bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-423-5p Mediates Cocaine-Induced Smooth Muscle Cell Contraction by Targeting Cacna2d2
Authors: Dykxhoorn Derek M , Wang Huilan , Da Fonseca Ferreira Andrea , Wei Jianqin , Dong Chunming 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundCocaine abuse increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) and causes acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and hypertension (HTN). Significant research has explored the role of the sympathetic nervous system mediating the cocaine effects on the cardiovascular (CV) system. However, the response of the sympathetic nervous system alone is insufficient to completely account for the CV consequences seen in cocaine users. Here, we examined the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in mediating the effect of cocaine on the CV system. MiRNAs regulate many important biological processes and have been associated with both response to cocaine and CV disease development. Multiple miRNAs have altered expression in the CV system (CVS) upon cocaine exposure. Herein, we examined the role of microRNA-423-5p and the downstream signaling events in regulating cocaine-induced mouse aortic smooth muscle cell (SMC) contraction.MethodsTo understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the cocaine response in the CV system, we studied the role of miRNA-423-5p and its target Cacna2d2 in the regulation of intracellular calcium concentration and SMC contractility, a critical factor in the modulation of blood pressure (BP). We used in vivo models to evaluate BP and aortic stiffness.ResultsIn vitro, Cocaine treatment decreased miR-423-5p expression and increased Cacna2d2 expression, which led to elevated intracellular calcium concentrations and increased SMC contractility. Overexpression of miR-423-5p, silencing of its target Cacna2d2, and treatment with a calcium channel blocker reversed the elevated SMC contractility caused by cocaine. In contrast, suppression of miR-423-5p increased the intracellular calcium concentration and SMC contractibility.In vivo, overexpression of miR-423-5p ameliorated the increase in BP and aortic stiffness associated with cocaine use.ConclusionsMiR-423-5p regulates SMC contraction by modulating Cacna2d2 expression increasing intracellular calcium concentrations. Modulation of miR-423-5p—Cacna2d2—Calcium transport pathway may represent a novel therapeutic strategy to improve cocaine-induced hypertension and aortic stiffness.
The values in action character strengths model: a resource for people in addiction recovery
Authors: Ogilvie Lisa , Carson Jerome 
Published: February 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the Values in Action (VIA) character strengths profile of people in addiction recovery, to identify which strengths are meaningfully represented in this population. This was compared with the generalised profile of a normative population to identify the differentiating features. Reasons for the profile variance and the significance this has for addiction recovery have also been explored.

Design/methodology/approach
An independent group design was adopted using purposive sampling. This saw participants (n = 100) complete the VIA Inventory of Strengths-P assessment to establish a character strengths profile for people in addiction recovery. To identify the differences in this profile, a mean score and rank order comparison was conducted, using data taken from a normative population. Additional exploratory analysis was conducted to establish if there were any significant differences in the character strength profile of males and females.

Findings
In descending order, the top five ranked strengths were kindness, humour, honesty, fairness and teamwork. The lesser five strengths in the profile were spirituality, zest, perseverance, prudence and self-regulation. A distinguishing feature was the presence of humour as a top five strength for people in addiction recovery. The existence of teamwork also deviated from the generalised normative population. There were two strengths shown to have a meaningfully higher score for females, teamwork and love. This did not change the strengths present in the overall top five for males or females, however.

Originality/value
This study contributes useful knowledge to the understanding of character strengths in addiction recovery. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time character strengths have been examined in a sample of people in addiction recovery.
The importance of service design and information and analysis in enhancing organizational performance through a mechanism of organizational excellence in public sector organizations
Authors: Al-Dhaafri Hassan Saleh , Alosani Mohammed Saleh 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThe study aims to examine the joint effect of service design (SD), information and analysis (IA) and organizational performance through the mechanism of organizational excellence.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the goal of this study through the hypothesized model, a survey questionnaire research design was employed. The data were collected from Dubai Police organization. Out of 550 questionnaires, 320 questionnaires were returned. The partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach was used to analyze the data for measurement and structural models.FindingsThe statistical results confirmed the positive and significant effects of IA on organizational excellence and excellence on organizational performance. The mediation role of organizational excellence between IA and organizational performance was also confirmed.Research limitations/implicationsThroughout this study, further details and valuable implications have been discussed. Findings provide several practical implications. Findings also help practitioners and managers make proper decisions when implementing SD, IA and excellence practices in their organizations. With the joint effect of SD, IA and organizational excellence, organizations can achieve maximum strong performance and remain in a competitive market.Originality/valueThis study is a unique empirical research study that examines the joint effect of SD, IA and excellence on performance relationships within the public sector in general and police organization in particular, which is limited especially in research of Middle East countries.
Effects of anticipatory socialization, professional commitment, and moral intensity on whistleblowing intentions by accounting students: a moderated mediation analysis
Authors: Namazi Mohammad , Ebrahimi Fahime , Sarikhani Mehdi 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive conceptual internal whistleblowing model for accounting students and then test it empirically. To this end, by considering the mediating role of professional commitment (PC) and the moderating effect of the perceived moral intensity (PMI), the anticipatory socialization's impact on whistleblowing intentions has been investigated.Design/methodology/approachAn ex-post quantitative research design has been adopted for this survey study. The statistical population of the study consisted of Iranian undergraduate accounting students close to graduation in 2020. The study utilized a self-administered survey of 211 accounting students from 8 public universities; besides, to examine the proposed hypotheses, it utilized the partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis.FindingsThe results of testing the hypotheses indicate that the constructs of anticipatory socialization (AS), PC and PMI have positive effects on whistleblowing intentions; besides, PC in the relationship between AS and whistleblowing intentions plays a complementary partial mediating role. In addition, PMI moderates the effect of PC on whistleblowing intentions, as well as the mediated effect of AS on whistleblowing intentions via PC.Social implicationsThe results of this study indicate the importance of considering trait syntheses of ethics education for undergraduate students, and the need to address and familiarize students with ethical principles, goals and missions of the accounting profession in society.Originality/valueThis study, by providing a moderated mediation conceptual model, examines the important functions that AS, PC and PMI might have created in the whistleblowing process, and also provides some empirical evidence in this area; As a result, it leads to the expansion of theoretical and empirical knowledge in this field.
Does students' commuting influence their academic performance?
Authors: Alanzi Khalid A. , Alfraih Mishari M. 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThis study aimed to empirically assess the influence of commuting distance (duration) on accounting students' academic performance at one of the business colleges in Kuwait.Design/methodology/approachA linear regression model (OLS), correlation and t-test analysis using a sample of 237 accounting students enrolled before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were used to test the study's hypotheses.FindingsThe results indicate that there was a statistically significant association between accounting students' commuting distance and their academic performance before the pandemic, but not during the pandemic, which explains the significant influence of commuting distance on traditional classroom learning but not on remote learning. The study concludes by considering the implications of these findings and suggesting avenues for future academic research.Practical implicationsThis study makes a significant contribution to the existing knowledge in the area of students' performance by providing empirical evidence to the theoretical expectation of the influence of students' commuting distance on the academic performance of accounting students.Originality/valueThe value of this study is that it significantly contributes to the existing accounting education literature by empirically supporting the theoretical expectation of the influence of commuting distance on accounting students' academic performance.
Antecedents and outcomes of memorable volunteer tourism experiences
Authors: Sthapit Erose , Bjork Peter , Coudounaris Dafnis N. , Jiménez-Barreto Jano , Vo-Thanh Tan 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThis study proposed and tested a new conceptual model of memorable volunteer tourism experiences (MVTEs) by examining the effects of novelty, meaningfulness, experience co-creation and experience intensification on MVTEs. It also examined the relationships among MVTEs, psychological resilience (PR) and behavioural intention (BI), including that between novelty and BI.Design/methodology/approachThe study modelled the proposed relationships by analysing data from an online survey using Amazon Mechanical Turk. In total, 241 responses were used in the data analysis.FindingsThis study extended the MVTE construct and included four key antecedents that influence tourists' MVTEs. The study also documented the predictive capability of MVTEs for PR and BI.Practical implicationsVolunteer tourism organisations should offer new and diverse activities for volunteer tourists, such as nature conservation, wildlife protection and construction.Originality/valueThis is the first study to examine the antecedents and outcomes of MVTEs using the stimuli–organism–response theory.
Determinants of satisfaction with global virtual teamwork
Authors: Stoica Michael , Florea Liviu , Harnowo Akhadian S. 
Published: February 2023

Purpose
Data was obtained from students from 39 universities in 24 countries, part of a large experiential exercise, X-Culture, who worked remotely in cross-cultural teams to solve business problems. The purpose of this study is to develop and test, using structural equation modeling, a conceptual model that identifies the determinants of satisfaction with teamwork.

Design/methodology/approach
Data was obtained from participants, students from universities from 39 universities in 24 countries, in a large experiential exercise, X-Culture, who worked remotely in cross-cultural teams to solve business problems. A conceptual model that identifies determinants of satisfaction with teamwork was developed and tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings
Satisfaction with teamwork is related to cultural intelligence (CQ), team identity and team climate. Interestingly, CQ of individual team members does not directly impact satisfaction with teamwork. Team identification and team climate, variables that require personal engagement and goodwill, mediate the effects of CQ on satisfaction.

Originality/value
Results suggest that team identification and team climate are important antecedents and explanatory mechanisms for developing satisfaction with teamwork. Having culturally intelligent team members is a necessary, but insufficient condition for satisfying teamwork. Therefore, to increase satisfaction with global virtual teamwork, teams need more than simply culturally intelligent team members. Increased satisfaction requires that team members identify with their team and develop a favorable team climate. The authors suggest education recommendations for global virtual teams.
Older workers’ retirement preparation and roles of corporation top leaders in South Korean workplace
Authors: Kim Eunkyung 
Published: February 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to explore how heads in South Korean workplace perceive the retirement preparation of older Korean workers and their roles in accordance with life design perspective.

Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative in-person interviews were conducted with top leaders of 15 corporations in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and analyzed by using a conventional content analysis.

Findings
Top leaders in corporations consider that older Korean workers whose retirement preparation is their own responsibility have not been actively preparing for their postretirement life. Nevertheless, some of these heads are attempting to assist with career development or career transition. Some believe that older workers should work as long as they are capable and should be retained after the official retirement age.

Research limitations/implications
These exploratory findings are preliminary, and the top-down mechanism might work differently in a specific sector. Future research merits a large-scale investigation of each specific business.

Practical implications
It is implied that policy initiatives should support SMEs with subsidy programs for older workers’ employment, empowering longer working as healthy pathways to postretirement.

Originality/value
This pilot study indicates some degree of possible roles of top corporate leaders for workers’ retirement preparation in terms of career development and career transition and retainment of older workers.
A profile of practice: The occupational therapy process in community aged care in Australia
Authors: Hughes Shannon , Murray Carolyn M. , McMullen‐Roach Sarah , Berndt Angela 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIntroductionOccupational therapists working in community aged care play a key role in service provision because of their expertise in considering the person, their occupations, and environmental context. To further understand occupational therapy practice in community aged care, this study aimed to explore the approaches, models, frames of reference, assessments, interventions, and outcome evaluation methods being used by Australian occupational therapists in aged care.MethodsAn online questionnaire was developed, piloted, and delivered to occupational therapists working in community aged care in Australia. Responses to closed‐ended questions were analysed using descriptive statistics, and a summative approach to content analysis was applied to open‐ended questions.ResultsSeventy‐one occupational therapists employed in community aged care across Australia participated in the questionnaire. Almost half of the respondents were employed in private practice. All respondents used a compensatory approach to practice, whereas just over three‐quarters used a restorative approach. The Person‐Environment‐Occupation (PEO) model was the most frequently used occupation‐focused model (n = 45). The biomechanical and rehabilitative frames of reference were each used by over two thirds of respondents. Cognitive assessments were most common, followed by functional and environmental assessments. The interventions of equipment and home modifications were very common followed by remedial therapy.ConclusionCommunity aged care occupational therapists show coherence in theory‐to‐practice application, but there is wide diversity in practice decisions and possibly gaps in practice. Occupational therapists remain firmly client centred but apply compensatory approaches more than reablement approaches. This trend may be due to the influence of aged care funding models and limits on time. In addition to reacting to crisis, there is scope for occupational therapists to have a greater focus on early intervention to support dementia care and prevent falls.
Exploring differences in affective polarization between the Nordic countries
Authors: Ryan Alexander 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAfter a period in which affective polarization—defined here as the difference between positive feelings toward in‐parties and negative out‐party animus—has mostly focused on the single US case, there has recently been an increase in large‐N comparative analyses and single case studies in other countries, including in the Nordic region. This study adds to this by studying and comparing affective polarization in the Nordic countries. In line with what previous comparative and single case studies have already indicated, the results show that affective polarization has tended to be higher in Sweden and Denmark than in Norway, Iceland, and Finland. The article also tracks time trends for the association between ideological distance from parties and affective party evaluations. As expected, placing parties further from oneself on the left‐right scale has been more strongly associated with party affect in Denmark and Sweden. Furthermore, the results show that there are some variations between the countries in terms of how distance from parties on other ideological dimensions than left‐right placement is associated with out‐party affect.
Modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score for predicting mortality in emergency department patients with sepsis
Authors: Vosseteig Anna , Huang Tiffany , Jones Peter 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectiveSeveral scoring systems have been proposed for EDs to identify patients at increased risk of mortality from sepsis. The modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (mSOFA) score, proposed in 2019, demonstrated a high negative predictive value. We aimed to validate mSOFA and compare its accuracy for predicting 30‐day mortality to the simple bedside score, quick SOFA (qSOFA).MethodsOver 1 month in 2018, consecutive patients with suspected sepsis were prospectively identified. A retrospective chart review was conducted to calculate both the mSOFA and qSOFA scores for these patients. The primary outcome was 30‐day mortality.ResultsThere were 252 patients with suspected sepsis identified over the study period. Thirty‐day mortality was 13/39 (33.3%) for those with a positive mSOFA and 15/211 (7.1%) for those with a negative mSOFA score. Sensitivity was 46.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 27.5–66.1%), specificity 88.3% (95% CI 83.3–92.2%), positive likelihood ratio 3.96 (95% CI 2.32–6.78), negative likelihood ratio 0.61 (95% CI 0.43–0.86). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.74 (95% CI 0.64–0.85). qSOFA sensitivity was 39.3% (95% CI 21.5–59.4%), specificity 91.9% (95% CI 87.5–95.1%), positive likelihood ratio 4.85 (95% CI 2.56–9.18) and negative likelihood ratio 0.66 (95% CI 0.49–0.89). The AUC for qSOFA was 0.81 (95% CI 0.73–0.88). The difference in the AUC was −0.07 (95% CI −0.18 to 0.05), P = 0.25.ConclusionsIn the present study, neither mSOFA nor qSOFA was adequately sensitive for predicting 30‐day mortality, although both scores were highly specific and their overall accuracy was similar. The added complexity of the mSOFA without a significant increase in discriminative ability makes it unlikely to replace qSOFA in the ED setting.
Exacerbation of financial burden of insulin and overall glucose‐lowing medications among uninsured population with diabetes
Authors: Lin Yilu , Shao Hui , Fonseca Vivian , Shi Lizheng 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundApproximately 7.4 million Americans with diabetes used insulin. This study aimed to document the 10‐year trend of insulin and other glucose‐lowering medications expenditure among insured and uninsured populations and to examine the impact of insulin out‐of‐pocket (OOP) payment and insurance status on glucose‐lowering medication OOP expenditure.MethodsWe extracted data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2009–2018) to document trends in the expenditure of insulin among people with diabetes. Total expenditures and OOP spending per person were documented on insulin and noninsulin glucose‐lowering medications among insured and uninsured populations. Multivariable regression was applied to assess the association of insulin OOP payment and insurance status on glucose‐lowering medication OOP expenditure.ResultsAlthough insulin usage was stable over the decades, total insulin expenditure almost doubled per person per year after the Affordable Care Act (ACA) regardless of the insurance status. The OOP cost of insulin by the uninsured population increased from $1678 per person per year in the pre‐ACA period to $2800 per person per year in the post‐ACA period. After the ACA was enacted, the uninsured population had $403.96 and $143.64 more on OOP costs than the people with public and private insurance, respectively.ConclusionFor insured people, the rising financial burden of insulin was borne mainly by insurance. The uninsured population is bearing a heavy burden due to the high price of insulin. Policymakers should take action to reduce the insulin price and improve the transparency of the insulin pricing process.
Auditor‐client reciprocity: Evidence from forecast‐issuing brokerage houses and forecasted companies sharing the same auditor
Authors: Fung Simon Yu Kit , Jiang Like , Pittman Jeffrey , Wang Yu , Zhang Shafu 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWe examine whether auditors share private information about some clients in their portfolio to benefit other clients (i.e., brokerage houses). This is a salient issue in China, where there are concerns about auditors leaking information to related parties, and where we observe variation in connectedness between brokerage houses and companies through shared auditors. We document that brokerage houses that share an auditor with a company issue comparatively more accurate earnings forecasts for that company. Next, cross‐sectional variation in forecast accuracy is associated with several proxies for brokerage houses' and auditors' costs and incentives to share information (e.g., investor protection, media coverage, public listing status, and the client's economic importance). Finally, auditors are more likely to secure future audits from IPO deals sponsored by brokerage house clients with higher forecast accuracy. Collectively, our evidence is suggestive of auditors sharing private information with brokerage houses in anticipation of reciprocity in the form of lucrative future engagements.