bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
H2020 – RentalCal – European rental housing framework for the profitability calculation of energy efficiency retrofitting investments
Authors: Zeitler Joseph-Alexander
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Most of the European apartment blocks are rental units of which the majority needs major refurbishments in upcoming years to achieve climate goals. On the other hand, it is still difficult for property owners to evaluate the profitability of energetic retrofitting investments. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the situation by forming a standardized framework and tool to calculate profitability of energy efficiency investments throughout Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

From a European perspective, several different areas of interest (technical, legal, institutional and financial) have been screened to develop an extensive compendium. This has been performed by literature research and several national surveys. Based on these findings, an online-based tool for profitability calculation has been developed to support the decision-making process of each individual, regardless his knowledge on energy efficiency.

Findings

This paper provides a short overview on main investment barriers in Germany. It is found that both market conditions and information deficits harm energy efficiency investments. Frequently, the decision-making process is found difficult due to inflexible regulations and lack of knowledge. This dramatically reduces market incentives that are already in place. Most often, the investor user dilemma is seen as the main investment obstacle. In this context, transparency and reliability are found to trigger energy-efficient investments.

Practical implications

Findings are used to identify best practice examples and to assess their transferability to other markets and countries. Innovative solutions have been extracted to improve the overall investment climate.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a sound foundation for energy-related investments and the fulfillment of EU reduction targets.
Beyond chemistry: the role of employee emotional competence in personalized services
Authors: Matute Jorge , Palau-Saumell Ramon , Viglia Giampaolo
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how employees’ emotional competences affect customers’ responses in the context of emotional-driven and personalized services. Specifically, it proposes a model to analyze the influence of employees’ emotional competence on rapport, trust and loyalty toward the service employee and the company.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical context to validate the proposed theory is the fitness realm. The sample comprises 296 clients from fitness personal training services. Data collection was carried out by means of personal surveys in three relevant fitness clubs in the city of Barcelona (Spain). The study uses partial least squares to test and validate the proposed theoretical model.

Findings

Employee emotional competence (EEC) directly affects personal loyalty, trust toward the service employee and rapport. However, higher levels of emotional skills are not significantly associated with loyalty toward the company. The results also suggest that trust significantly enhances loyalty. Interestingly, high levels of rapport between the service worker and the employee could even damage the level of loyalty toward the company.

Originality/value

Prior research documents that emotional intelligence enhances diverse positive customer outcomes, especially in emotionally charged interactions. Nonetheless, few studies have focused on analyzing how customers’ perceptions about services employees’ emotional skills are determining their attitudes and behavioral intentions. This study provides evidence on employee’s influences on consumer behaviors and outcomes, with a specific focus on EEC. It also sheds light on the unintuitive impact of customer employee rapport on loyalty toward the company.
Customer journeys: a systematic literature review
Authors: Følstad Asbjørn , Kvale Knut
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Customer journeys have become an increasingly important topic in service management and design. The purpose of this paper is to review customer journey terminology and approaches within the research literature prior to 2013, mainly from the fields of design, management, and marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted as a systematic literature review. Searches in Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, ACM Digital Library, and ScienceDirect identified 45 papers for the analysis. The papers were analyzed with respect to customer journey terminology and approaches, the relation to customer experience, the referenced background, and the use of visualizations.

Findings

Across the reviewed literature, customer journeys are described not only as a means to take the viewpoint of the customer, but also to reach insight into their experiences. A rich and at times incoherent customer journey terminology is analyzed and discussed, as are two emerging customer journey approaches: customer journey mapping (analysis of a service process “as is”) and customer journey proposition (generative activities leading toward a possible service “to be”).

Research limitations/implications

The review is limited to analyzing and making claims on research papers that explicitly apply the term customer journey. In most of the reviewed papers, customer journeys are not the main object of interest but are discussed as one of several topics.

Practical implications

A nuanced discussion of customer journey terminology and approaches is provided, supporting the practical application of a customer journey perspective.

Originality/value

The review contributes a needed common basis for future customer journey research and practice.
A credit rating model based on a customer number bell-shaped distribution
Authors: Zhang Yajing , Chi Guotai
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to split loan customers to different credit ratings to ensure the results that show that customers with lower credit ratings have higher loss rates, and the number of customers that satisfies the bell-shaped distribution. Hence, the number of credit ratings, the distribution of the rated obligors among ratings can achieve a meaningful differentiation of risk, which can avoid the loan pricing confusion.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors introduce a multi-objective programming to establish the credit rating model. Objective function 1 minimizes the absolute difference between the obligor number proportion and perfect client proportion, following a standard normal distribution. Objective function 2 minimizes the total difference of the deviation between two adjacent credit ratings’ loss rates. This study combines the two objective functions to ensure the obligor number distribution and the monotonicity of the loss rate, and applies genetic algorithm to solve the model.

Findings

This study’s analysis is based on data from 6,155 enterprises, provided by a Chinese bank and Prosper P2P loan data. The empirical results reveal that the proposed approach can ensure the balance between both criteria and avoid undue concentration of obligors in particular grades.

Originality/value

The proposed credit model could help building a reasonable credit rating system, which is the prerequisite of loan pricing; thus, inaccurate credit rating can cause incorrect loss rate estimates and loan pricing.
CEO turnover and the new leader propensity to open innovation
Authors: Biscotti Anna Maria , Mafrolla Elisabetta , Giudice Manlio Del , D’Amico Eugenio
Published: February 2018

Purpose

In an increasingly turbulent and competitive environment, open innovation could be critical for a firm’s success, favoring organizational flexibility and accelerating innovation processes. However, sharing innovation projects with external partners often requires changes in traditional organizational behavior and visions of CEOs. The purpose of this paper is to theorize and empirically verify how the CEO turnover and some socially relevant characteristics of the old and the new CEO may impact firms’ propensity toward open innovation under an integrated agency-resource dependence view and social identity perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis was carried out on 264 companies drawn from 16 developed European markets included in the S&P Europe 350 Dow Jones index over the years 2006-2015. To test the predictions, the authors adopted regression analysis by employing the panel two-stages least squares model and the ordinary least squares econometric model.

Findings

Consistently with the predictions, the authors found that CEO turnover stimulates open innovation. Particularly, the results suggest that the organizational identity rationale may motivate a divergent propensity between insider and outsider new CEOs, with outsiders more prone to open innovation. The higher tendency of new outsider CEOs to undertake innovation projects jointly with external organizations prevails also within firms that experienced a long tenure of the former CEO, thereby suggesting that a new outsider CEO appears able to renovate corporate strategic directions also in highly orthodox organizational cultures.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that theorizes why CEO turnover might impact the propensity of the firm toward open innovation. The authors use an integrated agency-resource dependence perspective, and the results from the empirical analysis mostly support the predictions. Moreover, the authors adopt the social identity theory to show that the organizational identification of the CEO matters in the decision of engaging in open innovation.
A multidisciplinary approach for assessing open innovation model impact on stock return dynamics
Authors: Ballestra Luca Vincenzo , Fontana Stefano , Scuotto Veronica , Solimene Silvia
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new statistical approach to evaluate complex open innovation projects on a quantitative basis. In certain circumstances, open innovation entails a radical change of policy that involves various different functions of a company such as R&D, production, and management over a period of years and gives rise to mechanisms of mutual interaction with several business partners, such as collaboration with other companies, universities and R&D institutions, and new suppliers. Then, the question arises of how to measure the impact of such complex open innovation processes on the overall performances of companies.

Design/methodology/approach

A holistic case study is applied to analyze the effect of open innovation projects on a corporate company’s stock price dynamics. The scope is to identify two different scenarios pre- and post-adoption of an open innovation model by a multinational company, Fujifilm. In particular, a stochastic model, namely the log-normal model, is applied along with three statistical tests: Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Cramer von Mises, and F-test for equal variances, in order to verify if the adoption of an open innovation model causes any significant change in the stock price dynamics of the corporate company.

Findings

From the findings emerges evidence that open innovation projects have a moderate effect on Fujifilm’s stock price dynamics, but a greater improvement of the perception of Fujifilm’s stock value. This enhances the management and financial literature review by offering a novel, empirical perspective on the effect of the adoption of an open innovation model on a corporate company’s stock price dynamics.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to a single case study, but it can be extended to other stock market companies and therefore improve on the present study.

Originality/value

An original application of Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests to detect and measure the differences between the two regimes of pre-open innovation and post-innovation regimes.
Validation of demand pull strategies for accomplishing sustainable development in manufacturing organizations through structural equation modeling
Authors: Singla Anuj , Ahuja Inderpreet Singh , Sethi Amanpreet Singh
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate as well as select various significant demand pull (DP) strategies affecting sustainable development (SD) in manufacturing organizations. The study deploys the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique to empirically validate the interrelationships between significant DP strategies and SD indicators in an SEM-DP Model.

Design/methodology/approach

Confirmatory factor analysis approach is applied to generate an effective SEM-DP model using the AMOS 21 (Analysis of Moment Structures) software. The data have been collected from different manufacturing organizations practicing DP strategies, using a well-framed DP questionnaire for the evolution of the SEM-DP model.

Findings

SEM of various DP strategies like stringent implementation of government regulations (SIGR), transforming capabilities, unionized labor (UL), and customer attributes (CA) toward achieving SD in manufacturing industries has been performed. The SEM-DP model has been planned and reports obtained before and after modification indices of the model are correlated, which further establishes improvements in the model’s effectiveness. The research concludes that significant DP strategies, namely, SIGR, UL, and CA support the manufacturing industries in accomplishing SD in terms of competitiveness, business performance enhancements, flexibility, customer satisfaction, and technological development.

Research limitations/implications

In the present study, contributions of DP practices are determined to accomplish SD in Indian manufacturing organizations only. Hence, the results obtained may need some modifications before applying to other countries. Moreover, issue-wise independent modeling can also be performed to assess the importance of DP practices under specific orientations.

Social implications

The results of various interrelationships among DP practices and SD indicators in the SEM-DP model portray the effectiveness of DP practices for achieving organizational goals and social commitments.

Originality/value

The outcomes of the study will help DP practitioners, organizational managers, and HR executives in the manufacturing industries to develop a clear understanding about the significant DP strategies to be followed holistically for accomplishing SD. The manufacturing enterprises will be able to frame and organize their policies, handle their UL issues and CA in a more appropriate way. Hence, the knowledge obtained from present study will help improve the overall performance of manufacturing industries involved in the present context.
Can stock market liquidity and volatility predict business cycles?
Authors: Carlston Benjamin
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to predict real gross domestic product (GDP) growth and business cycles by using information from both liquidity and volatility measures.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper estimates liquidity and volatility measures from over 5,000 NYSE rms and extracts a common factor, which the paper calls uncertainty. In-sample and out-of-sample forecasting tests are used to determine the ability of the uncertainty factor to predict growth in real GDP, industrial production, consumer price index, real consumption and changes in real investment.

Findings

The paper finds that on average, positive shocks to the uncertainty factor occur in the quarters preceding and at the beginning of a recession. During the quarters toward the end of recessions, there are negative shocks to uncertainty on average.

Originality/value

Previous research has explored using either liquidity or volatility to forecast economic activity. The paper bridges the two branches of research and finds a link to real GDP growth and business cycles.
In–Bi low-temperature SLID bonding for piezoelectric materials
Authors: Aasmundtveit Knut E. , Eggen Trym , Manh Tung , Nguyen Hoang-Vu
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate low-temperature bonding for piezoelectric materials at temperatures well below the relevant Curie temperatures so as to avoid depolarization of the piezoelectric material during bonding.

Design/methodology/approach

Au-coated test samples of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) are bonded to a WC-based resonant backing layer with In–Bi eutectic material in which the In–Bi metal system is a preform or thin, evaporated layers. The bonded samples are characterized using electrical impedance spectroscopy and cross-section microscopy. The first technique verifies the integrity of polarization and reveals the quality of the bondline in a non-destructive manner, particularly looking for voids and delaminations. The latter technique is destructive but gives more precise information and an overview of the structure.

Findings

Successful low-temperature (115°C) bonding with intact PZT polarization was demonstrated. The bondlines show a layered structure of Au/Au–In intermetallic compounds (with Bi inclusions)/Au, capable of withstanding temperatures as high as 271°C before remelting occurs. For bonded samples using In–Bi preform, repeatable bonds of high quality (very little voiding) were obtained, but the bonding time is long (1 h or more). For bonded samples using evaporated thin films of In–Bi, bonding can be performed in 30 min, but the process needs further optimization to be repeatable.

Originality/value

Low-temperature solid-liquid interdiffusion (SLID) bonding is a novel technique, merging the fields of low-temperature solder bonding with the SLID/transient liquid phase (TLP) approach, which is normally used for much higher temperatures.
Aligning age-friendly and dementia-friendly communities in the UK
Authors: Turner Natalie , Cannon Stacy
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to set out the history and origins of dementia-friendly communities (DFCs) and age-friendly communities (AFCs) in the UK, the differing frameworks and how they compare, and set out some key messages about how they might learn from each other.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a summary piece written by leaders in the two fields.

Findings

It aims to reduce potential confusion around AFCs and DFCs, and provides some practical ways that the two initiatives might work together and find common ground. By learning from each other, both age-friendly and DFCs can grow their reach and their impact as complementary, and not competing, programmes.

Originality/value

The original development of some of the ideas in this paper comes from a paper Natalie Turner co-wrote with Lydia Morken at AARP (www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/documents-2016/Better-Together-Research-Report.pdf). For this paper, the authors reviewed the approach within the UK context and have furthered and added to the original insights.
Positions and saliency of immigration in party manifestos: A novel dataset using crowd coding
Authors: LEHMANN POLA , ZOBEL MALISA
Published: February 2018

Immigration is one of the most widely debated issues today. It has, therefore, also become an important issue in party competition, and radical right parties are trying to exploit the issue. This opens up many pressing questions for researchers. To answer these questions, data on the self‐ascribed and unified party positions on immigration and immigrant integration issues is needed. So far, researchers have relied on expert survey data, media analysis data and ‘proxy’ categories from the Manifesto Project Dataset. However, the former two only give the mediated party position, and the latter relies on proxies that do not specifically measure immigration. The new dataset presented in this article provides researchers with party positions and saliency estimates on two issue dimensions – immigration and immigrant integration – in 14 countries and 43 elections. Deriving the data from manifestos enables the provision of parties’ unified and unfiltered immigration positions for countries and time points not covered in expert surveys and media studies, making it possible to link immigration and immigrant integration positions and saliency scores to other issue areas covered in the Manifesto Project Dataset. Well‐established criteria are used to distinguish between statements on (1) immigration control and (2) immigrant integration. This allows for a more fine‐grained analysis along these two dimensions. Furthermore, the dataset has been generated using the new method of crowd coding, which allows a relatively fast manual coding of political texts. Some of the advantages of crowd coding are that it is easily replicated and expanded, and, as such, presents the research community with the opportunity to amend and expand upon this coding scheme.
Key Design Considerations When Calculating Cost Savings for Population Health Management Programs in an Observational Setting
Authors: Murphy Shannon M. E. , Hough Douglas E. , Sylvia Martha L. , Dunbar Linda J. , Frick Kevin D.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To illustrate the impact of key quasi‐experimental design elements on cost savings measurement for population health management (PHM) programs.

Data Sources

Population health management program records and Medicaid claims and enrollment data from December 2011 through March 2016.

Study Design

The study uses a difference‐in‐difference design to compare changes in cost and utilization outcomes between program participants and propensity score‐matched nonparticipants. Comparisons of measured savings are made based on (1) stable versus dynamic population enrollment and (2) all eligible versus enrolled‐only participant definitions. Options for the operationalization of time are also discussed.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Individual‐level Medicaid administrative and claims data and PHM program records are used to match study groups on baseline risk factors and assess changes in costs and utilization.

Principal Findings

Savings estimates are statistically similar but smaller in magnitude when eliminating variability based on duration of population enrollment and when evaluating program impact on the entire target population. Measurement in calendar time, when possible, simplifies interpretability.

Conclusion

Program evaluation design elements, including population stability and participant definitions, can influence the estimated magnitude of program savings for the payer and should be considered carefully. Time specifications can also affect interpretability and usefulness.
The Sydney Triage to Admission Risk Tool (START): A prospective validation study
Authors: Ebker‐White Anja A , Bein Kendall J , Dinh Michael M
Published: February 2018

Objective

The present study aims to prospectively validate the Sydney Triage to Admission Risk Tool (START) to predict ED disposition.

Methods

This was a prospective validation study at two metropolitan EDs in Sydney, Australia. Consecutive triage encounters were observed by a trained researcher and START scores calculated. The primary outcome was patient disposition (discharge or inpatient admission) from the ED. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate area under curve of receiver operator characteristic (AUC ROC) for START scores as well as START score in combination with other variables such as frailty, general practitioner referral, overcrowding and major medical comorbidities.

Results

There were 894 patients analysed during the study period. The START score when applied to the data had AUC ROC of 0.80 (95% CI 0.77–0.83). The inclusion of other clinical variables identified at triage did not improve the overall performance of the model with an AUC ROC of 0.81 (95% CI 0.78–0.84) in the present study.

Conclusion

The overall performance of the START tool with respect to model discrimination and accuracy has been prospectively validated. Further clinical trials are required to test the clinical effectiveness of the tool in improving patient flow and overall ED performance.
Effects of Bioreactor‐Oxygenation During Extracorporeal Granulocytes Treatment in Septic Patients
Authors: Sauer Martin , Richter Georg , Altrichter Jens , Wild Thomas , Doß Fanny , Mencke Thomas , Ehler Johannes , Doß Sandra , Koch Stephanie , Schubert Anton , Nöldge‐Schomburg Gabriele , Mitzner Steffen R
Published: February 2018

A granulocyte bioreactor for the extracorporeal treatment was developed to enhance the immune cell function in patients with severe sepsis. The influence of oxygenation on the used cells was tested in a prospective clinical study. Ten patients with severe sepsis were treated twice with the granulocyte bioreactor. The used cells were screened for functionality; values of blood gases, glucose and lactate were obtained from the recirculating bioreactor circuit. Five patients were treated with an oxygenator setup (Oxy group), five without oxygenator (Non‐Oxy group). The overall in‐hospital mortality was 50%. Significantly lower values of oxygen saturation, partial oxygen pressure, lactate, oxyburst and phagocytosis were seen in the Non‐Oxy group compared with the Oxy group in the bioreactor circuit. Further studies with this approach are encouraged and should focus on the influence of oxygenation on production of reactive oxygen species and cytokines of used cells.
Effectiveness of a Specialized Brief Intervention for At‐risk Drinkers in an Emergency Department: Short‐term Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bruguera Pol , Barrio Pablo , Oliveras Clara , Braddick Fleur , Gavotti Carolina , Bruguera Carla , López‐Pelayo Hugo , Miquel Laia , Segura Lídia , Colom Joan , Ortega Lluisa , Vieta Eduard , Gual Antoni
Published: February 2018

Background

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) programs have been developed, evaluated, and shown to be effective, particularly in primary care and general practice. Nevertheless, effectiveness of SBIRT in emergency departments (EDs) has not been clearly established.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of an SBIRT program conducted by highly specialized professionals in the ED of a tertiary hospital.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial to study the feasibility and efficacy of an SBIRT program conducted by alcohol specialists for at‐risk drinkers presenting to the ED, measured with the three‐item version of the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT‐C). Patients were randomized to two groups, with the control group receiving two leaflets—one regarding alcohol use and the other giving information about the study protocol. The intervention group received the same leaflets as well as a brief motivational intervention on alcohol use and, where appropriate, a referral to specialized treatment. The primary outcomes were the proportion of at‐risk alcohol use measured by AUDIT‐C scale and the proportion of patients attending specialized treatment at 1.5 months.

Results

Of 3,027 patients presenting to the ED, 2,044 (67%) were potentially eligible to participate, 247 (12%) screened positive for at‐risk drinking, and 200 agreed to participate. Seventy‐two percent of the participating sample were men, and the mean (±SD) age was 43 (±16.7) years. Follow‐up rates were 76.5%. At 1.5 months, the intervention group showed greater reductions in alcohol consumption and fewer patients continuing with at‐risk alcohol use (27.8% vs. 48.1%; p = 0.01). The SBIRT program also increased the probability of attending specialized treatment, compared to the control condition (23% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.0119)

Conclusion

The SBIRT program in the ED was found to be feasible and effective in identifying at‐risk drinkers, reducing at‐risk alcohol use, and increasing treatment for alcohol problems.
Acute Ethanol Inhibition of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis Involves CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor Signaling
Authors: Khatri Dal , Laroche Genevieve , Grant Marion L. , Jones Victoria M. , Vetreno Ryan P. , Crews Fulton T. , Mukhopadhyay Somnath
Published: February 2018

Background

Chronic ethanol (EtOH) exposure has been found to inhibit adult hippocampal neurogenesis in multiple models of alcohol addiction. However, acute EtOH inhibition of adult neurogenesis is not well studied. Although many abused drugs have been found to inhibit adult neurogenesis, few have studied cannabinoids or cannabinoids with EtOH, although human use of both together is becoming more common. We used an acute binge alcohol drinking model in combination with select cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists to investigate the actions of each alone and together on hippocampal neurogenesis.

Methods

Adult male Wistar rats were treated with an acute binge dose of EtOH (5 g/kg, i.g.), cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) or cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R) agonists, as well as selective cannabinoid (CB) antagonists, alone or combined. Hippocampal doublecortin (DCX), Ki67, and activated cleaved caspase‐3 (CC3) immunohistochemistry were used to assess neurogenesis, neuroprogenitor proliferation, and cell death, respectively.

Results

We found that treatment with EtOH or the CB1R agonist, arachidonoyl‐2′‐chloroethylamide (ACEA), and the combination significantly reduced DCX‐positive neurons (DCX + IR) in dentate gyrus (DG) and increased CC3. Further, using an inhibitor of endocannabinoid metabolism, for example, JZL195, we also found reduced DCX + IR neurogenesis. Treatment with 2 different CB1R antagonists (AM251 or SR141716) reversed both CB1R agonist and EtOH inhibition of adult neurogenesis. CB2R agonist HU‐308 treatment did not produce any significant change in DCX + IR. Interestingly, neither EtOH nor CB1R agonist produced any alteration in cell proliferation in DG as measured by Ki67 + cell population, but CC3‐positive cell numbers increased following EtOH or ACEA treatment suggesting an increase in cell death.

Conclusions

Together, these findings suggest that acute CB1R cannabinoid receptor activation and binge EtOH treatment reduce neurogenesis through mechanisms involving CB1R.
Securing the Return: How EnhancedUSBorder Enforcement Fuels Cycles of Debt Migration
Authors: Johnson Richard L. , Woodhouse Murphy
Published: February 2018

Expanded border enforcement has made unauthorised migration to theUSmore risky, costly, and prone to failure. Research on the material consequences of border enforcement for migrant‐sending households in Central America reveals that the economic hardships enforcement exacts on migrants at times diminishes enforcement's desired deterrent power. Heightened risks have driven up the cost of migration and pushed many to fund their trips through loans. Consequently, migrant detention, deportation, or death can result in poverty and privation for indebted households and the seizure of loan collateral, typically homes and land, in turn prompting crises in household reproduction. With aUSwage the most viable means to ameliorate economic hardships, enforcement outcomes push some to return migration. Our findings suggest thatUSborder enforcement efforts at times perpetuate the very unauthorised migration they seek to impede, while also helping to reproduce the border itself by deepening the marginalisation that drives migration decisions.
Review shows that maternal obesity induces serious adverse neonatal effects and is associated with childhood obesity in their offspring
Authors: Mitanchez Delphine , Chavatte‐Palmer Pascale
Published: February 2018

Aim

Obesity at the start of pregnancy has been rising worldwide, increasing the risk of maternal complications. We reviewed the independent effects of maternal obesity during pregnancy on neonatal adverse outcomes and the risk of childhood obesity and adverse cardio‐metabolic profiles.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE for papers published in English between December 2007 and November 2017, focusing primarily on human studies published in the last five years. However, we also chose to highlight examples derived from model animals that could bring mechanistic insight and preventive and therapeutic avenues.

Results

Our review showed that maternal obesity had independent effects on neonatal adverse outcomes such as macrosomia, perinatal mortality and birth defects. Maternal obesity alone increased the risks for adverse neonatal outcomes, including macrosomia, perinatal mortality, induced preterm birth and birth defects. In association with excess gestational weight gain, mainly early in pregnancy, increased the risks of childhood obesity, higher fat mass and, to a smaller extent, adverse cardio‐metabolic profiles. Animal models highlighted sexually dimorphic responses to maternal obesity.

Conclusion

Maternal obesity induced serious adverse neonatal effects and was associated with childhood obesity in their offspring. The peri‐conceptional period is critical for metabolic programming, and obese women need close monitoring from conception.
CEO ACTIVISM AND SUPPLY CHAIN INTERACTIONS
Authors: HINTERECKER Harald , KOPEL Michael , RESSI Anna
Published: February 2018

In this paper we demonstrate that hiring a manager with a propensity to over‐invest in socially and environmentally responsible production can increase firm profits if customers not only care about the responsible behavior of the market firm but also about the engagements of all players along the firm's supply chain. The new mechanism we identify relies on the complementarity of investments by the firm and its suppliers. We demonstrate that CEO activism of this kind might cause a win‐win outcome where all parties along the supply chain, the firm's customers and society can be better off.
Stress and coping mechanisms among adolescents living in orphanages: An experience from Klang Valley, Malaysia
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Marjan , Awang Hamidin , Ismail Suriani , Kadir Shahar Hayati
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Health issues often differ from one population to another. Assessing different aspects of the health condition is a vital step toward developing and designing appropriate prevention and treatment programs to reduce health problems in any group or population. This study aimed to assess both the prevalence of stress and the coping mechanisms as well as identify the predictors of stress levels among adolescents in Malaysian orphanages.

Methods

Overall, 307 male and female adolescents (aged 13‐18 y old) living in 9 private orphanages located in Klang Valley, Malaysia, participated in this cross‐sectional study. Brief COPE scale and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale‐21 were used as the main instruments in the current study.

Results

The results of the current study showed female adolescents and participants with a higher level of education were more likely to experience stress. The results also showed significant differences between boys and girls in using of coping mechanisms in self‐distraction (t = −2.39, P = .01), substance use (t = 2.12, P = .03), use of emotional support (t = −2.70, P = .001), humor (t = 2.28, P = .02), and religion (t = −2.19, P = .02). Denial, venting, religion, humor, planning, and active coping were identified as predictors of stress among participants.

Discussion

The results showed a high prevalence of stress and a negative coping pattern among participants. The finding of the current study also showed the urgency of taking immediate action to reduce stress and improve coping methods among Malaysian institutional adolescents.
Letter: innovative use of the alfapump system to treat small hepatocellular carcinoma – authors' reply
Authors: Stirnimann G. , De Gottardi A.
Published: February 2018

Linked content

This article is linked to Stirnimann et al and Weil et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14331 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14440.
Letter: nutritional benefits of rifaximin in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Borentain P. , Rouabah K. , Allard G. , Ressiot E. , Gerolami R.
Published: February 2018

Linked content

This article is linked to Kang et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14275.
The role of mate‐choice copying in speciation and hybridization
Authors: Varela Susana A. M. , Matos Margarida , Schlupp Ingo
Published: February 2018

Mate‐choice copying, a social, non‐genetic mechanism of mate choice, occurs when an individual (typically a female) copies the mate choice of other individualsviaa process of social learning. Over the past 20 years, mate‐choice copying has consistently been shown to affect mate choice in several species, by altering the genetically based expression of mating preferences. This behaviour has been claimed by several authors to have a significant role in evolution. Because it can cause or increase skews in male mating success, it seems to have the potential to induce a rapid change of the directionality and rate of sexual selection, possibly leading to divergent evolution and speciation. Theoretical work has, however, been challenging this view, showing that copying may decelerate sexual selection and that linkage disequilibrium cannot be established between the copied preference and the male trait, because females copy from unrelated individuals in the population, making an invasion of new and potentially fitter male traits difficult. Given this controversy, it is timely to ask about the real impact of mate‐choice copying in speciation. We propose that a solution to this impasse may be the existence of some degree of habitat selection, which would create a spatial structure, causing scenarios of micro‐allopatry and thus overcoming the problem of the lack of linkage disequilibrium. As far as we are aware, the potential role of mate‐choice copying on fostering speciation in micro‐allopatry has not been tackled. Also important is that the role of mate‐choice copying has generally been discussed as being a barrier to gene flow. However, in our view, mate‐choice copying may actually play a key role in facilitating gene flow, thereby fostering hybridization. Yet, the role of mate‐choice copying in hybridization has so far been overlooked, although the conditions under which it might occur are more likely, or less restricted, than those favouring speciation. Hence, a conceptual framework is needed to identify the exact mechanisms and the conditions under which speciation or hybridization are expected. Here, we develop such a framework to be used as a roadmap for future research at the intersection of these research areas.
Notes on a caribou hearing: Spatial marginalization through participatory democracy in western Nunavut
Authors: Tam Chui‐Ling
Published: February 2018

Key Messages

Public hearings function as rituals of participatory democracy whereby indigenous actors must establish their legitimacy via Western communication ideals.

Environmental communication as data, story, and behaviour in participation exercises reveal shifting cultural ways of knowing and communicating.

Spatial marginalization is related to invited participation in place, the distancing effects of place characteristics, and the experience of being out of place.
Mutations in the signal transducer and activator of transcription family of genes in cancer
Authors: Shahmarvand Nahid , Nagy Alexandra , Shahryari Jahanbanoo , Ohgami Robert S.
Published: February 2018

In recent years, it has become clear that members of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of genes play an important role in cancer. The STAT family consists of seven genes, STAT1‐4, STAT5A, STAT5B and STAT6, that are involved in regulating cellular proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and the immune system response. Constitutive activation of STAT3, via mutational changes, is important in oncogenesis in both solid and hematopoietic cancers. In the case of hematopoietic neoplasms, STAT3 driver mutations have been described in T‐cell large granular lymphocytic (T‐LGL) leukemia and chronic natural killer lymphoproliferative disorders (CLPD‐NK) and are seen in 30%‐40% of T‐LGL leukemia patients. STAT5B is also mutated in T‐LGL leukemia and CLPD‐NK, but in a much smaller proportion. Here we review past and current research on STAT genes in hematopoietic and solid cancers with emphasis on STAT3 and STAT5B and their roles in the pathogenesis of hematopoietic malignancies, particularly T‐LGL leukemia and CLPD‐NK.
Metastatic ability and the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in induced cancer stem‐like hepatoma cells
Authors: Nishiyama Mitsuo , Tsunedomi Ryouichi , Yoshimura Kiyoshi , Hashimoto Noriaki , Matsukuma Satoshi , Ogihara Hiroyuki , Kanekiyo Shinsuke , Iida Michihisa , Sakamoto Kazuhiko , Suzuki Nobuaki , Takeda Shigeru , Yamamoto Shigeru , Yoshino Shigefumi , Ueno Tomio , Hamamoto Yoshihiko , Hazama Shoichi , Nagano Hiroaki
Published: February 2018

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to play important roles in cancer malignancy. Previously, we successfully induced sphere cancer stem‐like cells (CSLCs) from several cell lines and observed the property of chemoresistance. In the present study, we examined the metastatic potential of these induced CSLCs. Sphere cancer stem‐like cells were induced from a human hepatoma cell line (SK‐HEP‐1) in a unique medium containing neural survival factor‐1. Splenic injection of cells into immune‐deficient mice was used to assess hematogenous liver metastasis. Transcriptomic strand‐specific RNA‐sequencing analysis, quantitative real‐time PCR, and flow cytometry were carried out to examine the expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related genes. Splenic injection of CSLCs resulted in a significantly increased frequency of liver metastasis compared to parental cancer cells (P < .05). In CSLCs, a mesenchymal marker, Vimentin, and EMT‐promoting transcription factors, Snail and Twist1, were upregulated compared to parental cells. Correspondingly, significant enrichment of the molecular signature of the EMT in CSLCs relative to parental cancer cells was shown (q < 0.01) by RNA‐sequencing analysis. This analysis also revealed differential expression of CD44 isoforms between CSLCs and parental cancer cells. Increasing CD44 isoforms containing an extra exon were observed, and the standard CD44 isoform decreased in CSLCs compared to parental cells. Interestingly, another CD44 variant isoform encoding a short cytoplasmic tail was also upregulated in CSLCs (11.7‐fold). Our induced CSLCs possess an increased liver metastatic potential in which promotion of the EMT and upregulation of CD44 variant isoforms, especially short‐tail, were observed.
Lions in the modern arena of CITES
Authors: Bauer Hans , Nowell Kristin , Sillero‐Zubiri Claudio , Macdonald David W.
Published: February 2018

Lions have often been discussed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild flora and fauna (CITES). While CITES decisions on species trade regimes are ostensibly based on science, species data are often inconclusive and political considerations inevitably determine outcomes. We present the context of lion conservation and the technical and political processes of CITES to illuminate how a failed uplisting proposal nonetheless resulted in an unprecedented trade restriction as well as conservation initiatives beyond the CITES trade function. We conclude on the limitations of science to guide future directions of CITES debates, leaving politics and ethics to shape decision making.
Elastolysen und Hauterkrankungen mit Verlust der elastischen Fasern
Authors: Tronnier Michael
Published: February 2018

Die elastischen Fasern sind neben den kollagenen Fasern der wichtigste Bestandteil des Bindegewebsgerüstes der Haut. Eine Verminderung oder ein Verlust der elastischen Fasern ist bei einer Vielzahl von klinisch sich unterschiedlich präsentierenden Erkrankungen, hereditär oder erworben, beschrieben. Bei den Erkrankungen, die mit einer Entzündung einhergehen ist die Elastophagozytose ein wichtiges histologisches Merkmal. Die Therapie der Erkrankungen dieser Gruppe ist grundsätzlich schwierig.
Molecular diagnosis of skin infections using paraffin‐embedded tissue – review and interdisciplinary consensus
Authors: Sunderkötter Cord , Becker Karsten , Kutzner Heinz , Meyer Thomas , Blödorn‐Schlicht Norbert , Reischl Udo , Nenoff Pietro , Geißdörfer Walter , Gräser Yvonne , Herrmann Mathias , Kühn Joachim , Bogdan Christian
Published: February 2018

Nucleic acid amplification techniques (NATs), such as PCR, are highly sensitive and specific methods that have become valuable supplements to culture and serology in the diagnosis of infectious disorders. However, especially when using formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissue, these techniques are associated with both false‐negative and false‐positive results, a pitfall that is frequently misjudged. Representatives of the German Society of Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM) and the German Society of Dermatology (DDG) therefore set out to develop a consensus – in the form of a review article – on the appropriate indications for NATs using paraffin‐embedded tissue, its contraindications, and the key points to be considered in the pre‐ and post‐analytical phase.

Given that fresh, naive tissue is preferably to be used in the workup of a suspected infection, PCR analysis on paraffin sections represents an exception. The latter may be considered if an infection is suspected at a later point in time and fresh tissue has not been preserved or can no longer be obtained. Potential indications include confirmation of histologically suspected infections with Leishmania spp., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., or in case of ecthyma contagiosum. Infections with, for example, mycobacteria or RNA viruses, on the other hand, are not considered useful indications for NATs using paraffin sections.

In order to avoid misinterpretation of test results, it is essential that laboratory reports on NATs using paraffin‐embedded tissue contain information on the indication/diagnostic circumstances, the required and chosen pre‐analytical steps, the limitations of the method, and on diagnostic alternatives.
Diabetes stigma is associated with negative treatment appraisals among adults with insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes: results from the second Diabetes MILES – Australia (MILES‐2) survey
Authors: Holmes‐Truscott E. , Browne J. L. , Ventura A. D. , Pouwer F. , Speight J.
Published: February 2018

Aim

To explore factors associated with negative insulin appraisals among adults with Type 2 diabetes, including perceived and experienced diabetes stigma.

Methods

The second Diabetes MILES – Australia study (MILES‐2) is a national survey of adults with diabetes, focused on behavioural and psychosocial issues. Subgroup analyses were conducted on the responses of 456 adults with insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes (38% women; mean ± sd age: 61.2 ± 8.8 years; diabetes duration: 14.5 ± 7.5 years; years using insulin: 6.4 ± 5.5). Participants completed validated measures of perceived and experienced diabetes stigma (Type 2 Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scale), insulin appraisals [Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale (ITAS)] and known correlates of insulin appraisals: diabetes‐specific distress (Problem Areas In Diabetes scale) and diabetes‐specific self‐efficacy (Confidence in Diabetes Self‐care scale). A multiple linear regression was conducted (N = 279) to determine the contribution of those variables found to be associated with ITAS Negative scores.

Results

Univariable analyses revealed negative insulin appraisals were associated with demographic and self‐care characteristics (age, employment status, BMI, years using insulin, injections per day), self‐efficacy, diabetes‐specific distress and diabetes stigma (all P < 0.01). Number of injections per day [regression coefficient [95% confidence interval]: 0.74 [0.08, 1.40]; P = 0.028], self‐efficacy [−0.12 [−0.19, −0.06]; P < 0.001] and diabetes stigma [0.39 (0.31, 0.46); P < 0.001) significantly and independently contributed to the final multivariable model, explaining 58% of the variance in ITAS Negative scores. The independent contribution of diabetes‐specific distress was suppressed following the inclusion of diabetes stigma.

Conclusions

This study represents the first step in understanding the relationship between perceived and experienced diabetes stigma and negative insulin appraisals, and provides quantitative evidence for the strong, independent relationship between these two important constructs.