bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maximal Respiratory Pressure Reference Values for Hopi Children Ages 4 to 13
Authors: Arnall David A. , Nelson Arnold G. , Hearon Christopher M.
Published: March 2022

Anthropometric variables will influence maximal respiratory pressure (MRP) values. Because significant variations exist in pulmonary nomograms among different races, it is important that tribe-specific tables of normal maximal inspiratory pressures (MIPs) and maximal expiratory pressures (MEPs) be developed. To date, MRP prediction equations do not exist for Hopi children.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to develop MRP reference values and prediction equations for Hopi children in the ages 4 to 13 years.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was undertaken with 288 healthy children (125 boys, 163 girls), a 36% representative population of all the Hopi Native children attending Hopi Tribal Elementary Schools in Arizona. Maximal inspiratory pressure and MEP values were measured.

Results:

Age and the inverse of body mass were consistently significant predictors of the MRPs for both sexes. Predictions using the derived Hopi equations were significantly different (P ≤ 0.001) than those using the equations for Navajo and Caucasian youth across both sexes, making it important for this population to have specific formulae to provide more accurate reference values.

Conclusions:

These data were collected from the children of Hopi ancestry resulting in MIP and MEP reference equations which should be used when measuring MIP and MEP in these children ages 4 to 13 years.
Generalized Eruptive Histiocytoma With S100 Protein–Positive Histiocytes and Prominent Eosinophilic Infiltration: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Luo Shuaihantian , Guo Ziyu , Zhou Ying , Zhang Guiying
Published: March 2022

Generalized eruptive histiocytoma (GEH) is a very rare benign disorder belonging to the group of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis (non-LCH). GEH is characterized by a nearly uniform infiltrate of histiocytes with classic immunological phenotype (CD68+, S-100− and CD1a−). Prominent eosinophilic infiltration and S100-positive histiocytes are rarely associated in GEH. In this article, we reported a middle-age man presented with disseminated reddish papules distributed on the trunk and proximal extremities. A skin biopsy of the papule showed a dense histiocytic infiltration with prominent eosinophils. By immunohistochemistry, the histiocytes revealed strongly positive for CD68 and S100 protein and negative for CD1a and Langerin (CD207). Based on clinical and histopathological criteria, the diagnosis of GEH was established. We presented this rare case of GEH with such distinctive features to strengthen the awareness of this uncommon form of non-LCH. Classical histopathological and immunological features cannot reliably distinguish GEH from other non-LCH.
Coping and Recovery in Surgical Residents after Adverse Events: The Second Victim Phenomenon
Authors: Khansa Ibrahim , Pearson Gregory D.
Published: March 2022

Background:

The second victim phenomenon is the distress felt by healthcare providers after a medical error. Although the phenomenon is a significant risk factor for burnout, little has been written about it in surgery, especially among residents.

Methods:

After institutional review board approval, a 27-question anonymous online survey was sent to plastic surgery residents throughout the United States, and to residents from all surgical specialties at our institution, for a total of 435 residents. Residents were asked to describe any adverse events they had experienced, and subsequent emotional sequelae.

Results:

The survey was returned by 125 residents (response rate 28.7%), of whom 53 were plastic surgery residents (42.4%) and 72 were from other surgical specialties (57.6%). In total, 110 (88%) described having been part of a medical error. An estimated 74 residents (34 from plastic surgery, 40 from other surgical specialties) provided a detailed description of the event. Sixty-four of them (86.5%) had subsequent emotional sequelae, most commonly guilt, anxiety, and insomnia. Only 24.3% of residents received emotional support. They rated other residents as the most important source of support, followed by faculty members and then family/friends.

Conclusions:

The second victim phenomenon seems to be common among surgical residents. The most important source of support for affected residents in our cohort was other residents. Given these findings, institutions should focus on fostering camaraderie among residents, building effective second victim response teams and training peer support specialists.
Free Flap Outcome in Irradiated Recipient Sites: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Tasch Christoph , Pattiss Alexander , Maier Sarah , Lanthaler Monika , Pierer Gerhard
Published: March 2022

Background:

The impact of previous radiotherapy on free flap outcome is still a subject of debate. Clinical investigations have come to divergent conclusions and the true effect of radiotherapy (XRT) on flap survival is not definitely known. Most studies investigating the factor often have their methodological limitations such as lack of statistical power as a consequence of the overall low failure rates together with few irradiated cases. This study will attempt to address the question whether previous radiotherapy is associated with a significantly higher incidence of flap failure or not.

Methods:

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in concordance with the PRISMA protocol using the PubMed database. Fixed-effect and random-effect models were applied to obtain the odds ratio of total flap failure and partial flap failure between radiation and nonradiation groups. Statistical heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed and forest plots and funnel plots were constructed for graphic illustration.

Results:

A total of 43 studies were included for qualitative and quantitative analysis involving 18,776 flaps in 17,532 patients. Patients with preoperative XRT were significantly associated with an increased risk for total (odds ratio fixed = 1.675, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.405–1.996, P < 0.001) and partial free flap failure (odds ratio fixed = 2.161, 95% CI = 1.472–2.172, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The study suggests that preoperative radiotherapy is associated with an increased risk for total and partial free flap failure. Further studies are needed to investigate the effect of total XRT dose and time after radiation on free flap outcome.
How does ankle power on the prosthetic side influence loading parameters on the sound side during level walking of persons with transfemoral amputation?
Authors: Pröbsting Eva , Altenburg Björn , Bellmann Malte , Krug Kerstin , Schmalz Thomas
Published: March 2022

Background:

Increased ankle power on the prosthetic side seems to decrease biomechanical loading parameters on the sound side. This assumption is based on biomechanical comparisons of different foot constructions. However, such study designs could not show whether the amount of ankle power solely influences the sound side.

Objective:

To analyze the influence of divergent ankle power, resulting from different foot constructions and from different ankle power settings, on the sound side loading parameters.

Study design:

Interventional cross sectional study.

Methods:

Level walking of transfemoral amputees with a microprocessor knee joint and Solid Ankle Cushioned Heel (SACH), energy storing and returning (ESR) and powered foot (PF) was analyzed. The PF was adapted in three configurations: without power (np), low power (lp), and optimal power (op). An optoelectronic camera system with 12 cameras and two force plates were used.

Results:

The ankle power on the prosthetic side shows significant differences about foot types and different settings of the PF. The knee adduction moment, the knee flexion moment, and the vertical ground reaction forces on the sound side were significantly reduced with PF_op and ESR in comparison to SACH. When analyzing these parameters for the different PF configurations, only some show significant results at normal velocity.

Conclusions:

The additional positive mechanical work for an active push off in the PF tends to have a relieving effect. The biomechanical sound side loading parameters are reduced with PF_op in comparison to SACH and ESR, resulting in a relief of the sound side of lower limb amputees.
The effect of arch-support insole on knee kinematics and kinetics during a stop-jump maneuver
Authors: Yue Yanxian , Lam Wing-Kai , Jiang Liang , Liu Zuoliang , Ma Ruiya , Zheng Yi
Published: March 2022

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries commonly occur during sports that involve sudden stops or direction changes. Although athletes often use arch-support insoles in competition and training, little is known about the effect of foot insoles on knee biomechanics and jump take-off performances.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the effects of arch-support insoles on knee kinematics and kinetics during the stop-braking phase and the subsequent jump take-off performances.

Study design:

That is a quasi-experimental study, repeated-measures design.

Methods:

Twenty male healthy recreational university basketball athletes performed stop-jump with maximum effort in both arch-support and flat insole conditions. Paired t-tests were performed on knee kinetics and kinematics and jump performance variables to determine whether there were significant differences between insole conditions.

Results:

Wearing arch-support insoles experienced larger ground reaction forces (GRFs), loading rates of peak vertical and posterior GRFs, peak knee adduction and rotation moments, and knee flexion angular velocity than the flat insoles (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The increased GRFs and knee loading in arch-support insoles are indicative of a higher risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The findings could be insightful to the knee mechanics that are related to performance and injury potential during stop-jump maneuvers.
Global evolutionary dynamics and resistome analysis of Clostridioides difficile ribotype 017
Authors: Imwattana Korakrit , Putsathit Papanin , Collins Deirdre A. , Leepattarakit Teera , Kiratisin Pattarachai , Riley Thomas V. , Knight Daniel R.
Published: March 2022

Clostridioides difficile

PCR ribotype (RT) 017 ranks among the most successful strains of

C. difficile

in the world. In the past three decades, it has caused outbreaks on four continents, more than other ‘epidemic’ strains, but our understanding of the genomic epidemiology underpinning the spread of

C. difficile

RT 017 is limited. Here, we performed high-resolution phylogenomic and Bayesian evolutionary analyses on an updated and more representative dataset of 282 non-clonal

C. difficile

RT 017 isolates collected worldwide between 1981 and 2019. These analyses place an estimated time of global dissemination between 1953 and 1983 and identified the acquisition of the ermB-positive transposon Tn6194 as a key factor behind global emergence. This coincided with the introduction of clindamycin, a key inciter of

C. difficile

infection, into clinical practice in the 1960s. Based on the genomic data alone, the origin of

C. difficile

RT 017 could not be determined; however, geographical data and records of population movement suggest that

C. difficile

RT 017 had been moving between Asia and Europe since the Middle Ages and was later transported to North America around 1860 (95 % confidence interval: 1622–1954). A focused epidemiological study of 45 clinical

C. difficile

RT 017 genomes from a cluster in a tertiary hospital in Thailand revealed that the population consisted of two groups of multidrug-resistant (MDR)

C. difficile

RT 017 and a group of early, non-MDR

C. difficile

RT 017. The significant genomic diversity within each MDR group suggests that although they were all isolated from hospitalized patients, there was probably a reservoir of

C. difficile

RT 017 in the community that contributed to the spread of this pathogen.
Women’s Seclusion during Menstruation and Children’s Health in Nepal
Authors: Joshi Supriya , Acharya Yubraj
Published: March 2022

Objectives

There is limited empirical evidence from low-income countries on the effects of women’s seclusion during menstruation on children’s health. We documented the association between mother’s extreme seclusion during menstruation and children’s health in Nepal.

Methods

Using nationally representative data from the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, we examined the relationship between mother’s exposure to extreme forms of seclusion during menstruation and anthropometric measures of nutritional status and health outcomes among children ages 5-59 months (n=6,301). We analyzed the data in a regression framework, controlling for potential confounders, including province fixed effects. We assessed extreme seclusion during menstruation based on women’s exposure tochhaupadi, a practice in which women are forced to stay away from home—in separate huts or animal sheds—during menstruation and childbirth.

Results

Mothers’ exposure to extreme seclusion during menstruation was associated with 0.18 standard deviation lower height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) (p=0.046) and 0.20 standard deviation lower weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ) (p=0.007) among children. Analysis by the place of seclusion showed that the negative association was stronger when women stayed in animal sheds—0.28 SD for HAZ (p=0.007) and 0.32 SD for WAZ (p<0.001)—than when they stayed in separate huts. Extreme seclusion was associated with higher incidence of acute respiratory symptoms but not with incidence of diarrhea, irrespective of the place of seclusion.

Conclusions

Women’s extreme seclusion during menstruation in Nepal has profound implications on the physical health of their children. Additional research is needed to ascertain potential mechanisms.
In the pursuit of longevity: anti-aging substances, nanotechnological preparations, and emerging approaches
Authors: Giannouli Elena , Karalis Vangelis
Published: March 2022

Objectives: To summarize information on anti-aging substances and nanotechnology formulations against aging and to unveil emerging anti-aging approaches like gene therapy, stem cells, monoclonal antibodies, and future trends. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted through May 10, 2021. Eligibility criteria were articles in English relevant to the aim of this review. Results: Anti-aging substances like coenzyme Q10, curcumin, ginsenoside Rg1, bioidentical hormones, and geroprotectants, can help to slow the aging process. Nano-delivery of anti-aging substances are novel approaches able to delay aging. Cryogenic sleep, therapeutic hypothermia, and caloric restriction are promising interventions that may one day grant humans biological immortality. Discussion: The ability to target basic maturation mechanisms, such as responses to oxidative damage, inflammation, irritation, and senescence associated with multiple concurrent deficits, is the most important feature. Nanocarriers to transport bioactive compounds have been shown to improve their stability, increase intestinal absorption, and prolong their circulation time.
Early detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants using traveler-based genomic surveillance at four US airports, September 2021- January 2022
Authors: Wegrzyn Renee D. , Appiah Grace D. , Morfino, Robert , Milford Scott R. , Walker Allison Taylor , Ernst Ezra T. , Darrow William W. , Li Siayo Lisa , Robison Keith , MacCannell Duncan , Dai Dongjuan , Girinathan Brintha P. , Hicks Allison L. , Cosca Bryan , Woronoff Gabrielle , Plocik Alex M. , Simen Birgitte B. , Moriarty Leah , Guagliardo Sarah Anne J. , Cetron Martin S. , Friedman Cindy R.
Published: March 2022

We enrolled arriving international air travelers in SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance, using molecular testing of pooled nasal swabs, and sequencing positive samples for viral lineage. Traveler-based genomic surveillance provided early warning variant detection; we reported the first U.S. Omicron BA.2 and first BA.3 in North America, weeks before next reported detection.
Illumina-based Whole De Novo Transcriptome Profiling and Diosgenin Biosynthetic pathway of Tribulus terrestris: A Medicinal herb
Authors: Tyagi Parul , Ranjan Rajiv
Published: March 2022

Tribulus terrestris L. (Chota gokhuru), an annual herb of the Zygophyllaceae family accumulates steroidal-type triterpenoids of diosgenin in root, leaf, fruit, which have been used as a traditional medicine to cure steroidal hormonal diseases such as estrogen, progesterone, and cardiovascular and urogenital. However, to date, the diosgenin biosynthetic pathway of T. terrestris is unknown. In this research paper, identification of candidate genes involved in bioactive compounds (diosgenin) was conducted via whole transcriptome profiling of T. terrestris using the Illumina HiSeq sequencing platform, which generated 482 million reads. RNA-Seq reads were assembled and clustered into 148871 unigenes. NCBI non-redundant (NR) and Swiss-Prot databases search anchored 50% unigenes with the functional annotations based on similarities of sequence. Further, in Gene Ontology and KEGG-KAAS pathways, a total of 126 unigenes were highly expressed in the terpenoids backbone biosynthesis, in which diosgenin pathways (two genes of glycolytic, three genes of mevalonate, two genes of MEP/DOX, one gene of mono-terpenoids, and seven genes of steroidal pathways) were identified. In addition, 9 genes were randomly selected for confirmation through real-time PCR. T. terrestris showed the highest homology with the Citrus sinensis and Juglans regia. 27478 unigenes of transcription factors were assembled, in which top ten transcription factors were highly expressed. A total of 17623 SSR was assembled, amongst them unigenes of di-nucleotide were highly repeated. This research work will improve our understanding of the diosgenin pathway and lay the groundwork for future molecular research on metabolic engineering, as well as raise diosgenin content in T. terrestris.
Generalized and specific whole-brain white matter abnormalities in human cocaine and heroin use disorders
Authors: Gaudreault Pierre-Olivier , King Sarah , Malaker Pias , Alia-Klein Nelly , Goldstein Rita Z
Published: March 2022

Neuroimaging studies in substance use disorder have shown widespread impairments in white matter (WM) microstructure suggesting demyelination and axonal damage. However, substantially fewer studies explored generalized vs. acute/specific drug effects on WM. Our study assessed whole-brain WM integrity in three subgroups of addicted individuals, encompassing cocaine (CUD) and heroin (HUD) use disorder, compared to healthy controls (CTL).
Diffusion MRI was acquired in 58 CTL, 28 current cocaine users/CUD+, 32 abstinent cocaine users/CUD-, and 30 individuals with HUD (positive urine for cocaine in CUD+ and opiates used for treatment in HUD). Tract-Based Spatial Statistics allowed voxelwise analyses of diffusion metrics [fractional anisotropy/FA, mean diffusivity/MD, radial diffusivity/RD, and axial diffusivity/AD]. Permutation statistics (p-corrected<.05) were used for between-group t-tests.
Compared to CTL, all drug-addicted individuals showed widespread FA reductions, and increased MD, RD, and AD (19-57% of WM skeleton, p<.05). The HUD showed the most impairments, followed by the CUD+, with only minor FA reductions in CUD- (<.2% of skeleton, p=.05). Longer periods of regular use were associated with decreased FA and AD, and higher subjective craving was associated with increased MD, RD, and AD, across all drug-addicted individuals (p<.05).
These findings demonstrate extensive WM impairments in drug-addicted individuals characterized by decreased anisotropy and increased diffusivity, thought to reflect demyelination and lower axonal packing. Extensive abnormalities in both groups with positive urine status (CUD+ and HUD), and correlations with craving, suggest greater WM impairments with recency of use. Results in CUD-, and correlations with regular use, further imply cumulative and/or persistent WM damage.
Health behaviours prior to pregnancy and fertility outcomes: Triangulation of evidence in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa)
Authors: Wootton Robyn E , Lawn Rebecca B , Magnus Maria , Treur Jorien , Corfield Elizabeth , Njolstad Pal R , Andreassen Ole A , Lawlor Deborah A , Munafo Marcus R , Haberg Siri E , Davey Smith George , Reichborn-Kjennerud Ted , Magnus Per , Havdahl Alexandra
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Current advice to improve fertility includes reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption, achieving healthy weight-range, and stopping smoking. Advice is informed by observational evidence, which is often biased by confounding.

Methods: This study uses data from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. First, we analysed associations between health behaviours prior to pregnancy (alcohol and caffeine consumption, body-mass index (BMI) and smoking) and multiple indicators of fertility (including number of children, time to conception, and miscarriage) (n=83,128 women, 67,555 men), adjusting for birthyear, education and attention deficit and hyperactive-impulsive (ADHD) traits. Second, we used individual-level Mendelian randomisation (MR) to explore possible causal effects of health behaviours on fertility outcomes (n=27,216 women, 26,131 men). Finally, we performed summary-level MR for available outcomes (n=91,462-1,232,091) and conducted multi-variable MR to control for education and ADHD liability.

Results: In observational analysis, higher BMI and smoking (and to a lesser extent caffeine) were predominantly associated with reduced fertility outcomes. Unexpectedly, higher alcohol consumption was associated with predominantly improved fertility outcomes. There was little evidence from individual-level MR analyses, except smoking and higher BMI were associated with younger age at first birth in women (mean difference in years, per SD increase in genetic score; smoking: -2.65 (95%CI: -3.57, -1.73); BMI: -0.11 (95%CI: -0.16, -0.08)) and men (smoking: -2.82 (95%CI: -4.07, -1.58); BMI: -0.17 (95%CI: -0.23, -0.11)). These results were replicated in the summary-level MR analysis, however effects attenuated after adjusting for education and ADHD liability.

Conclusions: Most observational evidence for associations between health behaviours and fertility was not supported by MR analyses, suggesting possible residual confounding. Evidence from MR analyses supported an effect of smoking and higher BMI on younger age of first birth, but multivariable MR suggested this might be explained by underlying liability to ADHD and low educational attainment.
Translating recent advances in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia to the clinic
Authors: Bewersdorf Jan Philipp , Abdel-Wahab Omar
Published: March 2022

Despite FDA approval of nine new drugs for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the United States over the last 4 years, AML remains a major area of unmet medical need among hematologic malignancies. In this review, we discuss the development of promising new molecular targeted approaches for AML, including menin inhibition, novel IDH1/2 inhibitors, and preclinical means to target TET2, ASXL1, and RNA splicing factor mutations. In addition, we review progress in immune targeting of AML through anti-CD47, anti-SIRPα, and anti-TIM-3 antibodies; bispecific and trispecific antibodies; and new cellular therapies in development for AML.
Integrate or keep separate? ChocoTravel’s dilemma around Aviata M&A
Authors: Moreva Kristina , Krupina Yelena , Ghosh Anjan
Published: March 2022

Learning outcomes

This case will enable students to: understand reasons for mergers and acquisitions (M&A); identify and explain the risks associated with M&A and corresponding risk mitigation approaches; and decision-making on postmerger integrations.

Case overview/synopsis

The case discusses the integration dilemma around ChocoTravel’s M&A of Aviata. Both are among the largest online travel agencies in Kazakhstan. The acquisition of Aviata was not the first M&A deal for ChocoFamily – the Holding Company of ChocoTravel; however, it was the largest one. By combining their operations, ChocoTravel and Aviata together could capture 70% of the market share and become the market leader. Although the M&A had high potential toward superior business performance, it had significant risks. Threats of integration failures often make M&As fail. The management of ChocoTravel, therefore, had to consider several factors that could act as potential threats to post-M&A integration. First, each company had its own operating model and corporate culture. Second, both brands, ChocoTravel and Aviata, were well established and recognized in the market; each of them had its own loyal clients. Taking into account low switching costs to customers, the CEO of the new joint company needed to decide whether to integrate ChocoTravel and Aviata or keep them separate or even discontinue one. So, the important thing was not to disrupt operations and lose customers while introducing the post-M&A integration strategy. This case focuses on the challenges of post M&A integration.

Complexity academic level

The case targets last year’s bachelor’s students, Master of Business Administration/Master of Science students as part of the business strategy, marketing and branding and M&A classes. It allows students to have a broad in-class discussion and apply knowledge to make strategic management decisions in postmerger integration situations.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Measuring talent management: a proposed construct
Authors: Mujtaba Muhammad , Mubarik Muhammad Shujaat , Soomro Kamran Ahmed
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The study aims to develop a construct to measure talent management (TM) in an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a fourfold approach to develop the construct. Data were collected through close-ended questionnaires by conducting surveys from human resource professionals. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis techniques were employed to analyze the data and develop the construct.

Findings

Results of the study indicate that TM practices are crucial in changing business dynamics. A final 26 items under 5 factors (identification of critical positions, talent acquisition, talent development, talent engagement, and talent retention) were found significant and integrated TM strategies in uncertain economic environments.

Practical implications

This research focuses on the entire process of the TM cycle and develops an integrated construct of TM; thus, the study will provide an in-depth understanding of TM strategies to practitioners and researchers, facilitate researchers for the effective conduct of empirical research work on TM, whereas, for practitioners, this work will support in designing of TM strategies leading to organizational performance.

Originality/value

This is the first research study that has been done in the context of South Asia. It will help build up TM strategies to the necessity of a business environment.
A study on interrelations of structural systems and main planning considerations in contemporary supertall buildings
Authors: Ilgın Hüseyin Emre
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The aim of the study is to provide a comprehensive understanding of interrelations of structural systems and main planning considerations in supertall buildings (≥300 m).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 140 contemporary supertall towers using the case study method to analyze structural systems in the light of the key design considerations to contribute to the creation of more viable supertall building projects.

Findings

Central core typology, outriggered frame system, composite material and tapered prismatic and free forms were the most preferred features in supertall building design. Shear walled frame and tube systems occurred mostly in the 300–400 m height range, while outriggered frame systems were in the range of 300–600 m in height. Asia, the Middle East and North America mainly preferred outriggered frame systems, followed by tube systems. Considering the building function and form, the most preferred structural system in each of these groups was outriggered frame system, while mixed-use function stood out in all structural systems except in shear walled frame system.

Originality/value

To date, there has been no comprehensive study in the literature of the interrelations of structural systems and important planning considerations in the design of contemporary supertall towers through a large set of study samples. This critical issue was multidimensionally explored in this paper in light of 140 detailed case studies of supertall buildings around the world.
Multichannel retailers' prominent attribute and product positioning strategies
Authors: Wang Zhanqing , Lu Yue , Ran Lun , Yang Defeng
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper studies how multichannel retailers choose the product quality level and decide which attribute to make prominent in their physical store in a competitive environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a game theoretic model, in which multichannel retailers' decisions are made in three stages. Using prominent experiential attributes (e.g. functionality) in their offline store and product quality decisions, multichannel retailers are capable of transferring the sales between different channels.

Findings

This analysis shows that making different attributes prominent in their physical store may be an equilibrium, and each multichannel retailer chooses the highest quality level for the prominent attribute. However, the prominent attribute of the highest quality level is not always optimal. Under certain conditions, multichannel retailers may make the experiential attribute prominent in their respective physical stores, which can result in equilibrium.

Practical implications

The results indicate that multichannel retailers should avoid blindly highlighting high-quality attributes in a competitive environment, or falling into price completion.

Originality/value

From the perspective of prominent attributes, this study designs the optimal product line based on channel characteristics. The results of the research can provide practical implications for multichannel retailers to increase sales.
Determining intention to choose Islamic financial products using the attitude–social influence–self-efficacy (ASE) model: the case of Turkey
Authors: Saygılı Metin , Durmuşkaya Sedat , Sütütemiz Nihal , Ersoy Ahmet Yağmur
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the effects of attitude, social influence and self-efficacy on the behavior of using Islamic financial products based on the attitude–social influence–self-efficacy (ASE) model.

Design/methodology/approach

In view of the research objective, an explanatory research design was used in this study. In the study, because a conceptual assessment was not made, or a proposal was not developed, the ASE model was used. In testing the ASE model, the structural equation modeling method as a multivariate and sophisticated type of analysis was used.

Findings

The results obtained in this study demonstrated that the ASE model was a tool to be used in explaining consumers’ intentions of using Islamic financial products. In this study, “attitude,” “social influence” and “self-efficacy” were explored as the variables affecting the use of Islamic financial products on the basis of the ASE model. Based on the results, all three variables had statistically significant effects on consumers’ intentions of using Islamic financial products. Moreover, it was found that the “attitude” variable affected the intention of using Islamic financial products more than the other two variables.

Research limitations/implications

As the testing of the ASE model was the main purpose of this study, the results are limited to the variables of the model.

Originality/value

This study is distinguished from other studies in the relevant literature by the virtue of its two aspects. First, in terms of context, this study deviated from conventional finance and focused on the topic in relation to Islamic finance. Second, this study tested the ASE model that had not been previously tested empirically in the context of Islamic financial products. This model discusses the effects of the variables of attitude, social influence and self-efficacy on behavioral intention, and it deviates from theory of reasoned action- and theory of planned behavior-based behavioral models that have been tested previously in several fields because it focuses on the cognitive aspect of consumers. While previous behavioral models regarding the use of Islamic financial products have based their research on the affective aspect of relationships between variables, the ASE model prioritizes the cognitive aspect.
Sharing large data collections using data services in cloud environment
Authors: Ji Qi , Zhang Yuanming , Xiao Gang , Zhou Hongfang , Lin Zheng
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Data service (DS) is a special software service that enables data access in cloud environment and provides a unified data model for cross-origination data integration and data sharing. The purpose of the work is to automatically compose DSs and quickly generate data view to satisfy users' various data requirements (DRs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes an automatic DS composition and view generation approach. DSs are organized into DS dependence graph (DSDG) based on their inherent dependences, and DSs can be automatically composed using the DSDG according to user's DRs. Then, data view will be generated by interpreting the composed DS.

Findings

Experimental results with real cross-origination data sets show the proposed approaches have high efficiency and good quality for DS composition and view generation.

Originality/value

The authors propose a DS composition algorithm and a data view generation algorithm according to users' DRs.
Property, ownership and employee ownership: employee control in ESOPs
Authors: Kaswan Mark J.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Most people associate ownership with the ability to control something. In the USA, employee share (or stock) ownership plans (ESOPs) are one of the principal forms of employee ownership. However, most ESOPs give employees very limited rights of control over the company they own. This paper explore this conflict by examining theories of property and ownership to determine whether the right to participate in decision-making is inherent in the idea of ownership as it is generally understood. Ultimately, the author argues that the law governing ESOPs should be revised to give employees a larger role in the governance of their companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers the concept of ownership both historically and analytically. The author examines the roots of property theory in the work of John Locke and contemporary theorists, as well as contemporary theorizing about ownership.

Findings

There are two kinds of ownership: legal ownership and psychological ownership. In legal ownership, the right to participation is inherent but alienable, so one can legally be an owner of something but have no right of participation. Psychological ownership primarily arises from a sense of control. Legal ownership confers some part of the bundle of rights associated with property. Psychological ownership conveys a feeling of efficacy, responsibility and control, but no formal rights. The author argues that, for employee ownership to be more than mere property-holding, it must include meaningful participation in decision-making, including governance.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is only concerned with ESOPs in the USA. Although the findings may be applicable, it does not address other forms of employee ownership or employee ownership outside of the USA.

Practical implications

People associate ownership with the ability to control something, so when workers are told they own their company but then find they have few control rights, it may undermine their sense of ownership. This then has negative implications for the company's success. To ensure meaningful levels of governance rights, policy-makers should revise the laws governing ESOPs to require greater involvement by employees.

Social implications

Clarifying ambiguities around ownership will help support arguments for affording employee-owners greater control rights in their companies, which will have various spill-over effects.

Originality/value

Practitioners and scholars alike deploy the term, “ownership” but ascribe different meanings to it. The distinction between legal and psychological ownership is largely lacking in the ESOP literature. Clarifying this distinction will help to move the discussion forward regarding employee participation in ESOPs. In addition, the paper provides an original analysis of property that demonstrates the importance of the right to control, showing that the traditional ESOP structure may violate important aspects of that right.
Toward a new protection plan for Algeria's forest wealth focused on responsible citizenship: case of the Aures region
Authors: Heddar Yamina , Djebabra Mebarek , Saadi Saadia
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the interest of focusing public policies for wildfire management on behavioral changes supported by sustainable development projects dedicated to the Algerian forest heritage. Thus, the Aurès region in the eastern part of Algeria will be used as an example to illustrate the proposed new strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method, guided by projects' management in sustainable development, consists of developing a responsible citizenship strategy focused on behavioral changes of citizens. Therefore, the title of the proposed method: The Construct of Responsible Citizenship.

Findings

In order to cope with forest fires, the proposed approach highlights the interest of promoting responsible citizenship. Likewise, it outlines a tool for sustaining behavioral changes based on the principle of continuous improvement and field follow-up using a multicriteria approach known as “goal programming.”

Practical implications

The proposed new forest fire protection plan addresses the shortcomings in Algeria's current forest fire management policy, which appears unable to deal with the increasing severity of forests' fire risk that the country has been experiencing in recent decades.

Originality/value

The aim is to highlight the interest of investment in forest fires prevention within the framework of the sustainable development of Algerian forest heritage, specifically, to work toward citizen subcontracting of the Algerian forest heritage.
A new simple method to conveniently measure the open porosity of porous metal foams with reticular structure
Authors: Liu P.S. , Sun J.X.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce different methods for measuring the porosity of metal foams, and especially present a new method for conveniently measuring the open porosity that has a stronger impact on a number of physical properties of the porous product.

Design/methodology/approach

Metal foam is a kind of material that utilizes the function of pores inside the porous body. For such materials, the porosity is an important factor or even a key factor to determine a number of the practical parameters, such as the conductivity, acoustic properties and mechanical performances. Especially, the open porosity has a stronger impact on the sound absorption, electromagnetic shielding, heat transfer of the porous product, as well as the performances of using the internal pore surface. Therefore, it would be meaningful to find the simple and convenient to well measure the open porosity of metal foams.

Findings

In the present new method, the open porosity can be obtained directly by different volume parameters of the porous sample, while it can only by some weight indexes of the porous sample in other measuring methods.

Originality/value

The characteristic of this new method makes the measurement simpler and more convenient in this new method than in the other methods.
Investigating vicarious trauma: dramaturgical challenges for qualitative research
Authors: Corrigan Lawrence T.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This article examines personal performances of vicarious trauma (VT) related to the Ocean Ranger Disaster. It investigates the extent to which the self is at stake in passionate storytelling about tragic consequences of extreme work.

Design/methodology/approach

Dramaturgical concepts of self-presentation and impression management are used as a qualitative lens to provide an alternative view of published trauma stories arising from emotional research interviews.

Findings

The catastrophic disaster created secondary traumatization for families and friends of extreme workers lost at sea. This article shows that research interviews of these disaster survivors are opportunities for participants to engage in dramatic storytelling. The paper also reflects on related (problematic) storytelling by the trauma researcher.

Research limitations/implications

The article provides a theory illustration using dramaturgy as an alternative theoretical perspective to document previously under-appreciated aspects of the Ocean Ranger case. The discussion causes us to think about research interviews in a way that past research would not normally suggest.

Social implications

The Ocean Ranger Disaster continues to be a remarkable source of sorrow for the people of Newfoundland. This research provides a needed contrast to the numerous positivist, and overwhelmingly technological, studies of the disaster.

Originality/value

The research tradition of dramaturgy is a useful lens to apply to the expanding field of trauma studies. VT is rarely a subject of direct discussion in the management and organization studies (MOS) literature. This paper is among the first to consider storytelling interviews from a VT perspective.
Expense shifting and revenue shifting in the income statement: substitutes or complements?
Authors: Bansal Manish
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The study aims at examining the relationship between the forms of misclassification practices, namely expense shifting and revenue shifting. In particular, the study aims at identifying the form of shifting that has been preferred by firms to meet the industry average profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

Core earnings and operating revenue expectation models are used to measure expense shifting and revenue shifting, respectively. The panel fixed-effects models are used to control for unobserved heterogeneity across industries and time.

Findings

Based on a sample of Bombay Stock Exchange-listed firms, the author finds that firms prefer expense shifting over revenue shifting to meet industry average profitability, implying that firms choose the shifting tool based on the relative advantage. Further, the findings deduced from the empirical results demonstrate that firm life cycle and mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) moderates the relationship between shifting forms and industry average profitability. However, the negative impact of IFRS on shifting practices is found to be less pronounced among BigN audit firms.

Originality/value

The study is among the pioneering attempt to document the substitution relationship between shifting forms. It is the first study that examines a form of classification shifting, where gross profit and core earnings both change as an effect of misclassification.
Leaf morphological traits as adaptations to multiple climate gradients
Authors: Wang Han , Wang Runxi , Harrison Sandy P. , Prentice Iain Colin
Published: March 2022

Leaf morphological traits vary systematically along climatic gradients. However, recent studies in plant functional ecology have mainly analysed quantitative traits, while numerical models of species distributions and vegetation function have focused on traits associated with resource acquisition; both ignore the wider functional significance of leaf morphology.

A dataset comprising 22 leaf morphological traits for 662 woody species from 92 sites, representing all biomes present in China, was subjected to multivariate analysis in order to identify leading dimensions of trait covariation (correspondence analysis), quantify climatic and phylogenetic contributions (canonical correspondence analysis with variation partitioning) and characterise co‐occurring trait syndromes (k‐means clustering) and their climatic preferences.

Three axes accounted for >20% of trait variation in both evergreen and deciduous species. Moisture index, precipitation seasonality and growing‐season temperature explained 8%–10% of trait variation; family 15%–32%. Microphyll or larger, mid‐ to dark green leaves with drip tips in wetter climates contrasted with nanophyll or smaller glaucous leaves without drip tips in drier climates. Thick, entire leaves in less seasonal climates contrasted with thin, marginal dissected, aromatic and involute/revolute leaves in more seasonal climates. Thick, involute, hairy leaves in colder climates contrasted with thin leaves with marked surface structures (surface patterning) in warmer climates. Distinctive trait clusters were linked to the driest and most seasonal climates, for example the clustering of picophyll, fleshy and succulent leaves in the driest climates and leptophyll, linear, dissected, revolute or involute and aromatic leaves in regions with highly seasonal rainfall. Several trait clusters co‐occurred in wetter climates, including clusters characterised by microphyll, moderately thick, patent and entire leaves or notophyll, waxy, dark green leaves.

Synthesis. The plastic response of size, shape, colour and other leaf morphological traits to climate is muted, thus their apparent shift along climate gradients reflects plant adaptations to environment at a community level as determined by species replacement. Information on leaf morphological traits, widely available in floras, could be used to strengthen predictive models of species distribution and vegetation function.
A novel hexa‐segmented dsRNA mycovirus confers hypovirulence in the phytopathogenic fungus Diaporthe pseudophoenicicola
Authors: Xu Gang , Zhang Xinchun , Liang Xiaofei , Chen Daipeng , Xie Changping , Kang Zhensheng , Zheng Li
Published: March 2022

A novel hexa‐segmented double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) mycovirus was isolated and characterized from the filamentous phytopathogenic fungus Diaporthe pseudophoenicicola and was named Diaporthe pseudophoenicicola chrysovirus 1 (DpCV1). The full‐length cDNAs of dsRNA1‐6 were 3335, 3030, 3039, 2980, 963, and 780 bp, respectively. Sequence analysis indicated the presence of nine open reading frames (ORFs) in the DpCV1 genome. ORF1 in dsRNA1 putatively encoded the RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and ORF3 in dsRNA2 encoded a capsid protein (CP). The seven remaining ORFs, ORF2 in dsRNA2, ORF4 in dsRNA3, ORF6, seven in dsRNA4, ORF8 in dsRNA5, and ORF9 in dsRNA6, encoded proteins with unknown functions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that DpCV1 is closely related to members of the cluster I group within the family Chrysoviridae but formed a separate clade. Importantly, all the six segments of DpCV1 were cured successfully through single spore isolation to obtain the isogenic virus‐free strains. DpCV1 can confer hypovirulence to the fungal host of Diaporthe pseudophoenicicola. Compared with the virus‐free strain, WC02 harbouring the DpCV1 is more sensitive to fungicide prochloraz. Furthermore, the cell wall of DpCV1 infected strain was loose and enlarged. This is the first report of a hexa‐segmented tentative chrysovirus in D. pseudophoenicicola.