bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Should we fund research randomly? An epistemological criticism of the lottery model as an alternative to peer review for the funding of science
Authors: Bedessem Baptiste
Published: November 2019

The way research is, and should be, funded by the public sphere is the subject of renewed interest for sociology, economics, management sciences, and more recently, for the philosophy of science. In this contribution, I propose a qualitative, epistemological criticism of the funding by lottery model, which is advocated by a growing number of scholars as an alternative to peer review. This lottery scheme draws on the lack of efficiency and of robustness of the peer-review-based evaluation to argue that the majority of public resources for basic science should be allocated randomly. I first differentiate between two distinct arguments used to defend this alternative funding scheme based on considerations about the logic of scientific research. To assess their epistemological limits, I then present and develop a conceptual frame, grounded on the notion of ‘system of practice’, which can be used to understand what precisely it means, for a research project, to be interesting or significant. I use this epistemological analysis to show that the lottery model is not theoretically optimal, since it underestimates the integration of all scientific projects in densely interconnected systems of conceptual, experimental, or technical practices which confer their proper interest to them. I also apply these arguments in order to criticize the classical peer-review process. I finally suggest, as a discussion, that some recently proposed models that bring to the fore a principle of decentralization of the evaluation and selection process may constitute a better alternative, if the practical conditions of their implementation are adequately settled.
First 12 years of tardigrade succession in the young soils of a quickly evolving ecosystem
Authors: Bingemer Jana , Pfeiffer Martin , Hohberg Karin
Published: November 2019

Open-cast coal-mining creates a severe disturbance of ecological systems, resulting in post-mining areas that have lost their soils entirely and are exposed to extreme conditions. Nonetheless, these areas allow us to investigate the process of primary succession. We studied the first 12 years of soil tardigrade succession at ‘Chicken Creek’, an experimental site within the open-cast coal-mining area in Welzow Süd, Germany. A total of ten tardigrade genera and 13 species or species groups were identified at the site. Over time, the organic carbon content, proportion of silt and nutrient availability in the soil increased, and the soil particle size distribution and pH value changed significantly. The vegetation cover and nematode abundance increased, whereas tardigrade densities peaked in 2008 and decreased thereafter, as did their mean body size. Species replacement was obvious within this 12 year study period, and tardigrade species diversity increased, indicating that ecological niche diversity also increased throughout this time. Vegetation cover, soil particle size distribution and time were the most important factors influencing the tardigrade community. We also discuss further potential factors and the ability of terrestrial tardigrades to persist despite many environmental constraints, such as fluctuations in pH and moisture, and to colonize new habitats faster than most other animal groups.
Corin plays a protective role via upregulating MAPK and downregulating eNOS in diabetic nephropathy endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Xue Meiting , Shi Yue , Pang Aiming , Men Li , Hu Yahui , Zhou Pengfei , Long Guangfeng , Tian Xin , Wang Rong , Zhao Yonghua , Liao Xudong , Shen Yanna , Cui Yujie
Published: November 2019

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the leading causes of mortality in diabetic patients, but its pathogenesis is unclear. We aimed to study the role of the pro‐ANP convertase Corin in the pathogenesis of DN. Corin and ANP expression in DN rat kidneys and high‐glucose‐treated HK‐2 cells was analyzed by real‐time PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining. The effect of Corin‐siRNA or ANP‐siRNA HK‐2 cells on EA.hy926 cell migration was determined by scratch‐wound healing assay. The expression of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in EA.hy926 cells treated with conditioned medium from Corin‐siRNA‐ or ANP‐siRNA‐transfected HK‐2 cells was determined by western blotting. We found a significant reduction in Corin and ANP expression in DN rat kidneys. These results were recapitulated in HK‐2 cells treated with high glucose. EA.hy926 cells treated with conditioned medium from Corin‐deficient HK‐2 cells had inhibited migration, increased MAPK activity, and decreased eNOS activity. Similar effects were observed with ANP‐siRNA transfection. Finally, adding ANP to the Corin‐deficient HK‐2 conditioned medium rescued the above defects, indicating that Corin mediates its effects through ANP. In conclusion, Corin plays a renoprotective role through pro‐ANP processing, and defects in Corin cause endothelial dysfunction through MAPK and eNOS signaling in DN.
Wnt4‐modified NSC transplantation promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury
Authors: Li Xiang , Peng Zhiming , Long Lingli , Tuo Ying , Wang Liqin , Zhao Xiaoyang , Le Wang , Wan Yong
Published: November 2019

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to severe motor and sensory dysfunction, yet there are no effective therapies currently due to the failure of reconstructing the interruption of the neuroanatomical circuit. While neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation has been considered a potential strategy to repair the neural circuit after SCI, the efficacy of this strategy remains unproven. The main reason is that most of the transplanted NSC differentiates into astrocyte rather than neuron in the microenvironment of SCI. Our results demonstrated that Wnt4 significantly promotes the differentiation of NSC into neuron by activating both β‐catenin and MAPK/JNK pathways and suppressing the activation of Notch signaling, which is acknowledged as prevention of NSC differentiation into neuron, through downregulating NICD expression, translocating and preventing the combination of NICD and RbpJ in nucleus. In addition, Wnt4 rescues the negative effect of Jagged, the ligand of Notch signaling, to promote neuronal differentiation. Moreover, in vivo study, transplantation of Wnt4‐modified NSC efficaciously repairs the injured spinal cord and recovers the motor function of hind limbs after SCI. This study sheds new light into mechanisms that Wnt4‐modified NSC transplantation is sufficient to repair the injured spinal cord and recover the motor dysfunction after SCI.
METTL3 regulates inflammatory pain by modulating m6A‐dependent pri‐miR‐365‐3p processing
Authors: Zhang Chenjing , Wang Yin , Peng Yunan , Xu Hongjiao , Zhou Xuelong
Published: November 2019

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification in RNA has been implicated in diverse biological processes. However, very little is currently known about its role in nociceptive modulation. Here, we found that the level of spinal m6A modification was significantly increased in a mouse model of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)‐induced chronic inflammatory pain, which was accompanied with the augmentation of methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3) expression in the spinal cord. Knockdown of spinal METTL3 prevented and reversed CFA‐induced pain behaviors and spinal neuronal sensitization. In contrast, overexpression of spinal METTL3 produced pain behaviors and neuronal sensitization in naive mice. Moreover, we found that METTL3 positively modulated the pri‐miR‐65‐3p processing in a microprocessor protein DiGeorge critical region 8‐dependent manner. Collectively, our findings reveal an important role of METTL3‐mediated m6A modification in nociceptive sensitization and provide a novel perspective on m6A modification in the development of pathological pain.
Conditional knockout of kisspeptin signaling in brown adipose tissue increases metabolic rate and body temperature and lowers body weight
Authors: Tolson Kristen P. , Marooki Nuha , De Bond Julie‐Ann P. , Walenta Evelyn , Stephens Shannon B.Z. , Liaw Reanna B. , Savur Rishi , Wolfe Andrew , Oh Da Young , Smith Jeremy T. , Kauffman Alexander S.
Published: November 2019

The peptide kisspeptin and its receptor, Kiss1r, act centrally to stimulate reproduction. Evidence indicates that kisspeptin signaling is also important for body weight (BW) and metabolism. We recently reported that Kiss1r KO mice develop obesity, along with reduced metabolism and energy expenditure, independent of estradiol levels. Outside the brain, Kiss1r is expressed in several metabolic tissues, including brown adipose tissue (BAT), but it is unknown which specific tissue is responsible for the metabolic phenotype in Kiss1r KOs. We first determined that global Kiss1r KO mice have significant alterations in body temperature and BAT thermogenic gene expression, perhaps contributing to their obesity. Next, to test whether kisspeptin signaling specifically in BAT influences BW, metabolism, or body temperature, we used Cre/lox technology to generate conditional Kiss1r knockout exclusively in BAT (BAT‐Kiss1r KO). Unlike global Kiss1r KOs, BAT‐Kiss1r KOs (lacking Kiss1r in just BAT) were not hypogonadal, as expected. Surprisingly, however, BAT‐Kiss1r KOs of both sexes displayed significantly lower BW and adiposity than controls. This novel BAT‐Kiss1r KO phenotype was of greater magnitude in females and was associated with improved glucose tolerance, increased metabolism, energy expenditure, and locomotor activity, along with increased body temperature and BAT gene expression, specifically Cox8b. Our findings suggest that the previously observed obesity and decreased metabolism in global Kiss1r KOs reflect impaired kisspeptin signaling in non‐BAT tissues. However, the novel finding of increased metabolism and body temperature and lower BW in BAT‐Kiss1r KOs reveal a previously unidentified role for endogenous kisspeptin signaling in BAT in modulating metabolic and thermogenic physiology.
Neural Closed Loop Deep Brain Stimulation for Freezing of Gait
Authors: Petrucci Matthew N. , Neuville Raumin S. , Afzal M. Furqan , Velisar Anca , Anidi Chioma M. , Anderson Ross W. , Parker Jordan E. , O’Day Johanna J. , Wilkins Kevin B. , Bronte-Stewart Helen M.
Published: November 2019

Freezing of gait (FOG), a devastating symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD), can be refractory to current treatments such as medication and open-loop deep brain stimulation (olDBS). Recent evidence suggests that closed-loop DBS (clDBS), using beta local field potential power from the subthalamic nucleus (STN) as the control variable, can improve tremor and bradykinesia; however, no study has investigated the use of clDBS for the treatment of FOG. In this study, we provide preliminary evidence that clDBS was superior to olDBS in reducing percent time freezing and in reducing freezing behavior (gait arrhythmicity) in a person with PD and FOG. These findings warrant further investigation into the use of clDBS to treat FOG while also minimizing the total energy delivered to maintain a therapeutic effect.
Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Psoriasis Patients Treated with Anti-Interleukin-17 Agents: A Bayesian Metaanalysis
Authors: Gill N. , Pietrosanu M. , Gniadecki R.
Published: November 2019

Background

Use of interleukin-17 inhibitors (IL-17i) in psoriasis has been associated with an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the clinical significance of this association is not understood.

Objectives

To quantify the absolute risk of IBD in patients with psoriasis treated with IL-17i, stratified by known IBD risk factors.

Methods

Literature searches were performed to identify known IBD risk factors and the prevalences were quantified by a meta-analysis of proportions. The Bayesian model was used to estimate the probability of a new-onset or a flare of IBD in patients with psoriasis.

Results

The prevalence of Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) in the general psoriasis population was 0.0010. Use of IL-17i increased the risk of CD to 0.0037 and UC to 0.0028, translating to a number needed to harm (NNH) of 373 for CD and 564 for UC. In patients who had concomitant hidradenitis suppurativa, the use of IL-17i was associated with a decrease in NNH for CD and UC to 18 and 76, respectively, whereas for patients with a family history of IBD, the NNH values were 6 (for CD) and 10 (for UC).

Conclusions

In patients with no risk factors, the probability of IBD flare or onset during IL-17i treatment is negligible and additional IBD screening procedures are not indicated. In contrast, the patients with psoriasis who have hidradenitis suppurativa or first-degree family history of IBD as risk factors should be monitored for signs and symptoms of CD and UC during IL-17i therapy.
Comprehensive biological interpretation of gene signatures using semantic distributed representation
Authors: Okuzono Yuumi , Hoshino Takashi
Published: November 2019

Recent rise of microarray and next-generation sequencing in genome-related fields has simplified obtaining gene expression data at whole gene level, and biological interpretation of gene signatures related to life phenomena and diseases has become very important. However, the conventional method is numerical comparison of gene signature, pathway, and gene ontology (GO) overlap and distribution bias, and it is not possible to compare the specificity and importance of genes contained in gene signatures as humans do.

This study proposes the gene signature vector (GsVec), a unique method for interpreting gene signatures that clarifies the semantic relationship between gene signatures by incorporating a method of distributed document representation from natural language processing (NLP). In proposed algorithm, a gene-topic vector is created by multiplying the feature vector based on the gene’s distributed representation by the probability of the gene signature topic and the low frequency of occurrence of the corresponding gene in all gene signatures. These vectors are concatenated for genes included in each gene signature to create a signature vector. The degrees of similarity between signature vectors are obtained from the cosine distances, and the levels of relevance between gene signatures are quantified.

Using the above algorithm, GsVec learned approximately 5,000 types of canonical pathway and GO biological process gene signatures published in the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB). Then, validation of the pathway database BioCarta with known biological significance and validation using actual gene expression data (differentially expressed genes) were performed, and both were able to obtain biologically valid results. In addition, the results compared with the pathway enrichment analysis in Fisher’s exact test used in the conventional method resulted in equivalent or more biologically valid signatures. Furthermore, although NLP is generally developed in Python, GsVec can execute the entire process in only the R language, the main language of bioinformatics.
Nutritional Programming Improves Dietary Plant Protein Utilization in Zebrafish Danio rerio
Authors: Kwasek Karolina , Wojno Michal , Terova Genciana , McCracken Vance J. , Molinari Giovanni S. , Iannini Federica
Published: November 2019

Nutritional Programming (NP) has been shown to counteract the negative effects of dietary plant protein (PP) by introducing PP at an early age towards enhancement of PP utilization during later life stages. This study explored the effect of NP and its induction time on growth, expression of appetite-stimulating hormones, and any morphological changes in the gut possibly responsible for improved dietary PP utilization. At 3 days post-hatch (dph) zebrafish were distributed into 12 (3 L) tanks, 100 larvae per tank. This study included four groups: 1) The control (NP-FM) group received fishmeal (FM)-based diet from 13-36 dph and was challenged with PP-based diet during 36-66 dph; 2) The NP-PP group received NP with dietary PP in larval stage via live food enrichment during 3-13 dph followed by FM diet during 13-36 dph and PP diet during 36-66 dph; 3) The T-NP group received NP between 13-23 dph through PP diet followed by FM diet during 23-36 dph and PP diet during 36-66 dph; and 4) The PP group received PP diet from 13-66 dph. During the PP challenge the T-NP group achieved the highest weight gain compared to control and PP. Ghrelin expression in the brain was higher in T-NP compared to NP-FM and NP-PP, while in the gut it was reduced in both NP-PP and T-NP groups. Cholecystokinin expression showed an opposite trend to ghrelin. The brain neuropeptide Y expression was lower in NP-PP compared to PP but not different with NP-FM and T-NP groups. The highest villus length to width ratio in the middle intestine was found in T-NP compared to all other groups. The study suggests that NP induced during juveniles stages improves zebrafish growth and affects digestive hormone regulation and morphology of the intestinal lining – possible mechanisms behind the improved PP utilization in pre-adult zebrafish stages.
Comparative of probiotics reveals cecal microbial component associated with performance parameters in broilers
Authors: Rodrigues D.R. , Briggs W. , Duff A. , Chasser K. , Murugesan R. , Pender C. , Ramirez S. , Valenzuela L. , Bielke L.R.
Published: November 2019

Probiotics have become increasingly popular in poultry industry as a promising nutritional intervention to promote modulation of intestinal microbiota as a means of improving health and performance. This study aimed to determine the effects of different probiotic formulations on the cecal microbial communities and performance in 21 and 42 day-old-broilers, as well as to define associations between ceca microbial profile and growth parameters. Probiotics investigated included a synbiotic (SYNBIO), a yeast-based probiotic (YEAST), and three single-strain formulations of spore-formingBacillus amyloliquefaciens(SINGLE1),B. subtilis(SINGLE2) andB. licheniformis(SINGLE3). Dietary inclusion of SYNBIO, YEAST, and SINGLE2 increased body weight (BW) by 7, 14, and 21d (p<0.05) compared to a basal diet without probiotics (CON). The treatments SYNBIO, and YEAST decreased mortality by 21d, while SYNBIO reduced the overall mortality rate by 42d (p<0.05). Bifidobacteriales had the highest (p<0.05) population in SINGLE2, whereas Clostridiales was reduced compared to CON, SINGLE1, and SINGLE3. The addition of SYNBIO into diet mainly stimulated (p<0.05) the cecal relative abundance of Lactobacillales by 21d. Besides, Spearman’s correlation analyses revealed that population of Lactobacillales was associated with lower Enterobacteriales, higher BW, and lower mortality of growing broilers. These results suggest that the modulation of ceca microbiota and the greatest productive parameters were achieved by supplementation of specific probiotic mixture. The selection of probiotics by their ability to drive cecal microbiota towards lactic acid bacteria colonization may be a strategic approach to improve the indicators of performance in broilers.
Deep sequencing of pre-translational mRNPs reveals hidden flux through evolutionarily conserved AS-NMD pathways
Authors: Kovalak Carrie , Donovan Scott , Bicknell Alicia A. , Metkar Mihir , Moore Melissa J.
Published: November 2019

Background

Alternative splicing (AS), which generates multiple mRNA isoforms from single genes, is crucial for the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression. The flux through competing AS pathways cannot be determined by traditional RNA-Seq, however, because different mRNA isoforms can have widely differing decay rates. Indeed, some mRNA isoforms with extremely short half-lives, such as those subject to translation-dependent nonsense-mediated decay (AS-NMD), may be completely overlooked in even the most extensive RNA-Seq analyses.

Results

RNA immunoprecipitation in tandem (RIPiT) of exon junction complex (EJC) components allows for purification of post-splicing mRNA-protein particles (mRNPs) not yet subject to translation (pre-translational mRNPs) and, therefore, translation-dependent mRNA decay. Here we compared EJC RIPiT-Seq to whole cell RNA-Seq data from HEK293 cells. Consistent with expectation, the flux through known AS-NMD pathways is substantially higher than that captured by RNA-Seq. Our EJC RIPiT-Seq also definitively demonstrates that the splicing machinery itself has no ability to detect reading frame. We identified thousands of previously unannotated splicing events; while many can be attributed to “splicing noise”, others are evolutionarily-conserved events that produce new AS-NMD isoforms likely involved in maintenance of protein homeostasis. Several of these occur in genes whose overexpression has been linked to poor cancer prognosis.

Conclusions

Deep sequencing of RNAs in post-splicing, pre-translational mRNPs provides a means to identify and quantify splicing events without the confounding influence of differential mRNA decay. For many known AS-NMD targets, the NMD-linked AS pathway predominates. EJC RIPiT-Seq also enabled identification of numerous conserved but previously unannotated AS-NMD events.
Knowledge management and the competitiveness of small construction firms
Authors: Mohamad Mohd Rosli , Mat Zin Normayuni
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the mediating effects of innovation on the relationship between knowledge management and firm competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from small construction firms in the Eastern Region of Peninsular Malaysia. Out of the 190 construction firms surveyed, 153 (80.5%) respondents returned their completed questionnaire. These were used for data analysis. The data were then analyzed using the covariance-based structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

Knowledge management had a direct and significant positive effect on firm competitiveness. Nonetheless, the effect of knowledge management on firm competitiveness was mediated by innovation. This indicates that knowledge management should be supported by technical and administrative innovations in the firm.

Research limitations/implications

The data collected were from a limited sample of construction firms. In addition, conducting a study on a region of Malaysia may limit the generalizability of the model.

Practical implications

While knowledge management is crucial for a firm’s competitiveness, technical and administrative innovations must be concurrently improved for a stronger firm competitiveness. This is especially true in terms of financial strength and core competence.

Originality/value

This paper provides some empirical evidence that technical and administrative innovations fully mediated the relationship between knowledge management and firm competitiveness. The results consolidate the resource-based view on the importance of internal resource and capability of the firm and improve KM research area. It also strengthens the view that KM is a critical factor for firm competitiveness, but a good KM without strong innovation will not increase the competitiveness of small construction firms.
Differentiation and financial performance: a meta-analysis
Authors: Mohammadi Pegah , Fathi Saeed , Kazemi Ali
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to meta-analytically compare the effect of differentiation strategy formulation on financial and non-financial performance to explore the agency problem.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted using a meta-analysis approach and CMA2 software. Hypotheses has been tested using cumulative effect sizes. Then, the cumulative effect sizes if some subsamples are also tested for robustness check by manipulation of circumstances.

Findings

Based on the findings, differentiation affects performance dimensions. However, spite of shareholders’ wealth maximization, differentiation has a smaller effect on financial performance (as the proxy of shareholders’ wealth) compared with operational performance. Meanwhile, the robustness test showed that the results in all subcategories has also confirmed, and this supports the results.

Research limitations/implications

The results catch attentions of shareholders to review the elements of management evaluation in the corporate governance system in a way that they focus more on stakeholders’ interests in developing differentiation strategy. Limitations of this study is firstly based on limitations of meta-analysis approach, which provide general results of relevant studies so that the local conditions of each firm should be considered in deploying implications.

Originality/value

Exploring the overall schema of firms (from past to present and in different research conditions) regarding the impact of differentiation strategy on performance has been the originality of this research because of potentials of meta-analysis against past field studies. This originality led to the discovery of the general confusion of firms in the development of differentiation strategy so that it emphasizes operational performance more than financial performance.
Developing social intelligence among employees for effectively managing organizational change
Authors: Goswami Meghna
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to study the impact of social intelligence on attitude toward organizational change.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on an empirical study conducted across information technology industry, banking and financial services industry and hospitality industry in India.

Findings

This paper shows the positive impact of social intelligence on attitude toward organizational change. Further, it provides various recommendations to develop social intelligence of employees in business organizations.

Originality/value

This paper provides insight into how social intelligence plays significant role in managing attitudes toward organizational change.
Health-related quality management values – comparing manager and co-worker perceptions
Authors: Bäckström Ingela
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to modify an existing survey that measures co-worker perceptions of health-related quality management (QM) values and perceived health and to measure both co-worker and manager perceptions of those values. The purpose was also to test the modified survey and then compare the results from managers and co-workers from two organizations in which the survey has been used to measure baseline data in a lean research project and to help managers understand the areas where improvement is needed.

Design/methodology/approach

An earlier survey measuring co-worker perception of the dimensions of the health-related QM values “leadership commitment” and “participation of everybody” has been developed with corresponding statements for managers. The results of the survey were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated for each of the dimensions, and the correlations between the dimensions and the health index were investigated using the Pearson correlation. The mean and standard deviation were also calculated.

Findings

The modified survey is presented in the paper, and the results demonstrate that the managers’ perception of the presence of health-related QM values is higher than that of the co-workers. Seeing the leadership from the co-workers’ standpoint compared with the managers’ perspective provides novel insight for both the researcher and the managers.

Originality/value

Leaders in organizations must develop greater efficiency to improve operational performance and develop healthy work environments. Practicing QM can benefit performance and is central for inspiring quality and efficiency within organizations, as well as for enhancing co-worker well-being. Earlier research found relationships between co-workers’ perception of their health and the health-related QM values “leadership commitment” and “participation of everybody.” With the survey presented in this paper, it is possible to measure these health-related QM values and provide a comparison between manager and co-worker perceptions.
Exchange rate pass-through into inflation in Vietnam: evidence from VAR model
Authors: Pham Van Anh
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and analyze the exchange rate pass-through into inflation (ERPT) in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines and analyzes the ERPT in Vietnam by applying vector autoregression model over the period 2008‒2018.

Findings

The key finding of the research is that from the impulse response results, the transmission of exchange rate shocks to inflation is significant in Vietnam, and this is incomplete exchange rate pass-through. Moreover, the evidence from variance decompositions argues that exchange rate is an important factor to explain the fluctuation of inflation.

Originality/value

In overall, the depreciation or appreciation of exchange rate in Vietnam will considerably impact inflation.
On financial development and economic growth in Egypt
Authors: Mohieldin Mahmoud , Hussein Khaled , Rostom Ahmed
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the evolution of the Egyptian banking sector and the main trends in financial development in Egypt. The purpose of this study is to examine empirically the relationship between the development of the financial sector and economic growth in Egypt between 1980 and 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws comparisons based on critical financial indicators between Egypt and selected emerging markets and developing economies. It uses a new data set of financial development indexes released by the International Monetary Fund. This paper uses econometric time series modelling of bivariate regressions for real growth per capita and measures of financial development to assess the relationship between financial development and economic growth in Egypt.

Findings

There are three specific findings based on the empirical analysis. First, there is a strong association between real growth per capita and financial development measured by money supply to GDP. Second, access to and the efficiency of banking services are not associated with real per capita income. Third, the Financial Markets Access Index – which compiles data on market capitalization outside of the top ten largest companies and the number of corporate issuers of debt – indicates a robust association with real per capita GDP.

Originality/value

The paper uses advanced empirical investigation techniques and new data sets available to assess the critical relationship between finance and growth in Egypt. The main policy implications of the empirical results of this paper suggest a stronger focus on promoting a more proactive role for the financial services industry in Egypt. In particular, there is a critical role for bank financing to support the private sector to maintain an inclusive growth momentum. Further development of the capital market will promote sustainability of such economic growth.
Organizational dynamics: exploring the factors affecting knowledge sharing behavior
Authors: Obermayer Nóra , Toth Viktoria Erika
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the individual and organizational factors that influence knowledge sharing (KS) behavior within Hungarian organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were obtained from 238 completed questionnaires collected via the LimeSurvey system. The analysis is based on applied quantitative methodology, both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The research investigated the relationships between individual and organizational characteristics and the KS behavior at individual and global levels.

Findings

Among individual factors, significant relationships have been identified regarding the generation and position of individuals, and KS behavior, while gender and education do not seem to play a significant role. With respect to organizational factors, the size of the organization and the tenure of individuals are found to be significant.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the analysis are limited because the data set was not large enough to investigate inter- and intra-industry variability.

Practical implications

The outcome of this research can support the design of managerial and organizational processes and incentives that will potentially facilitate KS in a more efficient and effective manner. Such improved KS is likely to improve the overall performance of knowledge-intensive organizations.

Originality/value

The original value of this research is that individual and organizational characteristics have been identified that influence KS behavior. The study focuses on a single country, Hungary, and provides relevant insight into the organizational dynamics of a specific national context.
Norbert Wiener Memorial Gold medal is awarded to Matjaž Mulej
Authors: Perko Igor , Espejo Raul
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this memorandum is to share the awarding of one of the most prestigious recognitions in systems thinking and cybernetics: The World Organisation of Systems and Cybernetics (WOSC) Norbert Wiener Memorial Gold medal was awarded in June 2019 to Professor Emeritus, PhD, PhD, Matjaž Mulej for his long-life contributions.

Design/methodology/approach

The Norbert Wiener Memorial Gold medal was awarded to Professor Emeritus, PhD, PhD, Matjaž Mulej based on the combination of extensive literature analysis and the Delphi approach.

Findings

Based on Professor Emeritus, PhD, PhD, Matjaž Mule’s exceptional accomplishments in the field of systems thinking and cybernetics, especially the Dialectical Systems Theory and the notion of requisite holism, combined with his visionary projects as, for instance, the development and application of social responsibility concepts, he was nominated and awarded this esteemed medal.

Research limitations/implications

The Norbert Wiener Memorial Gold medal draws the focus to important work of exceptional individuals and at the same time drives researchers to follow his example in research and overall behaviour.

Originality/value

The Norbert Wiener Memorial Gold medal has been awarded to 12 people during the past 50 years of WOSC’s existence. Only researchers that have provided significant imprint in systems thinking and cybernetics with their research and organisational activities in society, organisations and communities can be nominated for this prize.
IT outsourcing, knowledge transfer and project transition phases
Authors: McGowan Poole Cynthia Denise
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to uncover perceptions of information technology outsourcing (ITO) project leaders and project teams regarding knowledge transfer between client and vendor partners during opening and closing transition phases of ITO projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative methods and exploratory case study design were used. Purposeful sampling was used to identify ITO knowledge assets including project team members and organizational documents and artifacts that may provide information regarding the knowledge transfer processes during the transition phases of the ITO project. Sample criteria were ITO project team members from one US-based client organization and the company’s international vendor partners. The study population included project managers, analyst, developers, subject matter experts (SMEs) and other ITO knowledge workers involved in the ITO project from one US-based organization. Interview and document analysis were done using of NVivo Pro 11®research software.

Findings

Four themes emerged from participant responses relative to the opening and closing phases of ITO projects including KT approaches to plans and processes; KT dependencies relative to IT project team member’s reliance on project tools, processes and artifacts; determinants of KT success or failure relative to project team members’ perceptions; and role of documentation relative to communication and distribution of KT outcomes.

Originality/value

This research may provide insights into additional aspects of knowledge transfer during ITO transition phases, which may be used by IT leaders and project teams to plan for successful knowledge transfer during the transition phases of ITO projects.
Genome‐inferred spatio‐temporal resolution of an uncultivated Roizmanbacterium reveals its ecological preferences in groundwater
Authors: Geesink Patricia , Wegner Carl‐Eric , Probst Alexander J. , Herrmann Martina , Dam Hang T. , Kaster Anne‐Kristin , Küsel Kirsten
Published: November 2019

Subsurface ecosystems like groundwater harbour diverse microbial communities, including small‐sized, putatively symbiotic organisms of the Candidate Phyla Radiation, yet little is known about their ecological preferences and potential microbial partners. Here, we investigated a member of the superphylum Microgenomates (Cand. Roizmanbacterium ADI133) from oligotrophic groundwater using mini‐metagenomics and monitored its spatio‐temporal distribution using 16S rRNA gene analyses. A Roizmanbacteria‐specific quantitative PCR assay allowed us to track its abundance over the course of 1 year within eight groundwater wells along a 5.4 km hillslope transect, where Roizmanbacteria reached maximum relative abundances of 2.3%. In‐depth genomic analyses suggested that Cand. Roizmanbacterium ADI133 is a lactic acid fermenter, potentially able to utilize a range of complex carbon substrates, including cellulose. We hypothesize that it attaches to host cells using a trimeric autotransporter adhesin and inhibits their cell wall biosynthesis using a toxin–antitoxin system. Network analyses based on correlating Cand. Roizmanbacterium ADI133 abundances with amplicon sequencing‐derived microbial community profiles suggested one potential host organism, classified as a member of the class Thermodesulfovibrionia (Nitrospirae). By providing lactate as an electron donor Cand. Roizmanbacterium ADI133 potentially mediates the transfer of carbon to other microorganisms and thereby is an important connector in the microbial community.
Sediment cooling triggers germination and sulfate reduction by heat‐resistant thermophilic spore‐forming bacteria
Authors: Bell Emma , Sherry Angela , Pilloni Giovanni , Suárez‐Suárez Ana , Cramm Margaret A. , Cueto Guillermo , Head Ian M. , Hubert Casey R. J.
Published: November 2019

Thermophilic endospores are widespread in cold marine sediments where the temperature is too low to support growth and activity of thermophiles in situ. These endospores are likely expelled from warm subsurface environments and subsequently dispersed by ocean currents. The endospore upper temperature limit for survival is 140°C, which can be tolerated in repeated short exposures, potentially enabling transit through hot crustal fluids. Longer‐term thermal tolerance of endospores, and how long they could persist in an environment hotter than their maximum growth temperature, is less understood. To test whether thermophilic endospores can survive prolonged exposure to high temperatures, sediments were incubated at 80–90°C for 6, 12 or 463 days. Sediments were then cooled by 10–40°C, mimicking the cooling in subsurface oil reservoirs subjected to seawater injection. Cooling the sediments induced sulfate reduction, coinciding with an enrichment of endospore‐forming Clostridia. Different Desulfofundulus, Desulfohalotomaculum, Desulfallas, Desulfotomaculum and Desulfofarcimen demonstrated different thermal tolerances, with some Desulfofundulus strains surviving for >1 year at 80°C. In an oil reservoir context, heat‐resistant endospore‐forming sulfate‐reducing bacteria have a survival advantage if they are introduced to, or are resident in, an oil reservoir normally too hot for germination and growth, explaining observations of reservoir souring following cold seawater injection.
Physician practices in Accountable Care Organizations are more likely to collect and use physician performance information, yet base only a small proportion of compensation on performance data
Authors: Rosenthal Meredith , Shortell Stephen , Shah Nilay D. , Peiris David , Lewis Valerie A. , Barrera Jacob A. , Usadi Benjamin , Colla Carrie H.
Published: November 2019

Importance

It is critical to develop a better understanding of the strategies provider organizations use to improve the performance of frontline clinicians and whether ACO participation is associated with differential adoption of these tools.

Objectives

Characterize the strategies that physician practices use to improve clinician performance and determine their association with ACOs and other payment reforms.

Data Sources

The National Survey of Healthcare Organizations and the National Survey of ACOs fielded 2017‐2018 (response rates = 47 percent and 48 percent).

Study Design

Descriptive analysis for practices participating and not participating in ACOs among 2190 physician practice respondents. Linear regressions to examine characteristics associated with counts of performance domains for which a practice used data for feedback, quality improvement, or physician compensation as dependent variables. Logistic and fractional regression to examine characteristics associated with use of peer comparison and shares of primary care and specialist compensation accounted for by performance bonuses, respectively.

Principal Findings

ACO‐affiliated practices feed back clinician‐level information and use it for quality improvement and compensation on more performance domains than non‐ACO‐affiliated practices. Performance measures contribute little to physician compensation irrespective of ACO participation.

Conclusion

ACO‐affiliated practices are using more performance improvement strategies than other practices, but base only a small fraction of compensation on quality or cost.
Effectiveness of image‐guided radiotherapy for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Kuo Yao‐Hung , Fang Hsin‐Yuan , Lin Yu‐Sen , Lein Ming‐Yu , Yang Chi‐Ying , Ho Shih‐Chi , Li Chia‐Chin , Chien Chun‐Ru
Published: November 2019

Background

Image‐guided radiotherapy (IGRT) is an advanced radiotherapy technique to improve the accuracy of treatment delivery. However, a recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) for prostate cancer patients treated with radiotherapy either via IGRT or routine care (no daily IGRT) reported a statistically significant worse overall survival for those treated with IGRT. This raised the concern regarding the effectiveness of IGRT for definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (dCCRT) for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LA‐ESqCC).

Methods

Eligible LA‐ESqCC patients diagnosed between 2011 and 2015 were identified via the Taiwan Cancer Registry. We estimated propensity scores to construct a 1:1 propensity‐score‐matched groups and balance observable potential confounders. The hazard ratio (HR) of death as well as other outcomes was compared between IGRT and non‐IGRT matched groups during the entire follow‐up period. The impact of additional covariables was considered in the sensitivity analysis.

Results

Our study population included 590 patients in the primary analysis. The HR for death when IGRT was compared with non‐IGRT was 0.92 (95% confidence interval 0.77–1.10, P = 0.35). There were also no significant differences for other outcomes or sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

In this updated nonrandomized study using real world data, we found that the overall survival of LA‐ESqCC patients treated with dCCRT was not statistically different between those treated with IGRT versus those without IGRT, although the hazard ratio was less than unity, ie, in favor of IGRT. The results should be interpreted with caution given the nonrandomized design and RCTs are needed to clarify our findings.

Key points

Significant findings of the study: The OS of LA‐ESqCC patients treated with dCCRT was not statistically different between those treated with IGRT versus those without IGRT, although the hazard ratio was less than unity, ie, in favor of IGRT.

What this study adds: In this updated nonrandomized study using real world data with additional potential confounders, our study provided a reasonable tentative evidence of lack of RCT as suggested in the literature.
Reporting Nursing Interventions Classification and Nursing Outcomes Classification in Nursing Research: A Systematic Review
Authors: Othman Elham H. , Shatnawi Fedaa , Alrajabi Omymah , Alshraideh Jafar Alasad
Published: November 2019

Background

Nursing classification systems are used to report nursing practices and maintain a unified documentation language. Nursing interventions classification (NIC) and nursing outcomes classification (NOC) are among the recognized terminology systems.

Aim

To examine the extent of reporting NIC/NOC in nursing research.

Design

A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.

Data Sources

A literature search in three electronic databases was performed.

Results

A total of (18) articles were included. Nine studies were conducted to describe the commonly used NIC/NOC, six studies validated the effectiveness of classification systems, and two studies compared different nursing classification systems.

Conclusion

The available evidence is limited by the quality of the studies. We recommend examining the use of NIC/NOC in nursing documentation using an experimental design.
When Do Campaign Effects Persist for Years? Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: Jäger Kai
Published: November 2019

A unique revote allows for a natural experiment to evaluate whether campaign effects can last for nearly a decade: A right‐wing conservative party missed the 5% threshold in a German state by a mere vote in 2007, but the Constitutional Court ordered a revote in a single precinct over potential election fraud. After a one‐sided campaign focusing on law and order, the party's vote share increased more than sixfold. By comparing the precinct with its direct surroundings, the study shows that the revote campaign had long‐lasting effects on vote choice and broader security‐sensitive behavior. Residents in the revote precinct installed more warning signs on their property to deter burglars. They were not more supportive of right‐wing attitudes but were more likely to believe that election fraud reoccurred. Based on habitual‐voting and social‐norm theories, the study suggests that persuasion could be durable if candidates provide an unchallenged interpretation of political events.
Post‐discharge neonatal hyperbilirubinemia surveillance
Authors: Kaplan Michael , Zimmerman Deena , Shoob Hanna , Stein‐Zamir Chen
Published: November 2019

Aim

To assess implementation of the Israel Neonatal Society's 2008 guidelines for universal community assessment of jaundice within 72 hours of discharge from birth hospitalisation.

Methods

Mothers of newborns were interviewed at Maternal Child Health Clinics in the Jerusalem District, Israel, and asked whether their newborn had been evaluated for jaundice within the recommended time frame. Newborn discharge letters from Israeli hospitals were assessed for appropriate inclusion of instructions for early follow‐up for jaundice.

Results

Out of 659, 217 (32.9%) mothers whose newborns were at low risk for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia reported an examination within 72 hours of discharge. Eighteen (8.3%) were referred for a bilirubin test. In contrast, 99.1% (109/110) of high‐risk newborns who were specifically invited for a bilirubin test the day following discharge complied. Out of 26, 12 (46.2%) hospital discharge letters specified both a time limit of 72 hours post‐discharge and jaundice as a reason for early follow‐up.

Conclusion

The early community surveillance rate for jaundice was low, contrasting with near universal compliance in those who received a specific instruction for a post‐discharge bilirubin blood test. Inclusion of specific written instructions in hospital discharge summaries was also low and may contribute to poor implementation of guidelines.