bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Hospitalization is More Frequent and Severe in Down Syndrome and Affects Patients a Decade Younger.
Authors: Malle Louise , Gao Cynthia , Bouvier Nicole , Percha Bethany , Bogunovic Dusan
Published: June 2020

Background

Individuals with rare disorders, like Down syndrome (DS) are historically understudied. Currently, it is not known how COVID-19 pandemic affects individuals with DS. Herein, we report an analysis of individuals with DS who were hospitalized with COVID-19 in the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, USA.

Methods

In this retrospective, single-center study of 4,615 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, we analyzed all patients with DS admitted in the Mount Sinai Health System. Hospitalization rates, clinical and outcomes were assessed.

Findings

Contrary to an expected number of one, we identified six patients with DS. We found that patients with DS are at an 8.9-fold higher risk of hospitalization with COVID-19 when compared to non-DS patients. Hospitalized DS individuals are on average 10 years younger than non-DS patients with COVID-19. Moreover, type 2 diabetes mellitus appears to be an important driver of this susceptibility to COVID-19. Finally, patients with DS have more severe outcomes than controls, and are more likely to progress to sepsis in particular.

Interpretation

We demonstrate that individuals with DS represent a higher risk population for COVID-19 compared to the general population and conclude that particular care should be taken for both the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in these patients.

Funding

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Research in context

Evidence before this study

We searched PubMed and Google Scholar on May 26, 2020, for articles describing the features of patients in Down syndrome infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), using the search terms “SARS-CoV-2” or “COVID-19” and “Down syndrome” or “Trisomy 21.” We found only one case report describing a cluster of 4 cases of COVID-19 in a healthcare facility for patients with mental retardation.

Added value of this study

We compared the hospitalization rates of DS patients to over 4,500 individuals without DS, and we assessed comorbidities and outcomes of individuals with DS compared to age, race, and sex-matched controls hospitalized with COVID-19. To the best of our knowledge, we provide the first evidence that patients with DS with are at higher risk of hospitalization with COVID-19 and more severe disease progression than non-DS patients.

Implications of all the available evidence

We demonstrate that individuals with DS are a high-risk population for COVID-19 and suggest appropriate measures should be taken for both the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in these patients.
Accuracy of machine learning-based prediction of medication adherence in clinical research
Authors: Koesmahargyo Vidya , Abbas Anzar , Zhang Li , Guan Lei , Feng Shaolei , Yadav Vijay , Galatzer-Levy Isaac R.
Published: June 2020

Background

Medication non-adherence represents a significant barrier to treatment efficacy. Remote, real-time measurement of medication dosing can facilitate dynamic prediction of risk for medication non-adherence, which in-turn allows for proactive clinical intervention to optimize health outcomes. We examine the accuracy of dynamic prediction of non-adherence using data from remote real-time measurements of medication dosing.

Methods

Participants across a large set of clinical trials (n = 4,182) were observed via a smartphone application that video records patients taking their prescribed medication. The patients’ primary diagnosis, demographics, and prior indication of observed adherence/non-adherence were utilized to predict (1) adherence rates ≥ 80% across the clinical trial, (2) adherence ≥ 80% for the subsequent week, and (3) adherence the subsequent day using machine learning-based classification models.

Results

Empirically observed adherence was demonstrated to be the strongest predictor of future adherence/non-adherence. Collectively, the classification models accurately predicted adherence across the trial (AUC = 0.83), the subsequent week (AUC = 0.87) and the subsequent day (AUC = 0.87).

Conclusions

Real-time measurement of dosing can be utilized to dynamically predict medication adherence with high accuracy.
Closed microbial communities self-organize to persistently cycle carbon
Authors: de Jesús Astacio Luis Miguel , Prabhakara Kaumudi H. , Li Zeqian , Mickalide Harry , Kuehn Seppe
Published: June 2020

Nutrient cycling is an emergent property of ecosystems at all scales, from microbial communities to the entire biosphere. Understanding how nutrient cycles emerge from the collective metabolism of ecosystems is a challenging problem. Here we use closed microbial ecosystems (CES), hermetically sealed consortia that sustain nutrient cycles when provided with only light, to learn how microbial communities cycle carbon. A new technique for quantifying carbon exchange shows that CES comprised of an alga and diverse bacteria self-organize to robustly cycle carbon. Comparing a library of CES, we find that carbon cycling does not depend strongly on the taxonomy of the bacteria present. Metabolic profiling reveals functional redundancy across CES: despite strong taxonomic differences, self-organized CES exhibit a conserved set of metabolic capabilities.

Closed microbial communities of algae and bacteria self-organize to robustly cycle carbon via emergent metabolite exchange.
Identifying rare, medically-relevant genetic variation in a diverse population: opportunities and pitfalls
Authors: Bowling Kevin M. , Thompson Michelle L. , Gray David E. , Lawlor James M.J. , Williams Kelly , East Kelly M. , Kelley Whitley V. , Moss Irene P. , Absher Devin M. , Partridge E. Christopher , Hurst Anna C.E. , Edberg Jeffrey C. , Barsh Gregory S. , Korf Bruce R. , Cooper Gregory M.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness and specificity of population-based genomic screening in Alabama.

Methods

The Alabama Genomic Health Initiative (AGHI) has enrolled and evaluated 5,369 participants for the presence of pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants using the Illumina Global Screening Array (GSA), with validation of all P/LP variants via Sanger sequencing in a CLIA-certified laboratory before return of results.

Results

Among 131 variants identified by the GSA that were evaluated by Sanger sequencing, 67 (51%) were false positives (FP). For 39 of the 67 FP variants, a benign/likely benign variant was present at or near the targeted P/LP variant. Importantly, African-Americans were significantly enriched for FP variants, likely due to a higher rate of non-targeted alternative alleles close to array-targeted P/LP variants.

Conclusion

In AGHI, we have implemented an array-based process to screen for highly penetrant genetic variants in actionable disease genes. We demonstrate the need for clinical validation of array-identified variants in direct-to-consumer or population testing, especially for diverse populations.
Global between-countries variance in SARS-CoV-2 mortality is driven by reported prevalence, age distribution, and case detection rate
Authors: Babačić Haris , Lehtiö Janne , Pernemalm Maria
Published: June 2020

Objective

To explain the global between-countries variance in number of deaths per million citizens (nDpm) and case fatality rate (CFR) due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

Design

Systematic analysis.

Data sources

Worldometer, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, United Nations

Main outcome measures

The explanators of nDpm and CFR were mathematically hypothesised and tested on publicly-available data from 88 countries with linear regression models on May 1st 2020. The derived explanators – age-adjusted infection fatality rate (IFRadj) and case detection rate (CDR) – were estimated for each country based on a SARS-CoV-2 model of China. The accuracy and agreement of the models with observed data was assessed with R2 and Bland-Altman plots, respectively. Sensitivity analyses involved removal of outliers and testing the models at five retrospective and four prospective time points.

Results

Globally, IFRadj estimates varied between countries, ranging from below 0.2% in the youngest nations, to above 1.3% in Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Japan. The median estimated global CDR of SARS-CoV-2 infections on April 16th 2020 was 12.9%, suggesting that most of the countries have a much higher number of cases than reported.

At least 93% and up to 99% of the variance in nDpm was explained by reported prevalence expressed as cases per million citizens (nCpm), IFRadj, and CDR. IFRadj and CDR accounted for up to 97% of the variance in CFR, but this model was less reliable than the nDpm model, being sensitive to outliers (R2 as low as 67.5%).

Conclusions

The current differences in SARS-CoV-2 mortality between countries are driven mainly by reported prevalence of infections, age distribution, and CDR. The nDpm might be a more stable estimate than CFR in comparing mortality burden between countries.
A Novel Water-Soluble Photosensitizer for Photodynamic Inactivation of Gram-Positive Bacteria
Authors: Yang Zihuayuan , Qiao Ying , Li Junying , Wu Fu-Gen , Lin Fengming
Published: June 2020

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) is a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics for bacterial infections, which inactivates a broad spectrum of bacteria. However, it has some disadvantages including poor water solubility and easy aggregation of hydrophobic photosensitizers (PS), and poor tissue penetration and cytotoxicity when using UV as the light source, leading to undesired photodynamic therapy efficacy. Herein, we develop a novel water-soluble natural PS (sorbicillinoids) obtained by microbial fermentation using recombinant filamentous fungusTrichoderma reesei(T.reesei). Sorbicillinoids could effectively generate singlet oxygen (1O2) under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation, and ultimately display photoinactivation activity on Gram-positive bacteria, but not Gram-negative ones.Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus) treated with sorbicillinoids and UV light displayed high levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), notable DNA photocleavage, and compromised cell semi-permeability without overt cell membrane disruption. Moreover, the dark toxicity, phototoxicity or hemolysis activity of sorbicillinoids is negligible, showing its excellent biocompatibility. Therefore, sorbicillinoids, a type of secondary metabolite from fungus, has a promising future as a new PS for APDT using nontoxic dose of UV light irradiation.

Importance

It is of great value to develop novel PSs for APDT to enhance its efficacy for the reason that many traditional PSs have disadvantages like low water solubility and poor biocompatibility. In this study, we develop a novel water-soluble natural PS - sorbicillinoids obtained by microbial fermentation using T. reesei. Sorbicillinoids could effectively generate singlet oxygen under UV light irradiation, and ultimately display photoinactivation activity on Gram-positive bacteria, but not Gram-negative ones. More importantly, UV light can generally only be used to inactivate bacteria on the surface due to its weak penetration. However, it can penetrate deep into the solution and inactivate bacteria in the presence of sorbicillinoids. Therefore, sorbicillinoids, a type of secondary metabolite from fungus, has a promising future as a new PS for APDT using nontoxic dose of UV light irradiation.
A qualitative exploration of patient flow in a developing Caribbean emergency department
Authors: De Freitas Loren , Goodacre Steve , O’Hara Rachel , Thokala Praveen , Hariharan Seetharaman
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Emergency departments (EDs) are complex adaptive systems and improving patient flow requires understanding how ED processes work. This is important for developing countries where flow concerns are compounded by resource constraints. The Caribbean is one region with developing emergency care systems and limited research in the area. This study aimed to explore the patient flow process in an emergency department in Trinidad and Tobago, identifying organizational factors influencing patient flow.

Methods

Multiple qualitative methods, including non-participant observations, observational process mapping and informal conversational interviews were used to explore patient flow. The process maps were generated from the observational process mapping. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.

Setting

The study was conducted at a major tertiary level emergency department in Trinidad and Tobago.

Participants

Patient and staff journeys in the emergency department were observed.

Results

Six broad categories were identified-1) ED organizational work processes, 2) ED design and layout, 3) material resources, 4) nursing staff levels, roles, skill mix and use 5) non-clinical ED staff and 6) external clinical and non-clinical departments. The study findings were combined with existing literature to produce a model of factors influencing ED patient flow. Barriers and facilitators to patient flow were highlighted.

Conclusion

The knowledge gained may be used to strengthen the emergency care system in the local context. The model of ED patient flow may be used to systematically examine factors influencing patient flow, informing policy and practice. However, the study findings should be validated in other settings.

Article summary

Strengths and limitations of this study

Previous studies have been predominantly conducted in developed countries using quantitative methods

Strengthening emergency care systems is becoming a priority in developing countries but the Caribbean remains an under-represented region.

This study explores ED patient flow in a developing Caribbean country using a multi-method qualitative design, primarily observational process mapping

Single observer used to collect data

Singe site may produce context specific findings
Improved and Simplified Diagnosis of Covid-19 using TE Extraction from Dry Swabs
Authors: Kiran Uday , Gokulan C. G. , Kuncha Santosh Kumar , Vedagiri Dhiviya , Tallapaka Karthik Bharadwaj , Mishra Rakesh K , Harshan Krishnan Harinivas
Published: June 2020

Rigorous testing is the way forward to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Here we show that the currently used and most reliable RT-PCR based SARS-CoV-2 procedure can be further simplified to make it faster, safer and economical by bypassing the RNA isolation step. The modified method is not only fast and convenient but also at par with the traditional method in terms of accuracy, and therefore, can be used for mass screening. Our method takes about half the time and is cheaper by about 40% compared to current most widely used method. We also provide a variant of the new method that increases the efficiency of detection by about 20% compared to the currently used method. Taken together, we demonstrate a more effective and reliable method of SARS-CoV-2 detection.
Covid-19 pandemic and the unprecedented mobilisation of scholarly efforts prompted by a health crisis: Scientometric comparisons across SARS, MERS and 2019-nCov literature
Authors: Haghani Milad , Bliemer Michiel C. J.
Published: June 2020

During the current century, each major coronavirus outbreak has triggered a quick and immediate surge of academic publications on this topic. The spike in research publications following the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, however, has been like no other. The global crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has mobilised scientific efforts in an unprecedented way. In less than five months, more than 12,000 research items have been indexed while the number increasing every day. With the crisis affecting all aspects of life, research on Covid-19 seems to have become a focal point of interest across many academic disciplines. Here, scientometric aspects of the Covid-19 literature are analysed and contrasted with those of the two previous major Coronavirus diseases, i.e. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The focus is on the co-occurrence of key-terms, bibliographic coupling and citation relations of journals and collaborations between countries. Certain recurring patterns across all three literatures were discovered. All three outbreaks have commonly generated three distinct and major cohort of studies: (i) studies linked to the public health response and epidemic control, (ii) studies associated with the chemical constitution of the virus and (iii) studies related to treatment, vaccine and clinical care. While studies affiliated with the category (i) seem to have been the first to emerge, they overall received least numbers of citations compared to those of the two other categories. Covid-19 studies seem to have been distributed across a broader variety of journals and subject areas. Clear links are observed between the geographical origins of each outbreak or the local geographical severity of each outbreak and the magnitude of research originated from regions. Covid-19 studies also display the involvement of authors from a broader variety of countries compared to SARS and MRS.
The Mathematics of Testing with Application to Prevalence of COVID-19
Authors: Hanin Leonid
Published: June 2020

We formulate three basic assumptions that should ideally guide any well-designed COVID-19 prevalence study. We provide, on the basis of these assumptions alone, a full derivation of mathematical formulas required for statistical analysis of testing data. In particular, we express the disease prevalence in a population through those for its homogeneous subpopulations. Although some of these formulas are routinely employed in prevalence studies, the study design often contravenes the assumptions upon which these formulas vitally depend. We also designed a natural prevalence estimator from the testing data and studied some of its properties. The results are equally valid for diseases other than COVID-19 as well as in non-epidemiological settings.
Deeper insights into long-term survival heterogeneity of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients using integrative individual- and group-level transcriptome network analyses
Authors: Bhardwaj Archana , Josse Claire , Van Daele Daniel , Poulet Christophe , Chavez Marcela , Struman Ingrid , Van Steen Kristel
Published: June 2020

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is categorized as the seventh leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Its predictive markers for long-term survival are not well known. Therefore, it is interesting to delineate individual-specific perturbed genes when comparing long-term (LT) and short-term (ST) PDAC survivors, and to exploit the integrative individual- and group-based transcriptome profiling.

Method

Using a discovery cohort of 19 PDAC patients from CHU-Liège (Belgium), we first performed differential gene expression (DGE) analysis comparing LT to ST survivor. Second, we adopted unsupervised systems biology approaches to obtain gene modules linked to clinical features. Third, we created individual-specific perturbation profiles and identified key regulators across the LT patients. Furthermore, we applied two gene prioritization approaches: random walk-based Degree-Aware disease gene prioritizing (DADA) method to develop PDAC disease modules; Network-based Integration of Multi-omics Data (NetICS) to integrate group-based and individual-specific perturbed genes in relation to PDAC LT survival.

Findings

We identified 173 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ST and LT survivors and five modules (including 38 DEGs) showing associations to clinical traits such as tumor size and chemotherapy. DGE analysis identified differences in genes involved in metabolic and cell cycle activity. Validation of DEGs in the molecular lab suggested a role of REG4 and TSPAN8 in PDAC survival. Individual-specific omics changes across LT survivors revealed biological signatures such as focal adhesion and extracellular matrix receptors, implying a potential role in molecular-level heterogeneity of LT PDAC survivors. Via NetICS and DADA we not only identified various known oncogenes such as CUL1, SCF62, EGF, FOSL1, MMP9, and TGFB1, but also highlighted novel genes (TAC1, KCNH7, IRS4, DKK4).

Interpretation

Our proposed analytic workflow shows the advantages of combining clinical and omics data as well as individual- and group-level transcriptome profiling. It suggested novel potential transcriptome marks of LT survival heterogeneity in PDAC.

Funding

Télévie-FRS-FNRS
Characterizing the lipid-protein interface of the human serotonin transporter by crosslinking mass spectrometry
Authors: DeMarco A.G. , Ferraro N.A. , Sweigard K. , Cascio M.
Published: June 2020

Altered serotonin (5-HT) levels contribute to disease states such as depression and anxiety. Synaptic serotonin concentration is partially regulated by the serotonin transporter (SERT), making this transporter an important therapeutic target. This study seeks to examine the lipid accessible domains of hSERT to provide critical information regarding the apo-state of this transporter in a lipid environment. Recombinant hSERT was inducibly expressed in a human cell line. Solubilized SERT was purified by affinity chromatography using a FLAG Tag and reconstituted into mixed lipid vesicles containing our photoactivatable lipid probe. The lipid-accessible domains of the reconstituted transporter in membranes in its apo-state were probed via photocrosslinking to azi-cholesterol followed by quadrupole time of flight liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (QTOF-LC-MS). MS studies identified crosslinks in three transmembrane loops consistent with the known topology of SERT. Surprisingly, the amino- and carboxy-terminal domains were similarly crosslinked by cholesterol, suggesting that these regions may also be intimately associated with the lipid bilayer. The data presented herein assist in further refining our understanding of the topography of the apo-state of hSERT via analysis of lipid accessibility.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence in relation with cervical cytology in Bengali population of India
Authors: Banerjee Puja , Bondhopadhyay Arghya , Rakshit Bibek Mohan , Pal Amitava , Basu Anupam
Published: June 2020

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the major infectious agents of cervical cancer. Papanicolaou (pap) smear study is generally carried out to screen the initial cervical condition and consequently specific PCR based study is carried out to recognize the different types of HPV. In the present study, we would like to screen the frequency of HPV infection in the women with normal and abnormal cervical discharges.

Methods

In our study, 216 subjects were recruited. Cervical cytology was done by Pap smear test. Nested PCR was carried out using MY09/11 and GP 5+/6+ primers to screen HPV infection.

Result and conclusion

A significant co-relation between HPV infection and early sexual intercourse was observed. We found a higher HPV prevalence in the age group below 29 years(35.48%). 85.71% SCC patients were positive for HPV infection, 80% HSIL patients were positive for HPV infection, 75% LSIL patients were positive for HPV infection; 66.7% ASCUS patients were positive for HPV infection. 50% ASC-H patients were positive for HPV infection. HPV positive was found in 22.22% of the subjects, among them 16.75% show normal cytology (NILM).
Effects of high-intensity interval training in patients with coronary artery disease after percutaneous coronary intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Xu Dongmei , Sun Guozhen , Jiang Zhixin , Tian Jinping , Shan Qijun
Published: June 2020

Background

High-intensity interval training, for its characteristic of short-time high oxygen-consumption exercise interphase with periods of low-intensity training or rest for recovery, is easier to persist and execute in cardiac rehabilitation. However, it is little known whether HIIT program has an advantageous effect on patients after percutaneous coronary intervention or not.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on HIIT program in patients after PCI were searched in Cochrane Library, Web of Science Core Collection, EMbase, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and SinoMed from the inception to March 24, 2020. Two reviewers conducted the literature retrieval, data extraction, and quality assessment independently. Standard Mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed to summarize the effect sizes.

Results

6 RCTs (247 patients) met the criteria. HIIT program had a statistically significant effect on raising left ventricular ejection function (LVEF) (SMD=0.38, 95%CI[0.03, 0.73], p=0.03), VO2peak (SMD=0.94, 95%CI[0.61, 1.28], p<0.01), as well as improving the serum level of high-density lipoprotein (SMD=0.55, 95%CI[0.06, 1.03], p=0.03) and late luminal loss (SMD=−0.65, 95%CI[−1.07, −0.23], p<0.01). But HIIT had no prominent effect on improving heart rate (SMD=−0.04, 95%CI[-0.29, 0.21], p=0.73).

Conclusions

HIIT program might be favorable for CAD patients after PCI by improving cardiopulmonary function, such as LVEF and VO2peak, as well as reducing late luminal loss in per stented arteries. Nevertheless, HIIT had no advantage for adjusting heart rate. More researches with rigorous methods are warranted to explore the controversy about lipid profiles.
The Mini Linguistic State Examination (MLSE): a brief but accurate assessment tool for classifying Primary Progressive Aphasias
Authors: Patel Nikil , Peterson Katie A. , Ingram Ruth , Storey Ian , Cappa Stefano F. , Catricala Eleonora , Patterson Karalyn E. , Ralph Matthew A. Lambon , Rowe James B. , Garrard Peter
Published: June 2020

Background

This paper introduces a new clinical test, the Mini Linguistic State Examination (MLSE), as a short assessment for screening and classification of the different manifestations of primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Differentiation and monitoring of PPA variants are vital for management, planning and development of new treatments. The MLSE is designed to improve the uniformity of testing, screening for recruitment to clinical trials, and consistency of research results. It is a brief but effective test which can be adapted to the world’s major languages.

Methods

Fifty-four patients and 30 age-, sex- and education-matched controls completed testing with the MLSE and components of the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination in addition to their standard clinical diagnostic assessment. The MLSE includes five domains (motor speech, phonology, semantics, syntax and working memory) that were compared across groups. A random forest classification was used to learn the relationship between these five domains and assess the power of the diagnostic accuracy for predicting PPA subtypes. The final machine learning model was used to create a decision tree to guide the optimal manual classification of patients.

Results

On average, the test took less than 20 minutes to administer. Significant group differences were found across all five domains, in terms of the distributions of error-types. These differences mirror the well-known language profiles for the three main PPA variants, which typically require an extended neuropsychology and speech pathology assessment. The random forest prediction model had an overall classification accuracy of 96% (92% for logopenic variant PPA, 93% for semantic variant PPA and 98% for non-fluent variant PPA). The derived decision tree for manual classification produced correct classification of 91% of participants whose data were not included in the training set.

Conclusions

The MLSE is a new short cognitive test, with a scoring system that is easy to learn and apply. It is accurate for classifying PPA syndromes, and has potential to screen and monitor language deficits that occur in other focal and neurodegenerative brain disorders associated with language impairment. With increasing importance of language assessment in clinical research, the MLSE’s linguistic assessment tool enables the essential profiling of language deficits in a wide clinical community.
Lonely heart? Warm it up with love: the effect of loneliness on singles’ and non-singles’ conspicuous consumption
Authors: Liu Wei , Guo Zhaoyang , Chen Rui
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine how loneliness, romantic relationship status (single/non-single) and romantic attachment factors (sociosexual orientation index (SOI), satisfaction with current relationship) interactively affect conspicuous consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

Five quasi-experimental studies were conducted with different measures of conspicuous consumption across a variety of samples (N = 1189).

Findings

Study 1 shows that loneliness increased singles’ but not non-singles’ conspicuous consumption. Study 2A further shows the mediating role of the mating motive amongst singles. Study 2B compared conspicuous and inconspicuous consumption and showed no interaction effect between loneliness and romantic relationship status in the domain of inconspicuous consumption. Studies 3 and 4 tested whether the effects of loneliness on non-singles’ conspicuous consumption were moderated by SOI and satisfaction with current relationship, respectively. Specifically, lonely non-singles with high SOI or low satisfaction with current relationship sought conspicuous consumption, but those with low SOI or high satisfaction with the current relationship avoided conspicuous consumption.

Research limitations/implications

This study did not specifically consider different roots of loneliness (lack of romantic love, friendship or family attachment) between singles and non-singles, which future research should explore.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for both marketers and policymakers regarding marketing campaigns for conspicuous products, support programmes satisfying the specific social attachment needs of different lonely people, etc.

Originality/value

This study identifies a specific social attachment desire of the lonely, namely, romantic motive, by which loneliness influences singles’ and non-singles’ conspicuous consumption in different ways. The findings suggest the value of distinguishing types of loneliness.
Generational cohort theory and wine: analyzing how gen Z differs from other American wine consuming generations
Authors: Thach Liz , Riewe Sam , Camillo Angelo
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the wine consumption preferences and behavior of Gen Z wine consumers in the USA and to determine if and how Gen Z differ from other major generational cohorts in the USA. This study applies the concepts of generational cohort theory to the US wine market to examine similarities and differences between age cohorts and their potential impact on future wine sales.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative survey was conducted with a quota sample of 1,136 US wine consumers located in all 50 states. Data analysis included one-way ANOVA analysis to test the null hypothesis that the generational cohort means are equal. If the test detected at least one mean difference across cohorts, then pairwise comparisons were performed to identify, which groups differed. The Tukey–Kramer method was used for all post hoc tests. Basic descriptive statistics were also calculated.

Findings

The results show some parallels in terms of similar consumption levels and a higher preference for red wine across all cohorts. However, on the majority of other common wine consumer research topics, Gen Z shows significant differences. Of specific interest, Gen Z consumers report higher levels of preference for sparkling wine than other cohorts; prefers to drink in social situations; are much more interested in labels and package; make decisions based on varietal and alcohol level and are much more engaged on Instagram and Snapchat social media platforms – all pointed to new marketing tactics needed to reach this new consumer segment.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical wine research study to explore the wine preferences and behaviors of Gen Z in the US market. This is valuable because Gen Z is a very large population of consumers, comprising 32% of the world population (Miller and Wei, 2018) and already represent more than $143bn in buying power (Dill, 2015). They are expected to have a huge impact on consumer products, not only in the USA but also on a global basis. Given that the USA is currently the largest wine market in the world in both volume and value (Wine Institute, 2019; VinExpo, 2018), it is important that research is conducted on this new and powerful generation.
Explaining alternative termination modes of international joint ventures
Authors: Konara Palitha , Stone Zita , Mohr Alex
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The authors combine options logic with transaction cost economics to explain why firms maintain, divest or buy out their international joint ventures (IJVs). It is suggested that a decline in environmental risk and higher partner-related risk makes a firm more likely to acquire an IJV but less likely to divest an IJV. The study also investigates how IJV age moderates the effects of a decline in environmental risk and higher partner-related risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs competing risks analyses to examine the drivers of different termination outcomes using a dataset consisting of 459 IJVs in the People's Republic of China, of which 110 were either acquired or divested by their foreign parent.

Findings

The study finds that changes in environmental risk and partner-related risk affect how firms terminate their IJVs in the People's Republic of China. Specifically, the authors find that the effect of exogenous and endogenous risk are more pronounced for the acquisition of IJVs than for the divestment of IJVs.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to international marketing research by complementing options logic with transaction cost economics to provide a theoretical explanation of the different ways in which IJVs in the People's Republic of China are terminated.

Practical implications

IJVs continue to be an important yet often unstable method to serve international markets. Our findings increase managers' awareness of the effect that two important sources of risk may have on the termination of IJVs in the People's Republic of China.

Originality/value

The study provides novel insights into the effect that changes in exogenous and endogenous risk have on a firm's choice of termination mode drawing on novel data on the different ways in which foreign firms have terminated their IJVs in the Peoples' Republic of China.
The psychology of consumer ethnocentrism and cosmopolitanism: a five-country study of values, moral foundations, gender identities and consumer orientations
Authors: Prince Melvin , Yaprak Attila , Cleveland Mark , Davies Mark A.P. , Josiassen Alexander , Nechtelberger Andrea , Nechtelberger Martin , Palihawadana Dayananda , Renner Walter , Chovanova Supekova Sona , Von Wallpach Sylvia
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which personal values, moral foundations and gender-role identities affect, in sequence, consumers' constructions of their ethnocentric and cosmopolitan orientations. Achieving a better understanding of the psychological makeup of consumer ethnocentrism and cosmopolitanism should help managers better design international market segmentation and brand positioning strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study's conceptual framework is anchored in attitude and values theories, and focuses on the social categorizations that consumers make and how these contribute to the formation of their ethnocentric and cosmopolitan orientations. Drawing data from consumers living in five European countries, we test our theoretical conjectures through structural equation modeling approaches, including multigroup analysis at the country level, as well as the identification and scrutiny of potential pan-European consumer segments.

Findings

Findings show that personal values, moral foundations and gender-role identities do exert direct and indirect (partially mediated) effects on the formation of consumers' ethnocentric and cosmopolitan orientations. These provide numerous insights for managers in terms of how they can segment domestic and international markets, as well as how to position products and communicate brand strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused on consumers' personal and role identities and offers implications based on data gathered from a sample of five European countries. Future work should broaden this perspective by including other identity facets, such as religious and ethnic identities, as well as product-category and brand-specific outcomes, in order to help develop a more comprehensive picture of the psychology underpinning consumers' identity-related orientations, and their effects on consumer behavior. Future research should also study these issues in a broader geographical context, by including national markets that have culturally diverse populations as well as places with dissimilar cultural and economic profiles.

Originality/value

The study shows that individuals' personal values, moral foundations and gender roles have a strong effect on the formation of consumer ethnocentrism and consumer cosmopolitanism orientations. Consideration of how these antecedent constructs operate in concert to shape consumers' in- versus out-group orientations has been overlooked in the international marketing literature. Beyond the ramifications for theory, the study offers numerous substantive managerial implications in terms of how consumers are likely to respond to local and global/foreign products/brands based on these orientations.
Export competitiveness and concentration analysis of major sugar economies with special reference to India
Authors: Sheetal Sheetal , Kumar Rajiv , Shashi Shashi
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the export competitiveness and concentration level of the 15 top sugar exporting countries over the last 18 years (2001–2018) with special reference to India.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the paper utilizes a review based approach and explains the structures of major sugar economies in context to protected and unprotected perspectives. Subsequently, empirical research was carried out to assess the competitiveness level of sugar using Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) approach and Hirschman Herfindahl Index.

Findings

The study found structural changes in cane or beet sugar, and molasses over the time period between 2006 and 2015. Further, the findings confirmed that despite the stringent regulations in European Union, the United States of America, Guatemala, Mexico, Thailand, China, and India, the comparative advantage is high up to seven to nine sugar categories. Besides, despite the indulgent regulations in the Colombia, Brazil, and Canada, the comparative advantage is only consistent up to two to three sugar categories.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides an overview of competitiveness patterns of 15 sugar exporting countries and further compare their comparative and concentration levels. In this context, in future, it would be interesting to study the macro-economic and firm and industry-specific factors which may strengthen the study findings.

Practical implications

This study suggests that the sugar export of few countries (i.e. Mexico and Canada) is restricted up to their trade pacts and free trade zones which is restricting the competitiveness level and performance. Accordingly, such countries need to enlarge their business boundaries to foster their export competitiveness level. Rational subsidies and governmental assistance in diversification schemes in terms of products' range and sustainable processes can make India a consistent exporter in more categories.

Originality/value

Although, the previous studies attempted to examine the sugar industry with particular country context, this study enlarge the body of knowledge through simultaneously examining the sugar export scenario of fifteen sugar exporting countries and providing a broad comparative view of their competitiveness and concentration levels.
Does productivity drive the real exchange rate movements? A re-examination of the Balassa–Samuelson hypothesis
Authors: Jangam Bhushan Praveen , Rath Badri Narayan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study is to examine whether the classification of industries into the tradable and nontradable matters for the Balassa–Samuelson (BS) effect.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses annual data for 38 countries from 1995 to 2014. To examine whether the classification of industries matter, the study proceeds with two approaches, that is, “traditional” and “benchmark”.

Findings

First, by applying panel cointegration tests of Pedroni and Westerlund, the results validate the BS hypothesis. However, the coefficients of long-run elasticities show appreciation of real exchange rate (RER) due to increase in productivity in the case of “traditional approach”, whereas depreciation of RER in the case of “benchmark approach”. Second, by applying the Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel Granger causality test, the results reveal the bi-directional causality among RER and productivity for both the approaches. Further, to provide more insights, the study employs a fixed-effects panel threshold model. The results indicate that increase in productivity leads to both appreciation and depreciation of RER depending on threshold regimes.

Practical implications

The study ascertains that the evidence of BS effect depends on the choice of approach considered. However, irrespective of the classification, there exists a BS effect beyond a threshold.

Originality/value

Although the BS effect is well established in the literature; there is no study examining the importance of classification of industries at a disaggregated level. Furthermore, there is no consideration of threshold effects.
Variations in American marketing practices of early 19th-century ceramic importers and dealers, reflecting culture and identity
Authors: Ewins Neil
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper explores the advertising strategy of crockery importers and dealers in relationship to their origins and backgrounds. This is a departure from earlier ceramic-history literature which tended to focus on the Staffordshire producers, with limited awareness on how the identity of importers and dealers influenced what products were sold, and their individual approaches to marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

Within a context of historical marketing research, this paper analyses newspaper advertising and commentary. It combines an examination of marketing practices with a wider consideration of the cultural identities of ceramic importers and dealers. The digitalization of historical records, combined with sophisticated search engines, makes it more feasible to examine a broader range of sources. Thus, modern research methods can enhance our understanding of production and demand and reveal how marketing strategy was diverse.

Findings

Awareness on how advertising was influenced by the backgrounds and socio-political views of importers and dealers demonstrates ways in which Anglo-American ceramic trade could be far more market-led. More significantly, marketing approaches were not necessarily responding to American demand, but rather that importers could engage in commissioning goods which reflected their own views on politics, religion or slavery.

Originality/value

Examining the advertising of importers demonstrates the complex relationship between production and ceramic demand. This paper opens up debates as to how far the advertising of other merchandise in the USA shows evidence of taking a more individual approach by the 19th century.
Full range indeed? The forgotten dark side of leadership
Authors: Itzkovich Yariv , Heilbrunn Sibylle , Aleksic Ana
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The full-range leadership theory, and the distinction between transformational, transactional and laissez-faire leadership behaviour has strongly influenced leadership theory and research in the last several decades. However, in spite of its impact on theory and practice, it has a few shortcomings, as, in its essence, it disregards several essential aspects of a leader’s behaviour, such as the dark side of leadership behaviour. Therefore, to capture various leader behaviours, we provide a more comprehensive leadership model named the “complete full range of leadership”.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on reviewing the relevant theoretical and empirical literature, we propose an extended theoretical model, which addresses the existing shortcomings of the full range leadership model.

Findings

First, we added a new active and more destructive facet of leadership style named active, destructive leadership style. Second, based on existing empirical findings, we restructured the transactional facet of full-range leadership by collapsing its components into two new distinct facets representing active constructive leadership style and passive destructive leadership style. Finally, drawing on Hersey and Blanchard’s model, we add a new passive and constructive facet named passive constructive leadership.

Originality/value

Our suggested “complete full range of leadership” contributes to leadership theory by addressing the gap between existing theory and empirical findings, making a clear distinction between lack of leadership and delegation and by comprising the dark side of leadership with its bright side into one comprehensive leadership model.
From fandom to fad: are millennials really engaged with and loyal to their loved brands on social media?
Authors: Fernandes Teresa , Inverneiro Inês
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Exerting a peculiar fascination on both managers and academics, Millennials can be distinguished from other cohorts by their intense exposure to the internet and heavy use of social media, which, in turn, affect their identity formation, brand engagement, loyalty and purchase behaviour. Yet, uncertainties regarding online engagement and the real benefits brands can reap from Millennials’ avid use of social media remain. Therefore, by developing a holistic model of drivers and outcomes, this study aims to understand how Millennials engage with their most loved, self-expressive brands across social media platforms and its impact on loyalty-related intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was gathered using a self-administered survey, answered by 343 millennial generation social media users and based on self-selected self-expressive, loved brands. Considering brand loyalty as a key outcome, a holistic model was developed and tested using partial least squares-structural equation modelling, emphasizing not only the role of social media engagement but also including brand love, experience and identification as direct and indirect antecedents.

Findings

Findings suggest a disconnection between online and offline brand relationships: though Millennials love and are very loyal to their favourite brands, they are not actively engaged in social media, which helps to explain the non-significant effect of engagement on brand loyalty. Moreover, together with brand identification, brand experience was found to play a major role in developing brand love, which, in turn, is positively related to engagement and loyalty.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this study contributes to bridging a gap in the literature, as research on engagement, its drivers and outcomes is scant and there is no robust evidence about its impact on brand loyalty, particularly among Millennials. Moreover, research on disengaged consumers who exhibit limited willingness to engage is still scant. Managerially, this study provides insights for brand managers wishing to successfully engage and build relationships with Millennials and to identify key routes to Millennials’ loyalty.