bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do investors’ reactions to CSR-related news communication differ by shareholder? An empirical analysis from Japan
Authors: Murashima Miho
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the differences in investors’ reactions toward firms’ corporate social responsibility (CSR)-related news announcements between individuals and institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyzed by the short-term event study and ordinary least squares (OLS) methods using a unique CSR data set collected from newspapers in Japan from 2001 to 2016.

Findings

The study finds, first, the different reactions toward CSR-related news announcements among shareholders. Second, the findings indicate that individual investors are more sensitive to CSR-related positive news, whereas institutional investors are more concerned about the negative news, providing one of the reasons for mixed results in the studies on the CSR and financial performance linkage. Those findings indicate that CSR-related news affects investors’ behaviors differently based on their purpose, ability and accessible information.

Practical implications

This study deepens the understanding of the different investing behaviors toward CSR-related announcements by shareholder type. Second, different attitudes among investors require different investor relations (IR) approaches depending on the type. It also provides valuable implications not only for Japanese business managers or policymakers but also for those from countries with a similar stage of market maturity in the CSR context.

Originality/value

This paper is original in two ways. First, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper to deepen the understanding of investors’ reactions toward CSR-related events through analysis by the main shareholder, which provides some insights into mixed results in the previous studies. Second, the original CSR data set collected from newspapers by the author allows the analysis to use a larger data set than other research, resulting in more robust conclusions.
Looking for value through networked learning in social context
Authors: Bagheri Amin , Yamani douzi sorkhabi Mohammad
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate students' social networking strategies based on learning values in the social context of Iranian universities.

Design/methodology/approach

This research has used the case study method to investigate students’ networked learning (NL) strategies among students of four different universities in the context of Iran. They were explored by semistructured in-depth interviews about the nature or current conditions of their study life. The data were analyzed by the qualitative analysis method based on the systematic approach of Strauss and Corbin (1998).

Findings

The researchers in this study found the special concept of NL in the social context: “NL as a continuous process of thinking to understand the environment through multiple/ diverse careers of learning knowledge and skills for environmental modeling towards creating added-value.” According to this definition, various networked strategies were identified as follows: 1) interactive and multidimensional searching, 2) multidimensional studying and learning, 3) environmental and social management, 4) studying and social wandering.

Research limitations/implications

Designing dynamic curriculum, which integrates various careers of learning, multidimensional knowledge and abilities and subject matters with environmental events and social structures of the society. Given the exploratory nature of the research, the paper cannot provide empirically justified findings.

Originality/value

The research had identified diverse approaches of networking strategies, which do not appear just as a positive instrument to improve learning conditions. However, there is such an extreme degree of social wandering among students in universities that makes their efforts useless.
An interactive tool for citizens’ involvement in the sustainable regeneration
Authors: Temeljotov Salaj Alenka , Gohari Savis , Senior Coline , Xue Yan , Lindkvist Carmel
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test possibilities of real participation in FM field in response to the energy sustainable demand by using new technologies for better communication. It is acknowledged that the technological innovation is a necessary condition to make a city sustainable, though the challenge is not primarily on technology but on service transformation and improvement. Improving service quality requires the participatory and synergetic processes that attract an extra attention to the social and management aspects of urban planning.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an evidence-based research, which shows how FM can extent its impact on the build environment and society by bringing the socio-physiological aspect and the community in the central of the planning and design process.

Findings

An “urban” facility manager, through integration of multiple disciplines in a human-centre approach, can become the enabler and implementer of sustainable urban ecosystem, i.e. balancing social, economic and environmental pillars. This requires central involvement of FM in the planning and decision-making processes; therefore, its role and impact should be enlarged and better communicated. The enlargement of the FM's role initially requires an effective communication with people, whose behavioural change are prerequisite for the sustainability transition. The communication between FM and people should be interactive and iterative, in which they both define problems/needs and co-create the relevant solutions.

Research limitations/implications

This paper depicts an evidence-based FM practice, in which the website as an interactive tool is co-designed by the “facility management” students and the citizens to contribute to the real citizen participation in an effective communication process.

Originality/value

The high value for both, citizens and facility manager, is co-created information platform for upgrading the sustainability level and well-being in the communities. The tool is seen as an important starting contribution for the Paris climate agreement, and as a step toward human-centric-oriented urban sustainable regenerating project.
A new approach to the degree of greyness
Authors: Mierzwiak Rafał , Nowak Marcin , Xie Naiming
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The degree of greyness may be regarded as a measure of cognitive uncertainty. Therefore, it is a part of the epistemological core of the grey systems theory. The theoretical importance of the degree of greyness concept is also due to its application in a range of uncertainty modelling methods: predictive, relational and decision-making methods. Greyness, being a result of cognitive uncertainty, was recently subjected to axiomatization in the form of grey space with the use of the classical sets theory. The purpose of this article is to develop a new approach to the degree of greyness, being consistent with the grey space concept.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to realise the article’s goals, the research is divided into three stages described in particular sections. The first section of the article presents a theoretical framework of the degree of greyness and the grey space. The second part includes the assumptions of the new degree of greyness concept, along with the mathematical models for the first, the second and the third degree of greyness. The third section contains numerical examples for each degree of greyness.

Findings

As a result of the research, a concept of a degree of greyness was created and it was linked with a concept of grey space. This new approach to the issue of the degree of greyness has allowed the analysing of this category in three dimensions dependent on an accepted reference base. As a result, a concept of concrete and abstractive grey numbers was introduced and relationships between these categories of numbers and the degree of greyness were determined.

Originality/value

The proposed approach to the issue of the degree of greyness is a theoretical unification of the previous considerations in this area. The proposed three dimensions of greyness degree will be derived from the grey space, so they will also be a function of quantity. Thus, the degree of greyness was linked with a classical set theory. An original input in this article is also a differentiation of concrete and abstractive grey numbers, which give a basis for deliberations connected with interpretation of grey numbers in the context of real applications.
Perceptions of culinary education and chef apprenticeships in Ireland
Authors: Gray Emily , Farrell Kathleen Geraldine
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The relationship between the shortage of chefs for the hospitality industry in Ireland and the lack of uptake for chef apprenticeship is an underexplored topic. This study investigates attitudes to chef training and chef apprenticeship among industry representatives and second-level students.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a mixed method approach, the qualitative research comprised of in-depth interviews conducted with key experts in the industry and from the educational sector. The quantitative research approach comprised of questionnaires conducted with second-level students.

Findings

The research results found that there is a stigma attached to chef apprenticeships, and this is part of the reason that the apprenticeship has low uptake. However, it was also found that working conditions in the industry were a real concern.

Research limitations/implications

This is an exploratory study with a small sample of interviewees and survey respondents. However, it is a first step towards understanding some of the key issues relating to low uptake for chef apprenticeship.

Practical implications

Access for second-level students to information regarding the benefits of a chef apprenticeship is lacking. It is necessary to convince students that an apprenticeship is as beneficial as a degree. Training for career guidance councillors is needed.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of research on the low uptake to chef apprenticeship. Research is recommended into how to re-brand chef apprenticeship.
A big data analytics based methodology for strategic decision making
Authors: Özemre Murat , Kabadurmus Ozgur
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel framework for strategic decision making using Big Data Analytics (BDA) methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, two different machine learning algorithms, Random Forest (RF) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) are employed to forecast export volumes using an extensive amount of open trade data. The forecasted values are included in the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Matrix to conduct strategic market analysis.

Findings

The proposed methodology is validated using a hypothetical case study of a Chinese company exporting refrigerators and freezers. The results show that the proposed methodology makes accurate trade forecasts and helps to conduct strategic market analysis effectively. Also, the RF performs better than the ANN in terms of forecast accuracy.

Research limitations/implications

This study presents only one case study to test the proposed methodology. In future studies, the validity of the proposed method can be further generalized in different product groups and countries.

Practical implications

In today’s highly competitive business environment, an effective strategic market analysis requires importers or exporters to make better predictions and strategic decisions. Using the proposed BDA based methodology, companies can effectively identify new business opportunities and adjust their strategic decisions accordingly.

Originality/value

This is the first study to present a holistic methodology for strategic market analysis using BDA. The proposed methodology accurately forecasts international trade volumes and facilitates the strategic decision-making process by providing future insights into global markets.
Building apparel manufacturing competitiveness through policy–a system dynamics approach
Authors: Wilson Shellyanne
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of Government via its industrial policy aimed at building competitiveness in apparel manufacturing in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework that proposes the causal relationships between policies and competitiveness is applied to the apparel manufacturing sector in Trinidad and Tobago. The study utilises primary data from interviews and observations, and secondary data sources inclusive of industry and fashion companies reports. Data analysis of four vertical policies is performed via the use of system dynamics modelling and simulation.

Findings

The four vertical policies were found to impact three interrelated elements in the apparel manufacturing sector: the market, apparel products and productive resources. Policies that intentionally focussed on improving market attractiveness benefited wide segments of the industry. However, policies that focussed on product and resource attractiveness that were designed as direct support for selected firms had a lower impact on overall industry competitiveness than those that had an industry-wide focus.

Research limitations/implications

A single industry in a small developing island state limits the generalisability of the research findings. Additionally, non-reporting of export data and aggregation of industry data limits the conclusions that can be drawn regarding the impact of the vertical policies on the apparel industry. 10; 10;

Practical implications

Policy-makers should consider the scope of the vertical policies in terms of the number of firms in the industry to benefit, and the need for complementary horizontal policies for creating enabling environments for competitiveness.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a conceptual framework to capture relationships between vertical policy and competitiveness.
Consumer responses to shopper solutions in service settings
Authors: Thomas Ashley M. , Newman Christopher L. , Finkelstein Stacey R. , Cho Yoon-Na , Cascio Allyn
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Retailers are continuously seeking to improve upon the in-store shopping experience for their customers. The present research aims to examine consumers’ responses to one such initiative – the shopper solution – that, despite its growing marketplace prominence, remains largely unexamined in academic literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies employed a 2(shopper solution: present vs. absent) between-subjects design. MANOVA and regression analyses were used to test hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Findings across two studies reveal that the presence (vs absence) of solutions positively influenced shoppers’ perceptions of shopping convenience, as well as their purchase intentions. These favorable effects also extended to the provider in higher word-of-mouth and loyalty intentions. Shopping convenience was identified as the mechanism underlying the impact of solutions, while “smart shopper” self-perceptions were shown to moderate these mediating effects.

Practical implications

Shopper solutions represent a low-cost, in-store marketing tactic that enhances shopping convenience. They are easy to implement, result in little to no overhead costs and can benefit both shoppers and retailers.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research represents the first academic examination of the impact of shopper solutions. The authors identify key mediating and moderating influences of the effects of solutions.
Impact of Hall effect, nonlinear radiation and heat source on MHD Couette–Poiseuille flow of nanoliquid through a rotating channel
Authors: Sindhu S. , Gireesha B.J. , Sowmya G.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This report offers the detailed investigation of Couette–Poiseuille flow of nanoliquid with varying viscosity. The analysis is carried out by considering flow between two parallel plates in a rotating permeable channel with the aid of nonlinear thermal radiation and Hall effect. The predominant equations governing the physical phenomenon are demonstrated using the Buongiorno model.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical computation for the demonstrated physical problem is achieved through the implementation of the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg fourth–fifth-order method along with shooting technique.

Findings

The theoretical view of Brownian motion, nonlinear radiation, Hall effect and thermophoresis parameter is presented graphically.

Originality/value

It is revealed that flow velocity increases with the upper wall motion parameter and magnetic field. Also, it is established that an increase in the Nusselt number is achieved for increasing values of nonlinear radiation parameter.
The ROK‐family regulator Rok7B7 directly controls carbon catabolite repression, antibiotic biosynthesis, and morphological development in Streptomyces avermitilis
Authors: Lu Xiaorui , Liu Xingchao , Chen Zhi , Li Jilun , van Wezel Gilles P. , Chen Wei , Wen Ying
Published: May 2020

Carbon catabolite repression (CCR) is a common phenomenon in bacteria that modulates expression of genes involved in uptake of alternative carbon sources. In the filamentous streptomycetes, which produce half of all known antibiotics, the precise mechanism of CCR is yet unknown. We report here that the ROK‐family regulator Rok7B7 pleiotropically controls xylose and glucose uptake, CCR, development, as well as production of the macrolide antibiotics avermectin and oligomycin A in Streptomyces avermitilis. Rok7B7 directly repressed structural genes for avermectin biosynthesis, whereas it activated olmRI, the cluster‐situated activator gene for oligomycin A biosynthesis. Rok7B7 also directly repressed the xylose uptake operon xylFGH, whose expression was induced by xylose and repressed by glucose. Both xylose and glucose served as Rok7B7 ligands. rok7B7 deletion led to enhancement and reduction of avermectin and oligomycin A production, respectively, relieved CCR of xylFGH, and increased co‐uptake efficiency of xylose and glucose. A consensus Rok7B7‐binding site, 5′‐TTKAMKHSTTSAV‐3′, was identified within aveA1p, olmRIp, and xylFp, which allowed prediction of the Rok7B7 regulon and confirmation of 11 additional targets involved in development, secondary metabolism, glucose uptake, and primary metabolic processes. Our findings will facilitate methods for strain improvement, antibiotic overproduction, and co‐uptake of xylose and glucose in Streptomyces species.
Iron‐biomineralizing organelle in magnetotactic bacteria: function, synthesis and preservation in ancient rock samples
Authors: Amor Matthieu , Mathon François P. , Monteil Caroline L. , Busigny Vincent , Lefevre Christopher T.
Published: May 2020

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are ubiquitous aquatic microorganisms that incorporate iron from their environment to synthesize intracellular nanoparticles of magnetite (Fe3O4) or greigite (Fe3S4) in a genetically controlled manner. Magnetite and greigite magnetic phases allow MTB to swim towards redox transition zones where they thrive. MTB may represent some of the oldest microorganisms capable of synthesizing minerals on Earth and have been proposed to significantly impact the iron biogeochemical cycle by immobilizing soluble iron into crystals that subsequently fossilize in sedimentary rocks. In the present article, we describe the distribution of MTB in the environment and discuss the possible function of the magnetite and greigite nanoparticles. We then provide an overview of the chemical mechanisms leading to iron mineralization in MTB. Finally, we update the methods used for the detection of MTB crystals in sedimentary rocks and present their occurrences in the geological record.
Ownership structure, size, and interest income substitution by banks: An exploratory study in the Indian context
Authors: Kaur Navneet , Kaur Parneet
Published: May 2020

This study explored how emerging economy banks are rebalancing their interest income and non‐interest income to ensure stability. We set our study in India during the period 2005–2017. Interestingly, we observe that time–series correlation of interest income growth and non‐interest income growth for public sector banks as well as for private banks is on the negative side. We applied panel vector auto regression and generalised method of moments methodology. This study found that when bank interest income falls, they try to increase their non‐interest income to offset their losses to a certain extent, and the trend is increasing. Public sector banks are overall substituting non‐interest income for a reduction in the margin, and there is an increasing trend for this substitution. Based on the size of banks, it has been found that change in non‐interest income in the subsequent year due to change in interest income in the previous year is there for large banks, whereas no such significant change has been found in case of small banks.
Detection of Mitragynine in Mitragyna Speciosa (Kratom) Using Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy with Handheld Devices
Authors: Lanzarotta Adam , Thatcher Michael D. , Lorenz Lisa M. , Batson JaCinta S.
Published: May 2020

A simple, quick, selective, sensitive, and effective field‐friendly method capable of being used by nonexperts has been developed for detecting mitragynine in Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) using surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Over 100 samples and blanks (known to be either positive or negative for the presence of mitragynine) were examined in duplicate using five identical handheld Raman spectrometers, which provided a data set of over 1,000 examinations. Based on the results of these analyses, the method yielded a true‐positive rate of 99.3%, a true‐negative rate of 97.9%, a false‐positive rate of 2.1%, and a false‐negative rate of 0.7%. The average minimum detectable concentration (Cm) of mitragynine that reproducibly yielded a match for one of the library spectra on all five instruments was determined to be 342 ng/mL (ppb). This Cm value is a conservative estimate considering that the extraction process was not fully optimized by this study, which was not necessary since the Cm value achieved was well below typical mitragynine concentrations in kratom (1.3–2.3%). The method is ideal (i) for prioritizing samples for additional testing using other more time‐consuming laboratory‐based techniques needed to detect and quantify mitragynine and (ii) for field use at international mail facility (IMF) satellite laboratories to help interdict kratom and prevent this dangerous product from reaching the U.S. supply chain.
A New Robust Epigenetic Model for Forensic Age Prediction
Authors: Montesanto Alberto , D’Aquila Patrizia , Lagani Vincenzo , Paparazzo Ersilia , Geracitano Silvana , Formentini Laura , Giacconi Robertina , Cardelli Maurizio , Provinciali Mauro , Bellizzi Dina , Passarino Giuseppe
Published: May 2020

Forensic DNA phenotyping refers to an emerging field of forensic sciences aimed at the prediction of externally visible characteristics of unknown sample donors directly from biological materials. The aging process significantly affects most of the above characteristics making the development of a reliable method of age prediction very important. Today, the so‐called “epigenetic clocks” represent the most accurate models for age prediction. Since they are technically not achievable in a typical forensic laboratory, forensic DNA technology has triggered efforts toward the simplification of these models. The present study aimed to build an epigenetic clock using a set of methylation markers of five different genes in a sample of the Italian population of different ages covering the whole span of adult life. In a sample of 330 subjects, 42 selected markers were analyzed with a machine learning approach for building a prediction model for age prediction. A ridge linear regression model including eight of the proposed markers was identified as the best performing model across a plethora of candidates. This model was tested on an independent sample of 83 subjects providing a median error of 4.5 years. In the present study, an epigenetic model for age prediction was validated in a sample of the Italian population. However, its applicability to advanced ages still represents the main limitation in forensic caseworks.
Quantitative evaluation of intraspecific genetic diversity in a natural fish population using environmental DNA analysis
Authors: Tsuji Satsuki , Shibata Naoki , Sawada Hayato , Ushio Masayuki
Published: May 2020

Recent advances in environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis using high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) enable evaluation of intraspecific genetic diversity in a population. As the intraspecific genetic diversity provides invaluable information for wildlife conservation and management, there is an increasing demand to apply eDNA analysis to population genetics and the phylogeography by quantitative evaluation of intraspecific diversity. However, quantitative evaluations of intraspecific genetic diversity using eDNA is not straightforward because the number of eDNA sequence reads obtained by HTS may not be an index of the quantity of eDNA. In this study, to quantitatively evaluate genetic diversity using eDNA analysis, we applied a quantitative eDNA metabarcoding method using the internal standard DNAs. We targeted Ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis) and added internal standard DNAs with known copy numbers to each eDNA sample obtained from three rivers during the library preparation process. The sequence reads of each Ayu haplotype were successfully converted to DNA copy numbers based on the relationship between the copy numbers and sequence reads of the internal standard DNAs. In all rivers, the calculated copy number of each haplotype showed a significant positive correlation with the haplotype frequency estimated by a capture‐based survey. Furthermore, estimates of genetic indicators such as nucleotide diversity based on the eDNA copy numbers were comparable with those estimated based on a capture‐based study. Our results demonstrate that eDNA analysis with internal standard DNAs enables reasonable quantification of intraspecific genetic diversity, and this method could thus be a promising tool in the field of population genetics and phylogeography.
Isolation and characterization of potentially pathogenic Vibrio species in a temperate, higher latitude hotspot
Authors: Ford Charlotte L. , Powell Andy , Lau Dawn Yan Lam , Turner Andrew D. , Dhanji‐Rapkova Monika , Martinez‐Urtaza Jaime , Baker‐Austin Craig
Published: May 2020

The recent emergence of Vibrio infections at high latitudes represents a clear human health risk attributable to climate change. Here, we investigate the population dynamics of three Vibrio species: Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio cholerae within a British coastal estuarine site, with contrasting salinity and temperature regimes during an intense heatwave event. Water samples were collected weekly through the summer of 2018 and 2019 and filtered using membrane filtration and subsequently grown on selective media. Suspected vibrios were confirmed using a conventional species‐specific PCR assay and further analysed for potential pathogenic markers. Results showed that Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio cholerae were present at high concentrations throughout both years, with their populations at substantially greater abundances corresponding to conditions of higher water temperatures during the heatwave of 2018 and at lower salinity sites, which is comparable to the results of previous studies. A subset of strains isolated during the extreme heatwave event in 2018 (46 Vibrio parahaemolyticus, 11 Vibrio cholerae and 4 Vibrio vulnificus) were genomically sequenced. Analysis of these 63 sequenced strains revealed a broad phenotypic and genomic diversity of strains circulating in the environment. An analysis of pathogenicity attributes identified a broad array of virulence genes across all three species, including a variety of genes associated with human disease. This study highlights the importance of the need for an increased Vibrio spp. surveillance system in temperate regions and the potential impact warming events such as heatwaves may have on the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria in the environment.
Do local social norms affect investors’ involvement in social activism? Revisiting the case of US institutional investors
Authors: Cahan Steven F. , Chen Chen , Chen Li
Published: May 2020

Prior evidence suggests that, in contrast to European investors, local norms related to environmental and social (E&S) beliefs do not affect the willingness of US institutional investors to push for E&S improvements in US firms. We revisit this issue except, instead of measuring E&S social norms at the country level, we allow E&S social norms to vary between states. We find that the shareholdings of non‐local US institutional investors from states with strong E&S social norms are positively related to E&S‐related shareholder activism, indicating that local E&S social norms do matter for US institutional investors.
Job satisfaction of rural medical interns: A qualitative study
Authors: Isaacs Anton N. , Raymond Anita , Jacob Angela , Hawkings Philippa
Published: May 2020

Objective

To study reasons for job satisfaction and dissatisfaction among interns.

Design

Using a qualitative methodology, one‐to‐one interviews were conducted with interns.

Setting

The study was based at a Victorian Rural Intern Training program.

Participants

Twelve interns from the program were interviewed during their final rotation.

Main outcome measures

Reasons for job satisfaction and dissatisfaction among rural interns.

Results

Reasons for job satisfaction included feeling supported in the workplace as well as getting quality supervision, teaching and clinical exposure. Reasons for job dissatisfaction included poor access to administration, unduly stressful working situations, lack of support for mental health and well‐being, and poorly organised teaching sessions.

Conclusion

The internship experience, together with the people they are influenced by, can determine a doctor’s future career pathway. It is therefore vital for internship coordinators and hospital managers to facilitate a positive internship experience. The findings have implications for human resource management policy and practice in rural hospitals.
Coagulation in liver surgery: an observational haemostatic profile and thromboelastography study
Authors: Oo June , Allen Megan , Loveday Benjamin P. T. , Lee Nora , Knowles Brett , Riedel Bernhard , Burbury Kate , Thomson Benjamin
Published: May 2020

Background

International normalized ratio (INR) is used as a marker of the haemostatic status following liver resection. However, the impact of liver resection on haemostasis is complex and beyond what can be measured by INR. This study aimed to prospectively assess haemostatic profile following liver resection and determine if INR measurement can safely guide post‐operative thromboprophylaxis.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, patients undergoing liver resection had coagulation parameters (International normalised ratio (INR), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, d‐dimer, von Willebrand factor antigen, procoagulant activity of phospholipids and clotting factors II, VII, VIIIc, IX and X) and thromboelastogram parameters assessed perioperatively. Clinical follow‐up assessed for thromboembolism and haemorrhage.

Results

In the 41 patients included, INR was significantly (P < 0.0001) elevated post‐operatively, and INR >1.5 was observed in seven of 41 (17.1%) on post‐operative day 1 and one of 41 (2.4%) patients on post‐operative day 3, respectively. Factor VII levels showed transient reduction but other factors, especially factors II and X, remained within normal range following liver resection. Thromboelastogram parameters remained normal or supranormal for all patients at all time points. One incident of post‐hepatectomy haemorrhage occurred, despite a normal coagulation profile. Two patients suffered late pulmonary embolic episodes.

Conclusion

Post liver resection haemostasis is complex and poorly reflected by INR, which should not guide initiation of chemical thromboprophylaxis in the immediate post‐operative period.
Management of pyogenic liver abscess: a South Australian experience
Authors: McNeil Thomas , Daniel Santhosh , Gordon David L.
Published: May 2020

Background

There have been declining mortality rates associated with pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) in recent decades due to improvements in percutaneous drainage techniques, access to imaging and improvements in supportive care. The aim of this study was to analyse the aetiology, management and outcome of PLA at a tertiary hospital in Adelaide.

Methods

Data was collected retrospectively from 80 patients who were admitted with a PLA between 2011 and 2018. The data points covered demographic variables, presumed aetiology, microbiology results, abscess imaging characteristics, interventions, antibiotic treatment, complications and mortality.

Results

The majority of patients were Caucasian (86%) and the most common predisposing conditions were biliary tract disease (39%), intra‐abdominal infection (20%) and diabetes (18%).Escherichia coli(21%),Klebsiellaspecies (18%),Streptococcus anginosusgroup (14%) and anaerobes (18%) were the most frequent pathogens isolated. Fifty‐one percent of patients were bacteraemic. Percutaneous catheter insertion (45%) was the most common form of drainage followed by percutaneous aspiration (13%), surgery (11%) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (6%), while 25% of patients did not undergo any form of drainage. Twenty‐four patients (30%) suffered a complication with the highest proportion occurring in the medically managed group. The overall mortality rate was 9% with only 1% mortality rate attributable to PLA.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a continued preference for percutaneous drainage techniques over surgery in the management of PLA. A significant proportion of patients did not undergo abscess drainage and the risk of subsequent complications appeared to concentrate in this group, although the mortality rate from PLA was low.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: prevalence of prior and concurrent Barrett's oesophagus in oesophageal adenocarcinoma patients
Authors: Tan Mimi C. , Mansour Nabil , White Donna L. , Sisson Amy , El‐Serag Hashem B. , Thrift Aaron P.
Published: May 2020

Background

The proportions of patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) diagnosed by Barrett's oesophagus surveillance or with pre‐existing Barrett's oesophagus are unclear.

Aim

To estimate the prevalence of prior and concurrent Barrett's oesophagus diagnosis among patients with OAC or oesophagogastric junction adenocarcinomas (OGJAC).

Methods

We searched PubMed and Embase to identify studies published 1966‐1/8/2020 that examined the prevalence of prior (≥6 months) or concurrent Barrett's diagnosis (at cancer diagnosis) among OAC and OGJAC patients. Random effects models estimated overall and stratified pooled prevalence rates.

Results

A total of 69 studies, including 33 002 OAC patients (53 studies) and 2712 patients with OGJAC (28 studies) were included. The pooled prevalence of prior Barrett's oesophagus diagnosis in OAC was 11.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.4%‐15.6%). The prevalence of prior Barrett's oesophagus diagnosis was higher in single‐centre resection studies (16.0%, 95% CI 8.7%‐24.9%) than population‐based cancer registry studies (8.4%, 95% CI 5.5%‐11.9%). The prevalence of concurrent Barrett's oesophagus in OAC was 56.6% (95% CI 48.5%‐64.6%). Studies with 100% early stage OAC had higher prevalence of concurrent Barrett's oesophagus (91.3%, 95% CI 82.4%‐97.6%) than studies with <50% early OAC (39.7%, 95% CI 33.7%‐45.9%). In OGJAC, the prevalence of prior and concurrent Barrett's oesophagus was 23.2% (95% CI 7.5%‐44.0%) and 26.3% (95% CI 17.8%‐35.7%), respectively.

Conclusions

Most patients with OAC have Barrett's oesophagus. Our meta‐analysis found ~12% of OAC patients had prior Barrett's diagnosis, but concurrent Barrett's oesophagus was found in ~57% at the time of OAC diagnosis. This represents a considerable missed opportunity for Barrett's oesophagus screening.
A case of diaphragmatic hernia incarceration after a heart transplant operation
Authors: Sasaki Masaru , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Funaki Soichiro , Tanaka Koji , Miyazaki Yasuhiro , Ose Naoko , Makino Tomoki , Kurokawa Yukinori , Yamasaki Makoto , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Shintani Yasushi , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: May 2020

We report a case of a diaphragmatic hernia after a heart transplant operation. A 43‐year‐old woman, who underwent orthotropic heart transplantation for hypertrophic cadiomyopathy two year earlier, presented with vomiting and epigastric pain. A computed tomography scan showed that the stomach and transverse colon were dislocated in the left thoracic cavity. We diagnosed left diaphragmatic hernia incarceration and performed laparoscopic repair of the diaphragmatic hernia. A 12 × 8 cm diaphragmatic defect was found intraoperatively on the ventrolateral aspect of the left diaphragm, and the stomach with volvulus had herniated into the thorax through the defect. The hernia was considered to be iatrogenic. The diaphragmatic defect was large, and the diaphragm was thinning. We closed the defect by mesh repair. Laparoscopic mesh repair of the diaphragmatic hernia could be performed safely and with minimal invasiveness.
SIRT1/IGFBPrP1/TGF β1 axis involved in cucurbitacin B ameliorating concanavalin A‐induced mice liver fibrosis
Authors: Yang Li , Ao Qinfang , Zhong Qingmei , Li Wen , Li Wenhong
Published: May 2020

The present study investigated the improving effect of cucurbitacin B on liver fibrosis induced by concanavalin A in mice and explored its possible mechanism. AST, ALT and TB were detected by kits. ELISA was performed to detect the levels of IL 5, IL 6, IL 13 and TNF‐α in serum. Haematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used to evaluate pathological changes. Western blotting was performed to observe expression levels of sirtuin (SIRT) 1, insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐related protein 1 (IGFBPrP1) and TGF β1. The activity of SIRT 1 also was detected. Results showed that cucurbitacin B could effectively improve the abnormal liver function, inhibit liver fibrosis and suppress releases of inflammatory factors in mice induced by concanavalin A. Furthermore, cucurbitacin B could down‐regulate the expressions of TGF β1 and IGFBPrP1, increase the expression and activity of SIRT 1. Interestingly, when SIRT1 activity was inhibited by EX 527, a selective inhibitor of SIRT 1, the preventive effect of cucurbitacin B was significantly attenuated. Taken together, the above results showed that cucurbitacin B could significantly suppress releases of inflammatory cytokines and improve liver fibrosis induced by concanavalin A in mice, and those may be achieved through SIRT1/IGFBPrP1/TGF β1 axis.
Quantile regression for survival data with covariates subject to detection limits
Authors: Yu Tonghui , Xiang Liming , Wang Huixia Judy
Published: May 2020

With advances in biomedical research, biomarkers are becoming increasingly important prognostic factors for predicting overall survival, while the measurement of biomarkers is often censored due to instruments' lower limits of detection. This leads to two types of censoring: random censoring in overall survival outcomes and fixed censoring in biomarker covariates, posing new challenges in statistical modeling and inference. Existing methods for analyzing such data focus primarily on linear regression ignoring censored responses or semiparametric accelerated failure time models with covariates under detection limits (DL). In this paper, we propose a quantile regression for survival data with covariates subject to DL. Comparing to existing methods, the proposed approach provides a more versatile tool for modeling the distribution of survival outcomes by allowing covariate effects to vary across conditional quantiles of the survival time and requiring no parametric distribution assumptions for outcome data. To estimate the quantile process of regression coefficients, we develop a novel multiple imputation approach based on another quantile regression for covariates under DL, avoiding stringent parametric restrictions on censored covariates as often assumed in the literature. Under regularity conditions, we show that the estimation procedure yields uniformly consistent and asymptotically normal estimators. Simulation results demonstrate the satisfactory finite‐sample performance of the method. We also apply our method to the motivating data from a study of genetic and inflammatory markers of Sepsis.
Delayed‐phase thrombocytopenia in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)
Authors: Chen Wanxin , Li Ziping , Yang Bohan , Wang Ping , Zhou Qiong , Zhang Zhiguo , Zhu Jianhua , Chen Xuexing , Yang Peng , Zhou Hao
Published: May 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) can affect the haematopoietic system. Thrombocytopenia at admission was prevalent, while late‐phase or delayed‐phase thrombocytopenia (occurred 14 days after symptom onset) is rare. This retrospective, single‐centre study screened 450 COVID‐19 patients and enrolled 271 patients at the Union Hospital, Wuhan, China, from January 25 to March 9, 2020. COVID‐19‐associated delayed‐phase thrombocytopenia occurred in 11·8% of enrolling patients. The delayed‐phase thrombocytopenia in COVID‐19 is prone to develop in elderly patients or patients with low lymphocyte count on admission. The delayed‐phase thrombocytopenia is significantly associated with increased length of hospital stay and higher mortality rate. Delayed‐phase nadir platelet counts demonstrated a significantly negative correlation with B cell percentages. We also provided and described bone marrow aspiration pathology of three patients with delayed‐phase thrombocytopenia, showing impaired maturation of megakaryocytes. We speculated that immune‐mediated platelet destruction might account for the delayed‐phase thrombocytopenia in a group of patients. In addition, clinicians need to pay attention to the delayed‐phase thrombocytopenia especially at 3–4 weeks after symptom onset.
The interplay between local and landscape scales on the density of pond‐dwelling anurans in subtropical grasslands
Authors: Iop Samanta , Gomes dos Santos Tiago , Zanini Cechin Sonia , Vélez‐Martin Eduardo , D. Pillar Valério , Inácio Prado Paulo
Published: May 2020

We investigated the role of local and landscape environmental variables on anurans density classified as habitat specialists and generalists in grassland landscapes, known as South Brazilian grasslands (SBG). In this region, we surveyed 187 ponds distributed over 40 landscape sampling units. For each pond, 31 local environmental variables were measured. Each landscape sampling unit was embedded within a larger regional sampling unit with different landscape properties. For each landscape and regional sampling units, 16 landscape metrics were extracted from a land cover and use map. We recorded 35 species, eleven of which are specialists in the SBG. The specialists were affected by 11 local and 2 landscape environmental variables, while generalists were affected by 14 local and one landscape environmental variable. Thus, specialists and generalists presented different relationships with local and landscape variables, but in general local variables had a greater influence on the density of anurans than the landscape variables. However, the landscape indirectly influenced local variables because higher quality ponds were in landscapes with higher percentages of natural habitat. In conclusion, reproductive sites with higher local quality and located within landscapes with higher percentages of natural grasslands are essential to conserve anurans in this habitat. Effective conservation of such sites would benefit from further studies that assess effects of land use and biotic integrity of ponds, which can help to determine (a) the relative effects of local habitat quality of ponds and (b) the effectiveness of protecting ponds and their local surroundings for anuran conservation in SBG.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Do economic integration agreements affect trade predictability? A group effect analysis
Authors: Figueiredo Erik , Lima Luiz Renato
Published: May 2020

Recent theoretical findings in the trade literature suggest that economic integration agreements (EIAs) not only increase the level of trade but also make it more stable and predictable. This paper proposes a Hausman–Taylor quantile regression approach to identify the causal effect of EIA membership on trade predictability. The proposed methodology accounts for group effects in the gravity equation and is computationally efficient. Our results corroborate the theoretical findings that EIAs make trade more stable and predictable and this conclusion is even stronger for deeper EIAs.
Onset of occupational hand eczema among healthcare workers during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic: Comparing a single surgical site with a COVID‐19 intensive care unit
Authors: Guertler Anne , Moellhoff Nicholas , Schenck Thilo L. , Hagen Christine S. , Kendziora Benjamin , Giunta Riccardo E. , French Lars E. , Reinholz Markus
Published: May 2020

Background

As a result of the COVID‐19 outbreak, hygiene regulations have been revised and hand sanitation has been intensified.

Objective

To investigate the onset of hand eczema during the COVID‐19 pandemic in healthcare workers (HCWs) directly involved in intensive care of COVID‐19 patients and HCWs without direct contact with COVID‐19 patients. Hereby, we aim at increasing awareness about occupational hand eczema and preventive measures that can be adopted.

Method

A survey was distributed amongst 114 HCWs at a single surgical centre and at a COVID‐19 intensive care unit of the university hospital Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Germany. Participants were questioned about the daily frequency of hand hygiene prior to and during the pandemic. Participants self‐reported the onset of hand eczema and associated symptoms.

Results

Our study revealed a significant increase in hand washing, disinfection, and use of hand cream across all participants (P‐value <.001), regardless of having direct contact with COVID‐19 patients. A high prevalence of symptoms associated with acute hand dermatitis of 90.4% was found across all HCWs, whereas hand eczema itself was underreported (14.9%).

Conclusion

The increase in hand sanitation during the COVID‐19 pandemic impairs the skin of the hands across all HCWs, independent of direct intensive care of affected patients.