bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal constant-stress ADDT plan with one main effect and one interaction effect
Authors: Srivastava Preeti Wanti , Manisha Manisha , Agarwal Manju 
Published: July 2020

PurposeDegradation measurement of some products requires destructive inspection; that is, the degradation of each unit can be observed only once. For example, observation on the mechanical strength of interconnection bonds or on the dielectric strength of insulators requires destruction of the unit. Testing high-reliability items under normal operating conditions yields a small amount of degradation in a reasonable length of time. To overcome this problem, the items are tested at higher than normal stress level – an approach called an accelerated destructive degradation test (ADDT). The present paper deals with formulation of constant-stress ADDT (CSADDT) plan with the test specimens subject to stress induced by temperature and voltage.Design/methodology/approachThe stress–life relationship between temperature and voltage is described using Zhurkov–Arrhenius model. The fractional factorial experiment has been used to determine optimal number of stress combinations. The product's degradation path follows Wiener process. The model parameters are estimated using method of maximum likelihood. The optimum plan consists in finding out optimum allocations at each inspection time corresponding to each stress combination by using variance optimality criterion.FindingsThe method developed has been explained using a numerical example wherein point estimates and confidence intervals for the model parameters have been obtained and likelihood ratio test has been used to test for the presence of interaction effect. It has been found that both the temperature and the interaction between temperature and voltage influence the quantile lifetime of the product. Sensitivity analysis is also carried out.Originality/valueMost of the work in the literature on the design of ADDT plans focusses on only a single stress factor. An interaction exists among two or more stress factors if the effect of one factor on a response depends on the levels of other factors. In this paper, an optimal CSADDT plan is studied with one main effect and one interaction effect. The method developed can help engineers study the effect of elevated temperature and its interaction with another stress factor, say, voltage on quantile lifetime of a high-reliability unit likely to last for several years.
How does contract completeness affect tacit knowledge acquisition?
Authors: Wang Longwei , Song Meige , Zhang Min , Wang Li 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThis study aims to empirically investigate the role of contracts in tacit knowledge acquisition in research and development (R&D) alliances. By combining the perspectives of sensemaking and transaction cost economics (TCE), this study proposes a model about the mechanisms through which shared goals and contract completeness jointly affect tacit knowledge acquisition.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a quantitative design and used the questionnaire survey method to collect data. The authors finally collected data on 196 R&D alliance samples in China. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.FindingsThere is strong empirical support that contract completeness has a positive effect on shared goals and that shared goals have a positive effect on tacit knowledge acquisition. Meanwhile, contract completeness weakens the positive effect of shared goals on tacit knowledge acquisition. Therefore, this study reveals that contract completeness has an inverted U-shaped effect on tacit knowledge acquisition.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that managers should consider both the psychological and rational effects of contract governance simultaneously, thus recognizing the importance of a moderate level of contract completeness for tacit knowledge acquisition in R&D alliances.Originality/valueThis study enhances the current understanding of contract governance by integrating the sensemaking and TCE perspectives. The findings provide a possible explanation of how contracts affect tacit knowledge acquisition in R&D alliances. The authors expand the research on contract governance and alliance knowledge acquisition by revealing the inverted U-shaped relationship between contract governance and tacit knowledge acquisition.
Determinants of corporate corruption disclosures: evidence based on EU listed firms
Authors: Jaggi Bikki , Allini Alessandra , Ginesti Gianluca , Macchioni Riccardo 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThis study aims to examine the impact of corporate board characteristics and country-level legal system on corruption disclosures mandated by the recent European Union (EU) Directive No. 95/2014.Design/methodology/approachBased on a sample of 234 European listed companies and covering the 2017–2018 period, this study uses regression analyses to empirically test the association of independent directors, board gender diversity and country’s legal system with disclosure of corruption information.FindingsThe presence of independent directors and female directors is positively associated with corporate corruption disclosures. The association between independent directors and corruption disclosures is especially strong when firms are operating in the common law environments.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is exclusively focused on larger European listed firms and therefore the findings may not be valid for small and medium firms.Practical implicationsThis study provides important information to policymakers to have a better understanding of the factors that influence firms’ disclosure policy on corruption-related activities. It also offers useful information to investors because it shows firms’ propensity to disclose corruption information that would enable them to evaluate their risk and return better.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates firms’ response to the EU Directive No. 95/2014 in disclosing corruption information after its implementation in 2017. It documents the effective role played by female directors in influencing firms’ information disclosure policies. It also confirms that common law environment is more conducive to disclosures.
A passenger running west on a ship headed east: positioning Turkish HRM on the convergence and divergence continuum
Authors: Bayraktaroglu Serkan , Atay Erhan , Ilhan Habibe 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand whether circumstantial factors in Turkey create a unique approach to human resource management (HRM) determining its place on the convergence and divergence continuum.Design/methodology/approachTurkish HRM literature, based on 39 journal articles published between the years 1998 and 2018, are analyzed through an institutional theory lens using content analysis.FindingsThe ambiguity of the convergence and divergence issue in Turkey may be argued as HRM is still not considered as a primary management function in Turkey. There appear to be only a small number of original studies that preserve cultural values as well as follow new trends within the discipline.Originality/valueThis study broadens the understanding of the developmental trajectories of HRM by examining the context, history and advancement of HRM in Turkey as an example of developing economies.
Recognizing and realizing the value of customer-focused property management
Authors: Sanderson Danielle Claire , Read Dustin C. 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to increase awareness of the value that can be derived from embracing customer service and ensuring tenant satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThis literature review synthesizes the results of research conducted around the world to examine the value proposition of customer-focused property management. The literature was identified through a search of academic journal articles and industry publications, together with the authors' experience of working with industry practitioners. Drawing on these sources, the authors identify five emerging trends that are likely to make customer service an even more critical part of property managers' jobs and propose best practices to help property managers actualize the benefits.FindingsThree themes emerge from the literature. First, property managers can add significant value to real estate portfolios by delivering high-quality customer service to tenants. Second, emerging trends in the real estate industry are creating new opportunities for property managers to participate in the value creation process. Third, there are a number of steps property managers can take to leverage customer service to benefit the real estate investors they represent.Practical implicationsReal estate investors, and the property managers working on their behalf, can realize the advantages of customer-focused property management by adopting a series of straightforward best practices, which are discussed in the paper.Social implicationsThe trends identified and practical steps proposed are likely to be all the more relevant in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.Originality/valueThis research should increase awareness of customer-focused property management and the mechanisms through which it can affect real estate returns. The ten best practices proposed should help property managers deliver effective service to tenants and achieve the associated financial benefits for investors.
Emerging treatments for atopic dermatitis
Authors: Katoh Norito 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIncreasing information on the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis (AD), accumulating data on cellular and molecular pathways in immunological reactions and inflammation, and the expansion of biotechnology and pharmacology have collectively contributed to the development of new pharmacological agents for AD. Novel pharmaceutical agents, including biologics targeting cytokines, which play pathogenetic roles in AD, for example, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐13, IL‐31 and IL‐22, Janus kinase inhibitors, phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors and histamine H4 receptor antagonists, have been approved or are being developed. These agents are expected to be effective in AD patients with skin signs and/or symptoms that are refractory to conventional treatments. The development of novel drugs will accompany the use of predictive biomarkers for each agent in order to optimize treatment in each patient. Convenient tools that support self‐decision‐making by patients to reflect their preferences, which will increase treatment satisfaction and adherence, are also anticipated.
Distinct determinants of muscle wasting in nonobese heart failure patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yano Toshiyuki , Katano Satoshi , Kouzu Hidemichi , Nagaoka Ryohei , Inoue Takuya , Takamura Yuhei , Ishigo Tomoyuki , Watanabe Ayako , Ohori Katsuhiko , Koyama Masayuki , Nagano Nobutaka , Fujito Takefumi , Nishikawa Ryo , Hashimoto Akiyoshi , Miura Tetsuji 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundMuscle wasting, that is, reduction in muscle mass, is frequently observed in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and diabetes mellitus (DM).MethodsWe retrospectively examined 185 patients with CHF (median age of 71 years [interquartile range, 61‐78 years]; 64% male) who received a dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scan for assessment of appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI).ResultsSeventy patients with CHF (38%) had DM. Patients with DM had higher prevalences of ischemic heart disease and hypertension, lower levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and ASMI, and higher levels of plasma renin activity (PRA) than did patients without DM. In simple regression analyses, ASMI was positively correlated with the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA‐SF) score and levels of hemoglobin, eGFR, and fasting plasma insulin and was negatively correlated with levels of N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide, PRA, and cortisol. In multiple linear regression analyses, age, MNA‐SF score, DM, fasting plasma insulin level, and PRA were independently associated with ASMI. When multiple linear regression analyses were separately performed in a non‐DM group and a DM group, MNA‐SF score and fasting plasma insulin level were independent variables for ASMI in both groups. PRA was independently associated with ASMI in the DM group but not in the non‐DM group, whereas cortisol concentration was independently associated with ASMI only in the non‐DM group.ConclusionsIn addition to malnutrition and reduction in plasma insulin, renin‐angiotensin system activation may be responsible for the development of muscle wasting in CHF patients with DM.
Outcome of biopsy‐proven lupus nephritis with low glomerular filtration rate at presentation
Authors: Haridasan Satish , Rathi Manish , Sharma Aman , Nada Ritambhra , Kumar Sachin , Ramachandran Raja , Kohli Harbir Singh 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivesCurrently, there is limited data regarding the outcomes of lupus nephritis (LN) with moderate to severe renal failure at presentation (defined by low glomerular filtration rate; GFR <30 mL/min).MethodsSixty‐four patients with biopsy‐proven LN and estimated GFR (eGFR) <30 mL/min were prospectively analyzed. Outcome measure of persistently low eGFR, end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) or death at 365 days were grouped as Major Adverse Kidney Events (MAKE365).ResultsDiagnosis of lupus was simultaneous with onset of renal disease in 60% of cases. Histologically, 82.3% (n = 51) were class IV, the median serum creatinine was 4 mg/dL (interquartile range [IQR] 3.1‐5.9 mg/dL), median eGFR was 13.75 mL/min (IQR 9.25‐19 mL/min) and 42.2% (n = 27) required dialysis at presentation. Induction regimens included National Institute of Health (68.2%), Eurolupus protocol (10.9%) and mycophenolate mofetil (8%). Over 365 days, 23 (37.5%) subjects died, while 41 (62.5%) survived. The majority of deaths were due to infection and sepsis (14/23). Among the survivors, 70.7% had good renal outcome, 12.1% had persistently low GFR (<30 mL/min), while 17% developed ESRD. In this group, treatment response rate was 84.6% (complete response 25.6%, partial response 59%). Those with a better renal function at presentation had a good treatment response (100% vs. 40%). Altogether, n = 35 (54.6%) were included in the MAKE365 category. Between the renal survival group (n = 29) versus the MAKE365 group (n = 35) there was no difference in clinical or histological parameters.ConclusionThe current treatment protocols had a good response rate in patients with LN even with severe kidney injury at presentation. However, the risk of serious infections and subsequent mortality was high.
Three‐dimensional printed polyether‐ether‐ketone implant for extensive chest wall reconstruction: A case report
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Xi , Jiang Tao , Huang Lijun 
Published: July 2020

Three‐dimensional printed (3DP) implant offers a valid option with perfect anatomic fitting in individual and skeletal reconstruction of the chest wall. Herein, we present the case of a patient with a large chest wall tumor, where an extensive chest wall defect was repaired using 3DP polyether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK) implants. Surgical treatment planning was performed according to the computed tomography (CT) images in DICOM format. A 3DP implant was then design and fabricated. A wide excision of the chest wall tumor was performed, including the entire sternum, 2–6 costal cartilage and ribs, and parietal pleura. Furthermore, a skeletal reconstruction was carried out using a 3DP PEEK implant. The patient recovered well without surgical complications or tumor recurrence in the following year. In general, 3DP PEEK implant is an appropriate alternative for chest wall reconstruction.Key pointsSignificant findings of the studySkeletal reconstruction after wide excision of the chest wall remains a challenging problem for clinicians.What this study adds3DP PEEK implant is an appropriate alternative for chest wall reconstruction.
Prescription patterns of psychotropics in patients receiving synthetic glucocorticoids
Authors: Yatomi T. , Uchida T. , Takeuchi H. , Kuramochi S. , Yoshimura K. , Mimura M. , Uchida H. 
Published: July 2020

ObjectiveSynthetic glucocorticoids cause various psychiatric symptoms. Prescription of psychotropic drugs could be considered to be a proxy for manifestation of psychiatric symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the prescriptions of psychotropics in outpatients receiving synthetic glucocorticoids.MethodsWe used the claims sampling data during January 2015 from the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan made by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare in Japan. We compared the prescription rates of psychotropics between outpatients receiving oral synthetic glucocorticoids and age‐ and sex‐matched controls and the prescription rates of psychotropics among the eight dosage groups of synthetic glucocorticoids by chi‐squared test, and chlorpromazine/imipramine/diazepam equivalent doses (or daily defined doses) of respective psychotropics among these groups using Welch's t‐test.ResultsSynthetic glucocorticoids were prescribed to 3.1% (n = 18 122) of 581 990 patients. The prescription rates of psychotropics were significantly higher among the synthetic glucocorticoid recipients than among the non‐recipients: antipsychotics, 1.8% (n = 321) vs. 1.1% (n = 201) (P = 1.4 × 10−7); antidepressants, 4.0% (n = 724) vs. 2.0% (n = 359) (P = 8.7 × 10−30); anxiolytics/hypnotics, 16.7% (n = 3029) vs. 10.2% (n = 1841) (P = 2.7 × 10−75); and mood stabilizers, 1.3% (n = 238) vs. 0.7% (n = 120) (P = 3.6 × 10−10) respectively. There was no significant difference in the prescription rates of any psychotropic drugs, other than anxiolytics/hypnotics, among the eight synthetic glucocorticoid dosage groups.ConclusionPrescriptions of oral synthetic glucocorticoids were found to be associated with the use of any of the types of psychotropic drugs, other than anxiolytics/hypnotics, although a causal relationship could not be confirmed due to the retrospective and cross‐sectional nature of this study.
Risk to health from COVID‐19 for anaesthetists and intensivists – a narrative review
Authors: Cook T. M. 
Published: July 2020

SummaryHealthcare workers are at an increased risk of infection, harm and death from COVID‐19. Close and prolonged exposure to individuals infectious with SARS‐CoV‐2 leads to infection. A person’s individual characteristics (age, sex, ethnicity and comorbidities) then influence the subsequent risk of COVID‐19 leading to hospitalisation, critical care admission or death. While relative risk is often reported as a measure of individual danger, absolute risk is more important and dynamic, particularly in the healthcare setting. Individual risk interacts with exposure and environmental risk‐factors, and the extent of mitigation to determine overall risk. Hospitals are a unique environment in which there is a significantly increased risk of infection for all healthcare workers. Anaesthetists and intensivists particularly are at high risk of exposure to SARS‐CoV‐2 infected patients due to their working environments and exposure to certain patient groups. However, the available evidence suggests that the risk for this group of individuals is not currently increased. This review examines factors associated with increased risk of infection with SARS‐CoV‐2, increasing severity of COVID‐19 and death. A risk tool is proposed that includes personal, environmental and mitigating factors, and enables an individualised dynamic ‘point‐of‐time’ risk assessment.
In utero exposure to thiopurines/anti‐TNF agents and long‐term health outcomes during childhood and adolescence in Denmark
Authors: Nørgård Bente Mertz , Nielsen Jan , Friedman Sonia 
Published: July 2020

SummaryBackgroundData on long‐term health outcomes of children exposed in utero to thiopurines and anti‐TNF medications are lacking.AimsTo examine the association between in utero exposure to thiopurines and anti‐TNF medications and child health outcomes of site‐specific groups of infections, using a composite endpoint including psychiatric diagnoses/autism spectrum disorder (ASD)/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and malignancies during childhood/adolescence.MethodsA nationwide cohort study based on Danish health registries included 1 311 009 live born children during 1995 through 2015. Outcomes were based on hospital diagnoses (in‐patients/out‐patients/emergency department contacts).ResultsIn total, 1048 children were exposed in utero to thiopurines and 1 309 961 were unexposed. The adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for site‐specific groups of infections in the first 3 years of life were close to unity. The adjusted HR of psychiatric diagnoses/ASD/ADHD was 1.11 (95% CI 0.81‐1.52). The HR of malignancies was not calculated (only two events among the exposed). In total, 493 children were exposed in utero to anti‐TNF medications and 728 055 were unexposed. Within the first year of life, the adjusted HR of respiratory, urological/gynaecological infections and other infections were 1.34 (95% CI 1.03‐1.74), 2.36 (95% CI 1.15‐4.81) and 1.61 (95% CI 1.21‐2.13), respectively. We found no increased risk of other adverse outcomes.ConclusionsAfter in utero exposure to thiopurines, we found no increased risk of infections, psychiatric diagnoses/ASD/ADHD, or malignancies during childhood/adolescence. After in utero exposure to anti‐TNF medications, the risk of respiratory, urological/gynaecological infections and other infections was increased during the first year of life.
Robotic diaphragmatic plication for eventration: A retrospective analysis of efficacy, safety, and feasibility
Authors: Bin Asaf Belal , Kodaganur Gopinath Srinivas , Kumar Arvind , Puri Harsh Vardhan , Pulle Mohan V. , Bishnoi Sukhram 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionEventration of the diaphragm results in impaired respiratory mechanics, which leads to symptoms of dyspnea. Robotic diaphragmatic plication is a recently reported technique that has had good immediate outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe our transthoracic and transabdominal plication techniques and to analyze the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of robotic diaphragmatic plication in an Indian setting.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at a large tertiary care center in a dedicated thoracic surgery unit. To measure the efficacy of plication, we administered a pulmonary function test to each patient at baseline and 6 months postoperatively and then compared the results.ResultsEighteen patients underwent robotic diaphragmatic plication during the study period. Of these 18 patients, 12 underwent surgery via a transabdominal approach, and 6 underwent surgery via a transthoracic approach. Surgery was completed robotically in 17 patients. The comparison of the preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function test results showed that the mean ± SD increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was 19.9 ± 22.0% (P = .002) and the mean increase in FEV1/forced vital capacity was 5.7 ± 2.5 % (P = .225), indicating a significant improvement in FEV1 after surgery.ConclusionRobotic diaphragmatic plication can be performed transthoracically or transabdominally with good surgical outcomes. It is safe, effective, and feasible.