examines sustainable consumption using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). The purpose of this paper is to study the mediating impact of strategies of justification of unethical behaviour on the gap-based relationship between a purchase intention and a purchase decision for a consumer in a sustainable clothing context.

Design/methodology/approach

For the study, the primary data from 229 graduate-level fashion students enrolled in universities across India has been analyzed with the help of structural equation modelling.

Findings

The study results have proven that attitudes and subjective norms can positively affect purchase intentions when it comes to purchase of the environmentally sustainable products. Further, economic rationality (ER) and government dependency (GD) partially mediate the purchase intention–behaviour gap of the justification strategies for unethical behaviour.

Practical implications

The results would be helpful in implementing sustainable clothing consumption among Indian consumers. The study would be beneficial for industry professionals, export houses and scholars to discover possible reasons which can lead to the widening of the intention–behaviour gap when it comes to the purchase of the sustainable clothing consumption for Indian consumers. Critical implications for marketers from the present research assert that ER and GD are important factors that could increase the purchase intention of young consumers towards sustainable clothing.

Originality/value

The results of the study contribute to the existing literature in a novel way by adding justification strategies for unethical behaviour to the TPB model. This study is innovative as it adds new constructs to the TPB model by including the three justification strategies that people use for unethical consumption behaviour (ER, economic development and GD) to gain insight into why a purchase intention–behaviour gap exists for sustainable clothing.
Demystifying the essentials of entrepreneurial orientation and competence for small retailers: evidence from India
Authors: Sellappan Palaniappan , Shanmugam Kavitha
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Environmental dynamics affect all sectors, and retailing is no exception. Scholarships reveal that, in such turbulent times, entrepreneurial characteristics are essential for business. In academic research, entrepreneurial characteristics like entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and entrepreneurial competence (EC) are seldom evaluated for retailers. This study aims to decode the impact of small retailers’ EO and EC on firm business performance (BP). It also traces the mediation effect of EC in the relationship between EO and BP.

Design/methodology/approach

The study executed among 740 small retailers is a pioneering work to trace EO’s efficacy via EC on the retailer’s BP. The present research is a primal work in the Indian context. This work redesigns the EC scale to suit the retail context and evaluate its mediation role in the EO and BP relationship.

Findings

Examining the mediation model through structural equation modelling (SEM) adds empirical evidence to entrepreneurial value creation (EVC) theory and throws light on the indispensable qualities required for small business retailers. The outcomes of the SEM model portray that there is an association between the EO, EC and BP.

Research limitations/implications

This study, though carried out methodically, it is constrained by the ensuing intricacies. The investigation was limited to the small- and medium-retailers engaged in retailing with a floor space from 500 to 5,000 square feet. All three constructs used in the study are measured using the self-reported perceptual scale, which infuses the subjectivity in the data. Exploring the EO and EC of widely dispersed retailers, examining the entrepreneurial character of large-format independent retailers and evaluating financial performance measures through retailers will add value to the study in future.

Originality/value

The study verified the central role of EC in the intangible resource-reward relationship. Among the five pillars of EVC theory, the role of intention and external finance are not considered in this work. The present work explored the EO and EC of existing retailers, and hence intention is excluded. The study concentrates on small retailers, and the role of external financing is not explored. Mishra and Zachary (2014b) opined that the EVC process should be studied in different context and listed out several prepositions. Considering the role of intention and external financing and studying several prepositions spelt out in the theory in varying contexts will throw more lights on the EVC process.
Does Islamic financial development foster economic growth? International evidence
Authors: Butt Hilal Anwar , Sadaqat Mohsin , Shear Falik
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Several studies link Islamic finance to economic growth. There are at least two major limitations in these investigations. First, the proxy used to measure Islamic finance may not represent the whole impact of Islamic finance on economic growth because it only considers a subset of variables like Islamic banks’ deposits or sukuk issuance, etc. Second, it is difficult to extrapolate findings to other markets because most studies were conducted in just one nation or a small group of countries. Overcoming these issues is the driving force behind this research. In doing so, the study aims to use the overall Islamic Financial Development Index as a proxy for Islamic finance. The index measures the quantitative growth, knowledge, corporate social responsibility, governance and awareness of the Islamic financial sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a panel data set of 67 countries starting from 2012 to 2020, this study investigates the relationship between Islamic finance and economic growth.

Findings

The authors find that Islamic finance contributes to economic growth. This connection is more robust in Muslim and developing nations than it is in non-Muslim and developed nations.

Practical implications

To promote a country’s economic growth, the authors propose that regulators should focus on development of Islamic finance. To increase the reach of Islamic products, the government should take initiatives to raise public awareness of Islamic finance.

Social implications

The findings imply that Islamic finance may have a more significant impact on socio-economic development in countries with a higher concentration of Muslim population and those in the developing stage. It highlights the potential role of Islamic finance in addressing socio-economic challenges and promoting inclusive growth in these regions.

Originality/value

This is the first study to use a more comprehensive sample of countries, covering both Muslim and non-Muslim nations, as well as both developing and developed nations. In addition, this study, unlike its predecessors, used a more robust and comprehensive index of Islamic finance developed by Thomson Reuters.
Digitalization and money laundering: the moderating effects of ethical behaviour of firms and corruption
Authors: Khelil Imen , El Ammari Anis , Bouraoui Mohamed Amine , Khlif Hichem
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between digitalization and money laundering and tests whether ethical behaviour of firms and corruption moderate this association.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes 114 countries during 2016. Basel Anti-Money Laundering Report for 2016 is used to collect data concerning money laundering. Digitalization proxies are collected from digital adoption index from the World Bank for 2016. Finally, the remaining variables are gathered from the Global Competitiveness Report for the same year.

Findings

Results show negative and significant associations between the overall digitalization score and sub-scores dealing with digitalization adoption by businesses, people and government and money laundering. When testing for the moderating effect of corruption, the negative and significant association remains stable for both low and high corrupt environments for the overall digitalization score and sub-scores dealing digitalization adoption by businesses and people and money laundering. Similarly, ethical behaviour of firms does not moderate the association between digitalization (overall index and digitalization by business and people) and money laundering, as the relationship remains negative and significant for low and high ethical behaviour sub-samples. By contrast, the association becomes insignificant between digitalization adoption by government and money laundering for countries characterized by high corruption and low ethical behaviour of firms, while it is negative and significant for countries characterized by low corruption and high ethical behaviour firms.

Originality/value

These findings confirm that digitalization effort represents a crucial arm to combat money laundering. It also emphasizes the interrelation that may exist between digitalization effort in governmental institutions and institutional environment, as low levels of money laundering cannot be reached if the digitalization effort undertaken by governments is not supported by low corruption and ethical business environment.
Language-related stereotype threat, customers’ well-being and its outcome
Authors: Malik Aaminah Zaman , Paswan Audhesh
Published: July 2023

Purpose

While language is vital for a successful service exchange, it can also become a source of vulnerability if one party is a non-native speaker in an inter-culture service encounter (ICSE). Hence, the purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between language-related stigma that non-native customers perceive in an ICSE and the associated psychological and behavioral responses.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey-based research method and an experimental study was used to collect data from non-native speakers in the USA with English as their second language. Structural equation modeling procedure was used to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The findings suggest that the customers who perceive language-related stigmatization in an ICSE context experience intergroup anxiety and lack of social belonging. In turn, intergroup anxiety influences their interaction comfort with the service provider. In the end, these experiences shape their future buying behavior, i.e. they tend to avoid direct interactions with the servers and prefer smart services.

Research limitations/implications

Future research is needed to explore the focal phenomenon in other service contexts and cultures to enrich knowledge on language vulnerabilities.

Practical implications

The study highlights the importance of technology, not just from a convenience perspective, but also as an accommodation mechanism for linguistically vulnerable customers.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to empirically examine the language-related stigmatization and associated psychological and behavioral responses from the non-native customers’ perspective in a services exchange setting.
An investigation into outside directors, managerial compensation, and firm performance in the Korean insurance industry
Authors: Han Sangyong , Mun Hyejeong
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the relationship between outside directors, managerial compensation, and firm performance in the Korean insurance industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ a simultaneous equation framework by using three-stage least squares (3SLS) to address the endogeneity problems that could result from the joint determination of outside directors, firm performance, and executive compensation in Korean insurance companies.

Findings

The authors find that the ratio of outside directors on the board is negatively associated with insurance firm's value and financial profitability. In addition, this study's evidence shows that greater representation on the board by outside directors leads to a higher level of executive pay. In particular, the authors provide evidence that variable compensation scheme and outside directors who have backgrounds in the legal profession and former high-ranking government officials drive this study's main results.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature by first demonstrating the interaction effects between outside directors, firm performance, and executive compensation in the Korean insurance industry. Unlike previous studies that typically focus on US companies, the authors study the Korean insurance sector that is an emerging power in the global insurance market, ranking seventh in terms of total premium volume, and show that the Korean insurance firm's outside directors system does not work in the manner that it is intended to function.
From investor’s paradise to graveyard: the tragic tale of Sintex
Authors: Srivastava Shashi Kant
Published: July 2023

Research methodology

The case delves into the significant factors contributing to the steep decline of Sintex shares, examining both external and internal factors. Internally, the primary drivers were the expansion plan, the demerger decision, financial mismanagement and the delayed and inadequate integration of Information Technology (IT) into the business.

Case overview/synopsis

Sintex, a prominent private sector company listed in the Indian stock markets, operated in the textile and plastics sectors. However, in 2017, Sintex underwent a demerger into two separate entities: Sintex Industries Limited (SIL) and Sintex Plastics Technology Limited (SPTL). While SIL focused on textiles, SPTL dealt with plastics. However, soon after the demerger, the share prices of both companies began plummeting, leading to significant losses for investors. This case investigates the reasons behind this decline through a step-by-step analysis.

Complexity academic level

This case is suitable for postgraduate students pursuing an MBA, MMS and executive programs such as PGDBM and PGDM, with a specialization in business strategy. It is also beneficial for participants in management development programs (MDPs) designed for higher level executives. Additionally, the case can serve as training material for executives undergoing strategic role training within an organization. It is recommended to teach the case toward the end of the course, where the instructor can provide a summary of the previous classes’ teachings.

Subject Code

CCS7: Management Science
Which decision-making stages matter more? Influencer’s perceived credibility, sponsorship and moderating role of trust
Authors: Crnjak-Karanović Biljana , Kursan Milaković Ivana , Elez Jelena
Published: July 2023

Purpose

By acknowledging the importance of micro-influencers and all decision-making process stages, this study aims to explore the impact of perceived influencer’s credibility, impacted by the sponsorship absenteeism, on problem recognition, information search, alternative evaluation, purchase and post-purchase. Additionally, the authors investigate the moderating role of trust level on the researched relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on 111 young Croatian consumers of cosmetic products. The authors analysed data with confirmatory factor and regression analyses.

Findings

This study reveals positive relationships between micro-influencers’ perceived credibility and all decision-making phases. The research results also show that the lack of sponsorship positively influences perceived credibility. Furthermore, results indicate that the trust level is an essential moderator for the relationships between perceived credibility and sponsorship and information search and buying stages.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include the convenience sampling method and data collection at one point while also focusing on consumers from one country.

Practical implications

This study provides practical implications for companies outlining the marketing activities that should be considered in all stages of the decision-making process while recognising the attractiveness of micro-influencers for the buying experience.

Originality/value

This study fills gaps in the literature on micro-influencers credibility in general and particularly in the cosmetics industry. In addition, the study fills the gaps in the literature considering the impact of perceived micro-influencer credibility on all five decision-making process stages.
Precipitation timing and soil substrate drive phenology and fitness of Arabidopsis thaliana in a Mediterranean environment
Authors: Martínez‐Berdeja Alejandra , Okada Miki , Cooper Martha D. , Runcie Daniel E. , Burghardt Liana T. , Schmitt Johanna
Published: July 2023

In Mediterranean climates, the timing of seasonal rains determines germination, flowering phenology and fitness. As climate change alters seasonal precipitation patterns, it is important to ask how these changes will affect the phenology and fitness of plant populations. We addressed this question experimentally with the annual plant species Arabidopsis thaliana.

In a first experiment, we manipulated the date of rainfall onset and recorded germination phenology on sand and soil substrates. In a second experiment, we manipulated germination date, growing season length and mid‐season drought to measure their effects on flowering time and fitness. Within each experiment, we manipulated seed dormancy and flowering time using multilocus near‐isogenic lines segregating strong and weak alleles of the seed dormancy gene DOG1 and the flowering time gene FRI. We synthesized germination phenology data from the first experiment with fitness functions from the second experiment to project population fitness under different seasonal rainfall scenarios.

Germination phenology tracked rainfall onset but was slower and more variable on sand than on soil. Many seeds dispersed on sand in spring and summer delayed germination until the cooler temperatures of autumn. The high‐dormancy DOG1 allele also prevented immediate germination in spring and summer. Germination timing strongly affected plant fitness. Fecundity was highest in the October germination cohort and declined in spring germinants. The late flowering FRI allele had lower fecundity, especially in early fall and spring cohorts. Projections of population fitness revealed that: (1) Later onset of autumn rains will negatively affect population fitness. (2) Slow, variable germination on sand buffers populations against fitness impacts of variable spring and summer rainfall. (3) Seasonal selection favours high dormancy and early flowering genotypes in a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers. The high‐dormancy DOG1 allele delayed germination of spring‐dispersed fresh seeds until more favourable early fall conditions, resulting in higher projected population fitness.

These findings suggest that Mediterranean annual plant populations are vulnerable to changes in seasonal precipitation, especially in California where rainfall onset is already occurring later. The fitness advantage of highly dormant, early flowering genotypes helps explain the prevalence of this strategy in Mediterranean populations.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Potential field survey of subsurface structures of the NW segment of the Zagros Fold‐Thrust Belt, Kurdistan Region
Authors: Qadir Harem O. , Baban Ezzadin N. , Aziz Bakhtiar Q. , Koyi Hemin A.
Published: July 2023

This study reports results of gravity and magnetic surveys conducted for the first time in the western segment of the Zagros Fold‐and‐Thrust Belt in the Kurdistan Region. This study attempts to delineate deep structures in an area, which has not been surveyed before. CG‐5 Autograv gravimeter and G‐857 portable proton‐precession magnetometer were used to acquire gravity and magnetic data from 750 stations along over eleven traverses across and parallel to the Zagros trend (NW–SE). Six of these traverses are parallel to the Zagros trend, whereas the others are perpendicular to the trend of the other traverses and can be tied where they intersect. The total length of the traverses is about 1000 km. Tilt Angle of horizontal gradient method is used to detect regional gravity and magnetic lineaments. The mapped lineaments from regional gravity and magnetic surveys are divided into two categories: the NE–SW lineaments, which represent transversal faults in the study area, and the NW–SE lineaments, which represent the Zagros Thrust Faults, some of which may be linked to the inverted basement normal faults of Arabian passive margin (the NW–SE Najd Fault system). The results show that there is a relationship between the regional gravity and magnetic lineaments outlining the same deep geological features. The data presented here confirm the presence of regional longitudinal and transversal lineaments documented in other studies (e.g. Anah‐Qalat Dizeh Fault, Surdash‐Tikrit Fault, Sirwan Fault, Khanaqin Fault, Zagros Mountain Front Fault, Baranan Back Thrust Fault and High Zagros Reverse Fault) and outlines new lineaments not mapped before. Most of the detected regional lineaments in the current study coincide with the previously confirmed lineaments, which have played a significant role in the tectonic evolution of the Zagros Fold‐and‐Thrust Belt. As such, this study contributes to a better understanding of the subsurface structure of the Kurdistan segment of the Zagros Fold‐and‐Thrust Belt and probably the rest of the belt.
Selecting coral species for reef restoration
Authors: Madin Joshua S. , McWilliam Michael , Quigley Kate , Bay Line K. , Bellwood David , Doropoulos Christopher , Fernandes Leanne , Harrison Peter , Hoey Andrew S. , Mumby Peter J. , Ortiz Juan C. , Richards Zoe T. , Riginos Cynthia , Schiettekatte Nina M. D. , Suggett David J. , van Oppen Madeleine J. H.
Published: July 2023

Humans have long sought to restore species but little attention has been directed at how to best select a subset of foundation species for maintaining rich assemblages that support ecosystems, like coral reefs and rainforests, which are increasingly threatened by environmental change.

We propose a two‐part hedging approach that selects optimized sets of species for restoration. The first part acknowledges that biodiversity supports ecosystem functions and services, and so it ensures precaution against loss by allocating an even spread of phenotypic traits. The second part maximizes species and ecosystem persistence by weighting species based on characteristics that are known to improve ecological persistence—for example abundance, species range and tolerance to environmental change.

Using existing phenotypic‐trait and ecological data for reef building corals, we identified sets of ecologically persistent species by examining marginal returns in occupancy of phenotypic trait space. We compared optimal sets of species with those from the world's southern‐most coral reef, which naturally harbours low coral diversity, to show these occupy much of the trait space. Comparison with an existing coral restoration program indicated that current corals used for restoration only cover part of the desired trait space and programs may be improved by including species with different traits.

Synthesis and applications. While there are many possible criteria for selecting species for restoration, the approach proposed here addresses the need to insure against unpredictable losses of ecosystem services by focusing on a wide range of phenotypic traits and ecological characteristics. Furthermore, the flexibility of the approach enables the functional goals of restoration to vary depending on environmental context, stakeholder values, and the spatial and temporal scales at which meaningful impacts can be achieved.
The influence of a hostile environment on a syndemic of depression, stress and chronic limiting illness among LGBTQ+ people during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Kneale Dylan , Bécares Laia
Published: July 2023

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning (LGBTQ+) are at greater risk of poorer COVID‐19 prognosis due to higher levels of chronic disease and a greater impact on mental health from pandemic mitigation strategies due to worse pre‐pandemic mental health. We examine how a hostile social system contributes to LGBTQ+ people’s negative health experiences during the pandemic through adopting a syndemic framework and using data from The Queerantine Study, a cross‐sectional, web‐based survey (n = 515). Identification of a health syndemic is based on depressive symptoms, perceived stress and limiting long‐term illness. We used Latent Class Analysis to identify latent classes based on experiences of a hostile social system. A syndemic was identified among a third of respondents (33.2%), with transgender/gender‐diverse and younger participants at higher risk. Latent Class Analysis identified five groups based on experiences of hostile social systems using psychosocial and socioeconomic indicators. Classes reflecting psychosocial hostility were predictive of a health syndemic and worsening health. This study emphasises (i) mental and physical health issues are intertwined among LGBTQ+ people; (ii) experiences of hostile social systems can account for part of variation in health across LGBTQ+ groups; (iii) that psychosocial hostility continued and was exacerbated throughout the pandemic, and (iv) experiences of psychosocial hostility in particular were associated with a greater likelihood of experiencing a syndemic.
The double bind of social legitimacy: On disability, the sick role, and invisible work
Authors: Grue Jan
Published: July 2023

During the last few decades, the human rights paradigm has shifted the normative status of disabled people, providing, in principle, the right to full and equal participation. Particularly in neoliberal economies, however, participation in work life is a major constraint on social legitimacy, creating a predicament for people who cannot adhere to the ideal of the ‘productive member of society’. In this article, I explore this predicament at the intersection of disability studies and the sociology of health and illness, reviewing literature and discussing key concepts. I argue that in neoliberal societies, two distinct and largely incompatible pathways to social legitimacy depend, respectively, on (a) a version of the classical sick role and (b) a more recently constituted able‐disabled role. Of these, the first pathway has mainly been explored and critiqued in the sociology of health and illness, while the second features mainly in disability studies. However, both pathways can be understood (1) as ableist mechanisms for maintaining adherence to values of productivity and by (2) imposing on disabled people an unequal burden of invisible work—a key feature of ableism, driving inequality both within the group of disabled people and for the group as a whole.
Subjective well‐being, COVID‐19 and financial strain following job loss: stretching the role of human resource management to focus on human sustainability beyond the workplace
Authors: Hameed Zahid , Garavan Thomas Noel , Naeem Rana Muhammad , Burhan Muhammad , Moin Muhammad Farrukh , McCabe Thomas
Published: July 2023

The unprecedented COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in significant negative consequences for employee well‐being across the globe, including job loss leading to significant financial strain. Job loss and financial strain have important implications for the role of human resource management (HRM) in achieving human sustainability beyond the employment relationship given that decreased subjective well‐being was driven by financial strain. The two studies reported here – one quantitative and one qualitative – investigate the impact of financial strain arising from job loss due to COVID‐19 on subjective well‐being of tourism and hospitality employees in Pakistan. The first study used survey data collected from a sample of 284 employees laid off during the early stages of the pandemic to test a model of the relationship between financial strain and subjective well‐being mediated by negative affectivity and moderated by core self‐evaluations. The second study qualitatively investigated the long‐term impact of job loss on financial strain with a sample of 30 respondents who completed the survey in study 1. We found in study 1 a strong negative relationship between financial strain and subjective well‐being that was mediated through negative affectivity. Core self‐evaluations acted as a buffer on the relationship between financial strain and negative affectivity and the overall negative indirect relationship between financial strain and subjective well‐being via negative affectivity. In study 2 we found that financial strain was a long‐term problem arising from job loss due to COVID‐19 and that employees who lost their jobs drew on a wide range of contextual and personal resources to mitigate the impacts of financial strain on long‐term subjective well‐being. We discuss the implications for HRM theory and practice.
Statin use and its association with decreased risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in betel nut chewers
Authors: Lin Chih‐Lang , Chen Wan‐Ming , Shia Ben‐Chang , Wu Szu‐Yuan
Published: July 2023

Background

Betel nut chewing involves the chewing of areca nuts or betel quid (areca nuts wrapped in betel leaves), which is associated with an increased risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Statins have anticancer properties. We investigated the association between statin use and ESCC risk in betel nut chewers.

Methods

The study included 105 387 betel nut chewers matched statin users and nonusers. Statin use was defined as the use of ≥28 cumulative defined daily doses (cDDDs) of statin. The primary outcome was incidence of ESCC.

Results

The incidence rate of ESCC was significantly lower in statin users than in nonusers (2.03 vs. 3.02 per 100 000 person‐years). Statin users had a lower incidence rate ratio of 0.66 for ESCC (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43–0.85) relative to nonusers. After potential confounders were adjusted for, statin use was determined to be associated with a reduced risk of ESCC (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.68; 95% CI: 0.51–0.91). A dose–response relationship was observed between statin use and ESCC risk; the aHRs for statin use at 28–182 cDDDs, 183–488 cDDDs, 489–1043 cDDDs, and > 1043 cDDDs were 0.92, 0.89, 0.66, and 0.64, respectively.

Conclusion

Statin use was revealed to be associated with a reduced risk of ESCC in betel nut chewers.
How does credit information sharing affect trade credit? Evidence from China
Authors: Gao Haoyu , Zhao Peixuan , Wen Huiyu
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates how credit information sharing affects corporate trade credit financing. Utilising the difference‐in‐differences method, we find a significant reduction in trade credit for infra‐marginal bank borrowers following the introduction of the Chinese National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (NECIPS). To reveal the mechanisms underlying the reduction in trade credit, we show that the NECIPS alleviates information asymmetry and increases formal finance access. This financing substitution effect is magnified by weak bargaining power in product markets. Our findings complement the literature on the determinants of trade credit and underscore the indispensable role of the public credit registry.
Systematic review: Autism spectrum disorder and the gut microbiota
Authors: Korteniemi Jenni , Karlsson Linnea , Aatsinki Anna
Published: July 2023

Objective

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a varying group of disorders characterized by deficiency in social interaction and restrictive patterns of behavior and interests. While there are several studies focusing on the neuropsychiatric pathogenesis of ASD, its etiology remains unclear. The role of gut‐brain‐axis in ASD has been studied increasingly and a correlation between symptoms and the composition of gut microbiota has been documented in various works. Despite this, the significance of individual microbes and their function is still widely unknown. This work aims to elucidate the current knowledge of the interrelations between ASD and the gut microbiota in children based on scientific evidence.

Methods

This is a systematic review done by a literature search focusing on the main findings concerning the gut microbiota composition, interventions targeting the gut microbiota, and possible mechanisms explaining the results in children aged between 2 and 18 years of age.

Results

Most studies in this review found significant differences between microbial communities, while there was notable variation in results regarding diversity indices or taxonomic level abundance. The most consistent results regarding taxa differences in ASD children's gut microbiota were higher levels of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Sutterella compared to controls.

Conclusion

These results show that the gut microbiota of children with ASD is altered compared to one of neurotypically developed children. More research is needed to discover whether some of these features could be used as potential biomarkers for ASD and how the gut microbiota could be targeted in therapeutical interventions.
Deceased donor availability for uterus transplantation in Australia
Authors: Pittman Jana , Abbott Jason , Cavazzoni Elena , Pleass Henry , Brännstrom Mats , Rogers Natasha , Deans Rebecca
Published: July 2023

Background

Uterus transplantation is an emerging treatment option for uterine factor infertility. Most uterus transplantation research programs use living donors, although this comes with considerable surgical and psychological risks and not all women desiring uterus transplantation will have an available living donor. A deceased donor program eliminates donor risks; however, the availability of deceased uterus donors is currently unknown in Australia.

Aims

To establish the feasibility of a deceased donor uterus transplantation program in Australia and consider expanded inclusion criteria for this model.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review of the New South Wales (NSW) Organ and Tissue Donation Service database was undertaken to identify potential deceased uterus donors, with comparison to the broad deceased donor inclusion criteria from three international uterus transplantation trials including female, brain‐dead, multi‐organ donation, no major abdominal surgery, and <60 years of age.

Results

Between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022, 648 deceased donors were available in NSW. Of these, 43% (279/648) were female and 67% of the women (187/279) were also multi‐organ donors. When the brain‐dead donor‐only and age criteria (<60 years) were applied, a total of 107 deceased donors met the available criteria for uterus transplantation, with an average of 21 deceased donors per year in NSW.

Conclusions

There appears to be adequate deceased donor organ availability to establish a deceased uterus transplantation program in NSW, Australia. Should interest in uterus transplantation increase, including criteria such as older and nulliparous donors could increase organ availability for a uterus transplantation program.
The effects of nitric oxide on coagulation and inflammation in ex vivo models of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Malfertheiner Maximilian V. , Garrett Ashlen , Passmore Margaret , Haymet Andrew B. , Webb Richard I. , Von Bahr Viktor , Millar Jonathan E. , Schneider Bailey A. , Obonyo Nchafatso G. , Black Debra , Bouquet Mahe , Bartnikowski Nicole , Suen Jacky Y. , Fraser John F.
Published: July 2023

Background

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has extensive applications in managing patients with acute cardiac and pulmonary failure. Two primary modalities of ECLS, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), include several similarities in their composition, complications, and patient outcomes. Both CPB and ECMO pose a high risk of thrombus formation and platelet activation due to the large surface area of the devices and bleeding due to system anticoagulation. Therefore, novel methods of anticoagulation are needed to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with extracorporeal support. Nitric oxide (NO) has potent antiplatelet properties and presents a promising alternative or addition to anticoagulation with heparin during extracorporeal support.

Methods

We developed two ex vivo models of CPB and ECMO to investigate NO effects on anticoagulation and inflammation in these systems.

Results

Sole addition of NO as an anticoagulant was not successful in preventing thrombus formation in the ex vivo setups, therefore a combination of low‐level heparin with NO was used. Antiplatelet effects were observed in the ex vivo ECMO model when NO was delivered at 80 ppm. Platelet count was preserved after 480 min when NO was delivered at 30 ppm.

Conclusion

Combined delivery of NO and heparin did not improve haemocompatibility in either ex vivo model of CPB and ECMO. Anti‐inflammatory effects of NO in ECMO systems have to be evaluated further.
Influence of social determinants of health on breastfeeding intent in the United States
Authors: Kopp Sarah J. , Kelly Elizabeth A. , DeFranco Emily A.
Published: July 2023

Background

Breastfeeding rates in the United States are suboptimal despite public health recommendations that infants are fed breastmilk for their first year of life. This study aimed to characterize the influence of social determinants of health on intended breastfeeding duration.

Methods

This case–control study analyzed breastfeeding intent in 421 postpartum women. Data on social determinants and medical history were obtained from medical records and participant self‐report. Logistic regression estimated the influence of demographic factors and social determinants on intent to breastfeed for durations of <6 months, 6–12 months, and at least 1 year.

Results

Thirty‐five percent of mothers intended to breastfeed for at least 6 months, and 15% for 1 year. Social determinants that negatively predicted breastfeeding intent included not owning transportation and living in a dangerous neighborhood (p < 0.05). Women were more likely to intend to breastfeed for 12 months if they had knowledge of breastfeeding recommendations (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.19, 95% confidence interval [CI 2.67–14.34]), an identifiable medical provider (aOR 2.64 [CI 1.22–5.72]), familial support (aOR 2.80 [CI 1.01–7.80]), or were married (aOR 2.55 [CI 1.01–6.46]). Sociodemographic factors that negatively influenced breastfeeding intent included non‐Hispanic Black race, no high school diploma, cigarette use, income below $20,000, fewer than five prenatal visits, and WIC or Medicaid enrollment (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Women who lack familial support, an identifiable healthcare provider, or knowledge of breastfeeding guidelines are less likely to intend to breastfeed. Public health initiatives should address these determinants to improve breastfeeding and infant outcomes.
Accompany Children's Learning for You: An Intelligent Companion Learning System
Authors: Qian Jiankai , Jiang Xinbo , Ma Jiayao , Li Jiachen , Gao Zhenzhen , Qin Xueying
Published: July 2023

Nowadays, parents attach importance to their children's primary education but often lack time and correct pedagogical principles to accompany their children's learning. Besides, existing learning systems cannot perceive children's emotional changes. They may also cause children's self‐control and cognitive problems due to smart devices such as mobile phones and tablets. To tackle these issues, we propose an intelligent companion learning system to accompany children in learning English words, namely theIntelligent Augmented Reality Educator (IARE). The IARE realizes the perception and feedback of children's engagement through the intelligent agent (IA) module, and presents the humanized interaction based on projective Augmented Reality (AR). Specifically, IA perceives the children's learning engagement change and spelling status in real‐time through our online lightweight temporal multiple instance attention module and character recognition module, based on which analyses the performance of the individual learning process and gives appropriate feedback and guidance. We allow children to interact with physical letters, thus avoiding the excessive interference of electronic devices. To test the efficacy of our system, we conduct a pilot study with 14 English learning children. The results show that our system can significantly improve children's intrinsic motivation and self‐efficacy.
Regional motion of the AV‐plane is related to the cardiac anatomy and deformation of the AV‐plane. Data from the HUNT study
Authors: Støylen Asbjørn , Mølmen Harald E. , Dalen Håvard
Published: July 2023

The study examines global and regional systolic shortening of the left (LV) and right ventricle (RV) in 1266 individuals without evidence of heart disease in the third wave of the HUNT study. Regional mitral annular systolic displacement (mitral annular plane systolic excursion [MAPSE]) was 1.5 cm in the septum and anterior walls, 1.6 cm in the lateral wall and 1.7 cm in the inferior wall, global mean 1.6 cm. Peak systolic velocity S' was 8.0, 8.3, 8.8 and 8.6 cm/s in the same walls (global mean 8.7 cm/s). All measures of LV longitudinal shortening correlated, mean MAPSE and S' also correlated with stroke volume (SV) and ejection fraction (EF). Global longitudinal strain by either method correlated with MAPSE, S' and EF, but not with SV, reflecting a systematic difference. S' and MAPSE correlated with early annular diastolic velocity (e'), reflecting that e' is the recoil from systole. Mean displacement was 2.8 (0.5) cm in the tricuspid annulus (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion [TAPSE]). Normal values by age and sex are provided. Both TAPSE and S' were lower in women, where body size explained the sex difference. Normalisation of MAPSE and S' for wall length reduced intra‐individual variation of displacement and velocity by 80%–90%, showing regional MAPSE to be related to LV wall length, and that longitudinal wall strain was relatively uniform. Displacement and S' were lowest in the septum and highest in the left and right free walls, shows systolic bending of the AV‐plane into a U‐shape, relating to the total cardiac volume changes during the heart cycle.
Artificial intelligence and frozen section histopathology: A systematic review
Authors: Gorman Benjamin G. , Lifson Mark A. , Vidal Nahid Y.
Published: July 2023

Frozen sections are a useful pathologic tool, but variable image quality may impede the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in their interpretation. We aimed to identify the current research on machine learning models trained or tested on frozen section images. We searched PubMed and Web of Science for articles presenting new machine learning models published in any year. Eighteen papers met all inclusion criteria. All papers presented at least one novel model trained or tested on frozen section images. Overall, convolutional neural networks tended to have the best performance. When physicians were able to view the output of the model, they tended to perform better than either the model or physicians alone at the tested task. Models trained on frozen sections performed well when tested on other slide preparations, but models trained on only formalin‐fixed tissue performed significantly worse across other modalities. This suggests not only that machine learning can be applied to frozen section image processing, but also use of frozen section images may increase model generalizability. Additionally, expert physicians working in concert with artificial intelligence may be the future of frozen section histopathology.