bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How penetration of e-commerce in rural areas drives consumption in China
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhou Mi , Li Quansheng
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper explores how rural e-commerce drives consumption in both urban and rural residents; further, it presents evidence from the perspective of e-commerce penetration in rural areas and among farmers to assess the contribution of e-commerce to China’s economic strategy goal of fostering an economy driven by domestic demand.

Design/methodology/approach

Data of Taobao villages from 2014 to 2021 are matched with data on prefecture-level cities. A two-way fixed effect model, instrumental variable model and group comparison method are employed to explore the role and mechanism of e-commerce penetration in rural areas in stimulating residents’ consumption through consumption propensity, purchasing power and consumer population.

Findings

The findings confirm that e-commerce penetration of rural areas can stimulate residential consumption, and residents generally adhere to the consumption concept of “living within their means.” The driving effect on residents’ consumption is achieved by expanding the urban consumer population and improving the purchasing powers of both urban and rural residents. The spatial dispersion of e-commerce villages strengthens the positive impact of e-commerce penetration in rural areas on consumption; this strengthening is caused by the increasing consumer population of urban residents and the purchasing power of both urban and rural residents. The agriculture-oriented e-commerce penetration of rural areas negatively impacts residents’ consumption, consumption propensity and consumer population; however, industrial-oriented penetration positively affects residents’ consumption, consumption propensity, purchasing power and consumer population.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first to analyze the role and mechanism of e-commerce penetration in rural areas in stimulating residents’ consumption through consumption propensity, purchasing power and consumer population. This study contributes to advancing e-commerce and consumer theory by exploring the realm of rural e-commerce while also presenting empirical evidence from China.
Liberalisation of alcohol policy in Lithuania and the role of public health coalitions: change in policy beliefs and strategy
Authors: Civinskas Remigijus , Dvorak Jaroslav
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the role of the public health advocacy coalition (PHC) in the context of policy change. Using the “advocacy coalition framework” theory, this study examines how new ideas and the transformation of the policy subsystem influenced the adaptation of strategy, framing and messaging used by PHC actors.

Design/methodology/approach

A detailed policy case study was conducted based on a range of primary documents and individual semi-structured interviews (n = 34) with key decision-makers, civil servants, NGO leaders, public health experts and AI representatives.

Findings

In 2020, the Lithuanian PHC coalition became involved in policy-making with a slightly re-framed strategy, which was based on public health priorities and scientific research evidence. The priorities and relevant activities were aimed at maintaining a wide range of regulative measures. The PHC advocates focused on and prioritised arguments pertaining to the social and economic harms of alcohol. This framework created some ground for policy-influencing action and was important for debates with AI actors. The PHC put a great deal of pressure on Members of Parliament to continue the implementation of evidence-based policies.

Originality/value

Over two decades, Lithuanian alcohol policy has shifted in waves, from liberalisation to stricter control interventions. The previous wave of strict alcohol policy was effective from the perspective of the measures implemented, and it also reduced alcohol-related harm. In 2020, two liberal and conservative parties focused on a laissez-faire approach to the elimination of some unfavourable restrictions for the alcohol industry (AI).
Crowd-CapsNet: capsule network based adaptive crowdsourcing task recommendation
Authors: Ni Huanzhang , Sui Peng , Li Youhuizi , Li Yu , Liang Tingting , Yuan Yuchen
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The crowdsourcing software development platforms organize geographically distributed developers to complete various developing tasks, bringing convenience and efficiency to users. However, with the increasing number of both developers and tasks, it becomes more and more challenging to match tasks and suitable developers, especially for imbalanced data. The purpose of this paper is to propose an accurate and diverse recommendation model for crowdsourcing tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

A revised circle loss function is applied to achieve a certain adaptive ability, which is critical for imbalanced data, it guarantees diversity by maximizing the target label score and leveraging mathematical approximation to automatically balance the weights. Besides, the authors leverage the capsule network to obtain the semantic feature of tasks’ descriptions, modify the dynamic routing mechanism to better learn users’ preferences and improve the recommendation accuracy.

Findings

The comprehensive experiments conducted on real crowdsourcing platform data demonstrate that the proposed Crowd-CapsNet model can achieve high recommendation accuracy with a certain diversity. It improves around 1% accuracy with only 37% training time of the LSFA approach.

Originality/value

This paper proposes Crowd-CapsNet, an adaptive crowdsourcing task recommendation model. A relatively general feature pre-processing method describes crowd-sourcing tasks and the modified capsule network further obtains the semantic features to improve the recommendation accuracy and diversity.
Does trade uncertainty in US and China influence Indian banking stability: An analysis through the lens of banking regulation and compliance
Authors: Syed Aamir Aijaz
Published: December 2024

Purpose

A recent literature has documented the real effect of Trade Policy Uncertainty (TPU) on trade, stock markets and unemployment; however, there is no specific study that has examined how trade uncertainty influences banking sector stability. In this quest, this study aims to bridge this gap by examining the impact of TPU in the USA and China on the stability of the Indian banking sector. Additionally, the study aims to assess the moderating influence of banking regulation and supervision on the aforementioned relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

To quantify the above objectives, the study uses a robust set of econometric estimates, i.e. system generalised method of moments (Sys-GMM), fixed effect model and pair-wise Granger causality test on the alternative proxies of banking stability from 2000 to 2023.

Findings

The empirical estimates validate that TPU has a negative impact on the Indian banking stability. Moreover, the impact of the USA. TPU is much more significant on the Indian banking sector’s stability in comparison to the Chinese TPU. The empirical model further suggests that banking regulation and supervision moderate the negative influence of trade uncertainties on the Indian banking sector’s stability and assist in improving it. Finally, the pairwise causality test confirms a unidirectional causal relationship between the TPU in the USA and China and the stability of the Indian banking sector, thereby validating the transmission effect of trade uncertainty on this sector.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s study, this study is original and offers useful policy recommendations for understanding the implications of trade uncertainty for banking stability. The study also offers insight to comprehend the role of banking regulation and compliance in mitigating the adverse repercussion of trade uncertainties on the banking sector’s stability.
Intellectual structure of disruptive innovation: a bibliometric analysis and systematic review
Authors: He Yubing , Jing Jing
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Disruptive innovation is regarded as an important engine of the new technological revolution, which can change the traditional market structure and business model completely. Articles on disruptive innovation remain fragmented and heterogeneous in terms of theoretical paradigms and empirical studies. For the purpose of further understanding about disruptive innovation, and to recognize its evolutionary trajectory and research trends, this paper provides a systematic literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data from Web of Science a total of 1,415 articles were collected to identify productive countries, prominent journals, influential authors and main sub-fields on disruptive innovation. Additionally, important articles are analyzed for content.

Findings

There is an overall increasing trend in the number of articles, a uniformity of highly productive authors and countries and a primary concentration in business and management journals. Moreover, six research clusters are identified and an antecedent-decision-outcome framework is constructed to categorize significant studies.

Practical implications

This paper outlines the key focuses of the field: application and adoption of disruptive technology, identifying and responding to disruptive innovation, commercialization of disruptive technology, disruptive innovation strategies and disruptive business models.

Originality/value

This paper combines bibliometrics and content analysis to systematically overview disruptive innovation research.
One profile, five stories an autoethnography of sense-making and meaning-making of a personality profile
Authors: Metselaar Carine , de Hullu Eva , Derksen Maarten
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Senior professionals and managers employed by large organizations regularly participate in leadership development interventions that include a personality inventory. This research paper aims to address how the first author and five feedback coaches make sense and meaning of the results of these inventories and interpret this process in terms of Perceptual Control Theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The first author engaged in five separate feedback sessions with five different feedback coaches based on the results of a leadership assessment instrument and kept a diary to reflect upon these sessions. Her meaning-making process is discussed in relation to the Perceptual Control Theory.

Findings

The autoethnographic reflections demonstrated that only feedback that was compatible with her sense of identity led to additional self-reflection, sometimes leading to enhanced self-awareness. It also confirmed the idiosyncrasy of sensemaking of personality profiles resulting from a personality assessment instrument and suggested that working with multiple interpretations of a personality profile comes with additional benefits.

Practical implications

We recommend that organizations using self-scored personality assessments consider the benefits of allowing multiple perspectives on personality profiles. We suggest inviting the individuals concerned to take an active role in the sensemaking and meaning-making process of their own profiles. This approach may not align with the traditional positivist interpretation of validated personality instruments. However, adopting the view that personality narratives are not fixed or self-evident, but rather co-constructed by individuals, could encourage recipients of such feedback to actively engage in creating their own story rather than passively accepting others' interpretations of who they are.

Originality/value

The topic of sense-making and meaning-making of personality inventory results has, at least to our understanding, never been approached by means of an autoethnography nor discussed in relation to Perceptual Control Theory.
How glass ceiling perceptions affect job performance: finding the missing link through career satisfaction and work–life balance support
Authors: Saleem Farida , Mateou Sofia
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Drawing from gendered organization theory (GOT) and career construction theory (CCT), this study seeks to explore the relationship between the glass ceiling (GS), career satisfaction (CS) and job performance among female employees in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. Additionally, we aim to investigate CS as the explanatory variable and organizational support for work–life balance (WLB) as the boundary condition.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 178 females working in the aviation industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were used to analyze the proposed model. Structure equation modeling (SEM) and PROCESS Macro were used as the analysis technique.

Findings

Results reveal significant negative direct and indirect impacts of GC perceptions on job performance. This relationship is significantly mediated by CS and is moderated by work–life balance support (WLBS) from the organization.

Practical implications

The present study highlights the importance of organizational support for work–life balance in alleviating the adverse effects of the GC on the CS and job performance of women. Given Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on women’s empowerment through its “Vision 2030” companies operating in the country should prioritize the development of robust WLBS mechanisms. Additionally, it is recommended that career support be extended to women to enhance their CS.

Originality/value

This study contributes significantly to the existing literature by exploring the link between GC perception in females and their job performance in the context of an important emerging market, Saudi Arabia, that strongly focuses on women’s empowerment in its “Vision 2030”. Using GOT and CCT, CS is proposed as a mediating factor that explains how the perception of the GC’s negative impact can be translated into affecting the job performance of females and the role of WLBS from the organization in mitigating this negative impact.
Small smart cities – vision or reality?
Authors: Vitálišová Katarína , Rigová Zuzana , Vanova Anna , Škvareninová Dagmar
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on analysing the prerequisites that small cities need to create smart governance, namely, the conditions for establishing smart government, the stakeholder engagement and the tools used in smart governance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents research results from a questionnaire survey conducted in 2021 among a representative sample of 51 small cities (5,000–49,999 inhabitants) in the Slovak Republic. From an international perspective, they are seen as small cities and cities with a rural feel. The survey’s main objectives are to assess the conditions that must be met in order for smart governance to be developed, as well as to identify stakeholders and provide tools for their engagement.

Findings

This study shows that the adoption of smart governance in small cities is not greatly affected by the citýs size. Although larger cities may use more smart governance tools, the overall quality of governance remains consistent across cities of different sizes. Moreover, the proximity to a regional capital does not have a significant impact on the implementation of smart governance. This study underscores the need for small cities to focus on internal capabilities, innovative use of existing resources and stakeholder engagement to effectively implement smart governance.

Research limitations/implications

This paper develops the knowledge on smart governance in small cities, namely, the specifics of smart governance, the stakeholder engagement and the tools used. The research findings may also serve as an inspiration for study conducted elsewhere because the institutional and social environments are comparable in Central and Eastern European nations.

Practical implications

This study suggests that small cities should prioritise the innovative use of their current resources to implement smart governance. This may involve using strong community networks, focusing on internal capabilities and using low-cost tools.

Social implications

This paper identifies barriers and formulates recommendations for further development of smart governance in small cities. The research results indicate that even small cities can adopt smart governance practices, despite having fewer resources compared to larger cities. To facilitate this process, political commitment, strategic management support, active community participation and the steady development of the professional, financial and technical infrastructure required to generate smart solutions are all important. Small cities should put more effort into implementing co-creation and co-production techniques to be more creative and effective in allocating resources and responsibilities.

Originality/value

This paper presents the results of a pilot study and critically compares and discusses them with theoretical assumptions related to the implementation and development of smart governance in small cities.
Deucravacitinib in Japanese patients with plaque, generalized pustular, or erythrodermic psoriasis: Patient‐reported outcomes in the POETYK PSO‐4 study
Authors: Tada Yayoi , Armstrong April W. , Imafuku Shinichi , Okubo Yukari , Morita Akimichi , Zhong Yichen , Zhuo Joe , Becker Brandon , Napoli Andrew , Banerjee Subhashis , Ohtsuki Mamitaro
Published: December 2024

Deucravacitinib, an oral, selective, allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor, is approved in Japan for adult patients with plaque, generalized pustular, or erythrodermic psoriasis. POETYK PSO‐4 (NCT03924427), an open‐label, single‐arm, phase 3 trial, showed that deucravacitinib was effective and well tolerated in Japanese patients with plaque (n = 63), generalized pustular (n = 3), or erythrodermic (n = 8) psoriasis. Additional end points in POETYK PSO‐4 included change measured by the patient‐reported outcome measures Psoriasis Symptoms and Signs Diary and Dermatology Life Quality Index. Mean changes from baseline in score on each measure and the response rate for achieving Dermatology Life Quality Index scores of 0 or 1 were assessed in each patient group over 52 weeks. All assessments were reported as observed, without imputation, in the as‐treated population. Each group reported week 16 score improvements from baseline for both patient‐reported outcome measures that were maintained or numerically improved at week 52. At week 52, approximately two‐thirds of patients in each group achieved a Dermatology Life Quality Index score of 0 or 1, indicating no impact of disease on quality of life. These results demonstrate improvements in psoriasis symptoms and signs and in quality of life with deucravacitinib treatment in Japanese patients with plaque, generalized pustular, or erythrodermic psoriasis. The small number of patients with generalized pustular or erythrodermic psoriasis limits the generalized interpretability of the findings in these groups.
The relationship between food and housing insecurity and healthcare use among Virginia Medicaid expansion members: Considering the neighborhood context
Authors: Shadowen Hannah , Marks Sarah J. , Obembe Olufemi , Mitchell Andrew , Bachireddy Chethan , Hines Anika , Sabo Roy , Cunningham Peter , Krist Alex , Barnes Andrew
Published: December 2024

Objective

To understand relationships between healthcare use and food and housing insecurity in Medicaid expansion members, as well as whether these relationships differ by rurality or residential segregation.

Data Sources and Study Setting

Database of Virginia Medicaid expansion members from the Department of Medical Assistance Services. Sample included individuals who enrolled January–June 2019, were aged 19–64 years, remained continuously enrolled for 12 months, and completed a Medicaid Member Health Screening (MMHS) conducted within the first 3 months of enrollment (n = 14,735).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study. Outcomes included any primary care visits (PC) and any emergency department (ED) visits in the first 12 months of enrollment. The MMHS sample was weighted to represent all Medicaid expansion members (n = 234,296). Separate multivariable linear probability models regressed having any PC or ED visits on food and housing insecurity controlling for individual and neighborhood characteristics. Models were then stratified by rurality and racial residential segregation.

Data Collection

None.

Principal Findings

Food insecurity was negatively associated with having any PC visit (−2.9 percentage points (PP); p‐value <0.01) and positively associated with having any ED visit (7.0 PP; p‐value <0.001). No significant relationships between PC or ED visits and housing insecurity were found. Suburban and urban individuals with food insecurity were significantly less likely to have any PC visit (p < 0.05 each). Medicaid expansion members living in disproportionately low‐income or mixed‐income neighborhoods experiencing food insecurity were also less likely to have any PC visits (p < 0.05), and the same was not true for those living in disproportionately high‐income neighborhoods.

Conclusions

Food insecurity among Medicaid expansion members is associated with less primary care and more emergency department use, but these relationships differ by the neighborhoods in which members live. Medicaid agency efforts that coordinate medical and social service benefits and also consider local context may further increase access to necessary and appropriate care.
Do austerity cuts spare police budgets? Welfare‐to‐carceral realignment during fiscal crises
Authors: Beck Brenden
Published: December 2024

Did governments shift funding from their social welfare functions to their criminal justice functions after the 1980s? Studies investigating this possible “punitive turn” have been inconclusive and have been conducted at the state or national scale. Cities, however, are increasingly important as government responsibility devolves downward and social movements target municipal police budgets. This study contributes to ongoing academic and political debates about welfare‐state retrenchment and police department funding using data on 390 U.S. cities between 1990 and 2019. In contrast to conventional explanations for budgetary restructuring that foreground across‐the‐board cuts or macroeconomic causes, this study proposes a fiscal crisis model that emphasizes localized budget deficits, beliefs about policing's primacy, and police agencies’ political power. Data reveal gradual and considerable municipal budgetary restructuring toward law enforcement between 1990 and 2019, with police funding growing 32% relative to social spending. Fixed‐effects regression models with asymmetric predictors find that when municipal revenues fell by 10%, cities reduced police expenditures by an associated 1% and social service expenditures by 4%, with parks and housing seeing the biggest cuts. During austerity, municipalities cut police shallowly and temporarily while cutting social services deeply and enduringly, accelerating welfare‐to‐carceral realignment.
Percutaneous versus surgical catheter insertion for peritoneal dialysis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chui Juanita N. , Kim Paul , Cooper Tess E. , Zaman Tahmid , Hameed Ahmer , Wyld Melanie , Pleass Henry , Singla Animesh
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is used as a kidney replacement therapy for patients with kidney failure. Institutional practices vary considerably, and the optimal technique for insertion of PD catheters is unknown. This study compared the efficacy and safety of surgical versus percutaneous approaches to PD catheter insertion for patients with end‐stage kidney disease.

Methods

Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL) were systematically searched and analysed for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Eligible RCTs for inclusion were those that compared surgical versus percutaneous approaches to catheter insertion for patients undergoing PD dialysis. Outcomes of interest were patient‐ and catheter‐related complications. In this study risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for RCTs. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results

Four studies (397 participants) were included. With regards to surgical approaches, only one study evaluated laparoscopic insertion; all other studies reported on open surgical techniques. Percutaneous insertion techniques varied significantly between the studies. No difference in patient mortality was found (RR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.43–1.57, I2 = 0%). Percutaneous techniques were associated with lower rates of early peritonitis (RR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.12–0.91, I2 = 0%) and long‐term catheter failure (RR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.47–1.00, I2 = 0%) than surgical approaches. Percutaneous catheter insertion was also associated with reduced late peri‐catheter leak rates (RR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.12–0.98, I2 = 0%) and peri‐procedural complications (RR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.07–0.90, I2 = 0%). The overall risk of bias was moderate, and certainty of evidence was low or very low.

Conclusions

Whilst percutaneous PD insertion techniques may have lower early and late complications compared to surgical technique, there was a lack of high‐quality evidence comparing outcomes between contemporary percutaneous and surgical PD catheter insertion techniques. Future RCTs are required to compare the safety and efficacy of modern percutaneous with laparoscopic techniques.
Predictors of pouch failure and quality of life following ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis: a retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Rencuzogullari Ahmet , Akyol Cihangir , Hamzaoglu Ismail , Colak Tahsin , Karahasanoglu Tayfun , Sungurtekin Ugur , Leventoglu Sezai , Ozturk Ersin , Korkut Mustafa Ali , Sokmen Selman
Published: December 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the causes of failure after the ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis (IPAA) procedure for ulcerative colitis (UC) and to determine the independent risk factors affecting their quality of life.

Methods

This multi‐center cohort study included all UC patients who underwent IPAA at nine referral centers in Türkiye from 2010 to 2018. Centers were categorized as high‐volume (≥10 cases/year) or low‐volume (<10 cases/year). Outcomes assessed included postoperative complications, pouch failure, and QoL using the Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL) and modified Oresland Score. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for pouch failure and QoL determinants, respectively.

Results

Of 296 patients included, pouches were constructed in 172 (58.1%) as a two‐staged and in the remaining patients as a three‐staged procedure. The high‐volume center had higher rates of biologic (45.1% versus 16%) and steroid use (63.9% versus 22.1%). The overall pouch failure rate was 4.7% at the end of follow‐up of 66.1 months. Independent risk factors for pouch failure included pelvic sepsis (OR = 47.47, P = 0.002), biologic use (OR = 13.45, P = 0.033), chronic pouchitis (OR = 14.31, P = 0.013), postoperative blood transfusion (OR = 7.04, P = 0.048), and low annual case volume (OR = 30.86, P = 0.047). CGQL and Oresland scores averaged 0.77 ± 0.1 and 6.3 ± 1.1, respectively. Factors negatively impacting QoL included two‐staged procedures, small bowel obstruction, venous thromboembolism, chronic pouchitis, increased frequency of bowel movements, and low annual case volume.

Conclusions

IPAA surgery in UC patients in Türkiye demonstrates acceptable rates of complications and pouch failure, with high patient satisfaction in terms of QoL and functional outcomes. Optimizing long‐term results requires enhanced surgical expertise and coordinated multidisciplinary management strategies.
Cortex kidney tissue partial oxygen pressure depends on percentage of active oxygenation during oxygenated hypothermic machine perfusion
Authors: Prudhomme Thomas , Darius Tom , Levy Stephan , Loiseau Emma , Le Bas‐Bernardet Stéphanie , Hervouet Jérémy , Minault David , Blancho Gilles , Bruneau Sarah , Badet Lionel , Kron Philipp , Mesnard Benoit , Branchereau Julien
Published: December 2024

Background

Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the advantages of oxygenated hypothermic machine perfusion (HMPO2) during kidney preservation. However, the optimal oxygenation levels during HMPO2 remain undetermined. The aim of this study was to compare different levels of oxygenation (0%, 21%, 50%, and 100%) during 22 h of active oxygenated HMP (HMPO2) using oxygen preloading by bubbling oxygenation in the preservation solution and continuous surface oxygenation during MP in a porcine DCD model.

Methods

After 60 min of warm ischemia time, both kidneys of an 80 kg pig were procured and randomized to one of the following groups: (1) 22‐h static cold storage (n = 6), (2) 22‐h HMP without active oxygenation (n = 6), (3) 22‐h HMPO2 21% O2 (n = 6), (4) 22‐h HMPO2 50% O2 (n = 6), and (5) 22‐h HMPO2 100% O2 (n = 6). The primary outcome measure was to compare the different oxygen levels among the different groups assessed by cortex kidney tissue oxygen partial pressures (tpO2).

Results

Continuous HMPO2 resulted in a significant modification of cortex kidney tpO2. In addition, tpO2 was dependent on the percentage of oxygenation. One hundred percent oxygen resulted in a significantly higher tpO2 compared to all other study groups. In line with that, ATP resynthesis was significantly higher in the HMPO2 100% group.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that continuous HMPO2 results in a significant modification of tpO2 compared with SCS, and the degree of tpO2 is positively correlated with the percentage of active oxygenation during HMP. Metabolic profile analyses (ATP resynthesis) suggest that the aerobic mechanism is better supported with higher oxygen levels (50% and 100% oxygenation).
Do Children Come First? Evidence From the Impact of Two Major Economic Crises on Children Education in Thailand
Authors: Sirisankanan Aeggarchat , Kananurak Papar
Published: December 2024

This study examined the impact of two major crises: the 1998 financial crisis and the 2021 COVID‐19 outbreak as well as the 1996 and 2019 non‐crisis period on child educational spending by Thai households. Using Thailand Socio‐Economic Survey (SES) data along with limited dependent variable models with an emphasis on correcting endogeneity problems were employed to achieve the objective. The results showed that households reduced educational spending in response to unemployment in both the 2021 crisis year and the 2019 non‐crisis period. More importantly households decreased educational spending due to unemployment in the 1998 and 2021 crisis period more than in the 1996 and 2019 non‐crisis period. Additionally, we only found households in the second and third income quartiles cut educational expenditure in response to unemployment.
Mortality of Acute Kidney Injury in Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Over 5 Million Patients Across Different Clinical Settings
Authors: Lekakis Vasileios , Wong Florence , Gkoufa Aikaterini , Papatheodoridis George V. , Cholongitas Evangelos
Published: December 2024

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) represents a commonly seen condition in the natural course of cirrhosis associated with unfavourable outcomes.

Aims

To evaluate and compare the pooled mortality rates of patients with cirrhosis, with versus without AKI, across different clinical settings and diagnostic criteria.

Methods

A systematic search of several databases was performed up to Oct 2023. Meta‐analysis was performed using a generalised linear mixed model with a random effects model for all calculations.

Results

A total of 59 studies comparing patients with cirrhosis, with and without AKI, were included in the meta‐analysis, encompassing 1,153,193 individuals with AKI and 4,630,814 without AKI. AKI development predisposed to significantly higher short (in‐hospital and 30‐days)‐, intermediate (90‐days)‐ and long (1‐year)‐term mortality rates in both inpatients and outpatients. Remarkably, patients with AKI admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) or diagnosed with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) experienced the higher short‐term mortality rates, reaching 76% [95% confidence interval (CI): 73%–79%] and 54% (95%CI: 33%–73%), respectively. AKI staging correlated with mortality risk, with higher stages indicating higher mortality rates, while the timing of AKI development, whether community‐acquired or hospital‐acquired, plays a crucial role in patient prognosis, with distinct mortality patterns observed in each group. The selection of diagnostic criteria for AKI may also impact its association with the short‐term mortality risk.

Conclusions

AKI substantially affects the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis, especially those in ICU and/or with ACLF. Prognosis is also greatly influenced by the AKI stage, timing of onset and diagnostic criteria.
Impact of cataract surgery on patients receiving intravitreal therapy for retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Invernizzi Alessandro , Airaldi Matteo , Cozzi Mariano , Nguyen Vuong , Hashimoto Yohei , Barthelmes Daniel , O'Toole Louise , Ponsioen Theodorus Leonardus , Kusenda Pavol , Lavid Francisco Javier , Jaross Nandor , Gillies Mark , Hunt Adrian
Published: December 2024

Background

To assess clinical outcomes of cataract surgery in eyes treated with intravitreal injections for cystoid macular oedema (CMO) secondary to retinal vein occlusions (RVOs).

Methods

Eyes receiving intravitreal injections for CMO secondary to RVOs that underwent cataract extraction were identified from the Fight Retinal Blindness! Registry and matched 1:1 by 9 parameters with phakic controls also receiving intravitreal injections for the same condition. VA change at 12 months, central subfield thickness (CST) and injection frequency before and after surgery were compared between the two groups. The effect of baseline features on the final VA including age, CST, treatment frequency among others was tested.

Results

We included 193 eyes that had cataract extraction (exposed) matched with 193 phakic eyes that did not have surgery (matched). VA (95%CI) changed by +9.9 (7, 12.8) letters in exposed eyes versus −2.4 (−4.1, −0.7) letters in matched eyes (p < 0.01). The mean [SD] VA at 12 months was similar in exposed and matched eyes [60.7 (23.0) vs. 61.1 (24.3) letters, respectively, p = 0.81]. The mean [SD] CST was similar between groups before and at surgery, but it was greater in exposed compared with matched eyes [353 (152) vs. 322 (123) μm, respectively, p = 0.03] 12 months after surgery. Exposed eyes received more injections [median (range)] than matched eyes during the 12 months after surgery [5 (3, 7) vs. 4 (1, 6), injections, p < 0.01].

Conclusions

Cataract extraction delivered good visual outcomes in patients treated for CMO secondary to RVOs. More injections were required on average in the 12 months after surgery in eyes undergoing surgery compared to matched controls.
From the shadows: A qualitative study of fathers' perspectives and experiences of their partner's gestational diabetes mellitus and its implications
Authors: Benton Madeleine , Waheed Nabiha , Ismail Khalida
Published: December 2024

Aims

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects an increasing number of women each year. Research involving partners of women with GDM, such as fathers is limited, however, understanding their perspectives and involvement in GDM management could enhance health outcomes for both women and their families. This study aims to explore the impact and experiences of GDM on fathers in the perinatal period.

Methods

Qualitative, individual, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with individuals whose partners either currently had GDM or had been diagnosed with GDM within the past 3 years. All participants identified as biological fathers. Data were transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Nine fathers participated in the study. Analysis resulted in four themes that explored fathers' experiences of GDM during the perinatal period: ‘navigating a GDM diagnosis’, ‘partnering in management and health’, ‘finding a place within the GDM journey’ and ‘the lasting impact of GDM’.

Conclusion

Fathers encountered wide‐ranging impacts of their partners' GDM. Fathers provided both practical and emotional support to their partners. Engaging fathers in discussions at diagnosis and in management could facilitate the maintenance of positive health behaviour changes postpartum, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes for both parents.
Price and welfare effects of tariffs and non‐automatic import licences. Evidence for Argentina for the period 2002–2012
Authors: Moncarz Pedro Esteban
Published: December 2024

Since 2005 and especially after the global crisis of 2009, Argentina has reversed some of the economic reforms implemented between 1991 and 2001. Due to restrictions on changing import tariffs, the government at the time turned to the implementation of non‐tariff measures, the most important of which was the introduction of non‐automatic import licences. Our objective is to analyse the impact of changes in import barriers on consumer welfare from 2002 to 2012, specifically measured by the change in consumer prices. The results suggest that the changes in import barriers led to an increase in the prices of both domestic and imported products. Despite a moderate overall effect, there is heterogeneity across sectors. Changes in non‐automatic licences account for most of the impact. The price increase is mainly due to the quality and variety channels of imported goods, with the unit value of imports playing a lesser role. At the household level, all experienced a welfare loss, which increases with the level of per capita expenditure.
WHY STILL KOSELLECK?
Authors: Esposito Fernando
Published: December 2024

Those seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the complex interrelationship between Reinhart Koselleck's oeuvre and the turbulences of the Age of Extremes would be well advised to consult Stefan‐Ludwig Hoffmann's Der Riss in der Zeit: Kosellecks ungeschriebene Historik. Hoffmann shows how “Koselleck's personal experience of the abysmal meaninglessness of history” and his “experiences of time in extremis” formed the starting point for his numerous historiographical endeavors and, ultimately, for his unwritten Historik. Hoffmann provides an accessible interpretation of Koselleck's oeuvre, contextualizes its insights as a reflex of the latter's experience of the abysmal crises of the twentieth century, and invites a series of far‐reaching questions that point beyond Koselleck. The significance of Koselleck for contemporary historical thought is founded on his historicization of historicism. Whereas the initial crisis of historicism constituted the point of departure for Koselleck's project, it was before the backdrop of a second crisis of historicism that he historicized historicism, embarked on a search for a theory of the conditions of possible histories, and opened up a horizon for a new historical concept of history and understanding of time.
Exploring Interactional Metadiscourse in Content Farms and Formal News Agencies
Authors: Chang Yu‐Yun
Published: December 2024

Research on the content of articles from content farms and formal news reports remains limited. This study examines differences between the two types of news agencies regarding interactional metadiscourse, aiming to explore the rhetorical devices employed by writers to interact with readers. We retrieved 86 Chinese health‐related news articles from both content farms and formal news agencies to compile two corpora for quantitative and qualitative analysis. In general, content farm articles employ fewer boosters but more self‐mentions than formal news reports. Furthermore, distinct writing styles between the two types of agencies are observed. For instance, content farm articles tend to adopt a more colloquial style, emphasise balanced writer–reader interaction, and highlight the importance of the argument. In contrast, formal news articles prefer a more formal tone, encourage readers to take action, and emphasise the severity of circumstances.
Identities in Flux: English as Cultural Capital and a Rationale for Investment in a Pakistani University Classroom
Authors: Amin Rooh Ul , Haidar Sham , Manan Syed Abdul , Ahmed Fasih
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the connection between access to English during early schooling (Urdu‐medium public schools and English‐medium private schools), the impetus of investing in a graduate classroom, and their role in shaping learners' habitus, and identities. Using cultural capital and investment as the conceptual lens and students' interviews as the data, collected from a Pakistani university graduate classroom, the study explores access to English (cultural capital) and sees whether it symbolizes a privileged position in an all‐English milieu classroom setting. Grounded in a phenomenological design, the thematic analysis of the data demonstrates that English is not only perceived as invested capital but is also instrumental in (re)shaping the learners' self. The extent of access to learning English in schools not only facilitates (dis)advantaged positions but also defines symbolic power and the sense of (not)belonging to the classroom setting. The findings also exhibit that the learners' perceived positioning has a direct relationship with their investment in English and the potential returns in the form of capital valued in the social market. Having socioeconomic prestige associated with access to English, it is essential to revisit education policies, train teachers, and introduce inclusive curricula for promoting equitable access to learning English—the dominant language in Pakistan. This study suggests that English has considerable social consequences for learners in Pakistan, the degree of convergences with and divergences from this study's findings in other contexts may also be explored.
A Prospective Randomised Clinical Trial Evaluating Pulpotomy in Primary Molars With Three Bioceramic Calcium Silicate Cements: 24 Month Follow‐Up
Authors: Talekar Abhinav L. , Musale Prasad K. , Chaudhari Gayatri S. , Silotry Tayaba M. H. , Waggoner William F.
Published: December 2024

Background

In recent times, bioceramic calcium silicates have gained attention due to high success rates with pulpotomy in primary teeth.

Aims

To evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of three different bioceramic calcium silicate cements in vital deciduous teeth treated with pulpotomies over a period of 24 months.

Design

Children aged 4–9 years, with deep dentinal caries (ICDAS 4–6) in primary molars, having no history of spontaneous pain or signs of non‐vitality were included in the study. Following clinical and radiographic evaluation 117 primary molars diagnosed as having reversible pulpitis received pulpotomy treatment, after randomly being assigned into three groups based on the bioceramic calcium silicate medicament used: a pre‐mixed syringe‐loaded MTA putty (NeoPUTTY); a traditional powder‐liquid hand mix MTA material (NeoMTA Plus), and a precapsulated, trituration mixed material (Biodentine). Clinical and radiographic evaluation was done at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months.

Results

The cumulative clinical and radiographic success for NeoPUTTY was 92%, NeoMTA Plus 97% and for Biodentine 95% and 89%, respectively, after 24 months follow‐up.

Conclusion

The clinical and radiographic success rates of all three bioceramic calcium silicate cements were found to be high, with no significant differences over a period of 24 months.

Trial Registration

Clinical trial registration number: CTRI/2021/03/031655
Returns Policy and Anticipated Regret
Authors: Liu Lin , Desiraju Ramarao , Zou Gan
Published: December 2024

Restrictions on returning an undesirable purchase may make consumers feel regret, and they may account for such a potential postpurchase regret when selecting products. This paper incorporates regret‐averse consumers into a model of returns policy and compares two policies—a returns policy (which allows consumers to return undesirable purchases) and a no‐returns policy (which restricts consumer returns). We explore a canonical shopping setting where the no‐returns policy makes mismatched products unreturnable and triggers postpurchase consumer regret, whereas the alternative policy avoids such regret. Intuitively, one would expect businesses to not use the no‐returns policy when consumers can anticipate regret. Our stylized analytical model, however, shows that the no‐returns policy is not optimal unless it induces regret. In addition, contrary to conventional wisdom on competition in a vertically differentiated market, our results show that the no‐returns policy may be related to conceding a high‐quality advantage—that is, where a higher‐quality firm would charge a higher price, earning a higher profit. Essentially, to raise profit, the no‐returns policy serves as an instrument (through anticipated regret) by deliberately repositioning consumers' perceived quality to a lower level. Our results also show that consumers' regret intensity has an inverted‐U‐shaped relationship with profitability. In addition, we have examined the cases of firms and consumers incurring costs when dealing with returns, repurchasing after returning, and a strategic platform which decides the returns policy; and these analyses help highlight the robustness of our basic model. Echoing the long‐noted sentiment from industry experts and academics that, after products are introduced in the market, changing consumers' perceptions of those attributes is admittedly easier than altering actual product characteristics, our analysis suggests an approach to alter perceptions via the choice of a returns policy.
Health system related kidney supportive care interventions for adults with chronic kidney disease: A systematic review
Authors: Dharmagunawardene Dilantha , Kularatna Sanjeewa , Halahakone Ureni , Purtell Louise , Bonner Ann , Healy Helen G. , Senanayake Sameera
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Kidney failure can be managed either conservatively or via kidney replacement therapy. Kidney supportive care combines the expertise of nephrology with palliative care in a multidisciplinary team with a focus on improving quality of life.

Objective

To identify and appraise evidence‐based health system kidney supportive care interventions

Design

Systematic review (PROSPERO Registration ‐ CRD42022333650).

Participants

Adults with chronic kidney failure.

Measurements

Six databases were searched, using terms “palliative care” and “chronic kidney disease” for publications between January 2010 and March 2024. The Cochrane “Effective Practice and Organisation of Care” and “Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care” domains informed data extraction.

Results

Of the 60 studies included, one‐third were randomised controlled trials. The most common “Effective Practice and Organisation of Care” domain described was care delivery (58/60). End‐of‐life care (33/60), and physical aspects of care (19/60), were commonly described “Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care” domains. Multidisciplinary shared care was highlighted in 26 studies. Least described domains were cultural (0/60) and ethical aspects (3/60). Almost 2/3 (39/60) of studies compared the outcomes of kidney supportive care interventions, and the most common outcome assessed was advance care planning (18/39). Key findings reported integrated palliative care reduced hospital admissions and costs, facilitated better patient‐clinician communication, and improved symptom management. Gaps were identified in cultural and ethical/legal aspects of care.

Conclusions

The studies highlighted the effectiveness of kidney‐supportive care interventions in improving patient outcomes, especially in end‐of‐life care and symptom management. However, significant existing gaps identified necessitate further research.