bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-linear approach to Random Walk Test in selected African countries
Authors: Abakah Emmanuel Joel Aikins , Alagidede Paul , Mensah Lord , Ohene-Asare Kwaku
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the weak form efficiency of five African stock markets (South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana and Mauritius) using various tests to assess the impact of non-linearity effect and thin trading which are prevalent in African markets on market efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The weekly returns of S&P/IFC return indices for five African countries over the period 2000-2013 were obtained from DataStream and analyzed. The study adopted the newly developed Non-Linear Fourier unit root test advanced by Enders and Lee (2004, 2009) which allows for an unknown number of structural breaks with unknown functional forms and non-linearity in data generating process of stock prices series to test the Random Walk Hypothesis (RWH) for the five markets, and an augment regression model.

Findings

In light of the empirical evidence the author(s) using Non-linear Fourier Unit Root Test only fail to reject the RWH for South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt leading to the conclusion that these markets follow the RWH and weak-form efficient whilst Ghana and Mauritius are weak-form inefficient. Besides, evaluating non-linear models without adjusting for thin trading effect shows that, South Africa and Ghana markets are weak-form efficient while Nigeria, Egypt and Mauritius are not. However, after accounting for thin trading effect, the author(s) find that South Africa and Egypt markets follow the RWH. The findings imply that market efficiency results depend on the methodology used.

Originality/value

This paper provides further evidence on stock market efficiency in emerging markets. The finding suggests that thin trading and non-linearity effect influences markets efficiency tests in African stock markets. Thus, recent structural adjustment and liberalization policies have not enhanced stock market operations in Africa. This paper therefore has implications for policy makers and international investors.
The “Pearl of the Orient” as a dark tourism destination in Malaysia
Authors: Tan Geraldine Anne , Lim Sonia
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential of Penang in being a dark tourism destination in Malaysia with the influence of urban tourism development.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review was conducted to serve as a foundation by highlighting the number of dark tourism studies conducted in Southeast Asia (SEA).

Findings

The results projected a total of 23 dark tourism studies conducted within the SEA region. These papers revolve around the following key themes that were conducted in these countries: tourists’ behaviour (motivation, satisfaction and experience), nation building and narratives, dark tourism development (management, marketing and implications), theoretical underpinnings and the role of dark tourism. Amongst these, it was found that tourists’ behaviour is the most studied with eight papers while the least is on nation building and theoretical underpinnings of dark tourism with three papers each.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of dark tourism studies in SEA results in insufficient existing literature which justifies the need of exploring Penang as a potential dark tourism destination.

Originality/value

This paper builds on prior dark tourism studies that are significantly related to urban tourism but takes a step further by exploring the Asian settings. Specifically, into Malaysia which is more than just an SEA country, but a multicultural one which is rich and diverse with its culture and heritage that leads to many unique tourists’ destinations. This paper extends the geographical scope of the dark tourism literature as it focuses on Penang in Malaysia.
Cost-sharing models for green product production and marketing in a food supply chain
Authors: Zhu Qinghua , Li Xiaoying , Zhao Senlin
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the coordination mechanism of cost sharing for green food production and marketing between a food producer and a supplier who both contribute to the sales of green food.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first develops demand functions for both a food supplier and a producer, considering their influence on green degree of food and associated consumers’ acceptances. Then, cost-sharing contracts-based game models are proposed. At last, regarding to optimal supply chain profits and green performance, the proposed contracts and the non-coordination situation are compared and tested by a real case.

Findings

When green cost is only shared by one side, the cost-sharing contracts cannot optimally coordinate the food supply chain, but it can improve profits for both the supplier and producer. When consumers’ sensitivity to the green degree of food increases, a mutual cost-sharing contract will bring more profits for both the supplier and producer than those under the non-coordination mode in a decentralized supply chain situation. A real case verifies the conclusions.

Research limitations/implications

The models are in complete information, and the market demand is assumed to be linear to sales price. Mutual cost sharing is only for material processing and food production, which can be extended to include sharing for sales cost. Coordination ideas on the proposed contracts development and solutions for optimal decisions can be applied in the other industries.

Practical implications

The study shows that coordination between a supplier and a producer is needed to improve the food supply chain’s green performance.

Originality/value

This paper first extends the existing profit functions by considering the green efforts of both a supplier and a producer as well as their effects on green degree of products and consumers’ acceptances to the green degree.
A factor-identifying study of the user-perceived value of collective intelligence based on online social networks
Authors: Weng Sung-Shun , Yang Ming-Hsien , Hsiao Pei-I
Published: April 2018

Purpose

An important issue for researchers and managers of organizations is the understanding of user-perceived values of collective intelligence (UPVoCI) in online social networks (OSNs) with the purpose of helping organizations identify the values that cause internet users and members of OSNs to share information and knowledge during they participate in collective intelligence (co-intelligence) activities. However, the development of measurement instruments and predictive models and rules for predicting UPVoCI are inadequate. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel measurement scale was developed to measure UPVoCI using a user-oriented research strategy that is based on qualitative and quantitative research methods. This work also identified critical indicators and constructed predictive models and rules for forecasting UPVoCI by multivariate statistical methods and data mining.

Findings

A 17-item scale of UPVoCI was developed and 17 measurement items were associated with two major dimensions, which are the user-perceived social value of co-intelligence and the user-perceived problem-solving value of co-intelligence. Ten critical indicators of UPVoCI that are important in predicting UPVoCI and 12 rules for predicting UPVoCI were identified and a refined model for predicting UPVoCI was constructed.

Research limitations/implications

The results in this work allow organizations to determine the perceived value of members of OSNs and the benefits of their participating in co-intelligence activities, as a basis for adjusting user-oriented online co-intelligence and service strategies with the goal of improving collaborative innovation performance.

Originality/value

This work systematically developed a novel scale for measuring UPVoCI in OSNs and constructed new models and rules for predicting UPVoCI in OSNs.
Understanding knowledge management phenomena in virtual communities from a goal-directed approach
Authors: Chou Shih-Wei , Hsu Chia-Shiang , Shiau Jiun-Yan , Huang Ming-Kung , Chou Yi
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the formation of knowledge management (KM) decisions, including intention for knowledge contribution and knowledge exploration. The authors build on the goal-directed model and a trust-based lens to develop a belief-trust-decision framework. The authors theorize belief as individual factors (one’s virtual skill) and environmental factors (cooperative norms, familiarity), and trust as emotional trust and cognitive trust. Individual factors represent one’s virtual skill to control knowledge exchange, while environmental factors reflect the level of support/control for this exchange by the context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a survey method to collect data and partial least squares to analyze them.

Findings

The authors found that KM decision is affected by two types of trust, directly or indirectly. They are, in turn, influenced by individual factors and environmental factors.

Research limitations/implications

Generalizability of the findings to virtual communities with different collaboration protocol deserves further investigation. This study contributes to the research on KM and social behavior by providing a comprehensive explanation on KM decision through one’s goal achievement in knowledge exchange behavior, in terms of trust development. Besides, the authors theorize one’s belief on knowledge exchange as skill-control and context-control to represent the drivers for trust.

Practical implications

The results provide suggestion for managers regarding how skill-control and context-control should be managed to improve trust development, which serves as goal achievement for KM decisions.

Originality/value

The authors extend prior work by yielding a new insight into how and why one’s beliefs on skill-control and context-control for knowledge exchange are transferred into KM decision through one’s goal achievement, characterized as trust development at both emotional and cognitive levels.
Analyzing key influences of tourists’ acceptance of online reviews in travel decisions
Authors: Chong Alain Yee Loong , Khong Kok Wei , Ma Teng , McCabe Scott , Wang Yi
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine what influence travelers’ adoption of online reviews, and whether the online reviews will influence their travel planning decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 193 respondents from eWOM websites and analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results revealed that eWOM has a significant influence on travel decisions. Furthermore, travelers were willing to adopt information from eWOM and this information was useful in their travel planning and decisions. Gender and time spent on online reviews were found to affect travel planning and decisions. Travelers also found that the reviews and issues raised in eWOM had credibility and were of good quality.

Research limitations/implications

The study was not able to incorporate all factors which may be relevant to this study and so further theoretical development may be necessary to develop the conceptual model. The sample size, while adequate, can be expanded further.

Practical implications

Operators and administrators of eWOM can use these findings to develop more user-friendly interfaces so that more positive reviews and sales can be generated.

Social implications

The results showed that travelers who adopt the information in eWOM will, in turn, use eWOM in their travel planning. This confirms the importance of eWOM and travelers in general will translate their pre-travel decisions into actual travel planning.

Originality/value

This research extended existing eWOM and information system adoption studies and focused on the travel planning context. This research validated the significant roles of eWOM argument quality and credibility in predicting the information usefulness of eWOM.
Empathy or perceived credibility? An empirical study on individual donation behavior in charitable crowdfunding
Authors: Liu Lili , Suh Ayoung , Wagner Christian
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Researchers have called for the synthesis of divergent perspectives and the development of a theoretical model that examines individuals’ donation behavior in charitable crowdfunding. To fill this research gap, the purpose of this paper is to synthesize the literature pertaining to the determinants of donation behavior in charitable crowdfunding. Then, drawing on the stimulus-organism-response framework, the authors develop and test a model that explains individuals’ intention to donate to charitable crowdfunding.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows a quantitative research approach. An online survey was distributed to collect data from individuals who had experienced charitable crowdfunding. In total, 205 valid responses were received and analyzed.

Findings

First, this study finds that individuals’ empathy and the perceived credibility of a charitable crowdfunding project are key determinants for their intention to donate in charitable crowdfunding. Second, the study finds that website quality, transaction convenience, and project content quality influence both empathy and perceived credibility in different ways. Third, it is noteworthy that initiator reputation is positively related to perceived credibility, while project popularity is positively associated with empathy.

Originality/value

This research advances the knowledge of individual donation behavior in charitable crowdfunding. The model can help researchers understand individuals’ philanthropic behavior by providing empirical explanations of the interplay between technological and project characteristics, emotional and cognitive states, and individuals’ donation behavior. For practitioners, the research suggests appropriate design, launch, and operation strategies to facilitate individuals’ donation behavior in charitable crowdfunding.
The role of the AFA coefficient as a new criterion in the long-run liaison between corporate liquidity and bank credit
Authors: Acikgoz Ali Faruk , Apak Sudi , Apergis Nicholas , Uzunoglu Sadi
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the absence of a direct criterion for the ideal level of net working capital (NWC) for which Acikgoz (2014) theoretically demonstrates that this NWC can be treated in a manner that allows the assessment of repayments. The study presents and discusses a new multiplier (i.e. the afa coefficient), defined as the ratio of cash equivalents ratio to NWC, measured as the percentage of short-term liabilities (Acikgoz, 2014). In other words, the study explores whether NWC could be an indicator of the ratios of corporate short-term bank credit to STL and of bank credit to total assets.

Design/methodology/approach

Sectoral panel regressions are used in the case of Turkey, spanning the period 1996-2013, on data obtained from the Central Bank of Turkey. Through second-generation panel unit root tests for cross-section dependence and panel cointegration methodologies, the results illustrate the statistical significance of the CD statistics, indicating the presence of cross dependence, the presence of non-stationary variables and the presence of a long-run association for the variables under study.

Findings

The findings document that a transformed variable of NWC is more substantive than the explicatory quality of the current ratio and may potentially be used in the prediction of bank credit in corporate liabilities.

Originality/value

The afa coefficient shows the ratio of liquid assets to NWC as a percentage of STL. The results illustrate that this coefficient plays a significant role for corporate bank credit usage in the case of the Turkish sectoral analysis.
Earnings management and corporate social responsibility: UK evidence
Authors: Almahrog Yousf , Ali Aribi Zakaria , Arun Thankom
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The paper aims to re-interpret the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in limiting the extreme practices in earnings management (EM) by using evidence from large UK companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has used content analysis and disclosure index to measure the level of CSR. The authors measured EM based on discretionary accruals by using cross-sectional version of the modified Jones model.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that companies with a higher commitment to CSR activities are less likely to manage earnings through accruals.

Originality/value

This study shed more light on the potential impact of CSR on earnings management in the context of the UK. Prior research on the impact of CSR on earnings management has used exclusively CSR scores, provided by CSR score indices. The manual measurement used in this study for CSR (disclosure index/content analysis) is considered to provide a more detailed and precise measure.
Assessing and ranking HALMAS parks in Malaysia
Authors: Islam Rafikul , Madkouri Fatima El
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to measure the level of importance and satisfaction on a number of items in the day-to-day running of the halal parks in Malaysia and to rank a selected halal parks on the basis of a number of performance criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

An importance-performance analysis (IPA) approach was adopted to focus on the areas requiring remedial actions for the halal parks. Further, the HALMAS (the accredited halal parks) parks ranking criteria have been identified and the absolute measurement process of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) has been applied to complete the ranking exercise.

Findings

IPA surfaced 16 items that require remedial actions for successful operations of HALMAS parks; these are related to infrastructure, facilities, logistics, local support authorities and the role of halal develop corporation. On the other hand, there were seven criteria to rank the HALMAS parks.

Research limitations/implications

Because of limited availability of data, the researchers could not rank all the 13 HALMAS parks in Malaysia rather only eight parks were evaluated.

Practical implications

The findings of the research were presented before the management of the parks and they shared their views that the findings gave them the clear road map of implementing improvement activities that will bring higher effectiveness in running the parks.

Originality/value

This is the pioneering attempt to rank HALMAS parks in Malaysia by applying a scientific method such as AHP. The type of application of a hybrid method (IPA and AHP) that is presented in the paper can also be extended to similar situations.
Job creation through income generation: an evaluation of Re-Cover, a decorating project developed with forensic mental health service users
Authors: McDonald Sarah , Bertram Mark
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and describe the effectiveness, achievements and challenges of a job creation project that was developed with people in contact with forensic mental health services.

Design/methodology/approach

This evaluation (case study) used a mixed methods approach: a range of quantitative and qualitative data were gathered, analysed and interpreted.

Findings

There were economic and health benefits. The income generation was sufficient to fund a large chunk of the projects operating costs. Service users reported improvements in mental health, wellbeing, confidence, skill development and earning capacity.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size was too small to be generalised and no validated measures were used. Further research is required into the long-term benefits of job creation in mental health services and providing a continuum of employment support.

Practical implications

A range of commercial activity can form the basis for job creation and work training projects in mental health services. Substantial operating costs can be generated, to re-invest in job creation/enterprises.

Social implications

Social value can be enhanced within NHS public sector procurement procedures. Agreement between a range of internal NHS departments is necessary: finance, commercial, estates and facilities, and procurement.

Originality/value

Public sector procurement has the potential to act as a catalyst to support the inclusion agenda by funding commercial activity that job creation projects can undertake.
Does state fragility matter for foreign direct investment? Evidence from Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries
Authors: Dimitrova Anna , Triki Dora
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Following the Arab Spring turmoil, Middle East and North African (MENA) countries’ overall instability has significantly increased which resulted in the decrease of foreign direct investment (FDI) flows. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the research on determinants of FDI inflows to the MENA region by examining the relationship between state fragility and FDI.

Design/methodology/approach

A panel data analysis was conducted to study the impact of Fragile States Index (FSI) and its components, namely economic, social and political/military state fragility, on FDI inflows to seven MENA countries situated in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean (SEMED) region over the period 2006-2016.

Findings

The results show that the increase of political state fragility deters FDI inflows to SEMED countries. By contrast, their economic and social state fragilities are insignificant for FDI. This could be explained by the fact that investors are usually attracted by government stability and a strong investment profile.

Research limitations/implications

Given the fact that previous research has not yet validated FSI as a new FDI determinant, the results should be interpreted with some caution. It may also be worth examining the impact of FSI on FDI by industry sector in future studies.

Practical implications

The results reveal that FSI could help MNEs investing in the MENA region assess and better manage the economic, social and political/military risks they face.

Originality/value

This study introduces a new FDI determinant and stresses the importance of state fragility in attracting FDI.
Do remote employees prefer different types of appreciation than employees in face-to-face settings?
Authors: White Paul
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The proportion of remote workers in America continues to increase every year. Research has demonstrated that feeling appreciated in the workplace increases employee engagement, reduces turnover and increases profitability. The current study aims to determine if remote workers differ in the manner they prefer to be shown appreciation.

Design/methodology/approach

From 2014 to 2018, workers completed the Motivating By Appreciation Inventory (White, 2011a), opting for either the general version designed for face-to-face work settings (N = 86,393) or the version designed for long-distance work relationships (N = 2,640).

Findings

Employees in a long-distance work relationship chose quality time (“hanging out” with coworkers, working together on a project, someone taking time to listen to them) as their preferred means to be shown appreciation more frequently (35 per cent) than workers on site (25 per cent). Words of affirmation (oral or written praise) remain high for both groups, but the long-distance group did not value it as much (long-distance: 38 per cent, general: 48 per cent).

Practical implications

The results suggest that supervisors and staff members working in long-distance work relationships must be more proactive than in face-to-face relationships to incorporate meaningful interactions that speak to long-distance colleagues.

Originality/value

This is the first study to assess the differences in preferred ways to be shown appreciation in the workplace with respect to long-distance vs face-to-face work environments.
Turning expatriates’ cultural intelligence into strategic advantage
Authors: O’Byrne Aideen
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the importance of cultural intelligence for expatriates and offer several recommendations for human resources professionals to help enhance expatriates’ performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a review of relevant literature and in-depth interviews with 12 experienced expatriates who had collectively completed 39 assignments across 26 different host countries. The participants represent ten ethnicities and seven industries.

Findings

The expatriates used all four types of cultural intelligence while on assignment and found those to be critical for their success.

Practical implications

Human resources professionals are advised to actively screen for cultural intelligence when selecting expatriates for assignment; develop expatriates’ cultural intelligence in a holistic, ongoing manner; and involve external professionals as needed to support expatriates’ success.

Originality/value

Much of the past research on intercultural adaptation and cultural intelligence has been quantitative in nature and based on student populations. This paper provides detailed insights in the participants’ own words regarding the way cultural intelligence promotes intercultural adaptation and success on assignment.
Metrics of the glass ceiling at the intersection of race and gender
Authors: Gee Buck , Peck Denise
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the composition of the executive pipeline in the San Francisco Bay Area technology sector and measure the effects of race and gender in management and executive representation. The authors’ report spotlights the evolving challenges for Asians, Blacks, Hispanics and minority women in climbing the professional ladder to success in San Francisco Bay Area technology companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze the aggregate EEOC tech workforce 2007-2015 data and find scant progress in improving upward management mobility for minority men and women.

Findings

Race was a more significant factor than gender as an impediment to climbing the management ladder. Asians were the most likely to be hired but least likely to be promoted. Blacks and the Hispanics had declined in their representation of the professional workforce.

Originality/value

Using historical data sets from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the authors introduce a new metric, the Executive Parity Index™, to measure the effects of gender and race on executive representation in the San Francisco Bay Area workforce in technology sectors. By analyzing the intersection of race, gender in the leadership pipeline, the authors are able to uncover new and surprising insights about the glass ceiling for racial minority groups from 2007-2015.
Training challenges in regulated industries: making it work
Authors: Götze Stefanie , Jeske Debora , Benters Karolina
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Trainers and organisations in heavily regulated industries face a number of training-related HR challenges. The purpose of this paper is to examine barriers and propose solutions in such circumstances.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper briefly outlines the results of a case study involving multi-method data collection (interview, survey, focus groups, etc.) to explore barriers to training effectiveness in a pharmaceutical company in Germany.

Findings

The case study suggests that the company in question experienced several time and resource pressures to accommodate internally and externally required training needs. Other issues pertained to negative effects of these circumstances on employee motivation, engagement and relevance of training.

Practical implications

Based on the case study and existing work, a number of general practical recommendations are outlined for trainers working in regulated industries. These include suggestions such as the need for situation awareness in the design of the training strategy, co-creation in training, the benefit of linking training to reward systems, training accreditation and the benefit of reviewing existing training approaches in the regulated industry.

Originality/value

The paper provides one starting point for those leading and managing training activities in regulated industry settings to manage the internal and external training challenges.
Eco-innovation typology for incubators
Authors: Carvalho Andriele De Prá , Zarelli Paula Regina , Dalarosa Bruna Madey
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand a typology of eco-innovation that best characterizes an innovation incubator, with the aim of strengthening the management of this habitat to leverage the development of new eco-innovation technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The typologies of 22 studies identified in the Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo and Science Direct databases were analyzed through a theoretical and descriptive study and method of systematic literature review. In the typologies analyzed, none were found that fit directly into the environment of an innovation incubator.

Findings

The most detailed typology, by Fernando et al. (2015), is characterized as a type of eco-innovation developed in a specific market, but it does not address the characteristics of this innovation habitat, which is the incubator.

Practical implications

Thus, based on the typologies presented, this paper demonstrates the construction of an instrument that contemplates the authors analyzed, with emphasis on its application in incubators.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates the construction of an instrument that contemplates the authors analyzed, with emphasis on the application in incubators.
Political Economy of Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers: The Rural‐Urban Dynamics in Ghana
Authors: Fumey Abel , Egwaikhide Festus O.
Published: April 2018

This study examined the political economy dimension of fiscal transfers from the national government to district assemblies based on the formula distribution policy created under Ghana's 1992 Constitutional democracy. The two‐step system GMM for dynamic linear panel analysis was estimated from locational perspectives of rural and urban in relation to political swing and aligned districts. Data on annual District Assemblies Common Fund transfers and election results were used for the analyses from 1994 to 2014 covering 167 assemblies. From the results, average transfers to each district was Gh 6.28 million but it increased by 3.5 per cent in politically aligned rural districts and by 6.4 per cent in urban swing districts. During election years, the increases were even higher, precisely 5 per cent and 10 per cent for rural aligned and urban swing districts, respectively. These suggested that the government generally targets more urban swing voters than rural aligned voters. The allocation formula was influenced by political factors, as election years tended to be associated with higher transfers. The swing effects dominated the sharing mechanism. Therefore, to reduce political influence on the allocation formula, an independent body should be established to make recommendations directly to parliament. This should dampen the political influence of incumbent governments on the allocations.
Monnaie unique et intégration par le marché en Afrique: le cas de la CEEAC et de la CEDEAO
Authors: Mignamissi Dieudonné
Published: April 2018

L'objectif de cet article est d'évaluer, à la lumière de la théorie endogène des zones monétaires optimales, l'effet potentiel de la monnaie unique sur le commerce bilatéral dans deux Communautés Économiques Régionales africaines (la Communauté Économique des États de l'Afrique Centrale et de la Communauté Économique des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest). L'évaluation est faite à partir d'un modèle de gravité augmenté, estimé selon la méthode du Pseudo‐Maximum de Vraisemblance. Au terme des analyses, nous parvenons au principal résultat selon lequel l'effet potentiel de la monnaie unique sur le commerce bilatéral est positif et significatif, mais il diffère selon les Communautés, à cause des caractéristiques des pays membres. Ce résultat invite les responsables politiques des Communautés Économiques Régionales africaines à accélérer les étapes du calendrier d'Abuja, dans l'optique de mettre sur pied une monnaie unique africaine dans un délai raisonnable.
Pazopanib‐induced crystal deposition in intestinal mucosa in a patient with retroperitoneal liposarcoma
Authors: Horie Shigemitsu , Nishida Hayato , Sakurai Toshihiko , Ichiyanagi Osamu , Kato Tomoyuki , Yagi Makoto , Kabasawa Takanobu , Asai Teigo , Tsuchiya Norihiko
Published: April 2018

Pazopanib was administered to a 44‐year‐old man with local recurrence of retroperitoneal liposarcoma. Computed tomography showed an intestinal edema, which gradually progressed 15 months after pazopanib administration although he had no clinical symptoms. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy implicated marked edematous hypertrophy of the Kerkling's fold. Pathological findings showed crystal deposition and fat accumulation, without a malignant component. All these abnormal findings resolved after pazopanib discontinuation.
Outbursts: An Evolutionary Approach to Emotions in the Mediation Context
Authors: Williams Keelah E. G. , Hinshaw Art
Published: April 2018

Evolutionary psychology offers a powerful framework for understanding the ultimate function of emotions, and that understanding can be applied usefully in the mediation context. In this article, we first introduce the relevant theoretical foundational assumptions of the evolutionary approach to emotions and then use anger and gratitude to illustrate the evolved functions and effects of emotions on cognition and behavior before exploring specific implications for mediation. We also discuss mediator strategies for leveraging anger and gratitude, as well as the potential for future research applying an evolutionary approach to understanding emotions in mediation.
Simplex based three-dimensional eigenray search for underwater predictions
Authors: de Moraes Calazan Rogério , Rodríguez Orlando Camargo
Published: April 2018

A solution for the calculation of three-dimensional (3D) eigenrays based on Simplex optimization, implemented in a 3D Gaussian beam model, is investigated in this paper. The validation and performance of the solution were analyzed through comparisons against an equivalent (flat) two-dimensional waveguide, and against results of a tank scale experiment presented in Sturm and Korakas [(2013). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 133(1), 108–118], in which cross-slope propagation in a wedge waveguide with a mild slope was considered. It was found that the search strategy based on Simplex optimization was able to calculate efficiently and accurately 3D eigenrays, thus providing predictions of arrival patterns along cross-slope range, which replicated elaborate patterns of mode shadow zones, intra-mode interference, and mode arrivals. A remarkable aspect of the search strategy was its ability to provide accurate values of initial eigenray elevation and azimuth, within the accuracy defined for the eigenray to arrive at the location of a given hydrophone.
Mechanisms of Performance Improvements Due to a Leading Teammate During Uphill Cycling
Authors: Ouvrard Theo , Groslambert Alain , Ravier Gilles , Grosprêtre Sidney , Gimenez Philippe , Grappe Frederic
Published: April 2018

Purpose: To identify the impact of a leading teammate in front of a cyclist on psychological, physiological, biomechanical, and performance parameters during an uphill maximal effort. Methods: After familiarization, 12 well-trained competitive cyclists completed 2 uphill time trials (UTTs, 2.7 km at 7.4%) in randomized order; that is, 1 performed alone (control condition) and 1 followed a simulated teammate during the entire UTT (leader condition). Performance (UTT time) and mean power output (PO) were recorded for each UTT. For physiological parameters, mean heart rate and postexercise blood lactate concentration were recorded. Psychological parameters (rating of perceived exertion, pleasure, and attentional focus) were collected at the end of each trial. Results: Performance (UTT time) significantly improved by 4.2% (3.1%) in the leader condition, mainly due to drafting decrease of the aerodynamic drag (58% of total performance gains) and higher end spurt (+9.1% [9.1%] of mean PO in the last 10% of the UTT). However, heart rate and postexercise blood lactate concentration were not significantly different between conditions. From a psychological aspect, higher pleasure was observed in the leader condition (+41.1% [51.7%]), but attentional focus was not significantly different. Conclusions: The presence of a leading teammate during uphill cycling had a strong impact on performance, enabling higher speed for the same mean PO and greater end spurt. These results explain why the best teams competing for the general classification of the most prestigious and contested races like the Grand Tours tend to always protect their leader with teammates during decisive ascents.
Roller Massage: A Descriptive Survey of Allied Health Professionals
Authors: Cheatham Scott W.
Published: April 2018

Background:In sports medicine, the interprofessional care of athletes has become a frequent practice. This type of care often involves different interventions used among professionals. One common intervention prescribed is roller massage (RM) or self-myofascial release. The trends in the use of RM among allied health professionals are nonexistent. The surveillance of such responses has not been documented.Purpose:To survey and document responses in the knowledge, clinical application, and use of RM devices among allied health professionals in the United States.Design:Cross-sectional descriptive survey study.Methods:A 20-question survey was sent to allied health professionals including physical therapists, athletic trainers, and fitness professionals. The survey covered topics such as demographics, beliefs about RM, preferred devices, exercise prescription, and client education.Results:One thousand and forty-two professionals (N = 1042) completed the survey. Most respondents believed that RM decreases pain (82%) and increases mobility (76%). A high percentage use a foam roller in their practice (81%), recommend a full-size foam roller (49%), and believe the medium density (48%) is the most effective. A high proportion of respondents prescribe RM for injury treatment (69%) and for preexercise and postexercise (61%). They also recommend rolling daily for 30 seconds to 2 minutes per muscle group (33%) at a self-paced cadence (46%). A high percentage of respondents use patient-reported outcomes (74%), joint range of motion (49%), and movement-based testing (48%) to measure effects of RM. Eighty-seven percent use live instruction to educate clients, and 88% believe there is a gap in the research.Conclusion:The results of this survey document responses in the use of RM among allied health professionals. The reported responses provide insight into how professionals are using RM as an intervention and the potential gaps between the research and professional practice. Future studies are needed to further validate these findings.
Accelerating Early Antituberculosis Drug Discovery by Creating Mycobacterial Indicator Strains That Predict Mode of Action
Authors: Boot Maikel , Commandeur Susanna , Subudhi Amit K. , Bahira Meriem , Smith Trever C. , Abdallah Abdallah M. , van Gemert Mae , Lelièvre Joël , Ballell Lluís , Aldridge Bree B. , Pain Arnab , Speer Alexander , Bitter Wilbert
Published: April 2018

Due to the rise of drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis, there is an urgent need for novel antibiotics to effectively combat these cases and shorten treatment regimens. Recently, drug screens using whole-cell analyses have been shown to be successful. However, current high-throughput screens focus mostly on
stricto sensu
life/death screening that give little qualitative information. In doing so, promising compound scaffolds or nonoptimized compounds that fail to reach inhibitory concentrations are missed. To accelerate early tuberculosis (TB) drug discovery, we performed RNA sequencing on
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
and
Mycobacterium marinum
to map the stress responses that follow upon exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics with known targets, ciprofloxacin, ethambutol, isoniazid, streptomycin, and rifampin. The resulting data set comprises the first overview of transcriptional stress responses of mycobacteria to different antibiotics. We show that antibiotics can be distinguished based on their specific transcriptional stress fingerprint. Notably, this fingerprint was more distinctive in
M. marinum
. We decided to use this to our advantage and continue with this model organism. A selection of diverse antibiotic stress genes was used to construct stress reporters. In total, three functional reporters were constructed to respond to DNA damage, cell wall damage, and ribosomal inhibition. Subsequently, these reporter strains were used to screen a small anti-TB compound library to predict the mode of action. In doing so, we identified the putative modes of action for three novel compounds, which confirms the utility of our approach.
Osteopontin Regulates Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Replication and Assembly by Interacting with HCV Proteins and Lipid Droplets and by Binding to Receptors αVβ3 and CD44
Authors: Iqbal Jawed , Sarkar-Dutta Mehuli , McRae Steven , Ramachandran Akshaya , Kumar Binod , Waris Gulam
Published: April 2018

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication and assembly occur at the specialized site of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes and lipid droplets (LDs), respectively. Recently, several host proteins have been shown to be involved in HCV replication and assembly. In the present study, we demonstrated the important relationship among osteopontin (OPN), the ER, and LDs. OPN is a secreted phosphoprotein, and overexpression of OPN in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue can lead to invasion and metastasis. OPN expression is also enhanced in HCV-associated HCC. Our recent studies have demonstrated the induction, proteolytic cleavage, and secretion of OPN in response to HCV infection. We also defined the critical role of secreted OPN in human hepatoma cell migration and invasion through binding to receptors integrin αVβ3 and CD44. However, the role of HCV-induced OPN in the HCV life cycle has not been elucidated. In this study, we showed a significant reduction in HCV replication, assembly, and infectivity in HCV-infected cells transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) against OPN, αVβ3, and CD44. We also observed the association of endogenous OPN with HCV proteins (NS3, NS5A, NS4A/B, NS5B, and core). Confocal microscopy revealed the colocalization of OPN with HCV NS5A and core in the ER and LDs, indicating a possible role for OPN in HCV replication and assembly. Interestingly, the secreted OPN activated HCV replication, infectivity, and assembly through binding to αVβ3 and CD44. Collectively, these observations provide evidence that HCV-induced OPN is critical for HCV replication and assembly.

IMPORTANCE
Recently, our studies uncovered the critical role of HCV-induced endogenous and secreted OPN in migration and invasion of hepatocytes. However, the role of OPN in the HCV life cycle has not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the importance of OPN in HCV replication and assembly. We demonstrated that endogenous OPN associates with HCV NS3, NS5A, NS5B, and core proteins, which are in close proximity to the ER and LDs. Moreover, we showed that the interactions of secreted OPN with cell surface receptors αVβ3 and CD44 are critical for HCV replication and assembly. These observations provide evidence that HCV-induced endogenous and secreted OPN play pivotal roles in HCV replication and assembly in HCV-infected cells. Taken together, our findings clearly demonstrate that targeting OPN may provide opportunities for therapeutic intervention of HCV pathogenesis.
Patient preferences for nutritional supplementation to improve fracture healing: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Nichols Elizabeth , O’Hara Nathan N , Degani Yasmin , Sprague Sheila A , Adachi Jonathan D , Bhandari Mohit , Holick Michael F , Connelly Daniel W , Slobogean Gerard P
Published: April 2018

Objective

Vitamin D is often prescribed as an adjuvant therapy to aid fracture healing due to its biological role in bone health. However, the optimal frequency, dosage and duration of vitamin D supplementation for non-osteoporotic fracture healing has not been established. The objective of this study was to determine patient preferences for fracture healing relative to hypothetical vitamin D supplementation dosing options.

Design

Discrete choice experiment.

Setting

Level 1 trauma centre in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Participants

199 adult (18–60 years) patients with a fracture.

Primary outcome measures

Parameter estimates of utility for fracture healing relative to dosing regimens were analysed using hierarchical Bayesian modelling.

Results

A reduced risk of reoperation (34.3%) and reduced healing time (24.4%) were the attributes of greatest relative importance. The highest mean utility estimates were for a one-time supplementation dose (ß=0.71, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.00) followed by a reduced risk of reoperation (ß=0.41 per absolute % reduction, 95% CI 0.0.36 to 0.46). Supplementation for 24 weeks in duration (ß=−0.83, 95% CI −1.00 to −0.67) and a daily supplement (ß=−0.29, 95% CI −0.47 to −0.11) had the lowest mean utilities. The ‘no supplement’ option had a large negative value suggesting supplementation was generally desirable in this sample population. Among other possible clinical scenarios, patients expected a 2% reduction in the absolute risk of reoperation or a 3.1-week reduction in healing time from the baseline to accept a treatment regimen requiring two separate doses of supplementation, two blood tests and a cost of $20 within 3 months of injury.

Conclusions

Patients with orthopaedic trauma demonstrated strong willingness to take a vitamin D supplement that would decrease risk of reoperation and reduce healing time. Furthermore, these findings specify the required decrease in reoperation risk and reduction in healing time patients would expect to adhere to possible vitamin D dosing regimens.