bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value of initial relationships in new business start-ups
Authors: Santos Jose Novais , Mota Joao
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Several studies have focussed on new ventures and the development of their first business relationships. However, the understanding of the value functions and involvement in those relationships remain inadequate. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relating process of a new venture by combining the value function framework and the notion of the degrees of involvement in business relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors rely on two exploratory longitudinal case studies that focus on two start-ups. In both cases, the evolution of initial relationships with suppliers and customers over a period of time are studied.

Findings

The process of relating can occur through a diversity of business relationships manifested in both their value functions and their degree of involvement. The combination of value functions is not stable over time nor is the degree of involvement in business relationships. Moreover, specific interdependencies emerge between the value functions in the customer base and the supplier base of the new ventures over time.

Originality/value

This paper is among the few that explore the emergence of new ventures by considering both suppliers and customer relationships. From a business network perspective, the paper also shows that combining value functions and degrees of involvement provides a better understanding of the role of relationship diversity in the process of becoming a node in the business network.
The influence of brokers on networking behaviour during internationalization: a study of Czech SMEs
Authors: Srivastava Mohit
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Under given environmental uncertainties, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of brokers on the networking behaviour of small- and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) and the subsequent impact on the performance of SMEs. The following five different types of brokers were tested, namely, coordinator, representative, cosmopolitan, liaison and gatekeeper brokers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an online survey and analyzed by using the hierarchical regression method.

Findings

The results from the hierarchical regression analysis of 198 Czech firms showed that coordinator and representative brokers moderate the relationship between environmental uncertainty and networking behaviour. However, under high environmental uncertainty, the coordinator broker worked best, whereas in the host country, under low environmental uncertainty, the representative broker worked best.

Originality/value

The findings of this study have useful implications for SMEs in selecting an appropriate broker for strengthening their networking behaviour in the international market. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of various types of brokers on networking behaviour during their internationalization of SMEs. More specifically, this study examined if and how, given the uncertainties in the international market, multiple brokers help SME executives develop networking behaviour.
Climate change adaptation planning for cultural heritage, a national scale methodology
Authors: Daly Cathy , Engel Purcell Caroline , Donnelly Jacqui , Chan Clara , MacDonagh Michael , Cox Peter
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Ireland's Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 established the requirement for a National Adaptation Framework (NAF) composed of nine sectoral plans, of which Built and Archaeological Heritage is one. All the plans were written according to the six-step process outlined in Sectoral Planning Guidelines for Climate Change Adaptation produced by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE, 2018) which is also the government department charged with coordinating the NAF. This article will summarise the application of the methodology to heritage resources in Ireland, the issues encountered and the results achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

The plan was informed by existing research and incorporated expert, stakeholder and public consultation throughout the process. It also closely considered published plans from other sectors in order to aid consistency within the NAF and to ensure cross-cutting issues were highlighted.

Findings

Of the many potential impacts of climate change, those identified as priorities for adaptation planning in Ireland were flooding (inland and coastal), storm damage, coastal erosion, soil movement (landslip or erosion), changing burial preservation conditions, pests and mould, wildfires and maladaptation. Goals, objectives and an action plan were developed commensurate with the five-year term of the plan, but also initiating a long-term strategic vision. A monitoring strategy was developed to monitor progress, identify problems and inform improvements to the adaptation plan as part of an iterative process.

Originality/value

Much work is being done on the topic of climate change and cultural heritage, yet at the time of writing Ireland is believed to be the only country to have adopted a national adaptation plan for cultural heritage.
Outsourcing and public universities performance in Nigeria, the mediating effect of trust
Authors: Mohammad Haruna Isa
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Outsourcing has become part of organizational strategy for achieving efficiency and effectiveness. This study aims to examine outsourcing and public universities’ performance in Nigeria, the mediating effect of trust.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used 353 respondents as sample size drawn from 12 public universities across the six geo-political zones of the country. The study used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using ADANCO 2.0.1.

Findings

The study found significant relationships between outsourcing and quality of teaching and research (core activities) and outsourcing and the quality of other activities (non-core). Also, the study found a significant relationship between outsourcing and low-cost. While the study supports the position of transaction cost economics and relational theories, in contrast, it has not supported the core competence theory. Generally, the study found that outsourcing significantly affects public universities’ performance in Nigeria, and trust partially mediates the relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The study, such as any other research, has limitations. The study is only limited to public universities and the research has not included students in its survey.

Practical implications

Managers of public universities are always looking for ways to reduce costs and enhance the quality of their activities. This study has demonstrated the relevance of outsourcing activities in Nigerian Public Universities. Therefore, managers should focus on outsourcing in areas that have not been outsourced but have the potentials of efficiency and effectiveness if outsourced. Furthermore, the study broadens the understanding of promoting an environment of trust in outsourcing; therefore, managers should encourage trust with their vendors to achieve the desired outcomes of outsourcing.

Originality/value

This study examines the mediating effect of trust on the relationship between outsourcing and public universities’ performance in Nigeria empirically, drawing on the core and non-core activities of the universities. The study has contributed to the discourse on outsourcing and public universities’ performance in Nigeria. The study also unveiled the contribution of outsourcing activities in public universities in Nigeria, and how trust as a uni-dimensional construct mediates in achieving outsourcing that contributes to the public university system. Finally, the study also contributed to the understanding that universities can outsource some of their core competences and achieve performance.
Supply chain agility assessment of an Indonesian humanitarian organization
Authors: Rasyidi Rizal Afif , Kusumastuti Ratih Dyah
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The article presents an evaluation of the supply chain agility of the Indonesian humanitarian organization Aksi Cepat Tanggap (ACT). It discusses the flexibility, responsiveness and effectiveness of ACT's supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The supply chain agility metrics were assessed based on interviews with representatives from ACT and the National Agency for Disaster Management (Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana [BNPB]). Recommendations were made based on the assessment results.

Findings

The findings of this study indicated that ACT's supply chain agility maturity was at level 2 or repeatable. This meant that ACT's humanitarian supply chain (HSC) had demonstrated agility only on limited occasions. ACT's supply chain agility can be improved by enhancing the flexibility component.

Practical implications

The study shows how to assess the supply chain agility of a humanitarian organization and identify the components/capabilities of agility that need improvement. The same assessment can be conducted by other humanitarian organizations to enhance their supply chain agility to improve their emergency response in the event of a disaster.

Originality/value

The study provides insights into the supply chain agility of a locally based humanitarian organization in an emerging country, which is rarely discussed in the literature.
The extent and impact of intellectual capital research: a two decade analysis
Authors: Bamel Umesh , Pereira Vijay , Del Giudice Manlio , Temouri Yama
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper examines the leading publication trends including the extent and impact of intellectual capital research in theJournal of Intellectual Capital(JIC) over a two-decade period (2000–2020). The bibliometric analysis offers the description of publications trends such as key authors, articles, cited references, institutions and countries— in other words the extent and impact in the field. This paper also presents the knowledge structure (including conceptual, intellectual and social structures) of JIC, that is prominent themes, co-citation and bibliographic networks.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to achieve research objectives, we collected the bibliographic information of the articles published in JIC for the period 2000 to 2020 from the Scopus database on 11.04.2020. The bibliographic information of 737 documents were analysed using to open source analysis tool, that is bibliometrics package in r software and VOSviewer. These tools were used to create the graphical visualization of bibliographic data on basis of co-occurrence, co-citation and bibliographic coupling.

Findings

The results show that the journal is progressing in terms of publication quantity and reputation in the field. To date, 737 documents have been published in JIC, which includes 659 research articles, eight editorials, seven notes and 63 review papers. This paper also portrays the author impact list in terms of most impactful articles published in JIC. Country-wise Italy, Australia, and USA exert maximum influence on JIC scholarship.

Originality/value

Bibliographic analysis offers a comprehensive understanding of past trends and presents the future direction of a journal.
Idiosyncratic job-design practices for cultivating personal knowledge management among knowledge workers in organizations
Authors: Shujahat Muhammad , Wang Minhong , Ali Murad , Bibi Anum , Razzaq Shahid , Durst Susanne
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The high turnover rate of knowledge workers presents a challenge to both organizational and personal knowledge management. Although personal knowledge management plays an important role in organizational knowledge management, empirical research on the practices for its application is underdeveloped. This study aims to examine the role of idiosyncratic job-design practices (i.e. job definition, job autonomy, innovation as a job requirement and lifelong learning orientation) in cultivating personal knowledge management among knowledge workers in organizations, to increase their productivity and safeguard the organization against knowledge loss arising from knowledge workers’ interfirm mobility.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 221 knowledge workers pursuing various knowledge-intensive jobs through a questionnaire survey and were analysed using partial least squares modelling.

Findings

The results demonstrated that three job-design practices (job definition, innovation as a job requirement and lifelong learning orientation) have a positive impact on personal knowledge management among knowledge workers and thus improve their productivity. However, job autonomy can affect personal knowledge management negatively.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are confined to a specific context and should be replicated across different contexts for better generalizability in future research.

Practical implications

Organizational managers should pay attention to (re)designing knowledge-intensive jobs to cultivate personal knowledge management by clearly outlining job responsibilities, offering opportunities to add relevant job activities and drop irrelevant ones, and making innovation and lifelong learning a formal job requirement. In addition, job autonomy should be judiciously provided along with sufficient social and network support to avoid lost opportunities in knowledge creation and sharing, and should be linked to job responsibilities and performance appraisals to avoid negative effects.

Originality/value

The high turnover rate of knowledge workers presents a challenge to both organizational and personal knowledge management. This study contributes to the literature by addressing the research gap in two aspects. Firstly, based on Drucker’s theory, this study identifies four idiosyncratic job-design practices (job definition, job autonomy, innovation as a job requirement and lifelong learning orientation) that reflect the distinctive characteristics of knowledge-intensive work. Secondly, this study examines whether and how these practices can cultivate personal knowledge management among knowledge workers, which can support their productivity.
Deriving wisdom from virtual investing communities: an alternative strategy to stock recommendations
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Mukherjee Shubhadeep , Kumar Bipul , Bala Pradip Kumar
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Colossal information is available in cyberspace from a variety of sources such as blogs, reviews, posts and feedback. The mentioned sources have helped in improving various business processes from product development to stock market development. This paper aims to transform this wealth of information in the online medium to economic wealth. Earlier approaches to investment decision-making are dominated by the analyst's recommendations. However, their credibility has been questioned for herding behavior, conflict of interest and favoring underwriter's firms. This study assumes that members of the online crowd who have been reliable, profitable and knowledgeable in the recent past will continue to be so soon.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors identify credible members as experts using multi-criteria decision-making tools. In this work, an alternative actionable investment strategy is proposed and demonstrated through a mock-up. The experimental prototype is divided into two phases: expert selection and investment.

Findings

The created portfolio is comparable and even profitable than several major global stock indices.

Practical implications

This work aims to benefit individual investors, investment managers and market onlookers.

Originality/value

This paper takes into account factors: the accuracy and trustworthiness of the sources of stock market recommendations. Earlier work in the area has focused solely intelligence of the analyst for the stock recommendation. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that the combined intelligence of the virtual investment communities has been considered to make stock market recommendations.
Business incubator effectiveness and commercialization strategy: a thematic analysis
Authors: Games Donard , Kartika Rayna , Sari Dessy Kurnia , Assariy Afif
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the business incubator and its impact on commercialization strategies based on incubatees’ aspirations in three business incubators in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was used, which involved conducting semi-structured in-depth interviews on 14 startup owners who are tenants in 3 incubators in Indonesia. The data obtained were analyzed using a thematic analysis assisted with NVivo 12.

Findings

Business incubator effectiveness was found to be heavily dependent on incubatees’ satisfaction in their interactions with the incubators. Moreover, some patterns were formed from thematic analysis and used to produce three propositions.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted qualitatively using only 14 interviewees or incubatees from 3 business incubators in Indonesia. Moreover, a thematic analysis offers flexibility from basic to organizing and global themes, but, in this case, there may be a lack of deeper understanding, for example, in psychological viewpoints.

Practical implications

Business incubators in this study need to reevaluate their incubation process based on their incubatees’ aspirations. These have to be considered from the beginning of the process, particularly the innovation aspect. Meanwhile, policy implications were also discussed

Social implications

Policymakers have realized the importance of business incubators in enhancing Indonesia’s innovation and competitiveness, and this has made them encourage the establishment of some new business incubators. It is, however, important to note that most of the existing ones are simply “rubber stamp” and to improve their operations and performances, some recommendations were made.

Originality/value

Despite the potential importance of incubation in enhancing technopreneurship and increasing a nation’s competitiveness, little research has been conducted on incubators in Indonesia’s ability to fulfill such high expectations. This specifically means there is no information on the present and past perceptions of tenants or startups on the incubators’ performances.
Understanding learning spillover: the major role of reflection in the formal–informal learning interaction within different cultural value settings
Authors: Richter Svenja , Kortsch Timo , Kauffeld Simone
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study uses a holistic approach to learning at work to examine the role of reflection in the formal–informal learning interaction. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the reflection on a formal training affects the subsequent informal learning activities. This study also aims to provide insights into the effects of national culture values (in terms of uncertainty avoidance) on learning in the context of a globalized world of work.

Design/methodology/approach

In a longitudinal study, 444 employees working for a global acting automotive company located in 6 countries were surveyed 2 times (4–6 weeks between both measurements). Participants reflected on a training they participated in (t1: satisfaction and utility) and indicated their informal learning activities (t2). Structural equation modelling was used to investigate the effect of the reflection of training (t1) on the proceeding use of informal learning strategies (t2) and how uncertainty avoidance affects the use of different learning forms.

Findings

Results show a spillover effect: when employees reflect a formal training and rate it as satisfying, more use of informal learning proceeds. No effects were found for utility. Uncertainty avoidance had direct effects: high uncertainty avoidance results in better evaluations and more informal learning. Furthermore, uncertainty avoidance had an indirect effect on informal learning via reflection.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the formal–informal learning interaction longitudinally and to introduce reflection as a mediator within this process. Furthermore, the study provides evidence that uncertainty avoidance is an important factor for formal and informal learning in the globalized world of work.
Perceived TMT transformational leadership and a service recovery culture: the moderating role of gender diversity
Authors: Galbreath Jeremy , Hoffman Douglas , Gonzalez Gabriel , Quaddus Mohammed
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This is an exploratory study with the purpose of empirically testing and advancing knowledge on the relationship between top management team (TMT) leadership styles and a service recovery culture. A further test explores a contingency perspective, examining if gender diversity on the TMT shapes this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

We examine the perceived TMT transformational leadership style, as well as the moderating effect of TMT gender diversity. Relying on both survey and archival data, our hypotheses are tested with a sample of 234 public firms based in the United States. Moderated hierarchical regression analysis is used as the statistical approach.

Findings

Results suggest that perceived TMT transformational leadership is positively associated with a service recovery culture. When accounting for TMT gender diversity, the relationship between perceived TMT transformational leadership and a service recovery culture is positively moderated.

Research limitations/implications

The study represents a sample of for-profit public firms operating in the United States and should not be taken as a general population sample. The findings could vary relative to other countries, private companies and non-profit organizations.

Originality/value

This is the first known study to explore the relationship between TMT leadership styles, TMT gender diversity and a service recovery culture. The study extends findings with the respect to the impact of TMT leadership and gender diversity on organizational development, as well as offers new insights into the antecedents of a service recovery culture.
CEO-to-employee pay ratio and CEO diversity
Authors: Alan Nazli Sila , Bardos Katsiaryna Salavei , Shelkova Natalya Y.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The motivation behind Section 953(b) of Dodd–Frank Act was the increasing pay inequality and supposed CEOs' rent extraction. It required public companies to disclose CEO-to-employee pay ratios. Using the ratios reported by S&P 1500 firms in 2017–18, this paper examines whether companies led by women and minority CEOs have lower ratios than those led by white male CEOs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses multivariate regression along with a matched sample analysis to examine whether female and minority CEOs have higher CEO-to-employee pay ratios compared to male and white CEOs, controlling for other determinants of pay ratios.

Findings

Results indicate that CEO-to-employee pay ratios are 22–28% higher for female CEOs compared to their male counterparts, controlling for other determinants of pay ratios. There is, however, no statistically significant difference between the pay ratios of minority vs white male CEOs. Minority female CEOs have lower CEO-to-employee pay ratios than white female CEOs. Consistent with literature, larger and more profitable firms have higher CEO-to-employee pay ratios.

Originality/value

While prior studies on determinants of CEO-to-employee pay ratios have used either industry-level or self-reported data for a small subset of firms (resulting in selection bias), this paper uses firm-level data that are available for all S&P 1500 firms due to new disclosure requirements due to the Dodd–Frank Act Section 953(b). Moreover, this is the first paper to test whether gender or ethnicity of a CEO affects within-firm pay inequality.
Species responses to changing precipitation depend on trait plasticity rather than trait means and intraspecific variation
Authors: Zhang Bingwei , Hautier Yann , Tan Xingru , You Cuihai , Cadotte Marc W. , Chu Chengjin , Jiang Lin , Sui Xinghua , Ren Tingting , Han Xingguo , Chen Shiping
Published: September 2020

Trait‐based approaches are key to develop mechanistic understanding of differences in plant species performance under environmental change. While mean trait values have been widely used to link functional traits to species performance, the contribution of intraspecific trait variation and trait plasticity remains unclear. Moreover, environmentally induced changes in species biomass are caused by changes in the number of individuals and individual growth rate, both of which should be influenced by trait differences and plasticity. Our goal in this study is to use trait‐based information to explain species performance via changes in species abundance and individual weight.

We measured the mean, intraspecific variation and plasticity of nine above‐ground plant traits, and a further three mean root traits from 10 common species in a precipitation manipulation experiment in semi‐arid grassland. We used this trait information to explain differences in the responses of species biomass, abundance and mean individual weight to changing precipitation. Species responses were calculated as the normalised slopes of the regressions between species biomass, abundance and individual weight with the manipulated precipitation amount.

We found strong differences in species responses to changing precipitation for species biomass, abundance and mean individual weight. Reduced precipitation decreased biomass, abundance and mean individual weight for some species, but increased them for others. Biomass and mean individual weight of species with resource‐acquisitive traits, such as shallow rooted species, showed stronger positive responses to changing precipitation compared to resource‐conservative traits, like those with deep roots. For above‐ground traits, trait plasticity was the strongest predictor of species responses compared to mean traits and intraspecific trait variation. In addition, trait plasticity regulated changes in species biomass more via changes in species abundance than mean individual weight.

These results indicate that trait plasticity is a key driver for determining species‐specific responses to changing precipitation and needs more consideration for understanding and predicting ecosystem structure and functioning in future climate scenarios.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Longitudinal description and evaluation of an emergency department avoidance strategy for a youth mass gathering (Schoolies) in Australia
Authors: Johnston Amy NB , Byrne Jacqueline H , Bost Nerolie , Aitken Michael , Wadham Jasmine , Donnelly Tonya , Timms Jo , Crilly Julia
Published: September 2020

Objective

ED avoidance strategies including In‐Event Health Service (IEHS) processes during mass gathering events (MGEs), such as ‘Schoolies week’, may be important for EDs, ambulance services, the local population, and attendees. The aim of the present study was to provide a longitudinal description of emergency care requirements for young adults (16–18 years old); focussing on the impact of the Schoolies MGEs.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included youth (16–18 years) presentations made (i) to local public EDs during Schoolies week in 2008–2014 and (ii) to local EDs over a 3‐week period (pre, during, post‐Schoolies week) and the IEHS in 2015 and 2016. Descriptive and inferential statistics were undertaken.

Results

Youth presentations (n = 4256) were included. Presentation rates/1000 fluctuated over time (range 6.2–21.2). The IEHS provided care for 167 and 288 youth during 2015 and 2016 Schoolies week, respectively. Demographic factors (gender, age, region domiciled) and episode of care factors (time of presentation, mode of arrival, urgency, time to triage, time to be seen by a clinician and length of stay) between 2008 and 2016 varied by year. Toxicology (alcohol and other drugs), trauma, and mental health concerns were the most common diagnoses.

Conclusions

The IEHS, operational during Schoolies, appeared to reduce pressures on local EDs by offering rapid, targeted care for potentially vulnerable youth; decrease requirements for hospital transport and minimise impacts on care provision for the local community. Given increases in ED crowding and pressures on ambulance services, such care models may be worth considering for other types of MGEs and in other locations.
COVID‐19 and emergency care for adults experiencing homelessness
Authors: Miller Jean‐Philippe , Phillips Georgina , Hutton Jennie , Mackelprang Jessica L , O'Reilly Gerard M , Mitchell Rob D , Smith Cathie , Mitra Biswadev
Published: September 2020

Homeless individuals face many barriers to accessing healthcare, and EDs are often their primary entry point to the healthcare system. The COVID‐19 pandemic has the potential to exacerbate existing social inequities and health disparities, including barriers to accessing social services and healthcare. Addressing the complex social and chronic health issues associated with homelessness can be challenging within the acute care environment. This perspective reflects upon the delivery of emergency healthcare to patients experiencing homelessness, and highlights strategies for optimising health outcomes during and beyond the pandemic.
Prognostic effect of a novel long noncoding RNA signature and comparison with clinical staging systems for patients with hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy
Authors: Wu Hao , Liu Tian Tian , Feng Yue Min , Xie Xiao Yu , Su Xiao Nan , Qi Jian Ni , Zhu Qiang , Qin Cheng Yong
Published: September 2020

Objectives

We aimed to establish a novel prognostic long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) signature for hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV‐HCC) patients after hepatectomy and to validate its prognostic efficacy compared with other clinical staging systems.

Methods

Expression data of 374 HCC samples were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Cox regression analyses were performed to develop the lncRNA model. The expression levels of lncRNAs were detected by qualitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) in HBV‐HCC. Then the qRT‐PCR‐based signature and nomogram were constructed and compared with those of other clinical staging systems in a clinical cohort and qRT‐PCR, RNA fluorescent in situ hybridization and comprehensive bioinformatics analyses were conducted.

Results

The signature containing five lncRNAs was constructed through TCGA. This model showed the highest predictive efficacy in patients with HBV‐HCC. Compared with normal liver tissues, all lncRNAs were highly expressed in HBV‐HCC. A four‐lncRNA signature containing LINC01116, DDX11‐AS1, LUCAT1 and FIRRE was developed based on the qRT‐PCR data in a clinical HBV‐HCC patient cohort. A Kaplan‐Meier analysis indicated that the low‐risk group had significantly longer overall survival than the high‐risk group. Additionally, the qRT‐PCR‐based four‐lncRNA formula was an independent prognostic factor and had better predictive efficacy for survival (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.875) compared with other clinical staging systems in HBV‐HCC. The lncRNA‐mRNA co‐expression and enrichment analyses revealed the potential regulatory mechanisms of the lncRNA identified.

Conclusion

The four‐lncRNA model may be an effective prognostic signature and provides potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HBV‐HCC.
Revealing formate production from carbon monoxide in wild type and mutants of Rnf‐ and Ech‐containing acetogens, Acetobacterium woodii and Thermoanaerobacter kivui
Authors: Schwarz Fabian M. , Ciurus Sarah , Jain Surbhi , Baum Christoph , Wiechmann Anja , Basen Mirko , Müller Volker
Published: September 2020

Acetogenic bacteria have gained much attraction in recent years as they can produce different biofuels and biochemicals from H2 plus CO2 or even CO alone, therefore opening a promising alternative route for the production of biofuels from renewable sources compared to existing sugar‐based routes. However, CO metabolism still raises questions concerning the biochemistry and bioenergetics in many acetogens. In this study, we focused on the two acetogenic bacteria Acetobacterium woodii and Thermoanaerobacter kivui which, so far, are the only identified acetogens harbouring a H2‐dependent CO2 reductase and furthermore belong to different classes of ‘Rnf’‐ and ‘Ech‐acetogens’. Both strains catalysed the conversion of CO into the bulk chemical acetate and formate. Formate production was stimulated by uncoupling the energy metabolism from the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway, and specific rates of 1.44 and 1.34 mmol g−1 h−1 for A. woodii ∆rnf and T. kivui wild type were reached. The demonstrated CO‐based formate production rates are, to the best of our knowledge, among the highest rates ever reported. Using mutants of ∆hdcr, ∆cooS, ∆hydBA, ∆rnf and ∆ech2 with deficiencies in key enzyme activities of the central metabolism enabled us to postulate two different CO utilization pathways in these two model organisms.
The treatment journey for patients with axial spondyloarthritis in North Africa and the Middle East: From diagnosis to management
Authors: El Zorkany Bassel , Ali Yaser Mustafa , Namas Rajaie , Bedaiwi Mohamed , Husain Waleed , Ahmed Haytham Mohamed , Ziade Zoghbi Nelly
Published: September 2020

The management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is challenging worldwide, and the particular challenges shared by North Africa and the Middle East are mainly related to early diagnosis and standardized management. We believe there are several reasons for these challenges, including: (a) limited awareness of the disease manifestations and prevalence in the region among physicians; (b) the concept of nonradiographic axSpA, while accepted with some difficulty by the rheumatology community, may not be well understood by the referring primary care physicians; (c) access to, and training in magnetic resonance imaging varies greatly between countries in the North Africa and Middle East region, and this may have a large impact on early diagnosis; (d) country‐specific treatment guidelines are unavailable; and (e) economic and cultural factors influence patients’ attempts to seek and continue treatment. In this review, we will discuss the prevalence of axSpA in North Africa and the Middle East, as well as the challenges to diagnose and treat patients in this region. As rheumatologists practicing in North Africa and the Middle East, we also provide suggestions to assist physicians, other healthcare professionals, and researchers in facilitating early, accurate diagnosis and treatment of axSpA.
Going further with model verification and deep learning
Authors: Christin Sylvain , Hervet Éric , Lecomte Nicolas
Published: September 2020

In our recent review paper aiming to introduce deep learning to ecologists, we presented a workflow describing the steps required to create a deep learning model. This figure did not present some of the following steps of model use such as model verification.

By ensuring model adequacy, model verification is an important step after model creation in order to answer ecological questions.

Adding model verification to a deep learning model development workflow can raise some new issues such as detecting the difference among the multiple datasets or what to do when model verification fails. In the spirit of our previous review, we identify some questions users trying to verify their deep learning model can have and try to find, for each, a solution to help them navigate the steps of deep learning model testing.

We provide an additional cheat sheet to quickly help answer common questions regarding using model verification and deep learning. We hope these resources help stimulate further synthesis and coherence in the use of deep learning models in ecology.
Phenological stages and degree days of oil palm crosses grown under irrigation in tropical conditions
Authors: Suresh Kancherla , Behera Sanjib Kumar , Manorama Kamireddy , Mathur Ravi K.
Published: September 2020

Studies on phenology and growing degree days (GDD) of four oil palm crosses, that is, Palode, Deli × Nigeria, United Plantations and Deli × Ghana were conducted in India under tropical conditions. Observations were recorded in adult oil palms over a period of 1.5 years from visual opening of spear leaf to development of female flower till harvest. Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie (BBCH) General Scale was used for conducting various phenological growth stages. The GDD from development of spear leaf to maturity in the different crosses varied between 6,320.2 and 6,937.3. The degree days and duration from development of spear leaf to maturity were less in the crosses of United Plantations. The time taken for spear leaf unfolding to maturity and flower opening to maturity in the different crosses, respectively, varied from 447.9 to 485.2 days and 145.8 to 153.7 days. The study gives an insight in evaluating thermal time for achieving various phenophases in oil palm and genotypic variations of time taken in attaining the different phenophases that have been documented. Climatic and yield prediction models can also be evolved through these studies.
Insured Loans and Credit Access: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment in Northern Ghana
Authors: Mishra Khushbu , Gallenstein Richard A. , Miranda Mario J. , Sam Abdoul G. , Toledo Patricia , Mulangu Francis
Published: September 2020

We conducted a two‐treatment randomized control trial in northern Ghana to investigate how bundling index insurance with agricultural loans affects smallholder access to credit. In one treatment, farmer groups were invited to apply for production loans bundled with an index insurance contract that, in the event of a drought, indemnifies farmers directly (micro‐insured loans). In the second treatment, farmer groups were invited to apply for production loans bundled with an index insurance contract that, in the event of a drought, indemnifies the lender on the condition that the indemnity be used to retire the farmer's debt obligation (meso‐insured loans). Farmer groups in the control category were invited to apply for uninsured loans. We find that insured loans increase farmers' likelihood of receiving credit by between 15 and 21 percentage points. Exploring the mechanisms of this effect, we find no impact on the likelihood that farmers apply for credit but do find an increase in the likelihood of loan approvals of between 17 and 25 percentage points.
Coronavirus: A possible cause of reduced male fertility
Authors: Huang Chuan , Ji Xiren , Zhou Wenjun , Huang Zhenghui , Peng Xiangjie , Fan Liqing , Lin Ge , Zhu Wenbing
Published: September 2020

In lately December 2019, a novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) outbreak occurred in Wuhan, PR China. It is a high contagious virus that has threatened human health worldwide. SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, termed COVID‐19, causes rapidly developing lung lesions that can lead to multiple organ failure in a short period. Whenever a novel virus emerges, reproductive risk assessments should be performed after infection. In this review, we show that male fertility might be damaged by coronavirus associated with (i) direct cytopathic effects derived from viral replication and viral dissemination in the testis; and (ii) indirect damage to male fertility derived from immunopathology. In this review, we briefly describe the impaired fertility of humans and animals infected with coronaviruses to deduce the impact of the new coronavirus on male fertility. Together with information related to other coronaviruses, we extrapolate this knowledge to the new coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2, which may have a significant impact on our understanding of the pathophysiology of this new virus.
European academy of andrology guidelines on Klinefelter Syndrome Endorsing Organization: European Society of Endocrinology
Authors: Zitzmann Michael , Aksglaede Lise , Corona Giovanni , Isidori Andrea M. , Juul Anders , T'Sjoen Guy , Kliesch Sabine , D'Hauwers Kathleen , Toppari Jorma , Słowikowska‐Hilczer Jolanta , Tüttelmann Frank , Ferlin Alberto
Published: September 2020

Background

Knowledge about Klinefelter syndrome (KS) has increased substantially since its first description almost 80 years ago. A variety of treatment options concerning the spectrum of symptoms associated with KS exists, also regarding aspects beyond testicular dysfunction. Nevertheless, the diagnostic rate is still low in relation to prevalence and no international guidelines are available for KS.

Objective

To create the first European Academy of Andrology (EAA) guidelines on KS.

Methods

An expert group of academicians appointed by the EAA generated a consensus guideline according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system.

Results

Clinical features are highly variable among patients with KS, although common characteristics are severely attenuated spermatogenesis and Leydig cell impairment, resulting in azoospermia and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. In addition, various manifestations of neurocognitive and psychosocial phenotypes have been described as well as an increased prevalence of adverse cardiovascular, metabolic and bone‐related conditions which might explain the increased morbidity/mortality in KS. Moreover, compared to the general male population, a higher prevalence of dental, coagulation and autoimmune disorders is likely to exist in patients with KS. Both genetic and epigenetic effects due to the supernumerary X chromosome as well as testosterone deficiency contribute to this pathological pattern. The majority of patients with KS is diagnosed during adulthood, but symptoms can already become obvious during infancy, childhood or adolescence. The paediatric and juvenile patients with KS require specific attention regarding their development and fertility.

Conclusion

These guidelines provide recommendations and suggestions to care for patients with KS in various developmental stages ranging from childhood and adolescence to adulthood. This advice is based on recent research data and respective evaluations as well as validations performed by a group of experts.
Fertility outcomes and predictors for successful sperm retrieval and pregnancy in 327 azoospermic men with a history of cryptorchidism who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction
Authors: Çayan Selahittin , Orhan İrfan , Altay Barış , Aşcı Ramazan , Akbay Erdem , Ayas Bülent , Yaman Önder
Published: September 2020

Background

Although few studies have reported fertility outcomes, no study has reported risk factors that might predict sperm retrieval and pregnancy in azoospermic men with a history of cryptorchidism in a large series.

Objectives

To investigate fertility outcomes and predictors for successful sperm retrieval and pregnancy in azoospermic men with a history of cryptorchidism who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE).

Materials and methods

This retrospective observational study included 327 azoospermic men with a history of cryptorchidism who underwent mTESE. Fertility outcomes including sperm retrieval, fertilization rate, number of transferred embryos, pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth rates were recorded.

Results

Sperm retrieval was observed in 172 (52.6%) of the patients. The mean fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth rates were 55.2%±20.5, 53.5%, and 44.8%, respectively. The sperm retrieval rate was significantly higher at the orchidopexy age of ≤ 9.5 years (70.8%) than the orchidopexy age of > 9.5 years (42.1%) (P = .000). Patients with total testicular volume of ≥ 13.75 mL had significantly higher sperm retrieval rate (65.2%) than the patients with total testicular volume of < 13.75 mL (45.5%) (P = .001). Patients with total testosterone level of ≥ 300.5 ng/dL had significantly higher sperm retrieval rate (65.6%) than the patients with total testosterone level of < 300.5 ng/dL (40.3%) (P = .000). Patients with follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) level of ≤ 17.25 mIU/ml had significantly higher sperm retrieval rate (72.3%) than the patients with FSH level of > 17.25 mIU/mL (44.4%) (P = .000). Younger male and female ages, and higher fertilization rates were the parameters that might predict pregnancy.

Conclusions

Infertile azoospermic men with a history of cryptorchidism have high sperm retrieval rate with mTESE. Patients who had orchidopexy at the age of ≤ 9.5 years, and having total testicular volumes of ≥ 13.75 mL with total testosterone level of > 300.5 ng/dL and FSH level of ≤ 17.25 mIU/mL have higher success rate for sperm retrieval.
Excess perks in SOEs: evidence from China
Authors: Ren Xiaoyi , Liu Xing , Tian Zongtao
Published: September 2020

In investigating the relationship between economic directors (EDs) and excess perks in state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) in China, we find a U‐shaped relationship between the share of EDs on boards and excess perks, especially in SOEs controlled by local governments and with greater managerial power—as well as in regions with poor legal systems. The share of EDs on boards may have three benefits with respect to reducing the use of excess perks in SOEs: (1) replacing excess perks with monetary wages more aligned with the value of managers; (2) reducing the increase in excessive perks caused by the availability of free cash flow; and (3) reducing the use of excess employees to drive excess perks.
Effects of Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of rivaroxaban in humans
Authors: Scholz Irene , Liakoni Evangelia , Hammann Felix , Grafinger Katharina Elisabeth , Duthaler Urs , Nagler Michael , Krähenbühl Stephan , Haschke Manuel
Published: September 2020

Aims

To investigate the influence of a cytochrome P450 CYP3A4 and efflux transporter P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) inducing Hypericum perforatum extract on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of rivaroxaban.

Methods

Open‐label, nonrandomized, sequential treatment interaction study. Following CYP3A4 and P‐gp phenotyping using low‐dose midazolam and fexofenadine, 12 healthy volunteers received a single oral dose of 20 mg rivaroxaban and rivaroxaban plasma concentrations and inhibition of the activated coagulation factor X (factor Xa) activity were measured prior to and up to 48 h postdosing. The procedures were repeated after 2 weeks’ treatment with the H. perforatum extract.

Results

The geometric mean ratios for the area under the concentration–time curve and Cmax of rivaroxaban after/before induction with the H. perforatum extract were 0.76 (90% confidence interval [CI] 0.70, 0.82) and 0.86 (90% CI 0.76, 0.97), respectively. Inhibition of factor Xa activity was reduced with a geometric mean area under the effect–time curve ratio after/before induction of 0.80 (90% CI 0.71, 0.89). No clinically significant differences were found regarding Tmax (median 1.5 vs 1 h, P = .26) and terminal elimination half‐life (mean 10.6 vs 10.8 h, P = .93) of rivaroxaban. The H. perforatum extract significantly induced CYP3A4 and P‐gp activity, as evidenced by phenotyping.

Conclusion

The CYP3A4/P‐gp inducing H. perforatum extract caused a decrease of rivaroxaban exposure with a proportional decrease of the pharmacodynamic effect. Although the data do not justify a contraindication for the combination or a systematic adjustment of rivaroxaban dosage, avoidance of the combination or laboratory monitoring should be considered in patients taking hyperforin‐containing H. perforatum extracts with rivaroxaban.