bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Confucianism culture and corporate cash holdings
Authors: Chen Shihua , Ye Yan , Jebran Khalil , Majeed Muhammad Ansar
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study examines how Confucianism, as an informal system, alleviates manager–shareholder conflicts and thus decreases managerial behavior of keeping higher levels of cash reserves. This study also investigates whether formal governance mechanisms (state ownership and institutional investors) moderate the relationship between Confucianism and cash holdings.

Design/methodology/approach

This study opts a sample of Chinese listed firms over the period of 2004–2015. The geographical-proximity-based method was followed to measure Confucianism, which is the distance between a firm's registered address and the national Confucianism centers.

Findings

The results indicate that Confucianism adversely influences cash holdings. The authors’ findings illustrate that Confucian culture promotes ethical behavior, and therefore, firms in a strong Confucianism environment keep a lower level of cash reserves. The authors further document that the effect of Confucianism on cash holding is weaker for state-owned firms but stronger for firms with low institutional ownership.

Practical implications

The findings provide implications for policymakers, academicians, and corporations. The results suggest that culture can reduce cash holdings. Especially, in emerging markets, such as China, where formal mechanisms are relatively less effective, informal institutions can serve an alternative system for alleviating adverse effects of agency conflicts.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature in two ways. First, this study contributes to cash holdings literature by showing that culture (Confucianism) is negatively associated with cash holdings. Second, this study extends the incumbent literature that seeks to explore how Confucian culture influences corporate behavior. To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first study that identifies that Confucianism is associated with cash holdings.
Unveiling knowledge quality, researcher satisfaction, learning, and loyalty
Authors: Waheed Mehwish , Klobas Jane E , Ain NoorUl
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Examines how perceived knowledge quality influences researchers' satisfaction with academic social media (ASM) site use, perceived learning from use, and loyalty toward the site.

Design/methodology/approach

Built upon the theoretical grounding of the information system success framework, it was hypothesized that satisfaction, perceived learning, and loyal behavior toward an ASM site are all functions of the perceived quality of knowledge obtained. Data were collected by online survey from 348 researchers registered on ResearchGate and subjected to SmartPLS structural equation modeling, bootstrapping, and blindfolding.

Findings

The hypothesized relationships were supported. Perceived knowledge quality significantly influences researchers' satisfaction with ASM site use, and satisfaction affects perceived learning and researchers' loyalty with the ASM site.

Research limitations/implications

Identification of the relationship between perceived knowledge quality and ASM site success extends the study of ASM sites from description of usage patterns to understanding the effect of content quality on important outcomes of use.

Practical implications

ASM sites rely on the quality of knowledge contributed by their members for satisfaction, loyalty, and perceptions of value. The ongoing success of an ASM requires directed attention to quality knowledge provision.

Originality/value

This paper contributes a simplified DeLone & McLean information system success framework for studies of content quality. It also provides fresh insights into ASM site usage through a focus on the role of perceived knowledge quality in forming satisfaction, learning, and loyalty.
Earnings management as an ethical issue in view of Kohlberg’s theory of moral reasoning
Authors: Belgasem-Hussain Abdulfatah Ali , Hussaien Yousof Ibrahim
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on and introduce the ethics of earnings management (EM) to researchers and students in the academic community in light of Kohlberg’s theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper contextualises and analyses the relevant literature to provide insights around the key concepts of the issue of ethics of EM. Therefore, theoretical approach has been adopted by reviewing the literature using a descriptive method. The study suggests relevance of the theory of moral development and reasoning by Kohlberg (1969) as an approach in the process of exploring the background and the reasons behind ethics of managers regarding EM. This theory helps to explain how individuals demonstrate and justify a sense of right or wrong. Thus, the paper is a literature review concluded with a proposed conceptual framework.

Findings

The paper provides conceptual insights about the ethics of EM, and it proposes a link between manager’s ethics regarding the phenomenon of EM and the framework of moral reasoning theory by Kohlberg (1969).

Originality/value

The importance and implications of Kohlberg’s theory, in terms of EM, resides within the fact that the theory is concerned with questions about how one ought to act – being as it acknowledges the well-known ethical theories. The work of Kohlberg can be classified as a descriptive analysis to the extent that it attempts to describe individuals’ moral development. This integration of normative and descriptive ethics, in turn, enables the theory to be used to explore managers’ moral reasoning in a more helpful way.
Customer engagement and eWOM in tourism
Authors: Kanje Patrokil , Charles Goodluck , Tumsifu Elly , Mossberg Lena , Andersson Tommy
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine the role of customer engagement (CE) on electronic word of mouth (eWOM) behavior among vacationers in Tanzania. The article disaggregates CE into cognitive process, affection and behavior and integrates eWOM passing into the eWOM concept.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 278 vacationers who had used social media before and/or during their trip in Tanzania was used. They were drawn at three major airports in Tanzania when exiting the destination. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the proposed relationships.

Findings

It is revealed that both the affective CE and behavioral CE positively relate to vacationers' eWOM seeking, giving and passing behaviors in tourism-related sites. On the other hand the cognitive CE relates positively only with eWOM passing behaviors.

Research limitations/implications

The varied relationship of the three CE dimensions (cognitive, affective and behavioral) with eWOM behaviors further confirms the multi-dimensionality of CE and the enduring psychological connection of individuals beyond participation in activities.

Practical implications

CE is multifaceted and enduring and thus managers should take a long-term, enduring and multidimensional perspective in facilitating CE development. Different content appeals are needed in facilitating CE in online platforms as CE dimensions relate variedly with eWOM behaviors

Originality/value

The study links CE and eWOM in a novel way by disaggregating CE and integrating the eWOM passing component into the eWOM concept in tourism-related social media sites.
Between suspicion, nicknames, and trust—renegotiating ethnographic access with Swedish border police
Authors: Borrelli Lisa Marie
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This article contributes the following: First, it argues along previous works that rites of passage include continuous testing, which needs to be passed in order to gain a certain level of acceptance within the research field. Here besides the emotional effort, researchers have to position themselves and are confronted with questions of trust. Second, it is argued that the collected and analysed data on the rites of passage enable us to make sense of street-level bureaucrats' work and functioning of state institutions, especially in a police context. Reflections on research negotiations drew the author's attention to how mistrust towards the “other”, here defined as migrant other, prevails the migration regime. This mistrust is later transferred onto the researcher, whose stay is deemed questionable and eventually intrusive.

Design/methodology/approach

The collected data include semi-structured interviews, as well as several months of participant observation with street-level officers and superordinate staff, deepening previous discussions on research access and entrance. It further allows understanding street-level narratives, especially when it comes to the culture of suspicion embedded in police work, connecting the experienced tests with the everyday knowledge of police officers and case workers.

Findings

The analysis of rites of passage enable us to make sense of street-level bureaucrats' work, especially in a police context, since we find a specific way of suspicion directed towards the researcher. It is based on a general mistrust towards the “other”, here defined as migrant other, whose stay is deemed illegal and thus intruding. In this context, the positionality of the researcher becomes crucial and needs strategical planning.

Research limitations/implications

Accessing and being able to enter the “field” is of crucial relevance to researchers, interested in studying, e.g. sense-making and decision-making of the respective interlocutors. Yet, ethnographic accounts often disclose only partially, which hurdles, limiting or contesting their aspirations to conduct fieldwork, were encountered.

Originality/value

The personal role of researchers, their background and emotions are often neglected when describing ethnographic research. Struggles and what these can say about the studied field are thus left behind, although they contribute to a richer understanding of the functioning of the chosen fields. This work will examine how passing the test and going through rituals of “becoming a member” can tell us more about the functioning of a government agency, here a Swedish border police unit.
Customer contact in a digital world
Authors: Sampson Scott E. , Chase Richard B.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The customer contact approach to service has been at the core of service theory since the 1970s. It suggests that the potential operating efficiency of a service is inversely related to the extent of customer contact with the provider's operations and that various service design issues are dictated by the presence or absence of customer contact. The purpose of this article is to reevaluate the customer contact approach in light of advanced digital technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review the origins and history of the customer contact approach and show ways it has been refined in research literature. From that they demonstrate how the refined approach can be applied to contemporary conditions.

Findings

Recent advances in digital technologies have indeed required us to revise our conceptualization of customer contact. There is now a blurring between front-office and back-office operations. Emerging technologies are allowing customers to have high-contact experiences with low-contact efficiencies.

Research limitations/implications

Going forward, conceptualizations of customer contact are becoming increasingly complex and requiring increasingly complex models. Armed with self-service technologies, customers are able to permeate the “buffered core” of service businesses. Artificial intelligence and anthropomorphic devices have further blurred the distinction between front-office and back-office operations. Research will need to consider new forms of technology-enabled customer contact.

Practical implications

Customer contact is no longer limited to interpersonal interactions and the relationships between service providers and customers are increasingly complex. Customers may interact with automated service providers, or service providers may interact with customer technologies. New forms of customer contact may not involve humans at all, but instead involve technologies interacting with technologies.

Originality/value

The customer contact approach to service was one of the original models of service design. By revisiting and revising the model we bring it in-line with the realities of the contemporary service economy.
Place branding and local food souvenirs: the ethical attributes of national parks’ brands
Authors: Pizzichini Lucia , Temperini Valerio , Gregori Gian Luca
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to identify what ethical attributes tourists associate with national parks’ brands shown on food souvenir labels and the influence of such attributes on purchase motivations.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory study was carried out involving a total of 102 Italian tourists, who were interviewed at two different souvenir shops in Italy. Respondents were first asked to describe what images and values they were associating with the visited Italian National Park. The second level of questions related to the association of food products with national parks and the purchase motivations of food products branded with the national park’s label. The ethical attributes associated with the national parks’ brands and their relevance in purchase motivations were detected and analyzed through content analysis.

Findings

The analysis of the national park brand allows highlighting the food souvenir role in communicating ethical values that influence the perceived quality of food as well as tourists’ purchase motivations. The analysis reveals interesting implications for the enhancement of local productions in tourist destinations, more specifically, how the place brand can act as a valuable communication tool. Particular attention is given to the crucial role that national parks’ brands play in strengthening the value proposition of small businesses located within parks. This vision must be implemented from the perspective of mutual promotion of local food and tourism in these parks.

Originality/value

The results of this paper contributed to the literature by filling the gap regarding the role of place brands in promoting food souvenirs.
A systematic investigation on the research publications that have used the medical expenditure panel survey (MEPS) data through a bibliometrics approach
Authors: Liu Jiacheng , Yu Fei , Song Lixin
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to examine how Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data have been used to support scientific discoveries in biomedical and health sciences, and provide insight to researchers who are interested in using MEPS regarding collaborations and dissemination of research output.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric approach was used to systematically examine the publications that used MEPS data and were indexed by PubMed and Web of Science (WoS). Microsoft Excel and bibliometric tools (WoS and VOSviewer) were utilized for quantitative and bibliometric network analysis. The measures were investigated on the total number of publications by year, research categories, source journals, other datasets/databases co-used with MEPS, funding sources, collaboration patterns, and research topics.

Findings

A total of 1,953 eligible publications were included in this study with the numbers growing significantly over time. MEPS data were primarily used in healthcare services, public environmental and occupational health research. The journals that published the most papers using MEPS were all in the healthcare research area. Twenty-four other databases were found to be used along with MEPS. Over 3,200 researchers from 1,074 institutions in 25 countries have contributed to the publications. Research funding was supported from federal, private, local, and international agencies. Three clusters of research topics were identified among 235 key terms extracted from titles and abstracts.

Originality/value

Our results illustrated the broad landscape of the research efforts that MEPS data have supported and substantiated the value of AHRQ's effort of providing MEPS to the public.
Workaholism and workplace incivility: the role of work–family enrichment
Authors: Taheri Fatemeh , Asarian Mohammad , Shahhosseini Pooyan
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper investigated the relationships among workaholism, work–family enrichment (work–life enrichment), and workplace incivility.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on workaholism, incivility, and work–family enrichment were collected through the administration of a survey on 414 employees of a public bank in Iran.

Findings

Workaholism and life–work enrichment were positively and negatively related to uncivil behaviors, respectively, and workaholism was positively associated with work–family enrichment. Overall, work–family enrichment did not act as a mediator variable between workaholism and uncivil behaviors.

Research limitations/implications

Future researchers should consider public or private organizations and assess the different instigators of incivility considering the mediator or moderating role of gender.

Practical implications

Managers should focus on reducing workaholism and developing life–work enrichment in order to decrease uncivil behaviors.

Social implications

Given the hard economic and complex political conditions in Iran and increasing likelihood of uncivil behaviors, the results of the present study offer ways to minimize workplace incivility in employees.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the research on uncivil behavior by improving the understanding of organizational and personal factors (workaholism and work–life enrichment) that can influence workplace incivility among employees working in public organizations. It also addresses the usefulness of examining work–life enrichment disposition in understanding the relationship between workaholism and workplace incivility.
Building theory of green supply chain management for the chemical industry
Authors: Shohan Shohanuzzaman , Ali Syed Mithun , Kabir Golam , Ahmed S.K. Kafi , Haque Tasmiah , Suhi Saima Ahmed
Published: March 2020

Purpose

In Bangladesh, the chemical industry is one of the expanding industries based on current statistical data analysis. Green supply chain management (GSCM) is pivotal in order to compete with the global competition. This paper main aim is to discuss a systematic approach to build a structural outline. The purpose of the proposed structural outline is to predict the constructive implementation of GSCM especially on chemical industry in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This proposed structural framework evaluates the suitable interrelationship next to the barriers of GSCM in the Bangladesh's chemical industry. Here, on the basis of literature review and survey from expert opinions by the use of the Delphi methodology in total eight barriers were concluded. Here additionally, MICMAC analyses were applied to determine the driving and dependence power. Furthermore, the frameworks outline for the barriers were included by means of total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) method.

Findings

Based on the analysis, the most significant barriers were found lack of supporting laws and guidance from the government and cost of disposal of hazardous products.

Research limitations/implications

The TISM technique only has implemented to develop the framework, whereas other tools or structural equation modeling (SEM) technique can be used to develop and validate the frameworks for barriers.

Originality/value

In this research, Delphi method questionnaire generated based on the GSCM in the Bangladesh chemical sector. This study will assist the industrial managers to assess and evaluate the crucial sectors, whereas they should give priority to apply the GSCM in the Bangladesh chemical industry.
Optimization of WEDM process parameters in machining Nimonic 75 alloy using brass wire
Authors: Singh Harvinder , Kumar Vinod , Kapoor Jathinder
Published: March 2020

Purpose

An experimental study has been conducted to model and optimize wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) process parameters such as pulse-on time, pulse-off time, servo voltage and peak current for response characteristics during machining of Nimonic 75 alloy.

Design/methodology/approach

The response surface methodology (RSM)-based Box–Behnken's design has been employed for experimental investigation. RSM is used for developing quadratic regression models for selected response variables i.e. material removal efficiency and kerf width. To validate the model, confirmation experiments have been performed. The multi-response optimization has been done using desirability function approach.

Findings

Through analysis of variation, the percent contribution of process parameters on the response characteristics has been found. Pulse-off time is the most significant parameter affecting the kerf width and material removal efficiency followed by pulse-on time. The quadratic regression models have been developed for prediction of selected response variables. An attempt has been made to optimize the WEDM parameters for material removal efficiency and kerf width. The recommended process parameter setting for maximum material removal efficiency and minimum kerf width have been found to be pulse-on time = 0.6 µs, pulse-off time = 14 µs, servo voltage = 25 V and peak current = 200 A.

Originality/value

The “kerf width” is an important response variable for maintaining dimensional accuracy of the machined component, but has not been given due attention by the researchers. In the present work, the developed regression model for “kerf width” can be used in estimating wire offset setting and thereby getting a dimensionally accurate product. The optimum process parameters obtained in WEDM of Nimonic 75 alloy will contribute in database of machining. The outcome of this study would be added to scare database of the machining of Nimonic 75 alloy and also would be extremely useful for making the technology charts for WEDM.
Exploring police-reported cybercrime in Canada
Authors: Popham James , McCluskey Mary , Ouellet Michael , Gallupe Owen
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Police-reported incidents of cybercrime appear to vary dramatically across Canadian municipal police services. This paper explores cybercrime reporting by police services in eight of Canada's largest municipalities, assessing (1) variation over time; (2) variation across jurisdictions; and (3) correlates of reporting volumes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from a combination of national Uniform Crime Report statistics and annual reports by police services. Two repeated one-way ANOVA tests and a Pearson'srcorrelation matrix were used to assess variation and correlation.

Findings

Findings suggest that police-reported cybercrime varies significantly across jurisdictions but not over time. Moreover, negative relationships were observed between police-reported cybercrime incidents per 100,000 residents and calls for service per 100,000, as well as number of sworn officers per 100,000.

Research limitations/implications

The study assessed a small sample of cities (N = 8) providing 32 data points, which inhibited robust multivariate analyses. Data also strictly represents calls to police services, therefore excluding alternative resolutions such as public–private interventions.

Practical implications

Canadian provincial and federal governments should consider engaging in high-level talks to harmonize cybercrime reporting strategies within frontline policing. This will mitigate disparity and provide more accurate representations of cybercrime for future policy development. Additionally, services should revisit internal policies and procedures, as it appears that cybercrime is deprioritized in high call volume situations.

Originality/value

This paper introduces previously unreported data about police-reported cybercrime incidents in Canada. Furthermore, it adds quantitative evidence to support previous qualitative studies on police responses to cybercrime.
Optimized utilization of interline power flow controller in an integrated power system
Authors: Mishra Akanksha , G.V. Nagesh Kumar , Bali Sravana Kumar
Published: March 2020

Purpose

There is a worldwide need to amplify the usage of renewable energy in the manufacture of electrical energy. Thus, the integrated energy systems (IESs) have become a major part of today’s power systems. Wind and solar energies are intermittent power sources and may lead to voltage and power flow instabilities. The purpose of this paper is to use the interline power flow controller (IPFC) for limiting the overloading of the transmission lines and improving the voltage stability of the IES.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper deals with an integrated system consisting of wind and solar energies and conventional systems. An appropriate position for the IPFC in the IES is proposed based on the disparity line utilization factor. The IPFC is then tuned for decreasing the loss of power and lessening the voltage deviation using the grey wolf algorithm.

Findings

The method is implemented on a modified IEEE 30-bus system. Results from the study show that the mega volt ampere (MVA) loading of the overloaded lines is reduced for the IES. Also, the voltage stability and the voltage profile of the system are improved to a major extent. The real and reactive power loss of the system is also brought down.

Originality/value

The use of renewable energy sources is a need of the present world to overcome environmental problems. This research focuses on the use of flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices with renewable sources incorporated in the power system. Very limited research has been done in this field. The IPFC, which is one of the most advanced FACTS device, is used for the study.
Combined Collection and Analysis of Inorganic and Organic Gunshot Residues
Authors: Redouté Minzière Virginie , Werner Denis , Schneider Daniela , Manganelli Manuela , Jung Balthasar , Weyermann Céline , Gassner Anne‐Laure
Published: March 2020

Gunshot residue (GSR) analysis and their interpretation provide crucial information on a criminal investigation involving the use of firearms. To date, several approaches have been proposed for the implementation of a combined sampling and analysis of inorganic (IGSR) and organic GSR (OGSR). However, it is not clear at this stage if concurrent analyses of both types of residue might be detrimental to the analysis of IGSR currently applied in forensic laboratories. Thus, this work aims to compare and evaluate three different protocols for the combined collection and analysis of IGSR and OGSR. These methods, respectively, involve the use of a modified stub (with two halves, one for the detection of IGSR and the other for the analysis of OGSR); the sequential recovery of GSR with two stubs mounted with different adhesives (double‐sided carbon tape and Tesa® TACK) and the sequential analysis of IGSR and OGSR from a single carbon stub following carbon deposition. The detection of IGSR was carried out using SEM‐EDX, while OGSR analysis was performed using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS/MS). Obtained results for experiments performed using Geco Sinoxid® ammunition indicated that sequential analysis was the most suitable protocol for the combined collection and analysis of both IGSR and OGSR. A higher number of inorganic (characteristic and consistent) particles and higher concentrations of ethylcentralite, N‐nitrosodiphenylamine, diphenylamine, and nitroglycerin were recovered with this method.
Prebiotic carbohydrate concentrations of common bean and chickpea change during cooking, cooling, and reheating
Authors: Siva Niroshan , Thavarajah Pushparajah , Thavarajah Dil
Published: March 2020

Thermal processing of pulse crops influences the type and levels of prebiotic carbohydrates present. Pulses such as common bean and chickpea are rich sources of prebiotic carbohydrates, including sugar alcohols (SAs), raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs), fructooligosaccharides (FOSs), resistant starch (RS), and amylose. This study determined the changes in prebiotic carbohydrate concentrations of seven common bean and two chickpea market classes after thermal processing (cooking, cooling, and reheating). A 100‐g serving of common bean provides 0.7 to 10.6 mg of SAs, 3.9 to 5.2 g of RFOs, 57 to 143 mg of FOSs, 2.6 to 3.9 g of RS, and 25 to 33 g of amylose; cooling and reheating reduced RFOs but increased SAs, FOSs, and RS in many cases. A 100‐g serving of chickpea (cooked at 90 °C for 4 hr) provides 1.2 to 1.7 g of SAs, 2.5 to 3.2 g of RFOs, 26 to 43 mg of FOSs, 3.6 to 5.3 g of RS, and 24 to 30 g of amylose; cooling and reheating reduced SAs and RFOs but increased FOSs, RS, and amylose concentrations. Processing methods change the nutritional quality of pulse crops by changing the type and quantity of prebiotic carbohydrates.
Error, noise and bias in de novo transcriptome assemblies
Authors: Freedman Adam H. , Clamp Michele , Sackton Timothy B.
Published: March 2020

De novo transcriptome assembly is a powerful tool, and has been widely used over the last decade for making evolutionary inferences. However, it relies on two implicit assumptions: that the assembled transcriptome is an unbiased representation of the underlying expressed transcriptome, and that expression estimates from the assembly are good, if noisy approximations of the relative abundance of expressed transcripts. Using publicly available data for model organisms, we demonstrate that, across assembly algorithms and data sets, these assumptions are consistently violated. Bias exists at the nucleotide level, with genotyping error rates ranging from 30% to 83%. As a result, diversity is underestimated in transcriptome assemblies, with consistent underestimation of heterozygosity in all but the most inbred samples. Even at the gene level, expression estimates show wide deviations from map‐to‐reference estimates, and positive bias at lower expression levels. Standard filtering of transcriptome assemblies improves the robustness of gene expression estimates but leads to the loss of a meaningful number of protein‐coding genes, including many that are highly expressed. We demonstrate a computational method, length‐rescaled CPM, to partly alleviate noise and bias in expression estimates. Researchers should consider ways to minimize the impact of bias in transcriptome assemblies.
Single‐center study to determine the safety and efficacy of CT‐707 in Chinese patients with advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐rearranged non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Song Peng , Zhang Xiaotong , Yang Dongliang , Wang Hanping , Si Xiaoyan , Zhang Li
Published: March 2020

Introduction

It has been proven that ALK‐rearranged non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is sensitive to ALK inhibitors while the chemotherapy resistance is unavoidable. In this study, safety and antitumor activity of the novel ALK inhibitor (ALKi) CT‐707 were evaluated in Chinese patients with advanced ALK‐rearranged NSCLC.

Methods

This single‐center, open‐label phase I study recruited adult patients with ALK‐rearrangement (confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and/or immunohistochemistry) of locally advanced/metastatic malignancies including NSCLC. This study consisted of two parts: dose escalation and dose expansion. CT‐707 was administered orally once a day for 21 days.

Results

A total of 13 patients who were treated with CT‐707 from 450 to 600 mg (in the dose increasing phase) were enrolled in this trial (two patients were previously treated with crizotinib). There were 12 patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma and one patient with malignant pleural mesothelioma. After treatment, grade 3 diarrhea (600 mg once a day) was found as dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT).The most common adverse events included diarrhea (92%), elevated aspartate aminotransferase (61%), elevated alanine aminotransferase (54%), hair loss (38%), and vomiting (31%). The overall response rate was 77% (10/13). Among all patients, four of the five patients who did not receive any treatment, one of the two patients who had received treatments with crizotinib, and five of the six patients who received standard chemotherapy achieved partial response (PR). One patient reached a complete remission (CR).

Conclusions

This study indicated that CT‐707 is clinically effective as a new antitumor drug for Chinese lung adenocarcinoma patients with ALK rearrangement. It is safe and reliable and the dose‐expansion phase recruitment has started.
Ultrasound location of pulmonary nodules in video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery for precise sublobectomy
Authors: Hou Yue‐Long , Wang Yan‐Dong , Guo Hong‐Qi , Zhang YuKun , Guo YongKuan , Han HongLi
Published: March 2020

Background

We investigated the clinical value of accurate sublobectomy of pulmonary nodules using video‐assisted thoracoscopy (VATS). In June 2017 to June 2019, single lung nodule patients who accepted thoracoscopic resection were included. Palpation and intraoperative ultrasound (IU) were used to localize lung nodules, and the success rate, location time and safety compared. Performance of lung nodule ultrasound was assessed. The success rate of IU localization of pulmonary nodules with different properties was studied.

Results

A total of 33 cases with single pulmonary nodules were included in the study, and 32 cases (97%) were successfully located by IU as opposed to 16 cases (48.5%) located by palpation (P < 0.05). Clear hypoechoic ultrasound images of nodules were obtained in all 32 cases, and the diameter of pulmonary nodules on ultrasound and CT were found to have a significant correlation (R = 0.860, P = 0.000). The average positioning time of IU was lower than that of the palpation group (P < 0.05). No complications occurred during ultrasound examination. The success rate of intraoperative ultrasonic localization between the pure ground‐glass opacity (p‐GGO) group and the mixed‐ground‐glass opacity (m‐GGO) group was 90%, 100% (P = 0.526).

Conclusions

In thoracoscopic surgery, IU can locate pulmonary nodules accurately, efficiently and safely, and also has a high degree of accuracy in locating different types of pulmonary nodules.
Methodology matters for comparing coarse wood and bark decay rates across tree species
Authors: Chang Chenhui , van Logtestijn Richard S. P. , Goudzwaard Leo , van Hal Jurgen , Zuo Juan , Hefting Mariet , Sass‐Klaassen Ute , Yang Shanshan , Sterck Frank J. , Poorter Lourens , Cornelissen Johannes H. C.
Published: March 2020

The importance of wood decay for global carbon and nutrient cycles is widely recognized. However, relatively little is known about bark decay dynamics, even though bark represents up to 25% of stem dry mass. Moreover, bark presence versus absence can significantly alter wood decay rates. Therefore, it really matters for the fate of carbon whether variation in bark and wood decay rates is coordinated across tree species.

Answering this question requires advances in methodology to measure both bark and wood mass loss accurately. Decay rates of large logs in the field are often quantified as loss in tissue density, in which case volume depletions of bark and wood can yield large underestimations.

To quantify the real decay rates, we assessed bark mass loss per stem surface area and wood mass loss based on volume‐corrected density loss. We further defined the range of actual bark mass loss by considering bark cover loss. Then, we tested the correlation between bark and wood mass loss across 20 temperate tree species during 4 years of decomposition.

The area‐based method generally showed more than 3‐fold higher bark mass loss than the density‐based method (even higher if considering bark cover loss), and volume‐corrected wood mass losses were 1.08–1.12 times higher than density‐based mass loss. The deviation of bark mass loss between the two methods was higher for tree species with thicker inner bark. Bark generally decomposed twice as fast as wood across species, and faster decaying bark came with faster decaying wood (R2 = 0.26, p = 0.006).

We strongly suggest using corrected volume when assessing wood mass loss especially for the species with faster decomposable sapwood and all the wood at advanced decay stages. Further studies of coarse stem decomposition should consider trait ‘afterlife’ effects of inner bark and estimate fraction of stem bark cover to obtain more accurate decay rates.

Our new method should benefit our understanding of the in situ dynamics of woody debris decay and monitoring research in different forest ecosystems world‐wide, and should aid meta‐analyses across diverse studies.
Prioritizing habitat core areas and corridors for a large carnivore across its range
Authors: Kaszta Ż. , Cushman S. A. , Macdonald D. W.
Published: March 2020

With increasing loss and fragmentation of habitats driving the emerging global extinction crisis, paired with limited resources for conservation, there is an immense need to identify and prioritize the most important areas for conservation actions. The goal of this study was to measure, map and rank core areas and corridors for mainland clouded leopard (a forest indicator species) across its entire range in Southeast Asia. We used an empirically based landscape resistance model developed from range‐wide camera survey data, cumulative resistant kernel analysis to define core areas and least‐cost network analysis to identify corridors for long‐distance dispersal. We then ranked core areas based on their strength and size, and corridors based on their strength and the strength of core areas they connect. We found that the most important core areas and corridors are concentrated in Southeast Asia, largely in Myanmar, Laos and Malaysia. Myanmar contains nearly the entirety of the first and third highest ranked core areas, as well as the most important network of corridors in SE Asia. Almost the entire territory of Laos constitutes one large potential core area, ranked as the second most important across the clouded leopard’s range. A large number (22) of very small (<8000 km2) and fairly isolated core areas are in China. Only 24% of clouded leopard core areas and 17% of corridors are protected. This is the first example of using empirical models to prioritize conservation actions across the full range of a large carnivore. Our analysis identifies the location, size and connectivity of the most important remaining habitats of the clouded leopard across its range, which could provide quantitative guidance in the efforts to maximize the efficacy of regional conservation initiatives to conserve this species and the ecosystems it inhabits.
Metabolomics in endometrial cancer diagnosis: A systematic review
Authors: Raffone Antonio , Troisi Jacopo , Boccia Dominga , Travaglino Antonio , Capuano Giovanfrancesco , Insabato Luigi , Mollo Antonio , Guida Maurizio , Zullo Fulvio
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological malignancy in the developed world. The prognosis of EC strongly depends on tumor stage, hence the importance of improving diagnosis. Metabolomics has recently appeared as a promising test for a non‐invasive diagnosis of several diseases. Nevertheless, no metabolic marker has been approved for use in the routine practice. We aimed to provide an overview of metabolomics findings in the diagnosis of EC.

Material and methods

A systematic review was performed by searching eight electronic databases from their inception to October 2019 for studies assessing metabolomics in EC diagnosis. Extracted data included characteristics of patients and EC, serum concentration of metabolites in women with and without EC and its association with EC diagnosis, tumor behavior and pathological characteristics.

Results

Six studies with 732 women (356 cases and 376 controls) were included. Several metabolites were found able to predict the presence of EC, tumor behavior (progression and recurrence) and pathological characteristics (histotype, myometrial invasion and lymph vascular space invasion).

Conclusions

Metabolomics might be suitable for a non‐invasive diagnosis and screening of EC, offering the possibility to predict tumor behavior and pathological characteristics. Further studies are necessary to validate these results.
Establishment of an in vitro culture model to study milk production and the blood–milk barrier with bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Tsugami Yusaku , Suzuki Norihiro , Kawahara Manabu , Suzuki Takahiro , Nishimura Takanori , Kobayashi Ken
Published: March 2020

This study attempted to establish a culture model to recreate the milk production pathway in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs). BMECs were isolated from Holstein cows (nonlactating, nonpregnant, and parous) and were stored by cryopreservation. To separate the apical and basolateral compartments, BMECs were cultured on a cell culture insert with a collagen gel in the presence of bovine pituitary extract and dexamethasone to induce milk production and tight junction (TJ) formation. The culture model showed the secretion of the major milk components, such as β‐casein, lactose, and triglyceride, and formed less‐permeable TJs in BMECs. Moreover, the TJs were distinctly separated from the apical and basolateral membranes. Glucose transporter‐1, which transports glucose into the cytoplasm through the basolateral membrane, localized in the lateral membrane of BMECs. Toll‐like receptor‐4, which binds to lipopolysaccharide in the alveolar lumen in mastitis, localized in the apical membrane. Beta‐casein was mainly localized near the Golgi apparatus and the apical membrane. Moreover, milk components were almost secreted into the upper chamber of the cell culture insert. These findings indicate that this model has clear cell polarity as well as in vivo and is effective to study of milk production and the blood–milk barrier in lactating BMECs.
Drought and presence of ants can influence hemiptera in tropical leaf litter
Authors: Goldman Anna E. , Bonebrake Timothy C. , Tsang Toby P. N. , Evans Theodore A. , Gibson Luke , Eggleton Paul , Griffiths Hannah M. , Parr Catherine L. , Ashton Louise A.
Published: March 2020

Climate change is predicted to impact tropical rain forests, with droughts becoming more frequent and more severe in some regions. We currently have a poor understanding of how increased drought will change the functioning of tropical rain forest. In particular, tropical rain forest invertebrates, which are numerous and biologically important, may respond to drought in different ways across trophic levels. Ants are a diverse group that carry out important ecosystem processes, shaping ecosystem structure and function through predation and competition, which can influence multiple trophic levels. Hemiptera are a mega‐diverse order, abundant in tropical rain forests and are ecologically important. To understand the roles of ants in exerting predation and competition pressure on invertebrates in tropical rain forests during drought and a post‐drought period, we established a large‐scale ecosystem manipulation experiment in Maliau Basin Conservation Area in Malaysian Borneo, suppressing the activity of ants on four 0.25 ha plots over a two‐year period. We sampled hemipterans found in the leaf litter during a drought (July 2015) and a post‐drought period (September 2016) period. We found significant shifts in the assemblage of hemipterans sampled from the leaf litter following ant suppression. Specifically, for ant‐suppression plots, the species richness and abundance of herbivorous hemipterans increased only during the post‐drought period. For predatory hemipterans, abundance increased with ant‐suppression regardless of drought conditions, and we found marginal evidence for a species richness increase during the post‐drought period with little or no change in the drought period. These results illustrate how ants in tropical forests structure invertebrate communities and how these effects may vary with climatic variation.

Abstract in Malay is available with online material.
Gut microbiome transfer—Finding the perfect fit
Authors: Leong Karen S. W. , O'Sullivan Justin M. , Derraik José G. B. , Cutfield Wayne S.
Published: March 2020

Gut microbiome transfer (GMT; also referred to as faecal microbiota transplantation or FMT) has been propelled from fringe therapy to mainstream science as a highly effective treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. As a result, there has been great interest in the potential efficacy and safety of GMT in treating other medical conditions, for example inflammatory bowel disease, and more recently as a novel therapy for obesity and metabolic diseases. For these chronic conditions, the results from clinical trials have been mixed. Further, specifically in obesity and metabolic diseases, there are limited available data, with only a few published studies with a small number of participants and short duration of follow‐up. Therefore, this review aims to explore the human, microbial and formulation factors that may affect the success of GMT. This includes various aspects in the preparation and administration of GMT, such as stool processing, modes of delivery, pretreatment with antibiotics and/or bowel lavage, frequency of GMT and possible use of precision bacteriotherapy. In addition, we examine the potential use of GMT in obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic diseases based on current available literature, highlighting some recent advances in GMT research in this area, as well as potential adverse effects after GMT therapy.
Psychotherapy for child welfare cases: Clinicians' and parents' perspectives
Authors: Yoo Hana , Racorean Stefana , Barrows Victoria
Published: March 2020

Parents involved with child protective services (CPS) often face various challenges, including sociostructural marginalization, mental illness and difficulties in family relationships. Although their need for mental health services is generally acknowledged, the extant child welfare literature lacks studies on how CPS‐involved parents may benefit from such services. In an attempt to address this gap, the current study seeks to explore clinicians' and parents' perspectives regarding the role of psychotherapy services (e.g. individual or conjoint counselling/therapy) for child welfare cases. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with clinicians working with CPS‐involved families and parents accused of child maltreatment. Thematic analysis of the interview data generated three themes: (1) psychotherapy as a place for safety and empathy, (2) psychotherapy as a place for challenge and (3) psychotherapy as a place for problem resolution. The findings suggest that psychotherapy services may benefit CPS‐involved parents not only by offering much‐needed emotional support and resources within sessions but also by facilitating parents' collaboration with CPS through their partnership with caseworkers outside of sessions. For child welfare practice, it is recommended that psychotherapy services be included from the outset of parents' CPS involvement to promote their psychological and relational well‐being as well as their successful completion of CPS requirements.