bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling customer satisfaction and revisit intention in Bangladeshi dining restaurants
Authors: Mannan Mahafuz , Chowdhury Nusrat , Sarker Priodorshine , Amir Riasat
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide an insight into the crucial antecedents of customer satisfaction and revisit intention in the context of dining restaurants in a holistic approach, taking Bangladesh as a unit of analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design was cross-sectional. Data were collected from 30 dining restaurants in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. The proposed model was tested using partial least square structural equation modeling with a sample size of 600 respondents.

Findings

The antecedents of customer satisfaction (i.e. service quality, food quality, atmospherics, other customers and perceived value/price) were found to have significant positive effects on customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction and restaurant reputation were found to have significant positive effects on revisit intention, while variety seeking tendency was found to have a significant negative effect on revisit intention. Trust was found to partially mediate the customer satisfaction-revisit intention and restaurant reputation-revisit intention relationships.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to provide a holistic approach toward the crucial antecedents of customer satisfaction (i.e. service quality, food quality, atmospherics, other customers and perceived value) and revisit intention (i.e. customer satisfaction, variety seeking tendency, trust and restaurant reputation) in one structural equation model, and investigated their interrelationships in the context of dining restaurants. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that has investigated the mediating role of trust between the customer satisfaction-revisit intention and restaurant reputation-revisit intention relationships in the context of dining restaurants. From a market-specific context, this the first study to investigate and link the examined variables in the context of Bangladeshi dining restaurants.
Studying the sustainability of third party logistics growth using system dynamics
Authors: Sundarakani Balan , Lai Yin Sian , Goh Mark , de Souza Robert
Published: October 2019

Purpose

In this Industry 4.0 era, third-party logistics (3PL) industries face huge cost pressure to deliver their service. With increase in competition among the players, constant mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have been taking place to sustain competitive advantage. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the growth dynamics among the 3PL service providers.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the system dynamics methodology was applied to the study of the growth of 3PL industry in Singapore. A population growth model incorporating the predator–prey interaction is developed to account for growth through M&As among 3PLs and their interaction phenomenon are modeled through modified Lotka–Volterra method. The two-species system model consisting of small and medium logistics service providers (SMLSPs as the prey) and the lead logistics providers (LLPs as the predator) are gauged according to the firm size.

Findings

Results from the baseline model indicates that Singapore’s logistics industry looks very optimistic for SMLSPs for another 6 years from 2018, while the LLP population will achieve a peak at about 12 years from 2018. Further sensitivity analysis through macroeconomic and microeconomic changes reveals increase in trend of M&As. By varying competitive pressures between firms, results indicate that the LLP population experiences a decreasing rate of increasing SMLSP population falls.

Research limitations/implications

The research provides guidance for logistics and supply chain managers to better understand the critical factors that impact and determine competitive dynamics. The paper further recommends managers to build sustainable logistics strategies to retain competitive advantages.

Originality/value

The research contributes to both economic and social dimensions of logistics sustainability of how resilient the industries are during uncertain conditions. Some of the limitations of this research include the geographic coverage of the study region and other methodological aspects. The research value thus helps policymakers for developing strategic policies for sustainable industrial growth.
Coping with customer mistreatment
Authors: Wu Haibo , Wang Xiaohui , Chen Peter
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Drawing on the transaction theory of stress, the purpose of this paper is to conceptualize customer mistreatment as a stressor and examine how job routinization and proactive personality help employees cope with the effects of customer mistreatment on emotional exhaustion and work engagement. The interaction of job routinization and proactive personality was also tested.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 128 hundred nurses were recruited to participate in the current study, which was a daily survey for two consecutive weeks (10 working days).

Findings

The results revealed that job routinization and proactive personality attenuated the effects of customer mistreatment on emotional exhaustion and work engagement. The analyses also showed that, with more proactive personality and high job routinization, the effects of customer mistreatment were minimized.

Originality/value

Job routinization is a type of job resources that attenuates the negative influence of customer mistreatment. Proactive personality strengthens job routinization’s function, when proactive personality and job routinization are both high, the ill effect of customer mistreatment will be minimized.
How does abusive supervision restrict employees’ feedback-seeking behavior?
Authors: Shen Chuangang , Yang Jing , He Peixu , Wu Yenchun Jim
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the restrictive effect of abusive supervision on employees’ feedback-seeking behavior (FSB) through organizational-based self-esteem (OBSE) and the moderation of this mediation by leader-member exchange (LMX).

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted hierarchical regression and path analysis to analyze the 312 manager–employee dyads data gathered from five companies in China.

Findings

The authors found that abusive supervision had a detrimental effect on employee FSB, partially through OBSE, and that both the direct and indirect effects were moderated by LMX.

Practical implications

Organizations should seek to inhibit supervisors’ abusive behavior in the workplace. Supervisors should not occasionally mistreat subordinates with whom they have a good relationship.

Originality/value

This study reveals the underlying influence mechanism of abusive supervision on employee FSB using the self-concept theory and suggests that OBSE is critical in determining how abusive supervision influences employee FSB. Furthermore, LMX quality (especially high LMX) moderates the above mediation.
Research on relationship between government innovation funding and firms value creation using clustering-rough sets
Authors: Zhu Weidong , Tian Yufei , Hu Xue , Ku Quan , Dai Xiaoya
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the pattern between government innovation funding and enterprise value creation. Many factors, including government innovation funding, R&D ability, corporate governance and some company characteristics significantly affected the efficiency of firm value creation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposed a novel methodology based on clustering-rough sets to explore the characteristics of enterprise value creation behavior, and map the relationship between government innovation funding and enterprise value creation. The agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) algorithm were used to classify firm performance and get two types of value creation efficiencies and to discretize condition attributes because the rough set theory cannot deal with continuous attributes. This paper utilized the rough sets method to realize data mining and get rules of government innovation funding and enterprise value creation.

Findings

R&D ability, proportion of independent directors, remuneration of directors, operating revenue, number of employees, price-earnings ratio, quick ratio, capital intensity and ROA were important to identify firm value creation efficiency when government funded the firms. Firms of high level of government innovation funding, high lagged R&D ratio, high remuneration of directors, low price-earnings ratio, low quick ratio, moderate capital intensity and high ROA were more likely to have high efficiency of value creation.

Originality/value

Since China implemented the innovation-driven development strategy, facilitating enterprise innovation has become an important way to achieve high-quality economic growth. With constantly increasing of Chinese government innovation funding, studying on the effect of government innovation funding on firm’s value creation is significant to improve the efficiency of government resource allocation. It is valuable to reveal the pattern between government innovation funding and enterprise value creation based on the value added theory. The rules obtained could be used to provide decision-making support to improve the efficiency of government innovation funding and prevent waste of government resources effectively.
Sensitivity of dryland plant allometry to climate
Authors: Rudgers Jennifer A. , Hallmark Alesia , Baker Stephanie R. , Baur Lauren , Hall Kristofer M. , Litvak Marcy E. , Muldavin Esteban H. , Pockman William T. , Whitney Kenneth D.
Published: October 2019

Patterns of plant biomass partitioning are fundamental to estimates of primary productivity and ecosystem process rates. Allometric relationships between above‐ground plant biomass and non‐destructive measures of plant size, such as cover, volume or stem density are widely used in plant ecology. Such size‐biomass allometry is often assumed to be invariant for a given plant species, plant functional group or ecosystem type.

Allometric adjustment may be an important component of the short‐ or long‐term response of plants to abiotic conditions. We used 18 years of size‐biomass data describing of 85 plant species to investigate the sensitivity of allometry to precipitation, temperature or drought across two seasons and four ecosystems in central New Mexico, USA.

Size‐biomass allometry varied with climate in 65%–70% of plant species. Closely related plant species had similar sensitivities of allometry to natural spatiotemporal variation in precipitation, temperature or drought. Annuals were less sensitive than perennials, and forbs were less sensitive than grasses or shrubs. However, the differences associated with plant life history or functional group were not independent of plant evolutionary history, as supported by the application of phylogenetically independent contrasts.

Our results demonstrate that many plant species adjust patterns in the partitioning of above‐ground biomass under different climates and highlight the importance of long‐term data for understanding functional differences among plant species.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Food Safety Interventions to Control Listeria monocytogenes in the Fresh Apple Packing Industry: A Review
Authors: Pietrysiak Ewa , Smith Stephanie , Ganjyal Girish M
Published: October 2019

Listeria monocytogenes, in fresh and ready‐to‐eat produce such as whole fresh apples, is of concern as there is no “kill step” in their packing process that would eliminate the pathogenic bacteria. Recent listeriosis outbreaks revealed that insufficient cleaning and sanitation practices in fresh apple packing houses may lead to contamination of fruit with L. monocytogenes. This article discusses three fundamental aspects for ensuring microbiological safety of fresh apples: protection of fresh apples from microbial contamination during the packing process, decontamination intervention techniques, and the challenges in removal of L. monocytogenes from fresh apples. Currently used and novel methods of fresh produce decontamination are discussed and evaluated on their usefulness for the apple packing process. Additionally, present regulatory requirements, possible routes of produce contamination, and bacteria attachment and survival mechanisms are described. Optimum methods for microbial decontamination of whole fresh apples are still to be determined. Critical aspects that should be considered in developing the interventions include apple morphology, conditions and scale of the packing process, and influence of the interventions on apple quality. Evaluation of the currently used and emerging decontamination methods indicated that the hurdle technology and rotating use of sanitizers to avoid development of bacterial biofilm resistance may give the best results, although not conclusively.
Triassic Granitic Magmatism at the Northern Margin of the North China Craton: Implications of Geochronology and Geochemistry for the Tectonic Evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: CHEN Jingsheng , TIAN Dexin , YANG Hao , LI Weiwei , LIU Miao , LI Bin , YANG Fan , LI Wei , WU Zhen
Published: October 2019

The early Mesozoic marked an important transition from collisional orogeny to post‐orogenic extension at the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC). In this study, we undertook zircon U‐Pb dating and whole‐rock major‐ and trace‐element geochemical analyses of early Mesozoic granitic rocks in the Chifeng area to establish their geochronological framework, petrogenesis, and implications for the tectonic evolution of the eastern Central Asia Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Zircon U‐Pb dating results show that these rocks were emplaced in three stages during the Triassic: (1) syenogranites during 250–248 Ma, (2) granodiorites during 244–243 Ma, and (3) monzogranites and granodiorites during 232–230 Ma. These Triassic granitoids belong to the high‐K calc‐alkaline series and are evolved I‐type granites. They have high SiO2 and low MgO contents with enrichments in light rare‐earth elements, Zr, Hf, Rb, Th, and U, and depletions in Ba, Nb, Ta, Sr, and Eu. These geochemical data indicate that the granitoids were derived from partial melting of a lower‐crustal source under relatively low‐pressure conditions and subsequently underwent extensive fractional crystallization. Considering both the geochemical data and regional geological information, we propose that the 250–248 Ma syenogranites were emplaced in an extensional environment linked to slab break‐off after closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean (PAO) along the Solonker‐Xra Moron‐Changchun suture zone. The 244–243 Ma granodiorites were formed in a compressional orogenic setting during collision between the Erguna‐Xing'an‐Songliao composite block and the NCC. The 232–230 Ma granodiorites and monzogranites were emplaced during the transition from compressional orogeny to post‐orogenic extension. Overall, the early Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the Chifeng area can be divided into three main stages: (1) closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean and extension related to slab break‐off during the Early Triassic; (2) continuous collisional compression during the Middle Triassic after closure of the PAO; and (3) post‐orogenic extension during the Late Triassic, most probably due to lithospheric delamination after amalgamation of the Erguna‐Xing'an‐Songliao composite block and the NCC.
U‐Pb Ages and Hf Isotope of Zircons from a Carbonatite Dyke in the Bayan Obo Fe‐REE Deposit in Inner Mongolia: its Geological Significance
Authors: LAI Xiaodong , YANG Xiaoyong
Published: October 2019

Detailed studies on U‐Pb ages and Hf isotope have been carried out in zircons from a carbonatite dyke associated with the Bayan Obo giant REE‐Nb‐Fe deposit, northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC), which provide insights into the plate tectonic in Paleoproterozoic. Analyses of small amounts of zircons extracted from a large sample of the Wu carbonatite dyke have yielded two ages of late Archaean and late Paleoproterozoic (with mean207Pb/206Pb ages of 2521±25 Ma and 1921±14 Ma, respectively). Mineral inclusions in the zircon identified by Raman spectroscopy are all silicate minerals, and none of the zircon grains has the extremely high Th/U characteristic of carbonatite, which are consistent with crystallization of the zircon from silicate, and the zircon is suggested to be derived from trapped basement complex. Hf isotopes in the zircon from the studied carbonatite are different from grain to grain, suggesting the zircons were not all formed in one single process. Majority of∊Hf(t) values are compatible with ancient crustal sources with limited juvenile component. The Hf data and theirTDM2values also suggest a juvenile continental growth in Paleoproterozoic during the period of 1940–1957 Ma. Our data demonstrate the major crustal growth during the Paleoproterozoic in the northern margin of the NCC, coeval with the assembly of the supercontinent Columbia, and provide insights into the plate tectonic of the NCC in Paleoproterozoic.
Evaluation Methods of Profitable Tight Oil Reservoir of Lacustrine Coquina: A Case Study of Da'anzhai Member of Jurassic in the Sichuan Basin
Authors: PANG Zhenglian , TAO Shizhen , ZHANG Qin , ZHANG Bin , ZHANG Tianshu , YANG Xiaoping , WU Yinye , FAN Jianwei , YUAN Miao
Published: October 2019

Based on core observation, cast and fluorescent thin sections, FESEM and ESEM, coquina in Da'anzhai Member of Jurassic in Sichuan Basin were examined systematically. Together with production data and logging evaluation, a method for lacustrine coquina evaluation based on geological theory was established up. In the article, two aspects of the study were elaborated, characteristics of favorable reservoirs, and a “five‐step” evaluation method for favorable coquina reservoir. According to the correlation between porosity and production data, porosity is not effective in finding high quality coquina reservoir of this area. Whereas micro research of reservoir samples from a high productivity well revealed that sparry coquina is the best lithofacies, with the most developed micro storage space of various kinds. After the favorable reservoir was sorted out, a five‐step method evaluating the coquina reservoir was worked out. Correlation of GR value and rock types suggests that GR<30 API is an effective evaluation parameter in identifying profitable reservoir lithofacies. Meanwhile, the combination of profitable reservoir rock thickness and production data revealed that the reservoirs with the highest potentiality are those with thickness of 3–18 m. Fractures are more developed in faults, folds and structural noses in the study area. Organic acid is discharged massively before the peak of hydrocarbon generation, leading to the formation of dissolution pores in the reservoir. The evaluation of organic acid was made by using the source rock indexes. After evaluating the four factors, and compiling their distribution maps, the maps were overlapped to predict favorable reservoir zones, and 7 first class and 9 second class favorable zones of coquina were picked out.
Timing and Processes of Ore Formation in the Qingchengzi Polymetallic Orefield, Northeast China: Evidence from40Ar/39Ar Geochronology
Authors: WANG Yinzhi , WANG Fei , SHI Wenbei , YANG Liekun , WU Lin
Published: October 2019

The Qingchengzi orefield is a large polymetallic ore concentration area in the Liaodong peninsula, northeastern China, that includes twelve Pb‐Zn deposits and five Au‐Ag deposits along its periphery. The ore‐forming age remains much disputed, which prevents the identification of the relationship between the mineralization and the associated magmatism. In this paper, we quantitatively present the feasibility of making ore mineral40Ar/39Ar dating and report reliable40Ar/39Ar ages of lamprophyre groundmass, K‐feldspar and sphalerite from the Zhenzigou deposit. Direct and indirect methods are applied to constrain the timing of mineralization, which plays a vital role in discussing the contribution of multistage magmatism to ore formation. The low‐potassium sphalerite yielded an inverse isochron age of 232.8±41.5 Ma, which features a relatively large uncertainty. Two lamprophyre groundmasses got reliable inverse isochron ages of 193.2±1.3 Ma and 152.3±1.5 Ma, respectively. K‐feldspar yielded a precise inverse isochron age of 134.9±0.9 Ma. These four ages indicate that the mineralization is closely associated with Mesozoic magmatism. Consequently, regarding the cooling age of the earliest Mesozoic Shuangdinggou intrusion (224.2±1.2 Ma) as the initial time of mineralization, we can further constrain the age of the sphalerite to 224–191 Ma. These new and existing geochronological data, combined with the interaction cutting or symbiotic relationship between the lamprophyre veins and ore veins, suggest that the Pb‐Zn‐Au‐Ag mineralization in the Qingchengzi orefield mainly occurred during three periods: the late Triassic (ca. 224–193 Ma), the late Jurassic (ca. 167–152 Ma) and the early Cretaceous (ca. 138–134 Ma). This polymetallic deposits are shown to have been formed during multiple events coinciding with periods of the Mesozoic magmatic activity. In contrast, the Proterozoic magmatism and submarine exhalative and hydrothermal sedimentation in the Liaolaomo paleorift served mainly to transport and concentrate the ore‐forming substances at the Liaohe Group with no associated Pb‐Zn‐Au‐Ag mineralization.
Research and Application of In‐seam Seismic Survey Technology for Disaster‐causing Potential Geology Anomalous Body in Coal Seam
Authors: TENG Jiwen , LI Songying , JIA Mingkui , LIAN Jie , LIU Honglei , LIU Guodong , WANG Wei , Volker SCHÄPE , FENG Lei , YAO Xiaoshuai , WANG Kang , YAN Yafen , ZHANG Wanpeng
Published: October 2019

In order to effectively detect potential geology anomalous bodies in coal bearing formation, such as coal seam thickness variation, small faults, goafs and collapse columns, and provide scientific guidance for safe and efficient mining, the SUMMIT‐II EX explosion‐proof seismic slot wave instrument, produced by German DMT Company, was used to detect the underground channel wave with the help of transmission method, reflection method and transflective method. Region area detection experiment in mining face had been carried out thanks to the advantage of channel wave, such as its great dispersion, abundant geology information, strong anti‐interference ability and long‐distance detecting. The experimental results showed that: (1) Coal seam thickness variation in extremely unstable coal seam has been quantitatively interpreted with an accuracy of more than 80% generally; (2) The faults, goafs and collapse columns could be detected and predicted accurately; (3) Experimental detection of gas enrichment areas, stress concentration regions and water inrush risk zone has been collated; (4) A research system of disaster‐causing geology anomalous body detection by in‐seam seismic survey has been built, valuable and innovative achievements have been got. Series of innovation obtained for the first time in this study indicated that it was more effective to detect disaster‐causing potential geology anomalies by in‐seam seismic survey than by ground seismic survey. It had significant scientific value and application prospect under complex coal seam conditions.
The Early Permian Woniusi Flood Basalts from the Baoshan Terrane, SW China: Petrogenesis and Geodynamic Implications
Authors: CAO Jun , ZHANG Gaizhi , WANG Xuan , CHEN Jun
Published: October 2019

The Woniusi flood basalts from the Baoshan terrane, SW China, represent a significant eruption of volcanic rocks which were linked to the Late Paleozoic rifting of the Cimmeria from the northern margin of East Gondwana. However, the precise mechanism for the formation and propagation of the rifting is still in debate. Here we report 40Ar/39Ar dating, whole‐rock geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes for the Woniusi basalts from the Baoshan terrane of SW China, with the aim of assessing if a mantle plume was related to the formation of the continent Cimmeria. 40Ar/39Ar dating of the Woniusi basalts yielded ages of 279.3 ± 1.1 Ma and 273.9 ± 1.5 Ma, indicating they were emplaced during the Early Permian. Whole‐rock geochemistry shows that these basalts have subalkaline tholeiitic affinity, low TiO2 (1.2–2.2 wt%), and fractionated chondrite‐normalized LREE and nearly flat HREE patterns [(La/Yb)N = 2.86–5.77; (Dy/Yb)N = 1.21–1.49] with noticeable negative Nb and Ta anomalies on the primitive mantle‐normalized trace element diagram. The ∊Nd(t) values (–4.76 to +0.92) and high (206Pb/204Pb)i (18.40–18.66) along with partial melt modeling indicates that the basalts were likely derived from a sub‐continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) source metasomatized by subduction‐related processes. On the basis of a similar emplacement age to the Panjal basalts and Qiangtang mafic dykes and flood basalts in the Himalayas, combined with a tectonic reconstruction of Gondwana in the Early Permian, we propose that the large‐scale eruption of these basalts and dykes was related to an Early Permian mantle plume that possibly initiated the rifting on the northern margin of East Gondwana.
Early Permian A‐type Granites in the Zhangdaqi Area, Inner Mongolia, China and Their Tectonic Implications
Authors: ZHANG Li , LIU Yongjiang , SHAO Jun , LI Weimin , LIANG Chenyue , CHANG Ruihong , YANG Hongzhi , FENG Zhiqiang , ZHANG Chao , XU Jia , SHI Yi , YANG Fan , HE Pengfei
Published: October 2019

There is a controversy regarding the amalgamation of Xing'an and Songnen Blocks along the Hegenshan‐Heihe Suture (HHS) in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). To solve this problem, we performed detailed study on the granites from the Zhangdaqi area, adjacent to the north of the HHS in the northern part of the Great Xing'an Range, NE China. Geochemically, the granites in the study area are metaluminous‐weak peraluminous and high‐K calc‐alkaline series. Trace elements of the granites show that LREEs are relatively enriched, while HREEs are relatively deficient and obvious REE fractionation. The granites are characterized by obvious negative Eu anomalies, meanwhile, they are relatively enriched in Rb, K, Th and depleted in Ba, Nb, Sr, P, Ti. All the geochemical features suggest that the granites in the Zhangdaqi area are aluminum A‐type granites. The zircon LA‐ICP‐MS U‐Pb ages of these granites are 294–298 Ma, indicating that they formed in the Early Permian. These granites also have positive εHf (t) values (8.4–14.2) and a relatively young two‐stage model age between 449 Ma and 977 Ma, implying that the magma was derived from the re‐melting of the Early Paleozoic‐Neoproterozoic juvenile crust. Combined with geochemical characteristics (Nb/Ta ratios of 9.0–22.2, and Zr/Hf ratios of 52.3–152.0), we believe that the magmatic source area is a mixture of partial melting of the lower crust and depleted mantle. A‐type granites and bimodal volcanic rocks along the Hegenshan‐Heihe Suture formed during the Late Carboniferous‐Early Permian, indicating that the HHS between Xing'an and Songnen Blocks closed in the late Early‐Carboniferous. Subsequently, the Zhangdaqi area was in a post‐orogenic extensional environment from Late Carboniferous to Early Permian and resulted in the formation of the A‐type granites.
Prognostic significance of IMMT expression in surgically‐resected lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hiyoshi Yasuhiro , Sato Yuichi , Ichinoe Masaaki , Nagashio Ryo , Hagiuda Daisuke , Kobayashi Makoto , Kusuhara Seiichiro , Igawa Satoshi , Shiomi Kazu , Goshima Naoki , Murakumo Yoshiki , Saegusa Makoto , Satoh Yukitoshi , Masuda Noriyuki , Naoki Katsuhiko
Published: October 2019

Background

Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to many types of human disorders and cancer progression. Inner membrane mitochondrial protein (IMMT) plays an important role in the maintenance of mitochondrial structure and function. The aims of this study were to examine IMMT expression in lung adenocarcinoma and evaluate its correlation with clinicopathological parameters and patient prognosis.

Methods

IMMT expression was immunohistochemically studied in 176 consecutive lung adenocarcinoma resection tissues, and its correlations with clinicopathological parameters were evaluated. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis and Cox‐proportional hazards models were used to estimate the effect of IMMT expression on survival.

Results

High‐IMMT expression was detected in 84 of 176 (47.7%) lung adenocarcinomas. Levels were significantly correlated with advanced disease stage (stage II and III; P = 0.024), larger tumor size (>3 cm; P = 0.002), intratumoral vascular invasion (P < 0.001), and poorer adenocarcinoma patient prognosis (P = 0.002). Based on 176 patients with adenocarcinoma, multivariate analysis revealed that IMMT expression was an independent predictor of poorer survival (HR, 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06–3.74; P = 0.031). Further, treating A549 cells derived from lung adenocarcinoma, with IMMT siRNA resulted in significantly decreased proliferation.

Conclusion

Here, we first demonstrated that high‐IMMT expression is related to some clinicopathological parameters, and that its expression is an independent prognostic predictor of poorer survival in patients with lung adenocarcinoma; further studies are required to clarify the biological function of IMMT in lung adenocarcinoma. However, results suggest that this protein could be a novel prognostic indicator and therapeutic target.
Neuroendocrine marker staining pattern categorization of small‐sized pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
Authors: Minami Kazuhiro , Tanaka Yugo , Ogawa Hiroyuki , Jimbo Naoe , Nishio Wataru , Yoshimura Masahiro , Itoh Tomoo , Maniwa Yoshimasa
Published: October 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to identify subgroups with good or bad prognosis in patients with pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) based on immunostaining patterns with neuroendocrine markers and compare them with small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC).

Methods

From January 2001 to December 2017, of all patients with resected LCNEC and SCLC, we selected patients whose pathological tumor sizes were ≤30 mm in diameter (defined as small‐sized tumors) and who underwent complete resection with lymphadenectomy. We classified patients with small‐sized LCNEC (sLCNEC) into two subgroups based on immunostaining patterns with three neuroendocrine markers (chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and NCAM) and compared them to small‐sized SCLC (sSCLC).

Results

A total of 48 patients with sLCNEC and 39 patients with sSCLC were enrolled. Of 48 patients with sLCNEC, 21 were categorized as the small‐sized triple‐positive group (sTP), whose patients were positive for the three neuroendocrine markers, and 27 patients were categorized as the small‐sized nontriple‐positive group (sNTP), whose patients were not positive for all three neuroendocrine markers. The percentage of lymph node metastasis was significantly lower in sNTP than in sTP and sSCLC. There was no significant difference in overall survival, but recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and tumor‐specific survival (TSS) were significantly poorer in sTP and sSCLC than in sNTP. Multivariate analysis revealed sTP and sSCLC were independent prognostic factors for poorer RFS and TSS than those of sNTP.

Conclusions

The sNTP subgroup had a good prognosis and the sTP subgroup a poor prognosis. There were some similarities in clinicopathological features between sTP and sSCLC.
New Neolithic sites in the western al‐Hajar mountains
Authors: Białowarczuk Marcin , Szymczak Agnieszka
Published: October 2019

A new archaeological project in the western al‐Hajar Mountains in northern Oman involves a systematic survey of the small valley of Qumayrah and excavation of selected sites. Two field seasons revealed a number of Neolithic settlement traces. Three newly discovered sites were excavated, two of which proved to be stratified. The most intensive fieldwork focused on QA 2, a Stone Age campsite that contained stone structures, numerous lithic tools, stone and shell beads and marine shell fragments. Radiocarbon dating provided a c.4200 cal. BC age, corresponding with the prevalent lithic evidence. Two other excavated sites yielded fewer materials, that were, however, diagnostically relevant. They indicate a diachronic occupation ongoing probably since the Late Neolithic till the end of that period, but some materials point to other stages of the Neolithic period as well. The appearance of marine shells suggests seasonal occupation and connections with coastal areas. It raises questions about the reasons for the settling of the Qumayrah valley.
Sharks in the lagoon? Fishing exploitation at the Neolithic site of Suwayh 1 (Ash Sharqiyah region, Arabian Sea, Sultanate of Oman)
Authors: Marrast Anaïs , Béarez Philippe , Charpentier Vincent
Published: October 2019

The study of the fish bones from the Neolithic shell midden of Suwayh 1, excavated in the 2000s, identified a total of 1060 identifiable fish bones, from 23 families, 33 genera and 28 different species. Radiocarbon dating demonstrates that the sites date to the early 6th to mid 5th millennium BC. The results follow an eight‐phase chronology highlighted by an earlier malacological study. The most important taxa were the Carcharhinidae (requiem shark), Rhinopteridae (cownose rays), Sparoidea (Sparidae and Lethrinidae: sea breams and emperors) and Ariidae (sea catfishes). The results of the fish study show that the Suwayh lagoon must have gradually opened up to the sea and been populated with mangroves. The unique presence of so many sharks at this site seems to indicate that the inhabitants had a special interest in shark fishing and that their location was ideal for this specialised activity. Two types of fishing nets and hooks have been discovered, which require the use of different fishing techniques.
Predictive serum markers for unexplained infertility in child‐bearing aged women
Authors: Qu Ting , Yan Meiling , Shen Wen‐Jun , Li Lingxiao , Zhu Ping , Li Zhouxuan , Huang Jihua , Han Tingting , Hu Wenhui , Zhou Ruinian , Li Penghao , Xu Lan , Huang Tianhua , Zhong Ying , Gu Jiang
Published: October 2019

Problem

Unexplained infertility (UI) represents about 25%‐40% of all infertility and is a formidable obstacle for successful pregnancy for child‐bearing aged women. However, up to now, there is no reliable method to predict this condition with high accuracy, thereby hindering early management of this condition.

Method of study

Our prospective study consists of 84 child‐bearing aged women that were clinically diagnosed UI. Forty‐four matched healthy fertility (HF) women were served as controls. We examined the profiles of 25 hormones and cytokines that were likely related to pathogeneses and molecular pathways involved in UI with the technique of protein array. The samples were randomly stratified 7:3 into a training set and a testing set. We used the SMOTEboost model with 10 serum proteins in a clinical verification study to identify UI cases.

Results

The predictor had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.788 with 24 serum protein features. The predictive performance in terms of AUC of the model with the top 10 important serum proteins in the clinical verification study to classify UI cases was 0.809. Three most significantly differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were prolactin, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1), and leptin.

Conclusion

Examination of serum‐based protein profile changes could help to identify child‐bearing aged women at risk of UI. This would enable early detection and facilitate development of clinical strategies to treat UI and guide their planned parenthood. It may also give clues to pathogeneses of the condition of test subjects.
The association between ethnicity and pre‐eclampsia in Australia: A multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Al‐Rubaie Ziad T.A. , Malcolm Hudson Harold , Jenkins Gregory , Mahmoud Imad , Ray Joel G. , Askie Lisa M. , Lord Sarah J.
Published: October 2019

Background

Rates of pre‐eclampsia vary between countries and certain ethnic groups. However, there is limited evidence about the impact of ethnicity on risk of pre‐eclampsia, beyond established clinical risk factors.

Aims

To assess the association between ethnicity and pre‐eclampsia in Australia's diverse multi‐ethnic population.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the ObstetriX database. We included all women with a birth between January 2011 and December 2014, at Auburn, Blacktown/Mount‐Druitt and Westmead Hospitals in the Western Sydney Local Health District. We estimated the pre‐eclampsia rate overall, and by maternal ethnic group, defined by country of birth and primary language. We developed multivariable logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for pre‐eclampsia, adjusting for maternal age, body mass index, autoimmune disease, chronic hypertension, chronic renal disease, diabetes mellitus (type 1 or 2), and multiple pregnancy. A secondary analysis was restricted to nulliparous women.

Results

There were 40 824 women evaluated, including 12 743 nulliparous women. Of these, 1448 (3.5%) developed pre‐eclampsia (range: Australian/New Zealand‐born English speakers 735/15 422 (4.8%); North‐East Asian women 51/4470 (1.1%)). Relative to Australian/New Zealand‐born English speakers, immigrants had a lower risk of pre‐eclampsia overall (adjusted OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.60–0.75); as did the three largest immigrant groups examined: Southern Asian (0.73; 0.62–0.85), Middle‐Eastern/African (0.55; 0.47–0.66) and North‐East Asian (0.33; 0.25–0.45) women. Findings were similar for nulliparous women.

Conclusions

Certain immigrant groups are at lower risk of pre‐eclampsia than Australian/New Zealand‐born English‐speaking women. Understanding why this is so may lead to better screening and preventive strategies in higher‐risk women.
Smuggling, Trafficking, and Extortion: New Conceptual and Policy Challenges on the Libyan Route to Europe
Authors: Kuschminder Katie , Triandafyllidou Anna
Published: October 2019

This paper contributes a conceptual and empirical reflection on the relationship between human smuggling, trafficking and kidnapping, and extortion in Libya. It is based on qualitative interview data with Eritrean asylum seekers in Italy. Different tribal regimes control separate territories in Libya, which leads to different experiences for migrants depending on which territory they enter, such as Eritreans entering in the southeast Toubou controlled territory. We put forth that the kidnapping and extortion experienced by Eritreans in Libya is neither trafficking, nor smuggling, but a crime against humanity orchestrated by an organized criminal network. The paper details this argument and discusses the implications.
Maternal age and risk of cesarean section in women with induced labor at term—A Nordic register‐based study
Authors: Bergholt Thomas , Skjeldestad Finn E. , Pyykönen Aura , Rasmussen Steen C. , Tapper Anna‐Maija , Bjarnadóttir Ragnheiður I. , Smárason Alexander , Másdóttir Birna B. , Klungsøyr Kari , Albrechtsen Susanne , Källén Karin , Gissler Mika , Løkkegaard Ellen C. L.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Over the last decades, induction of labor has increased in many countries along with increasing maternal age. We assessed the effects of maternal age and labor induction on cesarean section at term among nulliparous and multiparous women without previous cesarean section.

Material and methods

We performed a retrospective national registry‐based study from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden including 3 398 586 deliveries between 2000 and 2011. We investigated the impact of age on cesarean section among 196 220 nulliparous and 188 158 multiparous women whose labor was induced, had single cephalic presentation at term, and no previous cesarean section. Confounders comprised country, time‐period, and gestational age.

Results

In nulliparous women with induced labor the rate of cesarean section increased from 14.0% in women less than 20 years of age to 39.9% in women 40 years and older. Compared with women aged 25‐29 years, the corresponding relative risks were 0.60 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.57 to 0.64) and 1.72 (95% CI 1.66 to 1.79). In multiparous induced women the risk of cesarean section was 3.9% in women less than 20 years rising to 9.1% in women 40 years and older. Compared with women aged 25‐29 years, the relative risks were 0.86 (95% CI 0.54 to 1.37) and 1.98 (95% CI 1.84 to 2.12), respectively. There were minimal confounding effects of country, time‐period, and gestational age on risk for cesarean section.

Conclusions

Advanced maternal age is associated with increased risk of cesarean section in women undergoing labor induction with a single cephalic presentation at term without a previous cesarean section. The absolute risk of cesarean section is 3‐5 times higher across 5‐year age groups in nulliparous relative to multiparous women having induced labor.
SEEKING RENT IN THE INFORMAL SECTOR
Authors: KAR Saibal , MANDAL Biswajit , MARJIT Sugata , MUKHERJEE Vivekananda
Published: October 2019

Rent seeking within the vast informal segment of the developing world is a relatively under‐explored topic in the interface of labor market policies and public economics. Moreover, how rent seeking and corruption within the informal segment gets affected by economic reforms targeted for the formal sector is rarely discussed in the literature. This paper fills the gap. We identify conditions under which economic reform in the formal segment will increase the rate of corruption or rent seeking in the informal sector and raise the pay‐off for those involved in rent‐seeking activities. When the formal sector contracts due to reforms, rent seeking in the informal sector may increase and lower the level of welfare unconditionally. Economic reforms may increase corruption instead of reducing it, unlike standard conjectures.
Thoracoscopic retrosternal gastric conduit resection in the supine position for gastric tube cancer
Authors: Horie Kazumasa , Oshikiri Taro , Kitamura Yu , Shimizu Masaki , Yamazaki Yuta , Sakamoto Hiroki , Ishida Sonoko , Koterazawa Yasufumi , Ikeda Taro , Yamamoto Masashi , Kanaji Shingo , Matsuda Yoshiko , Yamashita Kimihiro , Matsuda Takeru , Nakamura Tetsu , Suzuki Satoshi , Kakeji Yoshihiro
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Recent advances in the treatment for esophageal cancer have improved the prognosis after esophagectomy, but they have led to an increased incidence of gastric tube cancer. In most patients who underwent retrosternal reconstruction, median sternotomy is performed; it is associated with a risk of postoperative bleeding and osteomyelitis, and pain often negatively affects respiration. Here, we report the first case of thoracoscopic retrosternal gastric conduit resection in the supine position (TRGR‐S).

Materials and Surgical Technique

A 75‐year‐old male patient was placed in the supine position. Four ports were placed in the left chest wall. The gastric tube was separated from the epicardium, sternum, and left brachiocephalic vein. Because of adhesions between the gastric tube and the right pleura, combined resection of the right pleura was performed. The dorsal side of the gastric tube was dissected before the ventral side, enabling the gastric tube to be suspended from the back of the sternum and, thus, making it easier to expose the surgical field. Next, pedicled jejunal reconstruction via the presternal route was performed. There were no postoperative complications. The pathological diagnosis was signet ring cell carcinoma (pT1b, pN0, M0, pStage I), indicating R0 resection.

Discussion

TRGR‐S does not require sternotomy, reducing the risk of postoperative bleeding and osteomyelitis. In the presence of adhesions, TRGR‐S is safe and provides a good surgical view. It is also reliable procedure for resection of retrosternal gastric tube cancer, and it is ergonomic for surgeons.
Steroidal alkaloids efficient aromatase inhibitors with potential for the treatment of postmenopausal breast cancer
Authors: Ali Amjad , Jan Naeem Ullah , Ali Safdar , Ahmad Bashir , Ali Abid , Samrana Samrana , Jahan Azra , Ali Hamid , Khan Imtiaz Ali , Rahim Haroon , Ali Ijaz , Kifayatullah Muhammad , Amin Fazli
Published: October 2019

Plant‐derived natural products are of great interest due to their diversity in modern drug discovery. Sarcococca saligna has been used for the treatment of different diseases. The present study was aimed at isolating phytochemical constituents including Alkaloid‐C (a), Dictyophlebine (b), Sarcovagine‐D (c) and Saracodine (d) Holaphylline (e) from Sarcococca saligna to investigate the anticancer effect of these compounds. These compounds were evaluated for inhibition of aromatase enzyme of breast cancer in assistance by molecular docking simulations to understand molecular interaction between the enzyme and ligands. The IC50 values of compound 1 and 5 were found 138.27 ± 0.01 µl and 12.91 ± 0.01 µl, respectively, and both were found active due to their bulky structures in comparison to the active site of aromatase enzyme. The standard drug exemestane showed potent activity in comparison with the test compounds, having IC50 values of 0.052 ± 0.01 µl. Both compounds showed favorable electrostatic interactions with the active site of aromatase enzyme but the shape and steric bulk of the compounds was the limiting factor in their inhibitory effects. New lead compounds could be generated after extensive modifications guided by computational and experimental tools as a possible anticancer agents by targeting aromatase enzyme.
Association between the Khorana score and pulmonary embolism risk in patients with advanced stage lung cancer
Authors: Dapkevičiūtė Austėja , Daškevičiūtė Aurelija , Zablockis Rolandas , Kuzaitė Aušrinė , Jonušienė Gintarė , Diktanas Saulius , Danila Edvardas
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The Khorana score may help physicians to identify patients at high risk of Pulmonary embolism (PE) and decide who is eligible for thromboprophylaxis, however, its role in lung cancer patients remains unclear.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate association between the Khorana score and risk of PE development among advanced stage lung cancer inpatients treated with chemotherapy.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cohort study included 2008‐2017 year data of 217 lung cancer inpatients with IIIB and IV clinical stages receiving chemotherapy. The Khorana score was evaluated and patients were divided in two groups: a group of patients with 1 point and a group of patients with 2 or more points of the Khorana score.

Results

The study population included 46 (21.2%) female and 171 (78.8%) male patients whose median age was 62. During median observation period of 308.5 days 26 (11.9%) patients developed PE. Study included 137 patients with 1 point and 80 patients with 2 or more points of the Khorana score. The frequency of PE was 17 (12.4%) among patients with 1 point and 9 (11.3%) among patients with 2 points of the Khorana score. The relative risk of PE for patients with 2 or more points was 0.895 (95% CI = 0.379‐2.114), P = 0.800.

Conclusion

The Khorana score was not associated with PE development risk among advanced stage lung cancer inpatients treated with chemotherapy.