bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective analysis of a sustainable 3D printing service in an academic library
Authors: Bossart Jean Louise , Gonzalez Sara Russell , Bharti Neelam
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the sustainability of an academic library 3D printing service. Originally intended to introduce students to an emerging technology, the 3D printing service at the University of Florida (UF) libraries expanded to support teaching, learning and research, allowing faculty, staff and students to engage in the maker movement.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzed usage data collected by the library’s 3D printing service from April 2014 through March 2018. These data include the number of prints produced, amount of filament consumed, user academic demographics and whether it is for academic assignments, research or personal projects.

Findings

The data show that the initial 3D printing service users were predominantly engineering students; however, over the four-year period, the service has built up a consistent and diverse user base and expanded the number and types of printers. With grants covering the purchase of the 3D printers and a modest charge for printing ($0.15 per gram of model weight), the 3D printing service has achieved a sustainable level.

Originality/value

UF was one of the first academic libraries to offer 3D printing services and has collected four years of data to evaluate the sustainability of the service. These data demonstrate that the service is a valuable and sustainable asset, allowing students and researchers to visualize and innovate in such diverse fields as anthropology, archaeology, art, biology, chemistry and mathematics.
Undergraduate students use of mobile apps to search library catalogs
Authors: Chen Shih-chuan
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore undergraduate students’ use of mobile apps to search library catalogs and analyze the problems students encountered. Student opinions and suggestions regarding mobile library apps were also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 16 undergraduates were observed and subjected to semi-structured interviews. Four tasks were assigned, and the participants used mobile apps and laptops to search library catalogs. Follow-up in-depth interviews were conducted to gather participants’ opinions regarding the mobile library app.

Findings

Among the 64 total searches conducted by the 16 participants, 45 (70.31 percent) were completed when using the mobile app, and 51 (79.69 percent) were completed using the laptop. Participants spent less time completing the tasks when they used the mobile app. Mobile apps are thus an effective tool for searching library catalogs. However, the interviews revealed that none of the participants had used mobile library apps prior to the interviews conducted in this study, and half of the participants expressed that they would not install library apps on their smartphones in the future.

Originality/value

The study findings may help university libraries improve their understanding about undergraduates’ search behavior and opinions about mobile library apps.
Inter-basin water transfer supply chain coordination with the fairness concern under capacity constraint and random precipitation
Authors: Chen Zhisong , Wang Huimin
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of supply capacity constraint, water delivery loss and fairness concern on the operational decisions/efficiency of the IBWT supply chain under the random precipitation.

Design/methodology/approach

Two game-theoretic decision models for the IBWT supply chain coordination considering water delivery loss without/with fairness concern under the supply capacity constraint and random precipitation are developed, analyzed and compared. On this basis, the corresponding numerical analyses are conducted and compared to derive the corresponding management insights and policy implications.

Findings

The research results indicate that the two-part tariff contract could effectively coordinate the IBWT supply chain and achieve operational performance improvement; the binding supply capacity constraint makes the water capacity to be allocated among IBWT distributors in accordance with fair shortage allocation rule and reduces the profit (or utility) of the IBWT supply chain and its members; the existence of fairness concern reduces the utility of the IBWT supply chain and its members; a lower precipitation utilization factor in the case with non-binding capacity constraint is beneficial for improving the profit/utility of the IBWT supply chain while a higher precipitation utilization factor in the case with binding capacity constraint is beneficial for improving the profit/utility of the IBWT supply chain; and reducing the water delivery loss rate, the mainline transfer cost, the branch-line transfer cost, the holding cost and the shortage cost and setting a higher retail price are beneficial for improving the profit/utility of the IBWT supply chain.

Originality/value

Two innovative coordination decision models under random precipitation are developed, analyzed and compared through game-theoretic approaches to investigate the impact of supply capacity constraint, water delivery loss and fairness concern on the operational decisions/efficiency of the IBWT supply chain, which have enhanced the optimization decision theory for the operations management of IBWT projects and provided a better decision support for the IBWT stakeholders to make better operations strategies.
An empirical analysis of audit pricing and auditor selection: evidence from India
Authors: Bhattacharya Arnab , Banerjee Pradip
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine various factors affecting the pricing of audit services and the selection of auditors in the Indian audit market. This paper also aims to investigate the impact of financial distress conditions on the audit pricing and auditor choice decisions of a firm, particularly in the context of a developing economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprises 22,644 firm-years for 1,366 Indian firms from 1990 to 2015. The authors adopt ordinary least squares regression technique to model audit fee, and logistic regression technique to model auditor choice as a function of various factors relating to firm attributes and auditor characteristics.

Findings

This paper finds that auditors tend to charge an audit fee premium when they are affiliated to a Big 4 auditor, have industry specialization or jointly provide auditing and non-auditing services. Additionally, firms with larger boards, higher proportion of independent board of directors and CEO–Chairman separation are more likely to choose a Big 4-affiliated auditor. The results also suggest that financially distressed firms tend to pay significantly lower audit fees and are more likely to choose non-Big 4 auditors.

Originality/value

This paper is among the few studies which investigate how financial distress impacts the audit pricing and auditor choice decisions of a firm in the context of emerging economies. The findings of this paper raises serious concerns about the credibility of the audited financial statements and corporate governance mechanisms of firms undergoing financial distress. The empirical results of this paper have strong implications for practitioners, regulators and investors.
Effects of sustainability on WoM intention and revisit intention, with environmental awareness as a moderator
Authors: Kusumawati Andriani , Utomo Humam Santosa , Suharyono Suharyono , Sunarti Sunarti
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of sustainability on word-of-mouth (WoM) intention and revisit intention, with environmental awareness as a moderator. This study was carried out in one of the tourist destinations in Indonesia, namely, Bali.

Design/methodology/approach

The population in this study was foreign tourists visiting Bali. This study uses non-probability sampling with a purposive sampling technique and uses inferential statistics. Inferential statistics was used to test the sample data on the effect of sustainability on WoM intention and revisit intention. The statistical tool used is warp-partial least square.

Findings

Effect of sustainability on WoM intention is that the higher perception of foreign tourists in the sustainability assessment will increase the WoM intention of foreign tourists. Contrarily, lower perception of foreign tourists on sustainability assessment will lower the WoM intention of foreign tourists. Effects of sustainability on revisit intention is that the higher perception of foreign tourists in the sustainability assessment will increase the revisit intention of foreign tourists. Contrarily, the lower perception of foreign tourists in sustainability assessment will lower the revisit intention of foreign tourists. Environmental awareness moderating the effects of sustainability on revisit intention is that the higher the environmental awareness of foreign tourists visiting Bali, the stronger the influence of sustainability on revisit intention. Contrarily, the lower environmental awareness of foreign tourists visiting Bali will lower the effect of sustainability on revisit intention.

Originality/value

Destination sustainability research from the perspective of tourists has not been conducted up to the behavior intention, and research is still limited to tourist satisfaction. Research that connects destination sustainability with trust, WoM intention and revisit intention has not been found yet. WoM intention and revisit intention provide a clearer picture than behavioral intention; therefore, this study focuses on WoM intention and revisit intention variables. Destination sustainability research has not been combined with destination quality as an exogenous variable that is able to predict more precisely tourist satisfaction and behavioral intention. Research has not been found on environmental awareness in relation to the sustainability variable and behavior intention. The studies that have been carried out only focus on the effect of environmental awareness on the behavior intention (Gao et al., 2016), and the research has not yet linked it to sustainability.
An attitudinal approach to determining Sponsorship ROI
Authors: Nickell David , Johnston Wesley J.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Using multi-wave survey data, the authors quantified the financial impact of a sponsorship. The purpose of this paper is to predict the number of new buyers based upon changed brand attitudes, consistent with a hierarchy of effects model. The authors then established the financial return on the sponsorship spending by estimating the customer lifetime value (CLV) of these new buyers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected the data around a major college football bowl game. Six phases of data collection were used to determine purchasing behavior and brand attitudes of attendees before and after the sponsored event, in comparison to television viewers of the event and the general public. The authors applied Lavidge and Elrick’s (1961) attitudinal constructs as the independent variables in a logistic regression to predict future purchase. The final data collection was used to validate the model’s prediction.

Findings

The findings show that the model accurately predicted the number of new customers after one buying cycle for the sponsor’s products. The authors also quantified the positive impact of the sponsorship on the CLV of existing customers within the same time frame.

Originality/value

The managerial implications of this study are significant. Sponsorships are highly risky, with fixed outlays up front, and unclear benefits to be realized in the future. The authors provide a methodology that not only allows sponsors to measure the effectiveness of the sponsorship, but to determine the return on their sponsorship investment. The authors have taken consumer behavior theory from marketing communications research and combined it with CLV tools, thus allowing marketers to determine the number of new customers that a sponsorship generates, as well as how it influences the buying patterns that drive CLV.
The influence of employee performance appraisal cynicism on intent to quit and sportsmanship
Authors: Brown Michelle , Kraimer Maria L. , Bratton Virginia K.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Using job demands–resources (JD–R) theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of job demands (difficult performance appraisal (PA) objectives) and job resources (performance feedback and leader member exchange (LMX)) on employee reports of PA cynicism. The paper also investigates the consequences of PA cynicism on intent to quit and bad sportsmanship.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data on PA demands and resources, PA cynicism and turnover intentions were obtained from employees. Supervisors rated their employees’ level of sportsmanship.

Findings

Contrary to the predictions of JD–R theory, the authors found that employees are most likely to be cynical when they experience high levels of job resources (LMX and performance feedback) and high levels of job demands (difficult objectives).

Research limitations/implications

The study demonstrates that PA cynicism matters – employees with higher levels of PA cynicism were more likely to contemplate leaving the organization; employees with high levels of PA cynicism are rated as bad sports by their supervisors.

Practical implications

Employees are sensitive to gaps between the description and reality of a PA process which can trigger thoughts of organizational exit and ineffective work behaviors. human resource managers need to ensure that employees regard the PA process as valuable, useful and worth their time and effort.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the PA literature by investigating the role of both job resources and demands. PA research has focused on the specification of job demands, underplaying the role of job resources in employee attitudes toward PA.
Reflections about Garfield’s algorithm
Authors: Sinay Laura , Sinay Maria Cristina Fogliatti de , Carter Rodney William (Bill) , Martins Aurea
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically analyze the influence of the algorithm used on scholarly search engines (Garfield’s algorithm) and propose metrics to improve it so that science could be based on a more democratic way.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a snow-ball approach to collect data that allowed identifying the history and the logic behind the Garfield’s algorithm. It follows on excerpting the foundation of existing algorithm and databases of major scholarly search engine. It concluded proposing new metrics so as to surpass restraints and to democratize the scientific discourse.

Findings

This paper finds that the studied algorithm currently biases the scientific discourse toward a narrow perspective, while it should take into consideration several researchers’ characteristics. It proposes the substitution of the h-index by the number of times the scholar’s most cited work has been cited. Finally, it proposes that works in languages different than English should be included.

Research limitations/implications

The broad comprehension of any phenomena should be based on multiple perspectives; therefore, the inclusion of diverse metrics will extend the scientific discourse.

Practical implications

The improvement of the existing algorithm will increase the chances of contact among different cultures, which stimulate rapid progress on the development of knowledge.

Originality/value

The value of this paper resides in demonstrating that the algorithm used in scholarly search engines biases the development of science. If updated as proposed here, science will be unbiased and bias aware.
“The interviews were transcribed”, but how? Reflections on management research
Authors: Nascimento Leandro da Silva , Steinbruch Fernanda Kalil
Published: October 2019

Purpose

In qualitative research, it is recurrent to conduct data collection through interviews, which must be first transcribed for the data to be analyzed. Although there is a relationship between the stages of the interview and the data analysis, the link between them (i.e. the transcription) seems to be a neglected methodological procedure. This occurs because, in papers, it is generally reported that “the interviews were transcribed”, without any details about the transcriptions conduction. From this methodological gap, this paper aims to discuss the relevance of detailing the methodological procedures adopted in the transcription in research reports in the management field.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes the form of a methodological essay.

Findings

The discussion focuses on the concepts of naturalized and denaturalized transcription, the relevance of adopting transcription norms and the need for reflexivity in conducting transcriptions – elements that must be explained in research reports to improve the methodological quality.

Practical implications

This paper explores methodological details that management students and researchers can adopt when performing transcriptions. Consequently, journal editors and reviewers will have more subsidies on the methodological quality employed in researches, which contributes to a better evaluation process.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates the relevance of a neglected methodological technique – transcription, which needs to be detailed in research reports, to contribute to the increase of methodological accuracy and to provide essential information to readers, allowing them to evaluate the rigor of the research. Thus, it is proposed that transcription should be considered a quality criterion in qualitative research.
Disposition effect at the market level: evidence from Indian stock market
Authors: Bharandev Sravani , Rao Sapar Narayan
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the disposition effect at market level and propose an appropriate reference point for testing disposition at market level.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an empirical study conducted on 500 index stocks of NSE500 (National Stock Exchange). Winning and losing days for each stock are calculated using 52-week high and low prices as reference points. To test disposition effect, abnormal trading volumes of stocks are regressed on their percentage of winning (losing) days. Further using ANOVA, the difference between mean of percentage of winning (losing) days of high abnormal trading volume deciles and low abnormal trading volume deciles is tested.

Findings

Results show that a stock’s abnormal trading volume is positively influenced by the percentage of winning days whereas percentage of losing days show no such effect. Findings are consistent even after controlling for volatility and liquidity. ANOVA results show the presence of high percentage of winning days in higher deciles of abnormal trading volumes and no such pattern in case of losing days confirms the presence of disposition effect. Further an ex post analysis indicates that disposition prone investors accumulate losses.

Originality/value

This is the first study, which proposes the use of 52-week high and low prices as reference points to test the market-level disposition effect. Findings of this study enhance the limited literature available on disposition effect in emerging markets by providing evidence from Indian stock markets.
Engaging customers through credible and useful reviews: the role of online trust
Authors: Shaheen Musarrat , Zeba Farrah , Chatterjee Namrata , Krishnankutty Raveesh
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Electronic commerce (e-commerce) is growing rapidly and the e-retailers are finding it pertinent to enhance customers’ online shopping experiences and engage them with e-commerce portals. Against this backdrop, the purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual model of customer engagement, where credibility and usefulness of online reviews are found to trigger the adoption of reviews and customer trust that augments customer engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method design has been used to capture responses from 219 young customers (university students) of a reputed university in India. The hypothesized relationships have been examined through multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The findings of this study corroborate that the credibility and information usefulness of online reviews induce the adoption of reviews and propensity to trust e-commerce websites. The propensity to trust the reviews has been found to lead the adoption of reviews. The adoption of reviews is found to have a significant impact on the customer’ engagement with these portals.

Research limitations/implications

The present study contributes to the theories of online marketing in the space of e-shopping, online reviews, customer trust, customer engagement and online shopping behavior. Further, this study provides a framework for managers to engage customers by triggering customers’ online trust through the facilitation of credible and useful reviews.

Originality/value

The study aims at understanding the role of different attributes associated with the online reviews’ credibility and information usefulness in driving customer engagement with specific focus on online shopping through the utility of online devices. The study is one of the pioneering empirical studies that explore the role of online reviews in driving customer engagement.
An inverse latitudinal gradient in infection probability and phylogenetic diversity for Leucocytozoon blood parasites in New World birds
Authors: Fecchio Alan , Bell Jeffrey A. , Bosholn Mariane , Vaughan Jefferson A. , Tkach Vasyl V. , Lutz Holly L. , Cueto Victor R. , Gorosito Cristian A. , González‐Acuña Daniel , Stromlund Chad , Kvasager Danielle , Comiche Kiba J. M. , Kirchgatter Karin , Pinho João B. , Berv Jacob , Anciães Marina , Fontana Carla S. , Zyskowski Kristof , Sampaio Sidnei , Dispoto Janice H. , Galen Spencer C. , Weckstein Jason D. , Clark Nicholas J.
Published: October 2019

Geographic variation in environmental conditions as well as host traits that promote parasite transmission may impact infection rates and community assembly of vector‐transmitted parasites.

Identifying the ecological, environmental and historical determinants of parasite distributions and diversity is therefore necessary to understand disease outbreaks under changing environments. Here, we identified the predictors and contributions of infection probability and phylogenetic diversity of Leucocytozoon (an avian blood parasite) at site and species levels across the New World.

To explore spatial patterns in infection probability and lineage diversity for Leucocytozoon parasites, we surveyed 69 bird communities from Alaska to Patagonia. Using phylogenetic Bayesian hierarchical models and high‐resolution satellite remote‐sensing data, we determined the relative influence of climate, landscape, geography and host phylogeny on regional parasite community assembly.

Infection rates and parasite diversity exhibited considerable variation across regions in the Americas. In opposition to the latitudinal gradient hypothesis, both the diversity and prevalence of Leucocytozoon parasites decreased towards the equator. Host relatedness and traits known to promote vector exposure neither predicted infection probability nor parasite diversity. Instead, the probability of a bird being infected with Leucocytozoon increased with increasing vegetation cover (NDVI) and moisture levels (NDWI), whereas the diversity of parasite lineages decreased with increasing NDVI. Infection rates and parasite diversity also tended to be higher in cooler regions and higher latitudes.

Whereas temperature partially constrains Leucocytozoon diversity and infection rates, landscape features, such as vegetation cover and water body availability, play a significant role in modulating the probability of a bird being infected. This suggests that, for Leucocytozoon, the barriers to host shifting and parasite host range expansion are jointly determined by environmental filtering and landscape, but not by host phylogeny. Our results show that integrating host traits, host ancestry, bioclimatic data and microhabitat characteristics that are important for vector reproduction are imperative to understand and predict infection prevalence and diversity of vector‐transmitted parasites. Unlike other vector‐transmitted diseases, our results show that Leucocytozoon diversity and prevalence will likely decrease with warming temperatures.
Evaluation of a tracheostomy education programme for speech–language therapists
Authors: Miles Anna , Greig Lucy , Jackson Bianca , Keesing Melissa
Published: October 2019

Background

Tracheostomy management is considered an area of advanced practice for speech–language therapists (SLTs) internationally. Infrequent exposure and limited access to specialist SLTs are barriers to competency development.

Aims

To evaluate the benefits of postgraduate tracheostomy education programme for SLTs working with children and adults.

Methods & Procedures

A total of 35 SLTs participated in the programme, which included a 1‐day tracheostomy simulation‐based workshop. Before the workshop, SLTs took an online knowledge quiz and then completed a theory package. The workshop consisted of part‐task skill learning and simulated scenarios. Scenarios were video recorded for delayed independent appraisal of participant performance. Manual skills were judged as (1) completed successfully, (2) completed inadequately/needed assistance or (3) lost opportunity. Core non‐medical skills required when managing a crisis situation and overall performance were scored using an adapted Ottawa Global Rating Scale (GRS). Feedback from participants was collected and self‐perceived confidence rated prior, immediately post and 4 months post‐workshop.

Outcomes & Results

SLTs successfully performed 94% of manual tasks. Most SLTs (29 of 35) scored > 5 of 7 on all elements of the adapted Ottawa GRS. Workshop feedback was positive with significant increases in confidence ratings post‐workshop and maintained at 4 months.

Conclusions & Implications

Postgraduate tracheostomy education, using a flipped‐classroom approach and low‐ and high‐fidelity simulation, is an effective way to increase knowledge, confidence and manual skill performance in SLTs across patient populations. Simulation is a well‐received method of learning.
Performance of different microbial cultures in potentially probiotic and prebiotic yoghurts from cow and goat milks
Authors: Lucatto Juliana Nunes , da Silva‐Buzanello Rosana Aparecida , de Mendonça Saraspathy Naidoo Terroso Gama , Lazarotto Tassyana Crespan , Sanchez Jorge Leonardo , Bona Evandro , Drunkler Deisy Alessandra
Published: October 2019

Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb‐12 and green banana pulp were used in order to obtain potentially probiotic and prebiotic yoghurts, which were compared over a 45‐day storage period. Goat milk yoghurts demonstrated probiotic effects up to 45 days of storage. Cow milk yoghurts produced with B. animalis subsp. lactis Bb‐12 showed a probiotic effect reduction during the storage period (1.74 log CFU/g). The type of milk affected the yoghurts’ chemical and physicochemical properties. Sensory acceptance was also affected, where cow milk yoghurts were better accepted than goat milk ones.
Preterm birth phenotypes in women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Kolstad KD , Mayo JA , Chung L , Chaichian Y , Kelly VM , Druzin M , Stevenson DK , Shaw GM , Simard JF
Published: October 2019

Objective

To investigate preterm birth (PTB) phenotypes in women with different autoimmune rheumatic diseases in a large population‐based cohort.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

California, USA.

Population

All live singleton births in California between 2007 and 2011 were analysed. Patients with autoimmune disease at delivery were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision , Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM), codes for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), polymyositis/dermatomyositis (DM/PM), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods

Maternally linked hospital and birth certificate records of 2 481 516 deliveries were assessed (SLE n = 2272, RA n = 1501, SSc n = 88, JIA n = 187, DM/PM n = 38). Multivariable Poisson regression models estimated the risk ratios (RRs) for different PTB phenotypes (relative to term deliveries) for each autoimmune disease compared with the general obstetric population, adjusting for maternal age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, smoking, education, payer, parity, and prenatal care.

Main outcome measures

Preterm birth (PTB) was assessed overall (20–36 weeks of gestation) and by subphenotype: preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM), spontaneous birth, or medically indicated PTB. The risk of PTB overall and for each phenotype was partitioned by gestational age: early (20–31 weeks of gestation) and late (32–36 weeks of gestation).

Results

Risks for PTB were elevated for each autoimmune disease evaluated: SLE (RR 3.27, 95% CI 3.01–3.56), RA (RR 2.04, 95% CI 1.79–2.33), SSc (RR 3.74, 95% CI 2.51–5.58), JIA (RR 2.23, 95% CI 1.54–3.23), and DM/PM (RR 5.26, 95% CI 3.12–8.89). These elevated risks were observed for the majority of PTB phenotypes as well.

Conclusions

Women with systemic autoimmune diseases appear to have an elevated risk of various PTB phenotypes. Therefore, preconception counselling and close monitoring during pregnancy is crucial.

Tweetable abstract

This study found that women with systemic autoimmune diseases have an elevated risk of preterm birth phenotypes.
The association between vaginal bacterial composition and miscarriage: a nested case–control study
Authors: Al‐Memar M , Bobdiwala S , Fourie H , Mannino R , Lee YS , Smith A , Marchesi JR , Timmerman D , Bourne T , Bennett PR , MacIntyre DA
Published: October 2019

Objective

To characterise vaginal bacterial composition in early pregnancy and investigate its relationship with first and second trimester miscarriages.

Design

Nested case–control study.

Setting

Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London.

Population

161 pregnancies: 64 resulting in first trimester miscarriage, 14 in second trimester miscarriage and 83 term pregnancies.

Methods

Prospective profiling and comparison of vaginal bacteria composition using 16S rRNA gene‐based metataxonomics from 5 weeks’ gestation in pregnancies ending in miscarriage or uncomplicated term deliveries matched for age, gestation and body mass index.

Main outcome measures

Relative vaginal bacteria abundance, diversity and richness. Pregnancy outcomes defined as first or second trimester miscarriage, or uncomplicated term delivery.

Results

First trimester miscarriage associated with reduced prevalence of Lactobacillus spp.‐dominated vaginal microbiota classified using hierarchical clustering analysis (65.6 versus 87.7%; P = 0.005), higher alpha diversity (mean Inverse Simpson Index 2.5 [95% confidence interval 1.8–3.0] versus 1.5 [1.3–1.7], P = 0.003) and higher richness 25.1 (18.5–31.7) versus 16.7 (13.4–20), P = 0.017), compared with viable pregnancies. This was independent of vaginal bleeding and observable before first trimester miscarriage diagnosis (P = 0.015). Incomplete/complete miscarriage associated with higher proportions of Lactobacillus spp.‐depleted communities compared with missed miscarriage. Early pregnancy vaginal bacterial stability was similar between miscarriage and term pregnancies.

Conclusions

These findings associate the bacterial component of vaginal microbiota with first trimester miscarriage and indicate suboptimal community composition is established in early pregnancy. While further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism, vaginal bacterial composition may represent a modifiable risk factor for first trimester miscarriage.

Tweetable abstract

Vaginal bacterial composition in first trimester miscarriage is associated with reduced Lactobacillus spp. abundance and is independent of vaginal bleeding.
A Study of the Background Levels of Male DNA on Underpants Worn by Females
Authors: Murphy Charlotte , Kenna June , Flanagan Lorna , Lee Gorman Marce , Boland Clara , Ryan Jennifer
Published: October 2019

This study is the first to examine the background level of male DNA on underpants worn by females in the absence of sexual contact. Here, we examined 103 samples from the inside front of underpants from 85 female volunteers. Samples were examined for the presence of male DNA using NGM SElect and PowerPlex Y23 kits. Only five samples gave a “complete” Y‐STR profile, even though 83.5% of our volunteers cohabited with a male. In all cases where a partner reference sample was available, the Y‐STR profile matched the cohabiting partner. We have demonstrated that a Y‐STR profile is not expected on the inside front of underpants worn by females after social contact alone. The results of this study are informative for evaluating the significance of a Y‐STR profile on underpants in cases of alleged sexual assault.
Postmortem Fluid Concentrations of Heroin Biomarkers and Their Metabolites
Authors: Al‐Asmari Ahmed I.
Published: October 2019

Only limited data exist concerning the utility of complementary specimens in heroin‐related deaths. As such, this report employed a validated LC‐MS‐MS method to quantify 6‐monoacetylmorphine (6‐MAM), 6‐acetylcodeine (6‐AC), and their metabolites morphine and codeine in blood with (BN) and without preservative (B) and the additional unpreserved specimens of vitreous humor, urine, stomach contents, and bile from 20 postmortem cases in which heroin was the primary cause of death. The median concentration of 6‐MAM in BN was 0.011 mg/L, B was 0.008 mg/L, urine was 0.186 mg/L, vitreous humor was 0.022 mg/L, stomach contents was 0.147 mg/L, and bile was 0.012 mg/L. Only one case was found to be positive for 6‐AC in B (case 6, 0.002 mg/L), and the median concentration of 6‐AC was 0.002 mg/L in BN, 0.012 mg/L in urine, 0.003 mg/L in vitreous humor, 0.057 mg/L in stomach contents, and 0.004 mg/L in bile. These findings present new information on the distribution of these analytes in complementary matrices and support their inclusion for accurately determining the role of heroin in opioid‐related deaths.
Randomized controlled trial comparing hydroxychloroquine with pioglitazone as third‐line agents in type 2 diabetic patients failing metformin plus a sulfonylurea: A pilot study
Authors: Hsia Stanley H. , Duran Petra , Lee Martin L. , Davidson Mayer B.
Published: October 2019

Highlights

The anti‐inflammatory agent, hydroxychloroquine, improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients when used as a third‐line agent added to metformin and a sulfonylurea.

In comparison to pioglitazone, hydroxychloroquine lowered hemoglobin A1c levels less effectively and did not improve insulin sensitivity, but also did not cause any weight gain, hypoglycemia, or pedal edema.

In this small, proof‐of‐concept study, hydroxychloroquine was well tolerated and may be an alternative treatment choice in combination with other agents.
Abundance, diversity and plant‐specific adaptations of plant‐associated lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Yu Annabelle O. , Leveau Johan H. J. , Marco Maria L.
Published: October 2019

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are essential for many fruit, vegetable and grain food and beverage fermentations. However, the numbers, diversity and plant‐specific adaptions of LAB found on plant tissues prior to the start of those fermentations are not well understood. When measured, these bacteria have been recovered from the aerial surfaces of plants in a range from <10 CFU g−1 to over 108.5 CFU g−1 of plant tissue and in lower quantities from the soil and rhizosphere. Plant‐associated LAB include well‐known generalist taxa such as Lactobacillus plantarum and Leuconostoc mesenteroides, which are essential for numerous food and beverage fermentations. Other plant‐associated LAB encompass specialist taxa such as Lactobacillus florum and Fructobacillus, many of which were discovered relatively recently and their significance on plants and in foods is not yet recognized. LAB recovered from plants possess the capacity to consume plant sugars, detoxify phenolic compounds and tolerate the numerous biotic and abiotic stresses common to plant surfaces. Although most generalist and some specialist LAB grow rapidly in food and beverages fermentations and can cause spoilage of fresh and fermented fruits and vegetables, the importance of living plants as habitats for these bacteria and LAB contributions to plant microbiomes remain to be shown.
HOXB7 mediates cisplatin resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through involvement of DNA damage repair
Authors: Zhou Ting , Fu Hao , Dong Bin , Dai Liang , Yang Yongbo , Yan Wanpu , Shen Luyan
Published: October 2019

Background

DNA damage repair is an important mechanism of platinum resistance. HOXB7 is one member of HOX family genes, which are essential developmental regulators and frequently dysregulated in cancer. Recently, its relevance in chemotherapy resistance and DNA damage repair has also been addressed. However, little is known regarding the association between HOXB7 and chemotherapy resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

The association between HOXB7 expression detected by immunohistochemisty and tumor regression grade (TRG) and long‐term survival was analyzed in 143 ESCC patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. CCK8 assay was used to examine the effect of cisplatin in a panel of four ESCC cell lines. A stable cell strain with HOXB7 knockdown of KYSE150 and KYSE450 was established to explore the effect on cisplatin sensitivity. The interaction of HOXB7 with Ku70, Ku80 and DNA‐PKcs was determined by GST‐pull down, coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescent colocalization. Finally, we investigated whether disrupting HOXB7 function by a synthetic peptide HXR9 blocking the formation of HOXB7/PBX could enhance cisplatin sensitivity in vitro and in vivo.

Results

High expression of HOXB7 was associated with cisplatin resistance and worse chemotherapy efficacy. HOXB7 knockdown reinforced cisplatin sensitivity. It was identified that HOXB7 interacts with Ku70, Ku80 and DNA‐PKcs. HOXB7 knockdown was related to the downregulation of Ku70, Ku80 and DNA‐PKcs as well as arrested cell cycle in S phase. HOXB7 inhibition by HXR9 had a synergistic effect to improve cisplatin sensitivity.

Conclusion

HOXB7 may be a biomarker for the prediction of chemoresistance of ESCC and serves as a promising therapeutic target.
Optimal first‐line treatment for advanced thymic carcinoma
Authors: Yang Xue , Zhuo Minglei , Shi Anhui , Yang Shengnan , Wang Ziping , Wu Meina , An Tongtong , Wang Yuyan , Li Jianjie , Zhong Jia , Chen Hanxiao , Jia Bo , Dong Zhi , Zhao Jun
Published: October 2019

Background

Thymic carcinomas (TCs) are rare aggressive tumors with no standard first‐line treatment. This study was conducted to determine the optimal chemotherapy regimen for advanced TC.

Methods

This retrospective study included 67 patients treated for stage IV TC in 2006–2015. The primary endpoints were the objective response rate (ORR) and progression‐free survival (PFS) with different chemotherapy regimens. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with PFS, including metastatic status, radiotherapy post‐chemotherapy, primary lesion resection before chemotherapy, and chemotherapy regimen.

Results

A total of 36 patients received a paclitaxel‐platinum regimen, 31 received a gemcitabine‐platinum regimen, 14 underwent primary lesion resection, and 33 underwent radiotherapy. ORR was 31% (11/36) and 29% (9/31) in the paclitaxel‐platinum and gemcitabine‐platinum groups, respectively (P = 0.890). Median PFS, one‐year PFS rate, and two‐year PFS rate were 7.0 months, 26%, and 6% with paclitaxel‐platinum treatment and 12 months, 48%, and 24% with gemcitabine‐platinum treatment (log‐rank P = 0.030). Median PFS, one‐year PFS rate, and two‐year PFS rate were 18.0 months, 57%, and 33% with surgical resection and 7.3 months, 31%, and 7% without resection (log‐rank P = 0.030). Median PFS, one‐year PFS rate, and two‐year PFS rate were 13.0 months, 52%, and 20% with radiotherapy and 4.3 months, 22%, and 7% without radiotherapy (log‐rank P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, metastatic status (hazard ratio [HR], 0.33, P = 0.004), surgical resection (HR, 0.32; P = 0.004), and radiotherapy (HR, 0.32; P < 0.001) were associated with superior PFS.

Conclusions

Both gemcitabine‐platinum and paclitaxel‐platinum regimens were efficacious for advanced TC. Primary lesion resection and radiotherapy may also benefit selected patients.
Accounting for the Public Sector at a Time of Crisis
Authors: Hyndman Noel , McKillop Donal
Published: October 2019

This Special Issue is based on papers initially presented at the ‘Accounting for the Public Sector at a Time of Crisis’ Conference at the Centre for Not‐for‐profit and Public‐sector Research, Queen's University Belfast, UK in 2018. The public sector consists of organizations that are owned and operated by government; organizations that exist to provide goods and services for a country's citizens. What is particularly distinctive about such organizations, and what makes them different from businesses, is that they are (or, at least perhaps, should be) not‐for‐profit. In addition, they frequently have wide social and cultural goals that are central to what they do. They are pervasive in most societies. Yet, it is argued, they face crisis on a number of fronts: in terms of the influence of potentially inappropriate, business‐like new public management ideas related to performance management and the embracing of related accounting and budgeting approaches; and in terms of the impact of austerity, following the Great Recession in 2008. In such a context it is suggested that public sector governance, accounting, and accountability systems are heavily involved. The papers included in this Special Issue present an opportunity to reflect on aspects of this crisis in terms of how it connects with accounting systems and accounting changes. Key arguments of these papers, and overarching themes of this Special Issue, are explored in this editorial.
Technology‐Delivered Cognitive‐Behavioral Interventions for Alcohol Use: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kiluk Brian D. , Ray Lara A. , Walthers Justin , Bernstein Michael , Tonigan Jeffery S. , Magill Molly
Published: October 2019

Background

Cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) has long‐standing evidence for efficacy in the treatment of alcohol use, yet implementation in clinical practice has been challenging. Delivery of CBT through technology‐based platforms, such as web‐based programs and mobile applications, has the potential to provide widespread access to this evidence‐based intervention. While there have been reviews indicating the efficacy of technology‐based delivery of CBT for various psychiatric conditions, none have focused on efficacy for alcohol use. The current meta‐analysis was conducted to fill this research gap.

Methods

Descriptive data were used to characterize the nature of the literature on technology‐delivered, CBT‐based interventions for alcohol use (“CBT Tech”). Inverse‐variance‐weighted effect sizes were calculated, and random effects, effect sizes were pooled in 4 subgroups.

Results

Fifteen published trials conducted primarily with at‐risk or heavy drinkers were identified. Of these studies, 60% explicitly targeted alcohol use moderation. The content of CBT Tech programs varied, ranging from 4 to 62 sessions/exercises, with many programs combining elements of motivational interviewing (47%). With respect to efficacy, CBT Tech as a stand‐alone treatment in contrast to a minimal treatment control showed a positive and statistically significant, albeit small effect (g = 0.20: 95% CI = 0.22, 0.38, kes = 5). When CBT Tech was compared to treatment as usual (TAU), effects were nonsignificant. However, when CBT Tech was tested as an addition to TAU, in contrast to TAU only, the effect size was positive, significant (g = 0.30: 95% CI = 0.10, 0.50, kes = 7), and stable over 12‐month follow‐up. Only 2 studies compared CBT Tech to in‐person CBT, and this pooled effect size did not suggest superior efficacy.

Conclusions

These results show a benefit for technology‐delivered, CBT‐based interventions as a stand‐alone therapy for heavy drinking or as an addition to usual care in specialty substance use settings.
Lifetime Drinking Trajectories and Nonfatal Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Russell Marcia , Fan Amy Z. , Freudenheim Jo L. , Dorn Joan , Trevisan Maurizio
Published: October 2019

Background

The relation of lifetime drinking trajectories to coronary heart disease is not well understood.

Methods

Cases hospitalized for a nonfatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and healthy population‐based controls matched on age and sex completed a physical examination and an interview covering known AMI risk factors and a detailed lifetime drinking history. Distinct lifetime drinking trajectories based on ounces of ethanol consumed per decade between ages 10 and 59 years were derived and characterized according to lifetime drinking patterns associated with each. Sex‐specific multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate AMI risk among participants who never drank regularly compared to lifetime drinking trajectories and risk associated with distinct trajectories among former and current drinkers.

Results

Two lifetime drinking trajectories were derived, early peak and stable. Early peak trajectories were characterized by earlier onset of regular drinking, less frequent drinking, more drinks per drinking day, fewer total drinks, more frequent drunkenness per drinking year, and reduced alcohol intake or abstention by middle age. Never drinking regularly, reported by significantly more women than men, was associated with significantly higher AMI risk than stable lifetime drinking trajectories among men and in the sex‐combined analysis of former drinkers only. Compared to stable lifetime drinking trajectories, early peak trajectories were associated with significantly higher AMI risk among male former drinkers, among sex‐combined former drinkers, and among female current drinkers.

Conclusions

Epidemiological studies of alcohol and health in populations over age 35 may have underestimated the impact of heavy episodic drinking during adolescence and emerging adulthood on the cardiovascular system.
Stability of clinically relevant depression symptoms in old‐age across 11 cohorts: a multi‐state study
Authors: de la Torre‐Luque A. , de la Fuente J. , Sanchez‐Niubo A. , Caballero F. F. , Prina M. , Muniz‐Terrera G. , Haro J. M. , Ayuso‐Mateos J. L.
Published: October 2019

Aims

To study the temporal dynamics of depression symptom episodes in old‐age and the related influence of risk factors.

Methods

Data from 41 362 old adults (54.61% women; mean age = 75.30, SD = 6.20) from the Ageing Trajectories of Health – Longitudinal Opportunities and Synergies (ATHLOS) project were used. Depressive symptoms were followed over an 18‐year period. A multi‐state model, comprising three statuses (no depression, new clinically relevant episode of symptoms and episode persistence), was fitted. Multinomial regression was used to study the role of risk factors in status transition.

Results

Almost 85% of participants showed no depression, but prevalence became lower over time (B = −0.25, P < 0.001). New episode point prevalence was over 5.30% with a significant probability of moving to persistence status (transition probability = 0.27). Episode persistence became evident in 9.86% of episode status transitions, with increasing rate over time (B = 0.54, P < 0.01). Loneliness was proven to be the strongest predictor of episode emergence (OR = 17.76) and persistence (OR = 5.93).

Conclusions

The course of depression tends to become chronic and unremitting in old‐age. This study may help to plan interventions to tackle symptom escalation and risk factor influence.