bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partial privatization, control rights of large shareholders and privatized shares transfer
Authors: Zhou Tingting
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The partial privatization of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) is a dynamic process. The main feature of this process lies in not only gradual and sequential privatizations but also privatized shares transfer. For partially privatized SOEs, the introduction of private sector ownership is not the end of the story because the previously introduced private owners may choose to leave the SOEs by transferring the privatized shares after privatization, a process that is called “privatized shares transfer”. This paper aims to investigate the determinants of privatized shares transfer (PST) from the perspective of large shareholders’ control rights.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the pyramidal structure of Chinese listed companies, this paper extends existing analyses to study the impact of the ultimate controller’s control rights on privatized shares transfer. This paper also investigates the relationship between excessive control rights of the largest controlling shareholder and PST in view of the principle of equity of rights and obligations. In addition to a perspective on the holding of key positions by large shareholders, this paper further explores the impacts of the ownership of the largest controlling shareholder on privatized shares transfer.

Findings

The results capture the fact that the higher control rights of large shareholders lead to more privatized shares transfer. After exploring the impacts of excessive control rights, the results provide evidence supporting the idea that firms with excessive numbers of directors, senior managers or supervisors who also have positions in the largest controlling shareholder’s entity are more likely to transfer privatized shares owned by private owners. In addition, the largest shareholders’ ownership also plays a role in privatized shares transfer.

Originality/value

This evidence suggests that the large shareholders’ control rights should be limited to an appropriate range during the process of privatization, thereby giving private shareholders more opportunity to participate in the operation of firms, strengthen the state and enhance the competitiveness of state capital.
The effect of real activities manipulation on going concern audit opinions for financially distressed companies
Authors: Xu Hongkang , Dao Mai , Wu Jia
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of real activities manipulation (RAM) on auditors’ decision of issuing going concern (GC) opinions for distressed companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study estimates and examines three types of RAM: reduction of discretionary expenses, sales manipulation and overproduction. It investigates the effect of RAM on auditor reporting conservatism by including the three measures of RAM methods in logistic regressions that explain the issuance of going concern opinions. The authors perform the analysis specifically on distressed firms for 2004-2013 period.

Findings

This study finds a significant and positive association between RAM and the likelihood of receiving going concern opinion in the financial distressed firm sample, suggesting that client’s abnormal business activity affects the auditor reporting conservatism.

Practical implications

This study provides evidence that auditors make going concern reporting decisions in consideration of the client’s abnormal operating decisions and management’s opportunism.

Originality/value

Recent literature argues that auditors have little recourse other than to resign if a client uses RAM to impact earnings or the financial statements, and hence the enhanced audit quality in the post-SOX period is due to the shift from using accruals management to RAM (Cohen et al., 2008; Chi et al., 2011; Kim and Park, 2014). The evidence provided in this study indicates that auditors report more conservatively (rather than simply resign) in response to the aggressive RAM.
Toward a “reconfiguration of the material and ideal foundations” of gendered entrepreneurship?
Authors: Etogo Gabriel
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze social sex relations by hypothesizing a reconfiguration, in a future time, of the “material and ideal foundations” of gendered entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach consisted in adopting the gender approach in order to identify, on the one hand, the material and ideal elements that underlie the dominant entrepreneurial ethos; on the other hand, to question, starting from a “heuristic hypothesis”, the emergence, in a future time, of representations, behaviors and practices opposable to the dominant entrepreneurial ethos.

Findings

The research outcomes reveal that by investing in traditionally male bastions, women develop entrepreneurial dynamics detached from any gendered approach. This approach suggests how the representations, behaviors and practices related to the dominant entrepreneurial ethos can be modified.

Originality/value

At a great distance from some “naturalization of competences”, this paper deals with the modalities that contribute to overcoming the principles of gender differentiation. It proposes a theoretical framework to understand how the mobilization of the gender approach, characterized by the lack of differentiation of skills, invites, from a “heuristic hypothesis”, a questioning of the dominant entrepreneurial ethos.
The space between – linking trust with individual and team performance in virtual teams
Authors: Jaakson Krista , Reino Anne , McClenaghan Peter Bernard
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Understanding the relationship between performance and trust in virtual teams is receiving significant attention due to “connected” virtual team contexts becoming more prevalent. This paper reports on new findings relating to the dynamics of trust and performance in virtual team contexts. The study aims to explore the evolution of trust and its mediating role in determining the performance of virtual teams, as well as to investigate if and how performance itself affected trust.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a longitudinal quantitative survey of 71 international virtual student teams working in four universities in Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Russia.

Findings

In line with swift trust and social norms theory, the authors found that relatively high levels of initial trust did not change over the period of the teams’ projects in general, but in teams where feedback on performance was negative, both trust and trustworthiness declined significantly. Trust had a small mediating effect between group performances in two consecutive measurement points, meaning that past performance had an impact on trust, which in turn impacted the teams’ next performance. However, no mediating effect was present between individual and team performance.

Practical implications

The authors conclude that managing virtual teams should concentrate on team actions and achieving and recognising small quick wins at least as much as dealing with trust, specifically. Negative performance feedback should not deteriorate members’ perception of benevolence and integrity in the team.

Originality/value

The paper distinguishes the dynamics of two trust components and tests new models with these as partial mediators in determining virtual team performance. Importantly, the authors challenge the notion that emotional component of trust, perceived trustworthiness, is less relevant in virtual teams.
Bank service quality
Authors: Shayestehfar Reza , Yazdani Bita
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the perceptions of Bank Saderat Iran’s (BSI) customers in Isfahan and Dubai to find the probable differences in BSI service quality in these cities.

Design/methodology/approach

The required data were collected by adapted Bank Service Quality (BSQ) questionnaire from two samples of BSI customers (300 in Isfahan and 100 in Dubai). In this research, BSQ was measured by seven dimensions, including Bahia and Nantel (2000) BSQ dimensions, and globalization of bank services as the added dimension. The factor analysis was used to analyze the data, independent-samplest-test for comparing the means and Friedman test for ranking of the BSQ dimensions and items.

Findings

The results of this research revealed a relative satisfaction of customers with BSI service quality in both cities; however, the respondents in Dubai perceived a higher service quality. The most important dimensions were access and effectiveness and assurance in Isfahan and reliability and tangibles in Dubai. In addition, although these cities are located in developing countries, the respondents’ perceptions were similar to those in developed countries.

Practical implications

It is proposed that BSI managers should eliminate the barriers to prompt service provision, review service charges, integrate decision-making systems, decrease the bureaucratic factors and provide training programs to increase the personnel’s’ interactive skills in Isfahan.

Originality/value

A few studies have been conducted in the field of BSQ in Iran banking industry, and none has measured BSQ using a cross-country and cross-cultural method. No research has been conducted on BSI service quality in Isfahan and Dubai, and this is the first research in both cities. Furthermore, it is one of the few times that a specific tool is used for measuring BSQ in Iran banking industry.
Factors affecting the entrepreneurial leadership in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of Pakistan
Authors: Soomro Bahadur Ali , Shah Naimatullah , Mangi Shahnawaz
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that affect the entrepreneurial leadership in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework is developed after reviewing a vigorous literature. This is a quantitative methodology in which cross-sectional data are collected from top managers and founders in SMEs of Pakistan through a survey questionnaire. The random technique is applied for the collection of data. The total samples are 352. Initially, 500 survey questionnaires are distributed through personal visits in different cities of Pakistan. The returned rate is noticed as 70 percent.

Findings

The data are analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24.0. The overall Cronbach’sαreliability is 0.866. On the other hand, theαfor all variables (dependent and independent) is observed within the adequate ranges. The overall findings reveal that there is a positive and significant relationship among strategic factor, motivational factor, personality factor, communicative factor and entrepreneurial leadership.

Practical implications

This study may contribute to existing efforts to assimilate the arenas of strategy, motivation, communication, leadership and entrepreneurship. In addition, by reviewing the outcomes of present study, the policy makers and planners may further concentrate for promoting SMEs sector that is famous as a backbone for economic development.

Originality/value

This study is original and valuable with respect to data and context. The findings of such study may play a substantial role in the stability of the economy in Pakistan through enriching the SMEs sector.
Sézary syndrome without erythroderma: A case report and review of published work
Authors: Kamijo Hiroaki , Miyagaki Tomomitsu , Norimatsu Yuta , Shishido‐Takahashi Naomi , Kuzumi Ai , Asano Yoshihide , Sato Shinichi
Published: October 2018

Sézary syndrome (SS) is defined by erythroderma and circulating atypical T cells, with or without lymphadenopathy. Recently, Thompson et al. identified a distinct population of SS patients with an atypical presentation: a high blood tumor burden of Sézary cells fulfilling criteria for SS but without fulfilling the criteria for erythroderma at the diagnosis. Here, we report a case of a 49‐year‐old Japanese man with SS who did not present with erythroderma initially, but exhibited erythematous itchy papules symmetrically located on the legs and arms. We also reviewed reported cases of SS without initial erythroderma. The skin manifestations at diagnosis varied from patches to tumors often seen in mycosis fungoides, and other rarer findings such as excoriation, palmoplantar keratoderma and alopecia. Pruritus was reported in most patients (86%), unlike early mycosis fungoides, and could be the main clue to the diagnosis of SS. Notably, three patients were reported to have presented with papular lesions, similar to our case. Little is known about why skin lesions in SS without erythroderma vary and why these cases did not exhibit erythroderma initially. Attenuated stimulation by colonized Staphylococcus aureus, impairment in recruitment of malignant T cells and suppression of inflammatory response induced by malignant T cells with regulatory phenotype may be associated with skin manifestations. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the etiology of this entity.
Autophagy in malnutrition‐associated dermatoses
Authors: Hirai Yoji , Miyake Tomoko , Hamada Toshihisa , Yamasaki Osamu , Morizane Shin , Mori Tatsuhiko , Iwatsuki Keiji
Published: October 2018

Malnutrition‐associated dermatoses including necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) and pellagra share common clinicopathological features; in particular, necrolytic changes in the upper epidermis. Here, we report the involvement of autophagy in the development of necrolysis in three patients with malnutrition‐associated dermatoses. First, we examined an autophagy‐specific molecule, microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), using a monoclonal antibody. LC3 was strongly expressed in the granular layers of the active border, and less intensely observed in the perilesional areas. Little LC3 staining or only background levels were observed in control skin diseases including atopic dermatitis (n = 4), psoriasis vulgaris (n = 3), basal cell carcinoma with amyloid deposits (n = 3) and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 3). Electron microscopic observations revealed the presence of autophagosome‐like structures in the necrolytic areas. No apoptotic signals were observed in the necrolytic lesion using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling method. Epidermal Langerhans cells determined by anti‐CD1a antibody were markedly decreased in number. Our observations suggest the possibility that malnutrition‐associated necrolysis, as exemplified by NME and pellagra, may be induced by autophagy.
A five component land seismic sensor for measuring lateral gradients of the wavefield
Authors: Muyzert Everhard , Allouche Nihed , Edme Pascal , Goujon Nicolas
Published: November 2018

We built a five‐component (5C) land seismic sensor that measures both the three‐component (3C) particle acceleration and two vertical gradients of the horizontal wavefield through a pair of 3C microelectromechanical accelerometers. The sensor is a small cylindrical device planted vertically just below the earth's surface. We show that seismic acquisition and processing 5C sensor data has the potential to replace conventional seismic acquisition with analogue geophone groups by single 5C sensors placed at the same station interval when combined with a suitable aliased ground roll attenuation algorithm. The 5C sensor, therefore, allows for sparser, more efficient, data acquisition.

The accuracy of the 5C sensor wavefield gradients depends on the 3C accelerometers, their sensitivity, self‐noise and their separation. These sensor component specifications are derived from various modelling studies. The design principles of the 5C sensor are validated using test data from purpose‐built prototypes. The final prototype was constructed with a pair of 3C accelerometers separated by 20 cm and with a self‐noise of 35 ng Hz−1/2.

Results from a two‐dimensional seismic line show that the seismic image of 5C sensor data with ground roll attenuated using 5C sensor gradient data was comparable to simulated analogue group data as is the standard in the industry. This field example shows that up to three times aliased ground roll was attenuated. The 5C sensor also allows for correcting vertical component accelerometer data for sensor tilt. It is shown that a vertical component sensor that is misaligned with the vertical direction by 10° introduces an error in the seismic data of around –20 dB with respect to the seismic signal, which can be fully corrected. Advances in sensor specifications and processing algorithms are expected to lead to even more effective ground roll attenuation, enabling a reduction in the receiver density resulting in a smaller number of sensors that must be deployed and, therefore, improving the operational efficiency while maintaining image quality.
Distinguishing Atherosclerotic Calcifications in Dry Bone: Implications for Forensic Identification
Authors: Biehler‐Gomez Lucie , Maderna Emanuela , Brescia Gloria , Caruso Valentina , Rizzi Agostino , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: October 2018

Atherosclerotic calcifications, as calcified atheromatous elements, are markers of cardiovascular disease. However, the literature gives little information regarding their morphological aspect, making their identification very rare in skeletonized cases. In this paper, we document the morphological, histological, and SEM aspects of atherosclerotic plaques collected from unclaimed cemeterial skeletal remains from an identified osteological collection and extracted from well‐preserved cadavers autopsied at the medico‐legal institute of Milan. Each of the three analyses provided similar results: atherosclerotic calcifications are convex‐concave plaques with a stratified structure, a pale‐yellow coloration in autopsy cases and yellow to brown when recovered in dry bone. Histologically, undecalcified and decalcified sections showed a stratified aspect formed by superimposed layers. Lastly, the SEM analysis showed a precise view of the stratified structure of the plaques in transverse section. As markers of disease, atherosclerotic calcifications can provide important antemortem information on the deceased that may be compared to antemortem data.
Fasudil exerts a cardio‐protective effect on mice with coxsackievirus B3‐induced acute viral myocarditis
Authors: Dai Kezhi , Wang Yaoyao , Tai Sichao , Ni Huajing , Lian Hao , Yu Yan , Liao Weifang , Zheng Cheng , Chen Qing , Kuver Aarti , Li Jia
Published: October 2018

Aims

To investigate whether there exists a cardio‐protective effect of Fasudil, a selective Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, in an experimental murine model of acute viral myocarditis.

Methods

Male BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to three groups: control, myocarditis treated with placebo and myocarditis treated with Fasudil (n = 40 animals per group). Myocarditis was established by intraperitoneal injection with coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3). Twenty‐four hours after infection, Fasudil was intraperitoneally administered for 14 consecutive days. Twenty mice were randomly selected from each group to monitor a 14‐day survival rate. On day 7 and day 14, eight surviving mice from each group were sacrificed and their hearts and blood were obtained to perform serological and histological examinations. Expression of ROCKs, IL‐17, IL‐1b, TNFα, RORgt, and Foxp3 were quantified with RT‐PCR. Plasma levels of TNF alpha, IL‐1 beta, and IL‐17 were measured by ELISA. In addition, protein levels of IL‐17 and ROCK2 in cardiac tissues were analyzed with Western blot.

Results

Fasudil treatment significantly increased survival, attenuated myocardial necrotic lesions, reduced CVB3 replication and expression of ROCK2 and IL‐17 in the infected hearts. This treatment also imposed a T‐cell subpopulation shift, from Th17 to Treg, in cardiac tissues.

Conclusions

ROCK pathway inhibition was cardio‐protective in viral myocarditis with increased survival, decreased viral replication, and inflammatory response. These findings suggest that Fasudil might be a potential therapeutic agent for patients with viral myocarditis.
Afatinib as first‐line treatment for advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients harboring HER2 mutation: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Shi Yuequan , Wang Mengzhao
Published: October 2018

HER2 mutations are a rare group of driving genes that respond to HER2 targeted therapy, particularly afatinib. No more than 20 such cases have been reported, but afatinib was used after first‐line chemotherapy. We present the case of a never‐smoking female patient diagnosed with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma harboring a Her2 exon 20 inserted mutation who achieved a durable response (12 months) to first‐line afatinib treatment. We review the literature concerning afatinib therapy in this rare cohort of mutated lung cancer patients.
A multistate dynamic occupancy model to estimate local colonization–extinction rates and patterns of co‐occurrence between two or more interacting species
Authors: Fidino Mason , Simonis Juniper L. , Magle Seth B.
Published: October 2018

Although ecology is rife with theory that explores how multiple species co‐occur through space and time, the field lacks robust statistical models to parameterize this theory with empirical data, particularly when species are detected imperfectly and data are collected as a time‐series.

We address this need by developing an occupancy model that estimates local colonization and extinction rates for two or more interacting species when data are collected across multiple sampling occasions. This model estimates how community composition at a site may change across sampling occasions by assuming the latent occupancy state is a categorical random variable. We used a multinomial‐logit model to parameterize species specific parameters and pairwise interactions between species, both of which can be made a function of covariates. These transition probabilities between community states can then be converted to occupancy or co‐occurrence probabilities to determine how community composition varies along an environmental gradient or through time.

As an example, we estimate patterns of co‐occurrence between coyote Canis latrans, Virginia opossum Didelphis virginiana, and raccoon Procyon lotor in Chicago, Illinois, USA with data from a multiyear camera trapping study. Models with pairwise interactions between species greatly out performed models that assumed independence between species. Opossum and raccoon, for example, were far less likely to go extinct in habitat patches where coyotes were present.

Community composition at a site depends on species interactions and the local environment. Our model can separate such effects by estimating the underlying processes that define species occurrence patterns. As a result, our model can more explicitly quantify a wide range of ecological dynamics and therefore be used to empirically test ecological theory, such as estimating priority effects at a site or turnover rates between species, both of which can be made to vary as a function of covariates.
Maternal and congenital cytomegalovirus infections in a population‐based pregnancy cohort study
Authors: Barlinn Regine , Dudman Susanne G. , Trogstad Lill , Gibory Moustafa , Muller Fredrik , Magnus Per , Rollag Halvor
Published: October 2018

CMV is the most common cause of congenital infection. During the past few decades, there has been a change in behaviour that possibly has affected the CMV infection rate of mother and child. We investigated 1350 randomly selected pregnant women from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study using an algorithm for detection of maternal and congenital CMV (cCMV) infection including both serology and nucleic acid amplification assay. The CMV IgG seroprevalence was 54% and 23 (3.7%) mothers seroconverted. Three (0.22%) children had a positive CMV PCR in the umbilical cord blood. The transmission rate was lower than reported in previous studies, probably due to lower sensitivity in plasma compared to saliva and urine. The prevalence of cCMV in the present study was compared with the number registered with the ICD‐10 code P.35.1‐congenital CMV infection in the Norwegian Patient Register. The number registered was lower than the number of estimated infections. Factors like lower level of education and parity were associated with higher CMV IgG seroprevalence, but no significant difference could be linked to age. In conclusion, in this cohort of pregnant women, a high CMV IgG seroconversion rate was found, while the vertical transmission rate was low.
Systematic review with network meta‐analysis: the impact of medical interventions for moderate‐to‐severe ulcerative colitis on health‐related quality of life
Authors: Paschos Paschalis , Katsoula Anastasia , Salanti Georgia , Giouleme Olga , Athanasiadou Eleni , Tsapas Apostolos
Published: October 2018

Background

Patient‐reported outcomes are important in the assessment of efficacy of intervention for ulcerative colitis (UC).

Aim

To compare the impact of interventions for moderate‐to‐severe UC on health‐related quality of life (HRQL).

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase, CENTRAL and grey literature sources through October 2017. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, vedolizumab or tofacitinib to each other or placebo. Outcomes included the change in quality of life scores and the proportion of patients with improvement in quality of life. We performed random‐effect pairwise and network meta‐analysis. We assessed confidence in estimates using the CINeMA (Confidence in Network Meta‐Analysis) framework.

Results

Fourteen RCTs assessed HRQL using the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) (14 trials), the Short Form questionnaire‐36 (SF‐36) (seven trials) or the European Quality of Life‐5 Dimensions questionnaire (EQ‐5D) (three trials). At induction (13 trials), low to very low confidence evidence suggested that all agents significantly improved both generic and disease‐specific HRQL scores compared to placebo. However, only infliximab (MD 18.58; 95% CI 13.19‐23.97) and vedolizumab (MD 18.00; 95% CI 11.08‐24.92) showed clinically meaningful improvement in IBDQ score. Differences among individual interventions were imprecise. For maintenance (four trials), very low confidence evidence suggested that vedolizumab, tofacitinib and adalimumab maintained improvement in HRQL.

Conclusions

Induction treatment with infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, vedolizumab or tofacitinib improves quality of life compared to placebo. Evidence on maintenance therapy is sparse and uncertain. Head‐to‐head comparisons could enhance confidence in conclusions about differences between drugs in terms of HRQL.
P68 RNA helicase promotes invasion of glioma cells through negatively regulating DUSP5
Authors: Wang Rui , Bao Hong‐Bo , Du Wen‐Zhong , Chen Xiao‐Feng , Liu Huai‐Lei , Han Da‐Yong , Wang Li‐Gang , Wu Jia‐Ning , Wang Chun‐Lei , Yang Ming‐Chun , Liu Zhan‐Wen , Zhang Na , Teng Lei
Published: November 2018

Gliomas are the most common central nervous system tumors. They show malignant characteristics indicating rapid proliferation and a high invasive capacity and are associated with a poor prognosis. In our previous study, p68 was overexpressed in glioma cells and correlated with both the degree of glioma differentiation and poor overall survival. Downregulating p68 significantly suppressed proliferation in glioma cells. Moreover, we found that the p68 gene promoted glioma cell growth by activating the nuclear factor‐κB signaling pathway by a downstream molecular mechanism that remains incompletely understood. In this study, we found that dual specificity phosphatase 5 (DUSP5) is a downstream target of p68, using microarray analysis, and that p68 negatively regulates DUSP5. Upregulating DUSP5 in stably expressing cell lines (U87 and LN‐229) suppressed proliferation, invasion, and migration in glioma cells in vitro, consistent with the downregulation of p68. Furthermore, upregulating DUSP5 inhibited ERK phosphorylation, whereas downregulating DUSP5 rescued the level of ERK phosphorylation, indicating that DUSP5 might negatively regulate ERK signaling. Additionally, we show that DUSP5 levels were lower in high‐grade glioma than in low‐grade glioma. These results suggest that the p68‐induced negative regulation of DUSP5 promoted invasion by glioma cells and mediated the activation of the ERK signaling pathway.
Contact sensitization to plants of the Compositae family: Data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) from 2007 to 2016
Authors: Bauer Andrea , Geier Johannes , Schreiber Sophie , Schubert Steffen ,   For the IVDK
Published: October 2018

Background

The Compositae plant family includes many thousands of species, making it one of the most widespread group of plants worldwide. Sensitization to Compositae allergens may occur in private or in occupational settings.

Objectives

To monitor the current spectrum of sensitization to Compositae allergens, especially in cooks and florists.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed patch test results obtained with two Compositae mixes (CMs) (CM I and CM II; switch in October 2011), their individual components, and sesquiterpene lactone (SL) mix in 1492 cooks, 851 florists, and a control group (118 358 other patients) registered in the IVDK, 2007 to 2016.

Results

Florists reacted significantly more frequently to CM I and II (CM I, 8.7%; CM II, 10.6%) than did cooks (CM I, 2.1%; CM II, 0.8%) and controls (CM I, 1.3%; CM II, 1.2%). Additional testing with SL mix detected 14.3% more sensitizations than CM I or CM II alone.

Conclusions

Florists are at considerable risk of sensitization to Compositae allergens. Patch testing with both CM and SL mix is recommended.
The need for long‐term multidisciplinary attention after stroke
Authors: Roggeman Stijn , Truyers Chris
Published: October 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Cooper et al. on pages 161–167 of this issue.
SEPARATING BETWEEN UNOBSERVED CONSUMER TYPES: EVIDENCE FROM AIRLINES
Authors: Escobari Diego , Hernandez Manuel A.
Published: October 2018

We propose an alternative approach to identify unobserved consumer types and assess whether firms price discriminate. Unlike other screening schemes that rely on quantity discounts or product differentiation, in our finite mixture structure individuals have unit demands and the product is homogeneous. We implement the model using an original U.S. airlines data set. The results support the existence of two demand types. The high‐type “business” traveler is less price sensitive, has a higher valuation, and pays a higher price than the low type “tourist.” The proportion of high types also increases as the departure date nears. (JEL C23, L93, R41)
Fast failure prediction of adhesively bonded structures using a coupled stress‐energetic failure criterion
Authors: Le Pavic Jérémy , Stamoulis Georgios , Bonnemains Thomas , Da Silva David , Thévenet David
Published: October 2018

The use of adhesively bonded joints in industrial structures requires reliable tools for the estimation of the failure load. The necessary and sufficient condition to predict the strength of such joints involves the implementation of a coupled stress and energetic criteria. However, its application necessitates the identification of the stress distribution along the adhesive layer, which has been approximated in this paper by a previously published closed‐form solution. This analysis along with finite element modelling results are compared with experimental data issued from a double‐notched sample tested with the Arcan fixture at various load ratios. The results show good agreement; the use of the closed‐form solution permitted to predict the failure load more rapidly and in a conservative manner compared with the experimental results. The application of the methodology is also extended to a wider range of joint geometries by means of spatial interpolation using the Kriging model.
Oxytocin and vasopressin in the rodent hippocampus
Authors: Cilz Nicholas I. , Cymerblit‐Sabba Adi , Young W. Scott
Published: October 2018

The role of the hippocampus in social memory and behavior is under intense investigation. Oxytocin (Oxt) and vasopressin (Avp) are two neuropeptides with many central actions related to social cognition. Oxt‐ and Avp‐expressing fibers are abundant in the hippocampus and receptors for both peptides are seen throughout the different subfields, suggesting that Oxt and Avp modulate hippocampal‐dependent processes. In this review, we first focus on the anatomical sources of Oxt and Avp input to the hippocampus and consider the distribution of their corresponding receptors in different hippocampal subfields and neuronal populations. We next discuss the behavioral outcomes related to social memory seen with perturbation of hippocampal Oxt and Avp signaling. Finally, we review Oxt and Avp modulatory mechanisms in the hippocampus that may underlie the behavioral roles for both peptides.
Home and neighbourhood built environment features in family‐based treatment for childhood obesity
Authors: Hayes J. F. , Balantekin K. N. , Conlon R. P. K. , Brown M. L. , Stein R. I. , Welch R. R. , Perri M. G. , Schechtman K. B. , Epstein L. H. , Wilfley D. E. , Saelens B. E.
Published: October 2018

Background

Family‐based behavioural weight loss treatment (FBT) for childhood obesity helps families develop strategies to facilitate healthy choices in their home and other environments (e.g. home neighbourhood). The current study examines how the home food environment, both pre‐FBT and post‐FBT, and the neighbourhoods in which families live are associated with child weight and weight‐related outcomes in FBT.

Methods

Parent–child dyads (n = 181) completed a 16‐session FBT programme and completed home environment, anthropometric and child dietary/activity assessments at pre‐FBT and post‐FBT. Parents reported on availability of food, electronics and physical activity equipment in the home. The neighbourhood food and recreation environments around each dyad's residence was characterized using existing data within a geographic information system.

Results

Families successfully made healthy home environment modifications during FBT. Regression models showed reducing RED (e.g. high‐energy‐dense and low‐nutrient‐dense) foods and electronics in the home during FBT had positive effects on child weight and weight‐related outcomes. No neighbourhood food or recreation environment variables were significantly related to outcomes, although having a larger density of public recreation spaces was associated with increases in physical activity at the trend‐level.

Conclusions

Modifying the home environment, specifically reducing RED foods and electronics, may be particularly important for FBT success.
When political values and perceptions of deservingness collide: Evaluating public support for homelessness investments in Canada
Authors: Doberstein Carey , Smith Alison
Published: October 2018

Citizen attitudes toward welfare state investments are often explained by their ideological values and their perceptions of deservingness of welfare recipients, yet recent experimental research has led to the theorization that clear deservingness cues can overwhelm otherwise strong ideological beliefs. We tested these claims with respect to homelessness in Canada using a vignette survey experiment and found evidence that citizens with very different political beliefs can support similar government investments, indeed from a shared sense of deservingness as suggested by recent experimental studies, but that support is anchored by rather different reasons.

Key Practitioner Message:

• Citizen support for homelessness investments is jointly mediated by ideology and a sense of the “deservingness” of the beneficiary.

• Emphasizing the broader cost savings to taxpayers from “Housing First” does not make conservative‐leaning citizens more supportive of investments.

• Emphasizing the personal attributes of persons experiencing homelessness rather than abstract statistics may unite progressives and conservatives on “deservingness”.
Photodarkening and anti‐Stokes photoluminescence from PbSe and Sr2+‐doped PbSe quantum dots in silicate glasses
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Jing , Liu Chao , Han Jianjun
Published: November 2018

Photoluminescence (PL) properties of PbSe and Sr2+‐doped PbSe quantum dots (QDs) doped in silicate glasses were investigated by changing the excited laser wavelength and intensity. When BaO was replaced by SrO, the Sr2+‐doped PbSe QDs formed and showed large blue‐shifts in both absorption and PL bands compared to the PbSe QDs. It is attributed to the increasing in band gap resulted by the incorporation of Sr2+ ions into PbSe QDs. These two kinds of QDs were excited by the laser with the wavelengths of 1319 and 1532 nm. When rising the pumping intensity up to 1000 mW, the PL intensity from Sr2+‐doped PbSe QDs monotonically increased, while, the PL intensity from PbSe QDs reached maximum at pumping intensity at ~200 mW (λex = 1319 nm) and ~300 mW (λex = 1532 nm). The good resistance to photodarkening of Sr2+‐doped PbSe QDs is indicated passivation effect on the surface defects from Sr2+ ions doping. For Sr2+‐doped PbSe QDs the anti‐Stokes photoluminescence (ASPL) were observed when using both 1319 and 1532 nm excitation. The integrated intensity of the ASPL is linear with the excitation intensity, which indicates that the ASPL belongs to the phonon‐assisted one‐photon process. And the ASPL intensity as a function of excitation intensity shows a size dependence of the QDs.
Points mechanisms and rewards programs
Authors: Temnyalov Emil
Published: November 2018

I study points programs, such as frequent flyer and other rewards programs, as a revenue management tool. I develop a two‐period contracting model where a capacity‐constrained firm faces consumers who privately learn their valuations over time. The firm cannot commit to long‐term contracts, but it can commit to allocate any unsold capacity through a points program. This points scheme creates an endogenous and type‐dependent outside option for consumers, which generates novel incentives in the firm's pricing problem. It induces the firm to screen less ex interim, and to offer lower equilibrium prices, reversing the intuition of demand cannibalization.
Influence of cleaning methods on bond strength to saliva contaminated zirconia
Authors: Irmak Özgür , Yaman Batu Can , Orhan Ekim Onur , Kılıçarslan Mehmet Ali , Mante Francis K. , Ozer Fusun
Published: October 2018

Objective

To evaluate the influence of saliva contamination and cleaning procedures on shear bond strength (SBS) of a self‐adhesive resin cement (SAC) to zirconia surfaces.

Materials and Methods

A total of 160 sandblasted zirconia blocks were randomly divided into eight groups as follows: No saliva contamination, no cleansing (NC‐NC); contamination with saliva, no cleansing (SC‐NC); no saliva contamination, cleansing with a zirconia primer (ZP; Z‐Bond, Danville Materials, Inc., S. Ramon, California) (NC‐ZP); contamination with saliva, cleansing with ZP (SC‐ZP); no saliva contamination, cleansing with hydrofluoric acid (HF; Ultradent Porcelain Etch; Ultradent Products, South Jordan, Utah) followed by cleansing with ZP (NC‐HF‐ZP); contamination with saliva, cleansing with HF followed by cleansing with ZP (SC‐HF‐ZP); cleansing with ZP, contamination with saliva, cleansing with ZP (ZP‐SC‐ZP); application of ZP, contamination with saliva, cleansing with HF followed by cleansing with ZP (ZP‐SC‐HF‐ZP). Cylindrical resin composite blocks were luted to the zirconia surfaces with SAC (Clearfil SA Cement Automix, Kuraray, Inc., Tokyo, Japan). Specimens were subjected to shear forces at a cross‐head speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed with Analysis of Variance and Tukey tests (α = 0.05).

Results

The bond strength values to zirconia were significantly influenced by saliva contamination (P < .05). The SC‐NC group showed the lowest bond strength values (5.6 ± 1.4 MPa; P < .05). All cleansing or pretreatment agents improved the bond strengths when compared to noncleansing groups, NC‐NC and SC‐NC.

Conclusion

In situations where saliva contamination is deemed unavoidable, application of ZP after try‐in of the zirconia restoration could be beneficial for the accurate cementation.

Clinical Significance

During try‐in sessions of fixed dental prostheses, zirconia ceramic restoration may come into contact with saliva and surfaces should be cleansed to obtain an optimal surface for adhesion. Application of zirconia primer to the sandblasted zirconia surface is recommended whether the surface is contaminated with saliva or not.
Quantitative detection of moisture content in rice seeds based on hyperspectral technique
Authors: Lu Bing , Sun Jun , Yang Ning , Wu Xiaohong , Zhou Xin , Shen Jifeng
Published: October 2018

To explore the best method for quantitative detection of moisture content in rice seeds, the total of 120 samples of rice seeds with different moisture content were studied by hyperspectral technique in the experiment. Sensitive wavelengths of moisture were firstly selected by calculating the migration rate, after that successive projections algorithm (SPA) was used to select characteristic wavelengths. The clustering method was proposed to increase the ability of prediction model by increasing the discrimination of hyperspectral eigenvalues of each sample group. Firstly, fuzzy C‐mean clustering (FCM) algorithm was applied to cluster the characteristic wavelengths selected by SPA. Then the prediction model was established by support vector regression (SVR). Due to the unsatisfied clustering effect, simulated annealing genetic algorithm (SAGA) was introduced for clustering. By comparing the results based on original eigenvalues, FCM and SAGA clustering, respectively, it was found that the best method was SAGA. The SAGA‐SVR mode achieved the value with of .8892 and RMSEP of 0.0296. The relaxation variable was introduced to reduce interval threshold because the was not ideal, and the final value achieved with of .9318 and RMSEP of 0.0264. It was proved that the SAGA‐SVR model can be used for moisture detection of rice seeds.

Practical applications

Rice is widely cultivated around the world, the moisture content of rice seed is an important index for judging the quality of rice seeds. The moisture detection of single rice seed is absolutely feasible, but the moisture content of single rice seed is not representative. Traditional methods cannot make batch detection of moisture content in rice seeds, which are also easy to cause secondary pollution in the process of detection, so they cannot meet the requirements of fine management in modern agricultural. Hyperspectral technology, a safe and effective technique, has been widely used in moisture detection of foods. This study showed that hyperspectral technology can accurately predict moisture content in rice seeds after proper data processing.
Microencapsulated ascorbic acid: Development, characterization, and release profile in simulated gastrointestinal fluids
Authors: da Cruz Michele Cristina Rodrigues , Perussello Camila Augusto , Masson Maria Lúcia
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to produce ascorbic acid (AA) microcapsules by complex coacervation, characterize them, and evaluate the release profile in simulated gastrointestinal fluids. The microcapsules were made of gelatin and pectin at concentrations of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0%. The coacervated microcapsules were assessed for morphology (by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy), water activity (Aw), hygroscopicity, solubility, encapsulation efficiency (EE), thermal behavior, and AA release profile. The AA microcapsules were characterized by low solubility, low hygroscopicity, high thermal stability, and low diameter (<10 μm), with EE ranging from 23.7 to 94.3%. The release profile was faster in gastric fluid (pH 1.8) than in intestinal fluid (pH 6.8). The sample containing 2.0% of wall material and 50% (w/w) of the simple emulsion (core) had the highest EE and the best in vitro release profile, with release of only 68% of AA in 120 min in the gastric fluid.

Practical applications

Ascorbic acid (AA) is widely used in the food industry as an antioxidant, but practical use becomes limited due to its high instability. Microencapsulation was proposed as an alternative to increase the stability of this compound. Gelatin and pectin were used as wall materials in the production of ascorbic acid microcapsules by complex coacervation. Both solubility and hygroscopicity were low while the thermal stability of the active material improved with the microencapsulation process. Ascorbic acid release was more pronounced in gastric fluid (pH 1.8) and slower in intestinal fluid (pH 6.8). The results of this study demonstrate that the microcapsules produced represent a feasible method of increasing AA availability in food products, especially for those samples that presented high encapsulation efficiency.
The CRISPR/Cas revolution continues: From efficient gene editing for crop breeding to plant synthetic biology
Authors: Kumlehn Jochen , Pietralla Janine , Hensel Goetz , Pacher Michael , Puchta Holger
Published: November 2018

Since the discovery that nucleases of the bacterial CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat)‐associated (Cas) system can be used as easily programmable tools for genome engineering, their application massively transformed different areas of plant biology. In this review, we assess the current state of their use for crop breeding to incorporate attractive new agronomical traits into specific cultivars of various crop plants. This can be achieved by the use of Cas9/12 nucleases for double‐strand break induction, resulting in mutations by non‐homologous recombination. Strategies for performing such experiments − from the design of guide RNA to the use of different transformation technologies − are evaluated. Furthermore, we sum up recent developments regarding the use of nuclease‐deficient Cas9/12 proteins, as DNA‐binding moieties for targeting different kinds of enzyme activities to specific sites within the genome. Progress in base deamination, transcriptional induction and transcriptional repression, as well as in imaging in plants, is also discussed. As different Cas9/12 enzymes are at hand, the simultaneous application of various enzyme activities, to multiple genomic sites, is now in reach to redirect plant metabolism in a multifunctional manner and pave the way for a new level of plant synthetic biology.
The Context of Entrepreneurial Judgment: Organizations, Markets, and Institutions
Authors: Foss Nicolai J. , Klein Peter G. , Bjørnskov Christian
Published: November 2018

The economics and management literatures pay increasing attention to the technological, competitive, and institutional environment for entrepreneurship. However, less is known about how context influences the judgment of entrepreneurs. Focusing on the emerging judgment‐based approach to entrepreneurship, we argue that economics can say much about how the organizational, market, and institutional context shapes entrepreneurial judgment. We describe entrepreneurs as individuals who deploy scarce, heterogeneous resources to service customer preferences at a profit. Because of uncertainty, this process is essentially experimental, and context influences the experimental process. Thus, entrepreneurs will seek to design the internal organization of the firm so that it facilitates internal experimentation. Moreover, the market or task environment determines the need for experimentation (e.g., how fast do consumer preferences change, how does technology evolve, which assets are available at which terms, etc.). Finally, the institutional environment influences, for example, the transaction costs of acquiring and divesting assets as firms adjust their boundaries through ongoing commercial experimentation.