bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Threshold effects of public debt on economic growth in Africa: a new evidence
Authors: Ndoricimpa Arcade
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to seek to re-examine the threshold effects of public debt on economic growth in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies panel smooth transition regression approach advanced by González et al. (2017). The method allows for both heterogeneity as well as a smooth change of regression coefficients from one regime to another.

Findings

A debt threshold in the range of 62–66% is estimated for the whole sample. Low debt is found to be growth neutral but higher public debt is growth detrimental. For middle-income and resource-intensive countries, a debt threshold in the range of 58–63% is estimated. As part of robustness checks, a dynamic panel threshold model was also applied to deal with the endogeneity of debt, and a much higher debt threshold was estimated, at 74.3%. While low public debt is found to be either growth neutral or growth enhancing, high public debt is consistently detrimental to growth.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study show that there is no single debt threshold applicable to all African countries, and confirm that the debt threshold level is sensitive to modeling choices. While further analysis is still needed to suggest a policy, the findings of this study show that high debt is detrimental to growth.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is twofold. Contrary to previous studies on Africa, this study applies a different estimation technique which allows for heterogeneity and a smooth change of regression coefficients from one regime to another. Another novelty distinct from the previous studies is that, for robustness checks, this study divides the sample into low- and middle-income countries, and into resource- and nonresource intensive countries, as debt experience can differ among country groups. Further, as part of robustness checks, another estimation method is also applied in which the threshold variable (debt) is allowed to be endogenous.
Diffusing fashion information by social media fashion influencers: understanding antecedents and consequences
Authors: Quelhas-Brito Pedro , Brandão Amélia , Gadekar Mahesh , Castelo‐Branco Sofia
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the antecedents and consequences of social media fashion influencer's (SMFI) diffusion of fashion information. This study proposes and examines following research questions: What motivates SMFI to share fashion information? In what way shared fashion information impact SMFI?

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses semi-structured interviews with SMFI to learn about their relationships with followers. It then conducts a survey of 510 SMFI in Portugal. The data are analyzed by structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that intrinsic motivation can develop a SMFIs' fashion leadership, while the SMFIs' perceived usability of fashion blogs does not. The authors also find a self-serving bias among SMFI.

Research limitations/implications

SMFIs' fashion leadership is associated with the intrinsic motivations of sharing and helping other consumers make fashion decisions, which indicates that marketers can improve their results through using opinion SMFI to assist fashion consumers in purchasing decisions. Further studies should explore the processes adopted by fashion consumers to evaluate SMFI.

Originality/value

This study helps to understand the antecedents and consequences of fashion diffusion by SMFIs. In particular, the research helps the marketers to understand how the bonds between SMFIs and followers are nurtured.
Relationship marketing and third-party logistics: evidence from hotel industry
Authors: Reza Sajjida , Mubarik Muhammad Shujaat , Naghavi Navaz , Rub Nawaz Raja
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study examines the outsourcing criteria prevalent in the Hotel industry of Pakistan. In doing so, the study investigates the role of trust in the association between relationship marketing dimensions—communication, opportunistic behavior, reputation, satisfactory prior outcomes and specific investment—and third-party logistics provider’s (3PL) selection.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a close-ended questionnaire, data were collected from 97 hotels of various categories operating in Pakistan and involved in 3PL outsourcing. Partial Least Square–Structural Equation Modeling was employed to estimate the modeled relationships.

Findings

With a high predictive relevance of the model, communication, satisfactory prior outcome and reputation were found to have a significant effect on the trust, whereas the results showed a significant mediating role of trust in the association between communication, reputation and 3PL provider’s selection.

Research limitations/implications

The study uses static data from selected firms and cannot be used to analyze behavior over a period of time. Hence, a generalization of results should be made carefully.

Practical implications

Findings imply that for fully capitalizing on the benefits by virtue of their prospective relationship, the managers must streamline their processes and activities according to path directions that endorse a higher degree of trust in their service providers and establish an effective system of communications interconnecting their mutual goals and objectives.

Originality/value

The outcome of the research study illustrated the perceptions of the local businesses with regards to the 3PL service provider(s) selection via the establishment of trust.
Social systems theory and engaged scholarship: co-designing a semantic reservoir in a polycentric network
Authors: Neisig Margit
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose is to investigate a position for engaged scholarship bridging the gulf between theorizing and practice in a social system perspective using Design Thinking for assisting the emergence of a semantic reservoir in a polycentric network “in spe”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combines social systems theory with the concept of engaged scholarship based on Design Thinking, and illustrates how such a research position might be applied to problems of polycentric networks as a theoretical/methodological case.

Findings

The paper concludes on a possible role for an engaged scholarship as a midwife assisting the emergence of a shared semantic reservoir that is needed to make commitments and couplings possible to become a polycentric network. Design Thinking is explained as a structured way to irritate (disturb) other systems, and the role of a shared semantic reservoir for a polycentric network “in spe” is accounted for.

Originality/value

Bridging the gulf between theorizing and practice in management theory is under-explored, and social systems theory underlines the immanent rigor-relevance gap, which this paper suggests a way not to overcome, but to bridge. The discussion of the rigor-relevance gap is revisited. Also, the critical process for a shared semantic reservoir to emerge in the formation of poly-centric networks is underexplored and so are its role for coupling of networks. The conceptual understanding thereof is also contributed to.
Going GAGAS for due process: examining Yellow Book standard participation
Authors: Flasher Renee , Lau Michelle , Marshall Dara M.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The US federal government requires auditors to follow governmental auditing standards when performing audits of entities expending significant federal government dollars. This study explores stakeholder participation during the comment letter phase of government auditing standard setting to determine if participation is symbolic or substantive.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers conduct an analysis of the 179 comment letters submitted to the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) and received for their 2010 and 2017 exposure drafts of government auditing standards.

Findings

The distribution of stakeholder participation groups in the government auditing standard-setting process differs from the distribution in the private company auditing standard-setting process. On average, participants submit letters that are greater than two pages in length. Participants also contribute feedback on topics that the GAO directly solicits. Taken together, the results demonstrate stakeholder behaviors that are consistent with a substantive rather than symbolic due process involvement for government auditing standards.

Research limitations/implications

Stakeholder beliefs are inferred based on the observed behavior of comment letter submissions. Also, there is a subjective element to the classification of the comment letters for the study.

Practical Implications

Given the far-reaching implications of Yellow Book auditing standards on public, private and nonprofit entities, the findings are relevant to a heterogeneous audience. This study reveals opportunities for users of government auditing standards, practitioners and academics for greater involvement in due process standard setting to bring additional legitimacy to the GAO and its standard-setting activities.

Originality/value

Beyond the current study, little empirical research examines Yellow Book auditing standards or the due process through which these standards are established. This is the first study to examine the complete set of comment letters for the 2010 and 2017 exposure drafts of government auditing standards.
Reusability of metals/metal oxide coupled zinc oxide nanorods in degradation of rhodamine B dye
Authors: Le Anh Thi , Pung Swee-Yong
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the reusability of metal/metal oxide-coupled ZnO nanorods (ZnO NRs) to degrade rhodamine B (RhB).

Design/methodology/approach

ZnO NRs particles were synthesized by precipitation method and used to remove various types of metal ions such as Cu2+, Ag+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, Cd2+ and Cr2+ ions under UV illumination. The metal/metal oxide-coupled ZnO NRs were characterized by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance. The photodegradation of RhB dye by these metal/metal oxide-coupled ZnO NRs under UV exposure was assessed.

Findings

The metal/metal oxide-coupled ZnO NRs were successfully reused to remove RhB dye in which more than >90% of RhB dye was degraded under UV exposure. Furthermore, the coupling of Ag, CuO, MnO2, Cd and Ni particles onto the surface of ZnO NRs even enhanced the degradation of dye. The dominant reactive species involved in the degradation of RhB dye were •OH- and •O2−-free radicals.

Research limitations/implications

The coupling of metal/metal oxide onto the surface of ZnO NRs after metal ions removal could affect the photocatalytic performance of ZnO NRs in the degradation of organic pollutants in subsequent stage.

Practical implications

A good reusability performance of metal/metal oxide-coupled ZnO NRs make ZnO NRs become a desirable photocatalyst material for the treatment of wastewater, which consists of both heavy metal ions and organic dyes.

Originality/value

Metal/metal oxide coupling onto the surface of ZnO NRs particles improved subsequent UV-assisted photocatalytic degradation of RhB dye.
How do emotional intelligence and behavioral biases of investors determine their investment decisions?
Authors: Raheja Saloni , Dhiman Babli
Published: May 2020

Purpose

In earlier studies, research has shown that EI is the only element, which influences the ways in which people develop in their lives, jobs and social skills control their emotions and get along with other people. It is EI that dictates the way people deal with one another and understand emotions. The research gap is to explore the impact of behavioral factors and investors psychology on their investment decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

The information was gathered from 500 financial specialists. The region of research was the financial specialists who contribute through LSC Securities Ltd. in Punjab State. The purposive testing system was used in this examination.

Findings

The investigation found that the positive connection between the conduct predispositions of the financial specialists and venture choices of the speculators and positive connection between enthusiastic insight of the financial specialists and their venture choices. Yet, the authors found that the enthusiastic insight better foresees the venture choices of the financial specialists than the conduct predispositions of the speculators. Among the different elements of conduct inclinations of the speculator’s lament and carelessness are identified with the financial specialist’s venture choices. Among the various estimations of eager understanding – care, dealing with emotions, motivation, empathy and social aptitudes are related to the hypothesis decisions of the monetary pros.

Research limitations/implications

The sample selection was based on purposive sampling, rather than a random probability sample. The sample was area specific, restricted only to Ludhiana Stock Exchange in Punjab state. Therefore, the results of the study cannot be generalized with certainty to all the investors investing through other exchanges in other states. The inferences are based on the assumption that the data provided by the investors are true and correct. The findings may be relevant for other stock exchanges as that of the Ludhiana Stock Exchange. However, the authors do not claim the generalization of the results.

Practical implications

This study also helps to understand the relationship between investment decision-making and risk tolerance of investors. It will helpful for the financial advisors to know the behavioral biases of investors while making an investment decision, and therefore, they can advise investors properly to mitigate such biases. It may help the investors in understanding the subjective part of their behavior and control their emotions while taking decisions for their investment in stock market options.

Social implications

This research will help investment advisors and finance professionals to judge investors’ attitudes toward risk in a better way, which leads to better investment decisions.

Originality/value

This study is my own study and it is original and has not been published anywhere.
An evaluation of the social validity of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist - Community
Authors: Chan Brittany , Baker Peter
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the social validity of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist - Communit y (ABC-C).

Design/methodology/approach

Thirty-six participants completed a questionnaire in which they identified and commented on items of the ABC-C they saw as problematic. Thematic analysis was conducted on the comments made.

Findings

All participants identified at least one item of the ABC-C as problematic with six items being so identified by over half the participants. A number of themes were identified in participant comments including ambiguity, judgemental language, child-focussed language, lack of attention to behavioural function and repetition.

Research limitations/implications

More research is required using empirically based methodologies on measures used to assess people with learning disabilities. This should involve ascertaining the social validity of such measures by soliciting the views of both those being assessed and those assessing.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind to evaluate the social validity of one of the most widely used measures of challenging behaviour for people with learning disabilities.
Proposal guidelines to implement the concepts of industry 4.0 into information technology companies
Authors: Cunha Tairine Pravadelli , Méxas Mirian Picinini , Cantareli da Silva André , Gonçalves Quelhas Osvaldo Luiz
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The goal of this work is to propose guidelines for the Information Technology (IT) companies in Brazil to implement the concepts of Industry 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

This research study used inductive method, exploratory and descriptive research, and a bibliographic search was performed, besides using a qualitative research as field research. The IT professionals of companies in Brazil were used as the research university.

Findings

With the advances of technology and the advents of industrial revolutions, the profile of professionals and the relationship between employees and companies have been altered, fact that was demonstrated in the field research, making it possible to highlight: the knowledge degree of managers about the theme, it means, the perception of what Industry 4.0 is; how the organizations have already been adjusting to the new industrial revolution; the main challenges for this adjustment; the relevance for clients and opponents; among other discoveries. Therefore, companies must adapt to the new market demands, by improving their processes, investing in new technologies and training their employees.

Practical implications

Actions for implementing Industry 4.0 in IT companies were proposed, such as understanding its organization, defining in which area of the business model the organization intends to make/have changes, discovering tendencies and developments that will have influence over the organization when applying the concepts of Industry 4.0, overcoming the major challenges and adhering to new technologies.

Originality/value

With the contribution toward the organization, it is expected that this study can fulfill the demands of clients and provide cost, personnel and time savings the best way possible. For the academy, the contribution lies in presenting a research study with a new theme and with focus on IT.
Archaea in boreal Swedish lakes are diverse, dominated by Woesearchaeota and follow deterministic community assembly
Authors: Juottonen Heli , Fontaine Laurent , Wurzbacher Christian , Drakare Stina , Peura Sari , Eiler Alexander
Published: May 2020

Despite their key role in biogeochemical processes, particularly the methane cycle, archaea are widely underrepresented in molecular surveys because of their lower abundance compared with bacteria and eukaryotes. Here, we use parallel high‐resolution small subunit rRNA gene sequencing to explore archaeal diversity in 109 Swedish lakes and correlate archaeal community assembly mechanisms to large‐scale latitudinal, climatic (nemoral to arctic) and nutrient (oligotrophic to eutrophic) gradients. Sequencing with universal primers showed the contribution of archaea was on average 0.8% but increased up to 1.5% of the three domains in forest lakes. Archaea‐specific sequencing revealed that freshwater archaeal diversity could be partly explained by lake variables associated with nutrient status. Combined with deterministic co‐occurrence patterns this finding suggests that ecological drift is overridden by environmental sorting, as well as other deterministic processes such as biogeographic and evolutionary history, leading to lake‐specific archaeal biodiversity. Acetoclastic, hydrogenotrophic and methylotrophic methanogens as well as ammonia‐oxidizing archaea were frequently detected across the lakes. Archaea‐specific sequencing also revealed representatives of Woesearchaeota and other phyla of the DPANN superphylum. This study adds to our understanding of the ecological range of key archaea in freshwaters and links these taxa to hypotheses about processes governing biogeochemical cycles in lakes.
Mutual interplay between ArcA and σE orchestrates envelope stress response in Shewanella oneidensis
Authors: Liang Huihui , Zhang Yongting , Wang Sijing , Gao Haichun
Published: May 2020

To survive and thrive in harsh and ever‐changing environments, intricate mechanisms have evolved for bacterial cells to monitor perturbations impacting the integrity of their envelope and to mount an appropriate response to contain or repair the damage. In this study, we report in Shewanella oneidensis a previously undescribed mechanism for the envelope defect resulting from the loss of Arc, a two‐component transcriptional regulatory system crucial for respiration. We uncovered σE, a master regulator establishing and maintaining the integrity of the cell envelope in γ‐proteobacteria, as the determining factor for the cell envelope defect of the arcA mutant. When ArcA is depleted, σE activity is compromised by enhanced production of anti‐σE protein RseA. Surprisingly, S. oneidensis σE is not essential for viability, but becomes so in the absence of ArcA. Furthermore, we demonstrated that there is an interplay between these two regulators as arcA expression is affected by availability of σE. Overall, our results underscore functional interplay of regulatory systems for envelope stress response: although each of the systems may respond to perturbation of particular components of the envelope, they are functionally intertwined, working together to form an interconnected safety net.
Metabolic strategies of marine subseafloor Chloroflexi inferred from genome reconstructions
Authors: Fincker Maeva , Huber Julie A. , Orphan Victoria J. , Rappé Michael S. , Teske Andreas , Spormann Alfred M.
Published: May 2020

Uncultured members of the Chloroflexi phylum are highly enriched in numerous subseafloor environments. Their metabolic potential was evaluated by reconstructing 31 Chloroflexi genomes from six different subseafloor habitats. The near ubiquitous presence of enzymes of the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway, electron bifurcation, and ferredoxin‐dependent transport‐coupled phosphorylation indicated anaerobic acetogenesis was central to their catabolism. Most of the genomes simultaneously contained multiple degradation pathways for complex carbohydrates, detrital protein, aromatic compounds, and hydrogen, indicating the coupling of oxidation of chemically diverse organic substrates to ubiquitous CO2 reduction. Such pathway combinations may confer a fitness advantage in subseafloor environments by enabling these Chloroflexi to act as primary fermenters and acetogens in one microorganism without the need for syntrophic H2 consumption. While evidence for catabolic oxygen respiration was limited to two phylogenetic clusters, the presence of genes encoding putative reductive dehalogenases throughout the phylum expanded the phylogenetic boundary for potential organohalide respiration past the Dehalococcoidia class.
Temporal variation of the effects of landscape composition on lacewings (Chrysopidae: Neuroptera) in vineyards
Authors: Serée Lola , Rouzes Raphaël , Thiéry Denis , Rusch Adrien
Published: May 2020

Increasing landscape heterogeneity, both in terms of composition and configuration, can promote natural enemies and biological control in agricultural landscapes. However, relatively poor information exists about the effects of landscape heterogeneity on lacewings, which are a major group of predators. Furthermore, temporal changes of landscape effects on natural enemy dynamics remain largely unexplored.

Here, we investigated how landscape composition and configuration affect lacewings and their biological control potential on leafhoppers. Lacewings and leafhoppers were sampled from April to July in 10 vineyards located in southwestern France. The vineyards were selected along a gradient of a proportion of semi‐natural habitats in the landscape.

The proportion of semi‐natural habitats positively affected the abundance of adults and eggs, as well as species richness, of lacewings, alone or in interaction with the sampling month. Landscape configuration was never found to enhance abundance or species richness of lacewings. Finally, the predator–prey ratio increased through time but did not respond to landscape composition or configuration.

Our study highlights that the proportion of semi‐natural habitats increases both abundance and diversity of lacewings in vineyard landscapes but that this effect varies over time. This result indicates the need to assess the variability of landscape effects over time to maximize biological pest control services in agricultural landscapes.
Morphological and scanning electron microscopic study of the lingual papillae in the Javan Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus javanicus)
Authors: Saragih Golda Rani , Gunawan Geraldus , Umardani Yusuf , Karnati Srikant , Kusindarta Dwi Liliek , Wihadmadyatami Hevi
Published: May 2020

There are vast numbers of bats, in terms of both individuals and species, in Indonesia, although the precise species count is currently unknown. These bats demonstrate great variation in feeding patterns, with some being insectivorous, frugivorous, nectar‐eating or carnivorous. One of the insectivorous bats found on Java Island, Indonesia, is the Javan pipistrelle (Pipistrellus javanicus). This paper presents a detailed morphological description of the tongue and lingual papillae of P. javanicus, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM). Macroscopically, the elongated tongue of P. javanicus can be divided into three sections: the apex, corpus and radix. On the dorsal part of the tongue (corpus), there is a prominence called the mediodorsal lobe, the lobe begin from the end of apex. On the radix, in the medial part, we describe the presence of a sulcus medianus. The SEM and LM observations show that the apex of the tongue bears three types of papillae: crown filiform, pronged filiform and fungiform. The corpus bears conical and fungiform papillae, whereas the radix bears vallate, large filiform, small filiform and fungiform papillae. Taken together, these results contribute to research on the tongue anatomy and feeding habits of the bat.
Bioequivalence of macitentan and tadalafil given as fixed‐dose combination or single‐component tablets in healthy subjects
Authors: Grill Simon , Bruderer Shirin , Sidharta Patricia N. , Antonova Mariya , Globig Susanne , Carlson James , Schultz Armin , Csonka Dénes
Published: May 2020

Aims

To demonstrate the bioequivalence of macitentan/tadalafil fixed‐dose combination (FDC) tablets with single‐component tablets of macitentan and tadalafil in healthy subjects.

Methods

Studies AC‐077‐101 and AC‐077‐103 were single‐centre, open‐label, single‐dose, 2‐period, randomized, crossover Phase 1 studies conducted in healthy subjects. Two FDCs were investigated: FDC‐1 and FDC‐2 in Study AC‐077‐101 and FDC‐2 in Study AC‐077‐103. Both FDCs contained 10 mg/40 mg of macitentan/tadalafil and differed in excipients and coating materials used. In both studies, pharmacokinetic sampling over 216 hours was conducted, and pharmacokinetic parameters were derived using noncompartmental methods.

Results

Bioequivalence of macitentan, its active metabolite ACT‐132577, and tadalafil was established for FDC‐2 in both studies AC‐077‐101 and AC‐077‐103 in which tadalafil as a single component was sourced from the USA and EU, respectively, to fulfil regional regulatory requirements. The area under the plasma concentration–time curve and maximum plasma concentration with 90% confidence intervals of all components were entirely within the bioequivalence limits (0.8000–1.2500). No subject died and no serious adverse events were reported in either studies.

Conclusion

The FDC‐2 tablet containing 10 mg/40 mg of macitentan/tadalafil was bioequivalent to the free combination of 10 mg macitentan and 40 mg tadalafil (both US and EU sourced). Macitentan and tadalafil were well tolerated when administered as FDC or as a free combination.
Flexibilization at the Core to Reduce Labour Market Dualism: Evidence from the Spanish Case
Authors: Cárdenas Luis , Villanueva Paloma
Published: May 2020

Institutionalist explanations of the high non‐standard employment rate in the Spanish labour market have pointed to the relevance of flexibilization at the margin, that is, the deregulation of non‐standard jobs. Using Spanish social security micro data, we find evidence that the liberalization reforms of 2010 and 2012 had flexibilization at their core, that is, greater instability due to open‐ended and full‐time contracts (erosion of employment protection) and a rise in turnover among periphery workers, increasing the segregation gap. We conclude that there is a high level of deregulation and simultaneous dualization due to the combination of flexibilization at the margin (until 2008) and the core (2010–2012).
Role of high‐mobility group box 1 and its modulation by thrombomodulin/thrombin axis in neuropathic and inflammatory pain
Authors: Tsujita Ryuichi , Tsubota Maho , Sekiguchi Fumiko , Kawabata Atsufumi
Published: May 2020

High‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a nuclear protein, once released to the extracellular space, facilitates pain signals as well as inflammation. Intraplantar or intraspinal application of HMGB1 elicits hyperalgesia/allodynia in rodents by activating the advanced glycosylation end‐product specific receptor (receptor for advanced glycation end‐products; RAGE) or Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4). Endogenous HMGB1 derived from neurons, perineuronal cells or immune cells accumulating in the dorsal root ganglion or sensory nerves participates in somatic and visceral pain consisting of neuropathic and/or inflammatory components. Endothelial thrombomodulin (TM) and recombinant human soluble TM, TMα, markedly increase thrombin‐dependent degradation of HMGB1, and systemic administration of TMα prevents and reverses various HMGB1‐dependent pathological pain. Low MW compounds that directly inactivate HMGB1 or antagonize HMGB1‐targeted receptors would be useful to reduce various forms of intractable pain. Thus, HMGB1 and its receptors are considered to serve as promising targets in developing novel agents to prevent or treat pathological pain.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.4/issuetoc
Human papillomavirus genotype contribution to cervical cancer and precancer: Implications for screening and vaccination in Japan
Authors: Onuki Mamiko , Matsumoto Koji , Iwata Takashi , Yamamoto Kasumi , Aoki Yoichi , Maenohara Shoji , Tsuda Naotake , Kamiura Shoji , Takehara Kazuhiro , Horie Koji , Tasaka Nobutaka , Yahata Hideaki , Takei Yuji , Aoki Yoichi , Kato Hisamori , Motohara Takeshi , Nakamura Keiichiro , Ishikawa Mitsuya , Kato Tatsuya , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Matsumura Noriomi , Nakai Hidekatsu , Shigeta Shogo , Takahashi Fumiaki , Noda Kiichiro , Yaegashi Nobuo , Yoshikawa Hiroyuki
Published: May 2020

To obtain baseline data for cervical cancer prevention in Japan, we analyzed human papillomavirus (HPV) data from 5045 Japanese women aged less than 40 years and diagnosed with cervical abnormalities at 21 hospitals during 2012‐2017. These included cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 (CIN1, n = 573), CIN2‐3 (n = 3219), adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS, n = 123), and invasive cervical cancer (ICC, n = 1130). The Roche Linear Array was used for HPV genotyping. The HPV type‐specific relative contributions (RCs) were estimated by adding multiple infections to single types in accordance with proportional weighting attributions. Based on the comparison of type‐specific RCs between CIN1 and CIN2‐3/AIS/ICC (CIN2+), RC ratios were calculated to estimate type‐specific risks for progression to CIN2+. Human papillomavirus DNA was detected in 85.5% of CIN1, 95.7% of CIN2‐3/AIS, and 91.2% of ICC. Multiple infections decreased with disease severity: 42.9% in CIN1, 40.4% in CIN2‐3/AIS, and 23.7% in ICC (P < .0001). The relative risk for progression to CIN2+ was highest for HPV16 (RC ratio 3.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.01‐4.98), followed by HPV31 (2.51, 1.54‐5.24), HPV18 (2.43, 1.59‐4.32), HPV35 (1.56, 0.43‐8.36), HPV33 (1.01, 0.49‐3.31), HPV52 (0.99, 0.76‐1.33), and HPV58 (0.97, 0.75‐1.32). The relative risk of disease progression was 1.87 (95% CI, 1.71‐2.05) for HPV16/18/31/33/35/45/52/58, but only 0.17 (95% CI, 0.14‐0.22) for HPV39/51/56/59/66/68. Human papillomavirus 16/18/31/33/45/52/58/6/11 included in a 9‐valent vaccine contributed to 89.7% (95% CI, 88.7‐90.7) of CIN2‐3/AIS and 93.8% (95% CI, 92.4‐95.3) of ICC. In conclusion, our data support the Japanese guidelines that recommend discriminating HPV16/18/31/33/35/45/52/58 genotypes for CIN management. The 9‐valent vaccine is estimated to provide over 90% protection against ICC in young Japanese women.
BANK COMPETITION, FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT, AND INCOME INEQUALITY
Authors: Fu Zhe , Xi Dan , Xu Jia
Published: May 2020

Income inequality rises with financial development initially and then drops. We reach this conclusion by numerically solving a heterogeneous agent model parameterized to the Chinese economy. The model features a banking sector with Cournot competition, and the process of financial development in the model economy begins with the deregulation of the banking sector. Based on regressions with the fixed effects and the system generalized method of moments, the empirical analysis also suggests an inverted‐U relationship between income inequality and financial development using provincial data from China. (JEL E25, G21, G28)
Common and different alterations of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells in myelodysplastic syndrome and multiple myeloma
Authors: Choi Hayoung , Kim Yonggoo , Kang Dain , Kwon Ahlm , Kim Jiyeon , Min Kim Jung , Park Sung‐Soo , Kim Yoo‐Jin , Min Chang‐Ki , Kim Myungshin
Published: May 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore characteristics of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM‐MSCs) derived from patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods

BM‐MSCs were recovered from 17 of MDS patients, 23 of MM patients and 9 healthy donors and were passaged until proliferation stopped. General characteristics and gene expression profiles of MSCs were analysed. In vitro, ex vivo coculture, immunohistochemistry and knockdown experiments were performed to verify gene expression changes.

Results

BM‐MSCs failed to culture in 35.0% of patients and 50.0% of recovered BM‐MSCs stopped to proliferate before passage 6. MDS‐ and MM‐MSCs shared characteristics including decreased osteogenesis, increased angiogenesis and senescence‐associated molecular pathways. In vitro and ex vivo experiments showed disease‐specific changes such as neurogenic tendency in MDS‐MSCs and cardiomyogenic tendency in MM‐MSCs. Although the age of normal control was younger than patients and telomere length was shorter in patient's BM‐MSCs, they were not different according to disease category nor degree of proliferation. Specifically, poorly proliferation BM‐MSCs showed CDKN2A overexpression and CXCL12 downregulation. Immunohistochemistry of BM biopsy demonstrated that CDKN2A was intensely accumulation in perivascular BM‐MSCs failed to culture. Interestingly, patient's BM‐MSCs revealed improved proliferation activity after CDKN2A knockdown.

Conclusion

These results collectively indicate that MDS‐MSCs and MM‐MSCs have common and different alterations at various degrees. Hence, it is necessary to evaluate their alteration status using representative markers such as CDKN2A expression.
Valuing Personal Data with Privacy Consideration
Authors: Li Xiao‐Bai , Liu Xiaoping , Motiwalla Luvai
Published: May 2020

A key challenge in information privacy research is how to value personal data with privacy consideration. In this study, we propose an experimental auction approach for valuing personal data. We use the generalized second‐price auction to assess the monetary values of individuals’ identity, demographic, and private information. We find that individuals’ economic valuation of personal data is consistent with their actual self‐disclosure behaviors. The economic valuation approach also produces results that are consistent with some well‐accepted observations about consumer demographics and privacy. On the other hand, individuals’ stated privacy preferences and attitudes are not consistent with their economic valuation. The findings of this study suggest that the proposed approach can be an effective mechanism for measuring personal data privacy. This study also provides important insights into valuing personal information for practical uses with several implications to policy decision makers, corporate executives and managers, data analysts, as well as decision science researchers.
New‐onset refractory status epilepticus and febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome
Authors: Specchio Nicola , Pietrafusa Nicola
Published: May 2020

New‐onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) and febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) are relatively rare clinical presentations. They are characterized by de novo onset of refractory status epilepticus (RSE) without clearly identifiable acute or active cause (structural, toxic, or metabolic). We reviewed the literature using PubMed reports published between 2003 and 2019 and summarized the clinical, neurophysiological, imaging, and treatment findings. Focal motor seizures, which tend to evolve into status epilepticus, characterize the typical presentation. Disease course is biphasic: acute phase followed by chronic phase with refractory epilepsy and neurological impairment. Aetiology is unknown, but immune‐inflammatory‐mediated epileptic encephalopathy is suspected. Electroencephalograms show variety in discharges (sporadic or periodic, focal, generalized, or more frequently bilateral), sometimes with a multifocal pattern. About 70% of adult NORSE have abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); in paediatric series of FIRES, 61.2% of patients have a normal brain MRI at the beginning and only 18.5% during the chronic phase. No specific therapy for FIRES and NORSE currently exists; high doses of barbiturates and ketogenic diet can be used with some effectiveness. Recently, anakinra and tocilizumab, targeting interleukin pathways, have emerged as potential specific therapies. Mortality rate is around 12% in children and even higher in adults (16–27%).

What this paper adds

Diagnosis for febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) requires prior febrile infection.

FIRES is considered a subcategory of new‐onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE).

Clinical features, differential diagnosis, and pathophysiologic hypothesis are reviewed.
A Review of Effectiveness Evidence in theFinancial‐HelpingFields
Authors: Dew Jeffrey , Dean Luke , Duncan Stephen F. , Britt‐Lutter Sonya
Published: May 2020

Objective

We reviewed the literature on four financial‐helping fields—the family resource management content area of family life education, financial education, personal financial planning, and financial counseling—in search of best evidence‐based practices when working with individuals and families concerning issues related to money.

Method

Experts in each field of the financial helping professions reviewed common practices in their own field and identified best practices when possible.

Results

Although we found that reviews of financial education outcome research exist, researchers and practitioners have made few attempts to examine best practices in these fields; most of the practices that professionals use in these four fields have not been empirically tested for effectiveness. Consequently, we provide a general overview of common practices within the four fields.

Implications

We implore practitioners and researchers to undertake evaluation research as a means to decipher what works, for whom it works, and to what extent it works.
The role of cyclin D1 and Ki‐67 in the development and prognostication of thin melanoma
Authors: Kaufmann Corina , Kempf Werner , Mangana Joanna , Cheng Phil , Emberger Michael , Lang Roland , Kaiser Andreas K , Lattmann Evelyn , Levesque Mitchell , Dummer Reinhard , Koelblinger Peter
Published: May 2020

Aims

Despite their low individual metastatic potential, thin melanomas (≤1 mm Breslow thickness) contribute significantly to melanoma mortality overall. Therefore, identification of prognostic biomarkers is particularly important in this subgroup of melanoma. Prompted by preclinical results, we investigated cyclin D1 protein and Ki‐67 expression in in‐situ, metastatic and non‐metastatic thin melanomas.

Methods and results

Immunohistochemistry was performed on 112 melanoma specimens, comprising 22 in situ, 48 non‐metastatic and 42 metastatic thin melanomas. Overall, epidermal and dermal cyclin D1 and Ki‐67 expression were semiquantitatively evaluated by three independent investigators and compared between groups. Epidermal Ki‐67 expression did not differ statistically in in‐situ and invasive melanoma (P = 0.7). Epidermal cyclin D1 expression was significantly higher in thin invasive than in in‐situ melanoma (P = 0.003). No difference was found in cyclin D1 expression between metastatic and non‐metastatic invasive tumours. Metastatic and non‐metastatic thin melanomas did not show significant differences in epidermal expression of Ki‐67 and cyclin D1 (P = 0.148 and P = 0.611, respectively). In contrast, strong dermal expression of Ki‐67 was more frequent in metastatic than non‐metastatic samples (28.6 versus 8.3%, respectively, P = 0.001). The prognostic value of dermal Ki‐67 expression was confirmed by multivariate analysis (P = 0.047).

Conclusion

We found an increased expression of cyclin D1 in invasive thin melanomas compared to in‐situ melanomas, which supports a potential role of this protein in early invasion in melanoma, as suggested by preclinical findings. Moreover, our results confirm that high dermal Ki‐67 expression is associated with an increased risk of development of metastasis in thin melanoma and could possibly serve as a prognostic biomarker in clinical practice, especially if combined with additional methods.
One‐size does not fit all: at‐risk bumble bee habitat management requires species‐specific local and landscape considerations
Authors: Liczner Amanda R. , Colla Sheila R.
Published: May 2020

Declining bumble bees are threatened by habitat loss, pathogens and climate change. Despite policy and management recommendations to create pollinator habitat, the habitat requirements for at‐risk bumble bees remains unclear. Most studies on bumble bee habitat are descriptive, focus on floral resources, occur at one spatial scale, or do not examine at‐risk species.

We provide the first thorough habitat description for two North American bumblebee species (Bombus terricolaandBombus pensylvanicus) at‐risk of extinction. We asked the following questions: (i) What characterisesB. terricolaandB. pensylvanicushabitat? (ii) Are landscape variables, local variables, or flowering plant species more important determinants of habitat? (iii) do important variables change throughout the season?

Surveys were conducted at 25 sites with a recent occurrence of eitherB. terricola,B. pensylvanicus, or both species across southern Ontario, Canada. Landscape variables were extracted from a 1‐km buffer around each site. Local variables related to bumble bee resource requirements (floral, nesting and overwintering) and flowering species cover were measured in spring, mid‐summer, and late‐summer.

We found that the proportion of different land cover classes at 1 km was a more important predictor ofB. terricolaandB. pennsylvanicuspresence than local transect based variables such as floral richness or the patchiness of floral cover. We did not find any evidence of important variables changing temporally, but floral resources were consistently important throughout the season. Our results highlight that management of at‐risk pollinator species requires consideration of species‐specific habitat requirements.
Targeting accuracy in foreign language teaching: The role of practice type in learning unsalient grammatical aspects
Authors: Mahmoudi‐Gahrouei Vahid , Youhanaee Manijeh , Nejadanasari Dariush
Published: May 2020

The present study investigated the effectiveness of input‐based vs. output‐based practice in learning an unsalient grammatical aspect (obligatory null objects) in English complex infinitival structures. The participants were 57 Persian learners who were divided into three groups (input‐based, output‐based and control), received instruction for three weeks and took two types of grammar tests (comprehension and production) immediately after treatment and two weeks later. Results of the immediate post‐tests indicated similar effects for both types of practice on improving learners' receptive knowledge while only the output group showed significant gains on the production test. Furthermore, gain maintenance was observed in the performance of the output group on both measures of delayed post‐test. The pedagogical implications arising from these findings are also discussed.
Effect of a responsive parenting intervention on child emotional overeating is mediated by reduced maternal use of food to soothe: The INSIGHT RCT
Authors: Harris Holly A. , Anzman‐Frasca Stephanie , Marini Michele E. , Paul Ian M. , Birch Leann L. , Savage Jennifer S.
Published: May 2020

Background

Child emotional overeating is a risk factor for obesity that is learned in the home environment. Parents' use of food to soothe child distress may contribute to the development of children's emotional overeating.

Objectives

To examine the effect of a responsive parenting (RP) intervention on mother‐reported child emotional overeating, and explore whether effects are mediated by mother‐reported use of food to soothe child distress.

Methods

The sample included primiparous mother‐infant dyads randomized to a RP intervention (n = 105) or home safety control group (n = 102). Nurses delivered RP guidance in four behavioral domains: sleeping, fussy, alert/calm, and drowsy. Mothers reported their use of food to soothe at age 18 months and child emotional overeating at age 30 months. Mediation was analyzed using the SAS PROCESS macro.

Results

RP intervention mothers reported less frequent use of food to soothe and perceived their child's emotional overeating as lower compared to the control group. Food to soothe mediated the RP intervention effect on child emotional overeating (mediation model: R2 = 0.13, P < .0001).

Conclusions

Children's emotional overeating may be modified through an early life RP intervention. Teaching parents alternative techniques to soothe child distress rather than feeding may curb emotional overeating development to reduce future obesity risk.
Delayed meal timing after exercise is associated with reduced appetite and energy intake in adolescents with obesity
Authors: Fillon Alicia , Beaulieu Kristine , Miguet Maud , Bailly Mélina , Finlayson Graham , Julian Valérie , Masurier Julie , Pereira Bruno , Duclos Martine , Boirie Yves , Thivel David
Published: May 2020

Background

While the beneficial effects of exercise on appetite might depend on its timing during the day or relative to a meal, this remains poorly explored in youth.

Objectives

To examine the importance of meal timing (+30 vs +90 minutes) after performing exercise on energy intake, appetite and food reward in adolescents with obesity.

Methods

Eighteen adolescents with obesity randomly completed three conditions: (a) lunch (12:00pm) set 30 minutes after a rest session (11:00am); (b) lunch (12:00pm) set 30 minutes after an exercise session (11:00am)(MEAL‐30); (c) lunch (01:00pm) set 90 minutes after an exercise session (11:00am)(MEAL‐90). Lunch and dinner ad libitum energy intake was assessed, food reward (LFPQ) assessed before and after lunch, and before dinner, appetite sensations were assessed at regular intervals.

Results

Energy intake was lower at MEAL‐90 than MEAL‐30 and CON at lunch (P< .05 andP< .01, respectively) and lunch + dinner combined (P< .001). A decrease in intake (g) of protein, fat and carbohydrate was observed. Post‐exercise hunger was lower on MEAL‐90 compared with CON. No condition effects were found at lunch for food reward.

Conclusions

Delaying the timing of the meal after exercise might help affect energy balance by decreasing ad libitum energy intake without increasing hunger and by improving satiety in adolescents with obesity.