bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estrogen Enhances Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells by Activating the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jiang Bin , Xu Jie , Zhou Yifei , Mao Jie , Guan Guangzhao , Xu Xiaomei , Mei Li
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

This study was designed to investigate the role of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in estrogen-enhanced osteogenic differentiation of human peridontal ligament stem cells (hPLSCs).

Methods:

The limiting dilution technique was used for cloning and purification of hPLSCs. Flow cytometric analysis of STRO-1, CD146, and CD45 was conducted to identify hPLSCs. The P3 hPDLSCs were divided into 4 groups: Control, 10−7M E2, 10−7M E2+100 ng/mL Wnt3a, 10−7M E2+5 × 10−3M Xav939. After 7 days of osteogenic induction, qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of β-catenin, CyclinD1, alkaline phosphatase, Runx2, and OCN; Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of β-catenin, GSK3β, P-GSK3β, CyclinD1, Runx2, and OCN; After 1, 3, 5, 7 days of osteogenic induction, the activity of alkaline phosphatase was detected.

Results:

The authors’ results showed that E2 was able to enhance the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was involved. Wnt3a activated the signaling pathway of Wnt/β-catenin and further enhanced the osteogenesis of hPDLSCs. Xav939 inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in estrogen-mediated environment, but did not obviously inhibit the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs.

Conclusions:

E2 enhanced osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs through the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Validation of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grading system for acute mesenteric ischemia—More than anatomic severity is needed to determine risk of mortality
Authors: Sindall Morgan E. , Davenport Daniel L. , Wallace Payden , Bernard Andrew C.
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a highly morbid disease with a diverse etiology. The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) proposed disease-specific grading scales intended to quantify severity based upon clinical, imaging, operative, and pathology findings. This grading scale has not been yet been validated for AMI. The goal of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the grading scale and complication severity.

METHODS

Patients for this single center retrospective chart review were identified using diagnosis codes for AMI (ICD10-K55.0, ICD9-557.0). Inpatients >17 years old from the years 2008 to 2015 were included. The AAST grades (1–5) were assigned after review of clinical, imaging (computed tomography), operative and pathology findings. Two raters applied the scales independently after dialog with consensus on a learning set of cases. Mortality and Clavien-Dindo complication severity were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 221 patients were analyzed. Overall grade was only weakly correlated with Clavien-Dindo complication severity (rho = 0.27) and mortality (rho = 0.21). Computed tomography, pathology, and clinical grades did not correlate with mortality or outcome severity. There was poor interrater agreement between overall grade. A mortality prediction model of operative grade, use of vasopressors, preoperative serum creatinine and lactate levels showed excellent discrimination (c-index = 0.93).

CONCLUSION

In contrast to early application of other AAST disease severity scales, the AMI grading scale as published is not well correlated with outcome severity. The AAST operative grade, in conjunction with vasopressor use, creatinine, and lactate were strong predictors of mortality.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic study, III.
Human CA1 and subiculum activity forecast stroke chronicity
Authors: Santos-Pata Diogo , Ballester Belén Rubio , Zucca Riccardo , Stefano Filho Carlos Alberto , Almeida Sara Regina , Min Li Li , Castellano Gabriela , Verschure Paul FMJ
Published: January 2020

Following a stroke, the brain undergoes a process of neuronal reorganization to compensate for structural damage and cope with functionality loss. Increases in stroke-induced neurogenesis rates in the dentate gyrus and neural migration from the hippocampus towards the affected site have been observed, suggesting that the hippocampus is involved in functionality gains and neural reorganization. Despite the observed hippocampal contributions to structural changes, the hippocampal physiology for stroke recovery has been poorly characterized. To this end, we measured resting-state whole-brain activity from non-hippocampal stroke survivors (n=13) during functional MRI scanning. Analysis of multiple hippocampal subregions revealed that the voxel activity of hippocampal readout sites (CA1 and subiculum) forecast the patient’s chronicity stage stronger than early regions of the hippocampal circuit. Furthermore, we observed hemispheric-specific contributions to chronicity forecasting, raising the hypothesis that left and right hippocampus are functionally dissociable during recovery. In addition, we suggest that in contrast with whole-brain analysis, the monitoring of segregated and specialized sub-networks after stroke potentially reveals detailed aspects of stroke recovery. Altogether, our results shed light on the contribution of the subcortical-cortical interplay for neural reorganization and highlight new avenues for stroke rehabilitation.
Background styles in systematic review articles: a cross-sectional study protocol
Authors: Kataoka Yuki , Taito Shunsuke , Yamamoto-Kataoka Sachiko , Tsujimoto Yasushi , Yamazaki Hajime , Furukawa Toshi A.
Published: January 2020

Background

The background section of a medical journal article has the important function to communicate readers the value of the research question. However, little is known about how authors describe their “niche” to emphasize the importance of their research question. This study aims to examine the methods the authors use in order to delineate their niche in systematic reviews (SR).

Methods

We will conduct a cross-sectional study. We will include Original SR articles published in top 50 journals in MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL category in Journal Citation Reports 2018. We will conduct content analysis of background sections. The primary outcome will be whether the article was published in top 10 journal or not. We will use chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis. The primary analysis will be logistic regression predicting publication in high impact journals, with covariates. Two-tailed p values will be considered statistically significant if less than 0.05. Discussion: This is the first study to investigate the influence of what to present and not present in the backgrounds section to be accepted in the highly cited journals among SR articles.
Feasibility of estimation of aortic wave intensity using non-invasive pressure recordings in the absence of flow velocity in man
Authors: Hughes A.D. , Park C. , Ramakrishnan A. , Mayet J. , Chaturvedi N. , Parker K.H.
Published: January 2020

Background

Wave intensity analysis provides valuable information on ventriculo-arterial function, hemodynamics and energy transfer in the arterial circulation. Widespread use of wave intensity analysis is limited by the need for concurrent measurement of pressure and flow waveforms. We describe a method that can estimate wave intensity patterns using only non-invasive pressure waveforms (pWIA).

Methods

Radial artery pressure and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) flow velocity waveforms were recorded in 12 participants in the Southall and Brent Revisited (SABRE) study. Pressure waveforms were analysed using custom-written software to derive the excess pressure (Pxs) which was scaled to peak LVOT velocity and used to calculate wave intensity. These data were compared with wave intensity calculated using the measured LVOT flow velocity waveform. In a separate study, repeat measures of pWIA were performed on 34 individuals who attended 2 clinic visits at an interval of approximately 1 month to assess reproducibility and reliability of the method.

Results

Pxs waveforms were similar in shape to aortic flow velocity waveforms and the time of peak Pxs and peak aortic velocity agreed closely. Wave intensity estimated using pWIA showed acceptable agreement with estimates using LVOT velocity tracings and estimates of wave intensity were similar to values reported previously in the literature. The method showed fair to good reproducibility for most parameters.

Conclusions

The Pxs is a surrogate of LVOT flow velocity which, when appropriately scaled, allows estimation of aortic wave intensity with acceptable reproducibility. This may enable wider application of wave intensity analysis to large studies.
Single cell determination of cardiac microtissue structure and function using light sheet microscopy
Authors: Turaga Diwakar , Matthys Oriane B. , Hookway Tracy A. , Joy David A. , Calvert Meredith , McDevitt Todd C.
Published: January 2020

Native cardiac tissue is comprised of heterogeneous cell populations that work cooperatively for proper tissue function; thus, engineered tissue models have moved toward incorporating multiple cardiac cell types in an effort to recapitulate native multicellular composition and organization. Cardiac tissue models comprised of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes require inclusion of non-myocytes to promote stable tissue formation, yet the specific contributions of the supporting non-myocyte population on the parenchymal cardiomyocytes and cardiac microtissues have yet to be fully dissected. This gap can be partly attributed to limitations in technologies able to accurately study the individual cellular structure and function that comprise intact 3D tissues. The ability to interrogate the cell-cell interactions in 3D tissue constructs has been restricted by conventional optical imaging techniques that fail to adequately penetrate multicellular microtissues with sufficient spatial resolution. Light sheet fluorescence microscopy overcomes these constraints to enable single cell-resolution structural and functional imaging of intact cardiac microtissues. Multicellular spatial distribution analysis of heterotypic cardiac cell populations revealed that cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts were randomly distributed throughout 3D microtissues. Furthermore, calcium imaging of live cardiac microtissues enabled single-cell detection of cardiomyocyte calcium activity, which showed that functional heterogeneity correlated with spatial location within the tissues. This study demonstrates that light sheet fluorescence microscopy can be utilized to determine single-cell spatial and functional interactions of multiple cell types within intact 3D engineered microtissues, thereby facilitating the determination of structure-function relationships at both tissue-level and single-cell resolution.

Impact Statement

The ability to achieve single-cell resolution by advanced 3D light imaging techniques enables exquisite new investigation of multicellular analyses in native and engineered tissues. In this study, light sheet fluorescence microscopy was used to define structure-function relationships of distinct cell types in engineered cardiac microtissues by determining heterotypic cell distributions and interactions throughout the tissues as well as by assessing regional differences in calcium handing functional properties at the individual cardiomyocyte level.
Extreme acid resistance of human cheek epithelial cells
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad , Mateen Irsa , Tahir Aisha , Anjum Rana Salman
Published: January 2020

Human cheek epithelial cells, despite residing in an almost neutral environment of the mouth, are exposed to many acidic stimuli, so these cells may possess acid resistance. Our research’s objective is to find out if isolated human cheek epithelial cells can survive in highly acidic conditions, and whether there is any difference in acid resistance between cheek epithelial cells of males and females; and to establish a protocol. We collected 3 buccal swab samples from each male or female participant and gave following 3 different treatments to their samples: (i) Milli-Q water (ii) HCl with pH of −0.48 (iii) HCl with pH of - 0.48 and, then, rehydration with Milli-Q water. Staining and microscopic analysis showed that cheek epithelial cells did not burst after acid treatment. However, they slightly shrunk in size and were stained substantially darker. Moreover, cells that were rehydrated after acid treatment, provided further evidence of their survival because these cells, as a result of rehydration, had substantially regained bigger size as well as lighter staining. Furthermore, at pH of −0.48, no difference was observed in acid resistance of the cells from the two genders. Results of this study, which is the only one to incubate cheek epithelial cells at pH < 2.0, manifest that the human cheek epithelial cells, isolated from any of the two genders, are extremely acid-resistant and do not burst in highly acidic conditions. Besides, these cells may also be useful as model cells for the study of acid-resistant pathogens and acid-resistant cancer cells.
A Primary Neural Cell Culture Model for Neuroinflammation
Authors: Goshi Noah , Morgan Rhianna K. , Lein Pamela J. , Seker Erkin
Published: January 2020

Interactions between neurons, astrocytes and microglia critically influence neuroinflammatory responses to insult in the central nervous system. Studying neuroinflammationin vitrohas been difficult because most primary culture models do not include all three critical cell types. We describe anin vitromodel of neuroinflammation comprised of neurons, astrocytes and microglia. Primary rat cortical cells were cultured in a serum-free medium used to co-culture neurons and astrocytes that is supplemented with three factors (IL-34, TGF-β and cholesterol) used to support isolated microglia. This “tri-culture” can be maintained for at least 14 daysin vitrowhile retaining a physiologically-relevant representation of all three cell types. Additionally, we demonstrate that the tri-culture system responds to lipopolysaccharide, mechanical trauma and excitotoxicity with both neurotoxic and neuroprotective aspects of the neuroinflammatory response observedin vivo. We expect the tri-culture model will enable mechanistic studies of neuroinflammationin vitrowith enhanced physiological relevance.
Preliminary estimation of the basic reproduction number of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in China, from 2019 to 2020: A data-driven analysis in the early phase of the outbreak
Authors: Zhao Shi , Lin Qianyin , Ran Jinjun , Musa Salihu S , Yang Guangpu , Wang Weiming , Lou Yijun , Gao Daozhou , Yang Lin , He Daihai , Wang Maggie H
Published: January 2020

Backgrounds

An ongoing outbreak of a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) pneumonia hit a major city of China, Wuhan, December 2019 and subsequently reached other provinces/regions of China and countries. We present estimates of the basic reproduction number,R0, of 2019-nCoV in the early phase of the outbreak.

Methods

Accounting for the impact of the variations in disease reporting rate, we modelled the epidemic curve of 2019-nCoV cases time series, in mainland China from January 10 to January 24, 2020, through the exponential growth. With the estimated intrinsic growth rate (γ), we estimatedR0by using the serial intervals (SI) of two other well-known coronavirus diseases, MERS and SARS, as approximations for the true unknown SI.

Findings

The early outbreak data largely follows the exponential growth. We estimated that the meanR0ranges from 2.24 (95%CI: 1.96-2.55) to 3.58 (95%CI: 2.89-4.39) associated with 8-fold to 2-fold increase in the reporting rate. We demonstrated that changes in reporting rate substantially affect estimates ofR0.

Conclusion

The mean estimate ofR0for the 2019-nCoV ranges from 2.24 to 3.58, and significantly larger than 1. Our findings indicate the potential of 2019-nCoV to cause outbreaks.
Oncogenic memory underlying minimal residual disease in breast cancer
Authors: Shechter Ksenija Radic , Kafkia Eleni , Zirngibl Katharina , Gawrzak Sylwia , Alladin Ashna , Machado Daniel , Lüchtenborg Christian , Sévin Daniel C. , Brügger Britta , Patil Kiran R. , Jechlinger Martin
Published: January 2020

Tumor relapse is responsible for most breast cancer related deaths1,2. The disease recurrence stems from treatment refractory cancer cells that persist as minimal residual disease (MRD) for years following initial therapy3. Yet, the molecular characteristics defining the malignancy of MRD remain elusive due to difficulties in observing these rare cells in patients or in model organisms. Here, we use a tractable organoid system and multi-omics analysis to show that the dormant MRD cells retain metabolic peculiarities reminiscent of the tumor state. While the MRD cells were distinct from both normal and tumor cells at a global transcriptomic level, their metabolomic and lipidomic profile markedly resembled that of the tumor state. The MRD cells particularly exhibited a de-regulated urea cycle and elevated glycolysis. We find the latter being crucial for their survival and could be selectively targeted using a small molecule inhibitor of glycolytic activity. We validated these metabolic peculiarities of the MRD cells in corresponding tissues obtained from the mouse model as well as in transcriptomic data from patients following neo-adjuvant therapy. Together, our results show that the treatment surviving MRD cells retain features of the tumor state over an extended period suggestive of an oncogenic memory. In accord, we found striking similarity in DNA methylation profiles between the tumor and the MRD cells. The distinction of MRD from normal breast cells comes as a surprise, considering their phenotypic similarity with regards to proliferation and polarized epithelial organization. The metabolic aberrances of the MRD cells offer a therapeutic opportunity towards tackling emergence of breast tumor recurrence in post-treatment care.
A Grain of Salt
Authors: Houston Kelly , Qiu Jiaen , Wege Stefanie , Hrmova Maria , Oakey Helena , Qu Yue , Smith Pauline , Situmorang Apriadi , Macaulay Malcolm , Flis Paulina , Bayer Micha , Roy Stuart , Halpin Claire , Russell Joanne , Byrt Caitlin , Gilliham Matt , Salt David E. , Waugh Robbie
Published: January 2020

We quantified grain sodium (Na+) content across a barley GWAS panel grown under optimal conditions. We identified a strong association with a region containing two low and one high Na+accumulating haplotypes of a Class 1 HIGH-AFFINITY POTASSIUM TRANSPORTER (HKT1;5) known to be involved in regulating plant Na+homeostasis. The haplotypes exhibited an average 1.8-fold difference in grain Na+content. We show that an L189P substitution disrupts Na+transport in the high Na+lines, disturbs the plasma membrane localisation typical of HKT1;5 and induces a conformational change in the protein predicted to compromise function. Under NaCl stress, lines containing P189 accumulate high levels of Na+, but show no significant difference in biomass. P189 increases in frequency from wild-species to elite cultivars leading us to speculate that the compromised haplotype is undergoing directional selection possibly due to the value of Na+as a functional nutrient in non-saline environments.
Hmx3a has essential functions in zebrafish spinal cord, ear and lateral line development
Authors: England Samantha J. , Cerda Gustavo A. , Kowalchuk Angelica , Sorice Taylor , Grieb Ginny , Lewis Katharine E.
Published: January 2020

Transcription factors that contain a homeodomain DNA-binding domain have crucial functions in most aspects of cellular function and embryonic development in both animals and plants. Hmx proteins are a sub-family of NK homeodomain-containing proteins that have fundamental roles in development of sensory structures such as the eye and the ear. However, Hmx functions in spinal cord development have not been analyzed. Here we show that zebrafish (Danio rerio)hmx2andhmx3aare co-expressed in spinal dI2 and V1 interneurons, whereashmx3b,hmx1andhmx4are not expressed in spinal cord. Using mutational analyses, we demonstrate that, in addition to its previously reported role in ear development,hmx3ais required for correct specification of a subset of spinal interneuron neurotransmitter phenotypes, as well as correct lateral line progression and survival to adulthood. Surprisingly, despite similar expression patterns ofhmx2andhmx3aduring embryonic development, zebrafishhmx2mutants are viable and have no obviously abnormal phenotypes in sensory structures or neurons that requirehmx3a. In addition, embryos homozygous for deletions of bothhmx2andhmx3ahave identical phenotypes to severehmx3asingle mutants. However, mutatinghmx2in hypomorphichmx3amutants that usually develop normally, results in abnormal ear and lateral line phenotypes. This suggests that whilehmx2cannot compensate for loss ofhmx3a, it does function in these developmental processes, although to a much lesser extent thanhmx3a. More surprisingly, our mutational analyses suggest that Hmx3a may not require its homeodomain DNA-binding domain for its roles in viability or embryonic development.
Why do investors not punish politically connected firms for financial misrepresentation?
Authors: Yu Xin , Zheng Ying
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the political connections of listed firms in China affect how the market reacts to cases of financial misrepresentation investigated by the regulatory authorities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use an event study method and the financial misrepresentation events in China stock markets as research setting and empirically test the association between market reactions to the announcement of financial misrepresentations and the presence of political connections.

Findings

The results show that on average, there is no significant market reaction to financial misrepresentation for politically connected firms. In contrast, however, there is a significantly negative market reaction for non-connected firms, which suggests that investors do not punish politically connected firms for financial misrepresentation. The authors argue that politically connected companies use the altered financial information to gain legitimacy and obtain benefits from the government. Consistent with the argument, the authors find that in the years after they disclose their financial misrepresentation, firms with political connections are more likely to increase their bank loans than firms without political connections.

Originality/value

The authors provide a new explanation for the low-earnings quality of politically connected firms.
A novel simulation framework for crowd co-decisions
Authors: Yao Xia , Sun Hongbo , Fan Baode
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to aim mainly at social public decision-making problems, studies the corresponding relationship between different voting rule combinations and the final results, and discusses the quantitative relationships between group intelligence (final votes) and individual intelligence (everyone) to defend democracy under the circumstance of rapid development of network technology, and crowd intelligence becomes more complicated and universal.

Design/methodology/approach

After summarizing the crowd co-decisions of related studies, the standards, frameworks, techniques, methods and tools have been discussed according to the characteristics of large-scale simulations.

Findings

The contributions of this paper will be useful for both academics and practitioners for formulating VV&A in large-scale simulations.

Originality/value

This paper will help researchers solve the social public decision-making problems in large-scale simulations.
Effective after-sales services through the lean servitization canvas
Authors: Rudnick Martin , Riezebos Jan , Powell Daryl John , Hauptvogel Annika
Published: January 2020

Purpose

A lean approach is frequently applied in the primary processes of a company, but less in after-sales service. Servitization leads to a change from pure product providers to integrated product-service systems (PSS) providers. The after-sales services may benefit from a lean approach to effectively integrate usage data of the installed product base. This paper aims to develop a lean servitization canvas to open-up possibilities for additional revenue streams for organizations in the after-sales market.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops and proposes the use of a lean servitization canvas for effective after-sales services by drawing on insights from two industrial cases where physical goods are produced and serviced. Both cases are within the train maintenance and rail infrastructure sector in Central Europe. Based primarily on a literature review, a lean servitization canvas has been developed and further validated in the case studies.

Findings

The paper shows how value can be achieved for providers of integrated PSS by adopting the lean servitization canvas.

Research limitations/implications

The research focuses on industrial services for high-capital goods in the rail and infrastructure sectors. This can be seen as a limitation of the research, as the lean servitization canvas has not yet been tested in other sectors.

Practical implications

For companies, the use of a lean approach to servitization integrates primary processes and after-sales services and offers new opportunities to develop business.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights into how the current product range and customer base of a company may be included in an after-sales business model that benefits from a lean approach.
Effect of rare earth oxide on the mechanical and tribological properties of polyimide nanocomposites
Authors: Yu Yuanhao , Song Jingfu , Zhao Gai , Ding Qingjun
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to study the effect of different rare earth oxide on the tribological properties of polyimide (PI) nanocomposites based on the CNT and GO reinforcements.

Design/methodology/approach

The PI nanocomposites filled with different rare earth oxide based on the carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide were designed and prepared by hot press sintering. The mechanical and tribological properties of PI nanocomposites were carried out, and their reinforcement mechanisms were discovered.

Findings

Rare earth oxide had a weak influence on the impact strength of PI nanocomposites. Filling La2O3can dramatically reduce the friction coefficient and wear rate of PI nanocomposites.

Originality/value

The PI nanocomposites filled with rare earth oxide based on the CNT and GO reinforcements were designed, and their mechanical and tribological properties were studied.
Influence of learning and service innovation on performance
Authors: Milbratz Thaise Caroline , Gomes Giancarlo , De Montreuil Carmona Linda Jessica
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the influence of organizational learning (OL) and service innovation (SI) on organizational performance of knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) and examine the mediating role of SI.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were tested using the theoretical OL model of knowledge acquisition, distribution, interpretation and organizational memory (Huber, 1991; Lopez, Peon, & Ordas, 2005; Jiménez-Jiménez & Sanz-Valle, 2011), using structural equation modeling partial least squares analysis of a survey data set of Brazilian architectural firms.

Findings

Findings suggest that OL is significantly linked to SI and so is SI to organizational performance. However, neither the direct relationship between OL and organizational performance could be verified, nor the mediating effect of SI.

Practical implications

These results can offer KIBS managers insights that suggest that OL alone does not guarantee a significant impact in organizational performance, but it is a starting point for achieving SIs, that lead to performance improvement and competitive advantages.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the knowledge production in the following ways: to the understanding of the relationship between OL and SI and its effect on organizational performance, traditionally overlooked in the literature; to the study of SIs, considering the importance of the service sector; and to the study of innovation processes in architectural firms, a sector traditionally understudied, because of the focus on large construction firms.
Determinants of online purchase intention: a PLS-SEM approach: evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Dewi Citra Kusuma , Mohaidin Zurina , Murshid Mohsen Ali
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors affecting consumers' online purchase intention and to explore whether there was any significant difference between the path coefficients for males and females.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by distributing questionnaires to 668 Indonesian consumers who were actively using the internet. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and multi-group analysis (MGA) in SmartPLS 3.0 software.

Findings

Results show that performance expectancy, effort expectancy and personal innovativeness are three influential factors and have a higher path coefficient in both the male and female groups. Anxiety shows a negative and significant relationship with online purchase intention for female consumers than for male consumers. Furthermore, the results of MGA analysis indicate that most factor coefficients in the determinants of online purchase intentions are not significantly different between males and females.

Practical implications

These results help the web retailers to consider the important factors in their strategies when they make strategic decisions as key factors affecting online buying intention. Besides this, the strong relationship between anxiety and intention for females has important implications for managers and designers should pay attention to this factor when designing the content on their business website.

Originality/value

Even though several marketing scholars discuss the factors influencing online shopping behavior, a few studies have shown the role of anxiety and personal innovativeness and their effect on online purchasing that fitted as supplements into the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). In addition, so far, no studies have effectively made a comparative analysis across gender, i.e. are personal and UTAUT factors in the determinants of online purchase intention significantly different across gender?
Role conflict and work-life-family (WLF) demands: a perspective of Malaysian family business
Authors: Latip Hamrila Abd , Rahaman M. Monzer , Ayupp Kartinah , Lau Evan
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between work-life-family (WLF) demands and job satisfaction in family businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 220, who involve in the family business sector in Malaysia. In this study, the major demands in individuals are classified into three categories of WLF. The work component was measured in terms of standard working hours, work pressure and conditions, co-worker relationships and promotional opportunities. The life component was represented by living standards, level of self-motivation fulfillment, achievement of individual targets, self-compassion, self-care and health and community development. The family component represented another segmentation of responsibility and demands for specific role, which relates to family tasks, collective/familiness targets, family involvement and mutual understanding.

Findings

The empirical results indicated that work-related demands determine entrepreneurs’ job satisfaction, then followed by family-related and life-related (personal) demands. As this study was confined to the micro businesses under the family business sector, this provides valuable findings by uncovering the differences among the antecedents because of the reasoning of work culture and business management practices. It is argued that the role conflicts are related to job satisfaction, individual happiness and family contentment.

Originality/value

It expands the typology and fostering sustainable entrepreneurial development. Insights gained could facilitate business strategies and effective human resource policies particularly among the family businesses in Malaysia.
More can be better: operating multiple business models in a corporate portfolio
Authors: Bosbach Kirstin Eva , Brillinger Anne-Sophie , Schäfer Björn
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Established firms are increasingly under pressure to develop new business models (BM) in a continuous manner to cope with competitive constraints and changing market requirements. Business model innovation (BMI) is widely accepted as a viable means to stay ahead of competition. Yet, firms struggle with successful BMI. The barriers to BMI is a widely discussed topic in academia and practice but with little reference to the barriers a firm is confronted with when operating multiple BMs in a corporate portfolio.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates the implications for a firm operating a multitude of BMs concurrently. By combining the results of a literature analysis and 15 expert interviews from the fields of corporate strategy, business modelling and consulting, this paper presents and discusses the opportunities and challenges related to BM diversification.

Findings

The findings show that a strategic BM portfolio can be installed for enhanced value creation. However, managing multiple BMs and finding the right balance between existing and new business pose a major challenge for many established firms. With these results, the paper contributes to the existing literature in the fields of BMI and BM portfolio management. The findings clearly show the emerging importance of a strategic corporate BM portfolio for both research and practice and may provide an impetus for management discussions involving strategic BM portfolio decisions.

Originality/value

By building on and adding to existing literature and discussing existing works, this paper aims to giving a structured and comprehensive overview of enhancing and impeding factors on value creation when operating multiple BMs in a corporate portfolio.
Stochastic p-robust DEA efficiency scores approach to banking sector
Authors: Shakouri Rita , Salahi Maziar , Kordrostami Sohrab
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a stochastic p-robust data envelopment analysis (DEA) model for decision-making units (DMUs) efficiency estimation under uncertainty. The main contribution of this paper consists of the development of a more robust system for the estimation of efficiency in situations of inputs uncertainty. The proposed model is used for the efficiency measurement of a commercial Iranian bank.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has been arranged to launch along the following steps: the classical Charnes, Cooper, and Rhodes (CCR) DEA model was briefly reviewed. After that, the p-robust DEA model is introduced and then calculated the priority weights of each scenario for CCR DEA output oriented method. To compute the priority weights of criteria in discrete scenarios, the analytical hierarchy analysis process (AHP) is used. To tackle the uncertainty of experts’ opinion, a synthetic technique is applied based on both robust and stochastic optimizations. In the sequel, stochastic p-robust models are proposed for the estimation of efficiency, with particular attention being paid to DEA models.

Findings

The proposed method provides a more encompassing measure of efficiency in the presence of synthetic uncertainty approach. According to the results, the expected score, relative regret score and stochastic P-robust score for DMUs are obtained. The applicability of the extended model is illustrated in the context of the analysis of an Iranian commercial bank performance. Also, it is shown that the stochastic p-robust DEA model is a proper generalization of traditional DEA and gained a desired robustness level. In fact, the maximum possible efficiency score of a DMU with overall permissible uncertainties is obtained, and the minimal amount of uncertainty level under the stochastic p-robustness measure that is required to achieve this efficiency score. Finally, by an example, it is shown that the objective values of the input and output models are not inverse of each other as in classical DEA models.

Originality/value

This research showed that the enormous decrease in maximum possible regret makes only a small addition in the expected efficiency. In other words, improvements in regret can somewhat affect the expected efficiency. The superior issue this kind of modeling is to permit a harmful effect to the objective to better hedge against the uncertain cases that are commonly ignored.
Transformation of professional identity: an exploration of psychologists and psychiatrists implementing Open Dialogue
Authors: Schubert Samantha , Rhodes Paul , Buus Niels
Published: January 2020

This study explored how psychologists and psychiatrists working in Australian youth mental health services constructed their professional identity, and whether and how implementing Open Dialogue transformed this. Nine clinicians (psychologists, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists) were interviewed after completing Open Dialogue training. Interviews were subjected to discourse analysis. First, two general pre‐existing discursive professional identity positions were constructed: (i) psychiatrists rhetorically distancing themselves from the medical model as ‘fixers’ of mental illness; and (ii) psychologists and psychiatrists rhetorically embracing their personal identity. Second, participants’ responses about implementing Open Dialogue revealed opportunities and discomforts, including: (i) dialogical approaches offering psychiatrists an alternative identity to ‘fixers’; and (ii) dialogical approaches generating discomfort at the risk of exposing participants’ own vulnerability. Participants’ professional identities comprised contrasting positions.

Practitioner points

Clinicians’ professional identities comprised contrasting positions

Clinicians constructed their professional identities by othering themselves from perceived dominant professional paradigms

Clinicians incorporated dialogical approaches into existing clinical work after being exposed to Open Dialogue

Clinicians identified Open Dialogue as offering opportunities to construct alternative professional identities

Clinicians appeared uncomfortable with dialogical approaches in situations of high risk within risk‐averse settings
The other between fear and desire – countertransference fantasy as a bridge between me and the other
Authors: Eulert‐Fuchs Daniela
Published: January 2020

This paper attempts to show how unrepresented rupture/injury of primary expectations of the early relationship is reactivated in the analytic process. This becomes perceptible especially as unconscious fear and a specific defence described as ‘living behind a glass‐wall’. The author, however, postulates the existence of an inherent dialogical‐dyadic principle in the psyche, which she calls archetypal hope, and shows how this principle may become active in the analytical space. These aspects of analytical treatments are sketched with two vignettes, in which unconscious processes of exchange cause the analyst to experience unrepresented states. The author describes how the analyst is gradually able to experience and understand this, and how this understanding finally – without first becoming explicit – becomes effective in the analytical space. Special attention is given to the analytic attitude. A readiness to accept and move into regression and a receptivity to attune to the early sensory experience of the analysand is regarded as essential. Through this the analyst gains access to the inner space of the analysand and, through bodily experience and pre‐symbolic processes, the unrepresented may thus become figurable. The reverie and countertransference fantasies are understood as a bridge: they connect the analytic pair. However, the reverie also creates the transition between that which was not – the absent representation – and that which wants to emerge. It thus bridges the personal unconscious (implicit expectation) and the archetypal (the archetypal hope). Through this, the space of hope may become a space of possibility, and help bridge the chasm between the experienced and the hoped‐for.
Opening the closed heart: affect‐focused clinical work with the victims of early trauma
Authors: Kalsched Donald E.
Published: January 2020

This paper begins with the understanding that early trauma leads to powerful dissociative defenses which injure the capacity to feel. It further explores ways to restore this capacity through body‐centred attention to affect‐in‐the‐moment in the psychoanalytic situation. Using the author’s personal experience while in analysis as well as a case of severe early trauma, he demonstrates the consciousness‐killing effect of primitive defenses and shows how body‐sensitive techniques hold the promise of restoring the patient’s sense of aliveness and hence, opening the unconscious to those affect‐images that are the building blocks of the human imagination. A final section focuses on the neglect of feeling in Jungian psychology and suggests that the “creation of consciousness” which Jung described as his personal myth, is quintessentially a process of emotional transformation – of bringing unconscious suffering into consciousness – as feelings.
Freud and Jung on Freud and Jung
Authors: Falzeder Ernst
Published: January 2020

Abstracts

The paper retraces the relationship between Freud and Jung by making use of their correspondence and showing what they themselves had to say about their own relationship and where they agreed and differed.
Reaching out to big losers leads to sustained reductions in gambling over 1 year: a randomized controlled trial of brief motivational contact
Authors: Jonsson Jakob , Hodgins David C. , Munck Ingrid , Carlbring Per
Published: January 2020

Background and aims

A previous randomized controlled trial demonstrated that telephone‐ and letter‐based motivational interventions with high‐expenditure gamblers had significant short‐term positive effects on gambling and use of responsible gambling tools. This post‐trial follow‐up examined outcomes in gambling expenditure over 12 months.

Design

Observational study following a three‐arm randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Customers of Norsk Tipping (NT) gambling platforms, Norway.

Participants

A total of 1003 statistical triplets from the top 0.5% of customers based upon annual expenditure, matched on sex, age and net losses. Mean age was 53.4 years; 19% were women, mean yearly loss for 2016 was 88 197 NoK.

Interventions and comparator

Feedback intervention by telephone, letter or a no‐contact control condition.

Measurements

Primary outcome measure was gambling theoretical loss, derived from the NT customer database. Secondary outcomes were responsible gambling customer actions and whether or not the participant was retained as an NT customer.

Findings

Per‐protocol analyses of triplets who received the telephone call or letter as randomly assigned (n = 596) showed a positive and sustained effect over 12 months: the telephone group showed a 30% reduction in theoretical loss (d = 0.44) and the letter group 13% (d = 0.18), both outperforming the control group with a 7% reduction (d = 0.11). The telephone condition was superior to both the letter and control conditions in per‐protocol (P < 0.001) and to control condition in intention‐to‐treat analyses (ITT) (P < 0.001). Individuals in the telephone condition took more responsible gambling actions. The letter condition had better outcomes than the control in the ITT‐only analysis (P < 0.001). More than 93% were still customers a year after the intervention.

Conclusions

Personal contact with high‐expenditure gambling customers in Norway that provided individualized feedback on expenditures was associated with reduced theoretical losses and greater use of responsible gambling tools over a 12‐month period, compared with no contact. Telephone intervention with customers had a larger impact than a mailed letter.
Characterisation of alternative stable vegetation assemblages in a mesic savannah in Kenya
Authors: Kimeu John Mbaluka , Mwachala Geoffrey , Reichgelt Tammo , Muasya A. Muthama
Published: January 2020

The phenomenon of sharp boundaries between distinctive vegetation types occurring under the same climatic conditions has often been interpreted by plant ecologists to characterise alternative stable states (ASS). The phenomenon may be relevant in explaining two strikingly different vegetation formations (broad‐leaved nonspiny Combretum and fine‐leaved spiny Acacia) co‐occurring in mesic savannah of southeastern Kenya. We hypothesise that the two vegetation within southeastern Kenya ecosystems represent ASS whose transition may be a response to soil characteristics switch. To explore our hypothesis, we analysed empirical field data of woody species and soil characteristics from 57 plots that included 25 from Combretum and 32 from Acacia vegetation formations. We compared floristic composition and soil characteristics between the two systems and correlated edaphic statuses and vegetation states. We encountered 2,749 woody plant individuals, representing 115 species, 87 genera and 40 families. We found that the two vegetation had discrete woody species composition and soil characteristics, and also a significant species–edaphic association. The results are consistent with the ASS theory demonstrating that soil characteristics are among the important micro‐environmental filters driving and maintaining woody vegetation mosaics in the tropics. Importantly, understanding ASS has ramifications for sustainable utilisation of woody plant resources in East African savannahs.
Practices of Illegalisation
Authors: De Genova Nicholas , Roy Ananya
Published: January 2020

This article contributes to theorising the often unrecognised continuities between the illegalisation of migrant and refugee mobilities as an effect of lawmaking or other state practices of border policing and immigration law enforcement and the illegalisation of the rights, claims, and juridical status of minoritised citizens. Against a backdrop of resurgent right‐wing nationalisms, we pursue this transversal analysis of state practices of illegalisation to draw attention not only to labour subordination and disposability but also the more fundamental relationship between law and terror. The making of such regimes of citizenship takes place in obvious ways at the ostensible outer edges of nation‐state territories. They are also replicated in the various spatial arrangements that ensure racialised dispossession within global cities, cities that are better understood as reconfigurations of settler‐colonial cities. We argue that the study of practices of illegalisation allows critical poverty scholarship to better discern how sociopolitical categories and classifications that are central to wider processes of marginalisation and domination may arise or be reinforced as effects of the state’s legal productions of illegality.