bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Faking it or feeling it
Authors: Lee Lindsey , Madera Juan M.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how emotional labor strategies (deep and surface acting) impact engagement through stress via two different emotional displays (suppressing negative emotions and expressing positive emotions) in coworker-to-coworker relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used psychological and temporal separation techniques to survey hotel managers (Study 1) and hospitality students with frontline service jobs (Study 2).

Findings

Across both samples, the results showed that surface acting was related to suppressing negative emotions, which was positively related to stress, deep acting was related to expressing positive emotions, which was negatively related to stress, and stress was negatively related to engagement, suggesting that emotional labor affects engagement through either deep acting or surface acting and their related emotional displays.

Practical implications

The results show that hospitality employees either genuinely express positive emotions as a strategy to deep act or suppress negative emotions as a strategy to surface act with coworkers. Both emotional displays were related to engagement, suggesting that employers should alter expectations for emotional displays among coworkers and train employees how to manage their emotions to have a positive impact on engagement.

Originality/value

The unique contribution of the current paper is showing how emotional labor is related to engagement in the context of coworker-to-coworker emotional labor, which is rarely found in customer-based emotional labor. The results also provide a better understanding of how surface and deep acting are used in a hospitality context, because the measures of surface and deep acting usually focus on broad emotions rather than discrete emotions.
Hotels’ online reputation management: benefits perceived by managers
Authors: Perez-Aranda Javier , Vallespín María , Molinillo Sebastian
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to develop a measurement model to help hotels manage their reputation within the context of online reviews and ratings platforms and evaluate the impact of this reputation management on the benefits derived by the hotels, as perceived by their managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares was used to assess the model and make a causal predictive analysis, using data from a survey of a random sample of 335 Spanish hotel managers and personnel involved in reputation management.

Findings

This study shows the operationalization of hotel reputation management as a superordinate second-order construct affecting six individual first-order dimensions, strongly impacting on three key benefits as perceived by hotel managers (i.e. financial benefits, customer relationship benefits and customer-based brand benefits), within the context of online review platforms.

Practical implications

Based on the results of this study, hotel managers can improve the effectiveness of their management of ratings and reviews. They can also learn which aspects they should focus on when managing ratings and reviews.

Originality/value

Based on the opinions of hotel managers, a causal model for managing online reviews was developed and validated. This study shows how reputation management affects the benefits derived by hotels as perceived by their managers.
Political connections and strategic choices of emerging market firms
Authors: Klarin Anton , Ray Pradeep Kanta
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of political connections in the emerging market context.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study analysis of three Russian pharmaceutical firms is conducted to uncover how they performed through the Russian transition – the institutional upheaval of the 1990s – and the ongoing state-led industrialization.

Findings

In the early years of transition, firms heavily rely on political networking to gain legitimacy and fill institutional voids. As institutions strengthen, the need for political networking is being substituted by arm’s length networking. Strengthening of institutions also results in a more stable business environment, evolving firms’ strategies from short-term core competency concentration to long-term innovative visions.

Research limitations/implications

Firms operating in the Russian, Commonwealth of Independent States and some other Eastern European state domains must be wary of complex ties that are prevalent in these countries and often can assist or hinder firm performance. Although formal institutions strengthen arm’s length networks, a close cooperation between strategic firms and the state remains.

Originality/value

The paper proposes two phases of the Russian transition and provides a taxonomy of strategic choices of Russian firms during the transition. Further, the paper describes the key institutional developments in the two phases of the Russian transition. Finally, a framework of political connections and their role in business operations in the two phases of the transition is provided.
Global value chains in the MedTech industry
Authors: Vlckova Jana , Thakur-Weigold Bublu Sarbani
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Medical technology (MedTech) is a growth industry, which like other manufacturing sectors has undergone fragmentation of production and emergence of Global Value Chains (GVCs). The purpose of this paper is to compare how two open European economies position themselves competitively within MedTech GVCs: highly developed Switzerland and the emerging Czech Republic.

Design/methodology/approach

The research applies a mixed methodology to analyze the performance of each location in the MedTech GVCs. It draws on macroeconomic, industry, trade and a proprietary sample of firm data, combined with onsite interviews.

Findings

The economic outcomes and GVC positions differ in both cases, whereas Switzerland focuses on high value-added activities such as R&D and after-sales service. Specialized manufacturing is also located here in spite of high costs. By contrast, the Czech Republic focuses mostly on low value-added activities, like manufacturing disposables, although some domestic innovative companies are notable. The authors generalize four types of firms in the industry, comparing their presence in both locations.

Practical implications

The competitive positions and challenges faced by each location when engaging in MedTech GVCs are summarized and related to economic outcomes. In the Czech Republic, the barriers to upgrading include its business environment, and weak links between education institutions and industry. Switzerland’s high cost structure is offset by adding high value in core competencies. Both countries should protect the inherent advantage their locations offer within responsive European supply chains.

Originality/value

GVC research in the MedTech sector has been limited. There is no comparison of two European countries, and their position in MedTech GVCs, nor of how firms, participate successfully in them.
Why do organizations discontinue Lean Six Sigma initiatives?
Authors: Sony Michael , Naik Subhash , Therisa K.K.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has been one of the most widely used quality improvement initiatives over the last decade. However, the success rate of LSS is dismally poor, and most organizations discontinue LSS initiatives prematurely. The purpose of this paper is to answer the question why do organizations discontinue LSS initiatives?

Design/methodology/approach

To understand the discontinuance mechanism of LSS initiatives, the authors selected two companies. One from the manufacturing and one from service sector in India. The companies were selected as they had initially implemented LSS, and later within six years had discontinued the initiatives. Four projects from each company were studied using case study methodology.

Findings

This study finds 11 factors due to which the organizations discontinue LSS initiatives. The factors are poor success rate, unrealistic expectations from LSS, unsustainable results, misuse of statistics, large tool set, unsupportive and uncommitted top management, lack of training and development, lack of synergy of LSS and business strategy, lack of link between LSS and customer needs, wrong projects selection and premature discontinuation of LSS experts. The study further discusses the discontinuance mechanisms of LSS using propositions.

Practical implications

LSS is one of the most widely used initiatives in the organizations. Such initiatives involve costs. Earlier studies have reported that many organizations discontinue the LSS initiatives resulting in a loss or not meeting the intended goals. This paper will help the practitioners as well as organizations to understand why organizations discontinue LSS and take prompt actions for its success.

Originality/value

Earlier studies on LSS address the critical success factors, and this paper addresses those about failures by studying organizations that have discontinued LSS. The present study finds 11 factors that are responsible for discontinuing LSS in organizations. In addition, propositions are developed for future research and empirical testing. This study also offers further insights into the discontinuance mechanisms involved in LSS.
A hybrid EWMA chart using coefficient of variation
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Gadde Srinivasa Rao , Aldosari Mansour Sattam , Jun Chi-Hyuck
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new control chart using two EWMA statistics called the hybrid exponentially weighted moving average (HEWMA) chart to improve the sensitivity of EWMA chart proposed by Zhang et al. (2014). When mean and variance of process are not constants, the use of control chart using coefficient of variation (CV) is a successful approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The control chart using EWMA statistics has ability to detect moderate and small shifts in the process. The authors present the designing of the proposed HEWMA statistics control chart called the HEWMACV chart based on two hybrid EWMA (HEWMA) statistics. The proposed control chart utilizes the current information and previous information to make decision about the state of control chart.

Findings

In this paper, the authors will present the designing of HEWMA statistics control chart called the HEWMACV chart. The efficiency of the proposed control chart is shown using the simulated data and real data from the industry. The application of proposed chart on the real data shows that the proposed chart has ability to detect shift in the process and it is superior than existing chart in terms of average run length (ARL).

Research limitations/implications

The design and implementation of the proposed control chart on a real data shows that it can be applied in several industries, such as chemical industry, biological assays, etc.

Practical implications

The practical application of HEWMA chart using coefficient variation is gaining extensive adequacy. The design and implementation of the HEWMA chart offers a new approach in the detection of small process mean shift.

Originality/value

In practice, when mean and variance of process are not constants, the use of control chart using CV is a successful approach. In this paper, the authors designed a new control chart using two EWMA statistics called the HEWMA chart to improve the sensitivity of EWMA chart. The comparison shows that the proposed chart is superior than the existing chart in terms of ARL.
Browsing behaviour as a mediator: the impact of multi-sensory cues on purchasing
Authors: Helmefalk Miralem
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how multi-sensory cues, when store-congruent, influence consumer browsing behaviour and its subsequent effect on purchasing.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were used with a field experimental design in a furnishing retail store to examine browsing behaviour and purchasing in a visual, auditory, olfactory and a multi-sensory treatment group. Data were gathered over 12 weeks. This study was a set of studies comprising my dissertation thesis (Helmefalk, 2017).

Findings

Findings show that multi-sensory cues in a retail atmosphere are evidently influencing purchasing via browsing behaviour as a mediator.

Originality/value

The findings evidence browsing behaviour as a mediator and predictor for purchasing, which emphasizes its conceptual and empirical contribution in terms of modifying retail atmospheres. The work contributes to the field of retailing, sensory marketing and consumer behaviour, a novel view on the linkages between multi-sensory cues, browsing behaviour and purchasing.
Questionable research practices when using confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Crede Marcus , Harms Peter
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe common questionable research practices (QRPs) engaged in by management researchers who use confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) as part of their analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors describe seven questionable analytic practices and then review one year of journal articles published in three top-tier management journals to estimate the base rate of these practices.

Findings

The authors find that CFA analyses are characterized by a high base rate of QRPs with one practice occurring for over 90 percent of all assessed articles.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this paper call into question the validity and trustworthiness of results reported in much of the management literature.

Practical implications

The authors provide tentative guidelines of how editors and reviewers might reduce the degree to which the management literature is characterized by these QRPs.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to estimate the base rate of six QRPs relating to the widely used analytic tool referred to as CFA in the management literature.
Looking for learning in teacher learning networks in Kenya
Authors: Anderson Stephen , Manion Caroline , Drinkwater Mary , Chande Rupen , Galt Wesley
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the findings from a study of teacher professional learning networks in Kenya. Specific areas of focus included network participation, network activities, network leadership, and professional impact on network members and their schools.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was grounded in the literature on education networks and teacher learning. The research employed a qualitative design and was implemented from September 2015–March 2017, including three two-week field trips to Kenya. Data included network records, 83 personal interviews, 4 focus group interviews, 19 observations of network meetings, and classroom observation of network and non-network teachers in 12 schools.

Findings

Network participation had positive effects on teachers’ sense of professionalism and commitment to teaching and on their attitudes toward ongoing professional learning and improvement in student learning. Teachers also highlighted network benefits for learning to use new teaching strategies and materials, responding to student misbehavior and misunderstanding, and lesson preparation.

Research limitations/implications

Research constraints did not permit longitudinal investigation of network activities and outcomes.

Practical implications

The paper identifies challenges and potential focuses for strengthening the learning potential of network activities, network leadership, and the links between network activity and school improvement.

Originality/value

Prior research has investigated education networks mostly in North American and similar high income settings. This paper highlights the benefits and challenges for networks as a strategy for continuous teacher development in a low income low resource capacity context.
Consent searches: understanding the role of race and what occurs during the traffic stop
Authors: Vito Anthony G. , Grossi Elizabeth L. , Woodward Griffin Vanessa , Higgins George E.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply focal concerns theory as a theoretical explanation for police officer decision making during a traffic stop that results in a consent search. The study uses coefficients testing to better examine the issue of racial profiling through the use of a race-specific model.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study come from traffic stops conducted by the Louisville Police Department between January 1 and December 31, 2002.

Findings

The results show that the three components of focal concerns theory can explain police officer decision making for consent searches. Yet, the components of focal concerns theory play a greater role in stops of Caucasian male drivers.

Research limitations/implications

The data for this study are cross-sectional and self-reported from police officers.

Practical implications

This paper shows the utility of applying focal concerns theory as a theoretical explanation for police officer decision making on consent searches and how the effects of focal concerns vary depending on driver race.

Social implications

The findings based on focal concerns theory can provide an opportunity for police officers or departments to explain what factors impact the decision making during consent searches.

Originality/value

This is the first study (to the researchers’ knowledge) that examines the racial effects of focal concerns on traffic stop consent searchers using coefficients testing.
Commercialising innovations from the informal economy
Authors: Sharma Gautam , Kumar Hemant
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the commercialisation mechanisms of the innovations that emerge from the informal sector of Indian economy. Also known as grassroots innovations, they are said to better fit with the local market demands and conditions in the developing nations of the world. The paper discusses the grassroots innovation ecosystem in India and the role that is played by the state in providing institutional support.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an exploratory study using both the primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data are taken from the interview of the innovators during the field work, whereas secondary data are acquired from research articles published in various journals indexed in Scopus and web of sciences, government publications and reports. The annual reports of National Innovation Foundation are analysed to gather information and to build the arguments for this paper. The secondary data are also collected and evaluated from the database of the grassroots innovators available on Grassroots Innovation Augmentation Network.

Findings

The paper provides insight into how the grassroots innovations are commercialised in India through different pathways such as social entrepreneurship, technology transfer and open source technology. It takes four case studies to discuss the institutional support to the grassroots innovator and the challenges in the diffusion of the grassroots innovations.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the chosen research approach, the results cannot be generalised on all grassroots innovations. Researchers are encouraged to conduct a survey of more grassroots innovations in order to derive generalised outputs.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for understanding the diffusion process of grassroots innovations that can be useful for all the emerging and developing nations.

Originality/value

The paper fulfils an identified need to study the diffusion modes of informal sector innovations and management of grassroots innovations.
Imported inputs and exporting in the Africa’s manufacturing sector
Authors: Bbaale Edward , Okumu Ibrahim Mike , Kavuma Suzan Namirembe
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate both direct and indirect channels through which imported inputs spur exporting in the African manufacturing sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors estimated models for all exporters, direct exporters and indirect exporters using a probit model. The authors circumvented the endogeneity of imported inputs and productivity in the export status models by using their lagged values. The authors employed the World Bank Enterprise Survey data for a set of 26 African countries.

Findings

From the direct channel, the authors find that importers of inputs in the previous period increase the probability of exporting in the current period pointing to the possibility of sunk cost complementarities. Indirectly, high lagged firm productivity spurs exporting in the current period. Being a direct importer of inputs in the previous period increases the probability of exporting directly but has no effect on indirect exporters. Both channels are complimentary because their interaction term is positive and significant.

Practical implications

The importation of inputs seems a precondition for exporting and that any policy obscuring imports may indirectly inhibit exportation. Government policy should make importation inputs easier in order to stimulate exporting activities.

Originality/value

The paper’s contribution to empirical literature is that much of the empirical studies have overly concentrated on developed countries and hence leaving a huge knowledge gap for African countries. The only papers focusing on Africa are by Parra and Martínez-Zarzoso (2015), who focused on the Egyptian manufacturing sector, and Edwardset al. (2017), who used firm-level data from South Africa. The authors extend this literature by undertaking firm-level analysis in a cross-country setting among manufacturing firms in Africa.
Recycling intentions and behaviors among informal micro-entrepreneurs in Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Mamun Abdullah Al , Saufi Roselina Ahmad , Mohiuddin Muhammad , Fazal Syed Ali
Published: February 2019

Purpose

As recycling is associated with various environmental benefits, it is important that it is encouraged in Malaysia. Taking the disappointingly low recycling rate in Malaysia as its backdrop, the purpose of this paper is to examine recycling intentions and behaviors among micro-entrepreneurs in Kelantan, Malaysia, drawing on the theory of planned behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a cross-sectional design and stratified random sampling method to select 200 informal micro-entrepreneurs from Kota Bharu, Kelantan; then, quantitative data were collected through structured interviews. For data analysis, this study adopted variance-based structural equation modeling, i.e. PLS–SEM.

Findings

The findings indicated that environmental awareness had a significant positive effect on micro-entrepreneurs’ attitudes toward the environment. They also confirmed a positive and significant effect of attitude and perceived behavioral control on intention toward recycling and the effect of intention toward recycling on recycling behavior among the study sample.

Practical implications

Policies and programs focused on environmental awareness could nurture a positive attitude toward the environment, which, together with the capacities and resources available, could significantly influence the adoption of recycling behavior among informal entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

It is recommended that both public and private environmental protection and socio-economic development organizations combine their efforts to formulate and enforce policies and programs to promote recycling behavior among Malaysian entrepreneurs, which could spread the recycling spirit among all Malaysians.
Atopic dermatitis disease registry in Japanese adult patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (ADDRESS‐J): Baseline characteristics, treatment history and disease burden
Authors: Katoh Norito , Saeki Hidehisa , Kataoka Yoko , Etoh Takafumi , Teramukai Satoshi , Takagi Hiroki , Tajima Yuki , Ardeleanu Marius , Rizova Elena , Arima Kazuhiko ,   the ADDRESS‐J Investigators
Published: February 2019

Moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) has a high disease burden and a significant effect on quality of life. Observational studies are necessary to determine the patient disease burden and long‐term disease control in the Japanese population. ADDRESS‐J is a non‐interventional, observational registry of adult Japanese patients with moderate to severe AD. Herein, we report baseline data from the ADDRESS‐J study describing disease characteristics and current treatment practices. At baseline, 300 adult AD patients with Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) scores (range, 0–4) of 3 (moderate) or 4 (severe) whose treatments for AD were intensified, were assessed for clinical and patient‐reported outcomes and current AD treatments. The registry patients’ median age was 34.0 years; 60.7% were male and 71.7% had had AD for more than 20 years. At baseline, 220 study patients had an IGA score of 3 and 80 had an IGA score of 4. The median Eczema Area and Severity Index score was 21.7 (range, 0–72), the median body surface area involvement was 46.25%, and the median pruritus numerical rating scale score was 7.0 (range, 0–10); for each of these measures, higher scores represent greater severity. Most registry patients (86.7%) had recently used topical corticosteroids or topical calcineurin inhibitors as treatment for AD. This registry cohort represents a population of Japanese patients with moderate to severe AD and provides an important resource for characterizing the disease burden and evaluating the safety and effectiveness of various AD treatments.
NF‐κB as the mediator of metformin's effect on ageing and ageing‐related diseases
Authors: Kanigur Sultuybek Gönül , Soydas Tugba , Yenmis Guven
Published: February 2019

Ageing can be defined as the progressive failure of repair and maintenance systems with a consequent accumulation of cellular damage in nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. These various types of damage promote ageing by driving cellular senescence and apoptosis. The nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐kB) pathway is one of the key mediators of ageing and this pathway is activated by genotoxic, oxidative and inflammatory stress, and regulates expression of cytokines, growth factors, and genes that regulate apoptosis, cell‐cycle progression, and inflammation. Therefore, NF‐kB is increased in a variety of tissues with ageing, thus the inhibition of NF‐kB leads to delayed onset of ageing‐related symptoms and pathologies such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Metformin is often used as an anti‐diabetic medication in type 2 diabetes throughout the world and appears to be a potential anti‐ageing agent. Owing to its antioxidant, anticancer, cardio‐protective and anti‐inflammatory properties, metformin has become a potential candidate drug, improving in the context of ageing and ageing‐related diseases. An inappropriate NF‐kB activation is associated with diseases and pathologic conditions which can impair the activity of genes involved in cell senescence, apoptosis, immunity, and inflammation. Metformin, inhibiting the expression of NF‐kB gene, eliminates the susceptibility to common diseases. This review underlines the pleiotropic effects of metformin in ageing and different ageing‐related diseases and attributes its effects to the modulation of NF‐kB.
Women with threatened preterm labour followed by term delivery have an increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Cho GJ , Choi S‐J , Lee K‐M , Han SW , Kim HY , Ahn K‐H , Hong S‐C , Kim H‐J , Oh M‐J
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the association of a history of threatened preterm labour (TPL) followed by term delivery with the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD) in subsequent pregnancy.

Design

Population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Data of the National Health Insurance Claims Database and a national health‐screening programme for infants and children in South Korea.

Population

Women who had their first singleton delivery in 2010 and a subsequent second singleton delivery between 2011 and 2015.

Methods

Multivariable analysis adjusting for maternal age and interval between first and second deliveries was used to assess the risk of PTD based on PTD, TPL followed by term delivery, and term delivery in the first pregnancy.

Main outcome measures

The risk of PTD during the second pregnancy.

Results

This study included 115 629 women with two consecutive deliveries during the study period. Spontaneous PTD rates in the second pregnancy were 7.71, 2.22 and 1.02% in women with PTD, TPL followed by term delivery, and term delivery in the first pregnancy, respectively. Threatened preterm labour followed by term delivery in the first pregnancy was associated with increased risk of PTD in the subsequent pregnancy after adjustment for potential confounding factors (adjusted odds ratio 2.21; 95% CI 1.76–2.78).

Conclusion

Although women with a history of TPL followed by term delivery had a lower risk of PTD during a subsequent pregnancy compared with those with history of previous PTD, they still had a significantly increased risk of PTD compared with those who delivered at term without TPL.

Tweetable abstract

The history of threatened preterm labour followed by term delivery is related to increased risk of subsequent spontaneous preterm delivery.
A new cost‐effective and fast direct PCR protocol for insects based on PBS buffer
Authors: Thongjued Kantima , Chotigeat Wilaiwan , Bumrungsri Sara , Thanakiatkrai Phuvadol , Kitpipit Thitika
Published: February 2019

Insect DNA barcoding is a species identification technique used in biodiversity assessment and ecological studies. However, DNA extraction can result in the loss of up to 70% of DNA. Recent research has reported that direct PCR can overcome this issue. However, the success rates could still be improved, and tissues used for direct PCR could not be reused for further genetic studies. Here, we developed a direct PCR workflow that incorporates a 2‐min sample preparation in PBS‐buffer step for fast and effective universal insect species identification. The developed protocol achieved 100% success rates for amplification in six orders: Mantodea, Phasmatodea, Neuroptera, Odonata, Blattodea and Orthoptera. High and moderate success rates were obtained for five other species: Lepidoptera (97.3%), Coleoptera (93.8%), Diptera (90.5%), Hemiptera (81.8%) and Hymenoptera (75.0%). High‐quality sequencing data were also obtained from these amplifiable products, allowing confidence in species identification. The method was sensitive down to 1/4th of a 1‐mm fragment of leg or body and its success rates with oven‐dried, ethanol‐preserved, food, bat guano and museum specimens were 100%, 98.6%, 90.0%, 84.0% and 30.0%, respectively. In addition, the pre‐PCR solution (PBS with insect tissues) could be used for further DNA extraction if needed. The workflow will be beneficial in the fields of insect taxonomy and ecological studies due to its low cost, simplicity and applicability to highly degraded specimens.
Thymic neoplasms patients complicated with bronchiectasis: Case series in a Chinese hospital and literature review
Authors: Liu Yongjian , Xu Yan , Tian Xinlun , Huang Hui , Hou Xiaomeng , Chen Minjiang , Zhong Wei , Zhao Jing , Gao Jinming , Wang Jinglan , Shi Juhong , Wang Mengzhao
Published: February 2019

Background

Bronchiectasis is a rare complication in patients with thymic neoplasm. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological manifestations, laboratory tests, pathologic features, and outcome of treatment of bronchiectasis in patients with thymic neoplasm.

Methods

From January 2000 to January 2018, 20 patients with a diagnosis of thymic neoplasm and bronchiectasis were hospitalized at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Clinical data was retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The prevalence of bronchiectasis in thymic neoplasms in our cohort was 1.56% (20/1279). Eighteen patients were diagnosed with thymoma, while two patients were diagnosed with thymic carcinoid. The duration from diagnosis of thymic neoplasm to bronchiectasis varied. Distributions of bronchiectasis were bilateral in 17 patients and unilateral in three patients. Four patients were previously diagnosed with diffuse panbronchiolitis and another two were suspected with diffuse panbronchiolitis. Twelve patients had various parathymic syndromes, including Good syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and aplastic anemia. Thymectomy was performed in all of these patients. Macrolide antibiotics were administered to 10 patients, and the symptoms improved in 8.

Conclusion

Bronchiectasis is a complication in thymic neoplasms, although prevalence is low. There may be multifactorial etiologies for bronchiectasis in patients with thymic neoplasms. Comprehensive treatment should be carried out to ensure optimal outcomes.
Trade‐offs between Tax and Financial Reporting Benefits: Evidence from Purchase Price Allocations in Taxable Acquisitions
Authors: Lynch Daniel , Romney Miles , Stomberg Bridget , Wangerin Daniel , Robinson John R.
Published: February 2019

Under U.S. GAAP, firms recognize assets acquired in business combinations at fair value. Similarly, in taxable asset acquisitions firms adjust the tax basis of assets to fair value. Managers can increase the present value of future tax savings by allocating a greater portion of the purchase price to shorter‐lived assets than to goodwill or indefinite‐lived intangibles. However, this tax planning strategy imposes a financial reporting cost because it reduces book income following the acquisition; all else equal, allocations to shorter‐lived depreciable assets increase book depreciation expense, whereas allocations to goodwill and indefinite‐lived intangibles do not increase book amortization expense. We exploit the features of taxable asset acquisitions to investigate trade‐offs between tax and financial reporting incentives. We predict and find greater allocations to depreciable versus intangible assets when managers have strong tax incentives and weak financial reporting incentives. However, we also find that strong financial reporting incentives moderate the effects of strong tax incentives. These findings contribute new evidence to the literature on the importance of nontax costs in tax planning decisions
Sedimentation affects emergence rate of host fish fry in unionoid mussel streams
Authors: Österling E. M.
Published: February 2019

Free‐living, sympatric sedentary life stages of hosts and parasites are often adapted to similar environmental conditions. When the environment where these life stages occur is disturbed, both species can decline, causing strong negative effects on the parasitic species. For the highly threatened unionoid mussels with their larval parasitic life stage on fish, habitat degradation may simultaneously affect the conditions for the sedentary host fish eggs and the juvenile mussels in the sediment. This study provides novel information on the effect of sedimentation on the emergence rate of yolk sac fry, and its relation to mussel recruitment in two drainage basins, and is exemplified by the brown trout Salmo trutta, host fish for the threatened freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera. The results imply that turbidity and sedimentation can reduce the survival of trout eggs and yolk sac fry emergence rate regardless of trout strain and drainage basin. The results further suggest that low yolk sac fry emergence rates reduce the potential for mussel infestation and recruitment. The results indicate a year round negative effect of sedimentation, having strong and combined direct and indirect effects on juvenile mussel recruitment. Conservation measures that reduce anthropogenic sediment transportation into streams are a key factor for the conservation of mussels and their host fish.
New and resurgent insect pests on low trellis hops
Authors: Campbell Colin A. M.
Published: February 2019

Selective insecticides have largely displaced broad‐spectrum products on cultivated hops, allowing a resurgence of historic pests and new ones to arise.

The present study reports the incidence of 30 insect species from four insect Orders and 14 Families feeding on aphid susceptible and/or aphid‐resistant low trellis hop cultivars in south‐east England and at three West Midland sites. Three are Kent Red Data Book species [Adoxophyes orana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), Hypena rostralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Psylliodes attenuatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)] and three are DEFRA biodiversity action plan priority insects [Acronicta rumicis, Melanchra persicariae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Spilosoma lubricipedia (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)].

Six common lepidopteran species severely damaged hop cones (Adoxophyes orana, Autographa gamma, Epiphyas postvittana, Eupitheca assimilata, Mamestra brassicae and S. lubricipedia), whereas Biston betularia, H. rostralis, Melanchra persicariae and Phlogophora meticulosa did not. European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) feeding on hops in Kent are the so‐called E‐pherotype.

Lygocoris pabulinus (Hemiptera: Miridae) caged on developing flowering lateral shoots reduced numbers of developing hop cones by 38% and cone weight by 42%, whereas Liocoris tripustulatus caused no losses.

Companion plants in the drive alleys between rows of hops reduced the incidences of L. tripustulatus and S. lubricipedia.
Time from referral to ovarian tissue cryopreservation in a cohort of Danish women
Authors: Kristensen Stine Gry , Pors Susanne Elisabeth , Poulsen Liv la Cour , Andersen Signe Taasti , Wakimoto Yu , Yding Andersen Claus
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Young women with a cancer diagnosis often have very little time to decide whether or not to commence fertility‐preserving strategies before initiating potentially sterilizing cancer treatment. Minimizing the interval from opting for fertility preservation to completion of the procedure will reduce the potential risk of delaying cancer treatment. In the current study, we have evaluated the period of time from referral to ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) to actual freezing of the tissue in a cohort of Danish women.

Material and methods

The study population comprised 277 consecutive patients with both malignant and nonmalignant diseases referred for OTC from four centers in the Danish network. Statistical analysis was conducted to analyze the impact of age, diagnosis, and referring center on the time from OTC‐referral to OTC. A literature search for “random start” protocols for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for fertility preservation in cancer patients was performed.

Results

The time from OTC‐referral to OTC was significantly influenced by diagnosis, age, and referring center. Women with malignant diseases other than breast cancer, such as sarcomas, pelvic cancers, and hematological cancers, experienced a significantly shorter interval to OTC (5 days) than women with breast cancer (7 days) and nonmalignant diseases including systemic, ovarian, and hereditary conditions (13‐17.5 days). Women over the age of 30 years experienced a significantly longer time to OTC (P < 0.03), and the diagnosis determined the length of the interval (P < 0.001). According to the literature, fertility preservation by oocyte vitrification requires 13‐14 days, as the average time for 1 round of COS was 11 days and oocyte collection can be performed 2 days later.

Conclusions

It is in the interest of both cancer patients and clinicians to perform fertility preservation as quickly and safely as possible. In a Danish setting, OTC provides a short interval of around 6 days from the patient choosing this option to completion of the procedure. This is considerably less time than what is needed to perform COS and oocyte vitrification, and therefore OTC might be considered the preferred choice of fertility preservation when urgency is needed.
Bridging adults and paediatrics with secondary hyperparathyroidism receiving haemodialysis: a pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic analysis of cinacalcet
Authors: Chen Ping , Sohn Winnie , Narayanan Adimoolam , Gisleskog Per Olsson , Melhem Murad
Published: February 2019

Aims

The aims of this study were to develop a pharmacokinetic (PK) and PK‐pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model of cinacalcet in adults and paediatrics with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) on dialysis, to test covariates of interest, and to perform simulations to inform dosing in paediatrics with SHPT.

Methods

Cinacalcet PK, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and corrected calcium (cCa) time courses following multiple daily oral doses (1–300 mg) were modelled using a nonlinear mixed effects modelling approach using data from eight clinical studies. Model‐based trial simulations, using adult or paediatric titration schemas, predicted efficacy (iPTH change from baseline and proportion achieving iPTH decrease ≥30%) and safety (cCa change from baseline and proportion achieving cCa ≤8.4 mg/dL) endpoints at 24 weeks.

Results

Cinacalcet PK parameters were described by a two‐compartment linear model with delayed first‐order absorption‐elimination (apparent clearance = 287.74 L h−1). Simulations suggested that paediatric starting doses (1, 2.5, 5, 10 and 15 mg) would provide PK exposures less than or similar to a 30 mg adult dose. The titrated dose simulations suggested that the mean (prediction interval) proportion of paediatric and adult subjects achieving ≥30% reduction in iPTH from baseline at Week 24 was 49% (36%, 62%), and 70.1% (62.5%, 77%), respectively. Additionally, the mean (confidence interval) proportion of paediatric and adult subjects achieving cCa ≤8.4 mg dL−1 at Week 24 was 8% (2%, 18%) and 23.6% (17.5%, 30.5%), respectively.

Conclusions

Model‐based simulations showed that the paediatric cinacalcet starting dose (0.2 mg kg−1), titrated to effect, would provide the desired PD efficacy (PTH suppression <30%) while minimizing safety concerns (hypocalcaemia).
Palliative care use amongst patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Hugar Lee A. , Lopa Samia H. , Yabes Jonathan G. , Yu Justin A. , Turner Robert M. , Fam Mina M. , MacLeod Liam C. , Davies Benjamin J. , Smith Angela B. , Jacobs Bruce L.
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To describe the rate and determinants of palliative care use amongst Medicare beneficiaries with bladder cancer and encourage a national dialogue on improving coordinated urological, oncological, and palliative care in patients with genitourinary malignancies.

Patients and methods

Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare data, we identified patients diagnosed with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) between 2008 and 2013. Our primary outcome was receipt of palliative care, defined as the presence of a claim submitted by a Hospice and Palliative Medicine subspecialist. We examined determinants of palliative care use using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Over the study period, 7303 patients were diagnosed with MIBC and 262 (3.6%) received palliative care. Of 2185 patients with advanced bladder cancer, defined as either T4, N+, or M+ disease, 90 (4.1%) received palliative care. Most patients that received palliative care (>80%, >210/262) did so within 24 months of diagnosis. On multivariable analysis, patients receiving palliative care were more likely to be younger, female, have greater comorbidity, live in the central USA, and have undergone radical cystectomy as opposed to a bladder‐sparing approach. The adjusted probability of receiving palliative care did not significantly change over time.

Conclusions

Palliative care provides a host of benefits for patients with cancer, including improved spirituality, decrease in disease‐specific symptoms, and better functional status. However, despite strong evidence for incorporating palliative care into standard oncological care, use in patients with bladder cancer is low at 4%. This study provides a conservative baseline estimate of current palliative care use and should serve as a foundation to further investigate physician‐, patient‐, and system‐level barriers to this care.
IRTree models with ordinal and multidimensional decision nodes for response styles and trait‐based rating responses
Authors: Meiser Thorsten , Plieninger Hansjörg , Henninger Mirka
Published: February 2019

IRTree models decompose observed rating responses into sequences of theory‐based decision nodes, and they provide a flexible framework for analysing trait‐related judgements and response styles. However, most previous applications of IRTree models have been limited to binary decision nodes that reflect qualitatively distinct and unidimensional judgement processes. The present research extends the family of IRTree models for the analysis of response styles to ordinal judgement processes for polytomous decisions and to multidimensional parametrizations of decision nodes. The integration of ordinal judgement processes overcomes the limitation to binary nodes, and it allows researchers to test whether decisions reflect qualitatively distinct response processes or gradual steps on a joint latent continuum. The extension to multidimensional node models enables researchers to specify multiple judgement processes that simultaneously affect the decision between competing response options. Empirical applications highlight the roles of extreme and midpoint response style in rating judgements and show that judgement processes are moderated by different response formats. Model applications with multidimensional decision nodes reveal that decisions among rating categories are jointly informed by trait‐related processes and response styles.
Evidence of sea level drawdown at the end of the Messinian salinity crisis and seismic investigation of the Nahr Menashe unit in the northern Levant Basin, offshore Lebanon
Authors: Kartveit Kyrre Heldal , Ulsund Heidrun Breiset , Johansen Ståle Emil
Published: February 2019

Several important aspects of the Messinian salinity crisis (MSC) are still subject to controversy and debate after more than 40 years of studies. Recent work from the eastern Mediterranean have provided a renewed stratigraphic framework for the basin that is inconsistent with previous interpretation studies in the area. This study presents a description of the evolution of the depositional environment in the northern Levant Basin in a time interval surrounding the end of the famous event, from Late Messinian to the Pliocene. Through seismic mapping, we have identified a sediment package overlying the intra‐Messinian truncation surface (IMTS). This package is interpreted as an axial fluvial system running along the Levant Margin in stage 3 of the salinity crisis, likely composed of redeposited evaporites and clastic material. The system was fed primarily from a large fan system building out from the basin margin during a time of sea‐level low stand following a major erosional event, and presumably also from similar systems along the Latakia Ridge and Syria. Our interpretation also lends weight to the theory of a subaerial origin for the truncation surface after a catastrophic desiccation event succeeding the deposition of the halite‐dominated Messinian evaporite succession, based on differences in maximum erosional depth throughout the basin. After the deposition of the post‐IMTS package, deep marine settings were restored in the basin, and hemipelagic sediments from the Nile Delta and the Levant Margin have dominated the sediment deposition since.