bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurial capacity-building in HEIs for embedding entrepreneurship and enterprise creation – a tripartite approach
Authors: Towers Neil , Santoso Adhi Setyo , Sulkowski Nadine , Jameson John
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to conceptualise entrepreneurial capacity-building as an integrated approach within the international higher education sector. Whilst university–enterprise collaboration is recognised as being essential to promoting graduate employability and entrepreneurship, the lack of an integrated approach towards embedding entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial capacity-building with an entrepreneurial skill and mind-set prevails in the higher education sector. With reference to the retail sector, increasingly competitive job markets and the need for entrepreneurial capacity-building place growing pressures on universities to nurture career-ready graduates with entrepreneurial acumen.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical paper presents a rationale for embedding entrepreneurship education into university curricula and for promoting university–business collaboration. Secondly, it reviews the extent to which entrepreneurial capacity-building is institutionally embedded to foster graduate entrepreneurship, university–business collaboration and business incubation within one strategic framework. Finally, the paper proposes five propositions within a tripartite approach that can foster graduate entrepreneurs with entrepreneurial skills and mind-set, useful for existing enterprises and start-ups. The implications for these propositions are discussed.

Findings

The authors propose five propositions with a tripartite approach that can foster graduate entrepreneurs with entrepreneurial skill and mind-set, skills for creating enterprises and university–enterprise collaboration within one strategic framework.

Practical implications

Increasingly competitive job markets and the need for entrepreneurial capacity-building place growing pressures on universities to nurture career-ready graduates with entrepreneurial acumen in social science (e.g. retail, business management and accountancy) and science (e.g. pharmacy, architecture and engineering) programmes centred within the tripartite approach.

Originality/value

Whilst university–enterprise collaboration is recognised as being essential to promoting graduate employability and entrepreneurship, the tripartite integrated approach embeds entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial capacity-building with an entrepreneurial skillset and mind-set in the international higher education sector.
Assessing an organizational crisis at the construal level: how psychological distance impacts publics' crisis responses
Authors: Kim Sungsu , Jin Yan , Reber Bryan H.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to elaborate on the notion of crisis distance and to investigate its influence on publics' crisis responses (i.e. crisis severity, crisis emotions, organizational reputation and supportive behavioral intentions). In addition, this study aims to unearth the underlying mechanisms behind the effects of crisis distance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted an online survey by recruiting a representative US sample to examine the proposed research questions.

Findings

This paper offers empirical evidence that each dimension of crisis distance (i.e. temporal, social and hypothetical crisis distance) is associated with publics' crisis responses. Furthermore, by investigating distance-crisis-organizational sequence models, the ways in which crisis distance ultimately motivates publics' supportive behavioral intentions was revealed.

Originality/value

As an explorative study to propose a crisis distance model, the current research provides a springboard for expanding the existing scholarly literature on the nature of crisis.
Personality traits and social media as drivers of word-of-mouth towards sustainable fashion
Authors: Salem Suha Fouad , Alanadoly Alshaimaa Bahagat
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The main objective is to investigate the effects of antecedents of word-of-mouth (WOM) towards sustainable fashion, using the Personality Traits theory. More specifically, this study wants to examine the impact of the Big Five personality traits on social media activities, which could affect eco-friendly behaviour and environmental concerns for fashion production. This impact is influenced by the use of WOM on sustainability in the fashion industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS SEM) technique is used to evaluate the internal and external measurement model with a sample size of 272.

Findings

The three most active personality traits on social media are extraversion, openness to experience and agreeableness. Additionally, the active use of social media has a positive impact on the optimisation of users' eco-friendly behaviour and an increase in users' concerns for fashion production. Eco-friendly behaviour and environmental concerns for fashion production are important factors that lead to the spread of WOM.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by evaluating the effects of the Big Five personality traits on using social networking and how will this improve the creation of WOM towards sustainability. This study is among the several scientific studies which combine the theory of Big Five personality traits with social networking, green behaviour and the WOM in a sustainability context.
The relationship between knowledge management and leadership: mapping the field and providing future research avenues
Authors: Pellegrini Massimiliano Matteo , Ciampi Francesco , Marzi Giacomo , Orlando Beatrice
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Effectively handling knowledge is crucial for any organization to survive and prosper in the turbulent environments of the modern era. Leadership is a central element for knowledge creation, acquisition, utilization and integration processes. Based on these considerations, this study aims to offer an overview of the evolution of the literature regarding the knowledge management-leadership relationship published over the past 20 years.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric analysis coupled with a systematic literature review were performed over a data set of 488 peer-reviewed articles published from 1990 to 2018.

Findings

The authors discovered the existence of four well-polarized clusters with the following thematic focusses: human and relational aspects, systematic and performance aspects, contextual and contingent aspects and cultural and learning aspects. The authors then investigated each thematic cluster by reviewing the most relevant contributions within them.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the bibliometric analysis and the systematic literature review, the authors developed an interpretative framework aimed at uncovering several promising and little explored research areas, thus suggesting an agenda for future knowledge management-leadership research. Some steps of the paper selection process may have been biased by the interpretation of the researcher. The authors addressed this concern by performing a multiple human subject reading process whose reliability was confirmed by a Krippendorf’s alpha coefficient value >0.80.

Originality/value

To the best knowledge, this is the first study to map, systematize and discuss the literature concerned to the topic of the knowledge management-leadership relationship.
Does knowledge management explain the poor growth of social enterprises? Key insights from a systematic literature review on knowledge management and social entrepreneurship
Authors: Maalaoui Adnane , Le Loarne-Lemaire Séverine , Razgallah Myriam
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present a contribution to the fields of knowledge management and social business. As the extant literature about knowledge management reveals the role of knowledge in the process of new venture creation, the authors argue that such literature can answer concerns and calls for further research on examining social entrepreneurship. This paper proposes several key insights for this purpose and argues that one key contribution of the literature on knowledge management to the field of social entrepreneurship is that it explains the poor growth of new social ventures. The authors also conclude the paper by explaining how the specificities of knowledge management among social businesses could create a new research agenda in the field of knowledge management.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the systematic literature review approach, this conceptual paper proposes a reflection that is based on the connection of two kinds of literature reviews as follows: a review on knowledge management applied to the context of new venture creation and a review on social entrepreneurship and its vision of knowledge.

Findings

The authors reveal that one key explanation of poor growth in new social ventures is not necessarily associated with a lack of resources, but rather an inefficient knowledge management process.

Originality/value

The first original point of the paper is that it links two sets of literature reviews that have hardly ever been addressed together, namely knowledge management literature and social entrepreneurship literature. Moreover, the paper reveals how knowledge management based on a “bricolage” approach could foster the growth of new social ventures.
Understanding citizen intention to use m-government services: an empirical study in the UAE
Authors: Eid Riyad , Selim Hassan , El-Kassrawy Yasser
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The growing popularity of mobile technology has led governments across the world to develop mobile business models and encouraged the transition from the electronic government (e-government) to the mobile government (m-government). However, only a small amount of data is available regarding m-government implementation in developing countries and users’ behavioural intentions (BIs) with respect to the utilization of such services. To address this issue, this study attempts to identify factors that affect m-government acceptance among citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aims to examine the relationships between m-government service characteristics and m-government technology characteristics by analysing their perceived ease-of-use, perceived usefulness, user attitudes towards m-government usage and corresponding BIs with respect to utilization of m-government services.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a quantitative survey conducted among 326 users of m-government services in the UAE. The responses were tabulated on a five-point Likert scale. Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the performance of the proposed model and verify the hypothesized relationships between its constructs.

Findings

Overall, the research findings indicate that: users’ intention to use m-government applications has three determinants – attitude towards m-government use, m-government ease of use and m-government usefulness; m-government usefulness and ease of use have a significant influence on user attitudes towards m-government; and perceived ease of use of the service, currency of the services, the accuracy of the provided information, the security concerns associated with the utilization of the m-government services, trust in the m-government services and the risks perceived in using the m-Government service are antecedents of users’ perceptions of the m-government services.

Originality/value

This study has improved our understanding of the critical mobile technology factors that are needed to improve user acceptance of m-government services. The study presents important implications for both theory and practice.
Readymade Primitivism: Marcel Duchamp, Dada, and African Art
Authors: Folland Thomas
Published: June 2020

It has long been axiomatic that the readymades of Marcel Duchamp exemplify the New York dada movement. But the mass‐produced objects that he famously chose and inscribed with his name were also a response to another paradigm of early twentieth‐century modernism: that of primitivism. Indeed, it is surprising to discover the extent to which the immediate culture from which the readymades emerged was one saturated in notions about the so‐called ‘primitive’, the result of a sudden influx of African art into New York in the years following the First World War. This essay re‐situates the readymades within this historical context and posits that they allegorized primitivism. It is equally argued that the profound impact of African art on the development of twentieth‐century modernism exceeds traditional art‐historical narratives. If Duchamp's primitivism has remained largely invisible it is because of the ways in which the primitive (as a set of ideas about art that are racial in origin) has been corralled within Western modernism.
Multi‐actor Resource Integration: A Service Approach in Public Management
Authors: Eriksson Erik , Hellström Andreas
Published: June 2020

This paper addresses a service approach in public management by highlighting the insufficiently explored concept of resource integration. Specifically, we identify the actors who contribute to such integration, as well as the kind of resources they bring. The empirical material draws from two action research cases in cancer care, suggesting that, for complex challenges, resource‐integrating actors may represent public, private and third‐sector organizations, citizens/service users, as well as their private spheres. Moreover, resources may be both tangible and, more importantly, intangible. Because all actors in the system are doing the same thing – integrating resources – multi‐actor resource integration frames interorganizational collaboration and citizen/user co‐production. In contrast to the private sector's foci on profit and customer satisfaction, the gain herein concerns better usage of common resources and addressing public interests – such as access to services that meet the needs of disregarded groups. In the complex realities of contemporary societies, actors from all sectors should help meet such needs through collaborative resource integration rather than competition.
Inactivation of foodborne pathogens by the synergistic combinations of food processing technologies and food‐grade compounds
Authors: Zhang Hongchao , Tikekar Rohan V. , Ding Qiao , Gilbert Andrea R. , Wimsatt Stratton T.
Published: June 2020

There is a need to develop food processing technologies with enhanced antimicrobial capacity against foodborne pathogens. While considering the challenges of adequate inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms in different food matrices, the emerging technologies are also expected to be sustainable and have a minimum impact on food quality and nutrients. Synergistic combinations of food processing technologies and food‐grade compounds have a great potential to address these needs. During these combined treatments, food processes directly or indirectly interact with added chemicals, intensifying the overall antimicrobial effect. This review provides an overview of the combinations of different thermal or nonthermal processes with a variety of food‐grade compounds that show synergistic antimicrobial effect against pathogenic microorganisms in foods and model systems. Further, we summarize the underlying mechanisms for representative combined treatments that are responsible for the enhanced microbial inactivation. Finally, regulatory issues and challenges for further development and technical transfer of these new approaches at the industrial level are also discussed.
Epidemiology and clinical features of emergency department patients with suspected COVID‐19: Results from the first month of the COVID‐19 Emergency Department Quality Improvement Project (COVED‐2)
Authors: O'Reilly Gerard M , Mitchell Rob D , Wu Jamin , Rajiv Prithi , Bannon‐Murphy Holly , Amos Timothy , Brichko Lisa , Brennecke Helen , Noonan Michael P , Mitra Biswadev , Paton Andrew , Hiller Ryan , Smit De Villiers , Luckhoff Carl , Santamaria Mark J , Cameron Peter A
Published: June 2020

Objective

The aim of the present study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical features of ED patients with suspected and confirmed COVID‐19.

Methods

The COVID‐19 Emergency Department (COVED) Project is an ongoing prospective cohort study that includes all adult patients presenting to The Alfred Hospital ED who undergo testing for SARS‐CoV‐2. Current guidelines recommend testing for patients with fevers or chills, acute respiratory symptoms or a high‐risk exposure history, as well as implementation of infection prevention and control precautions for all suspected and confirmed cases. Study outcomes include a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test result and intensive respiratory support.

Results

In the period 1–30 April 2020, 702 of 3453 ED patients (20%; 95% CI 19–22) were tested, with a significant increase during the study period (incident rate ratio 1.019; 95% confidence interval 1.017–1.021, P < 0.001). The primary outcome of a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test was recorded in 14 patients (2%; 95% confidence interval 1–3). Shortness of breath (77%), fatigue (100%), myalgia (67%) and diarrhoea (67%) were common among positive cases, while close contact (9%), fever (0%) and healthcare occupation (0%) were not. No positive cases required intensive respiratory support in the ED.

Conclusions

The volume of ED patients with suspected COVID‐19 is increasing. Low numbers of positive cases precluded development of accurate predictive tools, but the COVED Project is fulfilling an important role in monitoring the burden of infection prevention and control requirements on the ED. The increasing number of patients meeting isolation criteria has the potential to impact on patient flow and may lead to ED overcrowding.
Cerebral ischemia detection using artificial intelligence (CIDAI)—A study protocol
Authors: Block Linda , El‐Merhi Ali , Liljencrantz Jaquette , Naredi Silvana , Staron Miroslaw , Odenstedt Hergès Helena
Published: June 2020

Background

The onset of cerebral ischemia is difficult to predict in patients with altered consciousness using the methods available. We hypothesize that changes in Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), and Electroencephalography (EEG) correlated with clinical data and processed by artificial intelligence (AI) can indicate the development of imminent cerebral ischemia and reperfusion, respectively. This study aimed to develop a method that enables detection of imminent cerebral ischemia in unconscious patients, noninvasively and with the support of AI.

Methods

This prospective observational study will include patients undergoing elective surgery for carotid endarterectomy and patients undergoing acute endovascular embolectomy for cerebral arterial embolism. HRV, NIRS, and EEG measurements and clinical information on patient status will be collected and processed using machine learning. The study will take place at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. Inclusion will start in September 2020, and patients will be included until a robust model can be constructed. By analyzing changes in HRV, EEG, and NIRS measurements in conjunction with cerebral ischemia or cerebral reperfusion, it should be possible to train artificial neural networks to detect patterns of impending cerebral ischemia. The analysis will be performed using machine learning with long short‐term memory artificial neural networks combined with convolutional layers to identify patterns consistent with cerebral ischemia and reperfusion.

Discussion

Early signs of cerebral ischemia could be detected more rapidly by identifying patterns in integrated, continuously collected physiological data processed by AI. Clinicians could then be alerted, and appropriate actions could be taken to improve patient outcomes.
Prevalence and correlates of receptive syringe‐sharing among people who inject drugs in rural Appalachia
Authors: White Rebecca Hamilton , O'Rourke Allison , Kilkenny Michael E. , Schneider Kristin E. , Weir Brian W. , Grieb Suzanne M. , Sherman Susan G. , Allen Sean T.
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims

Syringe‐sharing significantly increases the risk of HIV and viral hepatitis acquisition among people who inject drugs (PWID). Clearer understanding of the correlates of receptive syringe‐sharing (RSS) is a critical step in preventing bloodborne infectious disease transmission among PWID in rural communities throughout the United States. This study aimed to measure the prevalence and correlates of RSS among PWID in a rural county in Appalachia.

Design

Observational, cross‐sectional sample from a capture–recapture parent study.

Setting

Cabell County, West Virginia (WV), USA, June–July 2018.

Participants

The sample was restricted to people who reported injecting drugs in the past 6 months (n = 420). A total of 180 participants (43%) reported recent (past 6 months) RSS. Participants reported high levels of homelessness (56.0%), food insecurity (64.8%) and unemployment (66.0%).

Measurements

The main outcome was recent re‐use of syringes that participants knew someone else had used before them. Key explanatory variables of interest, selected from the risk environment framework, included: unemployment, arrest and receipt of sterile syringes from a syringe services program (SSP). Logistic regression was used to determine correlates of recent RSS.

Findings

PWID reporting recent RSS also reported higher prevalence of homelessness, food insecurity and unemployment than their non‐RSS‐engaging counterparts. In adjusted analyses, correlates of RSS included: engagement in transactional sex work [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26–4.09], unemployment (aOR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.03–1.72), number of drug types injected (aOR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.15–1.53) and injection in a public location (aOR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.64–4.08). Having accessed sterile syringes at an SSP was protective against RSS (aOR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.35–0.92).

Conclusion

The prevalence of receptive syringe‐sharing among people who inject drugs in a rural US county appears to be high and comparable to urban‐based populations. Receptive syringe‐sharing among people who inject drugs in a rural setting appears to be associated with several structural and substance use factors, including unemployment and engaging in public injection drug use. Having recently acquired sterile syringes at a syringe services program appears to be protective against receptive syringe sharing.
Characteristics and circumstances of death related to the self‐administration of ketamine
Authors: Darke Shane , Duflou Johan , Farrell Michael , Peacock Amy , Lappin Julia
Published: June 2020

Background and aims

Ketamine is used for anaesthesia, sedation and the treatment of mood disorders, but is also widely used for non‐medical purposes. This study aimed to: (1) determine the characteristics and circumstances of all recorded cases of self‐administered ketamine‐related death in Australia, 2000–19 and (2) determine the toxicology and major organ pathology of cases.

Design

Retrospective study of all Australian cases in which self‐administered ketamine was a mechanism contributory to death, retrieved from the National Coronial Information System.

Setting

Australia‐wide.

Cases

Sixty‐eight cases, with a mean age of 35.2 years (standard deviation = 11.5, range = 16–63), 76.5% male.

Measurements

Information was collected on cause of death, demographics, circumstances of death, toxicology and major organ pathology.

Findings

Death was attributed to toxicity in 82.3% of cases (accidental, 58.8%; deliberate, 23.5%), suicide by violent means (8.8%) and traumatic accident (8.8%). In six cases the decedent had been prescribed ketamine. In 32.4% the final route of ketamine administration was by injection. The fatal incident predominantly occurred in a private environment (72.1%). Ketamine was present in the blood of 90.1% and other biomarkers in the remainder. The median blood ketamine concentration was 0.2 mg/l (0.02–6.9 mg/l). Other drugs were detected in 95.5% of cases: opioids (59.1%), hypnosedatives (57.6%), psychostimulants (50.0%), alcohol (27.3%), Δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (18.2%), antidepressants (28.8%) and antipsychotics (9.1%). Pulmonary oedema was present in 82.2% of cases that underwent autopsy and pneumonia in 26.7%.

Conclusions

The typical case of self‐administered ketamine‐related death in Australia, 2000–19, was a male in his mid‐30s who had used multiple drugs, with the fatal incident most commonly occurring in a private setting. Death due to accidental drug toxicity was the most common manner of death, but suicide was highly prevalent.
Prevalence of alcohol use disorder among individuals who binge eat: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bogusz Krzysztof , Kopera Maciej , Jakubczyk Andrzej , Trucco Elisa M. , Kucharska Katarzyna , Walenda Anna , Wojnar Marcin
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims

Binge eating disorder (BED) is correlated with substance use. This study aimed to estimate the life‐time prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) among individuals with non‐compensatory binge eating and determine whether their life‐time prevalence of AUD is higher than in non‐bingeing controls.

Design

A systematic search of databases (PubMed, Embase and Web of Science) for studies of adults diagnosed with BED or a related behavior that also reported the life‐time prevalence of AUD was conducted. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) protocol was followed. The protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO).

Setting

Studies originating in Canada, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Participants

Eighteen studies meeting the inclusion criteria were found, representing 69 233 individuals.

Measurements

Life‐time prevalence of AUD among individuals with binge eating disorder and their life‐time relative risk of AUD compared with individuals without this disorder.

Results

The pooled life‐time prevalence of AUD in individuals with binge eating disorder was 19.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 13.7–27.9]. The risk of life‐time AUD incidence among individuals with binge eating disorder was more than 1.5 times higher than controls (relative risk = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.41–1.79). Life‐time AUD prevalence was higher in community samples than in clinical samples (27.45 versus 14.45%, P = 0.041) and in studies with a lower proportion of women (β = −2.2773, P = 0.044).

Conclusions

Life‐time alcohol use disorder appears to be more prevalent with binge eating disorder than among those without.
Aberrations in peripheral inflammatory cytokine levels in substance use disorders: a meta‐analysis of 74 studies
Authors: Wei Ze‐Xu , Chen Lei , Zhang Jian‐Jun , Cheng Yong
Published: June 2020

Aims

To characterize the peripheral inflammatory cytokine profile in people with substance use disorders (SUDs).

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Setting

Clinical studies that evaluated peripheral blood inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with SUDs and healthy controls

Participants

SUD patients and healthy controls.

Measurements

PubMed and Web of Science were systematically searched for relevant studies. Two investigators independently selected studies and extracted data. A total of 77 articles were included in the meta‐analysis, containing 5649 patients with SUDs and 4643 healthy controls. Data were pooled using a random‐effects model by the Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis version 2 software.

Findings

Concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐6) in 32 studies, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in 28 studies, IL‐10 in 20 studies, IL‐8 in 17 studies, C‐reactive protein in 14 studies, IL‐4 in 10 studies, IL‐12 in seven studies, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1 in 6 studies, TNF‐receptor 2 (TNF‐R2) in four studies and granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) in three studies were significantly higher in patients with SUDs compared with healthy controls, while concentrations of leptin in 14 studies were significantly lower in patients with SUDs compared with healthy controls. The findings were inconclusive for the associations between interferon‐γ, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1RA), transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, G‐CSF, C‐C motif chemokine 11, TGF‐α and SUDs.

Conclusions

People with substance use disorders (SUDs) appear to have higher peripheral concentrations of IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12, TNF‐α, C‐reactive protein, MCP‐1, TNF‐R2 and GM‐CSF and lower peripheral concentrations of leptin than people without SUDs. This strengthens the view that SUD is accompanied by an inflammatory response.
Seed abundance affects seed removal of an alien and a native tree in the Brazilian savanna: Implications for biotic resistance
Authors: Batisteli Augusto Florisvaldo , Costa Rosane Oliveira , Christianini Alexander Vicente
Published: June 2020

Invasive species are among the major threats to global biodiversity. Plant invasions are often driven by great propagule pressure that overcomes barriers to early colonisation and establishment, such as the biotic resistance from pathogens and seed predators. However, the way in which biotic resistance interacts with propagule pressure and affects seed survival remains poorly understood. Here, we experimentally assessed the effect of seed abundance on seed removal in the Brazilian Cerrado (savanna). We tested whether the invasive Leucaena leucocephala and the native Anadenanthera macrocarpa (both Fabaceae) differ in post‐dispersal seed removal – an indicator of granivore pressure – by different guilds of seed predators, varying seed abundance (2, 5 or 10 seeds of each species per treatment) and distance from a disturbance (5, 20 and 50 m from a firebreak) in two fragments of Cerrado. Treatment encounter, that is the chance of at least one seed being removed, increased 72% from 2 to 10 seeds per treatment, but seed removal increased only by 32%, suggesting a threshold in granivore response to seed availability. Native seeds suffered higher removal than exotic seeds, but removal rates did not vary with distance to disturbance or interact with vertebrate and invertebrate exclusions. Our results suggest a patchy pattern of seed predation influenced by resource abundance and emphasise the efficiency of high propagule pressure in overcoming the density‐dependent biotic resistance during early stages of exotic plant invasions in Cerrado. Seeds of fast‐germinating species, such as L. leucocephala, that reach appropriate spots for regeneration may still overcome the biotic resistance due to the patchy nature of seed predation.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Testicular inflammation and infertility: Could chlamydial infections be contributing?
Authors: Bryan Emily R. , Kim Jay , Beagley Kenneth W. , Carey Alison J.
Published: June 2020

Despite the global incidence of both male infertility and sexually transmitted infections rising each year, the relationship between the two is relatively unstudied. Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted pathogen; however, the majority of research remains focussed on women, while the role of infection and resulting immunopathology in male factor infertility is largely unknown. Chlamydia was found in testicular biopsies from asymptomatic men with idiopathic infertility, which highlights this potential role. In animal models, testicular Chlamydia, and potentially other bacterial and viral infections, cause histopathology that is likely to adversely affect spermatogenesis and fertility. This likely occurs through infiltration of inflammatory cells, functional dysregulation of immunosuppressive testicular macrophages and Sertoli cells and destruction of key testicular cell types including sperm progenitors. Here, testicular damage due to infection and/or inflammation is reviewed, as it represents a probable underestimated and unrecognized factor leading to male infertility.
Zim CHIC: A cohort study of immune changes in the female genital tract associated with initiation and use of contraceptives
Authors: Achilles Sharon L. , Meyn Leslie A. , Mhlanga Felix G. , Matubu Allen T. , Stoner Kevin A. , Beamer May A. , Chirenje Zvavahera M. , Hillier Sharon L.
Published: June 2020

Problem

Contraceptive hormones are systemically active, potent, and likely to invoke biological responses other than known fertility regulation impacts. We hypothesized that initiation of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) would increase genital HIV‐target‐cells and soluble immune mediators compared with baseline and initiation of other contraceptive methods.

Method of Study

We collected cervical cytobrushes and cervicovaginal fluid from healthy Zimbabwean women aged 18‐34 to assess immune cell populations, cytokines, and innate anti‐HIV activity at baseline and after 30, 90, and 180 days use of DMPA (n = 38), norethisterone enanthate (n = 41), medroxyprogesterone acetate/estradiol cypionate (n = 36), levonorgestrel implant (n = 43), etonogestrel implant (n = 47), or copper intrauterine device (Cu‐IUD) (n = 45). Cells were quantified by flow cytometry, cytokines were detected by multiplex assays, and innate anti‐HIV activity was assessed by in vitro HIV challenge.

Results

Compared to baseline, the number of cervical HIV target cells (#CD4 cells P < .04 and #CD11c cells P < .04), the concentration of the inflammatory cytokine IL‐1β (P < .01), and the innate in vitro anti‐HIV activity (P < .001) significantly decreased following DMPA initiation. In Cu‐IUD users, genital HIV target cells increased (#CD4 cells P < .001, #CD4CCR5 cells P = .02, #CD4CD69 cells P < .001, #CD8CD69 P = .01, and #CD11c cells P = .003) at day 30 and resolved by day 180. IFN‐γ (P < .001), IL‐1β (P < .001), IL‐6 (P < .001), IL‐8 (P < .001), IL‐10 (P < .01), and RANTES (P < .001) were also significantly increased at day 30. Minimal alterations were observed following initiation of subdermal implantable contraceptives.

Conclusions

This head‐to‐head study compared six contraceptives and found increased HIV target cells and cervical inflammation temporally associated with Cu‐IUD initiation. Use of hormonal contraception, including DMPA, did not increase cervical HIV target cells or inflammation.

Clinical Trial Number: NCT02038335
Increased antiviral response in circulating lymphocytes from hypogammaglobulinemia patients
Authors: Wirz Oliver F. , Üzülmez Öykü , Jansen Kirstin , van de Veen Willem , Lammela Auli , Kainulainen Leena , Vuorinen Tytti , Breiteneder Heimo , Akdis Cezmi A. , Jartti Tuomas , Akdis Mübeccel
Published: June 2020

Background

B cells play a crucial role during rhinovirus (RV) infections by production of virus‐neutralizing antibodies. A main feature of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is hypogammaglobulinemia (HG). HG patients have severely reduced levels of antibody‐producing B cells and suffer from prolonged virus infections. Here, we addressed whether antiviral response of peripheral blood lymphocytes differs between HG patients and healthy individuals during natural RV infection.

Methods

Using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, B‐cell subsets were analyzed. Simultaneously, CD19 + B cells, CD14 + monocytes, and CD3 + T cells were sorted from frozen peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 11 RV‐infected hypogammaglobulinemia patients, 7 RV‐infected control subjects, and 14 noninfected control subjects. Real‐time PCR was used to study expression of antiviral genes. A pan‐RV PCR was used to detect RV genome in all samples.

Results

In HG patients, total B‐cell numbers, as well as IgA + and IgG + switched memory B cells, were reduced while naïve B cells and T cells were increased. STAT1 expression was increased in HG patients compared to controls in all lymphocyte subsets analyzed. The expression of antiviral genes IFITM1 and MX1 correlated with STAT1 expression in B cells and monocytes. RV RNA was found in 88.9% of monocytes from infected HG patients, 85.7% of monocytes from infected controls, and 7.1% of monocytes from uninfected controls.

Conclusions

We demonstrate an increased antiviral response in B cells and monocytes in HG patients and their correlation with STAT1 expression. Monocytes of infected HG patients and infected non‐HG controls carry RV RNA.
Human Energy Expenditure in Anthropology and Beyond
Authors: Ocobock Cara
Published: June 2020

Humans have successfully inhabited every continent on this planet. Our ability to survive and thrive in such a wide range of environments is fascinating, particularly from an energetic perspective. As knowledge of human total energy expenditure (TEE, kcal day−1) has deepened, so too has the ability to interpret observable patterns in human metabolic physiology and apply these interpretations to our evolutionary history. This review examines the basic components of human TEE as well as the interactions among these components. This is followed by a discussion of two recent theories regarding limits on the amount of calories used and how those limits may mediate life‐history variables. Finally, this review provides a look ahead into the lesser explored areas of human TEE, suggesting future areas of research. The ability to measure how much energy humans expend and how they allocate that energy is a powerful tool that enables anthropologists to understand not only our past but also our present. [energy expenditure, thermoregulation, life history]
Advances in agricultural cooperative research since 2007: A review of Chinese Agricultural Economics literature
Authors: Su Ye , Cook Michael L.
Published: June 2020

Following implementation of the Agricultural Cooperative Law in July 2007, the number of cooperatives increased dramatically, as did the related research in China. The objective of this paper is to describe articles written in Chinese and published in the top six Chinese Agricultural Economics journals between 2007 and 2017, identify research trends and issues, generate observations, and provide insights for future research. A secondary objective is to introduce to the non‐Chinese speaking world a literature written by Chinese scholars as they view the emergence of this new organizational form in the agricultural sector. Our interest is to illustrate Chinese cooperative literature within two general approaches: articles which address agricultural cooperatives’ inter‐firm coordination issues and articles which study the mechanism design which we call intra‐firm coordination. A total of 443 articles were reviewed, 163 dealing with inter‐firm coordination and 280 with intra‐firm coordination. The inter‐firm coordination articles focused on firm coordination mechanisms and formal institutions such as cooperative law, accounting rules, financial markets, and government support. Intra‐firm coordination articles focused on organization design, cooperative governance, relationships between members and cooperative, property rights, and hierarchical structures with embedded principal–agent issues. We conclude with observations about trends, quality, and the cooperative future and also propose useful research fields for Chinese scholars.
Exploring the relationship between employees’ CSR perceptions and intention to emigrate: Evidence from a developing country
Authors: Grabner‐Kräuter Sonja , Breitenecker Robert J. , Tafolli Festim
Published: June 2020

This study contributes to the burgeoning research on corporate social responsibility (CSR) at the individual level of analysis, in a hitherto largely neglected developing country context. Using survey information collected from 297 employees in public and private enterprises in Kosovo, this study examines how and to what extent employees’ perceptions of their employer's CSR activities are associated with their intention to emigrate. Applying a needs‐based framework, this research provides evidence that employees’ perceptions of CSR are positively related to the meaningfulness of their work and job satisfaction and negatively related to intention to emigrate. Additionally, results confirm that the association between CSR perceptions and emigration intention is mediated by the meaningfulness of work and job satisfaction. From a practical point of view, this research should encourage private and public enterprises in developing countries to enhance and extend their CSR engagement.
Cooperative managerial delegation revisited: Including the firm's cost as a managerial objective
Authors: Hamada Kojun
Published: June 2020

In this study, we revisit cooperative managerial delegation when firms choose both the level of output and R&D investment in an oligopolistic competition. A previous study concludes that if managers choose the output and R&D levels, the fully collusive outcome cannot be achieved through cooperative managerial delegation. By contrast, we show that when owners cooperatively offer managers an incentive scheme consisting of a linear combination of profit, revenue, and cost, they can achieve the fully collusive outcome. The result suggests that firms require a more elaborate incentive scheme to achieve the collusion outcome by controlling both strategic variables.
Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 increases epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling by inducing amphiregulin expression and attenuates response to EGFR inhibitors in colon cancer
Authors: Hong Chang‐Soo , Sun Eun‐Gene , Choi Ji‐Na , Kim Dae‐Hwan , Kim Jo‐Heon , Ryu Kyung‐Hyun , Shim Hyun‐Jeong , Hwang Jun‐Eul , Bae Woo‐Kyun , Kim Hyeong‐Rok , Kim Kyung Keun , Jung Chaeyong , Chung Ik‐Joo , Cho Sang‐Hee
Published: June 2020

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) is known to induce cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and antiapoptosis through activation of RAS/RAF/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways, which are also known as major molecular bases of colon cancer carcinogenesis related with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. However, the interaction between FGFR4 and EGFR signaling in regard to colon cancer progression is unclear. Here, we investigated a potential cross‐talk between FGFR4 and EGFR, and the effect of anti‐EGFR therapy in colon cancer treatment. To explore the biological roles of FGFR4 in cancer progression, RNA sequencing was carried out using FGFR4 transfected colon cell lines. Gene ontology data showed the upregulation of genes related to EGFR signaling, and we identified that FGFR4 overexpression secretes EGFR ligands such as amphiregulin (AREG) with consequent activation of EGFR and ErbB3. This result was also shown in in vivo study and the cooperative interaction between EGFR and FGFR4 promoted tumor growth. In addition, FGFR4 overexpression reduced cetuximab‐induced cytotoxicity and the combination of FGFR4 inhibitor (BLU9931) and cetuximab showed profound antitumor effect compared to cetuximab alone. Clinically, we found the positive correlation between FGFR4 and AREG expression in tumor tissue, but not in normal tissue, from colon cancer patients and these expressions were significantly correlated with poor overall survival in patients treated with cetuximab. Therefore, our results provide the novel mechanism of FGFR4 in connection with EGFR activation and the combination of FGFR4 inhibitor and cetuximab could be a promising therapeutic option to achieve the optimal response to anti‐EGFR therapy in colon cancer.
Clinical factors before or after device implantation in predicting metal hypersensitivity reactions: A retrospective study
Authors: Tam Idy , Yu JiaDe , Ko Lauren N. , Schalock Peter C.
Published: June 2020

Background

Metal hypersensitivity reactions (MHR) as a cause of implant‐related complications are highly debated and recommendations regarding pre‐procedural allergy evaluation vary dramatically.

Objective

To examine patients referred before or after device implantation and identify factors that could be useful to guide the value of patch testing.

Methods

Patients who underwent patch testing pre‐ or post‐device implantation between July 2006 and September 2016 were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

A series of 127 patients underwent patch testing: pre‐implantation (n = 40) and post‐implantation (n = 87). In the pre‐implant group, a history of metal allergy demonstrated high sensitivity (0.94; 95% CI: 0.83–1.00) and negative likelihood ratio (0.17; 95% CI:0.02–1.29) for diagnosing MHR. No predictive value could be ascribed to any of the clinical symptoms (eg dermatitis, pain, swelling, implant failure, and/or other symptoms) for patients referred following orthopaedic and dental post device implantation. Eight patients in the orthopaedic group and six patients in dental group with relevant patch test reactions underwent implant revisions, and seven and five patients improved, respectively.

Conclusions

Pre‐implant patch testing for selected individuals with a history of metal allergy can help guide implant choice. Post‐implant patch testing may be helpful in some patients if other causes have been excluded, as patients with confirmed MHR benefited from revisions.
How cross‐shareholding influences financial reporting: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Muramiya Katsuhiko , Takada Tomomi
Published: June 2020

Research Question/Issue

This study investigates the effect of cross‐shareholding on financial reporting and the information environment in the Japanese market and hypothesizes that higher cross‐shareholding is related to lower contract‐efficient earnings recognition and higher information asymmetry because cross‐shareholding entrenches managers. Furthermore, we investigate whether managers try to maximize their self‐interest or to enjoy a quiet life when they are isolated from market pressure and entrenched owing to cross‐shareholding.

Research Findings/Insights

Using a unique dataset on cross‐shareholding among Japanese listed firms, we find that higher cross‐shareholding is associated with (1) less timely loss recognition and (2) higher probability of information‐based trading. Further investigation clarifies that higher cross‐shareholdings are related to (3) lower absolute forecast error and (4) lower R&D expenditures. The first two findings indicate that cross‐shareholding entrenches managers, and the last two findings show that entrenched managers enjoy a quiet life.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

This study contributes to the corporate governance literature by providing new evidence that cross‐shareholding influences financial reporting and the information environment in the market by inducing managers to become entrenched and to enjoy a quiet life.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This study provides implications for policymakers in markets in which cross‐shareholding is a common ownership format. To enhance contract‐efficient financial reporting and/or reduce information asymmetry in the market, it may be necessary to reduce cross‐shareholding.
Acrosyringeal variant of extragenital lichen sclerosus et atrophicus
Authors: Lee Seon Bok , Heo Ji Hye , Yoon Hee Seong , Lee Si Hyub , Byun Ji Won , Choi Gwang Seong , Shin Jeonghyun
Published: June 2020

Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis of the anogenital area, and approximately 15% to 20% of patients with LSA have extragenital lesions. Here, we report the case of an 18‐year‐old Korean man presenting with multiple asymptomatic punctated hypopigmented atrophic macules on the dorsa of both feet. Dermoscopic examination revealed hypopigmented atrophic macules with several central keratotic plugs. The histopathologic findings indicated LSA but were confined to the acrosyringium. Based on the clinical and histopathological findings, the patient was diagnosed with an acrosyringeal variant of extragenital LSA. The patient in this case showed a unique histopathological finding in which the typical features of LSA were confined to the acrosyringium, as well as an unusual clinical presentation of non‐coalescing atrophic punctate macules on the dorsum of the feet.
Cytological features of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Authors: Rani Deepa , Gupta Arsh , Gupta Atul , Rastogi Kanika
Published: June 2020

The authors have elaborated the cytological features of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans with special emphasis on differential diagnosis. Importance of clinical history in making the diagnosis is highlighted.