bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simulation-based framework for concurrent safety and productivity improvement in construction projects
Authors: Baniassadi Farshid , Alvanchi Amin , Mostafavi Ali
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Safety and productivity are key concerns in the construction projects. While safety looks to the construction workers need to work in a safe environment, productivity affects the project’s profitability and is of a paramount importance from the project owner’s view. The different perspective to the safety and productivity from these two major players in construction projects poses a potential for the conflict between the two. This problem can be fundamentally addressed by methods concurrently improving project safety and productivity. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

To this aim, a discrete event simulation (DES) based framework applicable was proposed for complex and hazardous operations. The utility of the framework was tested using a case study of an eight-story residential building in the north-east part of Tehran, Iran. The excavation and stabilization operation was identified as the most hazardous and critical operation in this case. The framework could improve safety and productivity of this operation by 38 and 4 percent, respectively.

Findings

This framework is a complement to the conventional construction project safety and productivity planning methods. Its main application is in complex and hazardous construction operations.

Originality/value

For the first time, a comprehensive framework for concurrently improving safety and productivity of an entire project was proposed in this research. DES was used as the main modeling tool in the framework to provide anex-anteevaluation foundation applicable to a wide range of construction projects.
Stagnation-point flow of an aqueous titania-copper hybrid nanofluid toward a wavy cylinder
Authors: Yousefi Mohammad , Dinarvand Saeed , Eftekhari Yazdi Mohammad , Pop Ioan
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate analytically the steady general three-dimensional stagnation-point flow of an aqueous titania-copper hybrid nanofluid past a circular cylinder that has a sinusoidal radius variation.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the analytic modeling of hybrid nanofluid is presented, and using appropriate similarity variables, the governing equations are transformed into nonlinear ordinary differential equations in the dimensionless stream function, which is solved by the well-known function bvp4c from MATLAB.

Findings

The current solution demonstrates good agreement with those of the previously published studies in the special cases of regular fluid and nanofluids. Graphical results are presented to investigate the influences of the titania and copper nanoparticle volume fractions and also the nodal/saddle indicative parameter on flow and heat transfer characteristics. Here, the thermal characteristics of hybrid nanofluid are found to be higher in comparison to the base fluid and fluid containing single nanoparticles. An important point to note is that the developed model can be used with great confidence to study the flow and heat transfer of hybrid nanofluids.

Originality/value

Analytic modeling of hybrid nanofluid is the important originality of present study. Hybrid nanofluids are potential fluids that offer better heat transfer performance and thermophysical properties than convectional heat transfer fluids (oil, water and ethylene glycol) and nanofluids with single nanoparticles. In this investigation, titania (TiO2, 50 nm), copper (Cu, 20 nm) and the hybrid of these two are separately dispersed into the water as the base fluid and analyzed.
The application of mixed-level model in convolutional neural networks for cashmere and wool identification
Authors: Wang Fei , Jin Xiangyu
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use convolutional neural networks in order to solve the problem of the difficulty in the classification of cashmere and wool. To do the research, it proposes a low-dimensional strategy of using part-level features to enhance object-level features. The study aims to use computer version method to find out the most effective and robust method to manage the difficult task of cashmere and wool identification.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors try to get a coarse classification result and the initial weights of the model in the first step. The authors use the results of the first step and a Fast-RCNN method to extract part-level features in step 2. Finally, the authors mix the part-level features to enhance object-level features and classify the cashmere and wool images.

Findings

The paper finds that not only the texture is the key element of the cashmere and wool identification but also the image colors.

Originality/value

Most importantly, the paper finds that the part-level features can enhance object-level features in the fiber identification task. However, it does not work in contrast, and the strategy can be used in the similar fibers identifications.
African growth convergence: role of institutions and macroeconomic policies
Authors: Olarinde Muftau Olaiya , Yahaya Zakari Abdullahi
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of institutions and policies on growth convergence in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses different methods of panel modelling on a panel of 50 African Countries covering a period of 1990-2014.

Findings

The results confirmed the presence of conditional convergence among countries in the region. On the average, technology accumulation and fiscal policies indicators are positive function of growth, while human resources, monetary policies indicators and ineffective institutions partly necessitated by poor level of development negatively impact growth. The study concludes, though traditional growth variables and policies are imperative in achieving growth in income, they remain insufficient in an environment characterize by extractive and absolutist institutions. Therefore, institution remains the link that bridges the gap in between proper mix of resources and policies.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the results, policy-makers in the region should allocate certain percentage of their resources (on a sustainable basis) towards building a qualitative institution. Also, future studies on Africa should be focused on the rate at which poor level of economic development determines the quality of institutions which in turn impacts the level of growth in income.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing literature on institutional convergence with particular focus on African countries using system GMM to capture the endogeneity among the series.
Investigating microblogging addiction tendency through the lens of uses and gratifications theory
Authors: Li Qian , Guo Xunhua , Bai Xue , Xu Wei
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Considering the popularity and addictive attributes of microblogging, the purpose of this paper is to explore the key drivers of the microblogging addiction tendency, and to investigate the causal relationship between microblogging usage and addiction tendency through the lens of the uses and gratifications (U&G) theory.

Design/methodology/approach

By extending the U&G theory to accommodate the negative consequences of gratification, a research model that explains the relationships among microblogging use, gratification and addiction tendency was developed and empirically examined based on the data collected from 520 microblogging users in China.

Findings

The results showed that different types of microblogging use lead to different categories of gratification to different extents, while different categories of gratification play different roles in determining the level of addiction tendency. Specifically, the effect of content gratification on addiction is marginal, while social gratification has significant effects on all dimensions of addiction tendency.

Originality/value

The present study has both theoretical and practical implications. From a theoretical perspective, unlike many previous studies applied the U&G theory to explore the positive outcomes of media uses, this paper extends the U&G by including addiction tendency as a negative psychological outcome of U&G., resulting a research framework (use-gratification-addiction framework). Meanwhile, this paper contributes to the extending literature by examining the constructs of U&G at a granular level and investigated the causal relationship between “uses” and “gratifications.”
Online moral disengagement and hostile emotions in discussions on hosting immigrants
Authors: D’Errico Francesca , Paciello Marinella
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the “dark nuances” of social media by identifying moral disengagement (MD) mechanisms and hostile emotions in people discussing the hosting of immigrants and examining the relationship between MD mechanisms and hostile emotions expressed online (annoyance, irritation and contempt).

Design/methodology/approach

The method was based on a psycho-lexicographical approach that analysed the in vivo real words, adopting a quanti-qualitative point of view. The investigation started from the case of a Facebook post in support of immigrants after a serious shipwreck causing the death of more than 700 would-be migrants. More than 10,000 comments were codified. For the comments against the hosting of such immigrants, the authors followed a codebook aimed at identifying MD mechanisms and hostile emotions.

Findings

The main findings show an interplay between different hostile negative emotions and online MD mechanisms. The greater the intensity of hostile emotions, the more the locus of disengagement moves from the unethical individual’s behaviour – for example, offering moral justifications – to the target recipient of such behaviour – for example, blaming or dehumanising.

Practical implications

The study could be applicable in designing and developing algorithms and technological tools aimed at preventive interventions to promote moral awareness and emotional regulation in online settings.

Social implications

The study may be a useful contribution to understanding unethical orientation by identifying areas where education can intervene in reducing harmful behavioural tendencies.

Originality/value

This study takes together expressed hostile emotions and MD mechanisms by means of the analysis of real words in vivo through social media discussions.
The influence of openness to experience and nostalgia proneness on brand loyalty
Authors: Özhan Seniz , Altug Nevin , Deniz Eylem
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the joint effect of two composite characteristics –openness to experience (OE) and nostalgia proneness (NP) – on product involvement (PI) and whether brand loyalty (BL) is a result of this PI.

Design/methodology/approach

In accordance with this purpose, a model suggesting that OE dimension of the five-factor model and NP influences PI and PI influences BL was developed and tested. The data used in the study were obtained from 1,392 participants from the Thrace region of Turkey. The authors use a structural equation model to test and confirm hypothesis.

Findings

OE influences PI and hence BL. On the other hand, it has been concluded that NP has no significant influence on PI.

Research limitations/implications

This is the first study to examine the influence of OE, one of the personality traits, and NP on BL. In this study, only OE, which is one of the five-factor personality traits, has been examined. Studies in the future may research the relationship between other personality traits and NP, PI and BL.

Practical implications

This paper provides managerial insights into why consumers’ personality traits and NP need to be taken into consideration in creating BL.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, the influence of OE and NP on BL has not been addressed in the current literature. Personality traits and NP are closely related to individuals’ behaviors as a consumer. Understanding the factors that influence consumer purchase decision processes is of crucial importance to managers and researchers alike. The paper is of great value for firms that consider enhance BL.
Direct and indirect effects of ethical leadership on workplace deviance in public healthcare sector of Pakistan
Authors: Yasir Muhammad , Rasli Amran
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Over the years, increased level of deviant behavior among the employees of public sector organizations has been observed. The situation is worst in the public healthcare sector of Pakistan, where numerous incidents of employee deviant behavior have been reported recently. This scenario is compelling scholars and practitioners to find appropriate solutions to address this issue. As previous literature lacks empirical evidence regarding the role of ethical leadership in establishing an ethical climate in order to minimize workplace deviance in the public healthcare sector. Thus, to fill this gap, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of organizational ethical climate as a mediator in the relationship between ethical leadership and workplace deviance in public healthcare sector of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed survey strategy, using quantitative method with a cross-sectional research design, and with multi-stage sampling technique. Two hundred and eighty nine usable questionnaires were collected from doctors and nurses. Further, Structural Equation Modeling was conducted in order to test the hypothesized model and determine the direct and indirect effects.

Findings

Results of this study revealed that ethical leadership negatively influenced workplace deviance. Ethical leadership was further found to have a positive effect on ethical climate. Moreover, the ethical climate had a negative relationship with workplace deviance. Finally, ethical climate mediated the relationship between ethical leadership and workplace deviance.

Originality/value

This study identified the significance of ethical leadership behavior which assists in establishing an ethical organizational climate leading towards less likelihood of the emergence of workplace deviance.
Evolving segments of online clothing buyers: an emerging market study
Authors: Pandey Shweta , Chawla Deepak
Published: August 2018

Purpose

While marketers want to drive higher repurchases for better business sustainability, repeat shopping experiences may change customer perceptions of the online channel, resulting in the emergence of new segment typologies. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the segmentation of online clothing shoppers using a repeat online clothing shopper base. Further, it analyses segment positions in a perceptual space to derive relevant positioning insights for the various segments.

Design/methodology/approach

Segmentation is done using dual bases of e-lifestyle and website quality factors for which the scales are derived from literature and then adapted and validated using a two-phase process across two samples of 271 and 644 experienced shoppers, respectively, in India. Positions of the segments are explored using the discriminant analysis-based perceptual mapping technique.

Findings

Three segments are found, namely disengaged averse online shoppers, interactive convenience seekers and adept online shopping optimists with the latter two having a higher propensity to purchase clothes online. Perceptual mapping of the segment positions reveals dimensions, which can be used for appropriate positioning.

Research limitations/implications

The research methodology may be replicated for other products and country contexts, and additional factors may be explored for further insights.

Practical implications

The study reveals insights on the evolving nature of segments as shoppers gain experience of online shopping for clothes and highlights the varied reasons for the growing acceptability of the online channel. The findings reveal key targeting and positioning strategies for e-marketers.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies of its kind in India, which explores the segmentation of repeat online clothing shoppers in India using dual bases. Another distinctive feature of the study is its use of the perceptual mapping technique to draw inferences about factors that differentiate multi-segment buying behavior.
Labor force heterogeneity and wage polarization: Italy and Spain
Authors: Addabbo Tindara , García-Fernández Rosa María , Llorca-Rodríguez Carmen María , Maccagnan Anna
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the change in the Italian and Spanish wage polarization degree in a time of economic crisis, taking into account the factors affecting labor force heterogeneity. Gender differences in the evolution of social fractures are considered by carrying out the analysis separately for males and females.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach by Palacios-Gonzánlez and García-Fernández (2012) on polarization is applied to the microdata provided by the EU Living Conditions Surveys (2007, 2010 and 2012). According to Palacios-Gonzánlez and García-Fernández’s approach, polarization is generated by two tendencies that contribute to the generation of social tension: the homogeneity or cohesion within group and the heterogeneity between groups. The following labor force characteristics are considered: gender, level of education, type of contract, occupational status and job status.

Findings

The results for Italy reveal a higher increase of polarization for women than for men from the perspective of the type of contract. In Spain, the wage polarization of women also increases more intensively compared to men from the perspectives of level of education, job status and occupational status, while in Italy the reduction of the wage polarization index by level of education can be related, above all, to an increase in overqualification of women.

Originality/value

While the empirical literature on polarization has made considerable investigation into employment and job polarization, this paper explores the rather less explored matter of wage polarization. Furthermore, particular attention is paid to the impact on polarization of the Great Recession.
Do microsavings stimulate financial performance of microfinance institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Authors: Chikalipah Sydney
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the empirical relationship between microsavings and the financial performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Design/methodology/approach

The approach in this paper is decidedly empirical, and employs data obtained from Microfinance Information eXchange (MIX). The data set consists of 350 microfinance MFIs domiciled in 36 Sub-Saharan African countries for the period covering 1998–2012.

Findings

The panel estimation results consistently show that there exists a negative and statistically significant relationship between microsavings and the financial performance of MFIs in SSA. This is perhaps surprising, albeit rational considering the exceedingly elevated operating expenses that ascend from mobilizing and managing microsavings, ceteris paribus, that could erode firm profitability. The paper draws policy implications from these important findings.

Research limitations/implications

Even though generalized method of moment estimation technique was employed and robustness checks, the issue of endogeneity cannot be eliminated entirely.

Practical implications

Microfinance industry is one of the fastest growing segments of the financial sector in SSA. The industry is increasingly becoming the core of financial inclusion in the region where two-thirds of the adult population lack access to formal financial services. Therefore, gaining an in-depth understanding of the role microsavings play in the financial performance of MFIs can contribute to the growth of the industry.

Originality/value

This study is timely considering the significant growth in the number of microsavings – there are currently twice as many microsavings accounts in SSA as there are microcredits. More importantly, based on 400 MFIs, that reported data to MIX in 2016, the total microsavings stood at about US$11bn against an aggregate loan portfolio of about US$10.5bn. The remarkable growth of microsavings in SSA, from less than US$100m in 2000 to US$11bn in 2016, is the main motivation of undertaking this study.
Revisiting the energy consumption–economic growth causal relationships in tails
Authors: Tzeremes Panayiotis
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the energy consumption and the economic growth in the USA and in a sectoral level by using monthly data from January 1991 to May 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

While assessing the relationship at a country level, the authors also examine five sectors by using quantile causality.

Findings

The findings indicate the existence of a causality at the sectoral level in tails. More specifically, industrial and electric sectors cause the growth at the lower and higher levels. Residential, commercial and transportation sectors do not cause the growth in all levels. Total consumption causes the growth in the middle and low levels but not in the high level. Finally, the empirical evidence signifies an asymmetric relationship between the covariates.

Practical implications

The results imply that when the consumption deals conditions with fluctuation, it is likely to be affected by growth. In such a case, energy policies gear toward reducing or increasing energy intensity, improving energy efficiency, encouraging the use of alternative sources and investing in the development of technology.

Originality/value

The authors use, for the first time, the quantile causality for the case of energy consumption and economic growth. The quantile test is useful for a thorough comprehension of the causal relationship for this area. Compared to the OLS, which is used for the majority of causality tests, the quantile investigates the causality at the sectoral level in the tails.
The structural topic model for online review analysis
Authors: Park Eunhye (Olivia) , Chae Bongsug (Kevin) , Kwon Junehee
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore influences of review-related information on topical proportions and the pattern of word appearances in each topic (topical content) using structural topic model (STM).

Design/methodology/approach

For 173,607 Yelp.com reviews written in 2005-2016, STM-based topic modeling was applied with inclusion of covariates in addition to traditional statistical analyses.

Findings

Differences in topic prevalence and topical contents were found between certified green and non-certified restaurants. Customers’ recognition in sustainable food topics were changed over time.

Research limitations/implications

This study demonstrates the application of STM for the systematic analysis of a large amount of text data.

Originality/value

Limited study in the hospitality literature examined the influence of review-level metadata on topic and term estimation. Through topic modeling, customers’ natural responses toward green practices were identified.
Should bankers be concerned with Intellectual capital? A study of the Thai banking sector
Authors: Tran Dai Binh , Vo Duc Hong
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the causal effect of intellectual capital (IC) performance on financial performance at Thai listed banks.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from 16 listed banks in Thailand for the period 1997–2016. This paper uses the value-added intellectual coefficient methodology suggested by Pulic (1998, 2004) to measure IC. This study employs a fixed-effects and random-effects model and generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator to investigate the causal effect of IC on financial performance.

Findings

The results show that bank profitability is driven mainly by capital employed efficiency to make a profit. However, human capital efficiency marginally reduces bank profitability in the current period but has positive effects on future profitability.

Research limitations/implications

First, this study does not cover data on foreign banks, which reduces the generalizability of the results. Second, financial statements can be manipulated through accounting adjustments. Lastly, subsequent research should control for more bank characteristics, such as bank ownership, the non-performing loan ratio and R&D expenditure.

Practical implications

To achieve higher future profitability, banks should not only manage their physical and financial capital effectively but also improve employee efficiency.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on IC in the banking sector in emerging countries. Moreover, this paper is the first to employ the GMM method in the banking context to address possible endogeneity problems.
The future of youth tourism in Ghana: motives, satisfaction and behavioural intentions
Authors: Preko Alexander , Doe Frederick , Dadzie Samuel Ato
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The study presents the push–pull motives and behavioural intentions of youth tourists and how these provide the foundation for the planning and development of Ghana’s tourism future. Since youth tourism (YT) is regarded as a niche market globally, the purpose of this paper is to identify the prospects of this form of tourism in a developing nation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has utilised a convenience sampling approach in gathering data from 557 youth tourists, adapting existing instruments for measuring push–pull motives, satisfaction and behavioural intentions. The reliability and validity of the instruments were established through confirmatory factor analysis, exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach’s α analyses. Structural equation modelling is used to establish relationships.

Findings

The results revealed the positive effects of push and pull factors on tourists’ satisfaction as well as the significant influence of tourists’ satisfaction on youth behavioural intentions. However, push factors positively influenced pull factors of youth tourists.

Research limitations/implications

The conclusion and recommendations of this study might not be congruent with the factors that motivate adults or student tourism, satisfaction and behavioural intentions.

Practical implications

The findings of the research validate the viability of YT activities and the behavioural intentions for future tourism market in Ghana. Ghana’s tourism sector should design interesting and competitive offers that attract youth tourists and address tourism growth.

Originality/value

To date, investigation into motives, satisfaction and behavioural intentions of youth tourists as the basis for future tourism development remains a virgin field in Ghana. This study has timely attempted to address this gap.
Let’s put the “T” back into CBT
Authors: Binnie James , Spada Marcantonio
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critique the current manner in which cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is delivered, with a focus on the impact of evidence-based practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based upon the experiences, ideas and clinical practice of the authors.

Findings

The reductionist approach based on psychiatric diagnosis is put forward as the mechanism by which CBT has gradually lost its status as a form of psychotherapy.

Originality/value

An alternative framework based on revitalising CBT as a client centred, problem-based and formulation driven form of therapy is put forward.
“(Not) forever talk”: restaurant employees managing occupational stigma consciousness
Authors: Shigihara Amanda Michiko
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine restaurant employees’ engagement in identity work to manage occupational stigma consciousness.

Design/methodology/approach

Research methods included ethnographic fieldwork and in-depth interviews.

Findings

Widespread societal stigma attached to food service work disturbed participants’ sense of coherence. Therefore, they undertook harmonizing their present and envisioned selves with “forever talk,” a form of identity work whereby people discursively construct desired, favorable and positive identities and self-concepts by discussing what they view themselves engaged and not engaged in forever. Participants employed three forever talk strategies: conceptualizing work durations, framing legitimate careers and managing feelings about employment. Consequently, their talk simultaneously resisted and reproduced restaurant work stigmatization. Findings elucidated occupational stigma consciousness, ambivalence about jobs considered “bad,” “dirty” and “not real,” discursive tools for negotiating laudable identities, and costs of equivocal work appraisals.

Originality/value

This study provides a valuable conceptual and theoretical contribution by developing a more comprehensive understanding of occupational stigma consciousness. Moreover, an identity work framework helps explain how and why people shape identities congruent with and supportive of self-concepts. Forever talk operates as a temporal “protect and preserve” reconciliation tool whereby people are able to construct positive self-concepts while holding marginalized, stereotyped and stigmatized jobs. This paper offers a unique empirical case of the ways in which people talk about possible future selves when their employment runs counter to professions normatively evaluated as esteemed and lifelong. Notably, research findings are germane for analyzing any identities (work and non-work related) that pose incoherence between extant and desired selves.
From salmon to salmonberry: The effects of salmon‐derived nutrients on the stomatal density of leaves of the nitriphilic shrub Rubus spectabilis
Authors: van den Top Gregory G. , Reynolds John D. , Prins Herbert H. T. , Mattsson Jim , Green David J. , Ydenberg Ronald C.
Published: August 2018

Nutrients derived from the carcasses of Pacific salmon have been shown to have wide‐ranging effects on riparian systems. These include changes in community species composition and an increase in leaf nitrogen concentration, with the latter effect pronounced in the nitriphilic shrub Rubus spectabilis (salmonberry). Experimental work with other species has shown that leaf stomatal density increases in response to nitrogen fertilization.

We predicted that the stomatal density of salmonberry leaves would vary directly with the density of spawning salmon in salmonberry leaves collected from 16 streams in the vicinity of Bella Bella, on British Columbia’s central coast.

We estimated the stomatal density along each stream, and quantified stream characteristics, including the number of spawning salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), canopy cover, stem density and soil moisture.

We found that salmon have both direct and indirect effects on stomatal density, the latter mediated by canopy cover and stem density. Salmonberry stomatal density increased by 1.12 stomata per mm2 (~0.5%) for every kg of salmon per metre of stream. Over the range of salmon densities observed (1.8–49.0 kg per metre of stream), stomatal density increased by almost 45 mm−2, or more than 20%.

These data confirm that the stomatal density in salmonberry responds positively to the opportunity for greater productivity provided by salmon carcasses. The data provide insight into the physiological and morphological processes supporting nitrogen uptake, which in turn influences plant community composition.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Differing Modes of Biotic Connectivity within Freshwater Ecosystem Mosaics
Authors: Mushet David M. , Alexander Laurie C. , Bennett Micah , Schofield Kate , Christensen Jay R. , Ali Genevieve , Pollard Amina , Fritz Ken , Lang Megan W.
Published: August 2018

We describe a collection of aquatic and wetland habitats in an inland landscape, and their occurrence within a terrestrial matrix, as a “freshwater ecosystem mosaic” (FEM). Aquatic and wetland habitats in any FEM can vary widely, from permanently ponded lakes, to ephemerally ponded wetlands, to groundwater‐fed springs, to flowing rivers and streams. The terrestrial matrix can also vary, including in its influence on flows of energy, materials, and organisms among ecosystems. Biota occurring in a specific region are adapted to the unique opportunities and challenges presented by spatial and temporal patterns of habitat types inherent to each FEM. To persist in any given landscape, most species move to recolonize habitats and maintain mixtures of genetic materials. Species also connect habitats through time if they possess needed morphological, physiological, or behavioral traits to persist in a habitat through periods of unfavorable environmental conditions. By examining key spatial and temporal patterns underlying FEMs, and species‐specific adaptations to these patterns, a better understanding of the structural and functional connectivity of a landscape can be obtained. Fully including aquatic, wetland, and terrestrial habitats in FEMs facilitates adoption of the next generation of individual‐based models that integrate the principles of population, community, and ecosystem ecology.
Pairing provision price and default remedy: optimal two‐stage procurement with private R&D efficiency
Authors: Liu Bin , Lu Jingfeng
Published: August 2018

This article studies cost‐minimizing two‐stage procurement with Research and Development (R&D). The principal wishes to procure a product from an agent. At the first stage, the agent can conduct R&D to discover a more cost‐efficient production technology. First‐stage R&D efficiency and effort and the realized second‐stage production cost are the agent's private information. The optimal two‐stage mechanism is implemented by a menu of single‐stage contracts, each specifying a fixed provision price and remedy paid by a defaulting agent. A higher delivery price is paired with a higher default remedy, and a more efficient type opts for a higher price and higher remedy.
Competitive pricing strategies in social networks
Authors: Chen Ying‐Ju , Zenou Yves , Zhou Junjie
Published: August 2018

We study pricing strategies of competing firms selling heterogeneous products to consumers. Goods are substitutes and there are network externalities between neighboring consumers. In equilibrium, firms price discriminate based on the network positions and charge lower prices to more central consumers. We also show that, under some conditions, firms' equilibrium profits decrease when either the network becomes denser or network effects increase. In contrast, consumers always benefit from being more connected to each other. We determine the optimal network structure and compare uniform pricing and discriminatory pricing from the perspectives of firms and consumers.
ALK rearrangement in lung adenocarcinoma with concurrent cervix and breast metastases: A case report
Authors: Chuang Xin , Chen Ying , Yu Ping , Qiu Xueshan , Wang Jian , Qu Xiujuan , Teng Yuee , Liu Yunpeng , Jin Bo
Published: August 2018

Distant metastases of pulmonary adenocarcinoma are regularly observed in the bones, brain, adrenal gland, and liver, but rarely in the breast or cervix. In this report, we describe a novel case of concurrent cervix and breast metastases from lung adenocarcinoma, with ALK rearrangements that were strongly consistent between the primary and metastatic cancers. A 44‐year‐old Chinese woman with a chief complaint of abdominal discomfort was referred to our hospital. Based on diagnostic imaging, pathology, immunohistochemistry, and next‐generation sequencing, the patient was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma with breast and cervical metastases, and ALK rearrangements were found in all three lesions. The patient was prescribed crizotinib as first‐line treatment, which showed a steady reduction of the lung lesion. To our knowledge, this is the first report of concurrent breast and cervical metastases from lung adenocarcinoma. We conclude that physicians should consider that metastases may invade the breast and cervix uteri when making a diagnosis.
Effect of Alcohol Sensitivity in Healthy Young Adults on Breath Pharmacokinetics of Acetaldehyde After Mouth Washing with Alcohol
Authors: Himemiya‐Hakucho Ayako , Tanaka Tsubasa , Liu Jinyao , Fujimiya Tatsuya
Published: August 2018

Background

Acetaldehyde is causally related to head and neck cancer. Individuals with aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 deficiency experience alcohol sensitivity and are referred to as “flushers” because of their skin‐flushing response to high blood acetaldehyde levels after alcohol consumption. Acetaldehyde is produced in the oral cavity after local alcohol exposure without alcohol ingestion. However, the relationship between the oral acetaldehyde level after local alcohol exposure and alcohol sensitivity is unclear. Herein, sampling the exhaled breath, we evaluated the effect of alcohol sensitivity on the pharmacokinetics of ethanol (EtOH) and acetaldehyde in breath after mouth washing with alcohol.

Methods

Twenty‐eight healthy young adults were divided into flusher and nonflusher groups based on an EtOH patch test. The subjects washed their mouths for 30 seconds with 40 ml of 5% v/v alcohol, and their breath samples were collected 12 times over 20 minutes after mouth washing and rinsing with water. EtOH and acetaldehyde concentrations in all breath samples were measured using sensor gas chromatography.

Results

Breath EtOH concentrations exponentially decreased in both groups after mouth washing with alcohol. Breath acetaldehyde concentrations showed an immediate increase, followed by an almost exponential decrease in both groups, but concentrations in the flusher group remained higher than those in the nonflusher group throughout the 20‐minute measurement period. This was reflected in a peak concentration (Cmax) of 808 ± 70 parts‐per‐billion (ppb) versus 1,715 ± 223 ppb, respectively (p = 0.001), and area under the curve values of 3,528 ± 1,399 ppb minutes versus 8,637 ± 1,293 ppb minutes, respectively (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

This study revealed high concentrations of acetaldehyde in breath after local alcohol exposure in the oral cavity among flushers even without alcohol ingestion. This contributes to an increased risk among flushers of mutagenic DNA lesions in the mucosa of the upper digestive tract and cancer.
Increased cocaine self‐administration in rats lacking the serotonin transporter: a role for glutamatergic signaling in the habenula
Authors: Caffino Lucia , Verheij Michel M.M. , Que Lin , Guo Chao , Homberg Judith R. , Fumagalli Fabio
Published: August 2018

Serotonin (5‐HT) and the habenula (Hb) contribute to motivational and emotional states such as depression and drug abuse. The dorsal raphe nucleus, where 5‐HT neurons originate, and the Hb are anatomically and reciprocally interconnected. Evidence exists that 5‐HT influences Hb glutamatergic transmission. Using serotonin transporter knockout (SERT−/−) rats, which show depression‐like behavior and increased cocaine intake, we investigated the effect of SERT reduction on expression of genes involved in glutamate neurotransmission under both baseline conditions as well as after short‐access or long‐access cocaine (ShA and LgA, respectively) intake. In cocaine‐naïve animals, SERT removal led to reduced baseline Hb mRNA levels of critical determinants of glutamate transmission, such as SLC1A2, the main glutamate transporter and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (Grin1, Grin2A and Grin2B) as well as α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (Gria1 and Gria2) receptor subunits, with no changes in the scaffolding protein Dlg4. In response to ShA and LgA cocaine intake, SLC1A2 and Grin1 mRNA levels decreased in SERT+/+ rats to levels equal of those of SERT−/− rats. Our data reveal that increased extracellular levels of 5‐HT modulate glutamate neurotransmission in the Hb, serving as critical neurobiological substrate for vulnerability to cocaine addiction.
“Spontaneous” medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw; two case reports and a systematic review
Authors: Khominsky A , Lim MAWT
Published: August 2018

Medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a severe adverse drug effect consisting of bone destruction of the maxilla and/or mandible. The most common precipitating event described in the literature is the extraction of a tooth followed by “spontaneous” occurrence with no clear predisposing event. Current studies are investigating methods of managing dental extractions in patients at risk of MRONJ; however, no studies to date examine the aetiology and management of “spontaneous” MRONJ. This paper describes two cases of “spontaneous” MRONJ seen at the Dental Unit in the Alfred Hospital and systematically reviews the current literature. No significant interactions (P > 0.05) were detected between variables: age, sex, bone disease, antiresorptive, antiresorptive duration, jaw, location and stage. “Spontaneous” cases were commonly associated with the mylohyoid ridge, palatal tori and other anatomical sites, and tended to occur in those generally considered at low risk of developing MRONJ. The review suggests that perhaps the term “spontaneous” is a misnomer and thorough history taking is critical in establishing a precipitating event.
Enhanced therapeutic effects of human mesenchymal stem cells transduced with superoxide dismutase 3 in a murine atopic dermatitis‐like skin inflammation model
Authors: Sah Shyam Kishor , Agrahari Gaurav , Nguyen Cuong Thach , Kim Yeon‐Soo , Kang Kyung‐Sun , Kim Tae‐Yoon
Published: August 2018

Background

The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been proposed to treat various autoimmune diseases. However, effective strategies for treating atopic dermatitis (AD) are still lacking, and the mechanisms underlying stem cell therapy remain largely unknown. In this study, we sought to explore potential clinical application of superoxide dismutase 3‐transduced MSCs (SOD3‐MSCs) to experimental AD‐like skin inflammation in in vitro and in vivo and its underlying anti‐inflammatory mechanisms.

Methods

SOD3‐MSCs were administered subcutaneously to mice with AD, and associated symptoms and biologic changes were evaluated. Human keratinocytes, mast cells, and murine T helper (Th) 2 cells were cocultured in vitro with SOD3‐MSCs to investigate potential therapeutic effects of SOD3‐MSCs.

Results

In mice with AD, SOD3‐MSCs ameliorated AD pathology and enhanced the efficacy of MSC therapy by controlling activated immune cells, by reducing expression levels of proinflammatory mediators in the skin, and by inhibiting the histamine H4 receptor (H4R)‐mediated inflammatory cascade and activation of Janus kinase signal transducer and activator of transcription pathways. Similarly, coculture of SOD3‐MSCs with mast cells, keratinocytes, and Th2 cells effectively dampened H4R‐dependent persistent inflammatory responses by multiple mechanisms. Moreover, we also showed that SOD3 interacts with H4R and IL‐4 receptor α. The functional significance of this interaction could be a markedly reduced inflammatory response in keratinocytes and overall AD pathogenesis, representing a novel mechanism for SOD3's anti‐inflammatory effects.

Conclusion

SOD3‐MSCs can be potentially used as an effective and clinically relevant therapy for AD and other autoimmune disorders.
An analysis of retractions of papers authored by Scott Reuben, Joachim Boldt and Yoshitaka Fujii
Authors: McHugh U. M. , Yentis S. M.
Published: August 2018

We analysed how long it has taken for papers authored by Scott Reuben, Joachim Boldt and Yoshitaka Fujii to be retracted: investigations into these three anaesthetists have shown much of their research to be unethical or fraudulent. To date, 94% of their combined papers requiring retraction have been retracted; however, only 85% of the retraction notices were compliant with guidelines produced by the Committee on Publication Ethics. We contacted the Editors‐in‐Chief and/or publishers of all the journals containing articles that had been identified as requiring retraction but had not yet been retracted. In response to our enquiries, 16 articles have since been retracted; we have documented the journals’ responses regarding the remaining papers and await further retractions in the future. There is room for improvement in the way that unethical or fraudulent papers are handled by journals and publishers, beyond the identification of the authors’ misconduct.
Bilateral breast cancers in an Asian population, and a comparison between synchronous and metachronous tumours
Authors: Sim Yirong , Tan Veronique K. M. , Sidek Nur A. B. , Chia Daryl K. A. , Tan Benita K. T. , Madhukumar Preetha , Yong Wei Sean , Wong Chow Yin , Ong Kong Wee
Published: August 2018

Background

Women with unilateral breast cancer have an increased risk of developing bilateral breast cancer (BBC). Patients with metachronous BBC (mBBC) usually have an earlier age of onset, and their prognoses have been shown to be either similar or poorer than those with synchronous BBC (sBBC). Given the differing presentation and characteristics of breast cancers in the Asian population and the West, this study aims to characterize Asian patients with BBC.

Methods

All patients who had oncological breast surgery between 2001 and 2010 at the Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre Singapore were reviewed. Patients with BBC were identified and studied.

Results

A total of 5520 Singaporean women had oncological breast surgery, 155 women (2.8%) had BBC. Of those with BBC, 47.1% (n = 73) were synchronous and 52.9% (n = 82) metachronous (mean interval of 39.4 months), and there was no difference in median age in both groups (54 years of age). Patients with sBBC were more likely to have a positive family history and had asymptomatic contralateral tumours. Although patients with sBBCs were more likely to have ER/PR positive and Her2 negative tumours, they had a lower 5‐year overall survival than those with mBBC (P = 0.022).

Conclusion

Our study shows that Asian women with BBC have different characteristics to their Western counterparts. In particular, women with sBBC tended to have a lower 5‐year overall survival compared to those with mBBC, despite having seemingly biologically favourable tumours, which suggest that there may be more underlying their tumour biology and genetics.
Hypertension in childhood obesity
Authors: Wühl Elke
Published: August 2018

Aim

The prevalence of childhood hypertension is rising in parallel with global increases in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. We looked at key papers and documents covering three decades.

Methods

This mini review examined a wide range of material published in English, with the main focus on 1993–2018, including clinical trials, meta‐analyses, guidelines and data produced by the World Health Organization and the World Obesity Federation.

Results

The literature showed that body weight and blood pressure are closely correlated and obesity‐related hypertension contributes further to the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors in obesity. Because the duration of hypertension affects the risk of end‐organ damage, timely diagnosis and initiation of treatment are important. First‐line interventions should aim for blood pressure control and weight reduction. However, lifestyle modifications are often not successful with regard to attaining and maintaining long‐term blood pressure and weight control, despite a multidisciplinary approach. Antihypertensive treatment is recommended for all hypertensive children with failure of nonpharmacological treatment, diabetes, secondary hypertension, stage 2 hypertension or target organ damage.

Conclusion

We found that obesity‐related hypertension was associated with a significantly increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and early diagnosis and treatment for blood pressure control and weight reduction is essential.