bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Method selection: a conceptual framework for public sector PPP selection
Authors: Zhao Nan , Ying Fei
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a conceptual framework to assist decision makers in identifying an appropriate decision-supporting method (DSM) to evaluate public-private partnership (PPP) contract types in a disciplined and systematic manner.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted to compare and analyse DSMs in construction procurement processes, and explore the benefits and limitations of using DSMs. A conceptual framework is then developed to accommodate client characteristics when selecting DSM in a PPP context. An example was obtained to illustrate the implementation of the proposed framework.

Findings

DSMs employed in the procurement method selection are identified by using a systemic literature review. The benefits and limitations of each DSM are established and comparisons of DSMs are provided to fit the client characteristics and a conceptual framework is developed to assist decision makers in choosing DSM for contract selection.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates a link between DSMs and PPP contracts which adds value at the stage of PPP contract evaluation. Also, the proposed framework sheds some light on an important aspect of the public sector to consider the improvement of current policies (PPP framework/guideline).
A behavioral perspective on corporate dividend policy: evidence from France
Authors: Trabelsi Dhoha , Aziz Saqib , Lilti Jean-Jacques
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper empirically examines the catering theory of Baker and Wurgler (2004) in the particular context of France. Considering the characteristics of French market – known for its high concentration of capital – it attempts to highlight the role family control plays in the managerial tendencies to satisfy non-informative dividend demands.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on a large data set of French firms included in the SBF-250 index over a period of 1992-2010. It uses a variety of dividend policy measures, including dividend premium, percentage of dividend-paying firms and probability of paying dividends. It adopts appropriate empirical specifications (time-series and probit models) to substantiate the research hypotheses.

Findings

The empirical findings show that the percentage of payers rises with the dividend premium, and that the dividend premium and the confidence index of French households are negatively correlated. This reflects the sensitivity of dividend demand to investor sentiment. Moreover, results of multivariate panel regression show a positive and statistically significant effect of the dividend premium on the firm’s tendency to pay, after controlling for firm characteristics. Finally, it finds that the dividend premium effect disappears in the case of family-controlled firms. This result is in line with the long-term orientation of family firms.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on the dividend payment behavior of French firms. Although dividends are deeply engrained in France, authors believe that it will be interesting to look at the whole payout policy and particularly the role played by share repurchases.

Practical implications

Addressing short-term catering and managerial opportunism, the results of this study may be of interest for shareholders, potential investors and regulators.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that provides empirical evidence on Baker and Wurgler (2004) catering theory by considering the particularity of French market where, unlike the US, percentage of dividend-paying firms is high and the corporate ownership structures are different.
Makerere University Business School co-evolution journey: the role of extraordinary performers
Authors: Kibirango Moses M. , Munene John C. , Mutumba Abbey
Published: September 2018

Subject area

Corporate entrepreneurship; Intrapreneurship; Human Resources.

Study level/applicability

MBA students in Human Resource, entrepreneurship and/or PhD students in the areas of Human Resource, Corporate Entrepreneurship and/or on Intrapreneurship studies.

Case overview

This case reveals that progressive change originated from individual’s positive deviance approaches, opportunistic sensitivity, ability to learn, evaluate and the ability to develop ideas on how to exploit or pursue identified opportunities (intrapreneurial behaviour).

Expected learning outcomes

The student will learn to deal with the complex nature of organisations and the tendencies of institutional processes to be uncertain, unpredictable, and uncontrollable; appreciate the internal workings of an organisation, the external environment; and understand the role of generative leadership, positive deviance, novelty ecosystems and intrapreneurial behaviour and the fact that connections and interactions in a social network are non-linear or non-proportional. This means that complex system predictions can be much more than simple regression predictions. They will be able to apply both bottom-up and top-down influences from proactive leadership or generative leadership events and benefit from positive results and the emergence of innovation.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS: 3 Entrepreneurship.
Study on the performance of spatial discretization schemes for hypersonic flow
Authors: Huang Haiming , Hu Yumeng
Published: September 2018

Purpose

With the continuous increase of space activities and insight into space exploration, the velocity of near space hypersonic vehicles becomes higher and higher, which leads to the aerothermodynamic phenomenon getting worse around a vehicle; therefore, the exploration of numerical scheme applicability is essential for hypersonic flow simulations.

Design/methodology/approach

The implicit finite volume schemes are derived from axisymmetric Navier–Stokes equations for chemical equilibrium flow and programmed in Fortran. Taking the atmosphere at 30 km as an example, the performance of spatial discretization schemes such as AUSMPW and AUSMPW+ are analyzed in a range of Mach numbers from 17 to 32.

Findings

The AUSMPW scheme appears pressure jump near the stagnation if the Mach number is over 18, but AUSMPW+ scheme shows better performance in comparison.

Originality/value

This study will help the aerothermodynamic design in near space hypersonic vehicles.
Predictors of investment intention in Indian stock markets
Authors: Akhtar Fatima , Das Niladri
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand investment intention of prospective individual investors in a developing country (i.e. India) by using the “Theory of Planned Behaviour” (TPB) (where perceived behavioural control has been replaced with financial self-efficacy, FSE) and two additional constructs, i.e. financial knowledge and personality traits (i.e. risk-taking propensity and preference for innovation) have been introduced.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses quantitative and cross-sectional approach wherein questionnaire based survey was done to collect responses from prospective individual investors (920 usable responses). AMOS and SPSS have been used to establish the hypothesised relationship between the constructs.

Findings

The results of the study suggested that attitude was responsible for partial mediation between the relationship of financial knowledge and investment intention, whereas financial self-efficacy was exerting a dual role on the relationship between personality traits and investment intention. Subjective norms, on the other hand, exerted a weak positive effect on investment intention.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to measure the investment intention in financial markets in case of prospective individual investors; it does not incorporate the actual investment behaviour, the study also fails to include demographic factors which play a vital role in investment decision making. Furthermore, the study has only considered objective dimension of financial knowledge.

Practical implications

The findings will be useful for financial service providers who need to enhance the FSE and financial knowledge and design a “behavioural portfolio” according the personality traits of their clients.

Social implications

The up-liftment of financial confidence among individuals in order to motivate them to participate in financial markets and enjoy “short-cuts” towards financial success.

Originality/value

This study is one of the initial attempts in the context of the Indian Stock Market to introduce FSE as a dual (both mediating and moderating) construct between personality traits and investment intention using TPB, moreover, this study also provides the necessary impetus to analyse the relationship between financial knowledge and investment intention with attitude as the mediating variable.
Clustering Kuwaiti consumer attitudes towards Sharia-compliant financial products
Authors: Al-Salem Fouad , Mostafa Mohamed M.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to clustering Kuwaiti consumers choice of Sharia-complaint financial products and services based on several factors such as religiosity, financial knowledge, customer value, satisfaction, trust, service quality, relationship with service providers and innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses self-organizing maps, a neural network technique, in order to cluster and segment consumers of Sharia-compliant financial products and services in Kuwait. From a marketing perspective, SOM can be viewed as a flexible clustering technique in which different clusters are identified without the rigid traditional statistical assumptions of linearity or normality.

Findings

This paper shows that consumers of Sharia-compliant financial products in Kuwait can be clustered into three distinct segments: enthusiasts, laggards and rejectors. The enthusiasts represent the largest cluster with a frequency of around 66 percent, while the Rejectors represent the smallest segment with a frequency of 10 percent.

Originality/value

This paper advances our knowledge about the behavioral aspects of financial consumer choice within a non-traditional Sharia-compliant financial products context.
Personality disordered offenders’ experiences of completing social skills treatment
Authors: Mullan Catherine , Johnson Darren , Tomlinson Jennifer
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Although support exists for the effectiveness of treatment for personality disordered offenders there is limited knowledge about the processes underlying the therapeutic change. The purpose of this paper is to explore the treatment experiences of six male psychopathic offenders who attended a social skills treatment component implemented within a high-secure personality disorder treatment service.

Design/methodology/approach

Interview transcripts were analysed by the lead researcher (first author) using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) who compared and contrasted findings to develop superordinate themes across the group. External auditing analysis was conducted by the second author.

Findings

Several themes were identified that may indicate the unique ways this client group experienced treatment. These related to the importance of “group cohesion” with treatment progression and shared learning experiences, the significance of “therapeutic alliance” with treatment providers and perceived effectiveness of treatment, and the conflict participants experienced when acquiring and applying skills from their engagement in treatment. Participants identified aspects of the treatment component that facilitated the effectiveness of treatment and were effective in meeting their needs and some that would benefit from improvement.

Practical implications

Positive group dynamics are important. Operational staff inclusion within the facilitation team is beneficial. Attentiveness to participants’ specific responsivity needs is required. Supporting skill application post-treatment is important.

Originality/value

These findings add to the evidence base in relation to factors that support personality disordered offenders’ engagement within treatment. Areas that validate treatment delivery are highlighted, as are suggestions for change to maximise treatment gain for psychopathic and personality disordered offenders.
Pricing lease agreements incorporating tenant’s downscaling option
Authors: Vimpari Jussi
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the problem that arises when a tenant’s space needs will likely change in the future, but the property owner would prefer to continue renting the initial space to the same tenant. The study builds upon ideas on structuring option values into initial rent and proposes a method for evaluating the value of adaptability for both the tenants and the owners.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on real option pricing, and it includes key variables of building adaptability, lease agreement terms and property market information. The methodology explains the importance of understanding the concept of volatility related to space needs and how it affects the tenant’s decision to either remain or vacate the rented premises. Real option pricing theory highlights the problem of using linearly growing expectations for physical assets and the obvious problems that arise with that assumption.

Findings

This paper suggests that the principles of option pricing could be used in valuing building adaptability to find the optimal initial rent from both the owner’s and the tenant’s perspective. It is pointed that the volatility of the tenant’s future space requirements should drive the effective rent paid by the tenant. The paper argues as to why the owner is better off if the tenant can downscale (with building adaptability) their current space rather than vacate the whole space. Additionally, this paper presents the reasons for why the tenant should pay more for a space that has such a downscaling option. Eventually, both the owner and the tenant are better off because, from the tenant’s perspective, unnecessary relocating costs can be avoided, and from the owner’s perspective, unnecessary re-renting costs can be avoided.

Practical implications

The paper demonstrates how the downscaling option creates value for both the owner and the tenant. The owner benefits from higher average occupancy rates, and during lease break points, only part of the premises has to be re-rented rather than the entire premises. When these higher occupancy rates are transferred into cash flows with relevant market parameters, it is evident how the rates create extra value for the property owner and for the tenant, subject to lease terms.

Originality/value

The owner benefits from the higher rent, even though there might be more lease break points where parts of the building must be rented out. If these kinds of option values can be communicated transparently, it should be possible for the owner and the tenant to agree on such terms.
Building theory on the negotiation capability of the firm: evidence from Ryanair
Authors: Caputo Andrea , Borbely Adrian , Dabic Marina
Published: September 2018

Purpose

In an attempt to build upon existing theory, this paper aims to investigate the potentially reciprocal relationship between negotiation and strategy, and strive to contribute toward a better understanding of the ways in which organizations negotiate.

Design/methodology/approach

Built upon the integration of two different bodies of literature, negotiation and strategy, and on the analysis of the case of Ryanair, this paper argues for an integrated approach to negotiation and organizational capabilities.

Findings

The case study allows for a clearer understanding of how negotiation capability can play a significant role in supporting the creation and sustainment of competitive advantage, even under unfavorable industry settings.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to theoretical development by offering new and insightful explanations of firms’ behavior, moving beyond the classic interpretation of industry dynamics, such as bargaining power. This study has implications for both practice and research, as it offers a better and more holistic understanding of the strategy-making process and the foundations of its success.
Moderating effect of subordinates’ overall justice in the relationship between supervisors’ overall justice and supervisors’ affective organizational commitment
Authors: Kim Si Hyun , Laffranchini Giacomo , Jeung Wonho
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between supervisor’s overall justice and affective organizational commitment. The authors further study how this relationship is moderated by subordinates’ overall justice.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted hierarchical regression analyses on a sample of supervisor–subordinate matched data.

Findings

Supervisors’ overall justice was positively related to supervisors’ affective organizational commitment, and subordinates’ overall justice moderated these relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the study was its cross-sectional nature.

Practical implications

Results emphasized the importance of the interaction between supervisors’ and subordinates’ perceived overall justice, which suggests that employers should focus on treating all individuals fairly in the workplace.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the organizational justice literature by providing empirical evidence using a supervisor–subordinate matched sample, suggesting that overall justice is important to understanding individuals’ affective organizational commitment. Using fairness heuristic theory, the study explores the interaction effect of subordinates’ overall justice on the relationship between supervisors’ overall justice and affective organizational commitment.
Correlation between Machiavellian leadership and emotional exhaustion of employees
Authors: Stradovnik Katja , Stare Janez
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine the impact of Machiavellian leadership and organisational cynicism on the emotional exhaustion of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 463 employees of Slovenian municipalities. Surveys were used to collect Machiavellianism, organisational cynicism and emotional exhaustion data. Hypotheses were verified by means of three methods: the contingency table,χ2test and Pearson coefficient.

Findings

Machiavellian leadership has an impact both on the presence of emotional exhaustion and organisational cynicism. According to the results, both Machiavellianism and organisational cynicism have a direct linear impact on the increase of emotional exhaustion.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the research were formulated on the basis of a survey conducted according to a self-assessment online survey.

Originality/value

Even though the concept of Machiavellianism was developed 500 years ago, the existing literature suggests that it continues to be relevant in modern times, most frequently in terms of examining the way leaders establish their power and adopt (un)ethical leadership practices and the implications their behaviour has on their direct working environment. Only select authors have examined Machiavellianism in correlation with organisational cynicism and emotional exhaustion, with an emphasis on the public sector. Due to a lack of research conducted on the subject, the main research challenge was to establish actual correlations between the three factors above.
The nexus between financial development and poverty reduction in Egypt
Authors: Kheir Vivian Bushra
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the impact of financial development on poverty reduction in Egypt. The paper also investigates whether financial development affects poverty via gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the autoregressive distributed lag approach to estimate two specifications. The first is dependent on poverty by the ratio domestic credit to the private sector (percentage of GDP) and the second is dependent on the poverty by the ratio liquid liabilities to GDP or M3/GDP. The data are annual and cover the period from 1980 to 2015.

Findings

In long run, the study finds that relationship between economic growth and poverty is bidirectional. Financial development and poverty (household final consumption expenditure per capita) are complementary as bidirectional (in Granger sense). In short run, the study finds the bidirectional causality between financial development (real domestic credit to private sector per capita) and poverty reduction.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that governments should remove policies that impede the ability of banks to offer loan products or undermine the commercial incentive structure for banks or borrowers. It is crucial to enhance the role of specialized state-owned banks in financial intermediation.

Social implications

Several attempts have been made to investigate the relationship between financial development and other macroeconomic variables, but few studies have examined the impact of financial development on poverty reduction. Furthermore, the majority of the previous studies are based on Asia and Latin America – affording Egypt very little or no coverage at all.
Does the composition of boards of directors impact on CSR scores?
Authors: Wellalage Nirosha , Locke Stuart , Acharya Sanjeev
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between board composition and firm corporate social responsibility (CSR) scores of the top 30 listed companies in Australia, France, UK and USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 120 publicly listed companies covering a 10-year period from 2006 to 2015, the authors examine this relationship in a dynamic modelling framework, which controls for potential sources of endogeneity.

Findings

The authors find that board composition appears to have no effect on large firms’ CSR scores. This finding remains robust when they used out-of-sample analysis and is consistent with the perspectives of agency theory stakeholder theory and institutional theory.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature in several ways. First, it fills an important gap in literature on CSR and corporate governance, as less is known about how board composition affects social activities. Second, this study controls endogeneity and sample selection bias which are main econometric problems in CG and CSR studies.
Streptococcus pyogenes CAMP factor promotes calcium ion uptake in RAW264.7 cells
Authors: Kurosawa Mie , Oda Masataka , Domon Hisanori , Isono Toshihito , Nakamura Yuki , Saitoh Issei , Hayasaki Haruaki , Yamaguchi Masaya , Kawabata Shigetada , Terao Yutaka
Published: September 2018

Streptococcus pyogenes is a bacterium that causes systemic diseases such as pharyngitis and toxic shock syndrome. S. pyogenes produces molecules that inhibit the function of the human immune system, thus allowing growth and spread of the pathogen in tissues. It is known that S. pyogenes CAMP factor induces vacuolation in macrophages; however, the mechanism remains unclear. In the current study, the mechanism by which CAMP factor induces vacuolation in macrophages was investigated. CAMP factor was found to induce calcium ion uptake in murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. In addition, EDTA inhibited calcium ion uptake and vacuolation in the cells. The L‐type voltage‐dependent calcium ion channel blockers nifedipine and verapamil reduced vacuolation. Furthermore, the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase inhibitors LY294002 and wortmannin also inhibited the vacuolation induced by CAMP factor. Fluorescent microscopy revealed that clathrin localized to the vacuoles. These results suggest that the vacuolation is related to calcium ion uptake by RAW264.7 cells via L‐type voltage‐dependent calcium ion channels. Therefore, it was concluded that the vacuoles induced by S. pyogenes CAMP factor in macrophages are clathrin‐dependent endosomes induced by activation of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase signaling pathway through calcium ion uptake.
Emergence of soil bacterial ecotypes along a climate gradient
Authors: Chase Alexander B. , Gomez‐Lunar Zulema , Lopez Alberto E. , Li Junhui , Allison Steven D. , Martiny Adam C. , Martiny Jennifer B. H.
Published: September 2018

The high diversity of soil bacteria is attributed to the spatial complexity of soil systems, where habitat heterogeneity promotes niche partitioning among bacterial taxa. This premise remains challenging to test, however, as it requires quantifying the traits of closely related soil bacteria and relating these traits to bacterial abundances and geographic distributions. Here, we sought to investigate whether the widespread soil taxon Curtobacterium consists of multiple coexisting ecotypes with differential geographic distributions. We isolated Curtobacterium strains from six sites along a climate gradient and assayed four functional traits that may contribute to niche partitioning in leaf litter, the top layer of soil. Our results revealed that cultured isolates separated into fine‐scale genetic clusters that reflected distinct suites of phenotypic traits, denoting the existence of multiple ecotypes. We then quantified the distribution of Curtobacterium by analysing metagenomic data collected across the gradient over 18 months. Six abundant ecotypes were observed with differential abundances along the gradient, suggesting fine‐scale niche partitioning. However, we could not clearly explain observed geographic distributions of ecotypes by relating their traits to environmental variables. Thus, while we can resolve soil bacterial ecotypes, the traits delineating their distinct niches in the environment remain unclear.
The architecture of cigarette circulation: marketing work on Indonesia's retail infrastructure
Authors: Welker Marina
Published: September 2018

The cigarette industry mobilizes independent retail as the scaffolding for ubiquitous cigarette advertising and sales in Indonesia, forming an expansive semiotic and material architecture of cigarette circulation in a country with limited tobacco regulations. As impending regulations threaten to curb cigarette advertising, and independent retailers face stiff competition from mushrooming chain convenience stores, Philip Morris International's Indonesian subsidiary has developed a retail community programme to recruit and ‘modernize’ select retailers. The programme has intensified the quotidian labour of marketers who use knowledge, persons, and things to inhabit and renovate independent retail. I show how fashioning cigarette markets entails fashioning retail infrastructure, and is embedded in intimate relations of power, care, and violence.
‘One beer, one block’: concrete aspiration and the stuff of transformation in a Mozambican suburb
Authors: Archambault Julie Soleil
Published: September 2018

As the world's most used material, after water, cement is particularly good to think with. And as I show below, it may also be good to ‘become with’, especially across the Global South, where demand is soaring. In Africa, the continent with the fastest‐growing cement consumption at the moment, demand is expected to rise by 50 per cent over the next couple of years. The cement industry even refers to sub‐Saharan Africa as ‘the last cement frontier’, and speaks of cement as the continent's ‘new oil’. Fueling this consumption, alongside the spectacular projects of futuristic satellite cities, shopping malls, tower blocks, and ring roads, are the millions of small domestic construction projects increasingly visible on the landscape, especially the peri‐urban landscape. Although Mozambicans have long engaged with concrete as a politically and affectively charged material, this engagement now increasingly starts at the level of the bag of cement, as young people acquire cement to make their own concrete blocks, and eventually to build their own houses. Inspired by this ethnographic observation, this article is analytically driven by a wider interest in transformation. Based on research in a Mozambican suburb under expansion, it examines, through an analysis of changing domestic building practices, how the hope of achieving something – in a word, aspiration – congeals and materializes. Drawing on the literature on affect and materiality, I show how cement and concrete – as materials that young Mozambicans dream about, invest in, and play with – participate in shaping aspiration. In the end, I argue that the transformative outcome is very much the contingent result of an encounter, at a specific historical moment, between particular subjectivities and the materiality of cement and concrete.
Analysis of Arsenic Species in Processed Rice Bran Products Using HPLC‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Kim So Young , Seo Dongwon , Yoo Miyoung , Lee Kwang‐Geun
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this study was to compare the content of arsenic species (As(V), monomethylarsonic acid [MMA], As(III), and dimethylarsinic acid [DMA]) in products, such as bran powder and tablets, using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and to determine the risk of human exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs). The products presented As(III) > As(V) > DMA > MMA, at 241.03 to 579.35, 43.41 to 271.91, 15.16 to 30.43, and limit of quantification to 14.31 μg/kg, respectively. The contents of arsenic species tended to differ among the products (P < 0.05). When the maximum level (0.2 mg/kg) of iAs in white rice was applied to products, it exceeded 1.4 to 3.3 times as 284.43 to 767.10 μg/kg. Also, if more than 109.42 g/day of rice bran powder product containing 767.10 μg/kg as iAs was ingested, the provisional tolerable weekly intake (9.0 μg/kg body weight/wk) was exceeded.

Practical Application

This study could provide analysis necessary of As for defining an accurate risk assessment of products and tablets containing rice bran powder. In addition with this study, the regulations for As contents in rice bran power products would be set.
Low pre‐treatment nutritional index is significantly related to poor outcomes in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Go Se‐Il , Jeon Hankyu , Park Sung Woo , Kang Myoung Hee , Kim Hoon‐Gu , Lee Gyeong‐Won
Published: September 2018

Background

The importance of nutritional status and chronic inflammation has been emphasized in cancer. We investigated the impact of Onodera's prognostic nutritional index (OPNI) on clinical outcomes in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients.

Methods

Data from 220 SCLC patients treated with first‐line platinum‐based chemotherapy from 2006 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The OPNI was calculated as 10 × serum albumin level (g/dL) + 0.005 × absolute lymphocyte count (/mm3). Patients with an OPNI of > 45, 40–45, or < 40 were categorized in high, intermediate, or low OPNI groups, respectively.

Results

The proportion of non‐responders to first‐line therapy increased as the OPNI decreased (high, intermediate, low OPNI groups: 6.7%, 18.0%, and 30.8%, respectively; P < 0.001). Early discontinuation of first‐line therapy because of treatment toxicity occurred more frequently in the lower OPNI groups (high, intermediate, low OPNI groups: 5.8%, 21.3%, and 25.6%, respectively; P < 0.001). The one‐year progression‐free and overall survival rates in the high, intermediate, and low OPNI groups were 29%, 19%, and 3%, and 61%, 46%, and 23%, respectively. In multivariate analyses, the low OPNI group was independently associated with poor progression‐free (hazard ratio 1.592; 95% confidence interval 1.009–2.511; P = 0.046) and overall (hazard ratio 1.911; 95% confidence interval 1.208–3.024; P = 0.006) survival compared to the high OPNI group.

Conclusion

SCLC patients with an OPNI < 40 showed a low tolerance to chemotherapy and a poor prognosis. Further evaluation is needed to validate these findings.
Pulmonary metastasectomy: analysis of survival and prognostic factors in 243 patients
Authors: Cheung Francis , Alam Naveed , Wright Gavin
Published: September 2018

Background

Pulmonary metastases are a sign of advanced malignant disease. Interdisciplinary management of metastatic cancer mandates the consideration of all treatment options, and in selected patients pulmonary metastasectomy can be performed with curative intent. This study aims to analyze the prognostic factors associated with survival and optimize the selection of surgical candidates. The sarcoma subset analysis aims to examine the role of multiple repeat resections for pulmonary metastatic recurrence.

Methods

A total of 243 patients were analyzed in this retrospective cohort study. Overall survival was estimated using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Univariate analyses with log‐rank tests and multivariate analysis with Cox proportional hazards model were undertaken to determine the independent prognostic factors for survival.

Results

Multivariate analyses identified germ cell cancer (P = 0.01) and a disease‐free interval of >36 months (P = 0.006) as significant independent prognostic factors for improved survival, whilst synchronous metastases (P = 0.04), multiple metastases (P = 0.005) and incomplete resection (P < 0.001) were identified as significantly poor prognostic factors. Subset analyses identified that ≥2 repeat resections within the sarcoma cohort was associated with an increased median survival of 63.5 months (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

In selected patients, pulmonary metastasectomy can be performed with curative intent and have associated long‐term survival benefits. Patients presenting with recurrent sarcoma pulmonary metastases should be considered for repeat metastasectomy.
Totally‐laparoscopic versus laparoscopic‐assisted low anterior resection for rectal cancer: are outcomes different?
Authors: Ng Jia Lin , Lai Jiunn Herng , Li Hui Hua , Tan Enjiu Pauleon , Tang Choong Leong
Published: September 2018

Background

Laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer has superior short‐term benefits compared to open surgery. When operative conditions do not favour a totally‐laparoscopic (TL) approach, a hybrid operation can be performed. In this laparoscopic‐assisted (LA) approach, mobilization and vessel ligation are performed laparoscopically, with total mesorectal excision and distal transection performed either partially or totally in an extra‐corporeal fashion. We compared short‐term post‐operative and oncological outcomes of both approaches.

Methods

A prospectively collected database of patients who underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer between January 2009 and December 2014 was retrospectively analysed. Demographics, post‐operative and oncological outcomes were compared.

Results

Of 174 patients, 97 were completed by TL, 62 by LA and the remaining 15 were converted to open. Baseline demographics were similar. LA group compared to TL group had bulkier rectal cancers (6.75 cm3 versus 4.50 cm3, P = 0.04) which were lower (6 cm versus 7 cm from anal verge, P = 0.02). They were of a more advanced tumour grade and had greater incidence of lymphovascular invasion. Yet, post‐operative outcomes such as time to diet, pain scores, hospitalization duration, wound‐related and anastomotic complications, 30‐day morbidity and mortality were similar. There was no difference in oncological adequacy, including circumferential resection margins, distal margins, lymph node harvest and 2‐year local recurrence rates.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic‐assisted low anterior resection enables minimally invasive rectal surgery to be performed despite unfavourable tumour factors and technical challenges; and compares favourably with TL approach in terms of short‐term outcomes and oncological safety.
Industry dynamics in Growth Triangles: the E&E industry in SIJORI 25 years on
Authors: Hutchinson Francis E. , van Grunsven Leo
Published: September 2018

Launched in 1989 and encompassing Singapore, the Malaysian state of Johor, and Batam Island in Indonesia, the SIJORI Growth Triangle sought to market these territories as a ‘single investment destination’ offering differing factor endowments in close proximity. Singapore was the ‘core’ of the region; Johor and Batam occupied the land, labour, and resource‐intensive ‘non‐core’ spaces. During the 1990s, investment flows into the three territories, particularly in the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry, mirrored this division of labour. Through scrutinising trends in E&E firm entries, nationality, and industry branch in Singapore, Johor, and Batam for the 1993–2012/14 period, this article sheds light on the recent evolution of the E&E sector in the Growth Triangle. We document an increasing disconnect between the three nodes that has substantially reduced SIJORI's significance as an integrated industrial cross‐border region.
Determinants of agricultural protection in China and the rest of the world
Authors: Yan Wenshou , Huang Kaixing
Published: September 2018

This paper examines why the Chinese government has distorted its agricultural sector more than elsewhere, in both its antiagricultural and proagricultural periods. The updated panel data on agricultural distortions from 1981 to 2010, compiled by Anderson and Nelgen (2013), are adopted. We find that the different effects of arable land per capita, food self‐sufficiency ratios, poverty, and inequality on agricultural distortions in China and the rest of the world explain why China has distorted its agricultural sector more than elsewhere.
Going to extremes for sodium acquisition: use of community land and high‐altitude areas by mountain gorillas Gorilla beringei in Rwanda
Authors: Grueter Cyril C. , Wright Edward , Abavandimwe Didier , Ortmann Sylvia , Mudakikwa Antoine , Musana Abel , Uwingeli Propser , Ndagijimana Felix , Vecellio Veronica , Stoinski Tara S. , Robbins Martha M.
Published: September 2018

Space use in mammals may be influenced not only by their primary foods, but also by localized sources of physiologically critical resources such as sodium‐rich plants. We examined how sodium acquisition influences habitat use in mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei) in Rwanda which have increased the amount of time they forage on community land outside of Volcanoes National Park (VNP), where eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) tree bark is their most frequently eaten food. We measured sodium content in samples from 34 main dietary items and quantified sodium intake by 22 gorillas in three social groups over one year. On a dry weight basis, eucalyptus bark contains 3100 mg Na/kg. In contrast, the four herbs most frequently exploited for food inside the park are relatively sodium‐poor (<70 mg/kg each). Further, sodium intake rates were highest when the gorillas were on community land. Of the two groups that fed outside of the park, one obtained 73% and the other one 45% of their sodium in that habitat despite only feeding for minimal amounts of time there. However, one group that did not feed on community land acquired 78% of its sodium in the subalpine and alpine zones through the consumption of pith of giant lobelias and groundsels. Obtaining sodium thus likely creates an incentive for the gorillas to leave the park and make forays into high‐altitude habitat. Both strategies are not without risks: exiting their natural habitat and feeding on crops may increase human‐wildlife conflict and visiting high‐altitude areas may increase the risk of hypothermia.
Parental factors in early childhood are associated with approximal caries experience in young adults—A longitudinal study
Authors: Isaksson Helén , Koch Göran , Alm Anita , Nilsson Mats , Wendt Lill‐Kari , Birkhed Dowen
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that parental factors in early childhood influence approximal caries experience in young adults.

Methods

A cohort of 494 individuals was followed longitudinally from 1 to 20 years of age. Data were retrieved from parental interviews and questionnaires when the child was 1 and 3 years of age. At age 20, the participants underwent bitewing radiographic examination. Based on the number of approximal caries lesions (Da), stratified into initial (Di) or manifest caries (Dm) and approximal fillings (Fa), the participants were divided into two main groups: those with: (a) 0 DimFa (n = 244) and (b) >0 DimFa (n = 250). A subgroup was also created (≥8 DimFa; n = 33).

Results

Toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste at 3 years of age less than twice a day (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0‐2.6) and the participants' mothers' self‐estimation of their oral health care as “less than optimal” were important risk factors for developing caries (>0 DimFa OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3‐3.1). An interaction effect between toothbrushing at 3 years of age less than twice a day and consumption of caries risk products > 3 times a day further increased the caries experience in young adults (≥8 DimFa OR 8.3, 95% CI 1.8‐37.8) together with maternal anxiety about dental treatment (OR 7.4 95% CI 1.6‐34.6).

Conclusions

Parental factors in early childhood are associated with caries experience at 20 years of age.
Clinical peri‐implant parameters and inflammatory cytokine profile among smokers of cigarette, e‐cigarette, and waterpipe
Authors: AlQahtani Mohammed Ayedh , Alayad Abdullah Saeed , Alshihri Abdulmonem , Correa Fernanda Oliveira Bello , Akram Zohaib
Published: September 2018

Background

To date, there has been no study identified that assessed peri‐implant parameters and local levels of proinflammatory cytokines between waterpipe smokers (WS) and electronic cigarette users (VS). To evaluate the true effect of the risk indicator (WS and VS), a positive control (cigarette smokers [CS]) was added in the study design.

Purpose

To compare clinical and radiographic peri‐implant parameters and proinflammatory cytokine profile in the peri‐implant sulcular fluid (PISF) among CS, WS, VS, and nonsmokers (NS).

Materials and Methods

Forty CS, WS, VS, and NS were included. Details regarding demographics, duration of implants, and habits were recorded. Clinical examination for periodontal and peri‐implant plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing depth (PD ≥ 4 mm) were assessed. Radiographic bone loss (RBL) was assessed using digital periapical radiographs and viewed on a calibrated computer screen using an image analyzer. Levels of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐6, and IL‐1β in PISF were evaluated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Mean peri‐implant PI (P < .05), PD ≥ 4 mm (P < .05), and total RBL (P < .01) was significantly higher among CS, WS, and VS compared with NS. Statistical differences in BOP were observed in NS (P < .01) compared to CS, WS, and VS. CS and WS showed significantly higher PD ≥ 4 mm and RBL compared with VS (P < .05). Levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β were significantly higher in CS, WS, and VS compared to NS. There were no statistical differences in the mean levels of all proinflammatory cytokines among individuals in CS and WS.

Conclusion

Tobacco smoking is associated with poor peri‐implant health. The effect of waterpipe smoking was of largely the same extent as that of cigarette smoking. Higher levels of inflammatory cytokines in tobacco smokers may propose increased peri‐implant inflammatory process which could play a principal role in the progression of peri‐implant tissue damage.
Investigation of surface structure and biocompatibility of chitosan‐coated zirconia and alumina dental abutments
Authors: Kalyoncuoglu Ulku Tugba , Yilmaz Bengi , Koc Serap Gungor , Evis Zafer , Arpaci Pembegul Uyar , Kansu Gulay
Published: September 2018

Background

For long‐term success of dental implants, it is essential to maintain the health of the surrounding soft tissue barrier, which protects the bone‐implant interface from the microorganisms. Although implants based on titanium and its alloys still dominate the dental implant market, alumina (Al2O3) and zirconia (ZrO2) implant systems are widely used in the area. However, they provide smooth and bioinert surfaces in the transmucosal region, which poorly integrate with the surrounding tissues.

Objective

The main aim of this research was to investigate the surface characteristics and biocompatibility of chitosan‐coated alumina and zirconia surfaces.

Materials and Methods

The substrates were coated via solution casting technique. Additionally, an aging process with a thermocycle apparatus was applied on the coated materials to mimic the oral environment. To define the morphology and chemical composition of the surfaces of untreated, chitosan‐coated, and chitosan‐coated‐aged samples, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry were used. The phases and bonds characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The human gingival fibroblast cells were used to evaluate cytocompatibility by a 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium salt assay.

Results

It was observed that both substrates were successfully coated with chitosan and the aging process did not significantly affect the integrity of the coating. The attachment and proliferation of human gingival fibroblast cells were shown to be good on both kinds of chitosan‐coated surfaces.

Conclusion

Coating zirconia and alumina surfaces with chitosan is an efficient surface modification for increasing biocompatibility and bioactivity of these materials in vitro.
Economics‐based Principles for a Post‐conflict China–US Commercial Regime
Authors: Posen Adam S.
Published: September 2018

Neither the Chinese nor US economic systems will fundamentally change as a result of overt trade conflict. The challenge for policy‐relevant economics is to design a regime for China–US commerce that accepts the co‐existence but also addresses underlying disputes. Many important China–US disputes, notably those over intellectual property protection and state subsidies, cannot be resolved by the World Trade Organization, thus new institutions must be built. Economics‐based regime principles should entail recognition that: the China–US bilateral trade imbalance is unique mainly because of macroeconomic and financial factors, not trade; agreements should restrict commercial and government behaviors, not target economic outcomes; Chinese companies must compete and be allowed to succeed in any sector, including high‐technology; China is not entitled to US‐owned technology, thus intellectual property rights must be enforced; and the US Government should support an increased role for China in global economic governance.
A Trade War That is Unwarranted
Authors: Yu Yongding
Published: September 2018

The Trump Administration has presented three major reasons to justify the initiation of a China–US trade war: China's large trade surplus against the US, China's failure to comply with World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments and China's unreasonable acquisition of US technology and theft of intellectual property rights. The fundamental cause of the US trade deficit is its persistent saving deficiency. China has complied with WTO commitments, although there remains significant room for improvement. The case against China for the so‐called unfair acquisition of foreign technologies and cyber‐enabled intellectual property rights theft is weak at best, although China needs to redouble its effort in protecting intellectual property rights. President Trump's trade war will not drive China to abandon its resolve to catch up to the advanced economies. China is ready to fight a war of attrition. Unfortunately, both sides – as well as the rest of the world – will incur heavy losses in the process.