bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How shareholder resources impact on the allocation of control power: example of China Vanke
Authors: Gao Li , Song Jinnan , Liang Jiajuan , Guo Jianxiao
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the influence of founder shareholders’ resources on the allocation of control rights from the perspective of incomplete contract theory and resource-based theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes newspaper materials with NVivo11on a case of battle for corporate control in Chinese top-listed company-Vanke Group.

Findings

The research shows that human capital is the key resource and the holding proportion of financial resources directly affects the allocation of control rights. At the same time, social capital is unstable and easily broken. At last, institutional environment also affects the degree between the relationship of founder shareholders’ resources and the allocation of control rights. The influence of founder-shareholder resources on the allocation of control rights follows the path of “crisis – founder-shareholder’s resources – founder’s ability - allocation of control rights.”

Research limitations/implications

This study only selects the financial capital, human capital and social capital of Shi Wang, the founder of Vanke, as the analysis object. The study can expand the types of founder shareholder resources to verify and enrich the conclusions.

Originality/value

The current theoretical research in the literature focuses on the necessity of equity and shareholder’s resources versus the control rights. Some key factors and mechanism on the relationship have not been fully clarified. The results of this paper not only extend the combination research of social network and corporate governance, but also provide enterprise founders with references for making reasonable decisions during control battle.
“My only solution is to work later and sleep less”: exploring the perspectives of parenting in academia in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Smith-Carrier Tracy A. , Benbow Sarah , Lawlor Andrea , O'Reilly Andrea
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of parents who have full professorial positions (in faculties of engineering and nursing) in universities in Ontario, Canada, with a particular focus on the ways in which gender shapes professors' parenting experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ a case study methodology involving quantitative and qualitative data collected from a survey emailed to full professors in Ontario.

Findings

Data from the study reveal that numerous strategies, resources (e.g. informal social support networks, supportive partners) and institutional supports (i.e. pausing the tenure clock after child birth) are required to assist academics to meet the extensive demands of their positions, while they perform caregiving responsibilities for their children.

Research limitations/implications

The protected ground of family status is inconsistently applied in Canadian human rights policy, considerably reducing its transformative potential. Yet, while family status gains greater recognition in rights-based practice, we argue that it be added to forthcoming institutional equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plans across post-secondary institutions to better ensure equity for mothers who shoulder significant paid and unpaid work responsibilities.

Originality/value

While there is literature on parenting in academia, family status is rarely featured as an intersection of interest in EDI research. This article aims to fill this gap.
Explaining different types of undeclared work: lessons from a 2019 Eurobarometer survey
Authors: Williams Colin , Oz-Yalaman Gamze
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Until now, most scholars have used one of four competing theories to explain undeclared work. Political economy theories explain undeclared work as resulting from the exclusion of workers from formal work and welfare, neo-liberal theories explain such work as a voluntarily chosen rational economic decision and neo-institutionalist and post-structuralist theories explain those engaging as social actors who disagree with the formal rules or seek to help others out respectively. Recognising that each theory focuses upon different employment relationships, this paper evaluates the proposition that these different theories are more explanations of different types of undeclared work.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate this, data reported is collected in 2019 across 28 European countries (the 27 member states of the European Union and the United Kingdom) in special Eurobarometer survey 92.1 involving 27,565 interviews.

Findings

Of the 3.6% of citizens participating in undeclared work, 10% engage in undeclared waged employment, 42% in undeclared self-employment and 48% in undeclared paid favours. Reporting their rationales, 7% state purely political economy exclusion-driven reasons, 19% solely neo-liberal rational economic actor reasons, 20% purely social actor reasons and 54% mixed motives. A logistic regression analysis finds those engaging in undeclared waged employment significantly more likely to state purely exclusion-driven rationales, those engaging in undeclared self-employment significantly more likely to state neo-liberal rational economic actor and neo-institutionalist social actor rationales and those engaging in undeclared paid favours post-structuralist social actor motives.

Practical implications

This finding suggests that the policy initiatives required to tackle undeclared work will vary according to the type of undeclared work addressed. These are outlined.

Originality/value

Evidence is provided that a different weighting needs to be given to different theories when explaining each type of undeclared work.
Validating an information privacy governance questionnaire to measure the perception of employees
Authors: Swartz Paulus , Da Veiga Adele , Martins Nico
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to conduct a survey in a bank to measure the perception of employees towards the effective governance of information privacy and at the same time validating the information privacy governance questionnaire (IPGQ) used in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was followed using an online survey questionnaire to collect data in a bank in South Africa.

Findings

The survey results showed that employees perceived the governance of privacy in the organisation in a positive way. Three significant differences were identified, namely, Generation-Y being significantly more positive than Generation-X regarding privacy control assessment. Also, that the contractor/vendor group was significantly more positive than permanent employees regarding organisational commitment and privacy control assessment. Exploratory factor analysis was used to validate the IPGQ and four factors were identified: privacy control assessment, personal information awareness assessment, privacy governance reporting and organisational commitment towards privacy. Cronbach’s alpha was used to establish the internal reliability of the factors and indicated good internal consistency.

Research limitations/implications

One of the potential empirical research limitations for this study is that the study was conducted in a single organisation; therefore, when generalising the results, caution must be taken.

Practical implications

Organisations, academics and the industry may find the questionnaire useful to determine employee perception towards privacy governance and to identify recommendations that could be used to improve their privacy policies, privacy programme controls and organisational commitment towards privacy. In this study, it was identified that for Generation-X employees to be more accepting towards the privacy controls, the organisation needs to implement focussed awareness training for them. To ensure permanent employees’ commitment and accountability, internal audits, monitoring and risk assessment measures need to be implemented. These can be directed through the outcomes of the survey.

Originality/value

The IPGQ can aid organisations in determining if they are governing privacy effectively, and thus assist them in meeting the accountability condition of data protection regulation.
Strategic supplier management in nascent firms: an examination of how nascent firms improve customer attractiveness to obtain strategic supplier collaboration
Authors: Jenkins Matthew , Holcomb Mary
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the activities that nascent firms undertake to improve customer attractiveness and gain collaborative commitment from strategic suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from a grounded theory study consisting of 26 participants from 15 firms and a review of extant literature were used to develop a theoretical model that explains how a nascent firm increases its customer attractiveness to elicit commitment and collaboration from strategic suppliers.

Findings

The authors find that social capital, born of close social ties and social history, enhances the effectiveness of a nascent firm's relationship-building practices. This counteracts a supplier's collaborative risk and consequently increases the nascent firm's customer attractiveness, thus enabling it to obtain strategic supplier collaborative commitment.

Practical implications

This research helps managers by providing direction on what practices nascent firms pursue to gain strategic supplier resources and collaboration. Given the reality of resource constraints in nascent firms, it is suggested that this insight is essential to obtaining crucial external resources needed to survive and grow.

Originality/value

Extant research on buyer–supplier collaboration is mostly confined to the context of mature firms and does not account for the unique inter-organizational relational challenges faced by nascent firms. This research uncovers the idiosyncrasies of supplier management in nascent firms, and elucidates on the actions that nascent firm managers take to gain supplier collaborative commitment.
Understanding the relationship between university characteristics and prestige
Authors: Topaler Başak , Ayvaz-Çavdaroğlu Nur
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Being a prestigious institution depends on gaining respect in the eyes of various stakeholders with diverse expectations. Existing research is silent on how university characteristics affect judgments of prestige and, therefore, presents an incomplete picture of prestige dynamics in higher education. This paper aims to fill this gap in the literature by empirically examining the stakeholders’ evaluation of university characteristics in terms of prestige value.

Design/methodology/approach

The entire population of universities (public and private) in Turkish higher education constitutes the sample of the study. The analytic hierarchy process technique is applied to ascertain how stakeholders prioritize university characteristics in terms of prestige value, and regression analysis is used to determine the effects of these characteristics on university selectivity.

Findings

The findings suggest a novel conceptual model of university prestige, which establishes its multilayered and fragmented nature. Accordingly, universities may be subject to multiple prestige hierarchies based on universal or context-specific criteria, in the eyes of various stakeholders, and based on different markers of success.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical analyses are limited to the stakeholder groups that are key to university outcomes in Turkish higher education, and to selectivity in admissions as the only visible marker of success in this context.

Originality/value

The study enhances existing literature that posits that universities are subject to a single prestige hierarchy based on common metrics of performance. It illustrates the uneven landscape in which university prestige evolves by developing a wider and deeper focus on university characteristics.
Examining the effect of training and employee creativity on organizational innovation: a moderated mediation analysis
Authors: Chaubey Akriti , Sahoo Chandan Kumar , Das Kishore Chandra
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study to understand the effects of training and creativity on organizational innovation under the moderating influence of the organizational climate.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical model is grounded in the contingent resource-based view. To test the research hypotheses, this paper has gathered the cross-sectional data using a single informant pre-tested questionnaire. The data were collected from respondents working in Indian automotive manufacturing organizations. The data were further tested for the normality criteria followed by hypotheses testing using co-variance-based structural equation modelling Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), 2010.

Findings

The relationship between training and organizational innovation was leveraged by employee creativity, which acts as a mediator between the two. Moreover, the organizational climate augments the mediation process by coherently creating a positive moderating influence.

Practical implications

This study provides prospective insights to management leaders and practitioners by establishing how training can bring about positive change in the innovative front of the organization. It also offers keys to the organizations for an active engagement of the employees through a supporting climate conducive for harnessing of individual creativity and innovative potential.

Originality/value

This is the first endeavour made to examine the moderated mediation influence of organizational climate on training and employee creativity, by studying the mediating effect of employee creativity between training and organizational innovation.
The effect of HRIS implementation success on job involvement, job satisfaction and work engagement in SMEs
Authors: Maamari Bassem E. , Osta Alfred
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to highlight the effect of human resources information systems (HRISs) implementation success on the job involvement, job satisfaction and work engagement of the employees in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Following an investigative study, a quantitative research is done with a positivist approach. A sample of 1,082 responses from 163 SMEs in different economic sectors is analyzed using statistical package for social sciences and structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results show that HRIS successful implementation explains the variation in job involvement and work engagement to a limited extent while it does highly affect employees’ job satisfaction. Moreover, the correlation between job involvement and both HRIS implementation success and job satisfaction is negative.

Research limitations/implications

The researchers were not able to conduct intersector analysis for differences among economic sectors. Existing gender differences in job involvement, work engagement and job satisfaction are hinted to and need further analysis.

Practical implications

The HRIS users with higher educational background tend to display a more open approach toward using the system and seeing the system’s implementation succeed. Tenured managers display low enthusiasm toward HRIS success, although being highly involved and engaged in the SME’s life. This provides for not only a steady work-flow but also fosters resistance to change. The successful implementation of the HRIS is a new dimension in the hands of managers at work, facilitating their supervisor work routines and affecting employees’ satisfaction, involvement and engagement.

Social implications

The HRIS success allows more flexibility at the supervisor level of daily work, opening a window toward flexible working hours and indirect supervision. It allows users some freedom and flexibility and the application of their own ethical beliefs when self-reporting.

Originality/value

Although most research looks at corporations and the factors leading to HRIS implementation success, this study goes beyond the implementation to dwell into Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), looking at HRIS after its implementation success, as a potential tool for motivating, involving and engaging employees.
Determinants and consequences of brand credibility: a case study in the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Maia Bairrada Cristela , Fontes da Costa João , Santos Rui Manuel , Coelho Arnaldo
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual model that intends to identify the determinants and consequences of brand credibility, specifically in the pharmaceutical industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses developed according to the proposed model were tested through an online questionnaire and answered by 225 individuals from Portugal.

Findings

The results show that the credibility of brand communication, perceived quality and brand familiarity are the key components that contribute most to the creation of a credible brand. Regarding consequences, this study confirms that, in the face of a credible brand, consumers are more willing to repeat the purchase, to pay more for it and to promote their opinion among other consumers.

Originality/value

This research innovates by presenting, for the first time, a conceptual model of brand credibility specific to the non-prescription medicines market, thus contributing to a better understanding of this issue by companies and brand managers of the pharmaceutical industry.
Work from home: Indonesian employees' mental well-being and productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sutarto Auditya Purwandini , Wardaningsih Shanti , Putri Wika Harisa
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore to what extent employees' mental well-being affects their productivity while working from home (WFH) during the COVID-19 crisis and whether mental well-being and productivity differ across some socio-demographic factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study with online questionnaires was designed with 472 valid responses in Indonesia. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ) were administered. Non-parametric tests and structural equation modeling were employed to analyze the data.

Findings

The prevalence of depression was 18.4%, anxiety 46.4% and stress 13.1%, with relatively good productivity. Gender, age, education level, job experiences, marital status, number of children and nature of the organization were associated with the employees' psychological health but not with their productivity, while the workspace availability influenced both outcomes. The study path model showed the negative correlation between WFH employees' psychological well-being and productivity.

Research limitations/implications

This study may contribute to the implication of current mandatory WFH on mental well-being and productivity. Further studies need to address the representativeness and generalizability issues as well as incorporating potential stressors.

Practical implications

Organizations may adopt WFH as a future working arrangement and identify the individual and occupational characteristics that provide the most impacts on productivity. It is also necessary for them to develop proper strategies to mitigate the psychological risks and overcome the WFH challenges.

Originality/value

There is still a lack of studies investigating the relationship between simultaneous effects of WFH on psychological well-being and productivity, and how they affect some socio-demographic variables in the context of COVID-19.
A robust fuzzy optimization approach for reverse logistics network design with buyback offers
Authors: Amirdadi Masoud , Dehghanian Farzad
Published: May 2021

Purpose

In this paper, the authors aim to investigate the relationship between buyback policy and the potential number of used products that could be collected by developing a robust fuzzy reverse logistics network.

Design/methodology/approach

In this approach, the authors seek to determine the amount of buyback based on the condition of used products at the time of return. In this process, the authors also take into account that apart from the condition of used products, other factors exist that the actual return rate could be dependent on them. This matter propelled us to make a novel distinction between the probability of return estimated from appropriate buybacks offered to consumers, and the actual return rate of used products using fuzzy mathematical methods. Besides that, a compatible robust fuzzy optimization method has been implemented on the model to deal with uncertain properties of it and simultaneously fortifying its responses against any possible effect of return rate fluctuation.

Findings

To analyze and evaluate the model performance, the authors decided to apply a series of exhaustive randomly generated experiments onto it. Also, the authors introduced a Lagrangian relaxation solution methodology to facilitate and improve the solving process of the model. Then, the evaluation of the results enabled us to demonstrate the model validity, and underscore its utility to deal with problems with more sophisticated used product collection process that practitioners tend to encounter in the real-world circumstances.

Originality/value

This study suggests a novel way to design the return rate of used products in a reverse logistics network with buyback offers through a complete set of factors affecting it. Furthermore, the procedure of developing the model encompasses several important aspects that significantly decrease its complexity and improve its applicability.
Predicting hotel reviews from sentiment: a multinomial classification framework
Authors: Yucel Ahmet , Caglar Musa , Ahady Dolatsara Hamidreza , George Benjamin , Dag Ali
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Machine learning algorithms are useful to effectively analyse, and therefore automatically classify online reviews. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a novel text-mining framework and its potential for use in the classification of unstructured hotel reviews.

Design/methodology/approach

Well-known data mining methods (i.e. boosted decision trees (BDT), classification and regression trees (C&RT) and random forests (RF)) in conjunction with incorporating five-fold cross-validation are used to predict the star rating of the hotel reviews. To achieve this goal, extracted features are used to create a composite variable (CV) to deploy into machine learning algorithms as the main feature (variable) during the learning process.

Findings

BDT outperformed the other alternatives in the exact accuracy rate (EAR) and multi-class accuracy rate (MCAR) by reaching the accuracy rates of 0.66 and 0.899, respectively. Moreover, phrases such as “clean”, “friendly”, “nice”, “perfect” and “love” are shown to be associated with four and five stars, whereas, phrases such as “horrible”, “never”, “terrible” and “worst” are shown to be associated with one and two-star hotels, as it would be the intuitive expectation.

Originality/value

To the best of the knowledge, there is no study in the existent literature, which synthesizes the knowledge obtained from individual features and uses them to create a single composite variable that is powerful enough to predict the star rates of the user-generated reviews. This study believes that the proposed method also provides policymakers with a unique window in the thoughts and opinions of individual users, which may be used to augment the current decision-making process.
Dependent structure and risk analysis of S&P 500 Index's continuously rising returns and continuously falling returns
Authors: Ye Wuyi , Zhao Ruyu
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The stock market price time series can be divided into two processes: continuously rising and continuously falling. The authors can effectively prevent the stock market from crashing by accurately estimating the risk on continuously rising returns (CRR) and continuously falling returns (CFR).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors add an exogenous variable into Log-autoregressive conditional duration (Log-ACD) model, and then apply our extended Log-ACD model and Archimedean copula to estimate the marginal distribution and conditional distribution of CRR and CFR. Plus, the authors analyze the conditional value at risk (CVaR) and present back-test results of the CVaR. The back-test shows that our proposed risk estimation method has a good estimation power for the risk of the CRR and CFR, especially the downside risk. In addition, the authors detect whether the dependent structure between the CRR and CFR changes using the change point test method.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that there is no change point here, suggesting that the results on the dependent structure and risk analysis mentioned above are stable. Therefore, major financial events will not affect the dependent structure here. This is consistent with the point that the CRR and CFR can be analyzed to obtain the trend of stock returns from a more macro perspective than daily stock returns scholars usually study.

Practical implications

The risk estimation method of this paper is of great significance in understanding stock market risk and can provide corresponding valuable information for investment advisors and public policy regulators.

Originality/value

The authors defined a new stock returns, CRR and CFR, since it is difficult to analyze and predict the trend of stock returns according to daily stock returns because of the small autocorrelation among daily stock returns.
Immunocompetent birds choose larger breeding colonies
Authors: Drzewińska‐Chańko Joanna , Włodarczyk Radosław , Gajewski Adrian , Rudnicka Karolina , Dunn Peter O. , Minias Piotr
Published: May 2021

Optimal size of social groups may vary between individuals, depending on their phenotypic traits, such as dominance status, age or personality. Larger social groups often enhance transmission rates of pathogens and should be avoided by individuals with poor immune defences. In contrast, more immunocompetent individuals are expected to take advantage of larger group sizes (e.g. better protection, information transfer) with smaller extra costs from pathogen or parasite pressure.

Here, we hypothesized that immunocompetence may be a key determinant of group size choice and tested this hypothesis in a colonial waterbird, the common tern Sterna hirundo. We used a unique experimental framework, where formation of breeding colonies of different sizes was induced under uniform environmental conditions. For this purpose, different‐size patches of attractive nesting substrate (artificial floating rafts) were provided at a single site with limited availability of natural nesting habitat.

Colony size was identified as the only significant predictor of both innate (natural antibody‐mediated complement activation) and adaptive (immunoglobulin concentrations) immunological traits in the common terns, as more immunocompetent birds settled in larger experimental colonies. In contrast, we found no significant associations between colony size and genetic diversity of key pathogen‐recognition receptors, toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) or genome‐wide heterozygosity.

We conclude that settlement decisions may be flexible within individuals and, thus, are likely to be primarily determined by the current immunological status, rather than fixed immunogenetic traits. Our study sheds new light on the complex interface between immunity and sociality in animals.
Effects of vacuum degree, mixing speed, and water amount on the moisture distribution and rheological properties of wheat flour dough
Authors: Yang Yu‐ling , Guan Er‐qi , Zhang Li‐li , Pang Jin‐yue , Li Meng‐meng , Bian Ke
Published: May 2021

Effects of vacuum degrees (0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 MPa) on water distribution state, tensile properties, stress relaxation properties, and viscoelasticity of dough, as well as the effects of mixing speed (50, 70, 90 rpm/min) and water content (40%, 45%, 50%) under optimum vacuum degree were studied. The results showed that the proper vacuum degree (0.06 MPa) could promote the full contact between flour and water and improved the water‐holding capacity of the dough. Meanwhile, the dough had stronger tensile strength, the best viscoelasticity and the ability to recover from external deformation more quickly. Under the vacuum of 0.06 MPa, with the increasing of mixing speed, the response to the external force of dough increased first and then decreased. Adding more water reduced the strength of dough, weakened the response to external forces, and led to a significant decrease in tensile resistance and tensile area of the dough, as well as a decrease in viscoelasticity (p < 0.05). The proper vacuum mixing allowed the preparation of dough to require more water and less energy.

Practical Application

In the processing of wheat flour products, vacuum mixing is considered to be beneficial to the quality of noodles and breads. As the intermediate of these products, the dough is of great significance for the monitoring of its rheological characteristics. In this study, a moderate vacuum degree led to a significant improvement in the rheological properties of the dough, and the processing performance was the best. Under the optimal vacuum degree, the influence of mixing speed and water amount cannot be ignored. Vacuum mixing is an efficient dough preparation method, which can produce certain economic benefits.
Analysis of risk factors of interstitial lung disease and mortality rates in Chinese patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy
Authors: Bai Zhiqian , Shen Guifen , Dong Lingli
Published: May 2021

Aim

To investigate the risk factors for interstitial lung disease (ILD) and prognosis in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM).

Methods

A retrospective longitudinal study was performed in patients diagnosed with IIM between January 2012 and December 2018.

Results

The study cohort included 91 men and 195 women who were classified as having dermatomyositis (DM, n = 183), polymyositis (PM, n = 77), or clinical amyopathic DM (CADM, n = 26). ILD was identified in 46.5% (n = 133) of patients with IIM. The independent risk factors for ILD were age at disease onset, presence of anti‐Ro‐52 antibody, Gottron's papules, elevated serum immunoglobulin M levels and hypoalbuminemia. Older age at disease onset, ILD, malignancy, and increased serum aspartate aminotransferase and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were identified as the independent predictors for mortality, whereas elevated serum albumin level was associated with a better prognosis. A total of 73 deaths (25.5%) occurred after a median follow‐up time of 33 months. Infection (49.3%) was the leading cause of death. In the overall cohort, the 1‐year, 5‐year and cumulative survival rates were 83.2%, 74.2% and 69.4%, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that the optimal cut‐off value of NLR for predicting death in IIM was 6.11.

Conclusion

IIM patients have a poor prognosis with substantial mortality, especially in patients who have older age at onset, ILD, malignancy and higher NLR. Close monitoring and aggressive therapies are required in patients having poor predictive factors.
Phrenic nerve block on severe post‐hepatectomy shoulder pain: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, pilot study
Authors: Bak Theis S. , Bøgevig Søren , Christensen Amalie P. , Tollund Carsten , Hillingsø Jens , Aasvang Eske K.
Published: May 2021

Background

Severe shoulder pain occurs frequently after surgery close to the diaphragm, potentially caused by referred pain via the ipsilateral phrenic nerve. We aimed to assess the analgesic effect of an ultrasound‐guided phrenic nerve block on moderate to severe right‐sided shoulder pain after open partial hepatectomy.

Methods

This was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, pilot study, comparing ultrasound‐guided phrenic nerve block (ropivacaine 0.75 mg/mL) versus placebo (isotonic sodium chloride 0.9 mg/mL) on severe post‐hepatectomy shoulder pain (NRS ≥6). Pre‐ and postoperative spirometry and arterial blood gas analyses were used to assess respiratory function. Subjects with chronic lung disease were excluded. Unfortunately, due to lack of funding, the trial was ended prematurely and therefore presented as a pilot study.

Results

One hundred and one subjects were screened for eligibility; 14 subjects were randomized, and two subjects were later excluded; thus, 12 subjects were analyzed with six in each group. A statistically significant difference in reduction in median pain intensity between groups was observed 15 minutes after phrenic nerve block (“ropivacaine first” ΔNRS: −6.0 [−6.0 to −3.0] vs. “saline first” ΔNRS: 0 [−6.0 to 1.0], P = .026). Spirometry results and arterial blood gas analyses were not clinically impacted by the block.

Conclusions

Postoperative phrenic nerve block significantly reduced severe post‐hepatectomy shoulder pain. Larger studies are warranted to confirm the lack of clinically relevant block‐related impairment of respiratory function.
A new situation awareness model decreases clinical deterioration in the emergency departments—A controlled intervention study
Authors: Tygesen Gitte B. , Lisby Marianne , Raaber Nikolaj , Rask Mette T. , Kirkegaard Hans
Published: May 2021

Background

Studies have suggested that adding subjective parameters to early warning score (EWS) systems might prompt more proactive treatment and positively affect clinical outcomes. Hence, the study aimed to investigate effect of a situation awareness model consisting of objective and subjective parameters on clinical deterioration in adult emergency department (ED) patients.

Methods

This controlled pre‐and‐post interventional study was carried out in July–December 2016 and November 2017–April 2018. In ED patients ≥ 18 years, we examined if a situation awareness model compared with a conventional EWS system could reduce clinical deterioration. The new model consisted of a regional EWS, combined with skin observation, clinical concern and patients’ and relatives’ concerns, pain, dyspnea, and team risk assessment. Clinical deterioration was defined as change in vital signs requiring increased observation or physician assessment, that is, increase in early warning score from either 0 or 1 to score ≥2 or an increase from score ≥2 and above. Secondary outcomes were mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and readmissions.

Results

We included 34 556 patients. Patients with two or more registered EWS were included in the primary analysis (N = 21 839). Using difference‐in‐difference regression, we found a reduced odds of clinical deterioration of 21% (OR 0.79 95% CI [0.69; 0.90]) in the intervention groups compared with controls. No impact on mortality, ICU, or readmissions was found.

Conclusion

The situation awareness model reduces odds of clinical deterioration, defined as a clinically relevant increase in EWS, in an unselected adult population of ED patients. However, there was no effect on secondary outcomes.
Post‐operative hypertension during early recovery following liver tumour ablation: A retrospective study
Authors: Galmén Karolina , Jakobsson Jan G. , Freedman Jacob , Harbut Piotr
Published: May 2021

Background

High‐frequency jet ventilation is necessary to reduce organ movements during stereotactic liver ablation. However, post‐operative hypertensive episodes especially following irreversible electroporation ablation compared with microwave ablation initiated this study. The hypothesis was that hypertensive episodes could be related to ventilation or ablation method.

Methods

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the proportion of patients with hypertensive events during recovery following liver ablation under general anaesthesia and to analyse the relation to ventilation and ablation technique. A medical chart review of 134 patients undergoing either high‐frequency jet ventilation and microwave ablation (n = 45), high‐frequency jet ventilation and irreversible electroporation (n = 44), or conventional ventilation and microwave ablation (n = 45) was performed. The proportion of patients with at least one episode of systolic arterial pressure 140‐160, 160‐180 or >180 mmHg during early recovery and the impact of ventilation method was studied.

Results

Out of 134 patients, 100, 75 and 34 patients had at least one episode of mild, moderate and severe hypertension. Microwave ablation, as well as high frequency jet ventilation, was associated with an increased odds ratio for post‐operative hypertension. The proportion of patients with at least one severe hypertensive event was 18/45, 9/44 and 7/45, respectively.

Conclusion

Both ventilation and ablation technique had an impact on post‐operative hypertensive episodes. The microwave ablation/high‐frequency jet ventilation combination increased the risk as compared with irreversible electroporation/high‐frequency jet ventilation and microwave ablation/conventional ventilation.
Identification of candidate genes associated with slaughter traits in F2 chicken population using genome‐wide association study
Authors: Liu J. , Zhou J. , Li J. , Bao H.
Published: May 2021

Slaughter traits are crucial economic traits of chickens. We performed a GWAS to discover critical loci and candidate genes for 21 slaughter traits in an F2 chicken population resulting from crossing Luxi gamecocks and recessive white feather broilers. We found some SNPs and genes which were significantly associated with keel length, head length, body slope length, bilateral leg weight without shin, bilateral foot weight, subcutaneous fat thickness, heart weight, muscular stomach weight and glandular stomach weight. This study provides references for further investigation of slaughter traits and molecular breeding in chicken.
Technical standards in allergen exposure chambers worldwide – an EAACI Task Force Report
Authors: Pfaar Oliver , Bergmann Karl‐Christian , Bonini Sergio , Compalati Enrico , Domis Nathalie , de Blay Frédéric , de Kam Pieter‐Jan , Devillier Philippe , Durham Stephen R. , Ellis Anne K. , Gherasim Alina , Haya Laura , Hohlfeld Jens M. , Horak Friedrich , Iinuma Tomohisa , Jacobs Robert L. , Jacobi Henrik Hugo , Jutel Marek , Kaul Susanne , Kelly Suzanne , Klimek Ludger , Larché Mark , Lemell Patrick , Mahler Vera , Nolte Hendrik , Okamoto Yoshitaka , Patel Piyush , Rabin Ronald L. , Rather Cynthia , Sager Angelika , Salapatek Anne Marie , Sigsgaard Torben , Togias Alkis , Willers Christoph , Yang William H. , Zieglmayer René , Zuberbier Torsten , Zieglmayer Petra
Published: May 2021

Allergen exposure chambers (AECs) can be used for controlled exposure to allergenic and non‐allergenic airborne particles in an enclosed environment, in order to (i) characterize the pathological features of respiratory diseases and (ii) contribute to and accelerate the clinical development of pharmacological treatments and allergen immunotherapy for allergic disease of the respiratory tract (such as allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and allergic asthma).

In the guidelines of the European Medicines Agency for the clinical development of products for allergen immunotherapy (AIT), the role of AECs in determining primary endpoints in dose‐finding Phase II trials is emphasized. Although methodologically insulated from the variability of natural pollen exposure, chamber models remain confined to supporting secondary, rather than primary, endpoints in Phase III registration trials. The need for further validation in comparison with field exposure is clearly mandated.

On this basis, the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) initiated a Task Force in 2015 charged to gain a better understanding of how AECs can generate knowledge about respiratory allergies and can contribute to the clinical development of treatments.

Researchers working with AECs worldwide were asked to provide technical information in eight sections: (i) dimensions and structure of the AEC, (ii) AEC staff, (iii) airflow, air processing, and operating conditions, (iv) particle dispersal, (v) pollen/particle counting, (vi) safety and non‐contamination measures, (vii) procedures for symptom assessments, (viii) tested allergens/substances and validation procedures. On this basis, a minimal set of technical requirements for AECs applied to the field of allergology is proposed.
Letter: risk of coeliac disease—do microbial‐derived factors promote and protect?
Authors: Sundqvist Tommy , Stenhammar Lars , Tjellström Bo , Magnusson Karl‐Eric , Midtvedt Tore , Norin Elisabeth , Högberg Lotta
Published: May 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Størdal et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16361 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16389
Clinical outcome after anti‐tumour necrosis factor therapy discontinuation in 1000 patients with inflammatory bowel disease: the EVODIS long‐term study
Authors: Casanova María José , Chaparro María , Nantes Óscar , Benítez José Manuel , Rojas‐Feria María , Castro‐Poceiro Jesús , Huguet José María , Martín‐Cardona Albert , Aicart‐Ramos Marta , Tosca Joan , Martín‐Rodríguez María del Mar , González‐Muñoza Carlos , Mañosa Miriam , Leo‐Carnerero Eduardo , Lamuela‐Calvo Luis Javier , Pérez‐Martínez Isabel , Bujanda Luis , Hinojosa Joaquín , Pajares Ramón , Argüelles‐Arias Federico , Pérez‐Calle José Lázaro , Rodríguez‐González Gloria Esther , Guardiola Jordi , Barreiro‐de Acosta Manuel , Gisbert Javier P. ,   EVODIS Study Group
Published: May 2021

Background

The long‐term outcome of patients after antitumour necrosis factor alpha (anti‐TNF) discontinuation is not well known.

Aims

To assess the risk of relapse in the long‐term after anti‐TNF discontinuation.

Methods

This was an extension of the evolution after anti‐TNF discontinuation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (EVODIS) study (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis patients treated with anti‐TNFs in whom these drugs were withdrawn after achieving clinical remission) based in the same cohort of patients whose outcome was updated. Clinical remission was defined as a Harvey–Bradshaw index ≤4 points in Crohn's disease, a partial Mayo score ≤2 in ulcerative colitis and the absence of fistula drainage despite gentle finger compression in perianal disease.

Results

This was an observational, retrospective, multicenter study. A total of 1055 patients were included. The median follow‐up time was 34 months. The incidence rate of relapse was 12% per patient‐year (95% confidence interval [CI] = 11‐14). The cumulative incidence of relapse was 50% (95% CI = 47‐53): 19% at one year, 31% at 2 years, 38% at 3 years, 44% at 4 years and 48% at 5 years of follow‐up. Of the 60% patients retreated with the same anti‐TNF after relapse, 73% regained remission. Of the 75 patients who did not respond, 48% achieved remission with other therapies. Of the 190 patients who started other therapies after relapse, 62% achieved remission with the new treatment.

Conclusions

A significant proportion of patients who discontinued the anti‐TNF remained in remission. In case of relapse, retreatment with the same anti‐TNF was usually effective. Approximately half of the patients who did not respond after retreatment achieved remission with other therapies.
Review article: diagnosis, management and patient perspectives of the spectrum of constipation disorders
Authors: Sharma Amol , Rao Satish S. C. , Kearns Kimberly , Orleck Kimberly D. , Waldman Scott A.
Published: May 2021

Background

Chronic constipation is a common, heterogeneous disorder with multiple symptoms and pathophysiological mechanisms. Patients are often referred to a gastroenterology provider after laxatives fail. However, there is limited knowledge of the spectrum and management of constipation disorders.

Aim

To discuss the latest understanding of the spectrum of constipation disorders, tools for identifying a pathophysiologic‐based diagnosis in the specialist setting, treatment options and the patient's perspective of constipation.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted using PubMed for constipation diagnostic criteria, diagnostic tools and approved treatments. The authors provided insight from their own practices.

Results

Clinical assessment, stool diaries and Rome IV diagnostic criteria can facilitate diagnosis, evaluate severity and distinguish between IBS with constipation, chronic idiopathic constipation and dyssynergic defecation. Novel smartphone applications can help track constipation symptoms. Rectal examinations, anorectal manometry and balloon expulsion, assessments of neuromuscular function with colonic transit time and colonic manometry can provide mechanistic understanding of underlying pathophysiology. Treatments include lifestyle and diet changes, biofeedback therapy and pharmacological agents. Several classes of laxatives, as well as prokinetic and prosecretory agents, are available; here we describe their mechanisms of action, efficacy and side effects.

Conclusions

Constipation includes multiple overlapping subtypes identifiable using detailed history, current diagnostic tools and smartphone applications. Recognition of individual subtype(s) could pave the way for optimal, evidence‐based treatments by a gastroenterology provider.
Pretreatment non‐hypervascular hypointense nodules on Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI as a predictor of hepatocellular carcinoma development after sustained virologic response in HCV infection
Authors: Toyoda Hidenori , Yasuda Satoshi , Shiota Shohei , Sone Yasuhiro , Maeda Atsuyuki , Kaneoka Yuji , Kumada Takashi , Tanaka Junko
Published: May 2021

Background

Identification of risk factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after a sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is urgently needed for HCC surveillance.

Aims

To evaluate whether the presence of non‐hypervascular hypointense nodules (NHHNs) depicted by gadolinium‐ethoxybenzyl‐diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB‐MRI) before direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) therapy is a risk factor for de novo HCC development after SVR.

Methods

The presence of NHHNs was examined with EOB‐MRI before the start of DAA therapy in 383 patients with HCV infection who achieved SVR. The incidence of de novo HCC after SVR was compared between patients with versus without NHHNs.

Results

NHHNs were detected before DAA therapy in 32 patients (8.4%). The incidence of de novo HCC after SVR was significantly higher in patients with NHHNs than in those without (1‐, 3‐, 5‐year incidence, 9.8%, 24.2% and 41.6% vs. 0%, 1.2% and 4.4%, P < 0.0001). The presence of NHHNs before DAA therapy (adjusted HR, 10.86; 95% CI, 4.03‐31.64) and cirrhosis (adjusted HR, 7.23; 95% CI, 1.88‐35.85) were independently associated with a higher incidence of HCC after SVR. A higher incidence of de novo HCC after SVR remained after adjustment for age, gender, regular alcohol intake, diabetes, cirrhosis, FIB‐4 index and serum alpha‐foetoprotein with inverse probability of treatment weighting.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that the presence of NHHNs before DAA therapy is a strong risk factor for the development of de novo HCC after SVR.
Editorial: determining disability in inflammatory bowel disease—“See(k) and you shall find”. Authors' reply
Authors: Tannoury Jenny , Amiot Aurelien
Published: May 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Tannoury et al and Limdi papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16353 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16367
Letter: risk of coeliac disease—do microbial derived factors promote and protect? Authors' reply
Authors: Størdal Ketil , Kahrs Christian , Tapia German , Agardh Daniel , Kurppa Kalle , Stene Lars C.
Published: May 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Størdal et al and Sundqvist et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16361 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16348