bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual and cultural differences in newsvendor decision making
Authors: Li Xue , Chen Lucy Gongtao , Chen Jian
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate cultural and individual differences in newsvendor decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

The online experiment, programmed in the PHP scripting language, had 107 participants: local managers of four large, well-known and supply chain–intensive firms in China (Lenovo, Shenhua, CMST and GM).

Findings

The authors find that, as compared with American subjects, Chinese subjects engage in more demand chasing, order quantities that are closer to the mean demand, have a lower expected profit and exhibit greater variance in order quantities. However, these observations may not hold when the cross-cultural comparison is conducted for each pair of ethnic subgroups whose members have the same cognitive reflection test score, a measure of individual differences. Moreover, cultural differences also affect how individual differences manifest in newsvendor decisions.

Practical implications

The authors findings have important implications for employee selection, training and management in any cross-cultural business environment.

Originality/value

Little attention has been paid, in the behavioural operations literature, to individual differences and how they interact with culture. This paper is the first to examine the interaction effects of cultural and individual differences in newsvendor decisions, and it highlights an important research area that is currently understudied in operations management.
Value-based selling: a multi-component exploration
Authors: Kienzler Mario , Kindström Daniel , Brashear-Alejandro Thomas
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate factors that affect the use of value-based selling and the subsequent influences on salespeople’s sales performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Industrial salespeople from five steel manufacturers were surveyed. Scales measure three components of value-based selling: comprehension, crafting and confirmation. Partial least squares path analysis tested the conceptual model.

Findings

Salespeople’s learning orientation has the greatest impact on the use of value-based selling. Managerial support exerts a positive effect on crafting. Salespeople’s experience has a positive impact on comprehension and confirmation. The implementation of value-based selling has a positive effect on sales performance.

Research limitations/implications

The research is cross-sectional, with a small sample size (n= 60). The data were collected from a single source (i.e. salespeople).

Practical implications

The results suggest that value-based selling is a multi-component sales process that requires balancing managerial actions among individual and organizational factors.

Originality/value

This paper presents a broad evaluation of measures and assessments of value-based selling in business-to-business sales settings. The findings provide new elaborations on the theoretical and practical implications of value-based selling and reveal which individual and organizational factors affect the usage of value-based selling.
Measurement and benchmarking of workplace performance
Authors: Voordt Theo J.M. van der , Jensen Per Anker
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a process model of value-adding corporate real estate and facilities management and indicators that can be used to measure and benchmark workplace performance and the added value of workplace interventions for an organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compares the performance measurement and benchmarking theory with current practice and data from different work environments. The paper builds on two books on adding value through buildings, facilities and services, both edited and co-authored by the authors of this paper. The books were based on literature reviews, interviews with practitioners, cross-border studies of performance measurement and benchmarking and in-depth analyses of various value parameters by experts from different countries. In addition, theory and empirical examples of benchmarking have been included.

Findings

The paper presents 12 value parameters that are seen as relevant in measuring and benchmarking of workplace performance: four people-oriented, four business processes-related, two economic and two social parameters. Because not all values can be easily expressed in monetary units, various other ways of measuring are presented that can help to monitor and to benchmark workplace performance. The 12 values and ways to measure can be used to support a more integrated business case approach that goes beyond “dollar-metrics” and spreadsheet-based decision-making. Both quantitative and qualitative performance indicators, including hard and soft factors, are needed to define the trade-off between the costs and benefits of interventions in corporate real estate, facilities and services and to cope with the interests and needs of different stakeholders.

Practical implications

To add value to an organisation, workplaces have to provide value for money by a positive trade-off between the benefits, i.e. support of the organisational objectives and the primary processes and the costs, time and risks connected with achieving these benefits. Widely used indicators to measure the costs are the investment costs, running costs and total cost of occupancy. These metrics are primarily connected to efficiency, i.e. to optimal use of the resources of a firm, but much less to effectiveness and benefits such as user satisfaction, productivity, health and well-being.

Originality/value

The paper links performance measurement and benchmarking to value-adding corporate real estate and facilities management and presents new ways to measure and benchmark the performance of buildings, facilities and services in connection to organisational performance.
Moving to e-bidding
Authors: Santoso Djoen San , Bourpanus Nuttapon
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influences of shifting the bidding system of Thai public infrastructure projects from e-auction to e-bidding.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted with owners or senior managers with direct responsibility in deciding the mark-up of 72 small and medium-sized contractor firms. Five senior professionals were interviewed to provide insights into and to strengthen the discussion of the findings. The Wilcoxon test was applied to analyze the difference in the importance of the factors between e-auction and e-bidding.

Findings

The results revealed a shift in the importance of the factors, from those related to the financial aspects in the e-auction to the situational aspects in the e-bidding. The comparison test results also suggested that the majority of factors become significantly less important in the e-bidding system, with “identity of competitors” and “general expense of the bidding process” having the most apparent mean differences. The interview results supported by data on winning prices and estimations strongly indicated that bid collusions likely exist in the e-auction. By shifting to e-bidding, the data also show that the Thai Government can save public money in its infrastructure project development.

Originality/value

The study provides an analysis from the perspectives of contractor firms on how e-auction and e-bidding options influence bid mark-up decisions. Many studies have focused on the issues and advantages provided by the e-procurement mainly from the owner (government)’s perspective but how the change influences the contractor’s attitude has been less explored.
A race against time: training and support for short-term international assignments
Authors: Conroy Kieran M. , McDonnell Anthony , Holzleitner Katrin
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the specific forms of training and support that individuals on short-term international assignments (SIAs) receive. It further explores issues such as short notice prior to departure and how this impacts the type of training and support compared to what the extant literature on expatriates intimates. Scholars and practitioners both agree that the increasing deployment of individuals on SIAs presents significant challenges that have not yet been met with the development of appropriate organisational policies and practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on in-depth exploratory qualitative interviews with a sample of German assignees, the paper is abductive in nature with semi-structured interviews analysed through thematic based analysis. The data analysis identifies the need for more tailored training and support through formal and informal mechanisms, developed in pre-departure and post-arrival contexts.

Findings

The paper makes key contributions through providing much needed empirical evidence on the training and support short-term assignees receive and in so doing we identify specific forms of training and supports deemed relevant from the perspective of individuals on SIAs. Given the inherent time constraints for SIAs, the significance of informal support, in both pre-departure and post-arrival contexts is especially emphasised.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first empirical pieces of work to explicitly consider the specific forms of training and support that SIAs consider important. The authors answer calls for greater consideration into the significance of developing a more tailored and strategic approach to managing SIAs as a specific form of an international assignee.
Job satisfaction and work–family policies through work-family enrichment
Authors: Martinez-Sanchez Angel , Perez-Perez Manuela , Vela-Jimenez Maria-Jose , Abella-Garces Silvia
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of a bundle of work–family policies on employee’s job satisfaction and (affective) organizational commitment, by using work–family enrichment and conflict as explanatory.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical study is conducted with a sample of 322 employees from 30 Spanish firms that have been granted with the “Flexible Firm Award” or have been certified as “Family Responsible Firms.” Structural equation modeling is used to test hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that the higher the use of work–family policies the more positive effects on work–family enrichment and conflict, and that job satisfaction is positively related to (effective) organizational commitment.

Research limitations/implications

This is a cross-sectional study which may limit the establishment of causal relationships.

Practical implications

Work–family policies may constitute a relevant management tool to balance work and family life by making employees more interested in their jobs, enhancing their well-being and reducing the conflicts between work and family domains. The positive role of work–family enrichment contributes to enhance employees’ job satisfaction and, at the same time, to increase their organizational commitment. Managers should pay attention at how work–family policies are justified because they may influence differently on their outcomes on satisfaction and commitment.

Originality/value

There are two main original contributions of the paper. First, the authors study the joint effect of work–family policies on different dimensions of enrichment and conflict. Second, the authors analyze the relationship between different dimensions of enrichment and conflict on job satisfaction and organizational commitment.
Predicting career success: is the dark side of personality worth considering?
Authors: Paleczek Dominik , Bergner Sabine , Rybnicek Robert
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify whether the dark side of personality adds information beyond the bright side when predicting career success.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 287 participants (150♀, Mage=37.74 and SDage=10.38) completed questionnaires on the Dark Triad (narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy) and the Big Five (emotional stability, extraversion, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness). They also provided information on their objective (salary and leadership position) and subjective (job satisfaction and satisfaction with income) career success. Regression analyses were used to estimate the Dark Triad’s incremental predictive value.

Findings

The results show that the Dark Triad only provides incremental information beyond the Big Five when predicting salary (ΔR2=0.02*) and leadership position (ΔR2=0.04*). In contrast, the Dark Triad does not explain unique variance when predicting job satisfaction or satisfaction with income.

Research limitations/implications

The exclusive use of self-rated success criteria may increase the risk of same-source biases. Thus, future studies should include ratings derived from multiple perspectives.

Practical implications

Considering the Dark Triad in employee selection and development seems particularly promising in the context of competitive behaviour.

Social implications

The results are discussed in light of the socioanalytic theory. This may help to better understand behaviour in organisational contexts.

Originality/value

This study is the first that simultaneously investigates all three traits of the Dark Triad and the Big Five in combination with objective and subjective career success. In addition, it extends previous findings by answering the question of whether the Dark Triad offers incremental or redundant information to the Big Five when predicting success.
Professionals’ involvement of relatives – only good intentions?
Authors: Glasdam Stinne , Oute Jeppe
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how, and under what conditions, professionals involve relatives in clinical practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Two cases were constructed from two studies in Denmark, theoretically inspired by Bourdieu’s concepts of doxa and position and analyzed with focus on the involvement of relatives from the perspective of professionals.

Findings

Support to relatives in practice is rarely included in the way that treatment and care are organized in healthcare. Professionals’ views of the involvement of relatives were characterized by the values of neoliberal ideology and medical-professional rationality, in which relatives are not regarded as a subject of care and support in clinical practice. The involvement of relatives aimed to ensure patients’ participation in randomized clinical trial and to help professionals to care for patients when the professionals were not absolutely needed. Professionals were relatively higher positioned in the clinic than relatives were, which allowed professionals to in – and exclude relatives. Neoliberal ideology and medical-professional rationality go hand in hand when it comes to patient treatment, care and the involvement of relatives; it is all about efficiency, treatment optimization and increased social control of the diagnosed patient. These neoliberal, organizational values consolidate doxa of the medical field and the positions that govern the meeting with patients’ relatives – if it takes place at all.

Originality/value

The results put into perspective how the combination of neoliberalism and medical logic work as an organizing principle in contemporary healthcare systems, and challenge a normative, humanistic view on involving patients’ relatives in the medical clinic.
The role of supervisors on employees’ voice behavior
Authors: Son SuJin
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Drawing on social learning theory and social information processing theory, the purpose of this study is to examine how perceived supervisor’s voice behavior relates to employees’ own voice behavior both directly and indirectly through trust in supervisor. In particular, this study also investigates the moderating role of gender in the relationship between trust in supervisor and employee voice behavior. Further, this study proposes that gender moderates the indirect effect of perceived supervisor’s voice behavior on employee voice behavior via trust in supervisor.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed hypothesis was tested by using hierarchical regression analyses and Hayes’ PROCESS macro.

Findings

The results show that perceived supervisor’s voice behavior is positively related to an employee’s own voice behavior and trust in supervisors. In particular, trust in supervisors mediates the relationship between perceived supervisor’s voice behavior and employee’s own voice behavior. Additionally, the relationship between trust in supervisor and employees’ voice behavior was stronger for female employees.

Originality/value

The current study investigates employees’ perception of immediate supervisor’s voice behavior that encourages employees to speak up, thereby providing a more nuanced understanding of the factors that facilitate employee voice behavior. In particular, this study advances the understanding of how and why employees’ perception of supervisors’ voice behavior relates to employees’ voice behavior by examining the mediating and moderating factors.
Strategic maritime management as a new emerging field in maritime studies
Authors: Wang Ping , Mileski Joan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to promote strategic maritime management as a new emerging discipline to foster research in strategic maritime issues.

Design/methodology/approach

An existing academic discipline maturity model is adapted by including four phases of dynamic evolutionary paths to evaluate the phase of maturity of a research discipline. The model is validated by means of two matured disciplines: strategic management and maritime economics.

Findings

It is found that the current research of strategic maritime management is at a phase of emergence of discipline and ready to move to the maturity phase. It is also found that the evolution of the path of strategic maritime management resembles the early evolution path of strategic management but lags 30 years behind. Future research directions of strategic maritime management can be referred to the research streams in the maturity phase of strategic management.

Research limitations/implications

The adapted academic discipline maturity model brings in the longitudinal and dynamic perspectives of the evolution of an academic discipline, which helps maritime strategists identify gaps and opportunities and evaluate the appropriateness of applying a strategic management paradigm to a specific research topic.

Originality/value

The adapted academic discipline maturity model brings in the longitudinal and dynamic perspective of the evolution of an academic discipline, which helps maritime strategists define the gaps and opportunities in strategic maritime management research.
Extended model of online privacy concern: what drives consumers’ decisions?
Authors: Anic Ivan-Damir , Budak Jelena , Rajh Edo , Recher Vedran , Skare Vatroslav , Skrinjaric Bruno
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between individual and societal determinants of online privacy concern (OPC) and behavioral intention of internet users. The study also aims to assess the degree of reciprocity between consumers’ perceived benefits of using the internet and their OPC in the context of their decision-making process in the online environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study proposes comprehensive model for analysis of antecedents and consequences of OPC. Empirical analysis is performed using the PLS–SEM approach on a representative sample of 2,060 internet users.

Findings

The findings show that computer anxiety and perceived quality of regulatory framework are significant antecedents of OPC, while traditional values and inclinations toward security, family and social order; and social trust are not. Furthermore, the study reveals that perceived benefits of using the internet are the predominant factor explaining the intention to share personal information and adopt new technologies, while OPC dominates in explanation of protective behavior.

Research limitations/implications

Although the authors tested an extended model, there might be other individual characteristics driving the level of OPC. This research covers just one country and further replications should be conducted to confirm findings in diverse socio-economic contexts. It is impossible to capture the real behavior with survey data, and experimental studies may be needed to verify the research model.

Practical implications

Managers should work toward maximizing perceived benefits of consumers’ online interaction with the company, while at the same time being transparent about the gathered data and their intended purpose. Considering the latter, companies should clearly communicate their compliance with the emerging new data protection regulation.

Originality/value

New extended model is developed and empirically tested, consolidating current different streams of research into one conceptual model.
First evidences that the ectomycorrhizal fungus Paxillus involutus mobilizes nitrogen and carbon from saprotrophic fungus necromass
Authors: Akroume Emila , Maillard François , Bach Cyrille , Hossann Christian , Brechet Claude , Angeli Nicolas , Zeller Bernhard , Saint‐André Laurent , Buée Marc
Published: October 2018

Fungal succession in rotting wood shows a surprising abundance of ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi during the late decomposition stages. To better understand the links between EM fungi and saprotrophic fungi, we investigated the potential capacities of the EM fungus Paxillus involutus to mobilize nutrients from necromass of Postia placenta, a wood rot fungus, and to transfer these elements to its host tree. In this aim, we used pure cultures of P. involutus in the presence of labelled Postia necromass (15N/13C) as nutrient source, and a monoxenic mycorrhized pine experiment composed of labelled Postia necromass and P. involutus culture in interaction with pine seedlings. The isotopic labelling was measured in both experiments. In pure culture, P. involutus was able to mobilize N, but C as well, from the Postia necromass. In the symbiotic interaction experiment, we measured high 15N enrichments in all plant and fungal compartments. Interestingly, 13C remains mainly in the mycelium and mycorrhizas, demonstrating that the EM fungus transferred essentially N from the necromass to the tree. These observations reveal that fungal organic matter could represent a significant N source for EM fungi and trees, but also a C source for mycorrhizal fungi, including in symbiotic lifestyle.
Sexual specific functions of Tub1 beta‐tubulins require stage‐specific RNA processing and expression in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Chen Daipeng , Wu Chunlan , Hao Chaofeng , Huang Panpan , Liu Huiquan , Bian Zhuyun , Xu Jin‐Rong
Published: October 2018

The wheat head blight fungus Fusarium graminearum has two highly similar beta‐tubulin genes with overlapping functions during vegetative growth but only TUB1 is important for sexual reproduction. To better understand their functional divergence during ascosporogenesis, in this study we characterized the sequence elements important for stage‐specific functions of TUB1. Deletion of TUB1 blocked the late but not initial stages of perithecium formation. Perithecia formed by tub1 mutant had limited ascogenous hyphae and failed to develop asci. Silencing of TUB1 by MSUD also resulted in defects in ascospore formation. Interestingly, the 3′‐UTR of TUB1 was dispensable for growth but essential for its function during sexual reproduction. RIP mutations that specifically affected Tub1 functions during sexual reproduction also were identified in two ascospore progeny. Furthermore, site‐directed mutagenesis showed that whereas the non‐editable mutations at three A‐to‐I RNA editing sites had no effects, the N347D (not T362D or I368V) edited mutation affected ascospore development. In addition, the F167Y, but not E198K or F200Y, mutation in TUB1 conferred tolerance to carbendazim and caused a minor defect in sexual reproduction. Taken together, our data indicate TUB1 plays an essential role in ascosporogenesis and sexual‐specific functions of TUB1 require stage‐specific RNA processing and Tub1 expression.
‘Just black sometimes’: analytic tools applied at the frontlines of social upheaval, part 1
Authors: Tyminski Robert
Published: October 2018

Analysts are increasingly grappling with making space for the discussion of turbulent and disturbing current events in their practices. This social disorder raises questions about the role of social activism and advocacy for groups suffering discrimination, persecution, violence, and displacement. Jung too commented on the immediacy of political happenings that show up in our practices with ‘violence’. The author discusses an organizational consultation he did in Berlin in 2017 to consult for an NGO that handles placements for unaccompanied minors who are refugees. Such consultation can employ analytic ideas and concepts to the benefit of the organization and its staff. This process, though, requires some translation of these ideas so as not to burden consultees with theoretical terminology with which they may have little or no familiarity. The role of vicarious trauma is discussed, including how it is passed along, and its implications for frontline helpers are considered. Developmental aspects of adolescence figured prominently in the consultation. This is the first of two papers addressing this topic; the second will focus on interactions that the author had with young refugees.
An unhealable wound: left by suicide
Authors: Allphin Claire
Published: October 2018

This article is about the author's experience of being left by suicide and the effect the experience had on her work as an analyst in the consulting room and as a member of psychological organizations. The effects are generalized to others who have been left by suicide based on the writings of those left, and on writings of authors who have researched the subject. Shame and the effects the judgments of society now and in the past have on the person who suffers this experience are central, as well as the positive and negative ways groups are used by a person left by suicide to find solace and to emerge from the darkness of such abandonment. There is a constant longing (often unconscious) for replacement of the lost one. The article seeks to help analysts and those who have been left by suicide understand the suffering and the indelible mark that is experienced when there is a suicide of someone close. Understanding by the analyst is important in order to modulate the shame of this experience.
Measuring Distortions to Agricultural Incentives for Value Chain Analysis: Evidence from Indian Value Chains
Authors: Tokgoz Simla , Majeed Fahd
Published: October 2018

We extend the nominal rate of protection (NRP) methodology to a value chain framework. We develop our methodology for three types of value chains: a new value chain created by policy, a value chain in which a by‐product is created in the processing of a commodity, and a value chain in which processing of a commodity generates new product(s). We consider two cases of value chains: when the commodity is tradable and when it is non‐tradable. The proposed indicator, value chain NRP, allows policy‐makers to see an aggregate measure of all policy impacts on all the commodities and products in the value chain, normalised at the farm level. We apply the methodology to selected value chains in India. Our results indicate that farmers are subsidised, but at different rates. Both sugarcane producers and sugar producers are protected, but sugar producers are protected at higher rates. Producers of downstream products such as ethanol and molasses are taxed, whereas the crushing industry is subsidised. We observe that there is increasing protection along the value chain from commodity to product for the oilseeds sector, whereas the picture is less clear for the sugarcane value chain.
Within the Bounds of Acceptability: Tory Associational Culture in Early‐19th‐Century Britain
Authors: Masaki Keisuke
Published: October 2018

This article throws new light on British associational culture in the early 19th century by analysing in detail tory clubs, such as the Pitt Clubs and the Brunswick Clubs. Two major points are made. First, the tory clubs were a powerful and significant political force in opposition to popular radicalism in the 1810s, catholic emancipation in the late 1820s, and the Reform Bills between 1831 and 1832. They were important rallying points for local tories and expanded regional and national networks to communicate with each other. Many of them undertook various political activities: holding public dinners to strengthen their unity and express their political messages; organising public meetings to send petitions to parliament; and printing and distributing pamphlets and broadsides to influence public opinion. In the second place, and crucially, the tory clubs exerted influences predominantly in ways that stayed within the bounds expected of political elites. In fact, these clubs rarely intervened where parliamentary consensus already existed. Over the issues supported by the ministers and a large majority of MPs, the tory clubs stopped short of making themselves united, massive, and effective pressure groups against the executive power of the government and the legislative authority of parliament. They believed that there were two realms of politics, local and national, and were sure that political societies should operate within the local context and not go beyond acceptable boundaries.
British Parliamentary By‐Elections during the First World War, 1914–18
Authors: Walter Ralph
Published: October 2018

During the First World War, British by‐elections were more frequent than in either the pre‐ or post‐war period due to the length of the parliament, the stress of the war, and combat fatalities. Due to an agreement among the chief whips of the principal British parties, these by‐elections were infrequently contested. This party truce meant that in most by‐elections only a single official candidate from the incumbent party stood. However, an independent candidate (or in four instances, two independent candidates) did challenge the official candidate in 29 of the 118 by‐elections (or 24.6% of the time). The challengers were more than three times likely to support the war than call for peace by negotiation. In only seven by‐elections (or 5.9%), peace by negotiation candidates stood, and they polled much more poorly on average than the candidates who supported the war. Only three independent candidates defeated the official candidate, and all were strongly supportive of the war effort. Several independent candidates stood espousing a narrow issue, such as wartime liquor controls, veterans’ rights, conscription of married men, co‐operative taxes, or agricultural concerns. Further, the by‐election results foreshadowed the post‐war replacement of the collapsing Liberal Party by Labour as the principal rival of the Conservatives.
Optimizing first line 7‐day standard triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: Prolonging treatment or adding bismuth: which is better?
Authors: Leow Alex H.‐R. , Azmi Ahmad N. , Loke Mun‐Fai , Vadivelu Jamuna , Graham David Y. , Goh Khean‐Lee
Published: October 2018

Objective

The 7‐day standard triple therapy (STT) gives unacceptablly low eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). We aimed to examine whether extending STT from 7 days to 14 days or adding a bismuth compound to a 7‐day STT would result in better eradication rates.

Methods

H. pylori‐positive patients were assigned to Group A (7‐day STT; rabeprazole 20 mg twice daily, amoxicillin 1 g twice daily, and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily, for 7 days), Group B (7‐day STT with bismuth; rabeprazole 20 mg twice daily, amoxicillin 1 g twice daily, clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily and bismuth subcitrate 240 mg twice daily, for 7 days) and Group C (14‐day STT; rabeprazole 20 mg twice daily, amoxicillin 1 g twice daily, and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for 14 days). Eradication was tested using 13C‐UBT at least 4 weeks after the completion of therapy.

Results

A total of 364 patients were recruited. In the intention‐to‐treat analysis, eradication rates were 79.3% (96/121; 95% confidence interval [CI] 71.3–85.6%) for 7‐day STT, 81.7% (98/120; 95% CI 73.8–87.6%) for 7‐day STT with bismuth, and 88.6% (109/123; 95% CI 81.8–93.1%) for 14‐day STT, respectively. Statistical significance was achieved between the 7‐day and the 14‐day STT treatment (P = 0.048).

Conclusions

Adding bismuth to the 7‐day STT did not result in an increase in the eradication rate. Extending the STT to 14 days, however, achieved a significantly higher eradication rate. Nevertheless, this did not achieve the targeted 90% eradication rate on intention‐to‐treat analysis.
Association of self‐reported and cotinine‐verified smoking status with incidence of metabolic syndrome in 47 379 Korean adults
Authors: Kim Byung Jin , Kang Jeong Gyu , Han Ji Min , Kim Ji Hye , Lee Seung Jae , Seo Dae Chul , Lee Sung Ho , Kim Bum Soo , Kang Jin Ho
Published: October 2018

Background

The relationship of cotinine‐verified vs self‐reported smoking status with the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is not known. This study investigated the effect of urinary cotinine‐verified vs self‐reported smoking status on incident MetS.

Methods

In all, 47 379 participants without MetS enrolled in the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study and Kangbuk Samsung Cohort Study between 2011 and 2012 (baseline) were included in this study and followed‐up in 2014; median follow‐up duration was 25 months. Cotinine‐verified current smoking was defined as urinary cotinine concentrations >50 ng/mL. According to cotinine‐verified smoking status at baseline and follow‐up, individuals were divided into four groups: never, new, former, and sustained smokers.

Results

The incidence of MetS in the never, former, new, and sustained smoking groups was 9.9%, 19.4%, 21.4%, and 18.7%, respectively. Multivariate Cox hazard regression analyses revealed that the relative risk (RR) for incident MetS in cotinine‐verified former smokers was significantly increased compared with that in cotinine‐verified never smokers (RR 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16‐1.37), especially in individuals exhibiting weight gain (≥2 kg). These results were consistent with those of self‐reported smoking status. Baseline cotinine‐verified current smoking (RR 1.09; 95% CI 1.03‐1.15) and self‐reported former (RR 1.10; 95% CI 1.02‐1.18) and current (RR 1.15; 95% CI 1.07‐1.23) smoking were also significantly associated with incident MetS.

Conclusions

This large observational study showed that cotinine‐verified and self‐reported former smoking during follow‐up increased the risk for incident MetS, especially in individuals exhibiting weight gain (≥2 kg). This suggests that weight control in former smokers would be very important to reduce the development of MetS.
Clinically significant anxiety as a risk factor for dementia in the elderly community
Authors: Santabárbara J. , Lopez‐Anton R. , de la Cámara C. , Lobo E. , Gracia‐García P. , Villagrasa B. , Bueno‐Notivol J. , Marcos G. , Lobo A.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To evaluate whether clinically significant anxiety is an independent risk factor for dementia, taking into account both depression among potentially confounding factors and the competing risk of death.

Method

During the Zaragoza Dementia and Depression (ZARADEMP) study, a random sample of community dwellers aged 55 years or older was assessed (n = 4803), and a two‐wave, 4.5‐year follow‐up was completed. Geriatric Mental State (GMS)‐AGECAT criteria were used to diagnose anxiety and DSM‐IV criteria were applied to diagnose incident dementia. The multivariate Fine and Gray regression model was implemented to calculate dementia risk.

Results

Compared with non‐cases (GMS‐AGECAT criteria), the incidence rate of dementia was significantly higher in subcases of anxiety, and particularly significant in the cases of anxiety (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 2.77; P = 0.010). Cases of anxiety, but not subcases, at baseline were significantly associated with dementia risk (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR): 2.7; P = 0.019).

Conclusion

Clinically significant anxiety is associated with an almost threefold increase in the risk of dementia in the population, even when controlling for depression and considering mortality in the competing risks model.
E‐cigarette use in England 2014–17 as a function of socio‐economic profile
Authors: Kock Loren , Shahab Lion , West Robert , Brown Jamie
Published: October 2018

Background and Aims

E‐cigarettes have the potential either to decrease or increase health inequalities, depending on socio‐economic differences in their use and effectiveness. This paper estimated the associations between socio‐economic status (SES) and e‐cigarette use and examined whether these associations changed between 2014 and 2017.

Design

A monthly repeat cross‐sectional household survey of adults (16+) between January 2014 and December 2017. This time‐period was chosen given that the prevalence of e‐cigarette use stabilized in England in late 2013.

Setting

England.

Participants

Participants in the Smoking Toolkit Study, a monthly household survey of smoking and smoking cessation among adults (n = 81 063; mean age = 48.4 years, 49% were women) in England. Subsets included past year smokers (n = 16 232; mean age = 42.8, 46% women), smokers during a quit attempt (n = 5305, mean age = 40.6, 49% women) and long‐term ex‐smokers (n = 13 562, mean age = 59.3, 44% women).

Measurements

The outcome measure for the analyses was current e‐cigarette use. We also included smokers during a quit attempt where use of an e‐cigarette during the most recent quit attempt was the outcome measure. Social grade based on occupation was the SES explanatory variable, using the National Readership Survey classification system of AB (higher and intermediate managerial, administrative and professional), C1 (supervisory, clerical and junior managerial, administrative and professional), C2 (skilled manual workers), D (semi‐skilled and unskilled manual workers) and E (state pensioners, casual and lowest‐grade workers, unemployed with state benefits only). The analyses were stratified by year to assess the changes in these associations over time.

Findings

Among past‐year smokers, lower SES groups had lower overall odds of e‐cigarette use compared with the highest SES group AB (D: odds ratio = 0.53, 95% confidence interval = 0.40–0.71; E: 0.67, 0.50–0.89). These differences in e‐cigarette use reduced over time. The use of e‐cigarettes during a quit attempt showed no clear temporal or socio‐economic patterns. Among long‐term ex‐smokers, use of e‐cigarettes increased from 2014 to 2017 among all groups and use was more likely in SES groups C2 (2.03, 1.08–3.96) and D (2.29, 1.13–4.70) compared with AB.

Conclusions

From 2014 to 2017 in England, e‐cigarette use was greater among smokers from higher compared with lower socio‐economic status (SES) groups, but this difference attenuated over time. Use during a quit attempt was similar throughout SES groups. Use by long‐term ex‐smokers increased over time among all groups and was consistently more common in lower SES groups.
The roles of place‐value understanding and non‐symbolic ratio processing system in symbolic rational number processing
Authors: Wong Terry Tin‐Yau
Published: October 2018

Background

While it has been widely demonstrated that children's and adolescents’ understanding of rational number plays an important role in their mathematics achievement, we have limited knowledge about the cognitive correlates of this understanding.

Aims

The current study aimed at examining whether children's non‐symbolic ratio processing and their understanding of place‐value structure of whole numbers play a role in their understanding of fractions and decimals and whether their roles are different for fractions versus decimal understanding.

Sample

A sample of 124 fourth graders was tested.

Methods

Participants were tested on their symbolic rational number processing, non‐symbolic ratio processing, place‐value understanding of whole numbers, mathematics achievement, as well as a series of domain‐general and domain‐specific cognitive skills related to symbolic rational number processing.

Results

The findings suggest that, while the understanding of place value of whole numbers significantly predicted the understanding of both fractions and decimals, non‐symbolic ratio processing specifically predicted the understanding of fractions, but not decimals.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the roles of place‐value understanding and non‐symbolic ratio processing in the acquisition of symbolic rational numbers.
Integrated 3D forward stratigraphic and petroleum system modeling of the Levant Basin, Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Barabasch Jessica , Ducros Mathieu , Hawie Nicolas , Bou Daher Samer , Nader Fadi Henri , Littke Ralf
Published: October 2018

The Eastern Mediterranean Levant Basin is a proven hydrocarbon province with recent major gas discoveries. To date, no exploration wells targeted its northern part, in particular the Lebanese offshore. The present study assesses the tectono‐stratigraphic evolution and related petroleum systems of the northern Levant Basin via an integrated approach that combines stratigraphic forward modeling and petroleum systems/basin modeling based on the previous published work. Stratigraphic modeling results provide a best‐fit realisation of the basin‐scale sedimentary filling, from the post‐rift Upper Jurassic until the Pliocene. Simulation results suggest dominant eastern marginal and Arabian Plate sources for Cenozoic siliciclastic sediments and a significant contribution from the southern Nilotic source mostly from Lower Oligocene to Lower Miocene. Basin modeling results suggest the presence of a working thermogenic petroleum system with mature source rocks localised in the deeper offshore. The generated hydrocarbons migrated through the deep basin within Jurassic and Cretaceous permeable layers towards the Latakia Ridge in the north and the Levant margin and offshore topographic highs. Furthermore, the basin model indicates a possibly significant influence of salt deposition during Messinian salinity crisis on formation fluids. Ultimately, the proposed integrated workflow provides a powerful tool for the assessment of petroleum systems in underexplored areas.
Phenotypical heterogeneity in RAG-deficient patients from a highly consanguineous population
Authors: Meshaal S S , El Hawary R E , Abd Elaziz D S , Eldash A , Alkady R , Lotfy S , Mauracher A A , Opitz L , Pachlopnik Schmid J , van der Burg M , Chou J , Galal N M , Boutros J A , Geha R , Elmarsafy A M
Published: October 2018

Mutations affecting recombination activation genes RAG1 and RAG2 are associated with variable phenotypes, depending on the residual recombinase activity. The aim of this study is to describe a variety of clinical phenotypes in RAG-deficient patients from the highly consanguineous Egyptian population. Thirty-one patients with RAG mutations (from 28 families) were included from 2013 to 2017. On the basis of clinical, immunological and genetic data, patients were subdivided into three groups; classical T–B– severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), Omenn syndrome (OS) and atypical SCID. Nineteen patients presented with typical T–B–SCID; among these, five patients carried a homozygous RAG2 mutation G35V and five others carried two homozygous RAG2 mutations (T215I and R229Q) that were detected together. Four novel mutations were reported in the T–B–SCID group; three in RAG1 (A565P, N591Pfs*14 and K621E) and one in RAG2 (F29S). Seven patients presented with OS and a novel RAG2 mutation (C419W) was documented in one patient. The atypical SCID group comprised five patients. Two had normal B cell counts; one had a previously undescribed RAG2 mutation (V327D). The other three patients presented with autoimmune cytopaenias and features of combined immunodeficiency and were diagnosed at a relatively late age and with a substantial diagnostic delay; one patient had a novel RAG1 mutation (C335R). PID disorders are frequent among Egyptian children because of the high consanguinity. RAG mutations stand behind several variable phenotypes, including classical SCID, OS, atypical SCID with autoimmunity and T–B+ CID.
Comparing 4‐mm dental implants to longer implants placed in augmented bones in the atrophic posterior mandibles: One‐year results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rokn Amir Reza , Monzavi Abbas , Panjnoush Mehrdad , Hashemi Hamid Mahmood , Kharazifard Mohammad Javad , Bitaraf Tahereh
Published: October 2018

Background

Short implants have been proposed as an alternative for the rehabilitation of atrophic edentulous areas.

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of 4‐mm implants vs longer implants in the atrophic posterior mandibles.

Materials and Methods

Eleven patients with bilateral atrophic mandibles were rehabilitated with two to four 4‐mm implants and 10 or 8‐mm long implants in augmented bone using Guided Bone Regeneration procedure. One side of the mandibles was randomly allocated to vertical augmentation with mixed autogenous bone and allograft. Implants were placed in both sides of the mandible after 6 months, and loaded after another 2 months. Subsequently, implant and prosthesis failures, marginal bone levels changes, and any complication were evaluated after 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

In this study, one patient dropped out and no failures occurred. However, 4‐mm implants loss of 0.30 ± 0.34 mm peri‐implant marginal bone and long implants loss of 0.47 ± 0.54 mm marginal bone were observed after 1‐year of follow‐up. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (difference = −0.16 ± 0.68 mm; P = 0.46). Eight complications occurred in five augmented sites of the patients, and no complication was found to occur in the short implants sites.

Conclusions

One‐year after loading, 4‐mm implants had similar outcomes as long implants in augmented bone. Therefore, short implants might be a feasible treatment in atrophic mandibles.
Dental Implant Quality Register—A possible tool to further improve implant treatment and outcome
Authors: Klinge Björn , Lundström Mats , Rosén Måns , Bertl Kristina , Klinge Anna , Stavropoulos Andreas
Published: October 2018

The Board ofEAO(European Association for Osseointegration) has discussed an initiative to explore the conditions to establish a Dental Implant Register. It was suggested to bring this issue to theEAOConsensus Conference 2018 for a discussion and to possibly propose relevant and manageable parameters. This article presents some select examples from quality registers in the medical field. Based on the experience of established registers, essentially in the medical field, factors considered to be of importance, if and when establishing a Dental Implant Register are introduced and discussed.