bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in the Medical Complexity and Outcomes of Medicare-insured Patients Undergoing Kidney Transplant in the Years 1998–2014
Authors: Lenihan Colin R. , Liu Sai , Montez-Rath Maria E. , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C.
Published: February 2019

Background.

Graft and patient survival following kidney transplant are improving. However, the drivers of this trend are unclear. To gain further insight, we set out to examine concurrent changes in pretransplant patient complexity, posttransplant survival, and cause-specific hospitalization.

Methods.

We identified 101 332 Medicare-insured patients who underwent their first kidney transplant in the United States between the years 1998 and 2014. We analyzed secular trends in (1) posttransplant patient and graft survival and (2) posttransplant hospitalization for cardiovascular disease, infection, and cancer using Cox models with year of kidney transplant as the primary exposure of interest.

Results.

Age, dialysis vintage, body mass index, and the prevalence of a number of baseline medical comorbidities increased during the study period. Despite these adverse changes in case mix, patient survival improved: the unadjusted and multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for death in 2014 (versus 1998) were 0.61 (confidence interval [CI], 0.52-0.73) and 0.46 (CI, 0.39-0.55), respectively. For graft failure excluding death with a functioning graft, the unadjusted and multivariable adjusted subdistribution HRs in 2014 versus 1998 were 0.4 (CI, 0.25-0.55) and 0.45 (CI, 0.3-0.6), respectively. There was a marked decrease in hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease following transplant between 1998 and 2011, subdistribution HR 0.51 (CI, 0.43-0.6). Hospitalization for infection remained unchanged, while cancer hospitalization increased modestly.

Conclusions.

Medicare-insured patients undergoing kidney transplant became increasingly medically complex between 1998 and 2014. Despite this, both patient and graft survival improved during this period. A marked decrease in serious cardiovascular events likely contributed to this positive trend.
Urine Angiotensin II Signature Proteins as Markers of Fibrosis in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Mohammed-Ali Zahraa , Tokar Tomas , Batruch Ihor , Reid Shelby , Tavares-Brum Alexandre , Yip Paul , Cardinal Héloïse , Hébert Marie-Josée , Li Yanhong , Kim S. Joseph , Jurisica Igor , John Rohan , Konvalinka Ana
Published: February 2019

Background.

Interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IFTA) is an important cause of kidney allograft loss; however, noninvasive markers to identify IFTA or guide antifibrotic therapy are lacking. Using angiotensin II (AngII) as the prototypical inducer of IFTA, we previously identified 83 AngII-regulated proteins in vitro. We developed mass spectrometry–based assays for quantification of 6 AngII signature proteins (bone marrow stromal cell antigen 1, glutamine synthetase [GLNA], laminin subunit beta-2, lysophospholipase I, ras homolog family member B, and thrombospondin-I [TSP1]) and hypothesized that their urine excretion will correlate with IFTA in kidney transplant patients.

Methods.

Urine excretion of 6 AngII-regulated proteins was quantified using selected reaction monitoring and normalized by urine creatinine. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess protein expression of TSP1 and GLNA in kidney biopsies.

Results.

The urine excretion rates of AngII-regulated proteins were found to be increased in 15 kidney transplant recipients with IFTA compared with 20 matched controls with no IFTA (mean log2[fmol/µmol of creatinine], bone marrow stromal cell antigen 1: 3.8 versus 3.0, P = 0.03; GLNA: 1.2 versus −0.4, P = 0.03; laminin subunit beta-2: 6.1 versus 5.4, P = 0.06; lysophospholipase I: 2.1 versus 0.6, P = 0.002; ras homolog family member B: 1.2 versus −0.1, P = 0.006; TSP1_GGV: 2.5 versus 1.9; P = 0.15; and TSP1_TIV: 2.0 versus 0.6, P = 0.0006). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated an area under the curve = 0.86 for the ability of urine AngII signature proteins to discriminate IFTA from controls. Urine excretion of AngII signature proteins correlated strongly with chronic IFTA and total inflammation. In a separate cohort of 19 kidney transplant recipients, the urine excretion of these 6 proteins was significantly lower following therapy with AngII inhibitors (P < 0.05).

Conclusions.

AngII-regulated proteins may represent markers of IFTA and guide antifibrotic therapies.
Renal Safety of Intravenous Gadolinium-enhanced MRI in Patients Following Liver Transplantation
Authors: Flynn Mary M. , Parekh Anjali N. , Parikh Mehul R. , Sood Akhil , Shaffer Katherine M. , Runge Thomas M. , Lipowska Anna M. , Perez Sebastian D. , Sakaria Sonali S. , Subramanian Ram M.
Published: February 2019

Background.

Intravenous contrast-enhanced imaging is invaluable in diagnosing pathology following liver transplantation. Given the potential risk of contrast nephropathy associated with iodinated computed tomography contrast, alternate contrast modalities need to be examined, especially in the setting of renal insufficiency. The purpose of this study was to examine the renal safety of MRI with gadolinium following liver transplantation.

Methods.

The study involved a retrospective analysis of 549 cases of abdominal MRI with low-dose gadobenate dimeglumine in liver transplant recipients at a single center. For each case, serum creatinine values before and after the MRI were compared. In addition, cases were analyzed for the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.

Results.

Pre-MRI creatinine values ranged from 0.32 to 6.57 mg/dL (median, 1.28 g/dL), with 191 cases having values ≥1.5 mg/dL (median, 1.86 g/dL). A comparison of the pre- and post-MRI creatinine values showed no significant difference, including those patients with pre-MRI values ≥1.5 mg/dL (mean change of −0.04 [95% confidence interval, −0.07 to −0.01; P = 0.004]). No cases of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis were noted.

Conclusions.

Our findings suggest that, irrespective of baseline renal function, MRI with gadobenate dimeglumine is a nonnephrotoxic imaging modality in liver transplant recipients. Importantly, this intravenous contrast-enhanced imaging modality can be considered in those posttransplant patients who have a contraindication to computed tomography contrast due to renal insufficiency.
The role of somatic mutational events in the pathogenesis of epilepsy
Authors: Iffland Philip H. , Crino Peter B.
Published: February 2019

Purpose of review

There has been rapid progress in defining novel causative gene variants responsible for a large spectrum of human epilepsy syndromes and subtypes. Of particular interest is the discovery that somatic mutations, for example, noninherited mutations occurring in neuroglial progenitor cells during embryonic brain development, are highly linked to malformations of cortical development (MCD) such as focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type II and hemimegalencephaly.

Recent findings

Somatic gene variants have been identified in genes encoding regulatory proteins within the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling cascade and have thus comprised the group classified as mTORopathies. FCD II and hemimegalencephaly often result from mutations in identical genes suggesting that these are spectrum disorders. An exciting recent development has been the identification of somatic mutations causing both FCD Ia and nonlesional neocortical epilepsy.

Defining somatic gene mutations in brain tissue specimens has shed new light on how MCD form and the mechanisms of epileptogenesis associated with MCD. Trials of mTOR inhibitors in tuberous sclerosis complex have demonstrated that inhibition of mTOR activation in mTORopathies can reduce seizure frequency. New somatic mutations found for a variety of epilepsy syndromes may provide new targets for clinical therapeutics.
Educational attainment causally impacts drinking behaviors and risk for alcohol dependence: results from a two-sample Mendelian randomization study in ~ 780,000 study participants
Authors: Rosoff Daniel B. , Lohoff Falk W.
Published: February 2019

Background

Observational studies suggest that lower educational attainment may be associated with risky alcohol consumption behaviors. However, these findings may be biased by confounding and reverse causality. Using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR), we can determine whether education is causally related to alcohol consumption behaviors and alcohol dependence (AD).

Methods

We performed two-sample MR using summary statistics from recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in 784,726 study participants to assess the causal effects of educational attainment on alcohol consumption behaviors, including intake frequency, total weekly drinks, beverage preferences, whether alcohol is consumed with meals, as well as AD risk. Of 53 independent (linkage disequilibrium R2=0.001, kb distance<10,000) nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that predict educational attainment, and after removal of palindromes with intermediate allele frequency, 51 were present in the alcohol consumption behaviors, and 44 were present in the AD GWAS. Complementary MR techniques accommodating different assumptions about genetic pleiotropy (inverse variance weighted (IVW), Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode MR) tested the sensitivity of our results.

Results

We found strong evidence of a causal effect between years of education and alcohol consumption behaviors generally. Higher educational attainment decreased alcohol intake frequency (IVW odds ratio (ORIVW), 0.718, 95% CI, 0.673-0.765, PIVW=4.62E-24), as well as weekly distilled spirits intake (ORIVW, 0.874, 95% CI, 0.833-0.917, PIVW=3.91E-08), and weekly beer plus cider intake (ORIVW, 0.837, 95% CI, 0.805-0.869, P=5.58E-20), but increased weekly white wine (ORIVW, 1.220, 95% CI, 1.172-1.269, PIVW=7.96E-23), red wine (ORIVW, 1.227, 95% CI, 1.174-1.282, PIVW=6.67E-20), and fortified wine intake (ORIVW, 1.051, 95% CI, 1.027-1.075, PIVW] =1.87E-07). We also found evidence educational attainment reduced AD risk (ORIVW.508, 95% CI, .315-.819, PIVW=5.51E-03). We found no evidence for total weekly consumption (ORIVW.508, 95% CI,.315-.819, PIVW=5.51E-03). Consistency of results across complementary MR methods strengthens our causal inferences.

Conclusions

Our findings show low educational attainment is causally associated with increased alcohol consumption frequency, increased preference for beer, cider, and spirits, and AD risk, indicating a potential mechanism explaining reported associations between educational attainment and adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease. These findings suggest increased educational attainment might be a useful prevention strategy to reduce risky alcohol behaviors and AD.
Direct current stimulation boosts associative Hebbian synaptic plasticity and maintains its pathway specificity
Authors: Kronberg Greg , Rahman Asif , Lafon Belen , Parra Lucas C. , Bikson Marom
Published: February 2019

There is evidence that transcranial direct current stimulation can boost learning performance. Arguably, this boost is related to synaptic plasticity. However, the precise effects on synaptic plasticity and its underlying mechanisms are not known. We hypothesized that direct current stimulation modulates endogenous Hebbian plasticity mechanisms due to its ability to polarize cellular membrane. To test this we induced long term plasticity (LTP) using theta-burst stimulation (TBS) in rat hippocampus, and measured the effects of concurrent direct current stimulation (DCS). Soma-depolarizing DCS increased TBS-induced LTP. Oscillating current stimulation is equally effective provided the soma-depolarizing phase is time-aligned with the theta-bursts, suggesting that only instantaneous depolarization is relevant. Importantly, the effect is pathway-specific and associative. These findings are consistent with classic theory on the role of post-synaptic membrane potential in Hebbian plasticity. These data suggest that the effects of direct current stimulation are specific because they modulate endogenous Hebbian plasticity, thus inheriting its exquisite functional specificity.
Bonding network and stability of clusters: the case study of Al13TM4pseudo-tenfold surfaces
Authors: Scheid Philippe , Chatelier Corentin , Ledieu Julian , Fournée Vincent , Gaudry Émilie
Published: February 2019

Clusters,i.e.polyhedral geometric entities, are widely used to describe the structure of complex intermetallic compounds. However, little is generally known about their physical significance. The atomic and electronic structures of the Al13TM4complex intermetallic compounds (TM = Fe, Co, Ru, Rh) have been investigated using a wide range ofab initiotools in order to examine the influence of the chemical composition on the pertinence of the bulk structure description based on 3D clusters. In addition, since surface studies were found to be a relevant approach to address the question of cluster stability in complex phases, the interplay of the cluster substructure with the 2D surface is addressed in the case of the Al13Co4(100) and Al13Fe4(010) surfaces.
Synthesis and crystal structure of 1,3-di-tert-butyl-2-chloro-4,4-diphenyl-1,3,2λ3,4-diazaphosphasiletidine
Authors: Mo Dennis , Frank Walter
Published: February 2019

The chemical reaction of dilithiumN,N′-di(tbutyl)-Si,Si-diphenylsilanediamide and PCl3yielded an off-white solid. Sublimation of the crude product under reduced pressure at elevated temperature gave colourless prismatic crystals of the title compound, C20H28ClN2PSi, which crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric monoclinic space groupCc.The asymmetric unit of the crystal structure contains one molecule and it is dominated by the central SiN2P four-membered ring, which is almost planar with a mean deviation of the atoms from the best plane of 0.014 Å. The angles between the plane defined by the silicon atom and the two nitrogen atoms and the best planes of theSi-phenyl groups are 85.1 (2) and 77.4 (2)°, with the tilt of the phenyl rings in the opposite direction. Bothtert-butyl groups suffer from a two-position rotational disorder with site occupancies of 0.752 (6)/0.248 (6) and 0.878 (9)/0.122 (9). The P—Cl bond [2.2078 (17) Å] is remarkably elongated compared to the P—Cl distance in PCl3[2.034 Å; Galy & Enjalbert (1982).J. Solid State Chem.44, 1–23].
Coping with strong translational noncrystallographic symmetry and extreme anisotropy in molecular replacement withPhaser: human Rab27a
Authors: Jamshidiha Mostafa , Pérez-Dorado Inmaculada , Murray James W. , Tate Edward W. , Cota Ernesto , Read Randy J.
Published: February 2019

Data pathologies caused by effects such as diffraction anisotropy and translational noncrystallographic symmetry (tNCS) can dramatically complicate the solution of the crystal structures of macromolecules. Such problems were encountered in determining the structure of a mutant form of Rab27a, a member of the Rab GTPases. Mutant Rab27a constructs that crystallize in the free form were designed for use in the discovery of drugs to reduce primary tumour invasiveness and metastasis. One construct, hRab27aMut, crystallized within 24 h and diffracted to 2.82 Å resolution, with a unit cell possessing room for a large number of protein copies. Initial efforts to solve the structure using molecular replacement byPhaserwere not successful. Analysis of the data set revealed that the crystals suffered from both extreme anisotropy and strong tNCS. As a result, large numbers of reflections had estimated standard deviations that were much larger than their measured intensities and their expected intensities, revealing problems with the use of such data at the time inPhaser. By eliminating extremely weak reflections with the largest combined effects of anisotropy and tNCS, these problems could be avoided, allowing a molecular-replacement solution to be found. The lessons that were learned in solving this structure have guided improvements in the numerical analysis used inPhaser, particularly in identifying diffraction measurements that convey very little information content. The calculation of information content could also be applied as an alternative to ellipsoidal truncation. The post-mortem analysis also revealed an oversight in accounting for measurement errors in the fast rotation function. While the crystal of mutant Rab27a is not amenable to drug screening, the structure can guide new modifications to obtain more suitable crystal forms.
In-house high-energy-remote SAD phasing using the magic triangle: how to tackle the P1 low symmetry using multiple orientations of the same crystal of human IBA57 to increase the multiplicity
Authors: Gourdoupis Spyridon , Nasta Veronica , Ciofi-Baffoni Simone , Banci Lucia , Calderone Vito
Published: February 2019

This article describes the approach used to solve the structure of human IBA57 in-house by 5-amino-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalic acid (I3C) high-energy-remote single-wavelength anomalous dispersion (SAD) phasing. Multiple orientations of the same triclinic crystal were exploited to acquire sufficient real data multiplicity for phasing. How the collection of an in-house native data set and its joint use with the I3C derivative through a SIRAS approach decreases the data multiplicity needed by almost 50% is described. Furthermore, it is illustrated that there is a clear data-multiplicity threshold value for success and failure in phasing, and how adding further data does not significantly affect substructure solution and model building. To our knowledge, this is the only structure present in the PDB that has been solved in-house by remote SAD phasing in space group P1 using only one crystal. All of the raw data used, derived from the different orientations, have been uploaded to Zenodo in order to enable software developers to improve methods for data processing and structure solution, and for educational purposes.
X-ray structure of an inactive zymogen clostripain-like protease fromParabacteroides distasonis
Authors: González-Páez Gonzalo E. , Roncase Emily J. , Wolan Dennis W.
Published: February 2019

The clostripain-like (C11) family of cysteine proteases are ubiquitously produced by the vast majority of the bacterial strains that make up the human distal gut microbiome. Recent reports show that some C11 proteases promote host immune responses and bacterial pathogenesis, including the induction of neutrophil phagocytosis and the activation of bacterial pathogenic toxins, respectively. The crystal structure of distapain, the only C11 protease predicted within the genome of the commensal bacteriumParabacteroides distasonis, was determined in the inactive zymogen state to 1.65 Å resolution. This is the first C11 protease structure of a zymogen, and the structure helped to uncover key unique conformations among critical active-site residues that are likely to assist in preserving the inactive protease. His135, a member of the catalytic dyad, is repositioned approximately 5.5 Å from the orientation found in active C11 structures and forms a hydrogen bond to Asp180 and a π-stacking interaction with Trp133. The structure sheds light on the potential importance of Asp180 and Trp133, as these residues are highly conserved across C11 proteases. Structure elucidation of C11 proteases will ultimately help to identify new ways to chemically and/or biologically regulate this family of enzymes, which represent potential drug-discovery targets in microbiome-related gastrointestinal diseases.
Improving efficiency in roading projects: a New Zealand study
Authors: Haji Karimian Saeed , Mbachu Jasper , Egbelakin Temitope , Shahzad Wajiha
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the key productivity constraints faced by New Zealand (NZ) road pavement maintenance and rehabilitation contractors (RPMRCs) and the associated mitigation measures.

Design/methodology/approach

Interview-based exploratory research strategy was used to survey senior managers and directors of medium- to large-sized road contracting firms in NZ. Empirical data were analyzed using the multi-attribute analytical technique.

Findings

Results revealed 70 productivity constraints faced by the RPMRCs in NZ; in diminishing order of influence, these constraints were aggregated into eight broad categories as follows: finance, workforce, technology/process, statutory/regulatory compliance, project characteristics, project management/project team characteristics, unforeseen circumstances and other/external factors. The most important constraints in each of the eight broad categories were presented.

Research limitations/implications

The key limitation of the research is that it was based on feedback from a limited number of participants which were less than the minimum required to represent the views of the potential participants in the sampling frame for the study. As a result, the findings may not be reliably generalized beyond the scope of the data used. Further research on the subject is recommended to ensure that the representation of the views of the individuals and companies that comprised the sampling frame is achieved. The current findings could be formulated as propositions or hypotheses to be tested in future confirmatory research.

Practical implications

At the industry level, the findings could provide the basis for the skill development programs of the NZ RPMRCs. The application of the research findings by the RPMRCs and consultants could result in significant improvement in the productivity of the NZ roading sector and the sector’s enhanced contribution to the economy.

Originality/value

Currently, there is little research on the priority constraints to productivity and performance in the NZ roading sector. The findings contribute to knowledge by revealing critical factors constraining productivity performance of the NZ RMRCs and the associated improvement measures. New and more enriching viewpoints were provided on how contractors could leverage their limited resources to address the identified key constraints.
Design re-use: critical application of healthcare building design evidence
Authors: Wanigarathna Nadeeshani , Sherratt Fred , Price Andrew , Austin Simon
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The re-use of good design solutions is a key source of evidence and knowledge in the design of healthcare buildings. However, due to the unique nature of healthcare built environments, the critical application of this evidence is of paramount importance. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the features of such critical application and identify the aspects that need to be considered during the re-use of good designs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from three case studies of hospital designs in the UK were used to explore the processes behind the adaption and re-use of design solutions during the design of healthcare buildings. Data were thematically analysed to distinguish the aspects that should be carefully compared and contrasted during design re-use.

Findings

Existing designs of healthcare buildings should be captured and evaluated along with: patient demographics, care models of the hospital, other local departmental needs and facility operational aspects in order to ensure the effectiveness of re-use. In addition, properly introducing the design to the users is also a part of successful design re-use.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this research were integrated into a framework to support healthcare designers on the effective re-use of good designs. This data-driven framework could be validated further with design practitioners. Further, this research relied on memory recall of the interviewees and the accuracy and completeness of documentary records.

Practical implications

This research provides details of how healthcare built environment designs are embedded in project-unique circumstances. The results could therefore be used to develop meaningful and informative evaluation mechanisms for new and re-used healthcare building design features.

Originality/value

This research extends the understanding of the critical application of healthcare design evidence, by explaining how healthcare design solutions should be evaluated during the design process.
Managing information flow and design processes to reduce design risks in offsite construction projects
Authors: Sutrisna Monty , Goulding Jack
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Following the increasing need for faster construction, improved quality and evidence value propositions, offsite construction is increasingly being proffered as a viable contender to “traditional” construction approaches. However, whilst evidence supports the move towards offsite, its uptake has been lower than expected. Whilst the precise reasons for this seem to be influenced by a number of issues, including contextual drivers and market maturity; some project stakeholders also view offsite as carrying greater risks. The purpose of this paper is to report on the quality of information flow, in particular, the impact and influence of this on design risks in offsite construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

An existing design risk framework is used as the point of departure for this research. This is further expanded into a specific model for evaluating offsite construction projects design risks, the rubrics of which were informed by two case studies of offsite construction projects in Australia and the UK analysed with a process-tracing technique. Whilst these cases were geographically separated, the constructs were aligned to uncover fundamental design information requirements and concomitant risks associated with offsite.

Findings

The findings of the research reported in this paper include the crucial information feeding into the design process emanating from the lifecycle of offsite construction projects, namely, design, offsite (manufacturing), handling and transporting, site works and installation and also occupancy. These are contextualised within the four categories, namely, client requirements, project requirements, regulation aspects and social aspects and the final outcomes were summarised into a holistic diagram.

Originality/value

Given that the offsite construction has shifted the working paradigm into assigning a significant level of efforts and emphasis at the front end of the construction projects, the importance of its design process and hence design risks management has gone up significantly in construction projects delivered using this technique. This research and paper contributes significantly to the built environment domain by identifying the crucial aspects along the project lifecycle to be considered to minimise the potential occurrence of design risks and hence increasing the confidence of project stakeholders in adopting offsite construction techniques in their projects.
I never thought that you would do this to me …: a breach of trust at Fortune Weddings Inc.
Authors: Mohammad Jihad , Quoquab Farzana
Published: February 2019

Learning outcomes

Using this case, the students will be able to: understand the ethical issues such as “Management by Trust”, and having specific “Code of Conducts” in an organization; analyse the unethical behaviour that can occur inside the organization based on ethical theories such as egoism, utilitarian, deontology and virtue theory; discuss elements that promote fraudulent behaviour using the fraud triangle framework; explain how internal control contributes in deterring fraudulent employee behaviour; and analyse strategic approach to handle employee misconduct to reduce the risk of fraud.

Case overview/synopsis

The owner of Fortune Weddings, Anis, realized that his business was not as profitable as it used to be in the early years. He was suspicious of his employee Samera, for the sudden change of her luxurious lifestyle, but he did not inquire her as she was a hard working employee and customers were fond of her friendly attitude. Nissa, the wife of Anis, received message from customer to confirm the payment, but when she checked the bank account, the money was not there. Further investigation by Nissa revealed that it was Samera who was stealing money from the company. She used to give her personal bank account to customers to transfer their payment. Anis must decide the appropriate course of action to resolve the issues as soon as possible. Failing to do so will incur more incidences of stealing.

Complexity academic level

The intended audience for this case study are both undergraduate (BBA) and postgraduate students (MBA, MSc) who are taking the Business Ethics course.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 7: Management science.
Industry innovation spending and openness to collaboration as levers for firm performance
Authors: Caldas Luiz Fernando de Paris , Paula Fabio de Oliveira , Macedo-Soares T. Diana L. van Aduard de
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze to what extent spending on innovation activities and collaboration at the industry level affects the relationship between firm innovation and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model was proposed and empirically tested using multiple linear regression. The data were obtained from the Community Innovation Survey 2012, composing a sample of 890 Italian manufacturing firms.

Findings

The results provided full support for the positive moderating effect of intra-industry innovation spending and partial support for the positive moderating effect of intra-industry collaboration, both regarding the relationship between firm innovation spending and performance. Knowledge spillovers derived from intra-industry innovation spending and intra-industry collaboration affect firm performance. While this finding corroborates other studies that have found that the intra-industry R&D spending influences firms’ innovation and performance, it also contributes to improve the understanding about the complementarity of internal innovation activities and knowledge spillovers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to theory by filling a gap concerning the complementarity of internal innovation activities and the effect of knowledge spillovers to improve firm performance. Our findings suggested that intra-industry openness to collaboration and innovation spending, as proxies of knowledge spillovers, plays an important role in complementing firm level innovative efforts, even in the case of firms that spend less on innovation and have a lower degree of collaboration. This is especially relevant for small and medium enterprises, which can take advantage of access to the necessary information to overcome their internal resource constraints for R&D and innovation. The originality of these findings adds value in terms of furthering the understanding of this phenomenon.
An index-based ranking of conferences in a distinctive manner
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Khan Hikmat Ullah , Iqbal Tassawar , Iqbal Saqib
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Bibliometrics is one of the research fields in library and information science that deals with the analysis of academic entities. In this regard, to gauge the productivity and popularity of authors, publication counts and citation counts are common bibliometric measures. Similarly, the significance of a journal is measured using another bibliometric measure, impact factor. However, scarce attention has been paid to find the impact and productivity of conferences using these bibliometric measures. Moreover, the application of the existing techniques rarely finds the impact of conferences in a distinctive manner. The purpose of this paper is to propose and compare the DS-index with existing bibliometric indices, such as h-index, g-index and R-index, to study and rank conferences distinctively based on their significance.

Design/methodology/approach

The DS-index is applied to the self-developed large DBLP data set having publication data over 50 years covering more than 10,000 conferences.

Findings

The empirical results of the proposed index are compared with the existing indices using the standard performance evaluation measures. The results confirm that the DS-index performs better than other indices in ranking the conferences in a distinctive manner.

Originality/value

Scarce attention is paid to rank conferences in distinctive manner using bibliometric measures. In addition, exploiting the DS-index to assign unique ranks to the different conferences makes this research work novel.
Efficient computation of key performance indicators in a distance learning university
Authors: Pecori Riccardo , Suraci Vincenzo , Ducange Pietro
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Managing efficiently educational Big Data, produced by Virtual Learning Environments, is becoming a compelling necessity, especially for those universities providing distance learning. This paper aims to propose a possible framework to compute efficiently key performance indicators, summarizing the trends of students’ academic careers, by using educational Big Data.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework is designed and implemented in a distributed fashion. The parallel computation of the indicators through Map and Reduce nodes is carefully described, together with the workflow of data, from the educational sources to a NoSQL database and to the learning analytics engine.

Findings

This framework was tested at eCampus University, an Italian distance learning institution, and it was able to significantly reduce the amount of time needed to compute key performance indicators. Moreover, by implementing a proper data representation dashboard, it resulted in a useful help and support for educational decisions and performance analyses and for revealing possible criticalities.

Originality/value

The framework proposed integrates for the first time, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, a set of modules, designed and implemented in a distributed fashion, to compute key performance indicators for distance learning institutions. It can be used to analyze the dropouts and the outcomes of students and, therefore, to evaluate the performances of universities, which can, in turn, propose effective improvements toward enhancing the overall e-learning scenario.
The impact of cognitive style, consumer demographics and cultural values on the acceptance of Islamic insurance products among American consumers
Authors: Paton Schmidt Alex
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent by which consumer acceptance of an Islamic insurance product (Takaful) in a non-Muslim majority country would be affected by consumer knowledge about its Islamic origins. Furthermore, this study identifies the degree to which various psychological traits and demographics of the consumers influence purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was distributed to a national sample of 390 respondents, half of whom were told that this insurance product is Islamic and the other half were not. The questionnaire was identical between the two groups and the only difference was the disclosure of the product’s Islamic origins. Additional measures related to consumer demographics, cognitive style and prior experience with insurance products were obtained from the respondents. Regression analysis was used to determine the drivers of consumers’ purchase intentions.

Findings

Purchase intentions for Takaful were found to be lower when the product was presented to subjects as Islamic. In addition, it was established that a consumer’s cognitive style, political orientation, yearly insurance expenditure and views of Islam influence purchase intentions for Takaful.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to explore the degree of acceptance of an Islamic insurance product in a non-Muslim majority country (USA) and to investigate the effects of a product’s religion of origin on the purchase intentions of American consumers.
Values and women-led social entrepreneurship
Authors: Borquist Bruce R. , de Bruin Anne
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and categorise the values expressed in women-led social entrepreneurship based on a typology of universal values. It explores the influence of gender and religious faith on the values that inspire social entrepreneurial organisations to engage in positive social change.

Design/methodology/approach

Inductive multiple case study research investigates the values manifest in five social entrepreneurial organisations founded and led by women in three Southeast Asian countries.

Findings

Organisations and their women-leaders express values related to benevolence, universalism, self-direction and security. Gender and religious faith are found to be mediators that influence approaches to social transformation.

Research limitations/implications

Purposive sampling and interpretive research design favour rich description but limit the generalisability of the findings. Further enquiry is needed into the gender-values-religion nexus in social entrepreneurship.

Practical implications

Social entrepreneurship is shown to be a process embedded in and motivated by prosocial values of benevolence and social justice and other values of self-direction and security. Findings provide evidence for the critical but often overlooked influence of gender and religious faith on the values foundation of social entrepreneurship.

Social implications

Social entrepreneurial organisations led by women contribute to positive social change through the values they incorporate and express.

Originality/value

Research on the link between gender, values and religious faith in social entrepreneurship is virtually non-existent.
The EMDR DeTUR protocol for the treatment of self-injury in a patient with severe personality disorder: a case report
Authors: Annesley Phyllis , Alabi Adedayo , Longdon Laura
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment of an adult female patient detained within a high secure hospital with complex mental health difficulties, including complex trauma, factitious disorder, self-injury and a history of offending. The EMDR treatment addressed the patient’s urges to engage in severe and sometimes life-threatening self-injury, a primary motive of which was to access physical healthcare interventions within a general hospital. The paper describes the wide-ranging benefits of the treatment and incorporates feedback from the patient and clinicians within her multi-disciplinary team (MDT).

Design/methodology/approach

Four triggers for self-injury were processed during the therapy using the DeTUR Protocol (Popky, 2005, 2009) and the Constant Installation of Present Orientation and Safety (CIPOS, Knipe, 2009a) method. In total, 18 one hour therapy sessions were delivered plus three follow-up sessions to continue to offer support and complete the post-treatment evaluation.

Findings

The level of urge for each trigger was reduced to 0 which the patient defined as “no urge to self-injure”. Benefits went well beyond self-injury with reported positive impacts on mood, thinking, sleep, concentration, memory and experience of flashbacks.

Practical implications

This case report demonstrates that the EMDR DeTUR Protocol together with the CIPOS method can be extremely valuable in the treatment of patients who self-injure.

Originality/value

The case report offers an important contribution to an area that requires much further research.
The psychology of the corrupt: some preliminary findings
Authors: Nee Claire , Button Mark , Shepherd David , Blackbourn Dean , Leal Sharon
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present findings based on the psychological profile of 17 offenders who have been convicted of occupational fraud, bribery or related offences. It provides findings on their specific psychological profiles using well-established psychological techniques to gauge personality. The study is also aimed to provide the foundations for further research on such profiles, which could eventually provide a screening tool to identify individuals who might be a higher risk of engaging in corrupt behaviours for organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based upon 17 interviews with white-collar offenders who were also asked to complete an Eysenck Personality Questionnaire to identify their profile.

Findings

This study postulates that sensation seeking, risk appetite, impulsivity and lower non-aggressive self-regulation dominate the E scale traits of white-collar offenders.

Originality/value

This paper is very much original in its design with few studies having been performed in this area.
Does insider trading pay?
Authors: Spaic Aneta , Nolasco Claire Angelique , Tsai Lily Chi-Fang , Vaughn Michael S.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper analyzes trading and tipping activities in insider trading litigation decided by federal courts from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014.

Design/methodology/approach

Legal documents from the US Securities and Exchange Commission, LexisNexis and Westlaw databases were coded to determine profile, patterns of trading and settlement outcomes.

Findings

Results of statistical analysis indicate that a defendant in both civil and criminal cases is more likely to trade on the information when he/she receives a direct, financial benefit from breaching his/her duty of confidentiality. The defendant tipper is also more likely to pass on the information to a close personal friend, business associate or family member. The average amount of profit of defendants in both civil and criminal proceedings substantially exceeds the average amount of their settlements.

Originality/value

This paper offers support for the rational choice model – insider trading is often based on rational calculations of benefits not only to the defendant but also to his/her family and associates. Although the threat of civil enforcement and criminal proceedings may possibly deter him/her from committing the crime, results indicate that the amounts of settlement in both proceedings are considerably lower than the amount of profits obtained from the offense.
Short-term performance of stocks after fraudulent financial reporting announcement
Authors: Eryigit Mehmet
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Availability of accurate and reliable information in financial markets helps investors make well-informed decisions on capital allocations which is beneficial for long-term economic growth. In this regards, the role of auditing firms that inspect the financial statements of the publicly traded companies in sound operation of financial markets has been increasing. The Capital Market Board of Turkey (CMBT) has the task and responsibility of investigating fraudulent information disseminated by the firms whose stocks are traded in Borsa Istanbul. The investigations can lead to monetary penalties if fraud is proven and the results are published by CMBT in its weekly bulletin. The present study aims to examine the effect of announcements of financial irregularities of companies in CMBT Bulletin on the performance of the relevant company stock in the short term.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses abnormal return, cumulative abnormal return and cumulative average abnormal return as metrics and parametric, as well as non-parametric tests to ascertain whether the announcements of financial irregularities in company operations have any statistically significant effect on the return of its stock.

Findings

The results indicate that publication of the financial penalty news by CMBT in its bulletin has almost no statistically significant influence on the performance of the relevant companies’ stock in Borsa Istanbul. The findings indicate that either the investors in this particular markets do not consider such news relevant to long-term success of the firm or the announcement does not provide any new information and penalties have been priced into the stock before the announcement in the bulletin.

Originality/value

In literature there is no more research about the effect of the announcements of administrative monetary penalties and crime complaints on the stock returns.
Consumer brand engagement, satisfaction and brand loyalty: a comparative study between functional and emotional brand relationships
Authors: Fernandes Teresa , Moreira Mariana
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand differences in consumer brand engagement (CBE) according to the functional or emotional nature of consumer–brand relationships and its direct and/or indirect impact on brand loyalty (BL). Additionally, the study aims to compare CBE and Satisfaction as predictors of BL, considering the two types of consumer–brand relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was applied to two independent samples. Respondents of one of the samples were asked to recall a brand with which they had a functional relationship, while the other respondents were asked to consider a brand with which they had an emotional relationship. To test research hypotheses, a causal model using SEM was developed.

Findings

Results validate CBE as a three-dimensional construct, stronger for emotional than functional brand relationships and show its significant direct and indirect impact on BL. Through a comparative analysis, findings also prove that the effects of CBE on BL, directly or indirectly through Satisfaction, are stronger for emotional relationships, while Satisfaction is a stronger direct predictor of BL for functional brand relationships.

Originality/value

Addressing calls to focus on the impact of specific brand types on engagement, this study allows a better understanding of the moderating role of functional and emotional relationships on CBE. This study further adds to the existing body of knowledge by establishing the mediating role of Satisfaction and comparing the contribution of CBE and Satisfaction to BL according to the nature of consumer–brand relationships. Overall, our findings enhance knowledge on how consumers engage with and become loyal to brands, offering important implications for brand managers.
Resolving staff-patron conflicts with digitization: one library’s experience
Authors: Adeleke Akinniyi Ayobami
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to narrate the success story of Tekena Tamuno Library by harnessing the multi-dimensional advantages of digital repository management, including multiple access to documents, simultaneous use by multiple patrons and effective space management, to address the tug of war that used to ensue between students and circulation staff over retrieval and use of past examinations question papers in the library.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes and reports the situation before and after the creation of Redeemers University e-question bank.

Findings

Interpersonal conflicts that often accompanied manual management and circulation of past question papers in the library were removed by the intervention. The circulation area that was often rowdy and noisy prior to digitization is now neat, quiet and alluring to visitors. Patrons now have a good perception of the library and its staff, thereby giving the library good reputation within and outside the university community.

Social implications

The paper shows that digitization could help to resolve interpersonal conflicts often created by manual management of paper documents in academic libraries.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of literary evidence on how Nigerian libraries digitized past examination question papers. This paper has addressed this gap to some extent.