bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value co-creation in sport entertainment between internal and external stakeholders
Authors: Erhardt Niclas , Martin-Rios Carlos , Chan Elisa
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Co-creation as a collaborative process between organizations and customers generates unique value for both internal and external stakeholders for the company. Research generally examines and portrays customer-company co-creation as a balanced and harmonious relationship. However, a successful co-creation strategy involves understanding the shared interests of the parties and resolving tensions between internal and external stakeholders to avoid co-destruction. This study aims to draw on the intersection of organizational behavior and marketing literature and to examine shared interests and conflicting tensions involved in the co-creation in the context of sports entertainment. This context allows the researchers to unpack and present a more complex process of co-creation that fosters co-creativity and innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a qualitative case-based approach of a major university in the USA, the authors draw on interviews and observations from their athletic administration and fans engaged in a men’s Division I team through an entire season.

Findings

This qualitative study illustrates an alternative, more complex dilemma of co-creating emotional and symbolic value based on shared interests while reconciling conflicting internal and external stakeholder interests. The findings suggest a tug of war based on tensions, where management adopted contrasting managerial strategies ranging from attempting to reconcile tension through organic co-creation to controlled manufactured creation.

Research limitations/implications

Emotional and symbolic game experience value is an interdependent process which cannot be created without consumer engagement. Both emotional and symbolic values are enhanced during games to the extent consumers perceive participation in the creative pre-game stages.

Originality/value

This study draws on sports entertainment to identify sources of tension in co-creation and discuss type of solutions among internal and external stakeholders.
Pubscape: innovation by design in the British pub
Authors: Martin Lynn , Jerrard Bob , Wright Lucy
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The decline of the British public house (pub), well documented over the past three decades, is often linked to detrimental social and economic conditions in communities. The purpose of this study was to explore brewery responses to turbulent market conditions for the pub trade, with a focus on innovation through design.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal, qualitative study was conducted over 12 months, with 4 months of close participant observation within the company, to explore the experiences of a design team located within a medium-sized UK brewery.

Findings

The “pubscape” emerged, extending and augmenting earlier models of the “servicescape”, driven by an entrepreneurial shared vision recognising the importance of design and innovation in delivering the modern pub.

Research limitations/implications

A single case – one brewery – formed the basis for a longitudinal qualitative study, with the associated benefits and disadvantages typical of single case research in providing insights rather than measurable outcomes. Other cases and other research methods would allow testing of ideas, rather than exploration, and generate different perspectives.

Practical implications

The research indicates the value of adopting an entrepreneurial approach to address challenging trading conditions and shows the practical role that design can play in rethinking service offerings to fit consumer needs and aspirations.

Originality/value

New insights into modern pub management have emerged from this study, positioning design innovation as a route to delivering successful British destination pubs by innovating while retaining traditional brand values and local identity markers, using the “pubscape” as a specific way to envisage innovative servicescape environments.
Visual ratings of “softness/hardness” of rotating fabrics
Authors: Jimba Naohito , Ishikawa Tomoharu , Yanagida Yoshiko , Mori Hiroshi , Sasaki Kazuya , Ayama Miyoshi
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find the optimal rotary motion conditions to create drapes in fabric to visually convey tactile “softness/hardness” and identify key physical factors in visual evaluations of fabric “softness/hardness” via videos of fabric draping.

Design/methodology/approach

Subjects evaluated visually and by touch, the “softness/hardness” of fabrics draped over a cylinder. In the visual evaluation experiment, subjects were presented with 16 videos of the movement of fabric drapes when the cylinder was rotated (four rotation speeds and four angular acceleration rates) and they evaluated the “softness/hardness” of each fabric visually. By examining the “softness/hardness” ratings in the two experiments, the optimal rotary motion condition that conveyed fabric “softness/hardness” was identified. Changes in the shape of fabric drape when moving under optimal rotary motion conditions were analyzed to determine key physical factors that affected visual evaluations of fabric “softness/hardness.”

Findings

Optimal rotary motion conditions (rotation speed and angular acceleration rate) that expressed each fabric’s “softness/hardness” appropriately were identified. Additionally, the magnitude of change in the angle of fabric drape when rotating under optimal rotary motion conditions was the key factor used in visual evaluation of each fabric’s “softness/hardness.”

Originality/value

The conditions needed to produce visual images that convey fabric “softness/hardness” only through visual information (i.e. without touching the fabric) were identified, based on the fabric’s bending rigidity. The magnitude of change in the angle of fabric drape enabled accurate visual judgments of fabric “softness/hardness.”
Six Sigma for dynamic capabilities development: becoming more flexible organizations
Authors: Gutierrez-Gutierrez Leopoldo , Barrales-Molina Vanesa , Fernandez-Giordano Marisel , López-Morales Beatriz
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Once the operational benefits of Six Sigma are well-recognized in the literature, this research advances the strategic advantages of this initiative. Thus, this paper aims to analyze how dynamic capabilities (DCs) mediates the relationship between Six Sigma implementation and organizational flexibility, not discussed in the literature yet.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 66 Six Sigma European firms are used for a structural equation modeling and additional tests –Baron and Kenny’s test and Preacher and Hayes’s test – to analyze the mediating role of DCs. Following the scholars’ recommendations, the authors have created a second-order factor explained by knowledge absorption, organizational learning and knowledge integration to measure DCs. Flexibility, understood as the capacity for organizational adaptation, is measured through its operational and strategic dimensions.

Findings

The results show a significant relationship between Six Sigma practices – team management and statistical metrics – and DCs. In addition, the authors find support for a significant relationship between DCs and the operational and strategic dimensions of flexibility. Finally, the results confirm that DCs act as a mediating variable in the relationship between Six Sigma practices and flexibility.

Practical implications

The study contributes to literature that supports the decision to implement Six Sigma. In particular, key Six Sigma practices are identified for those managers who wish to foster DCs generation and organizational flexibility inside their companies.

Originality/value

This research analyzes the relationship between Six Sigma and strategic variables, answering the call for research about Six Sigma influence on long-term organizational success.
Emerging from my youth – intra-cohort segmentation
Authors: Pentecost Robin , Donoghue Suné , Thaichon Park
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Using the millennial cohort the purpose of this paper is to assess differences in shopping mall behaviour between three intra-cohorts groups: adolescents (13–17), emerging adults (18–23) and young adults (24–30+).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a self-administered questionnaire, respondents were recruited through random customer intercepts at a major shopping mall in a capital city in Australia using a team of trained research assistants. After initial descriptive between group examinations, discriminant analysis was applied to verify group membership.

Findings

Results show significant differences between groups. Attitudes based upon mall attributes varied significantly, along with expenditure and other behaviour. The study provides evidence of transitional differences within a generational cohort as mall consumers mature.

Research limitations/implications

It serves as a focus for researchers to more actively consider intra-cohort segmentation relating to other generational cohorts.

Practical implications

Findings show that emerging adults to be moving away from attending the mall, which means, this group may be lost if retailers are not more proactive in attracting them or at least maintaining them. Coupling this with the group’s transition towards young adulthood, and the fact that these young adults are less likely to go to the mall there is a degree of urgency to develop strategies to keep this transition group engaged if financially feasible.

Originality/value

This research is important to ongoing theoretical perspectives of cohort theory and life cycle positions through its application to a more nuanced examination of the millennials cohort.
Shifting consumers into gear: car sharing services in urban areas
Authors: Prieto Marc , Stan Valentina , Baltas George , Lawson Stephanie
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Recently, the sharing economy has attracted considerable attention. This emerging paradigm is driven by powerful technological forces and has the potential to change the way consumers access very important markets such as the car market. Indeed, access-based consumption may attract more participants as it enables consumers’ freedom of lifestyle and more flexible identity projects. The empirical literature has so far paid very little attention to car sharing services; when it has, it has focussed mainly on people who are already using them. The purpose of this paper is to consider the drivers behind the adoption intention of car sharing services.

Design/methodology/approach

A large multinational survey is carried out in three European capitals: London, Madrid and Paris. Using quota sampling, 2,159 licensed car drivers are recruited through the online panel of TNS Sofres. The sample is representative of the population of licensed car drivers in each city. The questionnaire is developed using established scales from previous research. An OLS regression analysis is performed to test our hypotheses, with a likelihood of choosing a car sharing option as the dependent variable.

Findings

The study demonstrates that knowledge, environmentalism, possession-self link and involvement with cars are important determinants of consumer behaviour in the car sharing services market. In addition, the user demographics suggest a target market of younger, predominantly male and urban customers. The empirical findings are consistent across the three capital cities, implying that providers can market their car sharing services in a similar manner.

Practical implications

As important determinants of consumer behaviour in the car sharing services market are underlined, several managerial implications arise from the study. Car sharing providers should promote awareness to help people not only to expand their experience with the service but also to be informed about the potential environmental benefits. Further, a stronger possession-self link in the automotive context is suggestive of a greater willingness to use car sharing systems. Managers should also take into account that it is much more difficult to engage individuals in car sharing services who are highly involved with car, than those who express very little attachment to the product. As people under 45 years old are far more likely to use these services, this generation effect is progressively moving the frontiers of the car retailing sector to a broader mobility service sector.

Originality/value

The foremost contribution of this paper is to demonstrate empirically how consumer intention to use car sharing is driven. To do so, the study addresses the general population of car drivers, interviewing users of the service as well as non-users.
Fulfilment time performance of online retailers – an empirical analysis
Authors: Zhang Jingran , Onal Sevilay , Das Rohit , Helminsky Amanda , Das Sanchoy
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Fast fulfilment is a key performance measure in online retail, and some retailers have achieved faster times by adopting new designs in their order fulfilment infrastructure. This research empirically confirms and quantifies the fulfilment time advantage that Amazon has achieved, relative to other online retailers. The purpose of this paper is to investigate three research questions: what is the overall mean fulfilment time difference between the new logistics designs of Amazon and the alternative designs of other retailers? For each order what is the distribution of the fulfilment time difference? What is the difference in fulfilment time by product category, price and size?

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses an empirical method to evaluate the fulfilment time performance of consumer orders made through the Amazon website and one or more competing online retailers. For 1,000 different products two fulfilment times, one at Amazon and another at a competing omnichannel retailer, are recorded. The analysis is then focused on the comparison between this paired data.

Findings

The research confirms that the new logistics methods, including physical facilities, distribution networks and intelligent order processing methods, have resulted in faster order fulfilment times. The performance, though, is not universally dominant and for 33 per cent of orders, the difference is 1 day or less. The fulfilment time difference varied by product, category, price or size.

Practical implications

The ongoing transformation of fulfilment and logistics operations at online retailers has generated several new research questions. This includes the need to confirm the fulfilment efficiency of the new designs and specify time targets. This paper identifies the fulfilment time gap between new and traditional operations. The results suggest that store-based or distribution centre-based fulfilment strategies may not match the new designs.

Originality/value

The study provides a quantitative analysis of the fulfilment time differentials in online retailing. The critical role of fulfilment logistics in the rapidly growing online retail industry can now be better modelled and studied. The survey method representing a single buyer allows for order pair equivalency and eliminates order bias. The results suggest that new warehousing and logistics designs can lead to significantly faster fulfilment times.
Top managers’ role in key account management
Authors: Pereira Giancarlo , Tzempelikos Nektarios , Trento Luiz Reni , Trento Carlos Renato , Borchardt Miriam , Viegas Claudia Viviane
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore top managers’ role in key account management.

Design/methodology/approach

The possible actions that could be performed by a top manager were investigated in 12 case studies. These actions were grouped into key account managers and teams, culture, engagement and knowledge, organizational structure/conditions and customers and markets.

Findings

Top managers (TMs) informally evaluate teams and key account (KA) managers, stimulate a culture that favors the information’s prospection, persuade managers to reduce their resistance and improve organizational structure/conditions by inducing internal and external questioning. They also contact key customers’ top managers to check on the changes required or to persuade them to change requirements, accept a higher price or redirect an unattractive order to competitors. They approve revisions on the key customers list, discuss with the key account manager how to redirect an unattractive opportunity to competitors and try to improve gains even in attractive orders.

Research limitations/implications

Additional research beyond the provided exploratory study is needed to generalize the results. The findings contribute to improving the understanding of how TMs get involved in key account management, buyer–supplier relationship improvement and increasing company profitability. They also unveil top managers’ role in internal culture creation and team engagement.

Originality/value

When managing their KAs, TMs seem to be sceptical, curious and pragmatic with their subordinates, as well as with the customers or competitors.
The antecedents and the outcomes of foreign market knowledge accumulation – the dynamic managerial capability perspective
Authors: Mostafiz Md Imtiaz , Sambasivan Murali , Goh See Kwong
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish the antecedents and the outcomes of foreign market knowledge (FMK) accumulation in the context of emerging economies. The antecedent is dynamic managerial capability (DMC) with managerial human capital, social capital and cognition as its dimensions. The outcomes are financial and non-financial performances. This study bridges the gap by linking individual-level capability and FMK accumulation to achieve performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has utilized a survey-based approach to collect data. The sample consists of 365 export manufacturing firms operating in the apparel industry of Bangladesh. Structural equation modeling analysis has been used to test the hypothesized model.

Findings

The direct effects of managerial social capital and managerial cognition on FMK accumulation are positively significant. The results also show that FMK accumulation fully mediates the relationship between: managerial social capital and financial and non-financial performances and managerial cognition and financial and non-financial performances.

Practical implications

Export manufacturing entrepreneurs in the low-tech industry should focus more on the network development and leverage on their cognitive mentality as a global mindset to succeed in international markets. These two factors are critical to accumulate foreign knowledge.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence on dynamic managerial capability and FMK accumulation of export manufacturing firms in low-tech emerging economies context. Out of the three building blocks of DMC, this study has found that managerial social capital and managerial cognition of entrepreneurs are crucial as antecedents to FMK accumulation and firm performance.
Measurement of port performance from users’ perspective
Authors: Vaggelas George K.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Going beyond the usual approach of measuring port performance – focusing on the efficiency of port operations – this paper aims to look into shipping lines and other port users’ perceptions on port performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a framework measuring the perceptions of port users (i.e. shipping companies, shippers, etc.) on port performance. A typology of elements that shape port users’ perceptions has been developed with an eye on capturing the peculiarities of different port markets. Based on this typology, a tool to assess users’ perspectives, and subsequently evaluate, any given port has been developed. The tool provides port authorities the flexibility they need for customized approaches. The developed evaluation mechanism has been tested on a group of European seaports, and the results are presented by this study.

Findings

The framework and its pilot application unveil the key parameters that port users take into consideration when evaluating the effectiveness component of port performance. Moreover, the importance and evaluation ratings of specific performance parameters allow for a GAP analysis of the collected data.

Research limitations/implications

The paper advances scholarly and practical discussion on how of port users’ perceptions can be a valuable tool for port performance measurement.

Practical implications

The proposed tool can be a valuable add-on for port authorities to evaluate their performance from the port users’ point of view and take the necessary actions to improve it. Also, the tool can be used for the evaluation of a new process, infrastructure. The evaluation of port users’ perception of port performance can and must be part of a European ports observatory, as it is a set of indicators that clearly reflects the satisfaction of port users by engaging their view on port performance issues, instead of relying almost exclusively on port-generated data.

Originality/value

The paper develops a framework for measuring port user’s perception on port performance, which is flexible and can be applied in any port.
Impacts of dynamic managerial capability and international opportunity identification on firm performance
Authors: Mostafiz Md Imtiaz , Sambasivan Murali , Goh See Kwong
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the antecedents and outcomes of international opportunity identification (IOI) in export-manufacturing firms. The fundamental question addressed in this research is: How does dynamic managerial capability (DMC) of entrepreneurs contribute to IOI and success of the firms?

Design/methodology/approach

The research model was tested through structural equation modeling among the readymade garment manufacturing firms in the least developed country, Bangladesh. A survey was conducted with a random sampling approach and responses were collected from 390 firms.

Findings

The salient findings are: DMC has direct and indirect impacts through IOI on financial and non-financial performance; IOI mediates the relationship between managerial social capital and non-financial performance and between managerial cognition and non-financial performance; IOI has a negative relationship with the financial performance of the firms; and scope of accelerated internationalization positively moderates the relationship between IOI and financial performance of firms.

Originality/value

This paper notably shows that DMC of export-manufacturing entrepreneurs leads to the identification of the right kind of opportunities, which, in turn, generate better performance. It is advantageous for this type of firm to operate a business in multiple countries.
Liminality and the asylum process in Switzerland
Authors: GOLD MARINA
Published: June 2019

The process of turning asylum seekers into refugees involves a complex management and bureaucratic machinery that often creates prolonged periods of uncertainty (social, legal and economic) as people are reclassified and reconfigured. Turner’s category of liminality helps to explore the process of determining economic migrants from refugees as a rite of passage in which people are indefinitely trapped ‘betwixt and between’. In the current reaction against immigration, the liminal period indefinitely inhabited by asylum seekers no longer serves the purpose of passage from one status to another and ultimately, incorporation into the social structure. Instead, it acts as a barrier or filter which insulates the social body at a time of intense movement and mobility. Therefore, the liminal period is no longer a formative one with the potential for the reproduction of social structures, but rather a space/time of annihilation and negation of sociality. This article examines the multiple forms of liminality that asylum seekers in Switzerland experience during the process of asylum request.
Rosmarinic acid attenuates inflammation in experimentally induced arthritis in Wistar rats, using Freund’s complete adjuvant
Authors: Gautam Rupesh Kumar , Gupta Gaurav , Sharma Sanjay , Hatware Ketan , Patil Kiran , Sharma Komal , Goyal Swapnil , Chellappan Dinesh Kumar , Dua Kamal
Published: June 2019

Aim

The purpose of our investigation is to evaluate the anti‐arthritic potential of isolated rosmarinic acid from the rind of Punica granatum.

Method

Rosmarinic acid was isolated by bioactivity‐guided isolation from butanolic fraction of Punica granatum and acute toxicity of rosmarinic acid was carried out. The experiment was conducted at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg, in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)‐induced arthritic rats. Various parameters, that is arthritic score, paw volume, thickness of paw, hematological, antioxidant and inflammatory parameters such as glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonaldehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were also estimated.

Results

Rosmarinic acid significantly decreased the arthritic score, paw volume, joint diameter, white blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It also significantly increased body weight, hemoglobin and red blood cells. The significantly decreased levels of TNF‐α were observed in treated groups as compared to arthritic control rats (P < 0.001). At the same time antioxidant parameters (like GSH and SOD) were increased significantly while levels of MDA were significantly decreased (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The outcome of the present research concludes that rosmarinic acid showed significant anti‐arthritic potential in FCA‐induced arthritis in Wistar rats. This study represented the therapeutic role of rosmarinic acid from Punica granatum for the management of arthritis/rheumatoid arthritis/osteoarthritis and related inflammatory complications with negligible side effects which was still far from complete mitigation with available conventional medicines.
Capital regulation and bank balance sheet adjustments: a simultaneous approach
Authors: Nguyen Quang Thi Thieu , Gan Christopher , Li Zhaohua
Published: June 2019

This study examines the balance sheets of banks in 15 Asian countries from 2004 to 2016 to explore how they respond to stricter capital regulation. We consider the simultaneity of balance sheet adjustments. Employing a normalisation method, the study found that Asian banks increased regulatory capital, primarily through retained earnings, and expanded assets over the study period. However, the two‐step system Generalised Method of Moments results do not support the positive effect of capital regulation on regulatory capital components adjustments. In addition, stricter capital regulation even induces banks to reduce lending.
Predictors of short‐ and long‐term recurrence of suicidal behavior in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Rodante D. E. , Grendas L. N. , Puppo S. , Vidjen P. , Portela A. , Rojas S. M. , Chiapella L. C. , Daray F. M.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To evaluate the incidence of suicidal outcomes and risk factors for short‐ and long‐term recurrence of suicidal behavior (SB) among high‐risk borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients during a 24‐month prospective follow‐up period.

Methods

A multicenter prospective cohort study was designed to compare data obtained from 136 patients admitted to the emergency department for current suicidal ideation (SI) or a recent suicide attempt (SA). Subjects were clinically evaluated and monitored for a new SA or suicide.

Results

The incidence of a new SA was 25.63 events/100 persons‐year, and one patient died by suicide. Child sexual abuse (CSA) was the only significant predictor throughout the complete follow‐up period. The absence of prior psychiatric treatment predicts the recurrence of SB in the first 6 months of follow‐up. Patient age, poor psychosocial functioning before hospitalization, age at first SA, and having multiple suicide attempts increased risk of SB recurrence at the long‐term period (24th months). In addition, there was an interaction between CSA and poor psychosocial functioning that increased risk of SB.

Conclusion

The risk of recurrence was higher during the first 6 months. Risk factors at 6 and 24 months vary. These findings are important for implementing suicide strategies.
Parameter Inference for Computational Cognitive Models with Approximate Bayesian Computation
Authors: Kangasrääsiö Antti , Jokinen Jussi P. P. , Oulasvirta Antti , Howes Andrew , Kaski Samuel
Published: June 2019

This paper addresses a common challenge with computational cognitive models: identifying parameter values that are both theoretically plausible and generate predictions that match well with empirical data. While computational models can offer deep explanations of cognition, they are computationally complex and often out of reach of traditional parameter fitting methods. Weak methodology may lead to premature rejection of valid models or to acceptance of models that might otherwise be falsified. Mathematically robust fitting methods are, therefore, essential to the progress of computational modeling in cognitive science. In this article, we investigate the capability and role of modern fitting methods—including Bayesian optimization and approximate Bayesian computation—and contrast them to some more commonly used methods: grid search and Nelder–Mead optimization. Our investigation consists of a reanalysis of the fitting of two previous computational models: an Adaptive Control of Thought—Rational model of skill acquisition and a computational rationality model of visual search. The results contrast the efficiency and informativeness of the methods. A key advantage of the Bayesian methods is the ability to estimate the uncertainty of fitted parameter values. We conclude that approximate Bayesian computation is (a) efficient, (b) informative, and (c) offers a path to reproducible results.
Candida infections in solid organ transplantation: Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice
Authors: Aslam Saima , Rotstein Coleman ,   the AST Infectious Disease Community of Practice
Published: June 2019

These updated guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice provide recommendations for the diagnosis and management of Candida infections in solid organ transplant recipients. Candida infections manifest primarily as candidemia and invasive candidiasis and cause considerable morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment are necessary to reduce mortality. For both candidemia and invasive candidiasis, an echinocandin is recommended for initial therapy. However, early transition to oral therapy is encouraged when patients are stable and the organism is susceptible. Candida prophylaxis should be targeted for high‐risk patients in liver, small bowel, and pancreas transplant recipients. Future research should address which patient groups may benefit most from preventative antifungal therapy strategies.
Hypergranulotic dyscornification: 30 cases of a striking epithelial reaction pattern
Authors: Roy Simon F. , Ko Christine J. , Moeckel Gilbert W. , Mcniff Jennifer M.
Published: June 2019

Background

Hypergranulotic dyscornification (HD) is a rarely reported histological reaction pattern that may be observed in solitary benign keratoses.

Objective and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all cases described as displaying “hypergranulotic dyscornification” at our institution between January 1st 1990 to September 1st 2018. We excluded cases that on retrospective review displayed changes of epidermolytic hyperkeratosis. We conducted electron microscopy (EM) of two lesions.

Results

Thirty cases were identified in our search. Eleven patients were men and 19 were women. Their mean age was 56.9 ± 21.2 years. In contrast to previous reports, we found that HD does not spare the head and neck area. Frequent clinical impressions were inflamed seborrheic keratosis, Bowen disease or inflamed verruca. The most distinctive histopathologic finding was the presence of a prominent granular layer with clumped perinuclear keratohyaline granules. Some cases had mounds of rounded, anucleate glassy eosinophilic corneocytes in the stratum corneum. We observed one case of incidental HD occurring in an epidermoid cyst. EM of HD showed dense perinuclear bands which appeared to match areas of positive staining by keratin immunohistochemistry, without evidence of pale cytoplasmic areas devoid of keratin filaments, characteristic of epidermolytic hyperkeratosis.

Conclusion

HD is a reproducible finding in some benign keratoses, probably because of abnormal keratinization. Awareness of this unique reaction pattern will help prevent misdiagnosis.
Gender‐Based Differential Prediction by Curriculum Samples for College Admissions
Authors: Niessen A. Susan M. , Meijer Rob R. , Tendeiro Jorge N.
Published: June 2019

A longstanding concern about admissions to higher education is the underprediction of female academic performance by admission test scores. One explanation for these findings is selection system bias, that is, not all relevant KSAOs that are related to academic performance and gender are included in the prediction model. One solution to this problem is to include these omitted KSAOs in the prediction model, many of these KSAOs are 'noncognitive' and “hard‐to‐measure” skills in a high‐stakes context. An alternative approach to capture relevant KSAOs is using representative performance samples. We examined differential prediction of first year‐ and third year academic performance by gender based on a curriculum‐sampling test that was designed as a small‐scale simulation of later college performance. In addition, we examined differential prediction using both frequentist and Bayesian analyses. Our results showed no differential prediction or small female underprediction when using the curriculum‐sampling tests to predict first year GPA, and no differential prediction for predicting third year GPA. In addition, our results suggest that more comprehensive curriculum samples may show less differential prediction. We conclude that curriculum sampling may offer a practically feasible method that yields minimal differential prediction by gender in high‐stakes operational selection settings.
Foreign direct investment flows to Mexican states: A study of the automobile industry, 2004–2014
Authors: Tuman John P. , Erlingsson Hafthor
Published: June 2019

This study examines the subnational flow in foreign direct investment (FDI) to Mexican states, with a focus on the finished vehicle industry. Although prior studies have examined subnational FDI in Mexico, research on the automobile sector has been scant. Utilizing a framework associated with the theory of asset specificity, we examine the influence of human capital and labor conditions, infrastructure, subnational policies, and security. The study employs a data set on finished vehicle FDI across 31 states and the Federal district for the period of 2004–2014. We adopt a two‐part model. The first part, which includes all states and the Federal district, is estimated with pooled logistic and Firth logistic regressions. In the second part, we examine variation in levels of FDI among states selected for investment with pooled ordinary least squares with panel‐corrected and Driscoll Kraay standard errors. Labor conditions are significant for both state selection and levels of FDI, but education is influential only in the selection stage. In addition, states with trunk rail lines linked to the U.S. border are more likely to be selected and receive higher FDI. After controlling for these influences, murder and homicide rates, and state development have no significant effects.
Photographs of young generations on the Dutch labour market
Authors: BEKKER Sonja , POP Ioana
Published: June 2019

In the light of the decline of “standard” employment relationships in many countries and its particular effect on young people, this article provides a detailed analysis of the labour market trajectories of early‐career workers in the Netherlands between 1985 and 2014, adopting the approach of the sequence analysis of life‐course events. Using two indicators for instability (entropy and turbulence), the authors find that cohorts that entered the labour market after 2000, and particularly in 2008, experience greater employment status instability despite the flexicurity policies applied. Transitions into stable employment are the exception rather than the rule.
Estimating Mann–Whitney‐type Causal Effects
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Ma Shujie , Shen Changyu , Liu Chunling
Published: June 2019

Mann–Whitney‐type causal effects are generally applicable to outcome variables with a natural ordering, have been recommended for clinical trials because of their clinical relevance and interpretability and are particularly useful in analysing an ordinal composite outcome that combines an original primary outcome with death and possibly treatment discontinuation. In this article, we consider robust and efficient estimation of such causal effects in observational studies and clinical trials. For observational studies, we propose and compare several estimators: regression estimators based on an outcome regression (OR) model or a generalised probabilistic index (GPI) model, an inverse probability weighted estimator based on a propensity score model and two doubly robust (DR), locally efficient estimators. One of the DR estimators involves a propensity score model and an OR model, is consistent and asymptotically normal under the union of the two models and attains the semiparametric information bound when both models are correct. The other DR estimator has the same properties with the OR model replaced by a GPI model. For clinical trials, we extend an existing augmented estimator based on a GPI model and propose a new one based on an OR model. The methods are evaluated and compared in simulation experiments and applied to a clinical trial in cardiology and an observational study in obstetrics.
A test of positive and negative extended intergroup contact in a Chinese minority with perceived group norms and intergroup anxiety as mediators
Authors: Wang Changcheng , Huang Fei , Vezzali Loris
Published: June 2019

This article is aimed to examine the effect of Uyghur's (minority group) positive and negative extended contact with Han (majority group) within the background of China. One affective (intergroup anxiety) and two cognitive (perceived in‐group and out‐group norms) variables were tested as potential mediators. A sample of 875 Uyghur minority college students ranging in age from 17 to 25 years completed self‐reported measures of direct contact, positive and negative extended contact, intergroup anxiety, perceptions of in‐group and out‐group norms, out‐group attitudes, and contact intentions. Results revealed that both positive and negative extended contact were associated with out‐group attitudes and contact intentions, over and above the effect of direct contact. The effects of both forms of extended contact were mediated by intergroup anxiety, perceived in‐group, and out‐group norms. Notably, positive extended contact exerted larger effects than negative extended contact. This research highlights the significance of considering both positive and negative extended contact and the potential of extended contact as a means to ameliorate intergroup relations from the perspective of minority groups.
Comparing Academic Readiness Requirements for Different Postsecondary Pathways: What Admissions Tests Tell Us
Authors: Steedle Jeffrey T. , Radunzel Justine , Mattern Krista D.
Published: June 2019

Ensuring postsecondary readiness is a goal of K‐12 education, but it is unclear whether high school students should get different messages about the required levels of academic preparation depending on their postsecondary trajectories. This study estimated readiness benchmark scores on a college admissions test predictive of earning good grades in majors associated with middle‐skills occupations at 2‐year postsecondary institutions. Results generally indicated similarity between those scores, the corresponding scores for students preparing for high‐skills jobs requiring a bachelor's degree, and established readiness benchmarks for the general college‐going population. Subsequent analyses revealed small variation between readiness benchmarks for different college majors. Overall, results suggest that high school graduates need a strong academic foundation regardless of the postsecondary path they choose.
Item Response Models for Multiple Attempts With Incomplete Data
Authors: Bergner Yoav , Choi Ikkyu , Castellano Katherine E.
Published: June 2019

Allowance for multiple chances to answer constructed response questions is a prevalent feature in computer‐based homework and exams. We consider the use of item response theory in the estimation of item characteristics and student ability when multiple attempts are allowed but no explicit penalty is deducted for extra tries. This is common practice in online formative assessments, where the number of attempts is often unlimited. In these environments, some students may not always answer‐until‐correct, but may rather terminate a response process after one or more incorrect tries. We contrast the cases of graded and sequential item response models, both unidimensional models which do not explicitly account for factors other than ability. These approaches differ not only in terms of log‐odds assumptions but, importantly, in terms of handling incomplete data. We explore the consequences of model misspecification through a simulation study and with four online homework data sets. Our results suggest that model selection is insensitive for complete data, but quite sensitive to whether missing responses are regarded as informative (of inability) or not (e.g., missing at random). Under realistic conditions, a sequential model with similar parametric degrees of freedom to a graded model can account for more response patterns and outperforms the latter in terms of model fit.
Circulating insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐3 and risk of gastrointestinal malignant tumors
Authors: Adachi Yasushi , Nojima Masanori , Mori Mitsuru , Kubo Toshiyuki , Yamano Hiro‐o , Lin Yingsong , Wakai Kenji , Tamakoshi Akiko ,   for JACC Study
Published: June 2019

Background and Aim

Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF1) is a potent mitogen and is inhibited by IGF‐binding protein‐3 (IGFBP3). High serum IGF1 and low IGFBP3 are associated with increased risk of several carcinomas. Here, we assessed the relationship of these peptides with the risk of gastrointestinal malignancies, in a prospective case–control study nested in the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study.

Methods

The analysis involved 916 cases who had been diagnosed as gastrointestinal malignancies (C15–25) and 2306 controls. To estimate odds ratios for incidence of malignancies associated with these levels, a conditional logistic model was used.

Results

Both higher total and free IGFBP3 were associated with a decreased risk of tumor (P for trend < 0.001 and = 0.003, respectively). People in the second to fifth quintiles had lower risk compared to the first quintile (odds ratios ranged 0.532–0.650 and 0.582–0.725, respectively). After adjustment for IGF1, body mass index, drinking, and smoking, total IGFBP3 was inversely correlated with cancer risk (P for trend = 0.031). After adjustment, free IGFBP3 was inversely associated with the risk (P for trend = 0.007). Although total IGF1 was inversely correlated with tumor risk, it was not after controlling for IGFBP3 (P for trend = 0.007 and 0.589, respectively). Free IGF1 was not associated with the risk (P for trend = 0.361). Limiting subjects to those followed for over 3 years reinforced the inverted relationships of total and free IGFBP3 with risk for tumors (P for trend = 0.005 and 0.008, respectively).

Conclusion

Both total and free IGFBP3 may be inversely associated with the incidence of gastrointestinal malignancies.
Electronic and paper mode of data capture when assessing patient‐reported outcomes in the National Dental Practice‐Based Research Network
Authors: Kopycka‐Kedzierawski Dorota T. , Cacciato Rita , Hennessey Roslyn , Meyerowitz Cyril , Litaker Mark S. , Heft Marc W. , Johnson Kimberly S. , Reyes Stephanie C. , Johnson James D. , Baltuck Camille T. , Gilbert Gregg H. ,   National Dental PBRN Collaborative Group
Published: June 2019

Aim

Our objectives were to describe the approach used in the National Dental Practice‐Based Research Network to capture patient‐reported outcomes and to compare electronic and paper modes of data capture in a specific network study.

Methods

This was a prospective, multicenter cohort study of 1862 patients with dentin hypersensitivity. Patient‐reported outcomes were assessed based on patients’ perception of pain using Visual Analog Scales and Labeled Magnitude scales at baseline and at 1, 4 and 8 weeks post‐baseline.

Results

Eighty‐five percent of study patients chose to complete follow‐up assessments via an electronic mode; 15% completed them via a paper mode. There was not a significant difference in the proportions of patients who completed the 8‐week assessment when comparing the electronic mode to the paper mode (92% vs. 90.8%, P = 0.31, Rao‐Scott clustered χ2‐test).

Conclusion

The electronic mode of data capture was as operational as the traditional paper mode, while also providing the advantage of eliminating data entry errors, not involving site research coordinators in measuring the patient‐reported outcomes, and not incurring cost and potential delays due to mailing study forms. Electronic data capture of patient reported outcomes could be successfully implemented in the community dental practice setting.