bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue-based Immunohistochemical Biomarker Expression in Malignant Glandular Lesions of the Uterine Cervix: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lee Sandra , Sahasrabuddhe Vikrant V. , Mendoza-Cervantes Diana , Zhao Rachel , Duggan Máire A.
Published: June 2017

Literature published between 1975 and 2015 was systematically reviewed to conduct a case-comparator study of tissue based, immunohistochemical biomarker expression among malignant glandular histotypes of the uterine cervix so as to identify differences that could have diagnostic utility. Of the 902 abstracts, 154 articles had a full review, and 52 were included. Biomarker positivity in cases of adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) were compared with atypical lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia and invasive histotypes grouped as mucinous, endometrioid, adenosquamous, serous clear cell, minimal deviation-gastric type, and mesonephric carcinomas (7 AIS case-comparators). The invasive histotypes were compared with each other (30 adenocarcinoma case-comparators). Biomarker positivity in all 37 case-comparators was calculated as weighted averages of histotype-specific estimates. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering examined differences in expression and were visualized via heatmaps and dendrograms. Of the 56 biomarkers tested, 1 or more of 15 showed a 50% or more difference in positive expression in 6 (86%) of the AIS and 21 (70%) of the adenocarcinoma case-comparators. There was no data on the comparison of serous clear cell to mesonephric carcinoma. AIS case-comparator biomarkers were HIK1083, alpha SMA, PAX8, VIL1, CEA, p53, p16, and CD10, and only alpha SMA had a difference of 100%. The adenocarcinoma case-comparator biomarkers were CEA, p53, Claudin18, HIK1083, p16, Calretinin, CD10, PR, Chromogranin, MUC6, Vimentin and p63, and none had a difference of 100%. Biomarker expression in the discrimination of AIS from invasive adenocarcinoma, and the invasive histotypes from each other is understudied. One or more of 15 biomarkers could have diagnostic utility.
Single-Artery Human Ear Graft Procurement: A Simplified Approach
Authors: Duisit Jérôme , Amiel Hadrien , Debluts Donovan , Maistriaux Louis , Gerdom Alexander , Bol Anne , Gianello Pierre , Behets Catherine , Lengelé Benoit
Published: June 2017

In the field of experimental facial vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation, a human auricular subunit model, pedicled on both superficial temporal and posterior auricular arteries, was described. Clinical cases of extensive auricular replantation, however, suggested that a single artery could perfuse the entire flap. In this study, variants of this single-pedicle approach have been studied, aiming to develop a more versatile replantation technique, in which the question of venous drainage has also been addressed. For arterial perfusion study, the authors harvested 11 auricular grafts, either on a single superficial temporal artery pedicle (n = 3) or a double superficial temporal and posterior auricular artery pedicle (n = 8). The authors then proceeded to selective barium injections, in the superficial temporal, posterior auricular, or both superficial temporal and posterior auricular arteries. Arteriograms were acquired with a micro–computed tomographic scan and analyzed on three-dimensionally reconstructed images. Venous drainage was investigated in eight hemifaces, carefully dissected after latex injection. Observations showed a homogenous perfusion of the whole auricle in all arterial graft variants. Venous drainage was highly variable, with either a dominant superficial temporal vein (37.5 percent), dominant posterior auricular vein (12.5 percent), or co-dominant trunks (50 percent). The authors demonstrated that auricular subunit vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation can be performed on a single artery, relying on the dynamic intraauricular anastomoses between superficial temporal artery and posterior auricular branches. Potentially, this vascular versatility is prone to simplify the subunit harvest and allows various strategies for pedicle selection. Venous drainage, however, remains inconstant and thus the major issue when considering auricular transplantation.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, V.
Laparoscopic Gastroepiploic Lymphovascular Pedicle Harvesting for the Treatment of Extremity Lymphedema: A Novel Technique
Authors: Johnston Michael E. , Socas Juan , Hunter JoAnna L. , Ceppa Eugene P.
Published: June 2017

Vascularized lymph node transfers have multiple donor sites with risk of iatrogenic lymphedema. We sought to describe in detail a surgical technique that is safe, reproducible, and efficient in harvesting gastroepiploic vascularized lymph nodes using real-time indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent imaging. Photographs and video were acquired from a case to depict a step-by-step approach. ICG was endoscopically injected into the submucosa of the greater curvature of the stomach at the outset of the procedure. A laparoscopic harvest of the gastroepiploic vascular pedicle and lymph nodes ensued with the assistance of fluorescent imaging. Laparoscopic gastroepiploic lymph node harvesting aided by real-time ICG fluorescent mapping technique is safe, feasible, and effective at gathering vascularized lymphatic tissue for successful lymph node transfer in patients with severe lymphedema.
Transcriptomic profiling of nematode parasites surviving after vaccine exposure
Authors: Sallé Guillaume , Laing Roz , Cotton James A. , Maitland Kirsty , Martinelli Axel , Holroyd Nancy , Tracey Alan , Berriman Matthew , Smith W. David , Newlands George F. J. , Hanks Eve , Devaney Eileen , Britton Collette
Published: June 2017

Some nematode species are economically important parasites of livestock, while others are important human pathogens causing some of the most important neglected tropical diseases. In both humans and animals, anthelmintic drug administration is the main control strategy, but the emergence of drug-resistant worms has stimulated the development of alternative control approaches. Among these, vaccination is considered to be a sustainable and cost effective strategy. Currently, Barbervax®for the ruminant strongylidHaemonchus contortusis the only registered subunit vaccine for a nematode parasite, although a vaccine for the human hookwormNecator americanusis undergoing clinical trials (HOOKVAC consortium). As both these vaccines comprise a limited number of proteins there is potential for selection of nematodes with altered sequence or expression of the vaccine antigens. Here we compared the transcriptome ofH. contortuspopulations from sheep vaccinated with Barbervax®with worms from control animals. Barbervax®antigens are native integral membrane proteins isolated from the brush border of the intestinal cells of the adult parasite and many of them are proteases. Our findings provide no evidence for changes in expression of genes encoding Barbervax®antigens in the surviving parasite populations. However, surviving parasites from vaccinated animals showed increased expression of other proteases and regulators of lysosome trafficking, and displayed up-regulated lipid storage and defecation abilities that may have circumvented the vaccine effect. Implications for other potential vaccines for human and veterinary nematodes are discussed.
Crystal structure of [1,2-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)benzene]heptacarbonyldi-μ-hydrido-(μ3-2,4,6-trimethylphenylphosphinidene)-triangulo-triruthenium
Authors: Kakizawa Taeko
Published: June 2017

The title trinuclear ruthenium cluster, [Ru3(C30H24P2)(C9H11P)(CO)7(μ-H)2], has a triangular Ru3core that is capped with a mesitylphosphinidene ligand, μ3-PMes (Mes = mesityl = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl). The 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)benzene molecule acts as a bidentate phosphine ligandviatwo P atoms connecting to a single Ru atom. The title compound crystallizes with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit.
Developing a clients’ charter and construction project KPIs to direct and drive industry improvements
Authors: Kumaraswamy Mohan , Mahesh Gangadhar , Mahalingam Ashwin , Loganathan Santhosh , Kalidindi Satyanarayana N.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case, with live examples from a construction industry development initiative in India, for developing a proactive construction clients charter; and a core set of key performance indicators (KPIs), as basic tools for facilitating the expectations of this special issue in “securing clients’ organisational objectives and project aspirations throughout construction project lifecycles” apart from empowering construction industry improvements in general.

Design/methodology/approach

Having identified 19 critical issues in the Indian construction industry at two construction clients-academia roundtables, two of the “action teams” formed to address specific issue sets, separately developed a relevant construction clients charter and useful KPIs, respectively, through a combination of literature reviews and brainstorming conference calls, along with iterative drafts of, and feedback on interim outputs. Validation of “working papers” presented at a “Consolidation Roundtable” of construction clients and their consultants, elicited further suggestions for fine tuning of final outputs.

Findings

The charter was formulated in structured steps, including identifying “priorities” under four categories: overall, expectations from supply chains, by supply chains and by end users. The six sub-heads of the charter are on procurement, design, innovation and technology, project execution, human resource development and worker welfare, and quality, safety and sustainability. The “suggested KPIs” for building clients in India enable organisations to choose: from three different groups (i.e. design phase, construction phase, or business outcomes), and at three different levels (i.e. project/organisation level, benchmarking club level, or industry level).

Originality/value

There is no known overarching Construction Clients’ Charter at present. Some project KPI sets are available elsewhere. However, those developed in India, while focusing on project performance, also connect to organisational performance and business outcomes. Furthermore, KPIs are provided to separately probe client, consultant and contractor performance. Significantly, the charter and KPIs are outcomes from an industry-led self-improvement initiative launched with building construction clients at the forefront, rather than a top-down imposition from government. Furthermore, while prioritising client aspirations, they also address common supply chain and end-user concerns, which may also be interpreted as a longer-term win-win-win client’s aspiration.
Exploring construction client values and qualities
Authors: Aliakbarlou Sadegh , Wilkinson Suzanne , Costello Seosamh Benedict
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on exploring the construction client values and qualities reported by scholars over the last 20 years, along with clarifying commonalities and differences between “value” and “quality” in terms of definitions and their constituent attributes in the context of construction.

Design/methodology/approach

An in-depth, systematic literature review was used to develop a basis for identifying client values and qualities. During the research process, citation analysis has been applied to understand these attributes in the literature.

Findings

While the findings may appear to align with the value theory concept of a strong interrelationship between quality and value, the authors argue that there is an intermingling of various subjective and objective preferences within construction scholarship, rather than a broad-brush adherence to the value theory and other related theories.

Research limitations/implications

A qualitative research approach of inductive analysis was conducted using the semantics of terms and codes. Although reliability checks have been conducted, the generalisability of the study findings is subject to natural methodological limitations.

Practical implications

This study provides initial guidance on what contractors need to consider while providing services, and leads contractors to give their clients the best possible experience during a relationship. It proposes a shift in the way construction clients assess their contractors, to improve how services are delivered.

Originality/value

Enhancing client value is not straightforward, hence strong emphasis has been placed on understanding client values in this study, which contributes to the construction literature by facilitating further research leading to stronger construct definitions and theory-building efforts.
Reforming the criminal justice system – an ethical leadership approach
Authors: Anderson Verl , Ichiho Riki
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The current criminal justice system is pledged to serve and protect society while preserving the rights of those who are accused. The purpose of this paper is to explore the premise of “innocent until proven guilty” and examine whether this assumption truly prevails under the current criminal justice system, or be modified to accommodate a sliding continuum of virtuosity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a conceptual paper which relies heavily on the current literature about criminal justice and related ethical issues.

Findings

The paper argues that today’s criminal justice system fails to meet the standards of the virtuous continuum and that those who oversee that system need to rethink how the system operates and is perceived by the public if they wish the criminal justice system to be perceived as just, fair, and ethically responsible.

Research limitations/implications

Because this paper is a conceptual paper it does not present research hypotheses.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that “virtue” and “ethics” must be the foundation upon which the criminal justice system is evaluated, and criminal justice must incorporate an ethical standard which is virtuous and fair to all parties and leaders who oversee that system must meet the standards suggested by the virtuous continuum.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to identify the viewpoint of the virtuous perspective, moral perspective, amoral perspective, and immoral perspective in the criminal justice system.
Outbreaks of animosity against the West in China: effects on local brand consumption
Authors: Heinberg Martin
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Local brands in emerging markets suffer from fierce competition and chronic disadvantages. The purpose of this paper is to investigate if outbreaks of animosity against the West (AAW) might benefit local brands by raising consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) and willingness to buy (WTB).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed 2 methods: structural equation modeling (n=244 Chinese students); and experiment, multiple regression (n=676 Chinese students, different sample than those included in study 1).

Findings

AAW is different from ethnocentrism and the measurement has good validity and reliability. After an outbreak of animosity, AAW increases Chinese consumers’ WTB local products. The WTP is also enhanced by AAW in such a situation. Under “normal” circumstances, there is no effect of AAW on the WTP. This might be due to the cost of substituting western goods for local ones (e.g. inferior perceived quality and other-signaling value). An outbreak of animosity presents a risk to consumers and thus lowers their overall WTP.

Originality/value

The study introduces the construct “AAW,” which stretches the animosity construct to an inter-regional level. On such a level, it is possible to find consequences of animosity on local brand consumption, which have not been the focus of previous studies. Additionally, this research introduces the concept of WTP to animosity research. The measurement is built on a real economic exchange and better represents the cost aspects of substituting one brand for another.
“Made in China”: the displacement effect of China on Egyptian textile exports
Authors: Abu Hatab Assem
Published: June 2017

Purpose

A growing number of studies indicate that the export growth of China’s textiles poses serious threats to many developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to empirically measure the extent to which the export growth of Chinese textiles has come at the expense of Egyptian textiles exports in third importing markets.

Design/methodology/approach

To measure this effect, an augmented gravity model equation was estimated using annual data covering the period 1994-2012 on Egyptian and Chinese textile exports to traditional importers of Egyptian textiles.

Findings

The empirical results suggest that Egyptian textiles are vulnerable to competitive threat posed by China, especially in the EU and US markets. In contact, Egyptian textile exports have moved hand-in-hand with Chinese textile exports to Asian markets. Moreover, the results suggest that the expiration of the Multi-fiber Agreement in 2005 has exposed Egyptian textile exports to fierce completion with China and resulted in declines in Egypt’s textile exports to the world. However, the trade agreements that Egypt signed with the world countries have given Egypt a competitive edge in major importing regions and mitigated the negative impacts of China in the post-2005 period. Finally, the paper argues that unless Egypt adjusts and develops its textile sector in response to such heightened competition from China, Egyptian textile exports undoubtedly would further be negatively impacted.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, Egypt’s textile products are aggregated to one group and analyzed as a whole, “textile exports.” Further research using a more disaggregated level of data would offer deeper insights into the impacts of China on Egyptian textile exports.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is twofold: first, it adds to the growing literature aiming to understand the impacts of China’s growth on developing countries exports by providing a case study of Egyptian textile export sector. Second, the policy implications drawn from this paper could be useful to Egyptian policy makers and stakeholders to address and respond to the competitiveness challenges posed by China to the Egyptian textile industry.
Factors influencing the productivity and efficiency of wheat farmers in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Battese George E. , Nazli Hina , Smale Melinda
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Scientists in Pakistan are currently developing biofortified wheat varieties to address widespread zinc deficiency, especially among women and children in poorer rural households. The purpose of this paper is to understand how the productivity and efficiency of small-scale and marginal wheat farmers can be improved so that their households may benefit from zinc-fortified varieties.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors estimate a stochastic frontier production function model with data from a survey of wheat farmers conducted in Punjab, Pakistan in 2011.

Findings

The productivities of the newer varieties of wheat were significantly greater than the older varieties, as expected. Farmers growing wheat in the rice-wheat and cotton-wheat zones tend to be more efficient than farmers from the mixed zone. Farmers who wait to adopt a leading variety are not less efficient than earlier adopters, but the longer the time until they switch varieties again, the more inefficient is their wheat production. Older farmers tend to be more technically inefficient than younger farmers, but the effect of education is not statistically significant. Wheat farmers with access to extension advice are more efficient. Farmers whose land suffered from severe salinity or severe toxicity are less productive and less efficient than others.

Research limitations/implications

The authors find no differences in technical inefficiency effects associated with growing the four most popular varieties, either grown alone or with other varieties – suggesting that no single leading variety should be targeted for biofortification. In contrast to some earlier studies, the authors find that small-scale farmers tend to be less technically efficient. This result underscores the need to specifically target this group in promotional programs, and also to complement these with reinforcement of agronomic recommendations.

Originality/value

This project is part of the HarvestPlus program to determine the appropriate variety or varieties to biofortify with zinc so that Pakistan’s population can have better health and well-being. Further, the results show that there it is desirable to undertake further studies to improve the productivity and efficiency of wheat farmers in the Punjab, Pakistan to increase the health and well-being of the population in general.
Exploring diversity within citizenship behavior
Authors: Martin Leisa A.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine middle school students’ citizenship behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved an open-ended survey.

Findings

In a previous study, when asked about citizenship, youth typically emphasized the importance of helping others. However, in this study, a different pattern of citizenship behavior emerged. Overall, 30 per cent of youth discussed personally responsible citizenship, 27 per cent emphasized disengaged citizenship, 25 per cent focused on personal development citizenship and only 3 per cent embraced patriotic citizenship. In addition, ethnic differences occurred. Among the Mohawk students, disengaged citizenship was the most popular form of citizenship. This finding contradicts the previous study on southwestern middle school Native Americans, who emphasized personally responsible citizenship.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to students in the northeastern USA, and the results cannot be generalized to all middle school students.

Originality/value

Compared to previous research, the students expressed a different attitude about civic engagement. Among the Native American students, disengaged citizenship was the most common expression of citizenship. In addition, the middle school students’ very limited interest in patriotic citizenship (3.70 per cent) suggests that a strong interest in patriotism during the US Civil War may be more of the past than their present. Although attitudes about citizenship are changing, by understanding students’ perceptions about citizenship, citizenship education curriculum can be recalibrated to better meet the needs of students in the twenty-first century.
Debates on the international student experience: schools as a morally formative culture
Authors: Brevetti Melissa , Ford Dayna
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to theorize observations as an American professor that schools are a morally formative culture for all students, but international students especially. Formative because schools mold students’ right or wrong behaviors as dictated by the culture. The purpose of the authors’ examination into international students’ experiences is to explore and understand particular struggles that they may encounter while living within a society that adheres to considerably dissimilar beliefs and ways of life.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is empirical in nature (case study) as the authors share their experiences and observations while working with international students.

Findings

The authors’ extend their voice to this idea that schools become a morally formative culture and create harmony for different societies through teaching multicultural issues and respectful education. This connection begins when teachers feel the calling to produce well-adjusted, respectful and compassionate citizens of the world. In the absence of this, people would not care about others in foreign places. The final argument, the beauty of schools as a morally formative culture is to protect and love our global neighbors. It is the authors’ strong belief that failure to provide a caring culture in educational contexts could be dangerous to our ever-shrinking global existence.

Research limitations/implications

A research limitation may include little quantitative data, but this study utilizes a qualitative, case-study manner of observations of years and years of working with international students.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this original paper are endless: schools are morally formative, especially the international student experience. This manuscript shows that moral development is very much connected while teaching English language learners (ELL).

Social implications

The authors’ comment on the debates about how students develop a strong moral identity if exposed to multiple cultures. A clear understanding of these issues may serve as the first step for educators to recognize and consider how curriculum and behaviors within a school can impact international students in moral ways during their new cultural experiences. In conclusion, the authors argue that a respectful and multicultural education can contribute to international harmony, as well as develop caring global citizens.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that there is much moral development within the international student experience, as these students must navigate both education and culture. Yet little research has examined the moral impact of teaching international students from a professor’s perspective.
The sustainability of urban renewal projects: a model for economic multi-criteria analysis
Authors: Nesticò Antonio , Sica Francesco
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The decisions taken today relating to urban renewal interventions are rarely supported by logical and operational methodologies capable of effectively rationalising selection processes. For this purpose, it is necessary to propose and implement analysis models with the aim of promoting the sustainable development of the territory. The purpose of this paper is to define a model for the optimal allocation of scarce resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The Discrete Linear Programming (DLP) is used for selecting investments aimed at achieving financial, social, cultural and environmental sustainability.

Findings

The proposed model lends itself to the construction of investment plans on behalf of both types of decision makers, of both a public and a private nature.

Research limitations/implications

All projects are evaluated according to multi-criteria logics, so that it is possible to find compromise solutions, in accordance with the stakeholders’ different preferences.

Practical implications

The model, written with A Mathematical Programming Language using DLP logics, is tested – case study – so as to define an investment programme finalised for urban renewal of a vast area.

Social implications

The proposed econometric model makes it possible to obtain the optimal combination of projects for urban renewal with a view to achieving the sustainable development of the territory.

Originality/value

Using the proposed model, all projects are evaluated according to multi-criteria logics, so that it is possible to find compromise solutions, in accordance with the stakeholders’ different preferences.
Valuing retail lease options through time
Authors: Vimpari Jussi , Junnila Seppo
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Retail properties are a perfect example of a property class where revenues determine the rent for the property owners. Estimating the value of new retail developments is challenging, as the initial revenues can have a significant variance from the long-term revenue levels. Owners and tenants try to manage this problem by introducing different kind of options, such as overage rent and extension rights, to the lease contracts. The purpose of this paper is to value these options through time for different types of retailers, using real-life data with a method that can be easily applied in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper builds upon the existing papers on real option studies but has a strong practical focus, which has been identified as a challenge in the field. The paper presents simple mathematical equations for valuing overage rent and extension options. The equations capture the value related to uncertainty (volatility) that is missed by standard valuation practices.

Findings

The results indicate that overage and extension options can represent a significant proportion of retail lease contract’s value and their value is heavily time-dependent. The option values differ greatly between tenants, as the volatilities can have a large spread across tenants. The paper suggests that the applicability of option pricing theory and calculus should not be considered as an insurmountable barrier any more, rather a greater challenge for the practical adaptability of the method can be the availability of real-life data that is a common problem in real option analysis.

Practical implications

The value of extension and overage options varies greatly between tenants. In general, the property owner can try balance the positive effects from the overage rents to the negative effects of tenant extensions. However, this study tries to highlight that, as usual, using the “law of averages” can result into poor valuation in this context as well. Even the data used in this study provide valuable findings for the property owner as an analytical deduction can be made that certain types of tenants have higher volatilities and this should be acknowledged when valuing options within lease contracts.

Originality/value

Previous literature in this topic often takes the input data for the option valuation as granted rather than trying to identify the real-life data available for the calculation. This is a common problem in real options valuation and it seems to be one of the reasons why option valuation has not been used widely in practice. This study has used real-life data to assess the problem and more importantly assessed the data across different types of tenants. The volatility spread between different types of tenants has not been discussed previously, even though it has a significant importance when using option pricing in practice.
Servicescape navigation
Authors: Bonfanti Angelo , Vigolo Vania , Douglas Jackie , Baccarani Claudio
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to profile wayfinders into homogeneous sub-groups according to their wayfinding ability, and to investigate the differences between the clusters identified and their evaluations of satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses survey data collected in a hospital in the Northern part of Italy. The survey questionnaire assessed the participants’ self-estimation of wayfinding ability in terms of wayfinding competence, wayfinding strategy and wayfinding anxiety, as well as the wayfinder’s satisfaction.

Findings

The findings propose that three factors, namely, individual orientation skills, confidence in servicescape elements and anxiety control, contribute to defining wayfinding ability. Based on these factors, cluster analysis reveals three profiles of wayfinders, as follows: the Easy Goings, the Do-it-yourselves and the Insecures. Group differentiation comes from wayfinding ability and customer satisfaction levels.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study advance the segmentation literature by analyzing different types of wayfinding ability that can lead to different satisfaction levels.

Practical implications

These findings will help service managers improve servicescape design and help them formulate effective targeting strategies.

Originality/value

While previous research outlined the importance of some factors such as gender differences, familiarity with the service environment and cognitive approaches, this study recommends the examination of the profile of visitors to the service setting to allow them to find their way more effectively.
Total quality management practices in aquaculture companies: a case from Ghana
Authors: Owusu Kwateng Kwame , Darko Justice Eric
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Studies on managers’ awareness level of total quality management (TQM) in the aquaculture industry in Ghana are scarce, if existing at all. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the awareness level of managers in Ghana’s aquaculture industry about TQM practices and how it is applied in their operations.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, simple random sampling technique was used to select 52 respondents from aquaculture companies in Ghana. The respondents were managers and supervisors who have better understanding of organizational operations and quality management issues. Managers and supervisors considered for the study include quality managers, operational/production managers, supervisors, and also top managers.

Findings

The findings from the study depict that respondents’ awareness level about TQM practices and concepts in the aquaculture industry are acceptable and they agree to the fact that TQM is a way of guaranteeing high-quality products and services. The institutions’ main areas of concentration are management leadership, continuous process management, and improvement. Again, the companies’ culture depicts more of a control measure than a prophylactic treatment.

Practical implications

The outcome of this paper will help in comprehending the TQM awareness in the aquaculture industry in Ghana. It will also highlight major areas that managers and supervisors in the industry need education on, in other to enhance their quality skills.

Originality/value

This research is among the first ever known attempts to assess the awareness of TQM concepts and practices in the aquaculture industry in Ghana. It will help improve the quality practices in the industry.
Contradictions in TQM implementation
Authors: Banuro Francis Yaw , Ntiri-Ampomah Alexander , Banuro Joseph Kwaku
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to confirm the existence of contradictions in total quality management (TQM) implementation among some Ghanaian companies and to provide a framework for balancing these contradictions.

Design/methodology/approach

Closed-ended questionnaires were used as a survey instrument. A sample of 80 managers from 40 Ghanaian multinational companies implementing TQM responded to the questionnaires.

Findings

The results showed that the implementation of TQM comes with inherent contradictions, which may hinder the success of TQM if not checked. Three pairs of contradictions were established in this study, namely “Standardization vs Innovation,” “Manipulation vs Empowerment,” and “Collectivism vs Individualism.” A framework was proposed to balance these contradictions in order to ensure TQM success.

Research limitations/implications

The study used all the 40 ISO certified firms in Ghana, but this number is quite small relative to ISO certified firms worldwide. Further, the study was done in Ghana and, for these reasons, generalization to the rest of the world is limited.

Practical implications

The proposed framework when applied by managers to balance the contradictions will achieve success in TQM implementation.

Originality/value

Previous studies have talked about the existence of the contradictions. This paper proposes a framework to balance the existing contradictions. This framework is new and has never been proposed in the literature to minimize the adverse effects of these contradictions on a firm’s profit generation.
Transition boundaries for protistan species turnover in hypersaline waters of different biogeographic regions
Authors: Filker Sabine , Forster Dominik , Weinisch Lea , Mora‐Ruiz Merit , González Bernardo , Farías María Eugenia , Rosselló‐Móra Ramon , Stoeck Thorsten
Published: June 2017

The identification of environmental barriers which govern species distribution is a fundamental concern in ecology. Even though salt was previously identified as a major transition boundary for micro‐ and macroorganisms alike, the salinities causing species turnover in protistan communities are unknown. We investigated 4.5 million high‐quality protistan metabarcodes (V4 region of the SSU rDNA) obtained from 24 shallow salt ponds (salinities 4%–44%) from South America and Europe. Statistical analyses of protistan community profiles identified four salinity classes, which strongly selected for different protistan communities: 4–9%, 14–24%, 27–36% and 38–44%. The proportion of organisms unknown to science is highest in the 14–24% salinity class, showing that environments within this salinity range are an unappreciated reservoir of as yet undiscovered organisms. Distinct higher‐rank taxon groups dominated in the four salinity classes in terms of diversity. As increasing salinities require different cellular responses to cope with salt, our results suggest that different evolutionary lineages of protists have evolved distinct haloadaptation strategies. Salinity appears to be a stronger selection factor for the structuring of protistan communities than geography. Yet, we find a higher degree of endemism in shallow salt ponds compared with less isolated ecosystems such as the open ocean. Thus, rules for biogeographic structuring of protistan communities are not universal, but depend on the ecosystem under consideration.
When Do Multinational Companies Consider Corporate Social Responsibility? A Multi‐country Study in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Görg Holger , Hanley Aoife , Hoffmann Stefan , Seric Adnan
Published: June 2017

While African countries are becoming more and more relevant as host countries for suppliers of multinational companies little is known about corporate social responsibility (CSR) in this region. To fill this gap, the present article explores CSR considerations of foreign affiliates of multinational companies when choosing local African suppliers. The article suggests a model of three types of determinants, namely firm characteristics, exports, and intra‐trade. Analyses of a large‐scale and quite unique firm level data for more than 2,000 foreign owned firms in 19 sub‐Saharan African countries demonstrate that firms importing intermediates from their parent company abroad are more likely to implement CSR. Similarly, CSR plays a larger role for affiliates that export to developed countries. Different determinants affect environmental and social CSR activities.
The Effects of Interfirm Ties on Illegal Corporate Behavior
Authors: Collins Jamie D. , Reutzel Christopher R.
Published: June 2017

Although numerous benefits are associated with interfirm ties, these external relationships can also have negative consequences. Theoretically based in the relational component of social capital, we identify one potentially serious consequence of interfirm ties, propensity of firms engaging in illegal behavior. Results of our study of S&P 500 firms suggest that companies benefit from a lower likelihood of illegal behavior when they have numerous weak ties to other firms. Conversely, when they become overly embedded in a network of strong ties, they are more likely to engage in illegal behavior. We also found evidence that reciprocity and status similarity influence firms’ propensity to engage in illegal behavior.
Does a more extensive mucosal excision prevent haemorrhoidal recurrence after stapled haemorrhoidopexy? Long‐term outcome of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Altomare D. F. , Pecorella G. , Tegon G. , Aquilino F. , Pennisi D. , De Fazio M.
Published: June 2017

Aim

The study aimed in a multicentric randomized controlled trial to define the role of a more extensive mucosal resection on recurrence of mucosal prolapse in patients with Stage III haemorrhoids undergoing stapled haemorrhoidopexy.

Method

In all, 135 patients were randomized to treatment with a PPH‐01/03 (Ethicon EndoSurgery) or an EEA (Covidien) stapler. They were reviewed after a minimum follow‐up of 4 years to determine the rate of recurrent mucosal prolapse and general condition (wellness evaluation score). Postoperative bowel dysfunction was assessed using the Rome III criteria.

Results

Eighty‐seven (65%) of the 135 patients (48 in the EEA stapler group and 37 in the PPH group) were available for long‐term follow‐up. The two groups were comparable for age, gender and duration of follow‐up (mean 49.3 ± 5.4 months and 49.0 ± 5.3 months respectively). In the EEA group, 11 (23%) patients had some degree of recurrent prolapse compared with 12 (32%) in the PPH group (P = 0.409). Persistence of anal bleeding was significantly higher in the PPH group (P = 0.04) while the postoperative Haemorrhoid Symptom Score was significantly better in the EEA group (1.73 ± 1.65 vs 3.17 ± 1.94, P < 0.001). The wellness evaluation score was significantly better in the EEA group (1.2 ± 1.27 vs 0.6 ± 1.0, P = 0.028). Furthermore, 7 (15%) of the patients in the EEA group complained of some evacuation disturbance compared with 13 (36%) in the PPH group (P = 0.021).

Conclusion

The study failed to demonstrate any significant difference in the long‐term recurrence rate of Stage III haemorrhoids using EEA or PPH. Nevertheless, use of the larger volume EEA provides better symptom resolution compared with PPH.
Naïve and Robust: Class‐Conditional Independence in Human Classification Learning
Authors: Jarecki Jana B. , Meder Björn , Nelson Jonathan D.
Published: June 2017

Humans excel in categorization. Yet from a computational standpoint, learning a novel probabilistic classification task involves severe computational challenges. The present paper investigates one way to address these challenges: assuming class‐conditional independence of features. This feature independence assumption simplifies the inference problem, allows for informed inferences about novel feature combinations, and performs robustly across different statistical environments. We designed a new Bayesian classification learning model (the dependence‐independence structure and category learning model, DISC‐LM) that incorporates varying degrees of prior belief in class‐conditional independence, learns whether or not independence holds, and adapts its behavior accordingly. Theoretical results from two simulation studies demonstrate that classification behavior can appear to start simple, yet adapt effectively to unexpected task structures. Two experiments—designed using optimal experimental design principles—were conducted with human learners. Classification decisions of the majority of participants were best accounted for by a version of the model with very high initial prior belief in class‐conditional independence, before adapting to the true environmental structure. Class‐conditional independence may be a strong and useful default assumption in category learning tasks.
An Actor's Knowledge and Intent Are More Important in Evaluating Moral Transgressions Than Conventional Transgressions
Authors: Giffin Carly , Lombrozo Tania
Published: June 2017

An actor's mental states—whether she acted knowingly and with bad intentions—typically play an important role in evaluating the extent to which an action is wrong and in determining appropriate levels of punishment. In four experiments, we find that this role for knowledge and intent is significantly weaker when evaluating transgressions of conventional rules as opposed to moral rules. We also find that this attenuated role for knowledge and intent is partly due to the fact that conventional rules are judged to be more arbitrary than moral rules; whereas moral transgressions are associated with actions that are intrinsically wrong (e.g., hitting another person), conventional transgressions are associated with actions that are only contingently wrong (e.g., wearing pajamas to school, which is only wrong if it violates a dress code that could have been otherwise). Finally, we find that it is the perpetrator's belief about the arbitrary or non‐arbitrary basis of the rule—not the reality—that drives this differential effect of knowledge and intent across types of transgressions.
Native Seed Supply and the Restoration Species Pool
Authors: Ladouceur Emma , Jiménez‐Alfaro Borja , Marin Maria , De Vitis Marcello , Abbandonato Holly , Iannetta Pietro P.M. , Bonomi Costantino , Pritchard Hugh W.
Published: June 2017

Globally, annual expenditure on ecological restoration of degraded areas for habitat improvement and biodiversity conservation is approximately $18bn. Seed farming of native plant species is crucial to meet restoration goals, but may be stymied by the disconnection of academic research in seed science and the lack of effective policies that regulate native seed production/supply. To illustrate this problem, we identified 1,122 plant species important for European grasslands of conservation concern and found that only 32% have both fundamental seed germination data available and can be purchased as seed. The “restoration species pool,”or set of species available in practice, acts as a significant biodiversity selection filter for species use in restoration projects. For improvement, we propose: (1) substantial expansion of research and development on native seed quality, viability, and production; (2) open‐source knowledge transfer between sectors; and (3) creation of supportive policy intended to stimulate demand for biodiverse seed.
Comparison of cardiac output estimates by bioreactance and inert gas rebreathing methods during cardiopulmonary exercise testing
Authors: Okwose Nduka C. , Chowdhury Shakir , Houghton David , Trenell Michael I. , Eggett Christopher , Bates Matthew , MacGowan Guy A. , Jakovljevic Djordje G.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This study assessed the agreement between cardiac output estimated by inert gas rebreathing and bioreactance methods at rest and during exercise.

Methods

Haemodynamic measurements were assessed in 20 healthy individuals (11 females, nine males; aged 32 ± 10 years) using inert gas rebreathing and bioreactance methods. Gas exchange and haemodynamic data were measured simultaneously under rest and different stages (i.e. 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 W) of progressive graded cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing using a bicycle ergometer.

Results

At rest, bioreactance produced significantly higher cardiac output values than inert gas rebreathing (7·8 ± 1·4 versus 6·5 ± 1·7 l min−1, P = 0·01). At low‐to‐moderate exercise intensities (i.e. 30–90 W), bioreactance produced significantly higher cardiac outputs compared with rebreathing method (P<0·05). At workloads of 120 W and above, there was no significant difference in cardiac outputs between the two methods (P = 0·10). There was a strong relationship between the two methods (r = 0·82, P = 0·01). Bland–Altman analysis including rest and exercise data showed that inert gas rebreathing reported 1·95 l min−1 lower cardiac output than bioreactance, with lower and upper limits of agreement of −3·1–7·07 l min−1. Analysis of peak exercise data showed a mean difference of 0·4 l min−1 (lower and upper limits of agreement of −4·9–5·7 l min−1) between both devices.

Conclusion

Bioreactance and inert gas rebreathing methods show acceptable levels of agreement for estimating cardiac output at higher levels of metabolic demand. However, they cannot be used interchangeably due to strong disparity in results at rest and low‐to‐moderate exercise intensity.