bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Bidirectional Recurrent Neural Networks as End-To-End Models for Smoking Status Extraction from Clinical Notes in Spanish
Authors: Esteban Santiago , Tablado Manuel Rodríguez , Peper Francisco E. , Terrasa Sergio A. , Kopitowski Karin S.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Although natural language processing (NLP) tools have been available in English for quite some time, this is not the case for many other languages, particularly for texts from specific contexts such as clinical texts. This poses a challenge for tasks such as classifying text in languages other than English. In the absence of basic NLP tools, the development of statistical models that include manually designed variables that capture the semantic information of the documents is a potential solution. However, this process is expensive and slow. Deep recurrent neural networks (RNNs) have been proposed as “end-to-end” models that learn both variables and parameters jointly, thus avoiding manual feature engineering and saving development time.

Methods

We compared the performance of two strategies for labeling clinical notes of an electronic medical record in Spanish according to the patient’s smoking status (current smoker, current non-smoker, text without information on tobacco): 1. A traditional approach using two classifiers (a multilayer perceptron (MLP) and a support vector machine (SVM)) together with a ‘bag-of-words’ text representation that involves intensive manual development of features and, 2. an ’end-to-end’ model which uses a Short-Long-Term Memory bidirectional deep RNN with GloVe word embeddings. The classifiers were trained in the training set (n = 11775 clinical texts) and were evaluated in the test set (n = 2943) by means of macro-averaged recall, precision and F1 score.

Results

The RNN scored high values of all three metrics in the test set (sensitivity [95% CI]: 0.965 [0.96, 0.97], PPV: 0.963 [0.96, 0.97], F1 score: 0.964 [0.96, 0.97]). It also showed to be slightly superior to the MLP (difference in recall: 0.009 [95% CI: -0.0007, 0.017], precision: 0.007 [95% CI: -0.0015, 0.019] and F1 score: 0.009 [95% CI: 0.0018, 0.016]); comparing the RNN with the SVM, the latter has a better performance in general (recall difference [95% CI]: -0.007 [-0.016, 0.0018], precision: -0.009 [-0.018, 0.00015] and score F1: -0.008 [-0.014, -0.0017]). In both cases only the confidence interval for the F1 score difference excludes zero. In turn, the RNN consumed 80% less overall development time.

Conclusion

In our work, the deep bidirectional RNN as end-to-end model, reached similar levels of performance in the classification of clinical texts in Spanish that models with a great manual engineering of variables, although in less than 20% of the development time. This makes them an important tool to streamline text processing in languages where the development of NLP tools has not progressed as much as in English. Areas such as research or public health management could clearly benefit from ’end-to-end’ models that facilitate the exploitation of already available data sources, such as electronic clinical records.
Plant trichomes and a single geneGLABRA1contribute to insect community composition on field-grownArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Sato Yasuhiro , Shimizu-Inatsugi Rie , Yamazaki Misako , Shimizu Kentaro K. , Nagano Atsushi J.
Published: May 2018

Background:Genetic variation in plants alters insect abundance and community structure in the field; however, little is known about the importance of a single gene among diverse plant genotypes. In this context,Arabidopsistrichomes provide an excellent system to discern the roles of natural variation and a key gene,GLABRA1, in shaping insect communities. In this study, we transplanted two independent glabrous mutants (gl1-1andgl1-2) and 17 natural accessions ofArabidopsis thalianato two localities in Switzerland and Japan.

Results:Fifteen insect species inhabited plant accessions, with 10–30% broad-sense heritability of community indices being detected, such as species richness and diversity. The total abundance of leaf-chewing herbivores was negatively correlated with trichome density at both the field sites, while glucosinolates had variable effects on leaf chewers between the two sites. Interestingly, there was a parallel tendency for the abundance of leaf chewers to be higher ongl1-1andgl1-2than for their different parental accessions, Ler-1 and Col-0, respectively. Furthermore, the loss of function in theGLABRA1gene significantly decreased the resistance of plants to the two predominant chewers, flea beetles and turnip sawflies.

Conclusions:Overall, our results indicate that insect community composition onA. thalianais heritable across two distant field sites, withGLABRA1playing a key role in altering the abundance of leaf-chewing herbivores. Given that such a trichome variation is widely observed in Brassicaceae plants, the present study exemplifies the community-wide impact of a single plant gene on crucifer-feeding insects in the field.
Extracellular HBV RNAs are heterogeneous in length and circulate as virions and capsid-antibody-complexes in chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Bai Lu , Zhang Xiaonan , Li Weixia , Wu Min , Liu Jiangxia , Kozlowski Maya , Chen Liang , Zhang Jiming , Huang Yuxian , Yuan Zhenghong
Published: May 2018

Extracellular HBV RNA has been detected in both HBV-replicating cell culture media and sera from chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, but its exact origin and composition remain controversial. Here, we demonstrated that extracellular HBV RNA species were of heterogeneous lengths, ranging from the length of pregenomic RNA to a few hundred nucleotides. In cell models, these RNAs were predominantly associated with naked capsids although virions also harbored a minority of them. Moreover, HBV RNAs in hepatitis B patients’ blood circulation were localized in unenveloped capsids in the form of capsid-antibody-complexes (CACs) and in virions. Furthermore, we showed that extracellular HBV RNAs could serve as template for viral DNA synthesis. In conclusion, extracellular HBV RNAs mainly consist of pgRNA or the pgRNA species degraded by the RNase H domain of the polymerase in the process of viral DNA synthesis and circulate as CACs and virions. Their presence in the blood circulation of CHB patients may be exploited to develop novel biomarkers for HBV persistence.
Evaluation of two Sigma Transwab® systems for Maintenance of Viability of pathogenic Candida spp. Using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M40-A2 Standard
Authors: Elcocks E. , Adukwu E.C.
Published: May 2018

A key aspect to routine microbiology processes include the retrieval, transport and maintenance of specimens. Swab transport systems (STS) can be utilised for their low cost, ease of use and their ability to recover and maintain specimens over long durations. An increase in healthcare complications due to fungal infections raises the requirement for STS to efficiently recover and preserve pathogens of yeast origin. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M40-A2 protocol is used to assess the compliance of STS to a quality control standard but at present does not include the recovery of yeast. The aim of this study was to compare the results of two commercial STS and their ability to recover and maintain viability of five clinical and reference strains of Candida spp., including C. auris, when stored at room temperature and 4°C, over 48 h, using the qualitative roll plate method. Findings from this study indicate that the STS used in this study are suitable for the collection and maintenance of the Candida spp. tested, and is very suitable for the recovery of clinical C. auris.
Bifunctional enzyme SpoT is involved in biofilm formation of Helicobacter pylori with multidrug resistance by upregulating efflux pump Hp1174 (gluP)
Authors: Ge Xiaoran , Cai Yuying , Chen Zhenghong , Gao Sizhe , Geng Xiwen , Li Ya , Li Yan , Jia Jihui , Sun Yundong
Published: May 2018

The drug resistance of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is gradually becoming a serious problem. Biofilm formation is an important factor that leads to multidrug resistance in bacteria. The ability of H. pylori to form biofilms on the gastric mucosa has been known. However, there are few studies on the regulation mechanisms of H. pylori biofilm formation and multidrug resistance. Guanosine 3’-diphosphate 5’-triphosphate and guanosine 3’,5’-bispyrophosphate [(p)ppGpp] are global regulatory factors and are synthesized in H. pylori by the bifunctional enzyme SpoT. It has been reported that (p)ppGpp is involved in the biofilm formation and multidrug resistance of various bacteria. In this study, we found that SpoT also plays an important role in H. pylori biofilm formation and multidrug resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out some further studies regarding its regulatory mechanism. Considering that efflux pumps are of great importance in the biofilm formation and multidrug resistance of bacteria, we tried to find if efflux pumps controlled by SpoT participate in these activities. Then, we found that Hp1174 (glucose/galactose transporter, gluP), an efflux pump of the MFS family, is highly expressed in biofilm-forming and multi-drug resistance (MDR) H. pylori and is upregulated by SpoT. Through further research, we determined that gluP involved in H. pylori biofilm formation and multidrug resistance. Furthermore, the average expression level of gluP in clinical MDR strains was considerably higher than that in clinical drug-sensitive strains. Taken together, our results revealed a novel molecular mechanism of H. pylori tolerance to multidrug.
Self-regulation of the Dopaminergic Reward Circuit in Cocaine Users with Mental Imagery and Neurofeedback
Authors: Kirschner Matthias , Sladky Ronald , Haugg Amelie , Stäempfli Philipp , Jehli Elisabeth , Hodel Martina , Engeli Etna , Höesli Sarah , Baumgartner Markus R. , Sulzer James , Huys Quentin J.M. , Seifritz Erich , Quednow Boris B. , Scharnowski Frank , Herdener Marcus
Published: May 2018

Background: Enhanced drug-related reward sensitivity accompanied by impaired sensitivity to non-drug related rewards in the mesolimbic dopamine system are thought to underlie the broad motivational deficits and dysfunctional decision-making frequently observed in cocaine use disorder (CUD). Effective approaches to modify this imbalance and reinstate non-drug reward responsiveness are urgently needed. Here we examine whether cocaine users (CU) can use mental imagery of non-drug rewards to self-regulate the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra (VTA/SN). We expected that compulsive and obsessive thoughts about cocaine consumption would hamper the ability to self-regulate the VTA/SN. Finally, we tested if self-regulation of the VTA/SN can be improved with real-time fMRI (rtfMRI) neurofeedback (NFB).

Methods: Twenty-two CU and 28 healthy controls (HC) were asked to voluntarily up-regulate VTA/SN activity with rewarding non-drug imagery alone, or combined with rtfMRI NFB of VTA/SN activity. Obsessive-compulsive drug use was measured with the Obsessive Compulsive Cocaine Use Scale (OCCUS).

Results: CU were able to induce activity in the dopaminergic midbrain and other reward regions with reward imagery. The ability to self-regulate the VTA/SN was reduced in those with more severe obsessive-compulsive drug use. NFB enhanced the effect of non-drug imagery.

Conclusion: CU can voluntary activate their reward system through non-drug related imagery and improve this ability with rtfMRI NFB. Combining reward imagery and rtFMRI NFB has great potential for modifying the maladapted reward sensitivity and reinstating non-drug reward responsiveness. This motivates further work to examine the therapeutic potential of cognitive neurostimulation in CUD.
Environmental drivers of ranavirus in free-living amphibians in constructed ponds
Authors: Youker-Smith T.E. , Boersch-Supan P.H. , Whipps C.M. , Ryan S.J.
Published: May 2018

Amphibian ranaviruses occur globally, but we are only beginning to understand mechanisms for emergence. Ranaviruses are aquatic pathogens which can cause > 90% mortality in larvae of many aquatic-breeding amphibians, making them important focal host taxa. Host susceptibilities and virulence of ranaviruses have been studied extensively in controlled laboratory settings, but research is needed to identify drivers of infection in natural environments. Constructed ponds, essential components of wetland restoration, have been associated with higher ranavirus prevalence than natural ponds, posing a conundrum for conservation efforts, and emphasizing the need to understand potential drivers. In this study, we analyzed four years of Frog virus 3 prevalence and associated environmental parameters in populations of wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) and green frogs (Lithobates clamitans) in a constructed pond system. High prevalence was best predicted by low temperature, high host density, low zooplankton concentrations, and Gosner stages approaching metamorphosis. This study identified important variables to measure in assessments of ranaviral infection risk in newly constructed ponds, including effects of zooplankton, which have not been previously quantified in natural settings. Examining factors mediating diseases in natural environments, particularly in managed conservation settings, is important to both validate laboratory findings in situ, and to inform future conservation planning, particularly in the context of adaptive management.
Translational control through differential ribosome pausing during amino acid limitation in mammalian cells
Authors: Darnell Alicia M. , Subramaniam Arvind R. , O’Shea Erin K.
Published: May 2018

Limitation for amino acids is thought to regulate translation in mammalian cells primarily by signaling through the kinases mTORC1 and GCN2. We find that limitation for the amino acid arginine causes a selective loss of tRNA charging, which regulates translation through ribosome pausing at two of six arginine codons. Surprisingly, limitation for leucine, an essential and abundant amino acid in protein, results in little or no ribosome pausing. Chemical and genetic perturbation of mTORC1 and GCN2 signaling revealed that their robust response to leucine limitation prevents ribosome pausing, while an insufficient response to arginine limitation led to loss of arginine tRNA charging and ribosome pausing. Codon-specific ribosome pausing decreased protein production and triggered premature ribosome termination without significantly reducing mRNA levels. Together, our results suggest that amino acids which are not optimally sensed by the mTORC1 and GCN2 pathways still regulate translation through an evolutionarily conserved mechanism based on codon-specific ribosome pausing.
Topological Skeletonization and Tree-Summarization of Neurons Using Discrete Morse Theory
Authors: Wang Suyi , Li Xu , Mitra Partha , Wang Yusu
Published: May 2018

Neuroscientific data analysis has classically involved methods for statistical signal and image processing, drawing on linear algebra and stochastic process theory. However, digitized neuroanatomical data sets containing labelled neurons, either individually or in groups labelled by tracer injections, do not fully fit into this classical framework. The tree-like shapes of neurons cannot mathematically be adequately described as points in a vector space (eg, the subtraction of two neuronal shapes is not a meaningful operation). There is therefore a need for new approaches. Methods from computational topology and geometry are naturally suited to the analysis of neuronal shapes. Here we introduce methods from Discrete Morse Theory to extract tree-skeletons of individual neurons from volumetric brain image data, or to summarize collections of neurons labelled by localized anterograde tracer injections. Since individual neurons are topologically trees, it is sensible to summarize the collection of neurons labelled by a localized anterograde tracer injection using a consensus tree-shape. This consensus tree provides a richer information summary than the regional or voxel-based “connectivity matrix” approach that has previously been used in the literature.

The algorithmic procedure includes an initial pre-processing step to extract a density field from the raw volumetric image data, followed by initial skeleton extraction from the density field using a discrete version of a 1-(un)stable manifold of the density field. Heuristically, if the density field is regarded as a mountainous landscape, then the 1-(un)stable manifold follows the “mountain ridges” connecting the maxima of the density field. We then simplify this skeletongraph into a tree using a shortest-path approach and methods derived from persistent homology. The advantage of this approach is that it uses global information about the density field and is therefore robust to local fluctuations and non-uniformly distributed input signals. To be able to handle large data sets, we use a divide-and-conquer approach. The resulting software DiMorSC is available on Github[40]. To the best of our knowledge this is currently the only publicly available code for the extraction of the 1-unstable manifold from an arbitrary simplicial complex using the Discrete Morse approach.
Characteristics of the mitochondrial and cellular uptake of MPP+, as probed by the fluorescent mimic, 4′I-MPP+
Authors: Mapa Mapa S.T. , Le Viet Q. , Wimalasena Kandatege
Published: May 2018

The discovery that 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) selectively destroys dopaminergic neurons and causes Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms in mammals has strengthened the environmental hypothesis of PD. The current model for the dopaminergic toxicity of MPP+is centered on the uptake into dopaminergic neurons, accumulation into the mitochondria, inhibition of the complex-I leading to ATP depletion, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and apoptotic cell death. However, some aspects of this mechanism and the details of the cellular and mitochondrial accumulation of MPP+are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to characterize a structural and functional MPP+mimic which is suitable to study the cellular distribution and mitochondrial uptake of MPP+in live cells and use it to identify the molecular details of these processes to advance the understanding of the mechanism of the selective dopaminergic toxicity of MPP+. Here we report the characterization of the fluorescent MPP+derivative, 1-methyl-4-(4’-iodophenyl)pyridinium (4’I-MPP+), as a suitable candidate for this purpose. Using this novel probe, we show that cytosolic/mitochondrial Ca2+play a critical role through sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) in the mitochondrial and cellular accumulation of MPP+suggesting for the first time that MPP+and related mitochondrial toxins may also exert their toxic effects through the perturbation of Ca2+homeostasis in dopaminergic cells. We also found that the specific mitochondrial NCX (mNCX) inhibitors protect dopaminergic cells from the MPP+and 4’I-MPP+toxicity, most likely through the inhibition of the mitochondrial uptake, which could potentially be exploited for the development of pharmacological agents to protect the central nervous system (CNS) dopaminergic neurons from PD-causing environmental toxins.
Hierarchical organization of developing HSPC in the human embryonic liver
Authors: Zhang Y. , Clay D. , Mitjavila-Garcia M.T. , Alama A. , Mennesson B. , Berseneff H. , Louache F. , Bennaceur-Griscelli A. , Oberlin E.
Published: May 2018

Despite advances to engineer transplantable hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) for research and therapy, an in depth characterization of the developing human hematopoietic system is still lacking. The human embryonic liver is at the crossroad of several hematopoietic sites and harbours a complex hematopoietic hierarchy including the first, actively dividing, HSPCs that will further seed the definitive hematopoietic organs. However few is known about the hierarchical phenotypic and functional hematopoietic organization operating at these stages of development.

Here, by using a combination of four endothelial and hematopoietic surface markers i.e. the endothelial-specific marker VE-cadherin, the pan-leukocyte antigen CD45, the hemato-endothelial marker CD34 and the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE, CD143), encompassing all early human HSPCs, we identified a hematopoietic hierarchy and, among it, a population co-expressing the four markers that uniquely harbored a proliferation and differentiation potential bothex vivoandin vivo. Moreover, we traced back this population to the yolk sac and AGM sites of hematopoietic emergence. Taken together, our data will help to identify human HSPC self-renewal and amplification mechanisms for future cell therapies.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

We uncover the phenotypic and functional hematopoietic hierarchy operating in the early human embryo. It will bring insights into the mechanisms driving hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal for future cell therapies.
Structural basis for isoform-specific kinesin-1 recognition of Y-acidic cargo adaptors
Authors: Pernigo Stefano , Chegkazi Magda , Yip Yan Y. , Treacy Conor , Glorani Giulia , Hansen Kjetil , Politis Argyris , Dodding Mark P. , Steiner Roberto A.
Published: May 2018

The light chains (KLCs) of the heterotetrameric microtubule motor kinesin-1, that bind to cargo adaptor proteins and regulate its activity, have a capacity to recognize short peptides via their tetratricopeptide repeat domains (KLCTPR). Here, using X-ray crystallography, we show how kinesin-1 recognizes a novel class of adaptor motifs that we call ‘Y-acidic’ (tyrosine flanked by acidic residues), in a KLC-isoform specific manner. Binding specificities of Y-acidic motifs (present in JIP1 and in TorsinA) to KLC1TPR are distinct from those utilized for the recognition of W-acidic motifs found in adaptors that are KLC-isoform non-selective. However, a partial overlap on their receptor binding sites implies that adaptors relying on Y-acidic and W-acidic motifs must act independently. We propose a model to explain why these two classes of motifs that bind to the concave surface of KLCTPR with similar low micromolar affinity can exhibit different capacities to promote kinesin-1 activity.
Two-dimensional local Fourier image reconstruction via domain decomposition Fourier continuation method
Authors: Shi Ruonan , Jung Jae-Hun , Schweser Ferdinand
Published: May 2018

The MRI image is obtained in the spatial domain from the given Fourier coefficients in the frequency domain. It is costly to obtain the high resolution image because it requires higher frequency Fourier data while the lower frequency Fourier data is less costly and effective if the image is smooth. However, the Gibbs ringing, if existent, prevails with the lower frequency Fourier data. We propose an efficient and accurate local reconstruction method with the lower frequency Fourier data that yields sharp image profile near the local edge. The proposed method utilizes only the small number of image data in the local area. Thus the method is efficient. Furthermore the method is accurate because it minimizes the global effects on the reconstruction near the weak edges shown in many other global methods for which all the image data is used for the reconstruction. To utilize the Fourier method locally based on the local non-periodic data, the proposed method is based on the Fourier continuation method. This work is an extension of our previous 1D Fourier domain decomposition method to 2D Fourier data. The proposed method first divides the MRI image in the spatial domain into many subdomains and applies the Fourier continuation method for the smooth periodic extension of the subdomain of interest. Then the proposed method reconstructs the local image based on L2 minimization regularized by the L1 norm of edge sparsity to sharpen the image near edges. Our numerical results suggest that the proposed method should be utilized in dimension-by-dimension manner instead of in a global manner for both the quality of the reconstruction and computational efficiency. The numerical results show that the proposed method is effective when the local reconstruction is sought and that the solution is free of Gibbs oscillations.
Barriers to digitization in university libraries of Pakistan: a developing country’s perspective
Authors: Rafiq Muhammad , Ameen Kanwal , Jabeen Munazza
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify barriers that are hindering digitization initiatives in university libraries of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study opted a mixed-methods research design based on quantitative (QUAN) and qualitative (QUAL) strands by using a survey research method. The subjects of the study were central libraries of the universities (both public and private sector) of Pakistan. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used for QUAN data collection in the QUAN strand. In the QUAL phase, in-depth interviews of purposely selected 25 library experts from different parts of the country were conducted.

Findings

Meta-inferences were drawn from the findings of both QUAN and QUAL strands. Both of the research designs provided the requisite data to answer research questions of the study. The finding revealed the barriers which were hindering the digitization activities in university libraries of Pakistan.

Originality/value

The findings of the study are helpful for funding bodies, university libraries and university administration. The findings are also helpful for other developing countries with similar economic and/or social landscapes.
Artisan entrepreneurship: a systematic literature review and research agenda
Authors: Pret Tobias , Cogan Aviel
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and critique the extant body of literature on artisan entrepreneurship and to develop a research agenda for future studies based on the identified trends and themes.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) was undertaken across 96 journals ranked by the Association of Business Schools. The initial search yielded 86 papers. Further scrutiny of these studies led to the development of exclusion criteria, resulting in a refined list of 32 articles which advance understanding of artisan entrepreneurship. Using an open coding approach, this SLR then identified seven core themes and 16 sub-themes which the extant literature examines.

Findings

This SLR finds that artisan entrepreneurship research contributes to understanding of entrepreneurial behaviour, context, motivation, development, resources, diversity and classification. It provides timely insights into coopetition practices, the reciprocal relationship between place and entrepreneurship and the coexistence of social and economic goals. It also reveals characteristics which facilitate venture development, discovers the mutability of various forms of capital, highlights the necessity of studying diverse experiences and identifies benefits and limits of typologies. Main elements of the resulting research agenda include calls for more quantitative research, further attention to context and more holistic treatment of a wider variety of stories.

Originality/value

This paper presents the first SLR of craft and artisan entrepreneurship research. It not only identifies, analyses and critiques the main streams in the literature, therefore providing an overview of the state of the field, but also highlights areas where this scholarship contributes to understanding of entrepreneurship and upon which future research can build. Artisan entrepreneurship is thus established as worthy of investigation in its own right and as an appropriate context in which to explore entrepreneurial processes. Furthermore, this SLR presents an agenda for future research to advance understanding of artisan entrepreneurship.
Resilience and effectuation for a successful business takeover
Authors: d’Andria Aude , Gabarret Ines , Vedel Benjamin
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how resilience can support entrepreneurs in uncertain environments. The study’s objective is to show how different dimensions of resilience (emotional/cognitive) are dynamically connected to different logics of actions (causation/effectuation) allowing the development of a successful entrepreneurial project.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a qualitative analysis of a blog written by an entrepreneur during the first 17 months of a search, negotiation, and financing process for a company takeover.

Findings

The results highlight that in high uncertainty, strong entrepreneurial resilience and shift of logics of action can contribute to the success of a business takeover. This study identifies forms of resilience during the business takeover process that helped the entrepreneur overcome adversity and succeed. Moreover, these forms of resilience seem to be related to effectual and causal logics.

Practical implications

This study could help future entrepreneurs succeed in the creation or takeover of an organization by improving knowledge of the relationship between resilience and logics of actions.

Originality/value

This study proposes a different approach to the study of entrepreneurial resilience by analyzing it in relation with the logics of action (causation/effectuation). Moreover, the study offers a modern methodological approach by using an internet blog as a data source.
The role of the categorization process on the influence of a famous football player on the evaluations of a football team
Authors: Puente-Díaz Rogelio , Cavazos-Arroyo Judith
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the categorization of a football player influences the evaluations of a football team among participants from Mexico and to test for the moderating role of need for closure. In order to test the hypotheses, the authors conduct two experiments.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used an empirimental approach. Specifically in the experimental condition, the authors brought to mind, in one condition, the team membership of Lionel Messi and assessed the evaluations of Barcelona FC. In the control condition, the authors did not bring to mind the membership of Lionel Messi and only assessed the evaluations of Barcelona FC.

Findings

Results from two experiments showed that Barcelona FC obtained better evaluations when participants assigned Messi as one of its players. Evaluations were not moderated by a variable known to influence information processing such as need for closure.

Originality/value

It is a psychological truism that human judgments are context dependent. How good one judges a football team to be, depends not only on the specific qualities of the team, but also on the standard of comparison used to make that judgment. Surprisingly, scant attention has been given to context effects in team or player evaluations (see Puente-Díaz and Puente-Díaz, 2014 for an exception). The investigation seeks to fill this gap.
Frequent presentations to emergency departments and the collaborative community and emergency response
Authors: Harcourt Debra Irene , McDonald Clancy Jack , Cartlidge-Gann Leonie , Brown Nathan J. , Rayner Kim
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Patient dependence on an emergency department (ED) for ongoing, non-urgent health care is a complex issue related to poor mental and physical health, disability, previous trauma, social disadvantage and lack of social supports. Working Together to Connect Care is an innovative program that provides an assertive community case management approach coupled with an ED management plan to support people who frequently attend the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital ED. The program, which is yet to be fully evaluated, currently helps to manage a large number of patients with a wide variety of complex needs. To demonstrate the scope and capabilities of the program, the purpose of this paper is to present a series of case studies of patients who frequently attended the ED and subsequently became program participants.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of five case studies is used to illustrate the variety of patient characteristics and available management pathways. Outcomes, including rates of ED attendance, at five months after program commencement are also described.

Findings

The variety of characteristics and experiences of the patients in the case studies is representative of the program cohort as a whole. Program participation has resulted in improved patient outcomes as demonstrated by crisis resolution, housing stability, engagement with primary health care and reduced frequency of ED presentations.

Originality/value

A personalized, integrated-care management approach is both flexible and effective in responding to the complex needs of five patients who frequently attend EDs.
Black leaders matter
Authors: Miller Paul , Callender Christine
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate factors that contribute to black male school leaders’ career progression and sustenance within the teaching profession. This, because the progression of black and minority ethnic (BME) teachers in Britain has been the subject of much debate. Fewer BME teachers are in leadership roles in education, and there are only 230 BME headteachers of approximately 24,000 primary and secondary headteachers.

Design/methodology/approach

The headteachers’ professional lives are explored through the lenses of critical race theory and interpretivism. In doing so, it illuminates the journey towards and the realities of a group whose views are currently unrepresented in research on school leadership or that of the experiences of male BME teachers in England.

Findings

This study finds that whereas personal agency and determination are largely responsible for keeping these black headteachers in post, “White sanction” (Miller, 2016) has played a significant role in career entry and early career development. Furthermore, participants experience both limiting and facilitating structures as they negotiated their roles into headship and as headteachers. Limiting structures are those which constrain or hinder progression into leadership, whilst facilitating structures enabled participants to navigate and negotiate gendered racism, make progress in their careers and achieve success in their respective roles. Both limiting and facilitating structures include personal agency and contextual factors.

Research limitations/implications

The paper also makes the point that more research is needed on current BME school leaders to examine the factors that motivate and enable them. Additionally, more research is needed on the limiting and facilitating structures identified in this study and on the potential generational differences that may exist between more established and newly appointed male BME school leaders. Studying generationally different school leaders may help to illuminate the salience of race and racism across an increasingly diverse population.

Practical implications

Furthermore, this paper also suggests that more BME school leaders are needed, thereby making the leadership teams of schools more representative, as well as raising aspirations and interest among BME teachers and therefore making black leadership sustainable.

Originality/value

This paper is an original piece of research that adds fresh insights into not only how black school leaders get into teaching and leadership but also significantly what keeps them there.
Financial factors that influence the size of nonprofit operating reserves
Authors: Grizzle Cleopatra , Sloan Margaret F. , Kim Mirae
Published: May 2018

Although operating reserves can aid nonprofit organizations in alleviating periods of fiscal stress, they are not widely used. This study examines organizational factors that impact the level of operating reserves in nonprofit organizations. It also explores the relationship of operating reserves with organizational demographics and financial health variables using a six-year (1998-2003) unbalanced panel regression model containing 460,437 observations. Findings demonstrate a positive relationship between operating reserves and administration ratio, profit margin, operating margin, and organization age. Conversely, the size of operating reserves is negatively related to leverage ratio, donations, and organization size. Revenue diversification, however, shows a mixed relationship with operating reserves among different types of nonprofit indicating complexity in risk-reducing strategy. This study contributes to understanding factors relevant to the presence, or absence, of nonprofit operating reserves.
The determinants of success in local earmarking: The case of new york city council discretionary expense grants
Authors: Wu Yonghong , Williams Daniel W.
Published: May 2018

This paper examines the determinants of success in seeking local government earmarked funding. We compile data of the aggregate amounts of the New York City Council discretionary expense grants received or requested by each council district every year during 2011-2013. The statistical results show that the allocation of the expense grants are politically motivated with more earmark funds flowing to the districts council leaders and key committee chairpersons represent. Furthermore, constituents of key committee chairpersons are more successful in the earmarking process. Districts with larger African American population have lower success ratios possibly because they request significantly more earmarks. These empirical findings are consistent with anecdotal perceptions that earmarking is not substantially effective in meeting community need.
Headquarters value added and subsidiary performance: insights from Thailand
Authors: Kingkaew Suthikorn , Dahms Sven
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the impact of network relationship strength and subsidiary initiatives on the headquarters value added and performance in foreign-owned subsidiaries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on survey data collected from foreign-owned subsidiaries located in Thailand. The authors use symmetric structured equation modelling partial least squared (SEM-PLS) and asymmetric fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) techniques to analyse the data.

Findings

The authors found that intra-organisational relationship strength is one of the key determinants for high headquarter value added. They also found that headquarter value added plays a crucial role in explaining subsidiary performance. The role of subsidiary initiatives seem overall less pronounced than initially thought.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in the conceptual framework based on networks and subsidiary initiatives. This is one of the few studies that empirically tests headquarters value-added determinants in subsidiaries located in an emerging market. Furthermore, the authors use SEM-PLS and fsQCA to look beyond more commonly tested symmetric associations.
The development of a safety and quality culture assessment tool from a longitudinal, mixed-method research journey
Authors: Taylor Joanne Zaida , Rostron Katherine Isabelle
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the 16-year research and development journey of the Culture Excellence assessment tool, which is used widely to assess safety and quality culture in the food industry. It is the third article in a theme issue of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, discussing the importance of measuring food safety and quality culture.

Design/methodology/approach

An iterative process of in-depth interviews and mixed-method case studies led to the development of a conceptual model and an online assessment tool, which are used to gain insight into safety and quality culture.

Findings

The research process resulted in a conceptual model of four categories and 20 dimensions of safety and quality culture, alongside a practical online assessment tool to enable their measurement; these categories and dimensions are demonstrated using qualitative quotations.

Originality/value

This paper introduces qualitative data on safety and quality culture direct from the food industry with academic analysis to highlight new dimensions and issues. It will be of value to food safety and quality practitioners, trainers, auditors and other stakeholders involved in the food industry.
Triangulation
Authors: Manning Louise
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critique the existing and emerging alternative approaches being used by regulators and industry to verify the presence and efficacy of food safety management systems (FSMS). It is the second paper in a theme issue of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, discussing the importance of measuring food safety and quality culture.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper, primarily focused on UK examples, examines academic and grey literature to consider the options for effective verification of FSMS with emphasis on the hospitality sector including the use of triangulation.

Findings

Third-party certification (TPC) compliance audits alone will not deliver effective verification of the FSMS and the cultural context of how formal systems are implemented, monitored and internally verified. Triangulation needs to be undertaken during the FSMS verification process which at its simplest is a Question, Observe, Measure (QOM) triad and at its more complex involves TPC compliance audits and performance assessment using data analysis methodology and product and environmental testing.

Originality/value

The paper will be of value to practitioners, researchers and other stakeholders involved in the hospitality industry.
Review article: The utility of troponin and other investigations in patients presenting to the emergency department with supraventricular tachycardia
Authors: Fernando Harith , Adams Nicholas , Mitra Biswadev
Published: May 2018

Patients with supraventricular tachycardia commonly present to the ED. There is a lack of consensus regarding assessment of these patients. Our aim was to determine the utility of troponin and four other investigations (full blood examination, electrolyte levels, thyroid function tests and chest X‐rays) commonly requested for these patients. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (January 1992–March 2017) were searched for randomised controlled trials and observational studies (of sample size greater than 10). Our search strategy yielded no randomised controlled trials and seven observational studies with significant statistical heterogeneity among selected studies (I2 87.3%, P < 0.001). Included studies investigated a total of 1155 patients. All studies reported on the utility of troponin testing in this patient population. The pooled proportion of patients investigated with troponin was 0.66 (95% confidence interval 0.44–0.88). The pooled proportion of positive troponin tests was 0.32 (95% confidence interval 0.23–0.41). Only one study reported on the utility of the remaining four investigations with abnormal results as follows: thyroid stimulating hormone 14%, haemoglobin 6%, white cell count 19% and chest X‐ray 22%. Investigations are commonly requested for patients presenting with supraventricular tachycardia. Troponin testing is commonly performed with a high proportion of positive findings although these results did not appear to be associated with major adverse cardiac events. Heterogeneity among studies and low levels of evidence precluded conclusions on full blood examinations, electrolyte levels, thyroid testing and utility of chest X‐rays in this patient population.
Spatial dispersion of retail margins: evidence from Turkish agricultural prices
Authors: Yilmazkuday Hakan
Published: May 2018

The farmer share of retail prices is shown to be about 16%, corresponding to about 84% of a distribution share, on average across agricultural products and regions within Turkey. The share of transportation costs in retail prices is only about 7%, while the share of retail margins is about 77% of retail prices. The dispersion of retail prices across regions is shown to be mostly due to local wages and variable markups, while the contribution of traded‐input prices is relatively small. Accordingly, the high dispersion of farmer prices across locations is not reflected in the dispersion of retail prices due to the high contribution of retail margins. These retail margins are also shown to account for about one third of the consumer welfare dispersion across regions and more than half of the consumer welfare dispersion across products.
Impact of graft‐to‐recipient weight ratio on small‐for‐size syndrome following living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Bell Richard , Pandanaboyana Sanjay , Upasani Vivek , Prasad Raj
Published: May 2018

Background

This meta‐analysis aimed to compare living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) grafts with a graft‐to‐recipient weight ratio (GRWR) of <0.8 to grafts with a GRWR ≥0.8 with regards to small‐for‐size syndrome (SFSS) and short and longer term outcomes.

Methods

An electronic search was performed of the MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed databases until December 2016 using both subject headings (MeSH) and free text. Pooled odds ratios and hazard ratios were calculated using fixed‐ and random‐effects models for meta‐analysis.

Results

Eight studies including 1833 patients met the inclusion criteria. The rate of SFSS was 10% in the <0.8 group and 5% in the ≥0.8 group (odds ratio: 1.69 (1.09, 2.61) (P = 0.020)). No significant difference was noted between the two groups with regards to graft survival up to 5 years (hazard ratio: 1.31 (0.88, 1.94) (P = 0.190)). Similarly, no significant difference was noted in overall complications (P = 0.06), biliary (P = 0.290) or vascular complications (P = 0.190), perioperative haemorrhage (P = 0.150), post‐operative mortality (P = 0.810) and rejection (P = 0.160).

Conclusion

The incidence of SFSS in grafts with a GRWR <0.8 is more than in GRWR ≥0.8; however, the low GRWR does not appear to impact perioperative outcomes or graft survival.
A prospective study of female genital chronic graft‐versus‐host disease symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Smith Knutsson Eva , Björk Yvonne , Broman Anna‐Karin , Helström Lotti , Nicklasson Malin , Brune Mats , Sundfeldt Karin
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Female genital chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGvHD) is a complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) for blood malignancies. Unattended inflammation and fibrosis in the vulva and vagina may lead to total vaginal stenosis. The course and treatment of genital cGvHD was observed in this population‐based prospective study.

Material and methods

Women (n = 41) receiving alloHCT in 2005–10 were examined before and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months post‐transplant. Vulvovaginal signs were documented, National Institutes of Health clinical scores were calculated, and women completed questionnaires on symptoms, the Female Sexual Distress Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory. Local immunosuppressive treatment was given weekly.

Results

Genital cGvHD was diagnosed in 27 women (incidence 56% at 12 months; 66% at 36 months); extragenital cGvHD was found in 21/27. The most common signs at diagnosis were red and white spots, reticular white lines, fissures, synechiae and telangiectasia; symptoms included dryness, itching, dyspareunia, pain or no symptoms. Thirteen women were treated on a schedule of tacrolimus and clobetazol ointments. Although some signs progressed during treatment, only two women developed total stenosis. At 36 months, 12 women still had genital cGvHD.

Conclusions

Genital cGvHD develops mainly in the first year after alloHCT. Early intervention may halt its progress to severe fibrosis, but despite correct diagnosis and treatment, symptoms and signs may become chronic. Women who develop genital cGvHD following alloHCT require life‐long gynecological supervison and care.