bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Dioxide Embolism Associated With Total Mesorectal Excision Surgery: A Report From the International Registries
Authors: Dickson Edward A. , Penna Marta , Cunningham Chris , Ratcliffe Fiona M. , Chantler Jonathan , Crabtree Nicholas A. , Tuynman Jurriaan B. , Albert Matthew R. , Monson John R.T. , Hompes Roel
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND:

Carbon dioxide embolus has been reported as a rare but clinically important risk associated with transanal total mesorectal excision surgery. To date, there exists limited data describing the incidence, risk factors, and management of carbon dioxide embolus in transanal total mesorectal excision.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to obtain data from the transanal total mesorectal excision registries to identify trends and potential risk factors for carbon dioxide embolus specific to this surgical technique.

DESIGN:

Contributors to both the LOREC and OSTRiCh transanal total mesorectal excision registries were invited to report their incidence of carbon dioxide embolus. Case report forms were collected detailing the patient-specific and technical factors of each event.

SETTINGS:

The study was conducted at the collaborating centers from the international transanal total mesorectal excision registries.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Characteristics and outcomes of patients with carbon dioxide embolus associated with transanal mesorectal excision were measured.

RESULTS:

Twenty-five cases were reported. The incidence of carbon dioxide embolus during transanal total mesorectal excision is estimated to be ≈0.4% (25/6375 cases). A fall in end tidal carbon dioxide was noted as the initial feature in 22 cases, with 13 (52%) developing signs of hemodynamic compromise. All of the events occurred in the transanal component of dissection, with mean (range) insufflation pressures of 15 mm Hg (12–20 mm Hg). Patients were predominantly (68%) in a Trendelenburg position, between 30° and 45°. Venous bleeding was reported in 20 cases at the time of carbon dioxide embolus, with periprostatic veins documented as the most common site (40%). After carbon dioxide embolus, 84% of cases were completed after hemodynamic stabilization. Two patients required cardiopulmonary resuscitation because of cardiovascular collapse. There were no deaths.

LIMITATIONS:

This is a retrospective study surveying reported outcomes by surgeons and anesthetists.

CONCLUSIONS:

Surgeons undertaking transanal total mesorectal excision must be aware of the possibility of carbon dioxide embolus and its potential risk factors, including venous bleeding (wrong plane surgery), high insufflation pressures, and patient positioning. Prompt recognition and management can limit the clinical impact of such events. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A961.
Gravitational Influence on Intraocular Pressure: Implications for Spaceflight and Disease
Authors: Huang Alex S. , Stenger Michael B. , Macias Brandon R.
Published: June 2019

Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) describes a series of morphologic and functional ocular changes in astronauts first reported by Mader and colleagues in 2011. SANS is currently clinically defined by the development of optic disc edema during prolonged exposure to the weightless (microgravity) environment, which currently occurs on International Space Station (ISS). However, as improvements in our understanding of the ocular changes emerge, the definition of SANS is expected to evolve. Other ocular SANS signs that arise during and after ISS missions include hyperopic shifts, globe flattening, choroidal/retinal folds, and cotton wool spots. Over the last 10 years, ~1 in 3 astronauts flying long-duration ISS missions have presented with ≥1 of these ocular findings. Commensurate with research that combines disparate specialties (vision biology and spaceflight medicine), lessons from SANS investigations may also yield insight into ground-based ocular disorders, such as glaucomatous optic neuropathy that may have the potential to lessen the burden of this irreversible cause of vision loss on Earth.
Raoultella planticola, an Emerging Pathogen
Authors: Olivier Maxim , Madruga Mario , Carlan Stephen
Published: June 2019

Raoultella planticola is an aerobic gram-negative bacillus closely related to bacteria in the genus Klebsiella. It typically resides in the environment and human gut and is only noted as an opportunistic pathogen creating clinical infection in compromised individuals. A 56-year-old previously healthy individual developed acute prostatitis confirmed by examination and computed tomography, and R. planticola was cultured. He was placed on oral ciprofloxin for 6 weeks, and as of 6 months, he has had no recurrence. R. planticola can infect the prostate of healthy individuals, and when it does, the condition presents clinically no different from acute prostatitis caused by other pathogens. In addition, most clinical microbiological laboratories are capable of accurate identification of R. planticola. Antibiotic sensitivity studies are critical for treatment, as the organism reportedly has developed patterns of resistance.
The association of acetylacetate (Acr AB-Tol C) and QepA genes with multiple antibiotic resistance among Escherichia coli clinical isolates
Authors: Alnomani Yaqdhan , Ghasemian Abdolmajid , Memariani Mojtaba , Eslami Majid , Sabokrouh Abdolreza , Abbas Aalaa Fahim , Shafiei Morvarid
Published: June 2019

The role of efflux pumps in antibiotic resistance development among Escherichia coli may have been underappreciated. The objective of this study was assessment the association of AcrAB-TolC efflux pumps and qepA genes with resistance to common antibiotics among E. coli isolates. A total of 200 E. coli isolates were obtained from diverse samples of inpatients. Minimum inhibitory concentrations and Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion tests were determined for ceftazidime, cefotaxime, imipenem, gentamicin, and tetracycline. The Acr-AB-TolC and qepA genes were amplified using PCR technique and their association with antibiotics was also evaluated using Chi-square test. A majority of isolates (64%) were retrieved from gastrointestinal samples, followed by urinary tract infections (33%), and bloodstream (3%). All the isolates were resistant to ampicillin (100%), followed by cefazolin (59%), and cefoxitin (58%). However, 100% of the isolates showed susceptibility to fosfomycin. The prevalence of acrA, acrB, and qepA genes was 94% (n = 188), 86% (n = 172), and 8% (n = 16), respectively. The acrA and acrB were significantly associated with resistance to cefoxitin and cefazolin (P < 0.01), ceftazidime (P < 0.01), carbapenems (P = 0.022), and tetracycline (P = 0.0112). In addition, qepA gene was significantly associated with tetracycline resistance (P = 0.032). None of the patients had death outcome. A majority of E. coli isolates harbored the AcrAB genes, but qepA was observed among lower number of the isolates. It is notable that three strains lacked the extended spectrum beta-lactamase and carbapenemases and none of multidrug resistant strains carried tet and aminoglycoside modifying enzymes genes. Over-expression of efflux pumps has been increasingly is associated with clinically relevant antibiotic resistance. For this reason, the expression and functionality of efflux pumps should be more investigated profoundly and be compared between drug-resistant and drug-susceptible isolates.
Detailed Morphologic and Immunohistochemical Characterization of Myomectomy and Hysterectomy Specimens From Women With Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (HLRCC)
Authors: Chan Emily , Rabban Joseph T. , Mak Julie , Zaloudek Charles , Garg Karuna
Published: June 2019

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma syndrome (HLRCC), caused by a germline mutation in the fumarate hydratase (FH) gene, predisposes patients to uterine and cutaneous smooth muscle tumors and an aggressive type of renal cell carcinoma. Almost all women with HLRCC develop symptomatic uterine leiomyomas resulting in surgery at young ages, presenting an ideal opportunity for early detection of these patients and the implementation of surveillance measures for renal cell carcinoma. FH-deficient uterine leiomyomas can show characteristic morphologic features (FH-d morphology) that have been previously described. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for FH can also be helpful in detecting FH deficiency in leiomyomas, which manifests as complete loss of staining for FH. However, the distribution and topography of FH-d morphology and FH loss by IHC in the context of multiple leiomyomas in patients with HLRCC has not been evaluated. The aim of this study is to describe in detail the clinical and pathologic characteristics of uterine leiomyomas from women with HLRCC. Six patients with proven FH germline mutations were included. All available slides were reviewed and FH IHC staining was performed on multiple blocks when possible. Clinical data were extracted from online medical records. All 6 patients presented with symptomatic uterine fibroids and underwent myomectomy (age 24 to 36 y), followed by hysterectomy in 2 patients (age 31 and 40 y). Specimens showed conventional leiomyomas, cellular leiomyomas and leiomyomas with bizarre nuclei. FH-d morphology was present in leiomyomas from all patients and was typically observed as a diffuse finding in the majority of slides across different leiomyoma types. FH-d morphology was absent in some leiomyoma sections from one patient and the morphologic features were focal and subtle in leiomyomas from 2 patients. Both hysterectomy specimens were also notable for showing scattered irregular tongues and nodules of smooth muscle proliferation (leiomyomatosis-like) in the background myometrium. Immunohistochemical staining of multiple slides per patient for FH showed either retained staining in all sections (2/6 cases), loss of staining in all sections (1 case) or variable staining across different leiomyomas (3 cases). In conclusion, patients with HLRCC undergo surgery at young ages for highly symptomatic uterine leiomyomas. FH-d morphology is usually a diffuse and well developed finding across different leiomyomas but may be absent or focal and subtle. FH IHC can show variable results and presence of retained FH staining should not be used to exclude the possibility of HLRCC. Referral for genetic counselling and testing should be considered in a young patient with uterine leiomyomas showing FH-d morphology even if immunohistochemical staining for FH is retained.
Adult Granulosa Cell Tumor With High-grade Transformation
Authors: Fashedemi Yinka , Coutts Michael , Wise Olga , Bonhomme Benjamin , Baker Gavin , Kelly Paul J. , Soubeyran Isabelle , Catherwood Mark A. , Croce Sabrina , McCluggage W. Glenn
Published: June 2019

Adult granulosa cell tumor (AGCT) is a low-grade malignant neoplasm with a significant propensity for late recurrence and metastasis. Almost all AGCTs are composed of cells with bland nuclear features and even when these tumors recur or metastasize, the nuclear features are almost always low-grade. We report 5 cases of AGCT in patients aged 37 to 88 years composed of areas of typical AGCT with low-grade morphology admixed with areas of high-grade morphology, with marked nuclear atypia, often with bizarre multinucleate cells and high mitotic activity; this is the first reported series of high-grade transformation in AGCTs. The high-grade areas often morphologically closely resembled juvenile granulosa cell tumor with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, significant mitotic activity, and intermediate sized follicles. Four cases were FIGO stage IA at diagnosis and 1 was stage IIIC with omental involvement. FOXL2 mutation analysis of both the morphologically low-grade and high-grade areas in 4 of 5 cases confirmed the presence of missense point mutation, c.402C>G, p.(Cys134Trp), providing conclusive evidence that the high-grade component represents transformation of typical AGCT rather than the coexistence of another sex cord-stromal tumor, such as juvenile granulosa cell tumor, which has been suggested for such neoplasms. In 3 of 4 cases where immunohistochemistry was undertaken, there was a striking difference between the p53 staining in the low-grade and high-grade components with wild-type staining in the former and diffuse mutation-type immunoreactivity in the latter, suggesting that TP53 mutation is likely to play a role in high-grade transformation. TP53 mutation analysis covering exons 4 to 10 was undertaken in 4 cases and TP53 mutations were identified in the high-grade component of 2 of the cases. In 1 case, there was diffuse block-type p16 staining in the high-grade component. Follow-up in the 4 stage IA neoplasms revealed no evidence of tumor recurrence in 3 (6 to 9 mo follow-up) while the other patient developed mediastinal, peritoneal, and pulmonary metastasis 17 months after diagnosis. High-grade transformation is uncommon in AGCTs and given that one of our cases was advanced stage at diagnosis, another exhibited widespread metastasis within a short period and there have been occasional case reports of aggressive behavior in AGCTs with high-grade transformation, this event may herald an aggressive clinical course.
Incidental Detection of Splenic Hemangioma on 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT
Authors: Sheng Kevin , Le Ken , Bui Chuong , Mansberg Robert
Published: June 2019

A 73-year-old man underwent a 68Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC 11 PET/CT for evaluation of rising PSA in the context of previous radical retropubic prostatectomy and salvage radiotherapy for prostatic adenocarcinoma. There was no definite PSMA avid recurrence in the prostatic bed. Intense PSMA avid uptake was seen in the anterior aspect of the spleen. Further characterization with multiplanar multisequence pre- and post-IV contrast MRI of the upper abdomen with arterial, portal venous, and delayed phase acquisitions revealed a lesion with appearances consistent with a splenic hemangioma.
Convergent evolution in human and domesticate adaptation to high-altitude environments
Authors: Witt Kelsey E. , Huerta-Sánchez Emilia
Published: June 2019

Humans and their domestic animals have lived and thrived in high-altitude environments worldwide for thousands of years. These populations have developed a number of adaptations to survive in a hypoxic environment, and several genomic studies have been conducted to identify the genes that drive these adaptations. Here, we discuss the various adaptations and genetic variants that have been identified as adaptive in human and domestic animal populations and the ways in which convergent evolution has occurred as these populations have adapted to high-altitude environments. We found that human and domesticate populations have adapted to hypoxic environments in similar ways. Specific genes and biological pathways have been involved in high-altitude adaptation for multiple populations, although the specific variants differ between populations. Additionally, we found that the gene
EPAS1
is often a target of selection in hypoxic environments and has been involved in multiple adaptive introgression events. High-altitude environments exert strong selective pressures, and human and animal populations have evolved in convergent ways to cope with a chronic lack of oxygen.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Convergent evolution in the genomics era: new insights and directions'.
Local ancestry analysis reveals genomic convergence in extremophile fishes
Authors: Brown Anthony P. , McGowan Kerry L. , Schwarzkopf Enrique J. , Greenway Ryan , Rodriguez Lenin Arias , Tobler Michael , Kelley Joanna L.
Published: June 2019

The molecular basis of convergent phenotypes is often unknown. However, convergence at a genomic level is predicted when there are large population sizes, gene flow among diverging lineages or strong genetic constraints. We used whole-genome resequencing to investigate genomic convergence in fishes (Poeciliaspp.) that have repeatedly colonized hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-rich environments in Mexico. We identified genomic similarities in both single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and structural variants (SVs) among independently derived sulfide spring populations, with approximately 1.2% of the genome being shared among sulfidic ecotypes. We compared these convergent genomic regions to candidate genes for H2S adaptation identified from transcriptomic analyses and found that a significant proportion of these candidate genes (8%) were also in regions where sulfidic individuals had similar SNPs, while only 1.7% were in regions where sulfidic individuals had similar SVs. Those candidate genes included genes involved in sulfide detoxification, the electron transport chain (the main toxicity target of H2S) and other processes putatively important for adaptation to sulfidic environments. Regional genomic similarity across independent populations exposed to the same source of selection is consistent with selection on standing variation or introgression of adaptive alleles across divergent lineages. However, combined with previous analyses, our data also support that adaptive changes in mitochondrially encoded subunits arose independently via selection on de novo mutations. Pressing questions remain on what conditions ultimately facilitate the independent rise of adaptive alleles at the same loci in separate populations, and thus, the degree to which evolution is repeatable or predictable.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Convergent evolution in the genomics era: new insights and directions'.
The conical shape of DIM lipids promotes Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of macrophages
Authors: Augenstreich Jacques , Haanappel Evert , Ferré Guillaume , Czaplicki George , Jolibois Franck , Destainville Nicolas , Guilhot Christophe , Milon Alain , Astarie-Dequeker Catherine , Chavent Matthieu
Published: June 2019

Phthiocerol dimycocerosate (DIM) is a major virulence factor of the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). While this lipid promotes the entry of Mtb into macrophages, which occurs via phagocytosis, its molecular mechanism of action is unknown. Here, we combined biophysical, cell biology, and modelling approaches to reveal the molecular mechanism of DIM action on macrophage membranes leading to the first step of Mtb infection. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry showed that DIM molecules are transferred from the Mtb envelope to macrophage membranes during infection. Multi-scale molecular modeling and 31P-NMR experiments revealed that DIM adopts a conical shape in membranes and aggregate in the stalks formed between two opposing lipid bilayers. Infection of macrophages pre-treated with lipids of various shapes uncovered a general role for conical lipids in promoting phagocytosis. Taken together, these results reveal how the molecular shape of a mycobacterial lipid can modulate the biological function of macrophages.
LST-1 acts in trans with a conserved RNA-binding protein to maintain stem cells
Authors: Haupt Kimberly A. , Enright Amy L. , Ferdous Ahlan S. , Kershner Aaron M. , Shin Heaji , Wickens Marvin , Kimble Judith
Published: June 2019

Stem cell self-renewal is essential to development and tissue repair. The C. elegans LST-1 protein is a pivotal regulator of self-renewal and oncogenic when misexpessed. Here we define regions within the LST-1 protein that provide molecular insights into both its function and regulation. LST-1 self-renewal activity resides within a predicted disordered region that harbors two KXXL motifs. These KXXL motifs mediate LST-1 binding to FBF, a broadly conserved Pumilio/PUF RNA-binding protein that represses differentiation. Point mutations of the KXXL motifs abrogate LST-1 self-renewal activity. Therefore, FBF binding is essential to LST-1 function. A second distinct region regulates LST-1 spatial expression and primarily affects LST-1 protein turnover. Upon loss of this regulatory region, LST-1 protein distribution expands and drives formation of a larger than normal GSC pool. Thus, LST-1 promotes self-renewal as a key FBF partner, and its spatial regulation helps determine size of the GSC pool.

IMPACT STATEMENT

A key stem cell regulator partners with a broadly conserved PUF RNA-binding protein to drive self-renewal and maintain a stem cell pool.
Sox2 is an oncogenic driver of small cell lung cancer
Authors: Voigt Ellen , Wollenzien Hannah , Feiner Josh , Thompson Ethan , Vande Kamp Madeline , Kareta Michael S.
Published: June 2019

Although many cancer prognoses have improved in the past fifty years due to advancements in treatments, there has been little to no improvement in therapies for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) which currently has a five-year survival rate of less than 7%. One promising avenue to improve treatment for SCLC is to understand its underlying genetic alterations that drive its formation and growth. One such mutation in SCLC, which appears in many cancers, is of the Rb gene. When mutated, Rb causes hyperproliferation and loss of cellular identity. Normally Rb promotes differentiation by regulating lineage specific transcription factors including regulation of pluripotency factors such as Sox2. However, there is evidence that when certain tissues lose Rb, Sox2 becomes upregulated and promotes oncogenesis. To better understand the relationship between Rb and Sox2 and to uncover new treatments for SCLC we have studied the role of Sox2 in Rb loss initiated tumors by investigating both the tumor initiation in SCLC genetically engineered mouse models, as well as tumor maintenance in SCLC cell lines.
methyl-ATAC-seq measures DNA methylation at accessible chromatin
Authors: Spektor Roman , Tippens Nathaniel D. , Mimoso Claudia A. , Soloway Paul D.
Published: June 2019

Chromatin features are characterized by genome-wide assays for nucleosome location, protein binding sites, three-dimensional interactions, and modifications to histones and DNA. For example, assay for transposase accessible chromatin sequencing (ATAC-seq) identifies nucleosome-depleted (open) chromatin, which harbors potentially active gene regulatory sequences; and bisulfite sequencing (BS-seq) quantifies DNA methylation. When two distinct chromatin features like these are assayed separately in populations of cells, it is impossible to determine, with certainty, where the features are coincident in the genome by simply overlaying data sets. Here, we describe methyl-ATAC-seq (mATAC-seq), which implements modifications to ATAC-seq, including subjecting the output to BS-seq. Merging these assays into a single protocol identifies the locations of open chromatin and reveals, unambiguously, the DNA methylation state of the underlying DNA. Such combinatorial methods eliminate the need to perform assays independently and infer where features are coincident.
A case study of a long-term glioblastoma survivor with unmethylated MGMT and hypermutated genotype
Authors: Jue Toni Rose , Olafson Lauren R. , Siddell Anna H. , Rapkins Robert W. , Ng Benedict , Yin Julia X.M. , Lu Victor M. , Chung Sylvia A. , Whittaker Shane P. , Davies Matthew , Fairhall Jacob M. , Hovey Elizabeth J. , McDonald Kerrie L.
Published: June 2019

Effective treatments that extend survival of malignant brain tumor glioblastoma (GBM) have not changed in more than a decade; however, there exists a minority patient group (<5%) whose survival is longer than 3 yr. We herein present a case report of a long-term surviving 51-yr-old female diagnosed with a MGMT unmethylated GBM. The patient was progression-free for 23 mo. Fresh primary and recurrent tumor samples were collected and processed for patient-derived model development. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed concurrently with additional standard of care diagnostics. WGS revealed a hypermutated genotype in the germline tissue and in both the primary and recurrent tumor samples. Specific to the matched tumors, an average of 30 cancer driver genes were mutated. Noteworthy was the identification of a nonsynonymous mutation in the POLE gene. As a possible instigator of the hypermutational genotype observed in the tumors, we identified nonsynonymous germline mutations within the mismatch repair genes, MLH1 and PMS2. Mutations within these genes are often indicative of the pan-cancer phenotype known as Lynch syndrome; however, their pathogenicity remains unreported. We performed a drug screen of 165 compounds, which identified one compound, YM155, an experimental survivin inhibitor, that showed effectivity to the patient-derived cell lines of both tumors. Treatment selection based on a patient's genome to individualize treatment for GBM patients could potentially be useful in the clinic. This is a promising avenue for further translational research, with larger databases and integrated platforms to increase the efficiency of analyzing and interpreting the individual genomic data of GBM.
Effects of extrusion on the properties of shrimp and cassava-based snacks
Authors: Martins Luiza Helena da Silva , Moreira Neto João , Gomes Paulo Weslem Portal , Carvalho Ana Vânia , Rodrigues Antônio Manoel da Cruz , Lopes Alessandra Santos
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use Amazon River shrimp meal and cassava flour as the raw materials for the production of an extruded product. Both these raw materials are highly consumed foods in the northern region of Brazil, but are not processed industrially, only being used for local consumption and there is little in the literature concerning their use.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was carried out using a full 23 factorial central composite rotational experimental design with three independent variables, which were shrimp meal; feed moisture content and temperature, with four replicates at the central point and six axial points. The dependent variables were: expansion index (EI), bulk density (BD) and specific length (SL). The principal component analysis (PCA) was applied for the sensory analysis.

Findings

Almost all the parameters studied had a significant influence (p<0.10) on the responses analysed. The product was well accepted by 78.11 per cent of the volunteers. Increases in the shrimp meal and feed moisture contents strongly influenced the physical analyses (EI, BD and SL) of the extruded product. In the application of the PCA for the sensory analysis, the influence of the variables aroma, appearance and purchase intention corresponded to PC1, and that of the variables flavour, texture, global acceptance and colour to PC2.

Social implications

The development of a product based on animal protein which is more available than common snacks, as a way of reducing the negative environmental impact caused by the disposal of Macrobrachium amazonicum, which is considered as accompanying fauna to artisan fishery.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in the quest for the development and/or application of technologies that allow for the use of raw materials from the Amazon as a way of aggregating value to the existing wealth of this region.
Impact of business model innovations on SME’s innovativeness and performance
Authors: Gatautis† Rimantas , Vaiciukynaite Egle , Tarute Asta
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Business model innovations (BMIs), their drivers and outcomes are attracting increasing attention in academic literature. However, previous studies have mainly focused on large companies, while knowledge of BMI in small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to add new insights into how related BMI drivers, practices and outcomes are in relation to SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive review of the existing literature was performed. Consequently, the relationships between BMI drivers, BMI practices and outcomes of BMI were developed as a conceptual framework. An empirical study was carried out. A structural equation modeling (SEM) procedure was used to empirically test the model using a quantitative data set of Lithuanian SMEs (n=73).

Findings

The study provides insights into the relations between BMI drivers, BMI practices and outcomes of BMI in SMEs. The findings of SEM, four drivers (innovation activities, strategic orientation, market and technology turbulence, respectively) are indicated to contribute to BMI of SMEs. In addition, the results proved that the implementation of BMI practices leads to strategic and architectural changes in firms and has a positive impact on SMEs performance and innovativeness.

Research limitations/implications

Empirical research is focused on a limited number of internal and external BMI drivers, which have an influence on BMI in SMEs from one geographical region. Consequently, there are many external and internal BMI drivers which also may have an influence on BMI in SMEs, such as industry life cycle, organizational inertia and leadership. Meanwhile, SMEs possess multiple characteristics, i.e. a phase of maturity, gender of CEO, firm size and industry; therefore, the aforesaid aspects are considered to be significant limitations. In addition, the importance of SMEs characteristics as mediators for the effects on a firm’s performance and innovativeness should be considered in future research avenues.

Practical implications

Findings of this research can be used by SME managers to better understand how firms might actively engage in BMI practices, what drivers lead to BMI and, in turn, affect their firm’s performance and innovativeness. SME managers should be encouraged to pay attention to strategic and architectural changes of BM that can contribute to enterprise performance and innovativeness.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the stream of BMI research by empirically exploring drivers and outcomes of BMI in SMEs. In addition, this paper fulfills research gaps proposed by Bouwman et al. (2018), Foss and Saebi (2017), Heikkilä, Bouwman and Heikkilä (2018) and Lambert and Davidson (2013), and enhances the current overall understanding of BMIs.
The critical success factors of GDPR implementation: a systematic literature review
Authors: Almeida Teixeira Gonçalo , Mira da Silva Miguel , Pereira Ruben
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The digital paradigm people live in today, which drastically increased the consumption of data, is a threat to their privacy. To create a high level of privacy protection for its citizens, the European Union proposed the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which introduces obligations for organizations regarding the storing, processing, collecting and disclosing of data. This paper aims to identify the critical success factors of GDPR implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted by following a strict review protocol, where 32 documents were found relevant to perform the review and to answer to the proposed research questions.

Findings

The critical success factors of GDPR implementation were identified, including barriers and enablers. Furthermore, benefits of complying with GDPR were identified.

Research limitations/implications

As GDPR is a relatively recent subject, there are still few scientific papers about it. Therefore, the authors were unable to neither identify nor present a robust conclusion regarding specific topics, such as practical outcomes.

Originality/value

On the basis of the literature, the identified critical success factors may be useful for organizations as these can be better prepared to achieve compliance by prioritizing the enablers and avoiding the barriers.
The present vision of AI… or the HAL syndrome
Authors: Benghozi Pierre-Jean , Chevalier Hugues
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The HAL syndrome is a sign of the pathology of analysts and commenters when they are dealing with the stakes and risks of AI, then stressing the omnipotence of technologies and expected performances, the autonomy of machine, the problems of human control, the anthropomorphism in handling usages. The perception of new uses, the capacity to appropriate the digital dimension, the very conception of applications, terminals and infrastructures are highly structured by shared vision of technologies that spread within society.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyzing fictional content such as “2001, a Space Odyssey” and the forward-thinking vision of AI it offers contribute to characterize the deep ambiguity of AI. HAL, the computer of 2001, helps us to understand that AI is just an umbrella term that covers very different configurations and systems. The power to inspire coming from HAL holds to its being part of an identifiable genre, fiction, a privileged container for projecting phantasms about future unknown domains.

Findings

The HAL syndrome leads us to relativize the omnipotence granted to technology and willingly circulated by both digital companies and transhumanist thinkers that advocate the use of science and technology – including IT – to enhance the human condition.

Originality/value

The HAL syndrome, as it continues to influence our minds, becomes the basis of the questioning, concerns and enthusiasms triggered by AI. Therefore, it calls for original reflection over the need and modalities of the regulation of the current technological dynamics.
Students’ perceptions of assessed seminar performance in law
Authors: Bliss Laura Anne
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine assessed seminars in law modules across first-, second- and third-year students at a higher education academy in Lancashire (England). This form of assessment is essentially a 1 h tutorial, where students are given marks for their oral contribution to class discussions. Assessment is a feature in all degree programmes conducted throughout higher education institutions. Recently, a move has been made from traditional examinations and coursework to assess students learning, to more inclusive forms of assessment following the changing nature of those entering higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative survey, participants were asked to answer ten questions on their perceptions of assessed seminars as a form of assessment. To enhance the findings, interviews also took place with members of staff who had experience in teaching both assessed and non-assessed seminars.

Findings

This research found that although some students were daunted by assessed seminars, over the course of three years, their key legal skills had improved. Key skills enhanced through assessed seminars include communication-based skills and public speaking, whilst also being a positive form of assessment that maintains student retention.

Research limitations/implications

This is a small-scale research project, completed in the fulfilment of the authors PgCert. However, it does provide a template for other legal institutions to follow.

Originality/value

With a growing concern across the higher education sector around student retention, assessed seminars are proven to be a form of assessment that ensures student attendance, whilst enhancing skills ready for the workplace.
Determinants of online hotel room prices: comparing supply-side and demand-side decisions
Authors: Razavi Rouzbeh , Israeli Aviad A.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of hotels’ star ratings and customer ratings on online hotel prices from both supply- and demand-side perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

To compile the supply-side data, a Web crawler was designed and implemented to read online prices and characteristics of available hotels from Trivago. Demand-side data were compiled from surveys conducted using the Amazon Mechanical Turk portal. Data were analyzed with an array of advanced machine learning regression models.

Findings

The results show that while a star rating is the most important predictor of price from both supply- and demand-side perspectives, customer rating influences the price much more significantly on the demand-side. Customers showed a tendency to overestimate the room price of three- and four-star hotels and underestimate the price of five-star hotels. Customers placed a heavier weight on customer ratings when estimating prices particularly when the average rating was above 7.5 (out of 10). The study also confirms the strong effect of price adjustment for customers when they were exposed to the prices of other similar hotels. Finally, the study examines the impact of demographics on the perceived hotel value. Age, ethnicity, education and income are shown to be the most significant demographic characteristics.

Originality/value

The results are valuable from a research perspective because they demonstrate how to price rooms more effectively based on their perceived value from consumers’ perspectives. From a practical standpoint, the findings provide useful managerial tools for pricing in competitive environments.
Conceptualising talent in multinational hotel corporations
Authors: Jooss Stefan , McDonnell Anthony , Burbach Ralf , Vaiman Vlad
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To identify, develop and retain talent, an important first step is to ensure that key stakeholders in the talent management (TM) process have a shared view of what is meant by talent within the organisation. The purpose of this paper is to conceptualise how talent is defined in the context of the hospitality industry and to examine the degree of (mis)alignment among corporate and business unit leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a qualitative approach consisting of 73 interviews with stakeholders at corporate and business unit levels in three multinational hotel corporations. In addition, documents were collected and analysed to support the interview data.

Findings

Each organisation had a formal approach to conceptualising talent at a corporate level. Both inclusive and exclusive views on talent as well as a broad set of characteristics that make up talent were reported with the importance of organisational values being prominent. However, despite formal global policies being in place, considerable divergence in practice was found across organisational levels.

Practical implications

A lack of clarity on what talent means in an organisational setting may lead to an inconsistent talent identification process which may lead to negative perceptions of fairness among employees. This may, in turn, bring about disgruntled employees and increased turnover.

Originality/value

This paper provides empirical evidence to the limited body of knowledge on the conceptualisation of talent. The display of organisational values emerged as important to being labelled talent, a factor that has received scant consideration in the literature.
Antecedents and outcomes of work–nonwork conflict in hospitality: a meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Shi , Cao Zheng Chris
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to provide and meta-analytically investigate a theoretical framework of work–nonwork conflict and its antecedents and outcomes in hospitality management.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts the psychometric meta-analytical methods and meta-structural equation modeling methods to synthesize the relationships between work-to-nonwork conflict (WNC) and nonwork-to-work conflict (NWC) and its antecedents and outcomes.

Findings

WNC and NWC are found to be correlated with antecedents including social support; positive affectivity and negative affectivity; work characteristics; and outcomes including job-related well-being, life-related well-being, burnout, performance and turnover intentions.

Originality/value

This paper is the very first meta-analysis in International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. It is also the first meta-analysis on the relationship between overall work–nonwork conflict and its antecedents and outcomes in hospitality and tourism.
Color effects on visually perceived surface roughness of leg with pantyhose
Authors: Wakako Lina , Kinari Toshiyasu
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the influence of pantyhose color on the visually perceived surface roughness of a pantyhose covered leg, and to examine the resultant evaluation index.

Design/methodology/approach

A sensory evaluation of the visually perceived surface roughness of a leg model with typical pantyhose of various colors and apparent yarn count was performed among Japanese females along with a statistical analysis. The relationship between the visually perceived surface roughness of the leg with pantyhose and the characteristics of the visual information of the pantyhose which was obtained by image analysis were investigated.

Findings

The color of the pantyhose had a clear influence on the visually perceived surface roughness of a leg with pantyhose. The characteristics of the visual information of the leg with pantyhose, namely, the shape of the histogram on the luminance distribution proved to be useful as the evaluation index of the visually perceived surface roughness.

Originality/value

Development of a novel pantyhose with superior aesthetic performance that meets the requirements of the wearer can be expected to lead to an improvement in the quality and performance of hosiery. This paper provides the quantification of aesthetic performance of pantyhose.
Varieties of context and informal entrepreneurship
Authors: Afreh Benjamin , Rodgers Peter , Vershinina Natalia , Williams Colin C.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the multi-faceted contexts, which influence the motives, decisions and actions that underpin the mundane and lively entrepreneurial practice of migrant youth entrepreneurs (MYEs) within a developing economy context. Moreover, the paper explores the under-researched linkages between migration and informal entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

Inductive, qualitative field data from a migrant destination, the Ashanti Region in Ghana are analysed, comprising 15 interviews with MYEs who hail from 12 communities in the three Northern Regions of Ghana. The authors introduce a narrative-based approach, which has previously been under-employed within empirical studies of informal entrepreneurship.

Findings

The findings showcase the complex array of opportunities and challenges, which influence individual decisions to engage in informal entrepreneurship. The findings highlight the importance of not only economic rationales but also non-economic rationales for engaging in informal entrepreneurship. Such rationales emerge from the legitimation of informal practices, the social embeddedness of migrant youth within family and community networks and the precarious nature of informal entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

The fine-grained discussion of the findings contributes explicitly to theory by underscoring the diversity of informal entrepreneurship activities. Theoretically, the article demonstrates the need to look beyond narrow economic explanations for why individuals engage in informal entrepreneurship. Taking a more holistic approach to explaining motivations for engaging in informal entrepreneurship, enables more nuanced understandings of the importance of non-economic rationales for individuals, located in specific contextual settings.
Progress toward New Public Governance in Romania
Authors: Stanica Cristina Maria , Aristigueta Maria
Published: June 2019

Purpose

New Public Governance is becoming an important framework for managing the public sector in the era of collaborative governance. The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which New Public Governance as a framework is limited to the political and administrative context of Romania and to create a connection between good governance and New Public Governance through operationalizing the concepts and clarifying their inter-dependency. New public leadership skills are required from both horizontal and vertical approaches, in order to tackle the country’s wicked problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the use of qualitative methods, such as document analysis of Cooperation and Verification Mechanism reports of the European Commission on Romania, and expert interviews with a focus on governance aspects, the paper seeks to clarify the challenges that Romania faces in terms of democratization given the current political and administrative context.

Findings

Findings in Romania reveal little agreement on progress in government effectiveness, regulatory quality and implementation of the rule of law. However, progress has been noted on voice and accountability and strengthening democracy.

Research limitations/implications

The authors discuss the uncertainty that the concept of good governance has created from an international organizations’ perspective in developing countries, and define the good governance infrastructure as a means of bringing governance closer to the complex and changing context of each country. The paper aims to clarify the connection between good governance and New Public Governance, by assessing contextual factors in developing countries.

Practical implications

The practical implications of the study are related to the possibility of this paper to inform other developing countries on the conditions that are necessary in order to adhere to New Public Governance. The paper has implications in proposing the use of the good governance infrastructure as a helpful concept when considering democratic frameworks for research and practice.

Social implications

The social implications of this paper are connected to the current political, administrative and social context of the Central and Eastern European region and its component countries. Improving democratic practices, through advancing the importance of good governance indicators in switching to a public governance perspective in public administration, is the main outcome of New Public Governance-style reforms.

Originality/value

The paper’s originality stands in designing the premises for the “good governance infrastructure” as a new concept that aims to bridge the gap between good governance and New Public Governance, and bring more conceptual clarity. Being supported by evidence, through the use of primary data generated by expert interview analysis, the new concept can improve and encourage further research on this topic.