bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FBP2 and Talin-1 are potential protein markers for Mongolian medicine symptom evaluation in viral infectious diseases
Authors: Li Li , Wu Xiaoying , Eerdunchaolu  , Qin Wenyan , Yang Yuqiu , Wang Geriletu , He Huili , Zhang Husileng
Published: December 2018

Background:

Influenza, measles, and mumps are common viral infectious diseases in Mongolia. The traditional Mongolian medicine (TMM) classified them as warm disease, and still plays a major role in the diagnoses and treatments.

Methods:

To interpret the connotation of the complex theoretical system in TMM with scientific technique, in this study, a high throughput mass spectrometry was used to identify potential protein markers of TMM symptom types. Fifty venous blood samples were drawn from influenza, measles and mumps patients. Differential proteins between samples of patients diagnosed as immature and mature heat in TMM were detected by mass spectrometry.

Results:

After proteomics analysis, 1500 proteins and 7619 polypeptides were identified and 1323 in total showed differential expression between those 2 symptom types; then enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed proteins revealed the significant biological functions related to the differentially expressed proteins, including cardiomyopathy, several bacterial and parasitic infections, bacterial invasion of epithelial cells, insulin signaling pathway, and regulation of actin cytoskeleton. The network analysis showed that FBP2 and Talin-1 were critical points and might determine the evolution directions of TMM warm disease symptom.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that the identified core differential proteins may be regarded as potential biomarkers, and benefit to evaluate the evolutionary tendency of TMM warm disease symptoms.
Impact of metformin use on survival outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer treated with platinum
Authors: Wen-Xiu Xin , Xiao-Wei Zheng , Hai-Ying Ding , Ying-Hui Tong , Si-Si Kong , Xiao-Fang Zhou , Huang Ping
Published: December 2018

Preclinical evidence suggests that metformin, a widely used antidiabetic drug, may have a sensitizing effect on platinum. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival outcomes for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using metformin during platinum-based chemotherapy.

The clinicopathological parameters and survival data of 75 NSCLC patients with T2DM from January 2008 to December 2011 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into 2 groups: metformin exposure group (n = 27) and non-metformin group (patients using other hypoglycemic agents or no drug for controlling n = 48). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the association of metformin usage with overall survival (OS).

Mean follow-up time was 58.7 months. The mean survival time was 36.74 months in the metformin group and 40.21 months in the non-metformin group. There was no significant difference in survival time between the 2 groups (P = .661). After adjusting gender, age, smoking status, tumor stage, tumor histology, and differentiation, multivariate analysis showed that metformin was not associated with the OS in NSCLC patients treated with concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy (hazard ratio: 1.071, 95% confidence interval: 0.577–1.986, P = .828).

Our results indicated that metformin exposure had no significant effect on OS in NSCLC patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Further studies are warranted to evaluate whether metformin could affect the survival of NSCLC patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy.
Congenital high airway obstruction with tracheoesophageal fistula
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhao Limin , Li Xiaoyan
Published: December 2018

Rationale:

Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) is defined as complete or partial obstruction of the fetal upper airways. Laryngeal atresia is the most frequent cause.

Patient concern:

A male neonate born with poor reactions, weakly spontaneous breathing and cyanosis of the limbs was referred to our hospital.

Diagnosis:

CHAOS with tracheoesophageal fistula.

Intervention:

A tracheostomy was performed and a 3.0-mm internal diameter tracheostomy tube was inserted.

Outcomes:

Neonatal survival depended on our immediate postnatal intervention.

Lessons:

In summary, a multidisciplinary team including otolaryngologists, radiologists, obstetricians, and anesthesiologists must be present during the whole diagnosis and treatment process.
Meta-analysis of the effects of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor on recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Xin Yong , Yan Qiuyue , Yang ChunSheng , Jiang Fan , Guo Wenwen , Huang Qian , Jiang Guan , Zhang Longzhen
Published: December 2018

Background:

We performed a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy and non-anti-EGFR therapy in recurrent/metastatic (RM) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods:

The Cochrane library, WanFang Data, PubMed, Medline, VIP, CBM, and EBSCO databases were searched for relevant studies. The objective response rate (ORR, defined as complete response or partial response according to RECTST version 1.1) and grade 3 to 4 adverse effects were used.

Results:

Ten studies involving 2260 patients were included. Primary meta-analysis showed that anti-EGFR therapy improved the ORR [odds ratio (OR): 1.79, 95% confidence interval 1.44–2.21, P <.00001]. Subgroup analyses revealed that the ORR of patients with RM HNSCC could be improved by monoclonal antibodies (OR: 1.89, 1.46–2.45, P <.00001) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (OR: 1.57, 1.07–2.31, P = .02). Analysis of grade 3 to 4 adverse effects demonstrated that diarrhea (3.15, [1.90, 5.20]), rash/desquamation (13.66, [6.86, 27.20]), hypomagnesemia (1.83, [1.28, 2.62]), vomiting (1.99, [1.00, 3.95]), anorexia (3.34, [1.45, 7.73]), dehydration (2.22, [1.19, 4.12]), and hypokalemia (1.63, [1.09, 2.42]) were significantly associated with anti-EGFR therapy.

Conclusion:

Anti-EGFR therapy is recommended for patients with RM HNSCC. Adverse effects, such as diarrhea, anorexia, hypomagnesemia, and hypokalemia, should be carefully monitored during anti-EGFR therapy.
Adult neuroblastoma in the retroperitoneum
Authors: Wu Xue-Liang , Dai Yong-Jun , Sun Guang-Yuan , Wang Li-Kun , Han Lei , Qu Ming , Liu Bo , Xue Jun
Published: December 2018

Rationale:

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial malignant solid tumor that occurs during childhood. It arises from primitive cells and is found in the adrenal medulla and sympathetic ganglia of the sympathetic nervous system. Huge neuroblastoma in the retroperitoneum, especially adult involvement is extremely rare.

Patient concerns:

A 20-year-old female patient with complaints of left abdominal discomfort for 1 week was reported.

Diagnosis:

Multi-detector computed tomography (MD-CT) of the abdomen revealed a huge enhanced mass in the retroperitoneum. Histopathological findings showed neuroblastoma and immunohistochemical results were as follows: actin(–), CD34(–), CD99(–), CK(–), CgA(+), desmin(–), EMA(–), Ki-67(+, approximately 1%), NSE(+), S-100(+), Syn(+), and vimentin(–).

Interventions:

We performed a total surgical resection. The CYVADIC (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, adriamycin, and dimethyl triazeno imidazole carboxamide) and James (cyclophosphamide and vincristine) regimens had been administered to this patient.

Outcomes:

Postoperatively, the patient's symptoms were partially relieved and the patient experienced recurrence after 3 months. The patient did not respond to treatment and died 6 months after the operation.

Lessons:

Besides surgical resection, the treatment also included chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, the optimal treatment remains controversial. Therefore, we should exert all our energies on the exploration of etiology and targeted drugs for this disease.
Acupuncture for the treatment of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Bao Haipeng , Si Dongxu , Gao Longxia , Sun Huizhuo , Shi Qi , Yan Yue , Damchaaperenlei Dashzeveg , Li Chunlei , Yu MingXia , Li Youlin
Published: December 2018

Background:

Allergic rhinitis is a major chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract. A large number of epidemiological investigations have shown that the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) is increasing, resulting in a large burden of disease. Desensitizing drugs such as nasal glucocorticoids and antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis, but this method has a long treatment period and is prone to repeated attacks, and there are certain adverse reactions. Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide variety of diseases including allergic rhinitis without the occurrence of drug damage. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Methods:

Relevant databases include the English databases incorporating Web of science, PubMed, Springer, Medline, Cochrane Library, EBASE, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), as well as the Chinese databases like the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), Wanfang Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database will be searched normatively according to the rule of each database from the inception to September 1, 2018. Reference list of identified studies, potential gray literatures, relevant conference abstracts, and clinical trial registrations will also be searched. The literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment will be conducted by 2 researchers independently. Data will be synthesized by either the fixed-effects or random-effects model according to a heterogeneity test. Symptom score will be assessed as the primary outcome. Rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ), participants with asthma can use asthma control test (ACT), medicine usage and scoring, laboratory examination, and side effects or adverse events will be evaluated as the secondary outcome. Meta-analysis will be performed using RevMan5.3.5 software provided by the Cochrane Collaboration.

Results:

This study will provide high-quality synthesis based on current evidence of acupuncture treatment for allergic rhinitis in several aspects, including symptom score, drug score, quality of life score, asthma control score, side effects and laboratory examination such as nasal function test, serum total immunoglobulin (IgE), nasal secretion smear, etc.

Conclusion:

The results of this study will provide updated evidence for weather acupuncture is an effective and safe intervention for allergic rhinitis.

Ethics and dissemination:

It is not necessary for this systematic review to acquire an ethical approval. This review will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal or conference presentation.

PROSPERO registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42018109105.
Effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the depth of total intravenous anesthesia in patients with breast cancer undergoing unilateral modified radical mastectomy
Authors: Wu Guisheng , Fu Guanghua , Zhang Lei , Zhang Zongwang , Wang Xuxiang
Published: December 2018

Toxic effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) on nervous, hepatorenal, and pulmonary systems might affect general anesthesia depth. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of NC on depth of total intravenous anesthesia.

This prospective observational study enrolled 60 patients undergoing elective unilateral modified radical mastectomy during total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil (January–June 2015; Liaocheng People's Hospital, China): the NC group (n = 30) received NC, while the control group (n = 30) did not. Propofol and remifentanil dosages were adjusted according to indexes of consciousness (IoC1: sedation; IoC2: analgesia) to control fluctuations of blood pressure and heart rate within 20% of baseline values. Parameters reflecting propofol/remifentanil dosages, intraoperative adverse events, and quality of anesthetic recovery were recorded.

The duration of propofol infusion (1.3 ± 0.4 vs 1.8 ± 0.5 hours, P < .05), mean propofol dosage (8.0 ± 1.0 vs 9.3 ± 1.5 mg kg−1 h−1, P < .05), and adjustment frequency of target-controlled remifentanil infusion (2.9 ± 1.8 vs 4.4 ± 2.6 times/surgery, P < .05) were significantly lower in the NC group than in the control group; adjustment frequency of target-controlled propofol infusion was also numerically lower (2.0 ± 1.1 vs 2.7 ± 1.5 times/surgery, P = .053). Duration of remifentanil infusion, mean remifentanil dosage, voluntary eye opening, extubation time, and recovery score were not significantly different between groups. The incidence of tachycardia was lower in the NC group than in the control group (7.1% vs 37.0%, P < .05), but there was no significant difference in the incidence of total adverse events between groups.

NC can enhance the sensitivity of breast cancer patients to the anesthetic effect of propofol.
Human cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus infections increase the risk of death in patients with head and neck cancers receiving radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy
Authors: Kiprian Dorota , Czarkowska-Paczek Bozena , Wyczalkowska-Tomasik Aleksandra , Paczek Leszek
Published: December 2018

Viral infections, including cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), play an important role in carcinogenesis and can influence patients’ prognosis and condition during cancer treatment.

The goal of this study was to investigate CMV and EBV infections in patients receiving radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy due to head and neck cancers to determine the influence of these infections on the risk of death. The observation period was 2 years.

Of 41 patients enrolled, 11 received radiotherapy (simultaneous-integrated boost intensity-modulated radiation therapy [SIB-IMRT], 2.25 Gy/fraction, 30 fractions, [n = 7] or IMRT, 2 Gy per fraction, 35 fractions, [n = 4]) and 30 received radiochemotherapy (cisplatin 100 mg/m2 and SIB-IMRT [n = 13] or IMRT [n = 17]). Plasma CMV and EBV DNA levels were assessed using real-time PCR before or during treatment or 4 weeks posttreatment.

The risk of death in the group positive for plasma CMV or EBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was significantly higher compared to the group without detectable plasma CMV (odd ratio [OR]: 7.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–50.67) or EBV DNA (OR: 10.91, 95% CI: 1.135–104.8). Results were confirmed using the Bayesian method. Plasma positivity for CMV or EBV DNA was associated with a higher risk of death (both P = .04).

Viral infections negatively affect the survival of patients with head and neck cancers. Diagnosing and treating these viral infections in patients with positive results should be considered.
Application of the ConNECT Framework to Precision Health and Health Disparities
Authors: Menon Usha , Ashing Kimlin , Chang Mei Wei , Christy Shannon M. , Friberg-Felsted Katarina , Rivas Virginia Gil , Gwede Clement K. , Lu Qian , Meade Cathy D. , Sly Jamila , Wang Monica , Yanez Betina , Yeary Karen , Yi Jean C. , Alcaraz Kassandra I.
Published: December 2018

Background

An emphasis on precision health (PH) has stimulated precision medicine studies to focus on the interplay of biological, behavioral, and environmental factors with disease risks, treatments, prognoses, and outcomes affecting health disparities. It is imperative, as well, that improving health equity among underserved populations remains central to the efforts and aims of PH.

Objectives

The aim if this study was to apply the transdisciplinary ConNECT Framework: A Model for Advancing Behavioral Medicine Science and Practice to Foster Health Equity to PH by integrating a population health agenda for reducing health disparities.

Methods

There are five ConNECT principles: (a) integrating context; (b) fostering a norm of inclusion; (c) ensuring equitable diffusion of innovations; (d) harnessing communication technology; and (e) prioritizing specialized training as an organizing framework to PH, including examples of how to integrate behavioral and socioecological determinants to better understand the contexts of individuals, systems, and place to design targeted treatments and interventions.

Results

We describe proactive, actionable strategies for the systematic application of ConNECT Framework principles to address health equity via the PH initiative. Context and implications for nursing research and practice are also described.

Discussion

The ConNECT Framework emphasizes that diversity inclusion is imperative for true population health benefit from PH, broadly in public health, behavioral medicine, medicine, and nursing, to equip health researchers and practitioners to account for contextual socioecologic data that can be aligned with biologic data for more population responsive and individually tailored interventions to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases.
Blue-blocking Filters and Digital Eyestrain
Authors: Palavets Tatsiana , Rosenfield Mark
Published: December 2018

SIGNIFICANCE

Many manufacturers are currently marketing blue-blocking (BB) filters, which they claim will reduce the symptoms of digital eyestrain (DES). However, there is limited evidence to support the proposal that DES results from the blue light emitted by these devices.

PURPOSE

The visual and ocular symptoms commonly experienced when viewing digital screens are collectively termed DES. The emission spectrum of modern digital displays frequently includes a high percentage of blue light. Being higher in energy, these short wavelengths may contribute to DES. This study examined the effect of a BB filter on symptoms of DES during a sustained near-vision task.

METHODS

Twenty-three young, visually normal subjects were required to perform a 30-minute reading task from a tablet computer. The digital screen was overlaid with either a BB or neutral-density (ND) filter producing equal screen luminance. During each session, the accommodative response, pupil diameter, and vertical palpebral aperture dimension were measured at 0, 9, 19, and 29 minutes after the start of the reading task. Immediately following each session, subjects completed a questionnaire to quantify symptoms of DES.

RESULTS

The BB filter blocked 99% of the wavelengths between 400 and 500 nm. The mean total symptom scores (±1 SEM) for the BB and ND filter conditions were 42.83 (3.58) and 42.61 (3.17), respectively (P= .62). No significant differences in accommodation or vertical palpebral aperture dimension were observed between the two filter conditions, although the magnitude of the mean accommodative response did increase significantly during the first 9 minutes of the task (P= .02).

CONCLUSIONS

A filter that eliminated 99% of the emitted blue light was no more effective at reducing symptoms of DES than an equiluminant ND filter. There is little evidence at this time to support the use of BB filters to minimize near work–induced asthenopia.
Intraocular Pressure Elevation during Lateral Body Posture in Side-sleeping Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Park Ji-Hye , Yoo Chungkwon , Yoo Eunjoo , Kim Yong Yeon
Published: December 2018

SIGNIFICANCE

In side-sleeping open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients, eyes that showed progression exhibited a greater intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation when subjects were rested in the lateral decubitus (LD) posture on the ipsilateral side compared with those eyes that did not progress.

PURPOSE

The purposes of this study were to investigate whether lying in the LD position for an extended period affects IOP in side-sleeping patients with OAG when rested on their own pillow and to compare posture-induced IOP variations between eyes with recent glaucomatous progression and those without.

METHODS

Twenty-eight bilateral OAG patients who reported a preference for side sleeping were included. We measured IOP in both eyes, with the patient in the sitting and supine positions, 5 and 30 minutes after they had been in the right or left LD position (depending on their sleeping habits) and 5 minutes after they had returned to the supine position. While in the recumbent postures, the patients rested on their own pillows from home. The patients were divided into thecorrespondenceandnoncorrespondencesubgroups, based on whether the laterality of the progressed eye corresponded with their habitual sleeping side.

RESULTS

The IOP of the lower-sided eye increased further (+1.6 ± 1.8 mmHg;P< .001) when the LD posture was maintained for an additional 25 minutes. Such time-dependent IOP elevation in the dependent eye was greater in patients whose LD posture corresponded with glaucoma progression (+2.5 ± 1.7 mmHg) than in those who showed no correspondence or no glaucoma progression (+1.0 ± 1.6 mmHg;P= .03).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with nonprogressed eyes, progressed eyes exhibited a greater IOP elevation when the side-sleeping patients with OAG were rested in the LD posture on the ipsilateral side.
Co-occurrence of contrasting life-history strategies in a metapopulation inhabiting temporally variable and stable breeding sites
Authors: Cayuela Hugo , Cruickshank Sam , Brandt Hannelore , Ozgul Arpat , Schmidt Benedikt
Published: December 2018

Life-history theory states that, during the lifetime of an individual, resources are allocated to either somatic maintenance or reproduction. Resource allocation trade-offs determine the evolution and ecology of life-history strategies and determine an organism position along the fast-slow continuum. Theory predicts that environmental stochasticity is an important driver of resource allocation and therefore life-history evolution. Highly stochastic environments are expected to increase uncertainty in reproductive success and select for iteroparity and a slowing down of the life history. To date, most empirical studies have used comparisons among species to examine these theoretical predictions. By contrast, few have investigated how environmental stochasticity affects life-history strategies at the intraspecific level. In this study, we examined how variation in breeding site stochasticity (among-year variability in pond volume and hydroperiod) promotes the co-occurrence of different life-history strategies in a spatially structured population, and determines life-history position along the fast-slow continuum in the yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata). We collected mark-recapture data from a metapopulation and used multievent capture-recapture models to estimate survival, recruitment and breeding probabilities. We found higher survival and longer lifespans in populations inhabiting variable sites compared to those breeding in stable ones. In addition, probabilities of recruitment and skipping a breeding event were higher in variable sites. The temporal variance of survival and recruitment probabilities as well as the probability to skip breeding was higher in variable sites. Taken together, these findings indicate that populations breeding in variable sites experienced a slowing down of the life-history. Our study thus revealed similarities in the macroevolutionary and microevolutionary processes shaping life-history evolution.
Incipient species or social polymorphism? Diversity in the desert ant Cataglyphis
Authors: Reiner Brodetzki Tali , Inbar Shani , Cohen Pnina , Aron Serge , Privman Eyal , Hefetz Abraham
Published: December 2018

Species are the fundamental units upon which evolutionary research is based. In insects, due to the high level of hybridization, the delimitation of such species can be challenging. The genus Cataglyphis presents a high level of diversification, making it an excellent model with which to study evolutionary paths. Israel appears to be a 'hot spot' for recent speciation in this genus. Although previous studies have described multiple species of Cataglyphis in Israel, a recent genetic study has questioned the existence of some of these historically described species. The present study focuses on an apparent species complex that is distinguishable by its mitochondrial DNA (and therefore named mitotypes) but not by its nuclear DNA. Using a multi-method approach (genetics, chemistry and behavior), we show that these mitotypes also differ in their social structures and are readily distinguishable by their cuticular hydrocarbons profiles. While the different mitotypes are in general allopatric, at our study site they all coexist but nonetheless maintain the observed differences between them. This raises many evolutionary questions: Are these incipient species that have diverged with gene flow, or is this a case of social and chemical polymorphism that is maintained within a single species.
The structural basis of translational control by eIF2 phosphorylation
Authors: Adomavicius Tomas , Guaita Margherita , Zhou Yu , Jennings Martin D , Latif Zakia , Roseman Alan M , Pavitt Graham D
Published: December 2018

Protein synthesis in eukaryotes is controlled by signals and stresses via a common pathway, called the integrated stress response (ISR). Phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor eIF2 alpha at a conserved serine residue mediates translational control at the ISR core. To provide insight into the mechanism of translational control we have determined the structures of eIF2 both in phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms bound with its nucleotide exchange factor eIF2B by cryo-electron microscopy. The structures reveal that eIF2 undergoes large rearrangements to promote binding of eIF2α to the regulatory core of eIF2B comprised of the eIF2B alpha, beta and delta subunits. Only minor differences are observed between eIF2 and eIF2αP binding to eIF2B suggesting that the higher affinity of eIF2αP for eIF2B drives translational control. We present a model for controlled nucleotide exchange and initiator tRNA binding to the eIF2/eIF2B complex.
Culture and regional innovation performance: an exploration in China
Authors: Song Hemin , Zhang-Zhang Yingying , Tian Mu , Rohlfer Sylvia , Sharkasi Nora
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between culture and regional innovation performance in China where innovation is deemed as a key for sustainable economic development. The diversity of China’s regional culture and its rising economic and innovative capability enhancement provides an opportunity for such an exploration.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts the GLOBE’s nine cultural dimensions to empirically examine the relationship between culture and Chinese regional innovation performance through multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The study results find that performance orientation and gender egalitarianism have positive and significant influences on regional innovation performance, while institutional collectivism has a negative and significant influence. The remaining six GLOBE cultural dimensions show no significant effect on regional innovation performance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research exploring the relationship between culture and regional innovation performance in a Chinese context by using GLOBE’s cultural dimensions that are deemed as a valuable empirical alternative to Hofstede’s cultural measures. The results of this study help further the understanding of the cultural influence in China’s regional innovation performance.
The effects of entrepreneurs’ moral awareness and ethical behavior on product innovation of new ventures
Authors: Mai Yiyuan , Zhang Wenge , Wang Lihua
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply the social cognitive theory and social learning theory to examine the different mechanisms through which entrepreneurs’ moral awareness and ethical behavior affect the product innovation of new ventures.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected survey data from 150 founders and 389 founding team members of new ventures in China in 2015. The final sample contained 113 questionnaires from entrepreneurs and 246 questionnaires from their founding team members. Regression analyses were used to test direct effects, and Preacher and Hayes’ (2004) formal mediation test approach with bootstrapping method was used to evaluate the mediation effects.

Findings

The findings indicate that the ethical levels of entrepreneurs can affect the product innovation of a new venture through two paths: entrepreneurs with low levels of moral awareness tend to be more individually creative, which facilitates product innovation, and entrepreneurs with high levels of ethical behavior can make founding teams more creative, which also promotes product innovation.

Practical implications

The findings of this study suggest that entrepreneurs are not negatively affected by their low moral awareness as long as they exhibit high ethical behavior with founding team members. But such low moral awareness has to be genuine. The best way to promote product innovation in the long run is to create an organizational culture of ethical behavior rather than to ignore moral issues in decision-making.

Originality/value

This study challenges the assumption that moral awareness and ethical behavior are always consistent. It takes an initial step to resolve the contradiction in the current literature regarding the relationship between the ethical levels of entrepreneurs and product innovation in the context of founders and founding teams in new ventures.
Ethically questionable negotiation tactics in the Austrian workplace
Authors: Goelzner Herbert , Stefanidis Abraham , Banai Moshe
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This study aims to generalize the research findings about the impact of individualism-collectivism, ethical idealism and inter-personal trust on ethically questionable negotiation tactics, such as pretending, deceiving and lying, in a Germanic culture, namely, that of Austria.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey questionnaires translated from English to German were collected from 304 respondents. A regression analysis was used to test the contribution of the independent variables to the explanation of negotiators’ attitudes towards questionable negotiation tactics.

Findings

The research empirically corroborated a classification of three groups of negotiation tactics, namely, pretending, deceiving and lying, in Austria. Austrian negotiators who scored high on vertical individualism tended to score high on the endorsement of the pretending tactic; those who scored high on horizontal collectivism tended to score low on the endorsement of the deceiving and lying tactics; those who scored high on vertical collectivism tended to score high on the endorsement of the deceiving and lying tactics; and those who scored high on inter-personal trust tended to score low on the endorsement of the pretending negotiation tactic. Idealistic negotiators tended not to endorse the use of pretending, deceiving and lying negotiation tactics.

Research limitations/implications

The study investigated the respondents’ perceptions, rather than their actual negotiation behavior. Findings are limited to Germanic culture.

Practical implications

The study provides negotiators in Austria with a tool that has the potential to predict the extent to which Austrian negotiators would use various ethically questionable negotiation tactics.

Originality/value

This is the first study to present a model of the antecedents of negotiation tactics in a Germanic cultural context, where negotiation studies are limited. This study validates in Austria three questionable negotiation tactics groups of varying severity, which had previously been studied only in non-Germanic cultures. This research significantly contributes to the generalization of a model of the antecedents of the endorsement of questionable tactics across cultures.
Reaching for ripeness: promoting negotiation through unilateral conciliatory action
Authors: Barkat Johnston S.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

While the process of negotiation has been studied extensively, little research has been done on the factors that lead parties to the negotiation table. In light of this, the purpose of this paper is to examine effects of unilateral conciliatory initiatives (UCIs) (actions) on the willingness and preparedness of parties to negotiate.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a separate-sample posttest, 2 × 3 factorial design. Subjects were placed into simulated intractable resource- and identity-based conflicts. Groups then received UCIs (in the form of economic aid and apology) intended to benefit the other and contribute to a high commitment to de-escalation (ripeness). Ripeness was measured by increased empathy; and decreased distrust, escalatory behaviors (operationalized as aggression and autistic hostility), anger, win-lose/competitive orientation and negative attributions.

Findings

UCIs were shown to impact both the state and the process of ripeness. Apology facilitated ripeness in an identity conflict and positively impacted five of the six resistance areas in a resource conflict. Economic aid likewise affected ripeness in an identity conflict but did not impact a resource conflict better than an apology. The offer of an apology affected empathy in both conflict types but economic aid did not do so in a resource conflict. It was also observed that an identity-based conflict produced less trust and increased negative attributions than did a resource conflict.

Originality/value

This suggests that identity and resource conflicts activate some resistance areas differently. It also reveals that similar interventions may be effective in both conflicts but that each UCI affects particular resistance areas differently. The findings suggest that there should be an increased emphasis on apology by conflict resolution practitioners. The practical and theoretical implications of apologies and resource sharing in de-escalation are discussed, to facilitate their appropriate use in resolution strategies that reduce tensions within conflict.
Role of virtues in the relationship between shame and tendency to plagiarise
Authors: Pandoi Deepika , Gaur Sanjaya Singh , Gupta Anup Kumar
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Plagiarism is an epidemic for scholars that needs to be managed. Penalties do not seem to be able to stop people from indulging in it. Manipulation of emotions and values may help in discouraging people from plagiarism. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to understand the association between felt emotion and plagiarism outcome behaviours. Another objective of the study is to see the role of virtues in discouraging people from plagiarism.

Design/methodology/approach

A scenario-based quasi-experimental method is used to collect the data. Graduate students from various Indian universities were invited for the experiment. The partial least square based structural equation modelling is used to test the measurement as well as path model.

Findings

The authors found that manipulated shame resulted in feelings of both international and external shame. When individuals feel internal shame, they avoid and discontinue plagiarism. They also try to repair the damage that they cause by plagiarism. However, feeling of external shame only encourages individuals to discontinue plagiarism behaviour. Virtues such as influence, competitiveness and equality weaken the relationship between internal shame and plagiarism-related outcome behaviour. At the same time, these virtues do not affect the relationship between external shame and outcome behaviours.

Practical implications

This study has important implications for the institutions of higher education. The study suggests that universities should provoke the emotion of shame through various communications to students to control the act of plagiarism by their students.

Originality/value

No study seems to have examined if the manipulation of emotions and values can help reduce the problem of plagiarism. This is an attempt towards bridging this important gap in literature. Therefore, findings of this study are of great value to scholars and content developers.
Influences of working condition and faculty retention on quality education in private universities in Bangladesh
Authors: Ashraf Mohammad Ali
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to examine the influence of working condition on faculty retention and quality education in the private higher education sector; and second, to see whether there is any mediating role of faculty retention linking working condition and quality education in the private universities in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

To attain these objectives, a total of 516 data were collected from the faculty members of the private universities located all over the country based on random sampling procedure. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that though working condition has a direct significant influence on both faculty retention and quality education and faculty retention has a partial mediating influence on quality education in private higher education institutes in Bangladesh.

Research limitations/implications

From a research perspective, the study results demonstrate once again the robustness of the Muslow’s hierarchy need theory of motivation for helping to explain the faculty members of the private universities. As more and more studies of faculty behavior and its antecedents are done within the similar framework, the author is more able to discover and confirm which antecedents are most important, helping the author build a robust theory of quality education affected based on human resource practices by the management of the institutes.

Practical implications

From a practical perspective, as a cumulative body of work on the nexus between human resource management and quality education emerges, the author will be better able to advise private university authorities on the elements they need to address in order to excel quality education. In this study, the one area of findings that may help university authorities the most concerns work environment. These findings imply that in order to excel quality education the authorities of the private universities should focus more on friendly and enjoyable working environment for prolonging faculty retention and excelling quality education.

Originality/value

This study has revealed an important contribution focusing the influence of working condition on faculty retention as well as quality education in private universities in Bangladesh.
Microreactors: ‘micro’managing our macro energy demands
Authors: Rossi Olivia , Chandrasekaran Arvind
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to answer this question by discussing the practicality of implementing microreactor technology towards large-scale renewable energy generation, as well as provide an incentive for future researchers to utilize microreactors as a useful alternative tool for green energy production. However, can microreactors present a viable solution for the generation of renewable energy to tackle the on-going global energy crisis?

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the practicality of implementing microreactor technology toward large-scale renewable energy generation is discussed. Specific areas of interest that elucidate considerable returns of microreactors toward renewable energy production are biofuel synthesis, hydrogen conversion and solar energy harvesting.

Findings

It is believed that sustained research on microreactors can significantly accelerate the development of new energy production methods through renewable sources, which will undoubtedly aid in the quest for a greener future.

Originality/value

This work aims to provide a sound judgement on the importance of research on renewable energy production and alternative energy management methods through microreactor technology, and why future studies on this topic should be highly encouraged. The relevance of this opinion paper lies in the idea that microreactors are an innovative concept currently used in engineering to significantly accelerate chemical reactions on microscale volumes; with the feasibility of high throughput to convert energy at larger scales with much greater efficiency than existing energy production methods.
Sharīʿah non-compliant assets as rahn (pledge) in Islamic banking products: a fiqhī perspective
Authors: Hussain Lokmanulhakim , Ali Mohammad Mahbubi
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present a framework regarding the use of Sharīʿah non-compliant assets as rahn (pledge) and to provide the Sharīʿah analysis on the application of numerous collateral instruments, including financial assets such as shares, unit trusts, current accounts and investment accounts which are Sharīʿah non-compliant.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a library-based approach to examine the concept and requirements of rahn, deliberate the classification of Sharīʿah non-compliant assets and delineate the Sharīʿah views on the use of Sharīʿah non-compliant assets as pledges. It also examines the various forms of pledge available and offered in the market using document analysis as well as through discussion with industry practitioners.

Findings

In general, the study concludes that Sharīʿah non-compliant assets, either due to their essence or due to the means of acquisition where there is no ownership from Sharīʿah perspective, cannot be used as rahn. This study also provides the Sharīʿah analysis on the use of modern instruments such as shares, unit trusts, current accounts, investment accounts and insurance policy as pledges.

Originality/value

The paper provides a reference source for regulators in formulating an appropriate policy and framework on Sharīʿah-compliant collateral; Sharīʿah committees of Islamic financial institutions in arriving at Sharīʿah decisions on collateral; and industry practitioners in establishing internal policies and procedures on collateral.
Contracting for public bus transit: do techniques employed make a difference in service outcome?
Authors: Shetterly David R.
Published: December 2018

The evidence suggests deductions for non-performance and competitive solicitation methods are key determinants of contractor performance. A penalty provision is strongly associated with an increase in unit cost, while a competitive solicitation method reduces unit cost. The evidence is inconclusive for fixed price contract and contract length. The findings support the idea that contracting techniques impact contractor performance. The potential for cost savings may not be fully realized unless techniques that focus on competitive contracting are employed. Future research that addresses contract design factors for other services in other settings will provide information to help policy makers choose among the numerous contract design options.
Is contracting out in new york city tinkering or reinventing government?
Authors: Blendermann Ronald W. , Ormsby Rita , Sharp John , Zimmerman Edward A.
Published: December 2018

This article examines whether contracting out of government services in New York City has been tinkering or reinventing government, with a detailed examination of the layers of approval now required for awarding contracts to safeguard against possible corruption. The use of Compstat, by the New York Police Department, is seen to be a reinvention of how crime is fought in the city.
Government/business relationships: insights into contract implementation
Authors: Wang Sijun , Bunn Michele D.
Published: December 2018

Public procurement activities have long been treated as a minor subset of industrial or business-to-business buying. Consequently, the literature reports sparse research on the nature of government buying or how commercial firms can successfully market to the government. While this lack of research may not have been critical with respect to traditional public buying, recent procurement reforms and new contracting arrangements suggest our knowledge of business-to-business buying is inadequate with respect to the new environment of public buying and government/business relationships. One important and unique issue is how to handle the relationship with business suppliers during the contract implementation process. This paper proposes a taxonomy of government/business relationships as an organizing framework for understanding the complexities of buyer-seller relationships in government contract implementation. Archival case studies provide illustrations and justification for the taxonomy.
A Tool for assessing the value contributed by public purchasing departments throughout various stages of competitive acquisition processes for consulting services
Authors: Schiele Joseph J.
Published: December 2018

Presented herein is a tool for assessing the value contributed by public sector purchasing departments throughout various stages of competitive acquisition processes for consulting services. Both direct and indirect measures are included in this assessment tool. Although direct contributions are particularly important in an environment where the public scrutinizes the way in which public organizations spend money, indirect contributions made by the purchasing department can be even more important due to the significance of these services in terms of the impact that they have on the functioning of organizations and their ability to serve the public. This tool provides a practical means by which to improve the way that public purchasing departments help make these traditionally difficult purchase decisions, and in doing so, positively affect departmental and organizational performance.
Principles and practices of managing a global purchase card program
Authors: Colaianni Margaret A.
Published: December 2018

This article highlights three key principles that form the basis of operations for the U.S. Department of State's Purchase Card program. These principles include standardization, centralization and collaboration. The author also provides some practical advice on managing a Purchase Card program in a global environment that could be applied to other card programs.
Analysis of public e-procurement web site accessibility
Authors: Bruno Giuseppe , Esposito Emilio , Mastroianni Michele , Vellutino Daniela
Published: December 2018

A vast amount of literature has highlighted that accessibility is becoming crucial in evaluating e-procurement web site effectiveness. In this context, this paper shows some results of multidisciplinary research whose aim is to identify a model to evaluate e-procurement web site accessibility. The specific goal is to identify a group of web site attributes and characteristics that can be measured using quantitative indicators. For this purpose, a model based on a three-level hierarchical system has been introduced. The proposed model has been used to evaluate three Italian public e-procurement web sites. Finally, the conclusions and some indications on future developments of research are illustrated.
Strategic procurement in uk local government: The role of elected members
Authors: Murray J. Gordon
Published: December 2018

This paper is concerned with the potential role of elected members in the UK local government strategic procurement process. Strategic procurement and the best value regime are discussed. A working definition of strategic procurement in local government is then provided. The rationale for councils to review member involvement in strategic procurement follows. Observations from action learning case studies are discussed prior to proposals being offered as to what might represent appropriate new roles for elected members in the UK local government strategic procurement process.