bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating service innovation and business performance in tourism: a multicriteria decision analysis approach
Authors: Kitsios Fotis C. , Grigoroudis Evangelos 
Published: June 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the new service development (NSD) process in tourism. For this reason, factors influencing the process of service innovation in the hospitality sector were explored and correlated with business performance in the hospitality industry through a multicriteria decision analysis approach.Design/methodology/approachAn original multicriteria decision analysis approach is applied in order to estimate the efficiency of the NSD process. The approach follows the principles of ordinal regression analysis, using goal programming techniques. Collected data are based on in-depth structured and questionnaire-based interviews of 77 hotel managers in 147 new services in a representative sample of 99 hotels in Greece. Several financial ratios, covering different aspects of business performance, are used in order to evaluate the NSD process for three years after the services innovation had been launched.FindingsThese findings reveal the importance of financial liquidity and business efficiency for the hotel industry (i.e. the ability of a firm to use available resources in order to achieve specific sales goals). The aforementioned variables can determine how quickly and effectively assets are converted to cash. In general, the findings show the emphasis that should be given to customer needs, as well as to the effective management of a NSD project.Originality/valueFindings of this study may support hotel managers to make complex strategic decisions for future development. These findings have suggested that service innovation should be included as a strategic tool to assess differentiation effort in the hotel industry.
Determinants of R&D on European high technology industry: panel data evidence
Authors: Neves Maria , Branco João 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
As high-tech industries are the main responsible for research and development (R&D), the purpose of this paper is to investigate some of the possible determinants of R&D investment in this type of industry.

Design/methodology/approach
The analysis is based on a sample of European high-tech industries represented both by countries of civil law origin and common law origin. The authors used data from 155 high-tech firms in the period between 2011 and 2016. The sample was collected from Amadeus database. The panel data methodology was used to test the dependence of R&D expenses ratio according to different variables. Specifically, the authors have used the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation method.

Findings
The results point out that there are differences in the explanation of the R&D ratio depending on whether the authors are dealing with countries of civil legal origin or common legal origin. The evidence also suggests that the intangible assets, contrary to the expect result, have a negative influence on R&D. Probably in this recovery time, as de global financial crisis and the sovereign debt crisis for Eurozone countries, the high-tech firms are using their intangible assets to create value and not for more investments in R&D. Companies are not renewing their asset stocks.

Originality/value
As high-tech companies are traditionally rich in R&D, this research can contribute with additional pieces to the knowledge of the factors that contribute to this. Thereby, this study may be interesting for managers, investors and civil society. This study adds value as it is unique in addressing this topic on this new dimension, with respect to the sample and indicators presented.
Preparation and characterization of fluorine-containing soap-free acrylic emulsion
Authors: Gong Yilu , Shao Tantan , Chen Lijun 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
Fluorine materials have received the keen attention of many researchers because of their water repellency and low surface free energy. The purpose of this paper is to prepare fluorine-containing soap-free acrylic emulsion, which sodium allyoxypropyl hydroxypropyl sulfonate (COPS-1) and anionic emulsifier sodium a-alkenyl sulfonate (a-AOS) were combined as polymerizable emulsifier, and undecylenic acid (UA) and dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate(DFMA) were introduced as functional monomer.

Design/methodology/approach
The fluorinated polyacrylate emulsion was successfully prepared by semi-continuous seed emulsion polymerization, wherein the main monomers were methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl methacrylate (BA), and the initiator was potassium persulfate (KPS). Sodium alloxypropyl sulfonate (COPS-1) and an anionic emulsifier sodium a-alkenyl sulfonate (a-AOS) were compounded as a polymerizable emulsifier. Besides, undecylenic acid (UA) and dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (DFMA) were introduced as the functional monomers.

Findings
The optimum recipe of preparing the modified latex is as follows: the amount of emulsifier was 4%, the ratio of emulsifier (COPS-1: AOS) was 3: 1, and the content of initiator was 0.6%. In this case, the conversion rate of acrylic polymer emulsion was high and the polymerization stability was good. When the amount of monomer UA was 2% and the amount of DFMA was 4%, the overall performance of the emulsion was the best.

Originality/value
The fluorine-containing soap-free acrylic emulsion is prepared via semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerisation, which sodium allyoxypropyl hydroxypropyl sulfonate (COPS-1) and anionic emulsifier sodium a-alkenyl sulfonate (a-AOS) were combined as polymerizable emulsifier, and undecylenic acid (UA) and dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (DFMA) were introduced as functional monomer. There are two main innovations. One is that the fluorine-containing soap-free acrylic emulsion is prepared successfully. The other is that the undecylenic acid is introduced as functional monomer.
The blockchain-based Halal traceability systems: a hype or reality?
Authors: Hew Jun-Jie , Wong Lai-Wan , Tan Garry Wei-Han , Ooi Keng-Boon , Lin Binshan 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
Given the emerging nature of integrating blockchain into food traceability systems, this study aims to investigate the intention to participate in a blockchain-based Halal traceability system through a united model that consists of Halal orientation strategy, institutional theory and diffusion of innovation theory.

Design/methodology/approach
A sample that consists of 143 Malaysian Halal food and beverage manufacturers was drawn from Halal Malaysia Official Portal using the simple random sampling technique. The responses were collected from the key managerial personnel with experience and knowledge on the Halal supply chain using phone interviews. Subsequently, the partial least squares structural equation modelling approach was then used to analyse the theoretical model.

Findings
The manufacturers would go through a chain of the process before deciding to participate in the traceability system. Firstly, the manufacturers which practice a comprehensive Halal orientation strategy will be more perceptive towards the institutional pressures that demand them to participate in a traceability system. Secondly, in response to the pressures, the manufacturers would evaluate the technological characteristics of the system and subsequently develop their perceived desirability. Thirdly, the manufacturers with favourable perceived desirability shall decide to participate in the system.

Originality/value
This study advances the current literature of Halal supply chain, information systems, operations management and blockchain through an integrated model that could explain 73.19% of the variance in intention to participate.
Highly improvement in efficiency of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin film solar cells
Authors: Sajadnia Mohsen , Dehghani Sajjad , Noraeepoor Zahra , Sheikhi Mohammad Hossein 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to design and optimize copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin film solar cells.

Design/methodology/approach
A novel bi-layer CIGS thin film solar cell based on SnS is designed. To improve the performance of the CIGS based thin film solar cell a tin sulfide (SnS) layer is added to the structure, as back surface field and second absorbing layer. Defect recombination centers have a significant effect on the performance of CIGS solar cells by changing recombination rate and charge density. Therefore, performance of the proposed structure is investigated in two stages successively, considering typical and maximum reported trap density for both CIGS and SnS. To achieve valid results, the authors use previously reported experimental parameters in the simulations.

Findings
First by considering the typical reported trap density for both SnS and CIGS, high efficiency of 36%, was obtained. Afterward maximum reported trap densities of 1 × 1019 and 5.6 × 1015 cm−3 were considered for SnS and CIGS, respectively. The efficiency of the optimized cell is 27.17% which is achieved in CIGS and SnS thicknesses of cell are 0.3 and 0.1 µm, respectively. Therefore, even in this case, the obtained efficiency is well greater than previous structures while the absorbing layer thickness is low.

Originality/value
Having results similar to practical CIGS solar cells, the impact of the defects of SnS and CIGS layers was investigated. It was found that affixing SnS between CIGS and Mo layers causes a significant improvement in the efficiency of CIGS thin-film solar cell.
The pivotal relation between glucagon‐like peptides, NFκB and inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Azmy Nabeh Omnia , Ishak Attallah Magdy , El‐Sayed El‐Gawhary Nawal 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGlucagon‐like peptides (GLPs), GLP‐1 and GLP‐2, are released from intestinal enteroendocrine cells (L cells) in response to ingested nutrients. GLP‐1 plays a crucial role in lowering blood glucose and controlling body weight, through stimulating the islet ß cells of pancreas to secrete insulin, inhibiting gastric emptying, and reducing food ingestion. Therefore, GLP‐1 receptor agonists are now used in the treatment of obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). GLP‐2, on the other hand, is used as a novel therapy for short bowel syndrome (SBS) through its ability to restore intestinal homeostasis and induce epithelial proliferation. GLPs and the inhibitors of their degradation enzymes, dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV) inhibitors, have many anti‐inflammatory actions. Many animal‐based clinical trials have proved that GLP‐based therapy has a pivotal role in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), possibly through regulating the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa‐ligand B (NFκB). NFκB controls the production and secretion of many cytokines and chemokines encountered in the pathophysiology of IBD such as interleukin (IL‐1β‐IL‐12, IL‐13, IL‐21, IL‐22, IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and hence, may provide a promising therapeutic option.
DNAtandem repeats contribute to the genetic diversity of Brevibacterium aurantiacum phages
Authors: de Melo Alessandra G. , Rousseau Geneviève M. , Tremblay Denise M. , Labrie Simon J. , Moineau Sylvain 
Published: June 2020

SummaryThis report presents the characterization of the first virulent phages infecting Brevibacterium aurantiacum, a bacterial species used during the manufacture of surface‐ripened cheeses. These phages were also responsible for flavour and colour defects in surface‐ripened cheeses. Sixteen phages (out of 62 isolates) were selected for genome sequencing and comparative analyses. These cos‐type phages with a long non‐contractile tail currently belong to the Siphoviridae family (Caudovirales order). Their genome sizes vary from 35,637 to 36,825 bp and, similar to their host, have a high GC content (~61%). Genes encoding for an immunity repressor, an excisionase and a truncated integrase were found, suggesting that these virulent phages may be derived from a prophage. Their genomic organization is highly conserved, with most of the diversity coming from the presence of long (198 bp) DNA tandem repeats (TRs) within an open reading frame coding for a protein of unknown function. We categorized these phages into seven genomic groups according to their number of TR, which ranged from two to eight. Moreover, we showed that TRs are widespread in phage genomes, found in more than 85% of the genomes available in public databases.
Heterogeneity of the rice microbial community of the Chinese centuries‐old Honghe Hani rice terraces system
Authors: Alonso Pascal , Blondin Laurence , Gladieux Pierre , Mahé Frédéric , Sanguin Hervé , Ferdinand Romain , Filloux Denis , Desmarais Eric , Cerqueira Frédérique , Jin Baihui , Huang Huichuan , He Xiahong , Morel Jean‐Benoit , Martin Darren P. , Roumagnac Philippe , Vernière Christian 
Published: June 2020

SummaryThe Honghe Hani rice terraces system (HHRTS) is a traditional rice cultivation system where Hani people cultivate remarkably diverse rice varieties. Recent introductions of modern rice varieties to the HHRTS have significantly increased the severity of rice diseases within the terraces. Here, we determine the impacts of these recent introductions on the composition of the rice‐associated microbial communities. We confirm that the HHRTS contains a range of both traditional HHRTS landraces and introduced modern rice varieties and find differences between the microbial communities of these two groups. However, this introduction of modern rice varieties has not strongly impacted the overall diversity of the HHRTS rice microbial community. Furthermore, we find that the rice varieties (i.e. groups of closely related genotypes) have significantly structured the rice microbial community composition (accounting for 15%–22% of the variance) and that the core microbial community of HHRTS rice plants represents less than 3.3% of all the microbial taxa identified. Collectively, our study suggests a highly diverse HHRTS rice holobiont (host with its associated microbes) where the diversity of rice hosts mirrors the diversity of their microbial communities. Further studies will be needed to better determine how such changes might impact the sustainability of the HHRTS.
COVID‐19: test, trace and isolate‐new epidemiological data
Authors: Brüssow Harald 
Published: June 2020

SummaryIn the absence of an efficient drug treatment or a vaccine, the control of the COVID‐19 pandemic relies on classic infection control measures. Since these means are socially disruptive and come with substantial economic loss for societies, a better knowledge of the epidemiology of the new coronavirus epidemic is crucial to achieve control at a sustainable cost and within tolerable restrictions of civil rights.
Expanding the current knowledge and biotechnological applications of the oxygen‐independent ortho‐phthalate degradation pathway
Authors: Sanz David , García José L. , Díaz Eduardo 
Published: June 2020

Summaryortho‐Phthalate derives from industrially produced phthalate esters, which are massively used as plasticizers and constitute major emerging environmental pollutants. The pht pathway for the anaerobic bacterial biodegradation of o‐phthalate involves its activation to phthaloyl‐CoA followed by decarboxylation to benzoyl‐CoA. Here, we have explored further the pht peripheral pathway in denitrifying bacteria and shown that it requires also an active transport system for o‐phthalate uptake that belongs to the poorly characterized class of TAXI‐TRAP transporters. The construction of a fully functional pht cassette combining both catabolic and transport genes allowed to expand the o‐phthalate degradation ecological trait to heterologous hosts. Unexpectedly, the pht cassette also allowed the aerobic conversion of o‐phthalate to benzoyl‐CoA when coupled to a functional box central pathway. Hence, the pht pathway may constitute an evolutionary acquisition for o‐phthalate degradation by bacteria that thrive either in anoxic environments or in environments that face oxygen limitations and that rely on benzoyl‐CoA, rather than on catecholic central intermediates, for the aerobic catabolism of aromatic compounds. Finally, the recombinant pht cassette was used both to screen for functional aerobic box pathways in bacteria and to engineer recombinant biocatalysts for o‐phthalate bioconversion into sustainable bioplastics, e.g., polyhydroxybutyrate, in plastic recycling industrial processes.
Trait‐based approach to bacterial growth efficiency
Authors: Muscarella Mario E. , Howey Xia Meng , Lennon Jay T. 
Published: June 2020

SummaryBacterial growth efficiency (BGE) is the proportion of assimilated carbon that is converted into biomass and reflects the balance between growth and energetic demands. Often measured as an aggregate property of the community, BGE is highly variable within and across ecosystems. To understand this variation, we first identified how species identity and resource type affect BGE using 20 bacterial isolates belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria that were enriched from north temperate lakes. Using a trait‐based approach that incorporated genomic and phenotypic information, we characterized the metabolism of each isolate and tested for predicted trade‐offs between growth rate and efficiency. A substantial amount of variation in BGE could be explained at broad (i.e., order, 20%) and fine (i.e., strain, 58%) taxonomic levels. While resource type was a relatively weak predictor across species, it explained >60% of the variation in BGE within a given species. A metabolic trade‐off (between maximum growth rate and efficiency) and genomic features revealed that BGE may be a species‐specific metabolic property. Our study suggests that genomic and phylogenetic information may help predict aggregate microbial community functions like BGE and the fate of carbon in ecosystems.
Labels for a Local Food Speciality Product: The Case of Saffron
Authors: Sanjuán‐López Ana I. , Resano‐Ezcaray Helena 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe examine the potential demand for a local food speciality product, saffron, with alternative labels, using a choice experiment. The paper contributes to the literature on credence attributes, by examining Willingness to Pay (WTP) for the local, organic and PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), their differences across experimental conditions (hypothetical and non‐hypothetical), and by identifying the effects of personal characteristics, in terms of socio‐demographics and level of product involvement on the differences in WTP. We find that the local saffron speciality has an important appeal that could be better reinforced with the PDO rather than the organic labelling, and that consumers show a consistent pattern of preferences across experimental environments. WTP tends to be higher in the hypothetical setting and, in particular, consumers with relatively more knowledge and deeper roots in the territory tend to exhibit a larger WTP premium for local origin and its certification. These results may help producers improve their marketing of agri‐food products with a high gastronomic value and differentiation potential, while they warn about an overstatement of WTP for socially desirable characteristics, such as organic labelling, which is also relevant for policymakers.
Seronegative occult hepatitis C infection among hemodialysis patients: A prevalence study
Authors: Mahmoudvand Shahab , Shokri Somayeh , Azaran Azarakhsh , Seyedian Seyed S. , Makvandi Manoochehr , Mirzaei Habibollah , Sheikhrobat Sheida B. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (OCI) among HD patients. Blood samples were taken from 79 HD patients and their sera were evaluated for the presence of anti‐HCV. Both the sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were then checked for HCV RNA by nested reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Anti‐HCV was positive among 4/79 (5.1%) of the patients. From 75 patients who were negative for anti‐HCV, 71 (94.7%) patients were also negative for HCV RNA in sera samples but five of them were positive for HCV RNA in PBMCs. Totally, out of 79 patients, HCV RNA was detected in PBMCs of five (6.3%) patients, indicating that these patients had OCI. No significant difference was observed between the frequency of OCI and gender (P‐value = .6). HCV genotype in all five cases of OCI was genotype 3a. Our study showed prevalence rate of 6.3% OCI infection in HD patients. Regarding the serious complications and the clinical importance of OCI in HD patients, sensitive diagnostic methods for identifying HCV RNA in the PBMCs should be implemented for all HD patients.
Proton beam therapy is a safe and effective treatment in elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ono Takashi , Wada Hitoshi , Ishikawa Hitoshi , Tamamura Hiroyasu , Tokumaru Sunao 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundThere are many elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, there are currently few articles regarding the clinical outcome following proton beam therapy in these patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of proton beam therapy in elderly patients with ESCC.MethodsBetween January 2009 and December 2013, patients aged ≥75 years who underwent proton beam therapy were examined using multi‐institutional data from Japan.ResultsThere were 38 inoperable patients (70.4%) and 16 operable patients (29.6%). More than 40% of patients had stage III/IV ESCC. The five‐year overall and cancer‐specific survival rates were 56.2% and 71.7%, respectively. Performance status was the only factor that significantly influenced overall survival during the multivariate analysis. The five‐year local control rate was 61.8%, and local recurrence occurred within 13 months in 82.4% of patients,. There was no grade 3 or higher toxicity, excluding three patients with grade 3 esophageal ulcers.ConclusionsIn conclusion, proton beam therapy may become an alternative treatment with lower toxicity in elderly patients with ESCC, compared to surgery or conventional X‐ray radiotherapy. This includes inoperable patients.Key pointsSignificant findings of the studyProton beam therapy was a safe and effective treatment for elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) including inoperable patients.What this study addsProton beam therapy may be a safer treatment choice for elderly patients with ESCC compared to conventional X‐ray radiotherapy.
Risk of holding stocks with liquidity sensitive to market uncertainty: evidence from China
Authors: Sun Ping‐Wen , Shen Yifan , Qian Meifen , Yan Wu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe investigate the determinants of stocks’ uncertainty elasticity of liquidity (UEL), whether UEL is priced, and how government officials may use national funds to reduce the UEL risk in China’s A‐shares market. We find that stocks with higher UEL have a smaller market capitalisation, lower stock liquidity, less investor attention, and higher market and liquidity risks. Using data from 2004 to 2018, we show that the highest UEL decile portfolio significantly outperforms the lowest UEL decile portfolio by 0.54 percent per month. Moreover, our results show that UEL provides additional explanatory power for stock returns after we control for a stock’s transaction cost, firm characteristic risks, market risk and liquidity risk. As UEL is an important systematic risk, we hypothesise that government officials will take actions to reduce this risk when the market becomes more volatile. Consistent with our hypothesis, our results show that the ‘national team’ provides liquidity by executing trades opposite to those of other institutional investors during the 2015 stock market crisis in China.