bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farm size and use of inputs: explanations for the inverse productivity relationship
Authors: Cheng Shen , Zheng Zhihao , Henneberry Shida
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The relationship between farm size and land productivity is a hotly debated issue in the study of agricultural economics and development economics. The purpose of this paper is to explore the causes leading to the inverse productivity relationship by examining the relationship between farm size and factor inputs.

Design/methodology/approach

With a large panel data set of farm households in China during 2010–2011, this study uses the factor demand models to examine the relationship between farm size and per-mu labor and non-labor inputs while employing a stochastic frontier production function in determining the difference of labor efforts in farming operation across farm sizes. Moreover, the models for value-added margins and profits are used to further determine producer behavior of small-size farms.

Findings

Results of this study show that, as compared to larger farms, smaller farms not only utilize more labor and non-labor inputs per mu, but also benefit from a higher labor effort. Moreover, smaller farms concentrate more on grain output and cash costs while focusing less on the family labor input costs in an effort to maximize value-added margins rather than profits. The higher yields on smaller farms are thus a result of the utilization of a relatively higher level of labor and non-labor inputs along with skilled-oriented precision farming technology. The inverse productivity relationship is explained by the behavior of small-size producers with employment constraints, leading to smaller farms generating a higher yield than larger farms.

Originality/value

While Sen (1966), Feder (1985), Eswaran and Kotwal (1986) and others have theoretically derived the causal relationship between the incomplete factor markets, especially incomplete labor markets, and the inverse productivity, empirical studies to test the causal relationships are limited. In particular, a solid foundation based on an empirical analysis is lacking when it comes to explaining the inverse productivity in China. Results of this study are expected to have significant policy implications in terms of the understanding of small-size producer behavior and the associated mechanism underlying the inverse relationship between farm size and land productivity.
Movie piracy: how novelty-seeking relates to illegal downloading
Authors: Urbonavicius Sigitas , Dikcius Vytautas , Adomaviciute Karina , Urbonavicius Ignas
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Movie piracy is triggered by the release delay of new movies in various countries, especially if novelty awareness is considered an asset among peers. Therefore, novelty seeking becomes a relevant factor in the illegal downloading of movies, especially among a younger population that has a higher propensity to novelty seeking. The purpose of this paper is to study novelty seeking in the context of illegal downloading of movies among a young population. More specifically, this study will highlight the relation of novelty seeking with the frequency of illegal downloading of movies and attitudes towards piracy in general.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on data that were obtained via survey in Lithuania. The use of SEM allowed development of a model that integrates novelty seeking with the more typical factors of digital piracy.

Findings

The study shows a relation between novelty seeking, attitudes towards piracy and the frequency of illegal downloading of movies.

Originality/value

The study shows the importance of novelty seeking in the context of movie piracy. It specifies the relation of novelty seeking with attitude and behaviour, highlighting directions for further research.
Shedding light on the use of single and multisensory cues and their effect on consumer behaviours
Authors: Helmefalk Miralem , Berndt Adele
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Retail stores are required to provide a stimulating in-store experience for customers and do this by developing various strategies. One strategy implemented by retailers is the use of sensory cues to encourage consumers to engage with the environment and the products on display and available for purchase. Conducted in a lighting department, the purpose of this paper is to consider how retailers can employ a multisensory cue, which is formed by combining three single cues to positively impact consumer behaviours – specifically time spent, touching and purchase.

Design/methodology/approach

The study comprised an experimental design, which implemented single congruent visual, auditory and olfactory cues that formed a multisensory cue. Consumer behaviour outcomes of these cues were measured using objective measures.

Findings

The results show that a multisensory cue impacts time spent and purchasing, but no evidence of it affecting touching was noted. In the case of the single cues, auditory and scent cues impacted time spent, but their effect was not to the extent of the multisensory cue, which was superior.

Research limitations/implications

The study focussed on one product category within a general furnishing store, thus limiting the extent to which the findings can be generalised.

Practical implications

The effect of a multisensory cue exceeded that of single cues, emphasising the need for retailers to consider and develop a multisensory retail environment.

Originality/value

While research into the effect of single cues on consumer behaviours has shown positive effects, research into a multisensory cue, especially in a real-retail setting, is relatively scarce.
Plan for the worst, hope for the best? Exploring major events related terrorism and future challenges for UK event professionals
Authors: Baxter Daniel , Flinn Jenny , Picco Lucrezia Flurina
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate major event related terrorism and the resulting challenges that event professionals may face when hosting major events in cities as part of a destination marketing strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was based in the UK due to the significant rise in terrorist activities that have taken place in its urban cities in recent years. The exploratory nature of this study utilised semi-structured interviews with UK event professionals, enabling a preliminary, in-depth investigation of the challenges that events professionals face as a result of major event related terrorism.

Findings

The research findings identify three challenges faced by event professionals when organising major events: knowledge and understanding in relation to major event related terrorism; the impact of major event related terrorism in terms of responsibility and accountability; and managing for major event related terrorism in budgetary terms.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to the UK, other destinations will pose their own unique challenges when hosting and managing events. It is suggested that this research be evaluated against similar studies in other destinations. This is a preliminary study and each of the topics identified within the findings warrant further exploration in their own right.

Originality/value

The paper offers an insight into the challenges faced by event professionals in the UK when delivering major events as part of a destination marketing strategy. With the increase in major event related terrorism in cities the findings of this research are of relevance not only to event professionals but anyone with a role in destination and tourism development.
Off-line path programming for three-dimensional robotic friction stir welding based on Bézier curves
Authors: Kolegain Komlan , Leonard François , Chevret Sandra , Ben Attar Amarilys , Abba Gabriel
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Robotic friction stir welding (RFSW) is an innovative process which enables solid-state welding of aluminum parts using robots. A major drawback of this process is that the robot joints undergo elastic deformation during the welding, because of the high forces induced by the process. This leads to tool deviation and incorrect orientation. There is currently no computer-aided manufacturing/computer-aided design (CAD) software for generating off-line paths which integrates robot deflections, and the main purpose of this study is to propose an off-line methodology to plan a path for RFSW with the integration of the deflections.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is divided into two steps. The first step consists of extracting position and orientation data from CAD models of the workpieces and adding the deflections calculated with a deflection model to generate a suitable path for performing RFSW. The second step consists of the smooth fitting of the suitable path using Bézier curves.

Findings

The method is experimentally validated by welding a curved workpiece using a Kuka KR500-2MT robot. A suitable tool position and orientation were calculated to perform this welding, an experimental procedure was set up, a defect-free weld was performed and a high accuracy was achieved in terms of position and orientation.

Practical implications

This method can help manufacturers to easily perform RFSW for three-dimensional workpieces regardless of the lateral tool deviation, loss of the right orientation and control force stability.

Originality/value

The originality of this method lies in compensating for robot deflections without using expensive sensors, which is the most commonly used method for compensating for robot deflection. This off-line method can lead to a reduction in programming time in comparison with teach programming method and leads to reduced investment costs in comparison with commercial off-line programming packages.
Exploring young consumers’ trust and purchase intention of organic cotton apparel
Authors: Tong Xiao , Su Jin
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reputation, product price and organic label on consumers’ perceptions of quality, trust and purchase intentions of organic apparel products by surveying American young consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

An intercept survey approach was used to administer a written questionnaire to a sample of college students. The experiment is a 2 (CSR reputation: poor vs good) × 2 (price: low vs high) × 2 (organic label: absent vs present) factorial design.

Findings

The results of our study suggest that retailers’ CSR reputation had a significant positive effect on perceived quality, consumer trust and purchase intentions, and price had a negative impact on consumers’ purchase intentions. Results also revealed a significant three-way interaction among the three independent variables on perceived quality and consumer trust.

Originality/value

This research is the first empirical effort to investigate the key factors that may influence young consumers’ perceptions of quality, trust and purchase intentions of organic products by considering joint use of CSR reputation, product price and an organic label, which represents a realistic buying condition. Consequently, the findings of this study represent an important step forward in better understanding consumers’ buying behavior toward green products.
Influencing risk taking in competitive environments: an experimental analysis
Authors: Schedlinsky Ivo , Sommer Friedrich , Wöhrmann Arnt
Published: November 2018

Purpose

In the aftermath of the financial crisis, the influence of competitive compensation systems on employee risk taking has gained increasing attention. As the renouncement of such incentive schemes might entail severe disadvantages regarding employee motivation, standard setters have proposed adding nonmonetary instruments of control. This paper aims to examine the influence of two of the most common instruments: a risk-sensitizing code of conduct and justification.

Design/methodology/approach

A laboratory experiment with 136 business students is conducted to test the hypotheses and answer the research question. The presence and absence of a risk-sensitizing code of conduct and a justification system is manipulated between subjects. The experiment consists of ten rounds, with round as the third factor manipulated within subjects.

Findings

Consistent with the paper’s hypothesis and the underlying theory, both instruments are found to offset higher risk taking. The paper shows that the motivation of individuals triggered by justification depends on a risk-sensitizing code of conduct, and insights into the psychological mechanisms behind the findings are provided.

Practical implications

As justification is considered more costly than a risk-sensitizing code of conduct, establishing the latter instead of the former seems preferable in most situations. However, if organizational citizenship behavior is unlikely to evolve, justification can substitute it for managing employee risk taking.

Originality/value

This paper identifies the risk-sensitizing code of conduct as an informal instrument of control for managing risk taking. Prior research mainly focuses on potentially more costly formal instruments of control.
Assessing the impacts of school entrepreneurial initiatives
Authors: Pepin Matthias , St-Jean Etienne
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Many countries around the world have now introduced entrepreneurship into their curricula and educational practices, starting at the elementary school level. However, recent studies show the relative (un)effectiveness of K-12 enterprise education on diverse learning outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to report on a research aimed at assessing the impacts of enterprise education on students’ entrepreneurial attitudes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a quasi-experiment between May and June 2017 to assess the entrepreneurial potential of students at Elementary Cycle 3 (10–12 years) in Quebec, Canada. Relying on attitude theory, the authors used Athayde’s Attitudes toward Enterprise for Young People test, which assesses students’ entrepreneurial potential through four entrepreneurial attitudes (leadership, creativity, achievement and personal control). The experimental group consisted of 11 classes which had conducted an entrepreneurial project during the 2016–2017 school year (n = 208 students), while the 7 classes of the control group had not (n=151 students).

Findings

At first glance, data showed no difference between the two groups. Further investigation showed that private and Freinet (public) schools’ students, both from the control group, show significantly higher leadership scores than those of the experimental group. In-depth analyses also show that increasing the number of entrepreneurial projects significantly impacted three of the four attitudes assessed, although negligibly.

Research limitations/implications

Taken together, those results question the relevance of single entrepreneurial activities in developing students’ entrepreneurial attitudes. They also suggest the positive impact of a progressive, constructivist pedagogy in developing such entrepreneurial attitudes. Moreover, the paper raises several factors likely to impact students’ entrepreneurial attitudes for further research.

Originality/value

K-12 enterprise education remains an understudied context, largely crossed by unproven statements. This research contributes to understand and give direction to educational initiatives targeting the development of young students’ entrepreneurial attitudes.
Learning conditions for continuous improvement in a public service organization
Authors: Lundkvist Agneta Halvarsson , Gustavsson Maria
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This study focuses on a transformation effort in a social welfare department of a Swedish municipality where continuous improvement, which is a Lean principle, was introduced in employees’ everyday work via a workplace development programme (WPDP). The aim of this paper is to explore the conditions (internal and external) that enabled or constrained employee learning during the introduction of continuous improvement into employees’ everyday work in a WPDP-supported social welfare department.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study is based mainly on 22 semi-structured interviews with individuals holding different positions in the department and overarching municipality.

Findings

The findings show that multiple and emerging conditions, both internal and external, shaped a predominantly restrictive learning environment during the introduction of continuous improvement into the social welfare department. The major conditions identified were related to the initial implementation and top management’s steering and monitoring of the “Lean investment”, activities and support provided by the WPDP, activities and support provided by the internal Lean support team and first-line managers’ abilities to facilitate employee learning.

Originality/value

Apart from unique empirical material depicting an effort towards change under conditions far from favourable for employee learning, the value of this study lies in the attention given to the external dynamics that drive change in line with the concept of new public management in public service organizations, including a WPDP that supported the social welfare department.
Management of air pollution in Mexico
Authors: Silva Rodríguez de San Miguel Jorge Alejandro
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the management of air pollution in Mexico and strategies that have been considered to correct the issues, including potential future directions to further improve air quality for Mexico’s environment and people.

Design/methodology/approach

Different serious academic databases were searched for material regarding the issue of air pollution in Mexico, such as Scopus and Social Science Citation Index. Regional concern was an important factor that was considered in this review. Material was considered based on its recency, academic importance and veracity. The studies selected mainly ranged from the mid-1990s to 2018.

Findings

Air pollution in Mexico has been a primary issue for the country’s administration and that of Mexico’s North American neighbour, the USA. It has contributed significantly to climate change and has had detrimental effects on both the environment and on the health of Mexican citizens in various ways. While efforts to ameliorate the situation have been relatively strong, it is hoped that ongoing cooperation between Mexico, the USA and Canada will influence the development of stricter emissions standards.

Originality/value

This paper considers current circumstances and whether enough has been done to mitigate Mexico’s significant air pollution problem. It also considers several recommendations made by commentators as to potential future directions to rectify the issues, as no similar review has been made for a developing Country.
Determination of nutritional composition in citrus fruits (C. aurantium) during maturity
Authors: Mansour Rita
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to determine and compare nutritional composition of different parts of citrus fruits, namely,Citrus aurantium(peel: albedo, flavedo and pulp: juice, pomace) . This study was conducted through three stages of fruit maturity (green, yellow and orange). Total polyphenols, flavonoids, β-carotene, total chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, acidity, total soluble solid and the minerals (Ca, Mg, Zn, Na, K, Fe, Mn Cu) were evaluated. Moreover, the relationship between the total polyphenol, flavonoids and the antioxidant activity was determined.

Design/methodology/approach

Total polyphenols were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Flavonoids were assessed by the aluminum chloride colorimetric method. Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. K and Na contents were determined by using a flame photometer. Other nutritional composition was determined by volumetric method.

Findings

The result showed that the concentrations of antioxidants, total polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamin C, total chlorophyll, total acidity and antioxidant activity (DPPH%) decreased during the maturity of fruit while the value of pH and β-carotene increases. In addition, the concentrations of the most minerals decreased through the maturation of fruit except Na. Anova statistical analysis of all the studied chemical variables was shown significant differences between all the samples. The pH, total soluble solids, β-caroteniod: orange juice had the highest average while green juice had the lowest. Ascorbic acid, total acidity, total chlorophyll: green juice had the highest average while orange juice has the lowest. Total phenol, K, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn: green flavedo had the highest average while orange juice had the lowest. Flavonoid, antioxidant activity (DPPH%), Ca, Zn: green albedo had the highest average while orange juice had the lowest. Na: orange flavedo had the highest average while green juice had the lowest. The correlations between total polyphenol, flavonoid and antioxidant capacity were significantly higher (R = 0.935 and 0.960, respectively).

Originality/value

The stage of maturity affects nutritional composition inCitrus aurantiumfruits (C. aurantium) peel and pulp, where some minerals of composition increased and others decreased, according to the results. This is the first study on comparing the nutritional composition of pulp: juice, pomace and peel: albedo, flavedo ofCitrus aurantiumL. during maturity in Syria, and it was also not found in previous works.
The value of technology affordances to improve the management of nonprofit organizations
Authors: Bobsin Debora , Petrini Maira , Pozzebon Marlei
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the benefits generated by the use of new technologies by nonprofit organizations, with focus on how these artefacts can improve their ability to achieve their social mission.

Design/methodology/approach

To understand the potential use of technology by a nonprofit organization, the concept of affordance was applied. The authors propose a processual model of affordances’ interdependences that enrich the extant literature. Six nonprofit organizations in two Brazilian regions were deeply investigated using a multiple case study method.

Findings

The authors identified new sub-categories of technology affordances, which are not just related to nonprofit but that could be also applied to other types, including for-profit. Sub-categories of affordances seem to play different roles in the actualization process. The authors are not proposing determinist connections among sub-categories, but they argue that they sustain some sub-categories precede or create the condition for others to emerge.

Originality/value

Nonprofit organizations lack theoretical and empirical investigations on management in general and on technology management in particular. In its turn, the technology field does not pay much attention, both in terms of research and practice, to the specificities of the third sector where the nonprofit organizations operate. This process model of potential uses of new technologies that might favor nonprofit organizations contributes to the cross-fertilization between two distinct fields: third sector and technology management.
Densification behavior of 316L-NiB stainless steel powder and surface morphology during selective laser melting process using pulsed Nd:YAG laser
Authors: Stašić Jelena , Božić Dušan
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to report the production of 316L-1 Wt.% NiB cubes by using the selective laser melting (SLM) process. The laser used was pulsed, millisecond Nd:YAG system with maximum average power 100 W.

Design/methodology/approach

Densification under different processing conditions (pulse energy, average laser power, laser scan speed, powder layer thickness, pulse frequency) was investigated. Morphology, macro and microstructure of laser melted samples were characterized by digital camera images and by scanning electron microscope. Density of the cubes was determined by Archimedes method in water. Vickers microhardness of samples was determined under the load of 25 g. Corrosion behavior of 316L and 316L-NiB samples was conducted in 5 per cent HCl solution at the testing temperature of 20°C during 240 h.

Findings

Using laser power of ∼60-70 W, lower beam overlap and powder layer thickness of 200 µm, 3D cubical samples were obtained with significant balling in individual layers and an overall porosity being around 30 per cent. By increasing laser power to ∼80 W, with higher beam overlap and lower powder layer thickness of 100 µm, SLM parts with no balling and the presence of small pores of up to 4 per cent (20 Hz) and 9 per cent (40 Hz) were obtained. With further increase of laser power to 90 W, overall porosity rose to around 12 per cent. The addition of 1 Wt.% NiB to stainless steel negligibly lowered its corrosion resistance in 5 per cent HCl solution.

Originality/value

A part from 316L stainless steel with balling-free structure and good density was successfully obtained through pulsed-SLM process with the aid of 1 Wt.% of NiB addition. Aside from significant influence on the improved structure of cubes, NiB had a favorable effect on microhardness values while practically not affecting the corrosion resistivity of the base material in an aggressive surrounding.
Importance of flagella in acute and chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections
Authors: Lorenz Anne , Preuße Matthias , Bruchmann Sebastian , Pawar Vinay , Grahl Nora , Pils Marina C. , Nolan Laura M. , Filloux Alain , Weiss Siegfried , Häussler Susanne
Published: November 2018

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an environmental microorganism and a causative agent of diverse acute and chronic, biofilm‐associated infections. Advancing research‐based knowledge on its adaptation to conditions within the human host is bound to reveal novel strategies and targets for therapeutic intervention. Here, we investigated the traits that P. aeruginosa PA14 as well as a virulence attenuated ΔlasR mutant need to survive in selected murine infection models. Experimentally, the genetic programs that the bacteria use to adapt to biofilm‐associated versus acute infections were dissected by passaging transposon mutant libraries through mouse lungs (acute) or mouse tumours (biofilm‐infection). Adaptive metabolic changes of P. aeruginosa were generally required during both infection processes. Counter‐selection against flagella expression was observed during acute lung infections. Obviously, avoidance of flagella‐mediated activation of host immunity is advantageous for the wildtype bacteria. For the ΔlasR mutant, loss of flagella did not confer a selective advantage. Apparently, other pathogenesis mechanisms are active in this virulence attenuated strain. In contrast, the infective process of P. aeruginosa in the chronic biofilm model apparently required expression of flagellin. Together, our findings imply that the host immune reactions against the infectious agent are very decisive for acuteness and duration of the infectious disease. They direct disease outcome.
Using meta‐omics of contaminated sediments to monitor changes in pathways relevant to climate regulation
Authors: Birrer Simone C. , Dafforn Katherine A. , Sun Melanie Y. , Williams Rohan B. H. , Potts Jaimie , Scanes Peter , Kelaher Brendan P. , Simpson Stuart L. , Kjelleberg Staffan , Swarup Sanjay , Steinberg Peter , Johnston Emma L.
Published: November 2018

Microbially mediated biogeochemical processes are crucial for climate regulation and may be disrupted by anthropogenic contaminants. To better manage contaminants, we need tools that make real‐time causal links between stressors and altered microbial functions, and the potential consequences for ecosystem services such as climate regulation. In a manipulative field experiment, we used metatranscriptomics to investigate the impact of excess organic enrichment and metal contamination on the gene expression of nitrogen and sulfur metabolisms in coastal sediments. Our gene expression data suggest that excess organic enrichment results in (i) higher transcript levels of genes involved in the production of toxic ammonia and hydrogen sulfide and (ii) lower transcript levels associated with the degradation of a greenhouse gas (nitrous oxide). However, metal contamination did not have any significant impact on gene expression. We reveal the genetic mechanisms that may lead to altered productivity and greenhouse gas production in coastal sediments due to anthropogenic contaminants. Our data highlight the applicability of metatranscriptomics as a management tool that provides an immense breadth of information and can identify potentially impacted process measurements that need further investigation.
The global regulator Crc orchestrates the metabolic robustness underlying oxidative stress resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Corona Fernando , Martínez José Luis , Nikel Pablo I.
Published: November 2018

The remarkable metabolic versatility of bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas enable their survival across very diverse environmental conditions. P. aeruginosa, one of the most relevant opportunistic pathogens, is a prime example of this adaptability. The interplay between regulatory networks that mediate these metabolic and physiological features is just starting to be explored in detail. Carbon catabolite repression, governed by the Crc protein, controls the availability of several enzymes and transporters involved in the assimilation of secondary carbon sources. Yet, the regulation exerted by Crc on redox metabolism of P. aeruginosa (hence, on the overall physiology) had hitherto been unexplored. In this study, we address the intimate connection between carbon catabolite repression and metabolic robustness of P. aeruginosa PAO1. In particular, we explored the interplay between oxidative stress, metabolic rearrangements in central carbon metabolism and the cellular redox state. By adopting a combination of quantitative physiology experiments, multiomic analyses, transcriptional patterns of key genes, measurement of metabolic activities in vitro and direct quantification of redox balances both in the wild‐type strain and in an isogenic Δcrc derivative, we demonstrate that Crc orchestrates the overall response of P. aeruginosa to oxidative stress via reshaping of the core metabolic architecture in this bacterium.
Resourcing Social Enterprises: The Role of Socially Oriented Bootstrapping
Authors: Jayawarna Dilani , Jones Oswald , Macpherson Allan
Published: November 2018

Resource constraints are a challenge for social enterprises, prompting interest in innovative approaches to address these deficiencies. In this study, we contribute to the literature on resourcing practices in small, early stage, social enterprises by examining the role of socially oriented bootstrapping for resource access. We use data from eight UK social enterprises to reveal organizational practices – building credibility, leveraging persuasion and creating resource communities – that shape a diverse set of bootstrapping mechanisms to facilitate exchange relationships and to enable resource acquisition and mobilization. We argue that the unique position of social enterprises allows them to benefit from socially orientated bootstrapping and they display a complex approach that is shaped by a creative interplay of practices to support value creation through resource exchange.
Do gender and age impact the time‐varying Okun's law? Evidence from South Korea
Authors: Kim Myeong Jun , Park Sung Y.
Published: November 2018

This study investigates the time‐varying Okun's law for different age and gender cohorts in South Korea over the 1980–2014 period. We found that the absolute value of the estimated Okun coefficients for all age cohorts and both genders become larger in a recession than in an expansion. We also found that the youth cohort (15–24 years old) for both genders is more sensitive to a negative economic impact than are older cohorts. These differences imply that when policymakers try to find a way of reducing the unemployment rate, they should consider differences in behaviour among these groups. Furthermore, the policies should be combined with age‐specific policies.
Comparison group selection in the presence of rolling entry for health services research: Rolling entry matching
Authors: Witman Allison , Beadles Christopher , Liu Yiyan , Larsen Ann , Kafali Nilay , Gandhi Sabina , Amico Peter , Hoerger Thomas
Published: November 2018

Objective

To demonstrate rolling entry matching (REM), a new statistical method, for comparison group selection in the context of staggered nonuniform participant entry in nonrandomized interventions.

Study Setting

Four Health Care Innovation Award (HCIA) interventions between 2012 and 2016.

Study Design

Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation HCIA participants entering these interventions over time were matched with nonparticipants who exhibited a similar pattern of health care use and expenditures during each participant's baseline period.

Data Extraction Methods

Medicare fee‐for‐service claims data were used to identify nonparticipating, fee‐for‐service beneficiaries as a potential comparison group and conduct REM.

Principal Findings

Rolling entry matching achieved conventionally‐accepted levels of balance on observed characteristics between participants and nonparticipants. The method overcame difficulties associated with a small number of intervention entrants.

Conclusions

In nonrandomized interventions, valid inference regarding intervention effects relies on the suitability of the comparison group to act as the counterfactual case for the intervention group. When participants enter over time, comparison group selection is complicated. Rolling entry matching is a possible solution for comparison group selection in rolling entry interventions that is particularly useful with small sample sizes and merits further investigation in a variety of contexts.
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: Pathogenesis and Latest Treatment
Authors: Mizobuchi Masahide , Ogata Hiroaki , Koiwa Fumihiko
Published: November 2018

The classic pathogenesis of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) began with the trade‐off hypothesis based on parathyroid hormone hypersecretion brought about by renal failure resulting from a physiological response to correct metabolic disorder of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. In dialysis patients with failed renal function, physiological mineral balance control by parathyroid hormone through the kidney fails and hyperparathyroidism progresses. In this process, many significant genetic findings have been established. Abnormalities of Ca‐sensing receptor and vitamin D receptor are associated with the pathogenesis of SHPT, and fibroblast growth factor 23 has also been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis. Vitamin D receptor activators (VDRAs) are widely used for treatment of SHPT. However, VDRAs have calcemic and phosphatemic effects that limit their use to a subset of patients, and calcimimetics have been developed as alternative drugs for SHPT. Hyperphosphatemia also affects progression of SHPT, and control of hyperphosphatemia is, therefore, thought to be fundamental for control of SHPT. Currently, a combination of a VDRA and a calcimimetic is recognized as the optimal strategy for SHPT, and for other outcomes such as reduced cardiovascular disease and improved survival. The latest findings on the pathogenesis and treatment of SHPT are summarized in this review.
Concurrent assessment of urban environment and cardiometabolic risk over 10 years in a middle‐aged population‐based cohort
Authors: Daniel Mark , Carroll Suzanne J. , Niyonsenga Theophile , Piggott Ellie J. , Taylor Anne , Coffee Neil T.
Published: November 2018

Inference regarding the impact of urban areas on health is limited by cross‐sectional studies assessing few dimensions and ignoring area‐level socio‐economic status. This study simultaneously assessed several dimensions of the built environment against incident cardiometabolic risk (CMR) arising over 10 years. It tested the hypothesis that, accounting for local area relative wealth, features of the built environment would not predict incident CMR. Initially, disease‐free adults in a biomedical cohort in Adelaide, Australia, provided address and clinical data over three waves of follow‐up. CMR was defined as the count of five clinical CMR factors. Built environment measures were derived for urban form, and natural, and food environments. Local area wealth was expressed using the relative location factor index. Poisson growth models accounting for within‐suburb clustering, age, sex, and education were used to estimate associations between built environment measures and increasing CMR. Fitted linear trajectories had statistically significant mean values of intercepts and slopes. CMR trajectories were associated with age, male sex, and low education. In models including measures of the food, natural, and urban form environments, per standard deviation increase, only POS count predicted incident CMR, which was more strongly predicted by relative location factor. Not accounting for local area socio‐economic status may overestimate the strength of relationships between health and the built environment. Inequity in accessible POS is robustly related to incident CMR.
When your resume is (not) turning you down: Modelling ethnic bias in resume screening
Authors: Derous Eva , Ryan Ann Marie
Published: November 2018

Resume screening is the first hurdle applicants typically face when they apply for a job. Despite the many empirical studies showing bias at the resume‐screening stage, fairness at this funnelling stage has not been reviewed systematically. In this paper, a three‐stage model of biased resume screening is presented. We first discuss relevant theoretical perspectives (e.g., job market signalling and impression formation theories) to explain why resume screening is vulnerable to biased decision‐making and ethnic discrimination in particular. On the basis of the best available evidence, we consider contingencies of ethnic discrimination in the applicant, the decision‐maker, and the broader context (e.g., organisation), as well as the effectiveness of interventions that might counter ethnic bias in resume screening. The paper ends with a critical agenda for further research and practice.
Advancing mite phylogenomics: Designing ultraconserved elements for Acari phylogeny
Authors: Van Dam Matthew H. , Trautwein Michelle , Spicer Greg S. , Esposito Lauren
Published: November 2018

Mites (Acari) are one of the most diverse groups of life on Earth; yet, their evolutionary relationships are poorly understood. Also, the resolution of broader arachnid phylogeny has been hindered by an underrepresentation of mite diversity in phylogenomic analyses. To further our understanding of Acari evolution, we design targeted ultraconserved genomic elements (UCEs) probes, intended for resolving the complex relationships between mite lineages and closely related arachnids. We then test our Acari UCE baits in‐silico by constructing a phylogeny using 13 existing Acari genomes, as well as 6 additional taxa from a variety of genomic sources. Our Acari‐specific probe kit improves the recovery of loci within mites over an existing general arachnid UCE probe set. Our initial phylogeny recovers the major mite lineages, yet finds mites to be non‐monophyletic overall, with Opiliones (harvestmen) and Ricinuleidae (hooded tickspiders) rendering Parasitiformes paraphyletic.
Efficacy and toxicities of gemcitabine and cisplatin combined with endostar in advanced thymoma and thymic carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yang , Nie Jun , Dai Ling , Hu Weiheng , Chen Xiaoling , Han Jindi , Ma Xiangjuan , Tian Guangming , Han Sen , Long Jieran , Zhang Ziran , Fang Jian
Published: November 2018

Background

Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are rare thymic epithelial tumors. We investigated the efficacy of first‐line gemcitabine and cisplatin (GP) chemotherapy versus gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy combined with the anti‐angiogenic drug endostar (GP + E) in advanced thymoma and thymic carcinoma.

Methods

The records of 45 patients with invasive metastatic thymomas or thymic carcinomas treated with GP as first‐line therapy between August 2008 and July 2017 at the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Eighteen patients (75%) in the GP + E group achieved a partial response and six (25%) had stable disease. In GP only group, nine (42.8%) patients achieved a partial response, 11 (52.4%) had stable disease, and one (4.8%) had progressive disease. The GP + E group had a significantly higher overall response rate (75% vs. 42.9%; P = 0.028), and median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 19 and 76 months, respectively. In the GP only group, median PFS and OS were 16 and 29 months, respectively. PFS and OS were not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusions

GP has moderate efficacy and could represent a suitable first‐line therapy for thymic carcinoma and thymoma. Chemotherapy combined with endostar could improve the overall response rate, but did not prolong PFS or OS.
Favorable 10‐year outcomes of image‐guided intensity‐modulated radiotherapy combined with long‐term androgen deprivation for Japanese patients with nonmetastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Tomita Natsuo , Soga Norihito , Ogura Yuji , Furusawa Jun , Tanaka Hiroshi , Koide Yutaro , Tachibana Hiroyuki , Kodira Takeshi
Published: November 2018

Aim

To investigate 10‐year outcomes of high‐dose image‐guided intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IG‐IMRT) combined with long‐term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for Japanese patients with nonmetastatic prostate cancer.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 208 Japanese patients with T1–4N0M0 prostate cancer, who underwent definitive IG‐IMRT from 2006 to 2010 at our single institution. The median dose was 78 Gy (74–78) and median ADT time was 32 months (6–151). The risk stratification followed the National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria. A biochemical relapse was defined as nadir plus 2.0 ng/mL. Toxicity was scored with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group morbidity scale.

Results

The median follow‐up time was 102 months. For low‐, intermediate‐, high‐, and very‐high‐risk groups, the 10‐year biochemical disease‐free survival rates were 100%, 84%, 90%, and 72%, respectively (P = 0.008); clinical relapse‐free survival rates were 100%, 100%, 100%, and 81%, respectively (P < 0.001); and cancer‐specific survival rates were 100%, 100%, 100%, and 89%, respectively (P = 0.13). The independent prognostic factors influencing biochemical relapse were younger age, Gleason score ≥ 8, and radiation dose < 78 Gy in the multivariate analysis (P = 0.006, 0.014, and 0.013). The 10‐year cumulative incidence of late grade 2 or higher gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicities were 12% and 13%, respectively. No events of grade 4 or 5 were observed.

Conclusions

This study suggest that high‐dose IG‐IMRT combined with long‐term ADT is effective and implementable, leading to excellent 10‐year outcomes for Japanese patients with nonmetastatic prostate cancer.
Emergency peripartum hysterectomy in a Western Australian population: Ten‐year retrospective case‐note analysis
Authors: Arulpragasam Kaushalya , Hyanes Grace , Epee‐Bekima Mathias
Published: November 2018

Background

Emergency peripartum hysterectomy (EPH) is a life‐saving obstetric procedure reserved for conditions where medical treatment and conservative surgery have failed. EPH is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Aim

To examine the incidence, indications, risk factors, maternal and neonatal outcomes of EPH in a tertiary hospital in Western Australia (WA).

Methodology

A retrospective case‐note analysis of all cases of EPH performed at King Edward Memorial Hospital in WA between the years 2006 and 2016. The incidence, indications, risk factors, maternal and neonatal outcomes were reviewed. All cases were ascertained via our hospital obstetric database.

Results

A total of 72 cases of EPH were identified among 64 999 births. The incidence of EPH in WA was 1.1 per 1000 deliveries. Abnormal placentation was the main indication for EPH accounting for 66.7% of cases. Among women undergoing an EPH, 22.2% had a history of one previous caesarean section and 33.3% had two or more caesarean sections, respectively. Maternal morbidity was significant. There was one cardiac arrest secondary to hypovolaemia, and 84% of the women received blood transfusions with more than half of these women meeting the criteria for massive transfusion protocol (≥4 units of packed red cells). Urinary tract injury and venous thromboembolism were some of the other complications among our cohort of women.

Conclusion

EPH is associated with significant morbidity. Our study identifies abnormal placentation as the leading cause of EPH.
Can abnormal dispersion of ventricular repolarization be a predictor of mortality in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: The importance of Tp‐e interval
Authors: Cekirdekci Elif Ijlal , Bugan Barış
Published: November 2018

Background

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited cardiomyopathy characterized by ventricular arrhythmias and specific ventricular pathology. Repolarization abnormalities, the significant contributor to life‐threatening arrhythmias and mortality, are frequently observed ECG changes in patients with ARVC.

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT, Tp‐e/QTc ratio, and traditional electrocardiographic features of electrical dispersion in patients with ARVC.

Methods

A total of 105 participants were enrolled in the current study. The ARVC group consisted of 40 subjects (30 men, with a median of 35 (26–41) years), and the control group included of 65 age and sex‐matched individuals (42 men, with a median of 37 (24–45) years). The Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio were measured by the 12‐lead electrocardiogram.

Results

Tp‐e interval, cTp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio were significantly higher in ARVC patients compared to the control group (all p < 0.001). Tp‐e interval, cTp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio were significantly increased in deceased ARVC patients compared to the survival group (p = 0.038, p < 0.001, p = 0.006, p = 0.032, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, RV‐FAC and cTp‐e interval level (p < 0.05 for each parameter) were associated with all‐cause mortality [odds ratio 1.747 95% CI (1.012–3.018); p = 0.045 and odds ratio 1.166, 95% CI (1.017–1.336); p = 0.027, respectively].

Conclusion

Tp‐e interval, cTp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio were prolonged in patients with NC. We revealed that abnormal dispersion of ventricular repolarization suggests the increased risk of mortality in ARVC.
Bilateral mini‐thoracotomy approach for minimally invasive implantation of HeartMate 3
Authors: Carrozzini Massimiliano , Bejko Jonida , Gerosa Gino , Bottio Tomaso
Published: November 2018

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are an established option for the treatment of end‐stage heart failure. Last‐generation devices are characterized by a miniaturized pump size, allowing for intra‐pericardial placement. This feature enabled the introduction of less‐invasive implantation techniques, which have been linked to many favorable effects. The HeartMate 3 LVAD is a continuous‐flow centrifugal pump, recently introduced for clinical use. Here, we describe the minimally invasive implantation of the HeartMate 3 through a bilateral mini‐thoracotomy.