bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Elective and Emergency Conversion in Minimally Invasive Distal Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: An International Multicenter Propensity Score-matched Study
Authors: Lof Sanne , Korrel Maarten , van Hilst Jony , Moekotte Alma L. , Bassi Claudio , Butturini Giovanni , Boggi Ugo , Dokmak Safi , Edwin Bjørn , Falconi Massimo , Fuks David , de Pastena Matteo , Zerbi Alessandro , Besselink Marc G. , Abu Hilal Mohammed
Published: December 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of conversion during minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) on outcome by a propensity-matched comparison with open distal pancreatectomy (ODP).

Background:

MIDP is associated with faster recovery as compared with ODP. The high conversion rate (15%–25%) in patients with PDAC, however, is worrisome and may negatively influence outcome.

Methods:

A post hoc analysis of a retrospective cohort including distal pancreatectomies for PDAC from 34 centers in 11 countries. Patients requiring conversion were matched, using propensity scores, to ODP procedures (1:2 ratio). Indications for conversion were classified as elective conversions (eg, vascular involvement) or emergency conversions (eg, bleeding).

Results:

Among 1212 distal pancreatectomies for PDAC, 345 patients underwent MIDP, with 68 (19.7%) conversions, mostly elective (n = 46, 67.6%). Vascular resection (other than splenic vessels) was required in 19.1% of the converted procedures. After matching (61 MIDP-converted vs 122 ODP), conversion did not affect R-status, recurrence of cancer, nor overall survival. However, emergency conversion was associated with increased overall morbidity (61.9% vs 31.1%, P
= 0.007) and a trend to worse oncological outcome compared with ODP. Elective conversion was associated with comparable overall morbidity.

Conclusions:

Elective conversion in MIDP for PDAC was associated with comparable short-term and oncological outcomes in comparison with ODP. However, emergency conversions were associated with worse both short- and long-term outcomes, and should be prevented by careful patient selection, awareness of surgeons’ learning curve, and consideration of early conversion when unexpected intraoperative findings are encountered.
The Influence of Perioperative Fluid Therapy on N-terminal-pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide and the Association With Heart and Lung Complications in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Brandstrup Birgitte , Beier-Holgersen Randi , Iversen Lene H. , Starup Christian B. , Wentzel Loui N. , Lindorff-Larsen Karen , Petersen Troels C. , Tønnesen Hanne
Published: December 2019

Objective:

To investigate the influence of intravenous (iv) fluid volumes on the secretion of N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-Pro-BNP) in colorectal surgical patients and its association with cardiopulmonary complications (CPC). In addition, to examine if preoperative NT-Pro-BNP can predict the risk for postoperative CPC.

Methods:

Blood samples from patients enrolled in a previously published clinical randomized assessor-blinded multicenter trial were analyzed.
1
Included were adult patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery with the American-Society-of-Anesthesiologists-scores of 1–3. Samples from 135 patients were available for analysis. Patients were allocated to either a restrictive (R-group) or a standard (S-group) iv-fluid regimen, commencing preoperatively and continuing until discharge. Blood was sampled every morning until the fourth postoperative day. The primary outcome for this study was NT-Pro-BNP changes and its association with fluid therapy and CPC.

Results:

The S-group received more iv-fluid than the R-group on the day-of-surgery [milliliter, median (range) 6485 (4401–10750) vs 3730 (2250–8510); P < 0.001] and on the first postoperative day. NT-Pro-BNP was elevated in the S-group compared with the R-group on all postoperative days [area under the curve: median (interquartile range) pg/mL: 3285 (1697–6179) vs 1290 (758–3719); P < 0.001 and in patients developing CPC vs no-CPC (area under the curve), median (interquartile range): 5196 (1823–9061) vs 1934 (831–5301); P = 0.005]. NT-pro-BNP increased with increasing fluid volumes all days (P < 0.003). Preoperative NT-Pro-BNP predicted CPC [odds ratio (confidence interval): 1.573 (0.973–2.541), P = 0.032; positive predictive value = 0.257, negative predictive value = 0.929].

Conclusions:

NT-pro-BNP increases with iv-fluid volumes given to colorectal surgical patients, and the level of NT-Pro-BNP is associated with CPC. Preoperative NT-Pro-BNP is predictive for CPC, but the diagnostic value is low.

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03537989.
Wide Variation in Surgical Spending Within Hospital Systems
Authors: Chhabra Karan R. , Sheetz Kyle H. , Regenbogen Scott E. , Dimick Justin B. , Nathan Hari
Published: December 2019

Objective:

We sought to measure the extent of variation in episode spending around total hip replacement within and across hospital systems.

Summary of Background Data:

Bundled payment programs are pressuring hospitals to reduce spending on surgery. Meanwhile, many hospitals are joining larger health systems with the stated goal of improved care at lower cost.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study of fee-for-service Medicare patients undergoing total hip replacement in 2016 at hospital systems identified in the American Hospital Association Annual Survey. We calculated risk- and reliability-adjusted average 30-day episode payments at the hospital and system level.

Results:

Average episode payments varied nearly as much within hospital systems ($2515 between the lowest- and highest-cost hospitals, 95% confidence interval $2272–$2,758) as they did between the lowest- and highest-cost quintiles of systems ($2712, 95% confidence interval $2545–$2879). Variation was driven by post-acute care utilization. Many systems have concentrated hip replacement volume at relatively high-cost hospitals.

Conclusions:

Given the wide variation in surgical spending within health systems, we propose tailored strategies for systems to maximize savings in bundled payment programs.
Prediction of Suicide and Nonfatal Self-harm After Bariatric Surgery: A Risk Score Based on Sociodemographic Factors, Lifestyle Behavior, and Mental Health
Authors: Konttinen Hanna , Sjöholm Kajsa , Jacobson Peter , Svensson Per-Arne , Carlsson Lena M. S. , Peltonen Markku
Published: December 2019

Objective:

To identify preoperative sociodemographic and health-related factors that predict higher risk of nonfatal self-harm and suicide after bariatric surgery.

Background:

Evidence is emerging that bariatric surgery is related to an increased risk of suicide and self-harm, but knowledge on whether certain preoperative characteristics further enhance the excess risk is scarce.

Methods:

The nonrandomized, prospective, controlled Swedish Obese Subjects study was linked to 2 Nationwide Swedish registers. The bariatric surgery group (N = 2007, per-protocol) underwent gastric bypass, banding or vertical banded gastroplasty, and matched controls (N = 2040) received usual care. Participants were recruited from 1987 to 2001, and information on the outcome (a death by suicide or nonfatal self-harm event) was retrieved until the end of 2016. Subhazard ratios (sub-HR) were calculated using competing risk regression analysis.

Results:

The risk for self-harm/suicide was almost twice as high in surgical patients compared to control patients both before and after adjusting for various baseline factors [adjusted sub-HR = 1.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.34–2.93]. Male sex, previous healthcare visits for self-harm or mental disorders, psychiatric drug use, and sleep difficulties predicted higher risk of self-harm/suicide in the multivariate models conducted in the surgery group. Interaction tests further indicated that the excess risk for self-harm/suicide related to bariatric surgery was stronger in men (sub-HR = 3.31, 95% CI = 1.73–6.31) than in women (sub-HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.02–2.32) (P = 0.007 for adjusted interaction). A simple-to-use score was developed to identify those at highest risk of these events in the surgery group.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that male sex, psychiatric disorder history, and sleep difficulties are important predictors for nonfatal self-harm and suicide in postbariatric patients. High-risk patients who undergo surgery might require regular postoperative psychosocial monitoring to reduce the risk for future self-harm behaviors.
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Peribunyaviridae
Authors: Hughes Holly R. , Adkins Scott , Alkhovskiy Sergey , Beer Martin , Blair Carol , Calisher Charles H. , Drebot Mike , Lambert Amy J. , de Souza William Marciel , Marklewitz Marco , Nunes Márcio R. T. , Shí (石晓宏) Xiǎohóng ,   ICTV Report Consortium
Published: December 2019

Peribunyaviruses are enveloped and possess three distinct, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA segments comprising 11.2–12.5 kb in total. The family includes globally distributed viruses in the genera Orthobunyavirus, Herbevirus, Pacuvirus and Shangavirus. Most viruses are maintained in geographically-restricted vertebrate–arthropod transmission cycles that can include transovarial transmission from arthropod dam to offspring. Others are arthropod-specific. Arthropods can be persistently infected. Human infection occurs through blood feeding by an infected vector arthropod. Infections can result in a diversity of human and veterinary clinical outcomes in a strain-specific manner. Segment reassortment is evident between some peribunyaviruses. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the taxonomy of the family Peribunyaviridae, which is available at ictv.global/report/peribunyaviridae.
HomozygousSTAT2gain-of-function mutation by loss of USP18 activity in a patient with type I interferonopathy
Authors: Gruber Conor , Martin-Fernandez Marta , Ailal Fatima , Qiu Xueer , Taft Justin , Altman Jennie , Rosain Jéremie , Buta Sofija , Bousfiha Aziz , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Bustamante Jacinta , Bogunovic Dusan
Published: December 2019

Type I interferonopathies are monogenic disorders characterized by enhanced Type I interferon (IFN-I) activity. Inherited ISG15 and USP18 deficiencies underlie type I interferonopathies by preventing the regulation of late responses to IFN-I. Specifically, ISG15/USP18 are induced by IFN-I and sterically hinder JAK1 from binding to the IFNAR2 subunit of IFN-I receptor. We report an infant who died of autoinflammation due to a homozygous missense mutation (R148Q) inSTAT2. The variant is gain-of-function (GOF) for ISGF3-dependent induction of late but not early response to IFN-I. Surprisingly, the mutation does not enhance the intrinsic transcriptional activity of ISGF3. Rather, the STAT2 R148Q variant is GOF because it fails to appropriately interact with and traffic USP18 to IFNAR2, preventing USP18 from negatively regulating responses to IFN-I. Overall, a STAT2 missense mutation that fails to facilitate USP18-mediated signal termination in the homozygous state underlies a novel genetic etiology of type I interferonopathy.
Quorum sensing regulation inErwinia carotovoraaffects development ofDrosophila melanogasterinfected larvae
Authors: Vieira Filipe J. D. , Nadal-Jimenez Pol , Teixeira Luis , Xavier Karina B.
Published: December 2019

Multi-host bacteria must rapidly adapt to drastic environmental changes, relying on integration of multiple stimuli for an optimal genetic response.Erwinia spp.are phytopathogens that cause soft-rot disease in plants.Erwinia carotovora Ecc15is used as a model for bacterial oral-route infection inDrosophila melanogasteras it harbors a gene, theErwiniavirulence factor (Evf), which has been previously shown to be a major determinant for infection ofD. melanogastergut. However, the factors involved in regulation ofevfexpression are poorly understood. We investigated whetherevfcould be controlled by quorum sensing since, in theErwiniagenus, quorum sensing regulates pectolytic enzymes, the major virulence factors needed to infect plants. Here, we show that transcription ofevfis positively regulated by quorum sensing inEcc15 viathe acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) signal synthase ExpI, and the AHL receptors ExpR1 and ExpR2. Moreover, we demonstrate that the GacS/A two-component system is partially required forevfexpression. We also show that the load ofEcc15in the gut depends upon the quorum sensing-mediated regulation ofevf. Furthermore, we demonstrate that larvae infected withEcc15suffer a developmental delay as a direct consequence of the regulation ofevf viaquorum sensing. Overall, our results show thatEcc15relies on quorum sensing to control production of both pectolytic enzymes and Evf. This regulation influences the interaction ofEcc15with its two known hosts, indicating that quorum sensing and GacS/A signaling systems may impact bacterial disseminationviainsect vectors that feed on rotting plants.

Significance

Integration of genetic networks allows bacteria to rapidly adapt to changing environments. This is particularly important in bacteria that interact with multiple hosts.Erwinia carotovora Ecc15is a plant pathogen that usesDrosophila melanogasteras a vector. To interact with these two hosts,Ecc15uses two different sets of virulence factors: plant cell wall-degrading enzymes to infect plants and theErwiniavirulence factor (evf) to infectDrosophila. Our work shows that, despite the virulence factors being different, both are regulated by homoserine lactone quorum sensing and the two component GacS/A system. Moreover, we show that these pathways are essential forEcc15loads in the gut ofDrosophilaand that this interaction carries a cost to the vector in the form of a developmental delay. Our findings provide evidence for the importance of quorum sensing regulation in the establishment of multi-host interactions.
Physiological and morphological correlates of extreme acid tolerance in larvae of the acidophilic amphibianLitoria cooloolensis
Authors: Meyer Edward A , Franklin Craig E , Cramp Rebecca L
Published: December 2019

In the coastal sandy lowlands of east Australia, several anuran species including the Cooloola SedgefrogLitoria cooloolensis, show remarkable tolerance to dilute highly acidic waters as low as pH 3.5. To investigate the physiological and morphological underpinnings of acid tolerance inL. cooloolensislarvae, we compared Na+balance, uptake and efflux rates, and gill and skin morphology in larvae reared in circum-neutral (pH 6.5) and pH 3.5 water. We hypothesised that acute exposure to pH 3.5 water would cause an initial loss of ionic homeostasis in larvae, but with chronic exposure larvae would restore Na+balance. Net Na+flux rates were not significantly different from zero in larvae reared at pH 3.5 and in acid-naïve animals maintained in pH 6.5 water. Animals reared at pH 6.5 and acutely exposed to pH 3.5 exhibited a net loss of Na+, due to a significant inhibition of Na+uptake. In contrast,L. cooloolensislarvae reared at pH 3.5 maintained Na+balance at pH 3.5 and did not exhibit inhibition of Na+uptake at this pH. Investigation of Na+transport kinetics and the morphology of the gills and integument suggests tolerance ofL. cooloolensislarvae to low pH may be attributed to a high capacity for branchial Na+uptake, increased tight junction length and elevated mucus production in the gills and integument. These factors confer resistance to acid damage and disruption of ionic homeostasis which would otherwise result in the death of larvae exposed to waters of pH 4.0 and less.
Stone Alkaline Water Induces Apoptosis of Prostate Cancer Cells and Inhibits Tumor Cell Induced Angiogenesis In Vitro
Authors: Appak-Baskoy Sila , Sahin lknur Kulcanay , Teksoy Ozgun , Cengiz Mustafa , Ozkan Asuman Deveci , Eskiler Gamze Guney , Bilici Namık , Oztopcu-Vatan Pinar , Altuner Yılmaz , Ayhanci Adnan
Published: December 2019

Treatment options to improve overall survival rate of prostate cancer patients are limited since tumor cells acquire resistance to the chemotherapeutic drugs. We aimed to determine anticancer effects of stone alkaline water (SAW) on PC-3 and DU-145 prostate adenocarcinoma cell lines. SAW was obtained by triturating high stones under vacuum at 3000 °C. High mineral and trace element containing fraction of SAW was used for the experiments. Viability of the tumor cells was analyzed using tetrazolium based WST-1 cell proliferation assay, cell cycle analysis was carried out with Propidum Iodide staining (Muse™ Cell Cycle Kit). Acridine Orange and Annexin V stainings were done to analyze the cellular morphology and to determine apoptosis. Tumor cell derived angiogenesis was analyzed with migration and tube formation assays. SAW treatment resulted in accumulation of cells at G0/G1 phase and inhibited tumor cell induced HUVEC tube formation and migration. SAW treatment significantly decreased viability of PC-3 and DU-145 prostate adenocarcinoma cells and induced apoptotic cell death. Intriguingly, treatment of the prostate cancer cells with SAW inhibited tumor cell derived angiogenesis. SAW may aid in treating prostate cancer and molecules important for SAW’s apoptotic and anti-angiogenic effects need to be determined.
Proteomics Analysis of Differential Expression of Lung Proteins in Response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Infection in Chicken
Authors: Vijayakumar Periyasamy , Raut Ashwin Ashok , Chingtham Santhalembi , Murugkar Harshad V , Kulkarni Diwakar D. , Singh Vijendra Pal , Mishra Anamika
Published: December 2019

Elucidation of molecular pathogenesis underlying virus-host interaction is important for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) infection in chicken. However, chicken HPAI viral pathogenesis is not completely understood. To elucidate the intracellular signaling pathways and critical host proteins associated with influenza pathogenesis, we characterized the lung proteome of chicken infected with HPAI H5N1 virus (A/duck/India/02CA10/2011/Agartala). The chicken mass spectra data sets comprised1, 47, 451 MS scans and 19, 917 MS/MS scans. At local FDR 5% level, we identified total 3313 chicken proteins with presence of at least one unique peptide. At 12 hrs, 247 proteins are downregulated while 1754 proteins are downregulated at 48 hrs indicating that the host has succumbed to infection. There is expression of proteins of the predominant signaling pathways, such as TLR, RLR, NLR and JAK-STAT signaling. Activation of these pathways is associated with cytokine storm effect and thus may be the cause of severity of HPAI H5N1 infection in chicken. Further we identified proteins like MyD88, IKBKB, IRAK4, RELA, and MAVS involved in the critical signaling pathways and some other novel proteins(HNF4A, ELAVL1, FN1, COPS5, CUL1, BRCA1 and FYN) as main hub proteins that might play important roles in influenza pathogenesis in chicken. Taken together, we characterized the signaling pathways and the proteomic determinants responsible for disease pathogenesis in chicken infected with HPAI H5N1 virus.
Precision in a sea of profusion: Myelin replacement triggered by single-cell cortical demyelination
Authors: Snaidero Nicolas , Schifferer Martina , Mezydlo Aleksandra , Kerschensteiner Martin , Misgeld Thomas
Published: December 2019

Myelin—rather than being a static insulator of axons—is emerging as an active participant in circuit plasticity. This requires precise regulation of oligodendrocyte numbers and myelination patterns. Here, by devising a laser ablation approach of single oligodendrocytes, followed byin vivoimaging and correlated ultrastructural reconstruction, we show that in mouse cortex demyelination as subtle as loss of a single oligodendrocyte can trigger robust cell replacement and remyelination timed by myelin breakdown. This results in reliable reestablishment of the original myelin pattern along continuously myelinated axons, while in parallel profuse isolated internodes emerge on previously unmyelinated axons. Thus, in mammalian cortex, internodes along partially myelinated cortical axons are typically not re-established, suggesting that the cues that guide ‘patchy’ myelination are not preserved through cycles of de- and remyelination. In contrast, continuous ‘obligatory’ myelin shows remarkable homeostatic resilience with single axon precision.
Predation by Himalayan Wolves: Understanding conflict, culture and co-existence amongst Indo-Tibetan community and large carnivores in High Himalaya
Authors: Lyngdoh Salvador , Habib Bilal
Published: December 2019

The wolves in the Hindukush-Himalayan region belong to one the most basal lineages withinCanis lupus, yet little is known about its ecology, distribution, and behavior. To understand ecological aspects of wolves in this landscape, we predict wolf distribution, diet patterns and conflict perception in Spiti, India using field and remotely sensed information. We collected scats (n = 283) of canid species namely, Wolves, and other predators over a period of 3 years (2014-17) [66]. Wolf diet constituted mostly of domestic prey (79.02 %) while wild prey constituted to 17.80% of wolf diet over the three years. Village surveys recorded only 4% of the respondents confirmed wolf presence and perceived them as a possible threat to various livestock. Over, 98% of the respondents claimed that wolves were not safe for livestock and were averse to its presence. Marginal response curves depicted the model to have positive responses to animal location, LULC, village population, village density and wolf depredation. We found perceived presence/threat distribution wolves in the area significantly differed from actual ecological presence and distribution of wolves. The Himalayan wolf is an apex flagship predator in this fragile high altitude system, whose role is intricately linked with the ecology of the region. The use of such methods can aid in understanding such aspects as well as designing effective long-term conservation strategies for the species.
The genome polishing tool POLCA makes fast and accurate corrections in genome assemblies
Authors: Zimin Aleksey V. , Salzberg Steven L.
Published: December 2019

The introduction of third-generation DNA sequencing technologies in recent years has allowed scientists to generate dramatically longer sequence reads, which when used in whole-genome sequencing projects have yielded better repeat resolution and far more contiguous genome assemblies. While the promise of better contiguity has held true, the relatively high error rate of long reads, averaging 8–15%, has made it challenging to generate a highly accurate final sequence. Current long-read sequencing technologies display a tendency toward systematic errors, in particular in homopolymer regions, which present additional challenges. A cost-effective strategy to generate highly contiguous assemblies with a very low overall error rate is to combine long reads with low-cost short-read data, which currently have an error rate below 0.5%. This hybrid strategy can be pursued either by incorporating the short-read data into the early phase of assembly, during the read correction step, or by using short reads to “polish” the consensus built from long reads. In this report, we present the assembly polishing tool POLCA (POLishing by Calling Alternatives) and compare its performance with two other popular polishing programs, Pilon and Racon. We show that on simulated data POLCA is more accurate than Pilon, and comparable in accuracy to Racon. On real data, all three programs show similar performance, but POLCA is consistently much faster than either of the other polishing programs.
Interaction between satisfaction and incentives on online reviews
Authors: Dai Qi , Zhang Jingyi
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the interaction effect between customer satisfaction and monetary incentives on online reviews and test the moderating effect of personal characteristics, filling the research gap in online review behavior from the senders.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a project role-playing technique that is widely applied in the marketing field, the authors conducted two experimental studies in a laboratory setting with student subjects and collected 390 and 362 acceptable samples for analysis in Studies 1 and 2, respectively.

Findings

This research confirms the positive effects of satisfaction and incentives on review scores and tests the interaction effect between satisfaction and incentives on review scores with the moderating effects of moral judgment and sensitivity of promotion. Incentives could strengthen customers’ review scores except under small incentives situation where dissatisfied customers decrease scores instead. Additionally, the moderating effects of moral judgment and sensitivity of promotion are more significant in the case of dissatisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

As this study focuses exclusively on a single service context and uses student samples, limitations persist regarding the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

The research provides new insights for marketers on designing effective incentive programs, as well as how to better balance costs and benefits in promotion strategies.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to explore the interaction effect between satisfaction and incentives on online reviews considering the moderating effects of moral judgment and sensitivity of promotion. As a result, a new model is forwarded.
Lessons from the “BPO journey” in a public housing company: toward a strategy for BPO
Authors: Christiansson Marie-Therese , Rentzhog Olof
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Despite many efforts within organizations toward business process orientation (BPO), research on real-world experiences remains in its infancy. The purpose of this paper is to redress the existing knowledge gap by analyzing a Swedish public housing company that has made notable effects regarding BPO and to explore lessons learned from the BPO journey (from 1998 to 2013).

Design/methodology/approach

The point of departure is principles in the BPO foundation, principles of successful BPM and effects in empirically based literature. The reconstruction of the narrative case study describes milestones and critical junctions, as well as effects based on quantitative and qualitative data.

Findings

Effects in BPO are demonstrated in terms of higher customer satisfaction, increased innovative ability, improved operational performance, higher employee satisfaction and, as a result of these, increased profitability. Theoretical constructs with implications for the theory building on BPO are suggested in a three-layer management framework – with capabilities and abilities emerging from the case study used as an illustrative example.

Practical implications

Lessons are learned regarding critical practices related to advancement in BPO. A strategy-building process based on eight design propositions is suggested to define the pre-conditions for BPO in an organization.

Originality/value

This is the first longitudinal case study to provide a comprehensive view and detailed insights of a BPO journey and top management performance toward a business process-oriented organization. Practitioners and BPM community get valuable insights into how the temporality and the context shape the BPO maturity process in terms of new organizational structure and roles during the journey.
Development of a time-variant causal model of human error in construction with dynamic Bayesian network
Authors: Ma Zhangming , Chong Heap-Yih , Liao Pin-Chao
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Human error is among the leading causes of construction-based accidents. Previous studies on the factors affecting human error are rather vague from the perspective of complex and changeable working environments. The purpose of this paper is to develop a dynamic causal model of human errors to improve safety management in the construction industry. A theoretical model is developed and tested through a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors defined the causal relationship between construction and human errors based on the cognitive reliability and error analysis method (CREAM). A dynamic Bayesian network (DBN) was then developed by connecting time-variant causal relationships of human errors. Next, prediction, sensitivity analysis and diagnostic analysis of DBN were applied to demonstrate the function of this model. Finally, a case study of elevator installation was presented to verify the feasibility and applicability of the proposed approach in a construction work environment.

Findings

The results of the proposed model were closer to those of practice than previous static models, and the features of the systematization and dynamics are more efficient in adapting toward increasingly complex and changeable environments.

Originality/value

This research integrated CREAM as the theoretical foundation for a novel time-variant causal model of human errors in construction. Practically, this model highlights the hazards that potentially trigger human error occurrences, facilitating the implementation of proactive safety strategy and safety measures in advance.
Virtual reality-based decision support model for interior design and decoration of an office building
Authors: Juan Yi-Kai , Chi Hao-Yun , Chen Hsing-Hung
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a virtual reality (VR)-based and user-oriented decision support system for interior design and decoration. The four-phase decision-making process of the system is verified through a case study of an office building.

Design/methodology/approach

Different “spatial layouts” are presented by VR for users to decide their preference (Phase 1). According to the selected spatial layout, a “spatial scene” is constructed by VR and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is used to determine the spatial scene preference (Phase 2). Based on the binary integer programming method, the system provides the optimal preliminary solution under a limited decoration budget (Phase 3). Finally, the consistency between the overall color scheme and pattern is fine-tuned by VR in order to obtain the final solution (Phase 4).

Findings

The questionnaire survey results show that decision makers generally affirm the operation and application of VR, and especially recognize the advantages in the improvement of VR-based interior design feasibility, communication efficiency and design decision-making speed. The optimization of the costs and benefits enables decision makers to effectively evaluate the impact of design decisions on subsequent project implementation during the preliminary design process.

Originality/value

The VR-based decision support system for interior design retains the original immersive experience of VR, and offers a systematic multiple criteria decision- making and operations research optimization method, thus, providing more complete decision-making assistance. Compared with traditional design communication, it can significantly reduce cognitive differences and improve decision-making quality and speed.
Future-ready project and facility management graduates in Singapore for industry 4.0
Authors: Low Sui Pheng , Gao Shang , Ng Eileen Wan Leng
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The disparity between employers’ expectations and the ability of graduates to meet them is an issue for employment. Industry 4.0, represented by technologies like big data and automation, permeate the construction industry, exacerbating the rift of changing expectations that future graduates must bridge. As sophisticated forms of technology emerge, the ways individuals work are also expected to change. Soft skills are needed to support, materialise, and enhance the workforce’s existing technical skills. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of Industry 4.0 on employability in the local construction industry from the viewpoint of employers and future graduates.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, quantitative followed by qualitative. The questionnaire survey crosschecked the needs and expectations of employers in the local construction industry, regarding these nine soft skills and the extent to which students currently possess them, to determine whether students from the construction industry are Industry 4.0-ready. Qualitative interviews were also conducted with employers in the construction industry and PFM students to further understand the disparity between the survey results of the two parties.

Findings

Gap analyses and t-test results found six significant divides in nine soft skills – resilience, curiosity, adaptability, entrepreneurial thinking, pursuing convictions and vision – showing a significant difference between the mean expectations of employers and the soft skills capabilities of graduate students. Future graduate students thus lack the soft skills needed by Industry 4.0. The reasons for this significant difference and the barriers to improving soft skills are explored through interviews with employers and future graduates. Three parties – government, educational institutions and industry – were identified as crucial partners in change.

Originality/value

Little has been researched about the future strategies and mindsets required by the workforce to prepare for the changes brought by Industry 4.0. Likewise, the government’s and companies’ one-sided focus on promoting skill-upgrading leaves many to wonder about the soft skills needed to stay competitive. Hence, it is timely to examine the readiness of Singapore’s future graduates in the construction industry in adapting to Industry 4.0’s requirements in terms of soft skills.
Supply chain integration in omni-channel retailing: a human resource management perspective
Authors: Song Shaohua , Shi Xianliang , Song Guang
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply the dynamic capability view to identify relationships between human capital (HC), supply chain integration (SCI) and firm’s performance. It also examines the moderating effect of product variety (PV) on these relationships in the context of omni-channel retailing (OCR).

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was conducted based on survey research. In total, 230 retailers in China’s market adopting omni-channel strategy were surveyed to examine the hypotheses proposed in our conceptual model using statistical techniques.

Findings

This study reveals that HC has a positive impact on SCI, and the impact of employees’ capital is greater on the success of SCI than that of managers’ capital. Moreover, the results confirm that SCI facilitates the achievement of superior performance. Organization integration contributes the most to performance improvement in OCR. Additionally, this study identifies the positive moderating effect of PV on the relationship between HC and SCI, while the moderating effect is insignificant to the influence of SCI on performance.

Research limitations/implications

We obtained valuable insights for both academicians and practitioners. On the one hand, this could be an early attempt as an interdisciplinary study to empirically analyze supply chain management in OCR from human resource perspective. It reveals the importance of human resource management (HRM) and the contribution of SCI to OC retailers. Therefore, this study fills current research gaps. On the other hand, this study provides several practical insights to top management: the importance of improving an individual’s competency to sustain a retailer’s dynamic capability; and the importance of strengthening the organization’s integration to better achieve effective SCI in OCR. Additionally, this study proposes future research based on its limitations.

Originality/value

SCI is investigated in the context of OCR from the HRM perspective. Moreover, this study reveals the importance of HRM and discusses the moderator’s effect in OCR.
Corporate social responsibility and intention to quit
Authors: Ouakouak Mohammed Laid , Arya Bindu , Zaitouni Michel
Published: December 2019

Purpose

While some work on how employee perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) affect behavioral outcomes has been examined, less work simultaneously investigates whether employee perceptions of internal and external CSR influence the behavioral outcomes of incumbent employees working in organizations. The purpose of this paper is to draw on social exchange theory arguments to investigate the direct and indirect effects of internal and external CSR practices on employee organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and intention to quit.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was conducted among 664 employees working in the banking sector in Kuwait. Structural equation modeling techniques were used to test the suggested hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal that both internal and external CSR activities are positively related to OCB and OCB is negatively associated with intention to quit. Results also show that distributive justice moderates the relationship between OCB and intention to quit.

Practical implications

These findings extend the literature on CSR and demonstrate that organizations engaged in CSR activities (internal and external) can enhance citizenship behaviors among employees and thereby increase retention rates.

Originality/value

This research demonstrates the importance of CSR activities in tax-free countries, particularly, in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Since employees in GCC countries are increasingly concerned about the CSR behaviors of organizations, CSR activities can allow local organizations to signal that they are good corporate citizens. Hence, CSR could be considered as a particularly critical source of competitive advantage for businesses in the region.
Institutions, small local firms’ strategies, and global alliances in sub-Saharan Africa emerging markets
Authors: Oyedele Adesegun , Firat Fuat
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to respond to the call of international marketing professionals for more studies on strategies that firms use in response to the complexities of interacting with other institutions in the emerging markets (EMs) of sub-Saharan Africa. The key research question investigated by employing the exploratory qualitative data gathered is: What strategies and global alliances do small local firms (SLFs) in Nigeria adopt to succeed under complex market conditions?

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology employed is exploratory qualitative research. The authors conducted extended interviews to generate rich case study data from the top management of the selected SLFs in Nigeria. The interview data were assessed using open, axial and selective coding to uncover macro-narratives that guide SLFs’ strategies and global alliances.

Findings

The macro-narratives derived from the qualitative case analysis reveal a theoretical framework centered on three major elements of competitive strategies in Nigeria: build global capacity and strategic alliances from the get-go; develop local strategic alliances; master matching alliance partners’ needs to create innovative payment plans and, when necessary, shift the transaction cost burden to alliance partners. Matching theory rather than traditional network theories is better at explicating SLFs’ alliances in Nigeria. Implementation of these strategies requires flexible strategic initiatives.

Originality/value

The study adapts institutional interaction theory, network theory, matching alliance perspective, trade credit theories and the literature on small firms’ strategies in EMs to explicate successful small local firm strategies and global alliances under complex market conditions in Nigeria. The recognition that SLFs regularly migrate and shift the burden of transactions’ cost to multiple stakeholders in the supply network by matching customers and supplier needs is important. The discovery of matching theory in explicating SLFs’ global alliances in Nigeria is unique to this study.
Deconstructing heritage: enabling a dynamic materials practice
Authors: McCarthy Tina M. , Glekas Eleni Evdokia
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address a gap in current heritage practice within the USA, as defined by the US Secretary of Interior’s Standards, which offers no treatment for a building entering the end of its lifecycle.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on research conducted for “Deconstructing the Culture of Demolition,” Master of Design Studies thesis completed in 2018, this paper seeks to better understand how deconstruction industry practice could be changed by the inclusion of heritage values through a case study of the sustainability non-profit Emergent Structures of Savanah, Georgia.

Findings

The benefits of replacing demolition with deconstruction extend beyond the preservation of materials alone. Applying critical heritage theories to deconstruction practice addresses challenging issues in the discipline, such as mutability of heritage objects and equity in heritage practice. Deconstruction redefines the concept of death in the built environment, harnessing its energy to serve the heritage goals of memory, revival and sustainable community development.

Practical implications

The findings are based on real-world practice, linking heritage methodology to deconstruction practice. These examples will be useful to preservation professionals who deal with demolition in the course of their work, to rethink the idea of waste and value in heritage practice.

Originality/value

This paper explores best practices in promoting heritage value and community engagement through deconstruction. This insight will promote interdisciplinary communication around historic materials and their treatment, which remains unexplored in both deconstruction and heritage research.
Shared leadership in a medical division of an academic hospital
Authors: Cogen Fran Ellen , Vaidyanathan Priya
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a successful model of shared medical leadership within an academic division of an urban children’s hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

Experience and outcomes were tracked over a three-year period during which two physicians shared the role of interim division chief of pediatric endocrinology and diabetes, resulting in a working model of shared leadership.

Findings

An evolutionary trajectory occurred over three years in which the strengths of the leaders were combined to optimize decision making in a complex medical division. Improvements in team satisfaction and additional positive outcomes were achieved.

Practical implications

Benefits of and challenges tackled by the strategic approach to shared leadership are identified to inform other medical institutions, particularly those with many team members or combined programs that include strong clinical and research components.

Originality/value

Little has been written within medical literature regarding shared leadership. The shared leadership model described in this paper can be implemented by others in a complex academic setting and will hopefully lead to more robust divisions.
Limited pharmaceuticalisation: a qualitative case study of physiotherapist prescribing practices in an NHS Trust in England following the expansion of non‐medical prescribing in the UK
Authors: Wilson Nicky , Pope Catherine , Roberts Lisa , Crouch Robert
Published: December 2019

Over the last quarter century, non‐medical prescribing in the UK has grown significantly; eight non‐medical professional groups now have authority to prescribe a wide range of medicines, suggesting it could be a potent driver of pharmaceuticalisation. In this article, we present data from a case study of physiotherapists’ prescribing practices. UK physiotherapists have had legal rights to prescribe medicines since 2005, but relatively little is known about the contribution they make to expanding patient access to medicines. We approached our study through a lens of governmentality to capture the mentalities and micro‐practices governing physiotherapist non‐medical prescribing. Ethnographic methods were used to gather data from an outpatient orthopaedic service in an NHS Trust in England employing physiotherapist prescribers. From the data, we identified a grid of intelligibility – an organising framework formulated by powerful discourses and technologies of government through which physiotherapist prescribing was acted into being. A primary effect of this grid was the constitution of new physiotherapist subjectivities, mostly as non‐prescribers of medicines contrary to policy intentions, underpinned by a familiar and enduring template of medical professionalism.
The first report on the characterization of a virus isolated from Allomyrina dichotoma in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Kwak Kyu‐Won , Choi Hong‐Soo , Nam Sung‐Hee , Han Myung‐Sae , Kim Eunsun , Park Kwanho , Lee Heui‐Sam
Published: December 2019

This report reveals the structure of a virus extracted from the Korean horn beetle Allomyrina dichotoma. The purified virus particle was 100% identical to Allomyrina virus lef‐8 sequence registered as KM_233709.1. The structure of this virus was confirmed to be closely related to that of the Nudiviridae family, and it was rod shaped and enveloped, and observed to be of approximately the mean length of a single viral nucleocapsid of 200–210 nm and mean diameter of 100–110 nm. These results provide an insight into the structural characteristics of the Nudiviridae family that can be used for nudiviral identification.
Long noncoding RNA MALAT1 as a candidate serological biomarker for the diagnosis of non‐small cell lung cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Pan Jie , Bian Yuan , Cao Zhuo , Lei Limei , Pan Jiongwei , Huang Jinwei , Cai Xiaoping , Lan Xiang , Zheng Hao
Published: December 2019

Background

To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of long noncoding RNA metastasis‐associated in lung adenocarcinoma transcript l (MALAT1) as a candidate serological biomarker for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Diagnostic studies relevant to circulation long noncoding RNA MALAT1 as a candidate serological biomarker for NSCLC were electronically systematically searched in PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCO and CNKI databases. Suitable studies were included in the meta‐analysis by pooling the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (+LR), negative likelihood ratio (−LR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and area under the symmetric ROC curve (AUC) through a random or fixed effects model. Deeks' funnel plot was applied for publication bias evaluation.

Results

Six studies with eight datasets were finally included in the meta‐analysis after a systematic search of the databases was performed. The pooled diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, +LR, −LR and DOR were 0.81 (95% CI:0.78–0.84), 0.67 (95% CI:0.63–0.71), 2.61 (95% CI:1.81–3.71), 0.28 (95% CI:0.19–0.43) and 13.73 (95% CI:6.19–30.44), respectively. The pooled area under the ROC curve (AUC) were 0.8663 and 0.8658, respectively by symmetric and asymmetric methods.

Conclusion

Based on the results of our study, serum long noncoding RNA MALAT1 is a promising biomarker for NSCLC screening. However, due to its low specificity, MALAT1 positive cases need further validation for NSCLC by other diagnostic methods such as radiology, cytology, etc.