bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empowering leadership, work group cohesiveness, individual learning orientation and individual innovative behaviour in the public sector: empirical evidence from Norway
Authors: Mutonyi Barbara Rebecca , Slåtten Terje , Lien Gudbrand
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study clarifies the factors that foster individual innovative behaviour in the public sector by examining the effects and roles of empowering leadership, work group cohesiveness and individual learning orientation. This study also explores the direct effect of empowering leadership on work group cohesiveness and individual learning orientation, the influence of work group cohesiveness on individual learning orientation and the mediating roles of work group cohesiveness and individual learning orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from an online survey of respondents working in a public sector organization. Partial least squares structural equation modelling and mediation analysis by the bootstrap method were used for the data analysis.

Findings

Empowering leadership and individual learning orientation had significant direct effects on individual innovative behaviour. Both empowering leadership and work group cohesiveness have significant direct effects on individual learning orientation. Empowering leadership was positively related to work group cohesiveness. The mediation analysis revealed that individual learning orientation mediates the relationships between empowering leadership and individual innovative behaviour and between work group cohesiveness and individual innovative behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on three factors that foster individual innovative behaviour in a public sector organization.

Originality/value

This study offers new insights into the factors that foster individual innovative behaviour in the public sector. The findings reveal the importance of using a balanced leadership style and encourage learning in the workplace for individual innovativeness by public leaders.
Performance measurement for supply chains in the Industry 4.0 era: a balanced scorecard approach
Authors: Frederico Guilherme Francisco , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Kumar Anil , Kumar Vikas
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical approach based on the balanced scorecard (BSC) with regard to performance measurement – PM in supply chains for the Industry 4.0 era.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper combines the literature of PM and specifically the BSC with the literature related to the dimensions of supply chain in the context of Industry 4.0.

Findings

Dimensions extracted from the literature based on supply chains within the context of Industry 4.0 showed a strong alignment with the four perspectives of the BSC, which make it suitable to be considered as a performance measurement system (PMS) for supply chains in this new context.

Research limitations/implications

From theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the limited literature on PM for supply chains in Industry 4.0 era. The study proposes a supply chain 4.0 Scorecard and strongly support researchers to conduct future empirical researches in order to get a deeper understanding about PM in supply chains in the Industry 4.0 era. As limitations, the theoretical framework proposed needs further empirical research in other to validate it and obtain new insights over the investigation conducted and presented into this paper.

Practical implications

Practitioners can use this study as a guide to develop more effective performance measurement systems – PMSs in their organizations.

Originality/value

This research is unique as it addresses a significant knowledge gap related to PM in supply chains in the Industry 4.0 era. It brings a significant contribution in terms of understanding how to measure performance in supply chains in this new era.
“Buy, buy most Americans buy”: country of reference (COR) effects and consumer purchasing decisions
Authors: Chen Ting-Ting , Wang Shih-Ju , Huang Heng-Chiang
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The international marketing field has witnessed many studies related to “country of origin” (COO) effects or the “made in” concept over the past few decades. Yet COO research is deeply rooted in the so-called “production-related” approach, which mainly accounts for production- or technology-based factors. Barely considered is the “consumption-related” perspective, which reflects consumers' proclivity to base their buying decisions on foreigners' product choice. In this paper, we propose the “country of reference” (COR) concept, in which consumers deliberately imitate the product choices of consumers from another country, to whom the former (i.e. the imitators) attribute superior or more prestigious personas.

Design/methodology/approach

Unlike the made in concept, which emphasizes favored product qualities from superior manufacturing countries, we believe product preferences may arise from cross-border benchmarking or “cross-country referencing.” Pivoting on the optimal distinctiveness theory, this paper suggests a COR framework that incorporates the system justification theory and the self-discrepancy concept, along with decision heuristics and mental simulation effects. The proposed framework aims to explain consumers' inclination to “buy what certain foreigners buy.”

Findings

We suggest critical propositions related to the COR concept, discuss its marketing implications, and pinpoint further research issues.

Originality/value

COR may become a coping strategy through which low-status consumers perceiving themselves as less privileged than their high-status counterparts can narrow this gap by means of decision mimicking.
Comparative analysis of profitability of real estate, industrial construction and infrastructure firms: evidence from India
Authors: Jolly Cyril Edison , Singla Harish Kumar
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify the most profitable segment of construction firms amongst real estate, industrial construction and infrastructure. This paper also examines the determinants of profitability of real estate, industrial construction and infrastructure firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of 67 firms (20 real estate, 21 industrial construction and 26 infrastructure) is collected for a 15-year period (2003–2017). Two models are created using total return on assets (ROA) and return on invested capital (ROIC) as dependent variables.. Leverage, liquidity, age, growth, size and efficiency of the firm are identified as firm-specific independent variables. Two economic variables, i.e. growth in GDP and inflation, are also used as independent variables. Initially, the models are tested for stationarity, multicollinearity and heteroscedasticity, and finally, the coefficients are estimated using Arellano–Bond dynamic panel data estimation to account for heteroscedasticity and endogeneity.

Findings

The results suggest that industrial construction is the most profitable segment of construction, followed by real estate and infrastructure. Their profitability is positively driven by liquidity, efficiency and leverage. The real estate firms are somewhat less profitable compared to industrial construction firms, and their profitability is positively driven by liquidity. The infrastructure firms have low ROA and ROIC.

Originality/value

The real estate, infrastructure and industrial construction drastically differ from each other. The challenges involved in real estate, infrastructure and industrial construction are altogether different. Therefore, authors present a comparative analysis of the profitability of real estate, infrastructure and industrial construction segments of the construction and compare their determinants of profitability. The results provided in the study are robust and reliable because of the use of a superior econometric model, i.e. Arellano–Bond dynamic panel data estimation with robust estimates, which accounts for heteroscedasticity and endogeneity in the model.
A micro-level view on knowledge co-creation through university-industry collaboration in a multi-national corporation
Authors: Jones Shannon Elizabeth , Coates Nigel
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Technology transfer (TT) in industry to university collaboration (UIC) literature focuses primarily on a macro view within an SME environment. While these discussions are important to establish the significance of encouraging UIC's as the value is important to both parties, there is a need for further research at a micro level to help understand key approaches to ensuring the success of the TT. By looking at how value created from TT for a multi-national corporation (MNC) with a project based within a single subsidiary, this research effectively looks at the issue from both a SME level (the subsidiary independently) and a MNC level.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a longitudinal knowledge transfer partnership and action research to form a case study of Parker Hannifin's Gas Separation and Filtration Europe, Middle East and Africa (GSFE) division.

Findings

The research highlights the key areas to focus on in ensuring a successful TT within an UIC such as: once identifying the gap that a UIC is filling in the company, identifying internal barriers before the project starts; education of why change is necessary and then using knowledge experts to educate on the new processes being introduced and finally; incorporation of a full range of personnel, not just those directly involved in the day-to-day of the UIC.

Research limitations/implications

As a case study, further research is required to make the results more generalisable. One way to do this would be to evaluate previous successful and unsuccessful UIC's and determine if the success criteria identified were present in these programmes.

Practical implications

There are three critical points that can be taken away from this research and applied to any company looking to use UIC for TT and value co-creation. Education, external knowledge experts and business wide inclusion were highlighted in the findings as being potentially critical turning points and need to be addressed for successful TT.

Social implications

Successful UIC's further encourage investment in such programmes which has greater societal benefits. Not only can we see greater leaps in industry through better, more specific knowledge being transferred from the university, the industry knowledge fed into universities helps to guide research and teachings.

Originality/value

The micro level view created by action research based from the industry partner perspective adds another level of importance as the “how” for overcoming barriers is clearly addressed. Furthermore, the research looks at how a multi-national corporation can have value added through UIC's within subsidiaries which often is not addressed in the literature.
Canada’s financial intelligence unit: FINTRAC
Authors: Simser Jeffrey R.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

International bodies, such as the Financial Action Task Force , have mandated the use of financial intelligence units (FIU) to address organized crime and money laundering. The purpose of this paper is to examine Canada’s FIU, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), and explore its current effectiveness and future challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines FIUs in general and then looks more specifically at Canada’s FIU, its policy and legislative basis as well as future challenges for the FIU.

Findings

The challenge money laundering poses to society is a mirror of the challenge that organized crime poses: a test of the values and the importance of rule of law. The FIU is an important mechanism to address this challenge generally, and there are important changes in the environment that must be addressed if the future policy objectives of the FIU are to be met.

Research limitations/implications

Some of the policy nostrums that are baked into the anti-money laundering system, such as placement, layering and integration, need to be revisited and researched to incorporate changes in the licit and illicit marketplaces.

Practical implications

Financial institutions and other intermediaries must comply with domestic anti-money laundering laws. Compliance is always contextual, and this paper will outline the role of the regulator and the environmental challenges that need to be met.

Social implications

Effectively addressing money laundering and organized crime is critical to the maintenance of rule of law and the protection of the financial system.

Originality/value

This is a brief but very fulsome review of Canada’s FIU, FINTRAC, which captures broader challenges in addressing money laundering, economic crime and regulatory systems designed to protect rule of law and the integrity of the financial system. The paper not only examines the current state of the FIU but also explores challenges on the horizon.
Linking industrial agglomeration and manufacturers inventory performance: the moderating role of firm size and enterprise status in the supply chain
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Lin Yu , Shi Yingjie
Published: May 2020

Purpose

From the intra- and inter-regional dimensions, this paper investigates the linkage between industrial agglomeration and inventory performance, and further demonstrates the moderating role of firm size and enterprise status in the supply chain on this linkage.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a large panel dataset of Chinese manufacturers in the Yangtze River Delta for the period from 2008 to 2013, this study employs the method of spatial econometric analysis via a spatial Durbin model (SDM) to examine the effects of industrial agglomeration on inventory performance. Meanwhile, the moderation model is applied to examine the moderating role of two firm-level heterogeneity factors.

Findings

At its core, this research demonstrates that industrial agglomeration is associated with the positive change of inventory performance in the adjacent regions, whereas that in the host region as well as in general does not significantly increase. Additionally, both firm size and enterprise status in the supply chain can positively moderate these effects, except for the moderating role of firm size on the positive spillovers.

Practical implications

In view of firm heterogeneity, managers should take special care when matching their abilities of inventory management with the agglomeration effects. Firms with a high level of inventory management are suited to stay in an industrial cluster, while others would be better in the adjacent regions to enhance inventory performance.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to systematically analyze the effects of industrial agglomeration on inventory performance within and across clusters, and confirm that these effects are contingent upon firm size and enterprise status in the supply chain. It adds to the existing literature by highlighting the spatial spillovers from industrial clusters and enriching the antecedents of inventory leanness.
Finite element analysis of micropolar nanofluid flow through an inclined microchannel with thermal radiation
Authors: Shashikumar N.S. , Macha Madhu , Gireesha B.J. , Kishan Naikoti
Published: May 2020

Purpose

In recent years, microfluidics has turned into a very important region of research because of its wide range of applications such as microheat exchanger, micromixers fuel cells, cooling systems for microelectronic devices, micropumps and microturbines. Therefore, in this paper, micropolar nanofluid flow through an inclined microchannel is numerically investigated in the presence of convective boundary conditions. Heat transport of fluid includes radiative heat, viscous and Joule heating phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach

Governing equations are nondimensionalized by using suitable dimensionless variables. The relevant dimensionless ordinary differential systems are solved by using variational finite element method. Detailed computations are done for velocity, microrotation and temperature functions. The influence of various parameters on entropy generation and the Bejan number is displayed and discussed.

Findings

It is established that the entropy generation rate increased with both Grashof number and Eckert number, while it decreased with nanoparticle volume fraction and material parameter. Temperature is decreased by increasing the volume fraction of Ag nanoparticle dispersed in water.

Originality/value

According to the literature survey and the best of the author’s knowledge, no similar studies have been executed on micropolar nanofluid flow through an inclined microchannel with effect of viscous dissipation, Joule heating and thermal radiation.
Perceived organizational support and work engagement of employees with children with disabilities
Authors: Stefanidis Abraham , Strogilos Vasilis
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of organizational support, as it is evidenced by supervisor's support and coworkers' support, in the work engagement levels of employees who are parents of children with special needs and disabilities (SND).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employed a self-administered survey questionnaire in Singapore and collected 224 useable responses. They used moderated hierarchical regression analysis to assess the relationships among organizational support, employees' child disability severity and levels of work engagement.

Findings

The research results indicated that higher levels of supervisor's and coworkers' support have a positive impact on work engagement levels of employees with children with SND. In addition, the authors observed that supervisor's support and coworkers' support moderate the relationship between employee’s child's disability severity and work engagement levels.

Research limitations/implications

The results contribute to the introduction of a discussion about supportive practices directed toward this diverse group of employees in Singapore. The research findings are country-specific.

Practical implications

The authors propose that human resource management practitioners could craft policies that may trigger tangible and emotional support by supervisors and coworkers of employees with children with disabilities, depending on employees’ children's disability severity.

Originality/value

This research is the first empirical examination that measures the work engagement levels of employed parents of children with SND in Singapore, considering both organizational and family dimensions.
Study on preparation and properties of novel ternary flocculant for rapid separation of underground continuous wall waste mud
Authors: Fengjun Zhang , Cui Kong , Xianyang Sun , Xuan Li , Jin Liu , Qianbao Chen
Published: May 2020

Purpose

A novel ternary flocculant was prepared by a simple compounding method to achieve efficient and rapid mud-water separation. This paper aims to discuss the possible mud-water separation mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

This experimental study aims to investigate the effects of different types of flocculants on the separation of waste mud water and the degradation of flocculants in the supernatant. The flocculating component, the ratio of the flocculating accelerator to the flocculant and the addition amount of the novel ternary flocculant were optimized.

Findings

The experimental results show that the composition of the new ternary flocculant is cationic polyacrylamide (CP-02), grafted starch (GS-501) and flocculation sedimentation accelerator, the best effect, the mass ratio is 1:0.5: 0.75. According to 0.25:1 (volume ratio), the new ternary flocculant is pre-configured into a solution with a concentration of 3 kg/m3to achieve efficient and rapid mud-water separation.

Originality/value

The new ternary flocculant is used for the separation of mud and water in the underground continuous wall waste mud, improving the level of civilized construction.
Personal routes into behavioural finance
Authors: Hudson Robert , Muradoglu Yaz Gulnur
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to provide the individual routes of the authors into behavioural finance in order to introduce the special issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides the background to the authors' personal route into behavioural finance.

Findings

The paper highlights general themes of development and influence of behavioural finance and relationships with practice and other areas of academic finance.

Originality/value

The paper offers the perspectives of the authors on how they feel the research area of behavioural finance will develop in the future.
Commentary on “Multisensory rooms: essential characteristics and barriers to effective practice”
Authors: Challis Ben , Hildred Mark , Bailey Jennie Ruth
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on Grace’s article on multisensory rooms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper gives a historical overview of the emergence and evolution of multi-sensory environments (MSEs) together with an outline of a current research project seeking to support best practice.

Findings

MSEs have become a standard feature in special educational needs schools in the UK with government building guidelines now stipulating the inclusion of at least one sensory room within any such provision. However, there is little research-based evidence from which design decisions can be informed. Instead, previous research has tended to focus on the effectiveness of MSEs for specific user groups.

Originality/value

The outlined research will establish some initial design principles for MSEs.
Continuous improvement framework to develop cultural change: case study, capital goods company
Authors: Unzueta Gorka , Esnaola Aritz , Eguren Jose Alberto
Published: May 2020

Purpose

In this study, a frame of reference was developed to adapt and execute a continuous improvement process (CIP) for reinforcing a continuous improvement (CI) culture in an organisation. The study was undertaken in a mature capital goods company that did not succeed in institutionalising CI despite deploying many CI tools over the years. The organisation thus needed a model that was adapted to its reality and strengthened the aspects of CI through cultural changes at the organisational level.

Design/methodology/approach

Action research was used to implement the CIP, and this research method was reinforced using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to analyse the results.

Findings

The CIP was validated in four units of analysis within the organisation. For the validation, aspects relevant to organisational cultural change and their metrics were identified. The results showed that the main barriers to the development of CI in the case organisation were lack of teamwork and poor assimilation of new CI routines.

Research limitations/implications

The study was applied only in one organisation. Therefore, results cannot be generalized although the process and methodology followed to adapt and implement the CIP could be applied within other organisations.

Originality/value

The paper presents a CI frame of reference and describes how a CIP applied to a small- and medium-sized industrial enterprise generated cultural changes and promoted organisational excellence in the pursuit of CI, by using a hermeneutic phenomenological methodology approach.
GA based optimization of tri-bological behaviour of diamond coated tungsten carbide
Authors: Rana Ramakant , Murtaza Qasim , Walia R.S.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

In this study, the tri-bological behaviour of the un-coated and diamond coated tungsten carbide was evaluated using the pin-on-disc test rig. The same was also tested on a lathe machine tool. This paper aims to compare the tri-bological behaviour of coated tungsten carbide pin with un-coated tungsten carbide pin it also correlates the wear obtained from the two machines used.

Design/methodology/approach

Experiments were performed using L8 orthogonal array and results obtained on a pin-on-disc test rig under dry sliding process were optimized through a modern optimization technique i.e. genetic algorithm (GA). The response surface methodology model (L8 orthogonal array) formed the basis for the development of the GA model, which defines the conditions of minimum wear, minimum coefficient of friction and minimum surface roughness for the sliding process of the pin-on-disc test rig.

Findings

Implementation of the heuristic approach for optimization of input parameters for the combination of tool material used for the turning process. The initial approach involves tri-bological testing considering the same combination. The set of experiments further performed, inferred that the results were similar and that the diamond coating enhances the life of the tool.

Originality/value

Successfully synthesized the diamond coating on tungsten carbide tool material. Implantation of the heuristic approach, i.e. GA to tri-bological tests to identify the optimized level of input variables. Experimentation involves the tri-bological testing whose results were confirmed through performing experiments on the lathe machine tool.
ICT-enabled innovation, enterprise value creation and the rise of electronic social enterprise
Authors: Javed Asad , Yasir Muhammad , Ali Muhammad , Majid Abdul
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model of “electronic social entrepreneurship” by integrating social entrepreneurship and information and communication technology to enhance social enterprise effectiveness. Social enterprise has recently emerged as a contemporary form of enterprise to achieve sustainable social order. Thus, besides building economic value, a primary goal of these enterprises is to create superior social value. Although, a considerable number of studies exist on social enterprise, the literature is still lacking in the discussion on electronic social entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted inductive qualitative approach in which in-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted from 32 owners/managers/CEOs of registered social enterprises.

Findings

The analysis of interviews by qualified researchers resulted in the identification of four key themes. These themes included information and communication technology, information and communication technology–based innovation, environmental complexity and social value creation. Frequencies of all the identified themes were calculated, and based on these themes, literature review was conducted to find out the relationships between these themes and to introduce a model of electronic social entrepreneurship.

Practical implications

The model developed could be used by social enterprises for achieving higher social and economic returns.

Originality/value

Based on interviews and literature review, a unique model for electronic social entrepreneurship is developed.
Design considerations for using Distributed Acoustic Sensing for cross‐well seismics: A case study for CO2 storage
Authors: Wuestefeld Andreas , Weinzierl Wolfgang
Published: May 2020

Downhole monitoring with fibre‐optic Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) systems offers unprecedented spatial resolution. At the same time, costs are reduced since repeated wireline surveys can be replaced by the permanent installation of comparatively cheap fibre cables. However, the single component nature of fibre data requires novel approaches when designing a monitoring project such as cross‐well seismics. At the example of the shallow CO2 injection test site in Svelvik, Norway, we model the evolution of velocity changes during CO2 injection based on rock physics theory. Different cross‐well seismic design scenarios are then considered to evaluate the best design and the limits of this method to detect containment breach. We present a series of evaluation tools to compare the effect of different well spacings for cross‐well seismic tomography. In addition to travel‐times, we also consider characteristic amplitude changes along the fibre unique to DAS strain measurements, which might add a constraint to the inversion. We also compare the effect of using helical fibres instead of classical straight fibres. We thus present a toolbox to evaluate and compare different monitoring design options for fibre optic downhole installations for cross‐well monitoring.
Ecological and genomic analyses of candidate phylum WPS‐2 bacteria in an unvegetated soil
Authors: Sheremet Andriy , Jones Gareth M. , Jarett Jessica , Bowers Robert M. , Bedard Isaac , Culham Cassandra , Eloe‐Fadrosh Emiley A. , Ivanova Natalia , Malmstrom Rex R. , Grasby Stephen E. , Woyke Tanja , Dunfield Peter F.
Published: May 2020

Members of the bacterial candidate phylum WPS‐2 (or Eremiobacterota) are abundant in several dry, bare soil environments. In a bare soil deposited by an extinct iron–sulfur spring, we found that WPS‐2 comprised up to 24% of the bacterial community and up to 108 cells per g of soil based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantification. A single genus‐level cluster (Ca. Rubrimentiphilum) predominated in bare soils but was less abundant in adjacent forest. Nearly complete genomes of Ca. Rubrimentiphilum were recovered as single amplified genomes (SAGs) and metagenome‐assembled genomes (MAGs). Surprisingly, given the abundance of WPS‐2 in bare soils, the genomes did not indicate any capacity for autotrophy, phototrophy, or trace gas metabolism. Instead, they suggest a predominantly aerobic organoheterotrophic lifestyle, perhaps based on scavenging amino acids, nucleotides, and complex oligopeptides, along with lithotrophic capacity on thiosulfate. Network analyses of the entire community showed that some species of Chloroflexi, Actinobacteria, and candidate phylum AD3 (or Dormibacterota) co‐occurred with Ca. Rubrimentiphilum and may represent ecological or metabolic partners. We propose that Ca. Rubrimentiphilum act as efficient heterotrophic scavengers. Combined with previous studies, these data suggest that the phylum WPS‐2 includes bacteria with diverse metabolic capabilities.
lncRNAs classifier to accurately predict the recurrence of thymic epithelial tumors
Authors: Su Yongchao , Chen Yongbing , Tian Zuochun , Lu Chuangang , Chen Liang , Ma Ximiao
Published: May 2020

Background

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which have little or no ability to encode proteins, have attracted special attention due to their potential role in cancer disease. In this study we aimed to establish a lncRNAs classifier to improve the accuracy of recurrence prediction for thymic epithelial tumors (TETs).

Methods

TETs RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) data set and the matched clinicopathologic information were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas. Using univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis, we developed a lncRNAs classifier related to recurrence. Functional analysis was conducted to investigate the potential biological processes of the lncRNAs target genes. The independent prognostic factors were identified by Cox regression model. Additionally, predictive ability and clinical application of the lncRNAs classifier were assessed, and compared with the Masaoka staging by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Four recurrence‐free survival (RFS)‐related lncRNAs were identified, and the classifier consisting of the identified four lncRNAs was able to effectively divide the patients into high and low risk subgroups, with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.796 (three‐year RFS) and 0.788 (five‐year RFS), respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that the lncRNAs classifier was an independent recurrence risk factor. The AUC of the lncRNAs classifier in predicting RFS was significantly higher than the Masaoka staging system. Decision curve analysis further demonstrated that the lncRNAs classifier had a larger net benefit than the Masaoka staging system.

Conclusions

A lncRNAs classifier for patients with TETs was an independent risk factor for RFS despite other clinicopathologic variables. It generated more accurate estimations of the recurrence probability when compared to the Masaoka staging system, but additional data is required before it can be used in clinical practice.
Outcomes of lobectomy on pulmonary function for early stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Authors: Wei Sen , Chen Feng , Liu Renwang , Fu Dianxun , Wang Yanye , Zhang Bo , Ren Dian , Ren Fan , Song Zuoqing , Chen Jun , Xu Song
Published: May 2020

Background

Lung cancer is the first cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an independent risk factor for lung cancer. An epidemiological survey discovered that the presence of COPD increases the risk of lung cancer by 4.5‐fold. Lobectomy is considered to be the standard surgical method for early stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the influence of lobectomy on the loss of pulmonary function has not been fully investigated in NSCLC patients with COPD.

Methods

We searched the PubMed database using the following strategies: COPD and pulmonary function test (MeSH term) and lobectomy (MeSH term) from 01 January 1990 to 01 January 2019. We selected the articles of patients with COPD. A total of six studies, including 195 patients with COPD, provided lung function values before and after surgery.

Results

Five out of six studies focused on the short‐term change of pulmonary function (within 3–6 months) after lobectomy, and the average loss of FEV1 was 0.11 L (range: −0.33–0.09 L). One study investigated the long‐term change of pulmonary function (within 1–2 years) after lobectomy, and the average loss of FEV1 was 0.15 L (range: −0.29–0.05 L).

Conclusions

A short‐term (3–6 months) loss of pulmonary function after operation is acceptable for lung cancer patients with COPD. However, there may be a high risk of postoperative complications in NSCLC patients with COPD. Therefore, surgical treatment needs to be carefully considered for these patients.
Targeted RNA sequencing with touch imprint cytology samples for non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Seto Katsutoshi , Masago Katsuhiro , Fujita Shiro , Haneda Masataka , Horio Yoshitsugu , Hida Toyoaki , Kuroda Hiroaki , Hosoda Waki , Okubo Ken‐ichi
Published: May 2020

Background

RNA‐based sequencing is considered ideal for detecting pathogenic fusion‐genes compared to DNA‐based assays and provides valuable information about the relative expression of driver genes. However, RNA from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue has issues with both quantity and quality, making RNA‐based sequencing difficult in clinical practice. Analyzing stamp‐derived RNA with next‐generation sequencing (NGS) can address the above‐mentioned obstacles. In this study, we validated the analytical specifications and clinical performance of our custom panel for RNA‐based assays on the Ion Torrent platform.

Methods

To evaluate our custom RNA lung panel, we first examined the gene sequences of RNA derived from 35 NSCLC tissues with diverse backgrounds by conventional methods and NGS. Next, we moved to the clinical phase, where clinical samples (all stamp‐derived RNA) were used to examine variants. In the clinical phase we conducted an NGS analysis while simultaneously applying conventional approaches to assess the feasibility and validity of the panel in clinical practice.

Results

In the prerun phase, all of the variants confirmed with conventional methods were detected by NGS. In the clinical phase, a total of 80 patients were enrolled and 80 tumor specimens were sequenced from February 2018 to December 2018. There were 66 cases in which the RNA concentration was too low to be measured, but sequencing was successful in the vast majority of cases. The concordance between NGS and conventional methods was 95.0%.

Conclusions

RNA extraction using stamp specimens and panel sequencing by NGS were considered applicable in clinical settings.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Next‐generation sequencing using RNA from stamp specimens was able to detect driver gene changes in non‐small cell lung cancer including fusion genes with the same accuracy as conventional methods.

What this study adds

Using RNA from stamp specimens obtained from biopsy increases the number of candidate cases for RNA sequencing in clinical settings.
On the remarkable nesting biology of an Australian bee in the genus Trichocolletes Cockerell (Hymenoptera: Colletidae)
Authors: Houston Terry F
Published: May 2020

Nests and life‐cycle stages of bees in the endemic Australian bee genus Trichocolletes have been little studied hitherto. Discovery of a nesting aggregation of Trichocolletes orientalis near Perth, Western Australia, provided an excellent opportunity to extend knowledge of the genus, and some surprising facts have emerged from observations made in the field and laboratory. Brood cells were more or less vertically oriented, had cemented earthen walls and were lined internally with thin membranes of cellophane‐like material as is usual for Colletidae. Cell plugs, however, were unusual in that the inner surface of each was thinly coated with white, dry foam and had a central pore. Simple tests indicated that the foam was composed of a wax‐like lipid. Adults were in flight at the nesting site during August and September but absent in November and December when brood cells were excavated. These cells contained mature, pre‐defaecating larvae (not prepupae, as was expected) and no pollen provision or faeces. The larvae and the cell walls around them were heavily coated with oil, evidently pollenkitt derived from pollen in the larval mid‐gut. The possible function and fate of this oil is discussed. Larvae remained dormant through summer, then defaecated, pupated and reached pharate adult stage by late April. Adults eclosed in late May and early June and had very well‐developed fat bodies, so presumably, they overwinter in the nests. Notes on nests of some other Trichocolletes species are included for comparison.
Imagined contact with strongly identified outgroup members: Do religious trappings make the man?
Authors: Razpurker‐Apfeld Irene , Shamoa‐Nir Lipaz
Published: May 2020

This research examined the interactive effects of imagined contact and the characteristics of the imagined person on intergroup anxiety and prejudice, among two groups in Israel: Jewish majority and Arab‐Muslim minority. In total, 128 Jewish and 128 Arab‐Muslim participants were randomly assigned to one of four experimental conditions. They were exposed to an outgroup person wearing either casual clothing or religious‐ethnic trappings. Then they were required to imagine either a pleasant conversation with that person at a cafeteria or a pleasant hike in which the outgroup person was just seen strolling around. Finally, participants filled out questionnaires of intergroup anxiety and prejudice. For Jewish participants in the hiking conditions, higher intergroup anxiety was found after imagining a strongly identified outgroup person rather than a weakly identified person. This effect was eliminated after imagining a pleasant conversation with the outgroup member in the cafeteria conditions. In addition, Jewish participants reported more outgroup prejudice following imagined scenarios which included the strongly identified person compared to scenarios involving the weakly identified person. For Arab‐Muslim participants, however, no effects were found. This study highlights the importance of considering the characteristics of outgroup counterparts in the field of imagined contact. Furthermore, the implications of imagined contact with individuals wearing religious‐ethnic trappings are discussed.
Three‐dimensional simulation analysis of microdissection testicular sperm extraction for patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Ichioka Kentaro , Matsui Yoshiyuki , Terada Naoki , Negoro Hiromitsu , Goto Takayuki , Ogawa Osamu
Published: May 2020

Background

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) is considered the gold standard method of sperm retrieval from patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA). For careful and thorough examination of seminiferous tubules during microTESE, maximizing surface area of the testicles which we are able to search is essential.

Objectives

To develop a systematic procedure for microTESE to maximize surface area and to achieve high sperm retrieval rate (SRR) in microTESE.

Materials and methods

We simulated microTESE using three‐dimensional (3D) simulation model and analyzed mathematically the sum of the surface area in various methods. The best method obtained from this simulation model was applied to 102 patients with NOA from 2014 to 2018. These new clinical results were compared with those of 56 patients who underwent a previous method of microTESE from 2011 to 2014.

Results

The mathematical 3D simulation model of microTESE indicated that a longitudinal incision on the tunica albuginea and following transverse slicing incisions of testicular parenchyma maximized the surface area coverage. Forty‐six (45%) out of 102 patients who underwent microTESE with the new method had successful retrieval of testicular spermatozoa compared with 16 (29%) of 56 patients with the previous method of microTESE (P = .04).

Discussion

Transverse resections of parenchyma in our method run parallel to the courses of intratesticular arteries and do not interfere with the blood supply. The small amount of extracted seminiferous tubules was equivalent to that of the previous method, and no patients exhibited post‐operative symptoms of androgen deficiency in our study. As for post‐operative pain, our new method was comparable with the previous method. Although our study needs a longer follow‐up, there will be limited effects on testicular functions.

Conclusion

Longitudinal incision on the tunica albuginea and following transverse slicing incisions in the testicular parenchyma maximized the surface area and improved the SRR of microTESE.
Emergency contraceptive pill use among women in Denmark, Norway and Sweden: Population‐based survey
Authors: Guleria Sonia , Munk Christian , Elfström K. Miriam , Hansen Bo T. , Sundström Karin , Liaw Kai‐Li , Nygård Mari , Kjaer Susanne K.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) use is reported to have increased in several countries over time. In this multi‐country population‐based questionnaire study, we aimed to describe the patterns of ECP use and identify factors associated with its use.

Material and methods

In 2011‐2012, women aged 18‐45 years were randomly selected from national registers in Denmark, Norway and Sweden and invited to respond to questions related to lifestyle and contraceptive use. We used generalized logistic models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) comparing women who had used ECP with women who had never used ECP.

Results

Of the 45 445 women, 33.9% (Denmark = 32.3%, Norway = 35.1%, Sweden = 34.6%) had used ECP at least once in their lifetime. Among ECP users, 15.8% had used ECP within the last year and 50.0% had used ECP more than once in their life. After adjusting for country, age at response and response type, ECP use was associated with higher education (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.54‐2.84) and being single, divorced or widowed (OR 3.17, 95% CI 2.87‐3.49). Binge drinking and smoking increased the odds of ECP use. Furthermore, early age at first intercourse (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.08‐1.55), having a new partner in the last 6 months (≥3 partners: OR 6.44, 95% CI 5.46‐7.60) and lack of condom use with a recent new partner (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.22‐1.66) were found to be associated with ECP use.

Conclusions

Our study shows that ECP use is common among Scandinavian women. Higher education and being single were associated with increased odds of ECP use. Risk behaviors such as smoking and early age at first sex were also associated with increased odds of ECP use. Since ECP use is not protective against sexually transmitted infections, our findings highlight the need to encourage awareness and regular use of condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases in women.
The evolution and physiology of male pregnancy in syngnathid fishes
Authors: Whittington Camilla M. , Friesen Christopher R.
Published: May 2020

The seahorses, pipefishes and seadragons (Syngnathidae) are among the few vertebrates in which pregnant males incubate developing embryos. Syngnathids are popular in studies of sexual selection, sex‐role reversal, and reproductive trade‐offs, and are now emerging as valuable comparative models for the study of the biology and evolution of reproductive complexity. These fish offer the opportunity to examine the physiology, behavioural implications, and evolutionary origins of embryo incubation, independent of the female reproductive tract and female hormonal milieu. Such studies allow us to examine flexibility in regulatory systems, by determining whether the pathways underpinning female pregnancy are also co‐opted in incubating males, or whether novel pathways have evolved in response to the common challenges imposed by incubating developing embryos and releasing live young. The Syngnathidae are also ideal for studies of the evolution of reproductive complexity, because they exhibit multiple parallel origins of complex reproductive phenotypes. Here we assay the taxonomic distribution of syngnathid parity mode, examine the selective pressures that may have led to the emergence of male pregnancy, describe the biology of syngnathid reproduction, and highlight pressing areas for future research. Experimental tests of a range of hypotheses, including many generated with genomic tools, are required to inform overarching theories about the fitness implications of pregnancy and the evolution of male pregnancy. Such information will be widely applicable to our understanding of fundamental reproductive and evolutionary processes in animals.
EHF promotes colorectal carcinoma progression by activating TGF‐β1 transcription and canonical TGF‐β signaling
Authors: Wang Lan , Ai Meiling , Nie Miaoting , Zhao Li , Deng Guangxu , Hu Shasha , Han Yue , Zeng Weiting , Wang Yiqing , Yang Minhui , Wang Shuang
Published: May 2020

ETS homologous factor (EHF) plays a critical function in epithelial cell differentiation and proliferation. However, the roles of EHF in cancer remain largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the expression levels, precise function and mechanism of EHF in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). We observed significantly elevated EHF expression in CRC cell lines and tissues. EHF overexpression correlated positively with poor differentiation, advanced T stage, and shorter overall survival of CRC patients. Function experiments revealed that EHF overexpression promoted CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, EHF could directly upregulate transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) expression at the transcription level, thereby activating canonical TGF‐β signaling. Our findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms of EHF in tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis of CRC, which may help to provide new therapeutic targets for CRC intervention.