bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the impact of perceptions of hygiene on tourists' attitudinal loyalty to ethnic food
Authors: Zhang Yang , Xu Xiao-Hui , Lee Timothy J. , Li Zhi-Xuan
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Examining the influence of ethnic food tourists' perception of hygiene on their attitudinal loyalty formation is the purpose of this study. Specifically, How to demonstrate touristsʼ perception of ethnic food hygiene is the key question, and moreover, the study also investigates whether and how the stages of attitudinal loyalty in this study, which are perceived authenticity, positive emotion, and perceived value, are illustrated in this mechanism and are affected by tourist perceptions of hygiene?

Design/methodology/approach

By engaging in the critical debate around the topic of hygiene perception, this study explores the influence of this factor on tourist's attitudinal loyalty, including the cognitive, affective and conative aspects, to ethnic food through the adoption of perceived authenticity, positive emotion and perceived value. A survey was conducted at the Xijiang Miao Village, a very popular ethnic tourism destination in China.

Findings

This study reveals that ethnic food tourists' perceptions of hygiene have five dimensions. One of these plays a direct predictor role in developing effective conative loyalty (perceived value). Tourists' perceptions of authenticity and positive emotion representing cognitive and affective loyalty are confirmed in their direct effect on conative loyalty as well. The five dimensions of perceptions of hygiene identified have varying degrees of influence on the three stages of attitudinal loyalty.

Originality/value

The unique contribution of this study lies in two points: (1) it has discovered the way that tourists' perceptions of the hygienic preparation of ethnic food in the ethnic destination is constructed, and (2) it investigated the relationship between tourists' perceptions of hygiene and the three stages of attitudinal loyalty.
Characterizing Chinese online public opinions towards the COVID-19 recovery policy
Authors: Yu Wei , Chen Nan , Chen Junpeng
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The online users’ characteristic information can provide decision support for policy-designing and construction of public strategies. Hence, this paper aims to conduct online public opinion mining on the recovery policy stimulating the economies stroked by COVID-19 epidemic. Also, sentimental analysis is performed to uncover the posters’ emotion towards the target policy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) as classifier in classification tasks, including misinformation detection, subject analysis and sentimental analysis. Meanwhile, latent Dirichlet allocation method and sentiment formulations are implemented in topic modelling and sentiment analysis.

Findings

The experimental results indicate that public opinion is mainly non-negative to the target policy. The positive emotions mainly focus on the benefits that the recovery policy might bring to stimulate economy. On the other hand, some negative opinions concerned about the shortcomings and inconvenience of the target policy.

Originality/value

The authors figured out the key factors focused by the public opinion on the target recovery policy. Also, the authors indicated pros and cons of the recovery policy by analysing the emotion and the corresponding topics of the public opinion on social media. The findings of the paper can be generalized in other countries theoretically to help them design recovery policy against COVID-19.
Is game-based pedagogy just a fad? A self-determination theory approach to gamification in higher education
Authors: Gupta Poornima , Goyal Preeti
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design and incorporate gamebased pedagogy grounded in self-determination theory (SDT) for a higher education course in a business school program.

Design/methodology/approach

The study evaluates the learning outcomes of students from higher education in gamified and non-gamified contexts. The study was conducted over a period of two years in a management institute in the National Capital Region of India. The participants of the gamification study were the students in the age group 22–25 years with 0–3 years of work experience.

Findings

In general, findings of this study suggest that the group that underwent the course with the game-based pedagogy had better learning outcomes. In the game design, this study found that the addition of “meaningfulness” to the game elements improved the engagement with the gamification process for the learners. Consequently, this study found that “meaningfulness” played an important role in engaging the students, thereby, leading to improved learning outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The study suggests that when the game design is rooted in theory, it is likely that the desired results from gamification will be achieved. The evaluation of the courses was done by the researcher themselves. An external evaluation is required to confirm the results of the gamification elements used in the course as enumerated in the paper.

Practical implications

All the game elements used in the game design were underpinned by SDT which suggests that if the three innate needs of competence, relatedness and autonomy in individuals are met, the desired learning outcomes is likely to follow.

Social implications

Due to the use of an online environment for the conduct of the evaluations, the study permitted the students to receive and have access to constant feedback enabling them to improve and enhance their learning.

Originality/value

Existing research shows inconsistent results with the use of gamification in the learning process. This study suggests that by grounding the gamification design in learning theory is more likely to achieve favourable results. In addition, if the game elements provide meaningfulness to the participants, the gamification process is more likely to succeed.
The significance of employee behaviours and soft management practices to avoid digital waste during a digital transformation
Authors: Alieva Jamila , Powell Daryl John
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceived effects between soft management practices, employee behaviours and the implementation of digital technologies in manufacturing plants, as well as how these relate to the emergence of digital waste.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses case-based research. Data was collected in two large manufacturing companies based in Norway and Sweden through semi-structured interviews with two management representatives and four shop-floor employees. The data was used to evaluate 29 variables describing lean- and total quality management (TQM)-associated employee behaviours and soft management practices, in light of digital transformation.

Findings

The results suggest that several variables were positively influenced by the digital transformation process. These were top management leadership, middle management involvement, employee education, corporate social responsibility focus, innovation, knowledge sharing, work-family balance, psychological capital, job satisfaction and career commitment. Training employees, creativity, discretionary effort, turnover intention and proactivity appear to be negatively influenced by digital transformation The findings also indicate that several soft management practices and employee behaviours were not only influenced by manufacturing digitalization but also themselves influenced the process. The potential for digital waste creation was also detected in several variables, including reward and recognition and training employees.

Practical implications

Managers, practitioners and academics may learn about the importance of certain managerial practices and employees’ behavioural needs during the digital transformation process. The findings may help in prioritizing TQM and soft lean management practices and certain employee behaviours during the digital transformation and in creating awareness of digital waste.

Originality/value

This study builds on several existing studies discussing the impact of digital transformation on soft management practices and employee behaviours. It provides insights from a lean and TQM angle and offers a means of prioritizing certain practices and behaviours during a digital transformation. This study also highlights the significance of digital waste.
Performance impact of behavioural factors in alliances by SMEs: an empirical analysis
Authors: Prabhudesai Rohit , Pangarkar Nitin , Prasad Ch V.V.S.N.V. , Sinha Abhishek Kumar
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to fill a gap in the authors’ understanding of alliance-level and the partner-level alliance performance by analysing the influence of behavioural factors for alliances formed by SMEs. Prior studies on the topic have arrived at inconclusive results. This study plugs gaps in prior studies' approach such as deployment of inconsistent performance measures, and omission of contingent factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey method was used to collect responses about 86 alliances of Indian SMEs. The data were analysed using PLS-SEM technique.

Findings

Two relationship capital variables – Trust and Commitment – were found to have differential influence on the two levels of SME alliance performance, and their influence was mediated by the presence of two exchange climate variables – Communication and Conflict.

Research limitations/implications

Since the study employs perceptual measures of performance, it is subject to the limitations of these measures. Similarly, given the relatively small sample size on which analyses were based, the results may need to be replicated in order to generalize the findings.

Practical implications

The study tested a comprehensive model for alliance and partner performance in the context of SMEs. The study's results may be particularly useful to managers of SMEs for focusing on the key factors that influence alliance performance as well as their performance.

Originality/value

The model tested in the study is comprehensive and also accounts for the subtleties about the impact of the two key types of behavioural factors – Relationship capital and Exchange climate – on alliance and partner performance.
New product development team performance: a historical meta-analytic review of its nomological network
Authors: Durmusoglu Serdar S. , Calantone Roger J.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to conduct a meta-analytic review based on a theoretical framework developed for investigating new product development (NPD) teams in the first two decades of the research stream.

Design/methodology/approach

This study contributes to literature by investigating the presence of publication bias and synthesizing correlation effect sizes of 27 factors influencing three NPD team performance dimensions: overall, market-based (e.g. sales, profitability), process-based (e.g. budget adherence, schedule adherence) outcomes. Further, this study presents a path analytical model that uses the aggregate study effects to identify significant drivers of NPD team performance.

Findings

First, examination of extant literature shows no publication bias. Next, analyses show that three internal team dynamic variables have the most significant positive effect on overall NPD team performance: team member job satisfaction, cross-functional integration and superordinate identity. For market-based performance, three goal-related contextual factors exert the most positive influence, namely, goal stability, goal clarity and goal support, in respective order. Further, for process-based performance, cross-functional integration’s strong positive effect is followed by team and goal stability. Moreover, physical distance, interpersonal and task conflict have significant negative effects on NPD team performance. Finally, both market- and process-based NPD team performance are significantly influenced by NPD team’s cohesion, which acts a mediator between two contextual factors: physical distance and team tenure.

Research limitations/implications

This meta-analysis contributes to literature by providing a comprehensive model of NPD team performance predictors, their definitions, along with their corresponding effects in predicting performance. While team cohesion is found to be a strong predictor of both market- and process-based performance, future research can examine if too much cohesion has a detrimental effect, especially on market-based performance.

Practical implications

The results assist managers in shifting their priorities to ensure optimal support of NPD teams. For example, team leadership competence externally has a larger effect on overall performance compared to team leadership for internal team dynamics. Hence, team leaders should make sure that they manage the team’s relationships with external parties (e.g. other functional units) with more caution.

Originality/value

This study provides a guiding framework for analyzing NPD team performance as well as identifies and then addresses many knowledge gaps on NPD team performance.
Dimensional, moisture, and thermal properties of bi-layered knitted fabric for sportswear application
Authors: Soundri Geetha Margret , S. Kavitha , Kumar B. Senthil
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The essential properties of active sports fabrics are moisture management, quick-drying, body heat management and thermal regulations. Fibre type, blending nature, yarn and fabric structure and the finishing treatment are the key parameters that influenced the performance of the clothing meant for sportswear. This study aims to investigate the effect of fibre blending and structural tightness factors on bi-layer sport fabric's dimensional, moisture management and thermal properties.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, 12 different bi-layer inter-lock fabrics were produced. Polyester filament (120 Denier) yarn was fed to form the backside of the fabric, and the face side was varied with cotton, modal, wool and soya spun yarns of 30sNe. Three different types of structural tightness factors were considered, such as low, medium and high were taken for sample development. The assessment towards dimensional, moisture management and thermal properties was carried out on all the samples.

Findings

The polyester-modal blend with a high tightness factor has shown maximum overall moisture management capability (OMMC) values of 0.73 and air permeability of 205.3 cm3/cm2/s. The same sample has shown comparatively higher thermal conductivity of 61.72 × 10–3 W m-1 °C-1(Under compression state) and 58.45 × 10–3 W m-1 °C-1 (under recovery state). In the case of surface roughness is concerned, polyester-modal blends have shown the lowest surface roughness, surface roughness amplitude and surface friction co-efficient. Among the selected fibre combinations, the overall comfort level of polyester-modal bi-layer knitted structure with a higher tightness factor is appreciable. Polyester-modal is more suitable for active sportswear among the four fiber blend combinations.

Research limitations/implications

The outcome of this study will help to gain a better understanding of fibre blends, structural tightness factor and other process specifications for the development of bi-layer fabric for active sportswear applications. The dynamic functional testing methods (Moisture management and Thermal properties) were carried out to simulate the actual wearing environment of the sports clothing. This study will create a new scope of research opportunities in the field of bi-layer sports textiles.

Originality/value

This study was conducted to explore the influence of fibre blend and structural tightness factor on the comfort level of sportswear and to find the suitable fibre blend for active sportswear clothing.
Decoding the sustainable consumer: what yoga psychology tells us about self-control and impulsive buying?
Authors: Kakkar Shiva , Dugar Anurag , Gupta Rajneesh
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The study approaches the social problem of overconsumption by examining how dispositional characteristics (Trigunas) affect self-control capacity and buying impulsiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 181 Indian students was conducted to collect data onTrigunas, self-control and impulse buying tendency (IBT). Partial least squares-based structure equation modeling package ADANCO was used for data analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that two out of the three gunas were related to impulsive buying tendency. As hypothesized, self-control mediated these relationships. The findings prove thatTrigunascarry differential influence on self-control capacity and impulsive buying behavior of individuals.

Practical implications

The results of this study offer new insights and ideas to practitioners and researchers pursuing the problem of overconsumption. This study delves into ancient Hindu knowledge of mindfulness and offers fresh psychological constructs that broaden scholarly understanding on personality-related drivers of overconsumption.

Originality/value

Most research on overconsumption and related issues has been conducted using western personality models. Additionally, many of these findings are inconsistent. This article broadens this discussion by applying indigenous Indian psychology constructs to the study of consumer behavior and provides empirical support for the same.
A greater effect on clarithromycin resistance of mef(A)‐associated msr(D) than mef(E)‐associated msr(D) in Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Tatsuno Ichiro , Isaka Masanori , Hasegawa Tadao
Published: March 2022

The mef(A)‐ and its subclass mef(E) systems had long been considered to constitute one of the primary macrolide‐resistant mechanisms in Streptococcus pyogenes. However, we have previously demonstrated that the msr(D) gene located immediately downstream of the mef(A)/mef(E) genes plays a predominant role in these systems. In previous studies, furthermore, mef(A)‐associated msr(D)10‐85 of an S. pyogenes strain (10‐85) exhibited a greater increase in clarithromycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) than mef(E)‐associated msr(D)13‐O‐10 of another strain (13‐O‐10). Both msr(D) genes encode 487 amino acid residues, 13 amino acid residues of which are different from each other. In this study, we performed mutational analysis of the msr(D) genes and showed that a single‐nucleotide polymorphism to cause a substitution of Asp238 with Gly is mainly associated with the greater increase in clarithromycin MIC by the msr(D)10‐85 than by the msr(D)13‐O‐10 allele. In addition, another substitution of Ser with Arg at codon 194 is partially associated with the greater increase by the msr(D)10‐85 than by the msr(D)13‐O‐10 allele.
Inflation Expectations in Australia
Authors: Beckers Benjamin , Brassil Anthony
Published: March 2022

Inflation expectations are typically considered a pivotal and causal driver of inflation dynamics over which central banks have a strong influence. Given this influence, it is important for central banks to understand how expectations are formed and how their operations influence these expectations. We describe the various ways inflation expectations are measured and used by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), and then review the evidence on how Australians form their expectations. In contrast to what is assumed in standard macroeconomic models, expectations are generally not formed rationally or with full information. We close by highlighting what these findings imply for the conduct of monetary policy.
Exploring the use of virtual reality to manage distress in adolescent patients in emergency departments: A feasibility study
Authors: Zolfaghari Elham , Ridout Brad , Medlow Sharon , Campbell Andrew , Coggins Andrew , Murphy Margaret , Jani Shefali , Thosar Deepali , Wiederhold Brenda K , Wiederhold Mark , Steinbeck Katharine
Published: March 2022

Objective

The present study aimed to explore the feasibility and potential benefits of deploying virtual reality (VR) for adolescents in the ED.

Methods

This multi‐centre study was undertaken in paediatric and adult EDs in two university teaching hospitals. Twenty‐six participants who had voluntarily attended the ED received the VR intervention. Pre‐ and post‐measures assessing changes in state anxiety, stress and affect, and physical biomarkers were obtained.

Results

The use of VR intervention was associated with significant reductions in distress (Short State Stress Questionnaire – Distress Subscale; t = 4.55, P < 0.001) and negative affect (the International Positive and Negative Affect Scale – Short Form version; t = 4.99, P < 0.001). Most participants chose ‘Netflix’ as their content of choice. The technology was well received by the participants with subjective reports indicating that receiving VR intervention was ‘insanely cool’, ‘takes you away from what's actually happening’ and some participants felt ‘privileged to get this experience in a hospital’.

Conclusions

VR technology can effectively be used in EDs to assist adolescents and young adults better manage their distress and take steps towards activating more self‐control mechanisms that will in turn allow for more meaningful engagements to be established with health clinicians. This technology has broad implications for reducing distress in adolescents in a variety of clinical contexts.
Gone with the wind: Inferring bird migration with light‐level geolocation, wind and activity measurements
Authors: Werfeli Mike , Ranacher Peter , Liechti Felix
Published: March 2022

To investigate the complex phenomenon of bird migration, researchers rely on sophisticated methods for tracking long‐distant migrants. While large birds can be equipped with satellite tags, these are too heavy for many species. Instead, researchers often use light‐level geolocation for tracking individual small migratory birds. Unfortunately, light‐level geolocation is often coarse and unreliable, with positioning errors of anything up to hundreds of kilometres. Recent Bayesian models try to constrain the route to plausible corridors: they couple light‐level measurements with information about the bird's likely movement. While these models improve inference, they still lack information on weather conditions, specifically the impact of wind. For example, birds might encounter tailwinds—considerably increasing their (ground) speed and making longer routes more likely, or headwinds—having the opposite effect.

Miniaturised multi‐sensor tags allow monitoring not only light but also acceleration and air pressure. These measurements provide essential additional information about the exact timing of flight activity and the corresponding flight altitudes. This article proposes a Bayesian model for inferring bird migration. The model integrates air pressure to estimate flight altitudes and considers wind data to calculate the most likely flight trajectory. The model constrains the migratory routes to those likely given by the winds en route and the observed timing of flight activity.

We apply the model to infer the migration of European Hoopoes Upupa epops. Adding wind data for route inference excludes flight trajectories with unrealistic high airspeeds, decreases the uncertainty of the position estimates and returns more plausible migratory routes.

Faithful reconstruction of migratory routes helps unravel the influence of physiological and environmental factors on bird migration. This is crucial for habitat protection where limited resources need to be allocated to relevant areas.
Implementation and evaluation of a smoking cessation checklist implemented within Australian cancer services
Authors: Young Alison Luk , Rankin Nicole M. , Whippy Elena , Cooke Skye , Milross Chris , Zielinski Robert , Brennan Hayley , Grand Melissa , Beale Philip
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The detrimental impact of smoking tobacco can be mitigated when cancer patients quit smoking. Smoking cessation clinical pathways are inconsistently implemented within Australian cancer services. The aim of this study was to pilot test and evaluate the reach, adoption, and implementation of a smoking cessation checklist within oncology services.

Methods

The checklist was implemented over a 6‐month period in medical and radiation oncology services at two metropolitan and one rural hospital. The RE‐AIM framework guided the evaluation process. Implementation strategies included training, process mapping, and identifying champions. Evaluation measures included a clinical data audit, surveys, and semi‐structured interviews with healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Results

Healthcare professionals (HCPs; N = 63; 41% oncologists, 32% nurses, 27% others) completed 1276 checklists with cancer patients between November 2019 and December 2020. Of the 126 (10%) identified current smokers, 34 (27%) accepted a referral to either Quitline, Nicotine Replacement Therapy, to a general practitioner or dedicated HCP for follow‐up telephone support. There was variation in screening adoption by HCPs across the three hospitals, with 16%, 92% and 89.5% of patients screened respectively. Contextual factors, such as perceived commitment, role identity, and communication processes appeared to influence the outcomes.

Conclusion

A checklist is a simple, effective, and versatile intervention used to standardise smoking cessation practices in medical and radiation oncology services. The checklist supports standardisation of referral practices to smoking cessation services for cancer patients by either oncologist and/or nurses.
Causes of perinatal deaths in Australia: Slow progress in the preterm period
Authors: Tindal Kirstin , Bimal Gayathri , Flenady Vicki , Gordon Adrienne , Farrell Tanya , Davies‐Tuck Miranda
Published: March 2022

Aim

The majority of perinatal deaths occur in the preterm period; however, current approaches predominantly focus on prevention in the term period. Reducing perinatal deaths in the preterm period is, therefore, key to reducing the rates of perinatal death overall in Australia. The aim was to understand the classifications of causes of preterm stillbirth and neonatal death in Victoria over time and by gestation.

Materials and methods

Retrospective study using state‐wide, publicly available data. All births in Victoria between 2010 and 2018 included in the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection, excluding terminations of pregnancy for maternal psychosocial indications, were studied. Differences in causes of preterm perinatal mortality gestation group and over time were determined.

Results

Out of 7977 perinatal deaths reported, 85.9% (n = 6849) were in the preterm period. The most common cause of preterm stillbirths was congenital anomalies (n = 1574, 29.8%), followed by unexplained antepartum deaths (n = 557, 14.2%). The most common cause of preterm neonatal death was spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB; n = 599, 38.2%), followed by congenital anomalies (n = 493, 31.4%). The rate of preterm stillbirths due to hypertension (−14.9% (95% CI −27.1% to −2.7%; P = 0.02)), maternal conditions (−24.1% (95% CI −44.2% to −4.0%; P = 0.03)) and those that were unexplained (−5.4% (95% CI −9.8% to −1.2%; P = 0.02)) decreased per annum between 2010 and 2018. All other classifications did not change significantly over time.

Conclusion

Prevention of congenital anomalies and sPTB is critical to reducing preterm perinatal mortality. Greater emphasis on understanding causes of preterm deaths through mortality investigations may reduce the proportion of those considered ‘unexplained’.
Glycated haemoglobin and the risk of postoperative complications in people without diabetes: a prospective population‐based study in UK Biobank
Authors: Lam S. , Kumar B. , Loke Y. K. , Orme S. E. , Dhatariya K.
Published: March 2022

The aim of our study was to clarify the association between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and postoperative outcomes in people without an existing diagnosis of diabetes. Half a million adults were recruited into the UK Biobank prospective cohort study between March 2006 and October 2010. We divided participants into three groups: no diagnosis of diabetes and HbA1c < 42 mmol.mol−1; no diagnosis of diabetes and elevated HbA1c (≥ 42 mmol.mol−1 with no upper limit); and prevalent diabetes (regardless of HbA1c concentration) at recruitment. We followed up participants by linkage with routinely collected hospital data to determine any surgical procedures undertaken after recruitment and the associated postoperative outcomes. Our main outcome measure was a composite primary outcome of 30‐day major postoperative complications and 90‐day all‐cause mortality. We used logistic regression to estimate the odds of the primary outcome by group. We limited analyses to those who underwent surgery within one year of recruitment (n = 26,653). In a combined effects logistic regression model, participants not known to have diabetes with HbA1c ≥ 42 mmol.mol−1 had increased odds of the primary outcome (OR [95% CI] 1.43 [1.02–2.02]; p = 0.04), when compared with those without diabetes and HbA1c < 42 mmol.mol−1. This effect was attenuated and no longer statistically significant in a direct effects model with adjustment for hyperglycaemia‐related comorbidity (OR [95% CI] 1.37 [0.97–1.93]; p = 0.07). Elevated pre‐operative HbA1c in people without diabetes may be associated with an increased risk of complications, but the association is likely confounded by end‐organ comorbidity. In contrast to previous evidence, our findings suggest that to prevent adverse postoperative outcomes, optimisation of pre‐existing morbidity should take precedence over reducing HbA1c in people without diabetes.
Vaginal vault prolapse and recurrent surgery: A nationwide observational cohort study
Authors: Brunes Malin , Ek Marion , Drca Anna , Söderberg Marie , Bergman Ida , Warnqvist Anna , Johannesson Ulrika
Published: March 2022

Introduction

In surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse the recurrence rate is about 30% and the importance of apical support was recently highlighted. In surgical randomized controlled studies, the external validity can be compromised because the surgical outcomes often depend on surgical volume. Therefore, we sought to study outcomes of surgical treatment in patients with vaginal vault prolapse in a nationwide setting with a variety of surgical volumes.

Material and methods

This is a nationwide cohort study. All patients with a vaginal vault prolapse undergoing surgery, between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018, were identified from the Swedish National Quality Register of Gynecological Surgery, GynOp. The primary outcome was the frequency of recurrent pelvic organ prolapse surgery within 2 years postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included patient‐reported vaginal bulging, operative time, estimated blood loss and 1‐year postoperative complications.

Results

In 1812 patients with vaginal vault prolapse, 538 (30%) had a sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) with graft, 441 (24%) underwent SSLF without graft, and 200 (11%) underwent minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (SCP) or sacrocervicopexy (SCerP). A significantly higher proportion of patients undergoing recurrent pelvic organ prolapse surgery was seen in SSLF without graft than in SSLF with graft (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.2, 95% CI 1.4–3.6). Patient‐reported sensation of vaginal bulging 1 year after surgery was higher in the SSLF group without graft than in the SSLF group with graft (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3–2.8) and in the SCP/SCerP group (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.4). Finally, we found a significantly higher rate of complications 1 year after surgery in SSLF without graft (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2–4.2) and in SSLF with graft (aOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2–4.2) compared with SCP/SCerP.

Conclusions

In patients with vaginal vault prolapse, SSLF without graft was associated with a higher frequency of recurrent pelvic organ prolapse surgery compared with SSLF with graft, and a higher subjective relapse rate compared with SCP/SCerP and SSLF with graft. Additionally, the complication rate 1 year after primary surgery was higher in SSLF both with and without graft than in SCP/SCerP.
Blue vs white light for transurethral resection of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer: an abridged Cochrane Review
Authors: Maisch Philipp , Koziarz Alex , Vajgrt Jon , Narayan Vikram , Kim Myung Ha , Dahm Philipp
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To assess the effects of blue‐light (BL)‐enhanced transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) compared to white‐light (WL)‐based TURBT in the treatment of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Methods

Based on a published protocol, we performed a systematic search of multiple databases from their inception to March 2021. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing blue‐light (BL) TURBT to white‐light (WL) TURBT. Our meta‐analysis was based on a random‐effects model. We assessed the quality of evidence on a per‐outcome basis according to the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results

We included 16 RCTs involving a total of 4325 participants in this review. BL TURBT may reduce the risk of disease recurrence over time (hazard ratio [HR] 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54–0.81; low‐certainty evidence) depending on baseline risk. For participants with low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk NMIBC, this corresponded to 48 (66 fewer to 27 fewer), 109 (152 fewer to 59 fewer) and 147 (211 fewer to 76 fewer) fewer recurrences per 1000 participants when compared to WL TURBT, respectively. BL TURBT may also reduce the risk of disease progression over time (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.50–0.84; low‐certainty evidence) depending on baseline risk. For participants with low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk NMIBC, this corresponded to 1 (1 fewer to 0 fewer), 17 (25 fewer to 8 fewer), and 56 (81 fewer to 25 fewer) fewer progressions per 1000 participants when compared to WL TURBT, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a favourable impact of BL TURBT on the risk of disease recurrence and progression; however, whether this risk reduction is clinically relevant greatly depends on the baseline risk of patients. We did not find an increase in severe surgical complications with BL cystoscopy, and we did not find any trial evidence on other, non‐surgical adverse events.
Addiction perceptions among users of smokeless or combustible tobacco attending a tertiary care hospital in India
Authors: Thawal Vaibhav P. , Tzelepis Flora , Ahmadi Sima , Palazzi Kerrin , Paul Christine
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Addiction plays a key role in continued tobacco use. The study assessed association of perceived personal addiction and the perceived addictiveness of different forms of tobacco with type of tobacco product used, demographic characteristics and socio‐cultural factors.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of 607 adult tobacco users with age 18 years and above attending a general medicine out‐patient department was conducted. Participants were asked questions on perceived personal addiction to tobacco use and perception of addiction on tobacco products. Logistic regression was applied to investigate the association between demographic characteristics, type of tobacco, socio‐cultural factors and addiction perceptions.

Results

The odds of perceived addiction (PA) were lower among smokeless tobacco (SLT) users [OR (95% CI): 0.57 (0.37, 0.89)P = 0.01]. An increase in the odds of PA was seen as age increased [OR (95% CI):1.02 (1.00, 1.03)P = 0.01] and participants with secondary education and above had higher odds of PA compared to participants with no formal education [OR (95% CI): 1.68 (1.09, 2.58)P = 0.02]. The odds of perceiving SLT products to be addictive was lower among SLT users [OR (95% CI): 0.48 (0.30, 0.75)P = 0.002)] compared to combustible tobacco users. The odds of perceiving SLT products to be addictive was lower [(OR (95% CI): 0.35 (0.18, 0.67)P = 0.002)] among females. Participants with secondary education and above had higher odds of perceiving combustible [OR (95% CI): 1.80 (1.17, 2.77)P = 0.008)] and SLT products [OR (95% CI): 1.98 (1.20, 3.30)P = 0.008)] to be addictive compared to no schooling.

Discussion and Conclusions

There is a need to raise awareness in India of the addictiveness of tobacco, particularly for users of SLT, younger people and those with less education.
Change in alcohol outcome expectancies from childhood to emerging adulthood: A meta‐analysis of longitudinal studies
Authors: Pinquart Martin , Borgolte Katharina
Published: March 2022

Issues

Knowledge on the development of alcohol outcome expectancies (AOE) is relevant because AOE predict change in drinking behaviours. The present meta‐analysis integrates results of longitudinal studies on change in AOE from childhood to emerging adulthood (age 23/24).

Approach

A systematic search in electronic databases identified 64 studies that were analysed with three‐level meta‐analyses.

Key Findings

AOE about positive and social consequences tended to increase, on average, from childhood to middle or late adolescence, respectively. In contrast, negative AOE declined over time. Change in positive, social and tension reduction AOE were described as an inverted u‐shaped curve. The strongest increase of more than two standard deviation units was observed with regard to social AOE between the age of 7 and 16, followed by small decline in the transition to emerging adulthood.

Implications

The meta‐analysis found evidence for strong increases of positive AOE from childhood to middle or late adolescence.

Conclusions

The results inform about reasonable age‐ranges for expectancy‐challenging interventions. To obtain a clearer picture of change in AOE beyond adolescence, longitudinal research is needed on younger children and beyond college age.
Understanding patterns of heterogeneity in executive functioning during adolescence: Evidence from population‐level data
Authors: Chaku Natasha , Barry Kelly , Fowle Jillianne , Hoyt Lindsay Till
Published: March 2022

Executive functioning (EF) is fundamental to positive development. Yet, little is known about how to best characterize constellations of EF skills that may inform disparate associations between EF and behavior during adolescence. In the current study, cross‐validated latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to derive profiles of EF based on measures of inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility using data from 11,672 youth (52.2% male, mean age = 9.91 years) in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study. Four meaningful EF profiles emerged from the data representing Average EF, High EF, Low Inhibitory Control, and Low EF. Boys, youth from low‐income households, and early developing youth were more likely to be in profiles distinguished by lower EF. Profile membership also predicted differences in externalizing, internalizing, and other problem behaviors assessed one year later. Findings indicate that youth may have distinct constellations of EF skills, underscoring the need for person‐centered approaches that focus on patterns of individual characteristics.
Short‐ and medium‐run health and literacy impacts of the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic in Brazil
Authors: Guimbeau Amanda , Menon Nidhiya , Musacchio Aldo
Published: March 2022

We study the lasting repercussions of the 1918 influenza (‘Spanish Flu’) pandemic on health measures and literacy rates in São Paulo, Brazil, the most populous city in South America today, but significantly poorer a century ago. Leveraging temporal and spatial variation in district‐level estimates of influenza‐related deaths for the 1917–20 time period, combined with a unique database on demographic and literacy outcomes as well as a detailed set of socio‐economic, infrastructure, and regional determinants newly constructed from historical data, we find that the pandemic had significant impacts. In particular, infant mortality and stillbirths rose, sex ratios at birth fell, and there was a marked improvement in male literacy rates for those 15 years and above in 1920. Further analyses reveal that these impacts are most pronounced in districts with older populations, less literate districts, and districts where access to doctors was relatively limited. We find evidence that the male literacy effects persist in 1940. These results highlight that ramifications of the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic were experienced for at least two decades after the event in a context where institutions were relatively weak and resources for mitigation were limited.
Collecting badges: Understanding the gold rush for business excellence awards
Authors: Asante Shadrack , Sarpong David , Bi Jianxiang , Mordi Chima
Published: March 2022

Business excellence awards (BEAs) have become all too commonplace. Entering and winning one has now become part of contemporary organising. However, scholarly work examining these awards remains scattered, with the dominant narrative focusing on what could even be described as the intense obsession with award ceremonies. In this paper, we articulate the mechanisms through which the dual demands for managing competitive pressures and achieving competitive advantage drive organisations to enter these awards. In doing this, we integrate and expand upon prior work to explicate an integrative framework for examining how the interactions between various contextual and environmental factors may induce organisations to enter BEAs and the potential outcomes, particularly for those who win or are shortlisted for these awards. We go on to present a set of propositions constituting a contribution, after which our study's implications for the theory and practice of BEAs are outlined.
Neurological outcomes 1 year after COVID‐19 diagnosis: A prospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Rass Verena , Beer Ronny , Schiefecker Alois Josef , Lindner Anna , Kofler Mario , Ianosi Bogdan Andrei , Mahlknecht Philipp , Heim Beatrice , Peball Marina , Carbone Federico , Limmert Victoria , Kindl Philipp , Putnina Lauma , Fava Elena , Sahanic Sabina , Sonnweber Thomas , Löscher Wolfgang N. , Wanschitz Julia V. , Zamarian Laura , Djamshidian Atbin , Tancevski Ivan , Weiss Günter , Bellmann‐Weiler Rosa , Kiechl Stefan , Seppi Klaus , Loeffler‐Ragg Judith , Pfausler Bettina , Helbok Raimund
Published: March 2022

Background and purpose

Neurological sequelae from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) may persist after recovery from acute infection. Here, the aim was to describe the natural history of neurological manifestations over 1 year after COVID‐19.

Methods

A prospective, multicentre, longitudinal cohort study in COVID‐19 survivors was performed. At a 3‐month and 1‐year follow‐up, patients were assessed for neurological impairments by a neurological examination and a standardized test battery including the assessment of hyposmia (16‐item Sniffin' Sticks test), cognitive deficits (Montreal Cognitive Assessment < 26) and mental health (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist 5).

Results

Eighty‐one patients were evaluated 1 year after COVID‐19, out of which 76 (94%) patients completed a 3‐month and 1‐year follow‐up. Patients were 54 (47–64) years old and 59% were male. New and persistent neurological disorders were found in 15% (3 months) and 12% (10/81; 1 year). Symptoms at 1‐year follow‐up were reported by 48/81 (59%) patients, including fatigue (38%), concentration difficulties (25%), forgetfulness (25%), sleep disturbances (22%), myalgia (17%), limb weakness (17%), headache (16%), impaired sensation (16%) and hyposmia (15%). Neurological examination revealed findings in 52/81 (64%) patients without improvement over time (3 months, 61%, p = 0.230) including objective hyposmia (Sniffin' Sticks test <13; 51%). Cognitive deficits were apparent in 18%, whereas signs of depression, anxiety and post‐traumatic stress disorders were found in 6%, 29% and 10% respectively 1 year after infection. These mental and cognitive disorders had not improved after the 3‐month follow‐up (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our data indicate that a significant patient number still suffer from neurological sequelae including neuropsychiatric symptoms 1 year after COVID‐19 calling for interdisciplinary management of these patients.
Flexibility in share repurchases: Evidence from UK
Authors: Kulchania Manoj , Sonika Rohit
Published: March 2022

Although firms cite flexibility as important when repurchasing shares, we know little about how or why firms vary repurchases. We use an extensive sample of daily repurchase transactions from the United Kingdom to investigate how the number of repurchase days and volumes of shares repurchased change based on several known motivations. We find that stock price changes, liquidity, leverage, takeover activity and earnings per share targets impact share repurchasing patterns. Further, we compare actual repurchases to alternative share accumulation strategies and find that firms utilize flexibility without paying higher costs.
Characterization of novel lncRNA muscle expression profiles associated with meat quality in beef cattle
Authors: Muniz Maria Malane Magalhães , Simielli Fonseca Larissa Fernanda , Scalez Daiane Cristina Becker , Vega Aroa Suarez , Silva Danielly Beraldo dos Santos , Ferro Jesus Aparecido , Chardulo Artur Loyola , Baldi Fernando , Cánovas Angela , de Albuquerque Lucia Galvão
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to identify novel lncRNA differentially expressed (DE) between divergent animals for beef tenderness and marbling traits in Nellore cattle. Longissimus thoracis muscle samples from the 20 most extreme bulls (of 80 bulls set) for tenderness, tender (n = 10) and tough (n = 10) groups, and marbling trait, high (n = 10) and low (n = 10) groups were used to perform transcriptomic analysis using RNA‐Sequencing. For tenderness, 29 lncRNA were DE (p‐value ≤ 0.01) in tough beef animals in relation to tender beef animals. We observed that genic lncRNAs, for example, lncRNA_595.1, were overlapping exonic part of the PICK gene, while lncRNA_3097.2 and lncRNA_3129.5 overlapped intronic part of the genes GADL1 and PSMD6. The lncRNA associated with PICK1, GADL1, and PMD6 genes were enriched in the pathways associated with the ionotropic glutamate receptor, gamma‐aminobutyric acid synthesis, and the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. For marbling, 50 lncRNA were DE (p‐value ≤ 0.01) in high marbling group compared with low marbling animals. The genic lncRNAs, such as lncRNA_3191.1, were overlapped exonic part of the ITGAL gene, and the lncRNA_512.1, lncRNA_3721.1, and lncRNA_41.4 overlapped intronic parts of the KRAS and MASP1 genes. The KRAS and ITGAL genes were enriched in pathways associated with integrin signaling, which is involved in intracellular signals in response to the extracellular matrix, including cell form, mobility, and mediates progression through the cell cycle. In addition, the lincRNAs identified to marbling trait were associated with several genes related to calcium binding, muscle hypertrophy, skeletal muscle, lipase, and oxidative stress response pathways that seem to play a role important in the physiological processes related to meat quality. These findings bring new insights to better understand the biology mechanisms involved in the gene regulation of these traits, which will be valuable for a further investigation of the interactions between lncRNA and mRNAs, and of how these interactions may affect meat quality traits.