bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A conceptual cooperative model designed for processes, digitalisation and innovation
Authors: Sehlin Daniel , Truedsson Maja , Cronemyr Peter 
Published: December 2019

Purpose
Digital transformations are changing society, and they force industries to react to the market more frequently. Managers are aware of new technical demands, which increase the pressure of meeting those demands. To meet technical demands, radical innovations are one way to stay competitive. However, it is more complex to make them a part of the business. The purpose of this study was to create a framework for small and medium-sized enterprises to become more efficient by starting to digitalise their business processes with the expertise of an external innovation partner.

Design/methodology/approach
The study was performed at a case company with an abductive approach where both deduction and induction were used to study the empirical findings and formulate new theories in relation to recognised theory. Qualitative methods have been used in the empirical study due to their flexibility and the fact that the focus of the information gathering was to create a context.

Findings
The analysis indicates that a certain level of process maturity can be put in relation to a certain innovation level and a certain level of digital change. According to a process maturity model, an adaptable process could respond to changes in customer demands better, which can be related to changes in the business domain and the society. The research resulted in a conceptual cooperative model based on the three domains of the study. The model has been validated using design reviews with the case company, a consultancy firm and together with an innovation partner.

Practical implications
The model will be a practical template for Small and Medium Enterprises to follow when digitalising business processes and how to prioritise them.

Originality/value
The proposed framework of how to digitalise at different innovation levels coupled to process maturity levels is a novel idea that could be used for further research.
Earnings management and corporate investment efficiency: does the board of directors matter?
Authors: Bzeouich Bilel , Lakhal Faten , Dammak Neila 
Published: December 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between earnings management and the efficiency of French firms’ investments. It also investigates the moderating effect of board of directors’ features on this relation.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on a sample of French listed companies from 2011 to 2015, i.e. 435 firm-year observations. The authors use the instrumental variable method based on 2SLS models.FindingsThe authors show that there is a negative relationship between earnings management and investment efficiency. This finding supports the theoretical perspective of the agency theory, as the propensity of firms to engage in earnings management practices is associated with high managerial opportunistic behavior and asymmetric information issues, leading to the problem of under and overinvestment. The findings also show that board size, independence and gender diversity are positively associated with investment efficiency. These board features moderate the relationship between earnings management and investment efficiency suggesting that earnings quality plays a more prominent role in guiding managers to choose the right investments when the corporate governance environment is strong.Research limitations/implicationsThe negative relationship between earnings management and investment efficiency suggests that firms with lower earnings quality are exposed to high information asymmetries. They are then more likely to deviate from their expected level of investments. In addition, the results highlight the importance of corporate financial transparency and board monitoring to reduce agency costs and ensure the efficiency of corporate investments, particularly in a setting where investors’ interests are poorly protected.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to the best of the authors’ knowledge to examine the effect of earnings management, a metric for earnings quality, on the corporate investment efficiency in France. Besides, they extend previous literature by investigating how board features are able to monitor managerial actions and decisions and therefore to moderate the effect of earnings management on investment efficiency.
Sustainability reporting and integrated reporting perspectives of Thai-listed companies
Authors: Petcharat Neungruthai , Zaman Mahbub 
Published: December 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the reporting on sustainability and the level of compliance with international best practice, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), aimed at improving communicative value to users.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a qualitative approach, comprising interviews with senior managers and analysis of disclosures in annual reports of Thai-listed companies, this paper contributes to the literature by providing evidence from an emerging market setting.

Findings
This study finds that sustainability reporting and integrated reporting perspectives of sampling companies are aiming to satisfy information needs to stakeholders and value creation to external users. Sustainability disclosures are related to some aspect of integrated reporting (IR) principles but not all.

Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study are based on the results from interviews and annual reports of five business sectors, and may therefore, not reflect the sustainability reporting practices and/or annual reports of other Thai-listed companies. Also, there is limited reporting on future outlook.

Practical implications
The findings suggest that while sustainability and IR is being adopted very widely, in many countries, there is much variation in reporting practice especially in our emerging country context adopting a “comply or explain” approach.

Social implications
For the Thai-listed companies, IR systems could be in their early stages and still have long way to go. The results can greatly encourage Thai-listed firms to incorporate integrated information in annual reports based on international standards thus building trust in capital markets and wider society.

Originality/value
The findings contribute to the literature on sustainability reporting and on the level of compliance with international best practice such as GRI by providing empirical analysis of non-financial disclosures within publicly available reporting in Thailand.
Evaluating a screening and support system for early intervention in Wales
Authors: Fawcett Angela J. , Jones Nichola 
Published: December 2019

The concept of early screening and response to intervention has been recognised as key to success in literacy. In this article, an implementation model, which combined a published screening test with a free open access short‐term intervention, was piloted and evaluated over several years. Significant improvements in risk levels for literacy difficulties were identified following a series of 12‐week interventions for 1 hour weekly, split into three small group sessions. In phase 1a, 54% of 224 children were no longer ‘at risk’, and in Phase 1b, 51% of 151 children were no longer ‘at risk’, with evidence for transfer to reading over time. In phase 2a, the approach included whole class screening, (670 children, 25% risk at pre‐test reduced to ‘no‐risk’ in 17.4%). In Phase 2b, targeted support was provided for 306 children in reception, year 1 and year 2. After the intervention, 57% of these children were no longer ‘at‐risk’, with reception children making greatest progress. The model has successfully impacted on greater awareness of ALN and approaches to intervention in the teachers involved. Interviews with users indicated a high level of satisfaction and the approach has been recommended for wider application, following further research.
Association of missense variants in GDF9 with litter size in Entlebucher Mountain dogs
Authors: Torrecilha R. B. P. , Milanesi M. , Gallana M. , Falbo A.‐K. , Reichler I. M. , Hug P. , Jagannathan V. , Trigo B. B. , Paulan S. C. , Bruno D. B. , Garcia S. D. , Scaramele N. F. , Lopes F. L. , Dolf G. , Leeb T. , Sölkner J. , Garcia J. F. , Pieńkowska‐Schelling A. , Schelling C. , Utsunomiya Y. T. 
Published: December 2019

SummaryIn the past two decades, average litter size (ALS) in Entlebucher Mountain dogs decreased by approximately 0.8 puppies. We conducted a GWAS for ALS using the single‐step methodology to take advantage of 1632 pedigree records, 892 phenotypes and 372 genotypes (173 662 markers) for which only 12% of the dogs had both phenotypes and genotypes available. Our analysis revealed associations towards the growth differentiation factor 9 gene (GDF9), which is known to regulate oocyte maturation. The trait heritability was estimated at 43.1%, from which approximately 15% was accountable by the GDF9 locus alone. Therefore, markers flanking GDF9 explained approximately 6.5% of the variance in ALS. Analysis of WGSs revealed two missense substitutions in GDF9, one of which (g.11:21147009G>A) affected a highly conserved nucleotide in vertebrates. The derived allele A was validated in 111 dogs and shown to be associated with decreased ALS (−0.75 ± 0.22 puppies per litter). The variant was further predicted to cause a proline to serine substitution. The affected residue was immediately followed by a six‐residue deletion that is fixed in the canine species but absent in non‐canids. We further confirmed that the deletion is prevalent in the Canidae family by sequencing three species of wild canids. Since canids uniquely ovulate oocytes at the prophase stage of the first meiotic division, requiring maturation in the oviduct, we conjecture that the amino acid substitution and the six‐residue deletion of GDF9 may serve as a model for insights into the dynamics of oocyte maturation in canids.
A comparison of clinical staging using the Lugano versus Ann Arbor classifications in Japanese patients with Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Makita Shinichi , Maruyama Dai , Maeshima Akiko Miyagi , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Yuda Sayako , Toyoda Kosuke , Yamauchi Nobuhiko , Fukuhara Suguru , Munakata Wataru , Kobayashi Yukio , Kurihara Hiroaki , Izutsu Koji , Tobinai Kensei 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimsThe Lugano classification is a novel staging system for lymphomas established in 2014. In this staging system, 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG‐PET/CT) was formally incorporated into standard staging for FDG‐avid lymphomas, including Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). We retrospectively analyzed patients with HL who were newly diagnosed and treated at our institution to evaluate the utility of the Lugano classification compared to the Ann Arbor classification in Japanese patients with this type of lymphoma.MethodsPatients newly diagnosed with HL between 2005 and 2011 were identified through our departmental database. Data from neck‐chest‐abdomen‐pelvis CT scans, BM examinations, and FDG‐PET/CT that were routinely performed for staging at our clinical practice were retrieved and analyzed.ResultsFifty‐four patients with a median age of 35.5 years (range: 15‐78 years) were investigated in this retrospective study. The Lugano stage matched the Ann Arbor stage in 46 patients (85%). Six patients (11%) were upstaged while two (4%) were downstaged per the Lugano classification. Four patients (7%) were converted from early stage to advanced stage, but none was converted in the reverse. Among 11 patients (20%) with PET‐positive bone/bone marrow lesions, only one (2%) exhibited biopsy‐proven bone marrow involvement of HL cells.ConclusionOur data revealed a high concordance rate between the Lugano and Ann Arbor staging system in Japanese patients with HL. Because of its low diagnostic value, routine bone marrow examination might be unnecessary for staging when FDG‐PET/CT is used as a substitute.
Profilin is a marker of severity in allergic respiratory diseases
Authors: Ruiz‐Hornillos Javier , López‐Matas M. Angeles , Berges Jimeno Pilar , Henríquez Aythamy , Blanco Sandra , Seoane‐Rodríguez Marta , Mahíllo Ignacio , Carnés Jerónimo 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe capacity of profilin to induce allergic symptoms in patients with respiratory allergy has been questioned. In this sense, the aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between profilin exposure and induction of symptoms in a prospective case‐control study.MethodsThe concentration of profilin as well as pollen levels in the air was measured. A diary score of symptoms was collected from allergic patients. Seventy‐nine individuals were included in the study; fifty cases and 28 controls were positive or negative to profilin, respectively. Conjunctival and bronchial provocation tests were performed with purified profilin (Pho d 2) in a subgroup of cases and controls.ResultsProfilin was detected in the environment on 133 days (maximum peak of 0.56 ng/m3). A positive correlation between profilin and pollen count of Olea and Poaceae was observed (ρ = 0.24; P < .001). Intensity of total, nasal and ocular symptoms was statistically higher in cases than in controls (P < .001). The risk of suffering symptoms, measured by the percentage of patients who presented any of the symptoms each day, was also higher in cases than in controls. The provocation test was positive in 95% of bronchial and 90% of conjunctival challenges in cases, and negative in all controls.ConclusionsProfilin was detected in the environment and had the ability to induce a specific allergen response. Patients sensitized to this panallergen showed more symptoms and were more likely to have symptoms. Therefore, sensitization to profilin seems to be a marker of severity in patients with rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma mediated by pollen.
State‐wide outcomes in elective rectal cancer resection: is there a case for centralization in Victoria?
Authors: Hong Michael K.‐Y. , Yeung Justin M. C. , Watters David A. K. , Faragher Ian G. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe role of service centralization in rectal cancer surgery is controversial. Recent studies suggest centralization to high‐volume centres may improve postoperative mortality. We used a state‐wide administrative data set to determine the inpatient mortality for patients undergoing elective rectal cancer surgery and to compare individual hospital volumes.MethodsThe Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset was explored using the Dr Foster Quality Investigator tool. The inpatient mortality rate, 30‐day readmission rate and the proportion of patients with increased length of stay were measured for all elective admissions for rectal cancer resections between 2012 and 2016. A peer group of 14 hospitals were studied using funnel plots to determine inter‐hospital variation in mortality. Procedure types were compared between the groups.ResultsThere were 2241 elective resections performed for rectal cancer in Victoria over 4 years. The crude inpatient mortality rate was 1.1%. There were no significant differences in mortality among 14 hospitals within the peer group. The number of elective resections over 4 years ranged from 14 to 136 (median 65) within these institutions. Ultralow anterior resection was the commonest procedure performed.ConclusionInpatient mortality after elective rectal cancer surgery in Victoria is rare and compares favourably internationally. Based on inpatient mortality alone, there is no compelling evidence to further centralize elective rectal cancer surgery in Victoria. More work is needed to develop data sets with oncological information capable of providing accurate complete state‐wide data which will be essential for future service planning, training and innovation.
Economic Issues Are Moral Issues 2: Attributing Blame for Inequality Occurring in the United States versus Foreign Countries
Authors: Franks Andrew S. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMoral appeals consistent with an individual's values affect their propensity to take action against inequality and its deleterious effects. Accordingly, moral foundations such as harm, fairness, loyalty, authority, or purity concerns could also affect perceptions of inequality and attributions regarding who is to blame for it. For instance, individuals high in loyalty concerns, who are typically more conservative, may show in‐group favoritism toward their own country by expressing less moral judgment of inequality in their own country versus other countries. Further, research germane to the belief in a just world has shown that conservatives are more likely to blame the poor for their poverty. The current research investigated the degree to which participants’ moral reactions to a high degree of economic inequality are influenced by the country in which that inequality exists as well as the degree to which liberals (Democrats) versus conservatives (Republicans) blame inequality on different target groups. A mixed‐design experiment tested participants’ degree of blame for equality across all targets (the poor, the rich, corporations, the government) for one of three randomly assigned countries (the United States, Australia, or China). Results were consistent with predictions related to moral concerns and ideological differences in attributions.
Antibiotic exposure and the risk of colorectal adenoma and carcinoma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Sanyaolu L. N. , Oakley N. J. , Nurmatov U. , Dolwani S. , Ahmed H. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimThe Incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing, and evidence suggests that maladaptation of the bowel microbiome may be associated with colorectal carcinogenesis. Consumption of antibiotics may cause imbalance of the bowel microbiome but research assessing an association between antibiotic exposure and CRC is inconsistent. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to appraise and synthesize the available evidence.MethodThe MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases were searched for published observational studies. We included eight studies of 3 408 312 patients. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the odds of CRC following antibiotic exposure were estimated. Sensitivity analyses were performed according to exposure definition, study design and risk of bias.ResultsA weak association between antibiotic exposure and CRC was demonstrated when exposure was assessed cumulatively by the number of prescriptions (OR 1.204, 95% CI 1.097–1.322, P < 0.001) or duration of antibiotic exposure (OR 1.168, 95% CI 1.087–1.256, P < 0.001). Antibiotic exposure assessed as a binary variable demonstrated no association with CRC.ConclusionThe findings suggest a weak association between cumulative antibiotic consumption and risk of CRC but no causal conclusions can be made. Limitations include the heterogeneity and quality of the available research, particularly with regard to measurement of antibiotic exposure.
Evaluation of the MD Anderson tumor score for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in the rituximab era
Authors: Gutierrez Antonio , Bento Leyre , Diaz‐Lopez Antonio , Barranco Gilberto , Garcia‐Recio Marta , Lopez‐Guillermo Armando , Dlouhy Ivan , Rovira Jordina , Rodriguez Mario , Sanchez Pina Jose María , Baile Monica , Martín Alejandro , Novelli Silvana , Sancho Juan‐Manuel , García Olga , Salar Antonio , Bastos‐Oreiro Mariana , Rodriguez‐Salazar Mª José , Fernandez Ruben , de la Cruz Fatima , Queizan Jose Antonio , González de Villambrosia Sonia , Cordoba Raul , López Andres , Luzardo Hugo , García Daniel , Sastre‐Serra Jordi , Garcia Juan Fernando , Montalban Carlos , Cabanillas Fernando , Rodríguez Jose 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectivesDiffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive heterogeneous lymphoma with standard treatment. However, 30%‐40% of patients still fail, so we should know which patients are candidates for alternative therapies. IPI is the main prognostic score but, in the rituximab era, it cannot identify a very high‐risk (HR) subset. The MD Anderson Cancer Center reported a score in the prerituximab era exclusively considering tumor‐related variables: Tumor Score (TS). We aim to validate TS in the rituximab era and to analyze its current potential role.MethodsFrom GELTAMO DLBCL registry, we selected those patients homogeneously treated with R‐CHOP (n = 1327).ResultsFive‐years PFS and OS were 62% and 74%. All variables retained an independent prognostic role in the revised TS (R‐TS), identifying four different risk groups, with 5‐years PFS of 86%, 71%, 50%, and very HR (28%). With a further categorization of three variables of the original TS (Ann Arbor Stage, LDH and B2M), we generated a new index that allowed an improvement in HR assessment.Conclusions(a) All variables of the original TS retain an independent prognostic role, and R‐TS remains predictive in the rituximab era; (b) R‐TS and additional categorization of LDH, B2M, and AA stage (enhanced TS) increased the ability to identify HR subsets.
The spatial patterns of litter turnover time in Chinese terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Cai Andong , Chang Naijie , Zhang Wenju , Liang Guopeng , Zhang Xubo , Hou Enqing , Jiang Lifen , Chen Xianni , Xu Minggang , Luo Yiqi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe feedback between plant, soil and climate is partly determined by plant litter turnover time, which is influenced by climate, litter quality and soil properties. However, the spatial patterns of litter turnover time and its interrelation with these variables are rarely quantified. With a database of 1,378 litter turnover times and key associated climate, litter quality and soil properties (total of 20 variables), this study investigated the driving factors and spatial patterns of litter turnover time across Chinese terrestrial ecosystems. The mean litter turnover time was the longest in forest ecosystems, followed by that in grassland and cropland ecosystems. The litter turnover time varied significantly depending on the litter quality and climate zone, and increased exponentially as latitude increased. Mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP) could accurately predict litter turnover time via negative exponential equations. Among these variables, MAT had the greatest influence on litter turnover time, which accounted for 37.4% of the variation, followed by litter quality (ecosystem types, litter types, C:N of litter and lignin content; 33.4%) and soil properties (sand content, soil pH and soil organic carbon (SOC); 29.2%) based on a boosted regression tree (BRT) model. Path analysis identified that MAT negatively affected litter turnover time both directly and indirectly through regulating soil properties and litter quality, which positively and directly affected litter turnover time. Finally, the spatial patterns of litter turnover time were obtained with a regional dataset of ecosystem types, MAT, sand content, soil pH and SOC as BRT model drivers. Overall, our results suggest that climate variables have contrasting effects on litter turnover time and could mediate the impact on litter turnover time by litter quality and soil properties. These results highlight important implications for climate‐smart soil management and can be used to create reliable model predictions.HighlightsWe explored the driving factors and spatial patterns of litter turnover time in various ecosystemsAccurate estimates of litter turnover time were obtained from dataset from 1,378 experimental sitesLitter turnover time exponentially increased as latitude increasedClimate‐mediated litter quality and soil properties controlled the litter turnover time