bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drivers and differentiators: a grounded theory study of procurement in public and private organizations
Authors: Kuchina-Musina Dolores , Morris John Charles , Steinfeld Joshua 
Published: April 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine procurement professionals’ perceptions of public-private partnerships in contract arrangements and to explore decision-making that takes place in the contracting process.

Design/methodology/approach
A grounded theory approach is applied to Simon’s (1947) model of decision-making to better understand the perceptions of procurement professionals, especially because it pertains to public vs private sector contexts. The researchers collected data by conducting interviews and observing a compliance webinar of federal contracting employees.

Findings
The results show that in the decision-making process, Simon’s illustration of a means-end hierarchy is applicable for procurement decision-making because it is driven by activities that are evaluated using aims established by the organization.

Practical implications
The implications are that, in the procurement decision-making process, a means-end hierarchy is driven by the activities that are evaluated using aims established by the organization. Essentially, the activities are associated to a mean, a mean is associated to a sub-goal and the sub-goal supports the main aim of the organization.

Social implications
This study supports the notion that training, information and procedures are a way for organizations to control behaviors and promote consistent results from their subordinates.

Originality/value
This study contributes by examining the drivers of procurement decision-making. Despite previous literature that focuses on practitioner discretion or emphasizes on socio-economic factors, this study highlights the linkages between practitioner decision-making and organizational aims and objectives. As such, the paper serves to illustrate the vital connection between procurement activities and outputs.
Effects of social, environmental, and institutional factors on sustainability report assurance: evidence from European countries
Authors: Simoni Lorenzo , Bini Laura , Bellucci Marco 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to extend existing knowledge on the determinants of sustainability report (SR) assurance practices. Four different theories – stakeholder theory, institutional theory, signaling theory and legitimacy theory – are used to formulate several hypotheses regarding the main factors that can influence a company’s decision to assure its SRs.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample of 417 listed organizations based in different European countries over five years, the effects of stakeholder commitment, country orientation toward sustainability, firm environmental performance and business ethics controversies on the decision to assure SRs are assessed.FindingsThe results show that a company’s decision to assure its SRs is motivated by the need to maintain good relations with its stakeholders (which is in line with stakeholder theory and legitimacy theory), as well as by the willingness to signal their sustainability performance (which is in line with signaling theory) and to gain legitimacy. On the contrary, business ethics controversies do not seem to be relevant to a company’s assurance practices.Originality/valueThis paper provides new insights into the influence that social, environmental and institutional factors have on assurance strategies. New factors that previous research does not investigate – environmental performance, business ethics controversies and corporate governance – are tested. Factors that are already investigated in the literature are considered from an original perspective of introducing alternative measures (e.g. for the scope of national sustainability policies).
An empirical test of signalling theory
Authors: Yasar Burze , Martin Thomas , Kiessling Timothy 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThis study aims to support and extend signalling theory because of information asymmetry. This study also aims to answer the call to further negative signalling and explore immediate reactions to signals, thus alleviating a gap with regard to temporality of signalling.Design/methodology/approachThe study used two separate data sources, the S&P 500 and 51,500 pages of the public papers between 1981 and 1999, nearly 20 years of data. Inter-rater reliability, controlled for all macroeconomic announcements identified in the literature, is used, and the data are empirically tested using generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GJR-GARCH) modelling.FindingsIn accordance with signalling theory and the efficient market hypothesis, the study found that receivers do react to positive signals from a credible insider signaller to obviate information asymmetry. In line with previous research, the study also finds that receivers react much stronger to negative signals.Practical implicationsInvestors, financial managers and top executives responsible for their stock price need to focus on presidential signalling as these directly affect market volatility. In particular, investors and financial managers can predict stock price volatility based upon signals from the president.Originality/valueThis is the first research study that explores the correlation between presidential signalling and market volatility. This study is important for investors and financial managers.
Management stock ownership and corporate debt: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Farhangdoust Shayan , Salehi Mahdi , Molavi Homa 
Published: April 2020

Purpose
The purpose of the present paper is to examine the trade-off relationship between managerial ownership and corporate debts and whether this relationship is moderated by ownership structure and corporate tax rates, particularly in a transition and emerging market whose unique institutional characteristics considerably differ from those prevailing both in the West and East markets.

Design/methodology/approach
This research is semi-empirical in terms of method and practical in terms of purpose. The authors test their hypotheses by using simultaneous equations system methodology with two- and three-stages least squares regression (2SLS and 3SLS) and panel data technics on a sample of 952 listed companies on the Tehran Stock Exchange during 2011-2018.

Findings
The findings indicate that, contrary to the current line of research, there is no trade-off relationship between managerial ownership and debt concerning the reduction of agency costs. Likewise, the study finds no convincing evidence that either the controlling shareholder or the corporate tax rate could influence or moderate this interrelationship. The conjecture lies in the fact that the fundamental environmental variations between the Tehran Stock Exchange and the institutional assumptions underpinning the Western models have led to the formation of such unexpected results.

Research limitations/implications
The implications drawn from this study are constrained by two primary limitations. First, the present study is conducted in an Iranian setting; therefore, the data used for the study only contain companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. The utilization of listed companies on the Tehran Stock Exchange is likely to affect the generalizability of the study in an international context. Second, in this study, we were unable to extend the sample time period because of some major deficiencies in the Tehran Stock Exchange library and its supplementary software. The usage of an extended time period could have provided more generalizable results. However, extended time period, per se, may impair the validity of the results as well.

Originality/value
Because the fundamental institutional assumptions underpinning the Western and even East Asia capital structure models are not valid in the institutional environment of Iran, the findings of this study could provide substantial implications for the understanding of agency costs and capital structure literature. These significant institutional and ownership differences are the factors affecting firms’ leverage and capital choice decisions. Indeed, this study has laid some groundwork upon which a more detailed evaluation of the Iranian firms’ capital structure could be based. In addition, the examination of such relations may provide the ground for sound decision-making by various interested users of financial and accounting information.
Reduction of bisphenol A by Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum in yoghurt
Authors: Taghizadeh Moghaddam Sara , Javadi Afshin , Matin Amir Abbas 
Published: April 2020

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. plantarum on the concentration of bisphenol A in yoghurt as a food model. The bisphenol A was extracted from samples using a hollow fibre liquid‐phase microextraction method, followed by analysis using HPLC. The concentration of bisphenol A was also analysed during four weeks of yoghurt storage. L. plantarum and L. acidophilus decreased the level of bisphenol A in yoghurt by 82.8% and 43.44%, respectively. At the end of the storage period, the reduction level of bisphenol A by L. plantarum (95.30%) was higher than that of L. acidophilus (90.77%).
Emulsification properties of sodium caseinate‐based conjugates with selected polysaccharides
Authors: Kumar Sathish M H , Sabikhi Latha , Lamba Heena 
Published: April 2020

Sodium caseinate (SC) was conjugated with polysaccharides, viz. maltodextrin (MD), pectin (P) and gum arabic (GA) at protein:polysaccharide weight ratio of 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1. The emulsifying properties and other relevant chemical properties of these conjugates were compared. The visible colour change, SDS‐PAGE analysis and available reducing groups confirmed greater conjugation in SC‐MD conjugate than the SC‐GA and SC‐P conjugates. SC‐P conjugate at the weight ratio of 1:2 exhibited the best emulsifying properties (emulsifying activity – 46.7%, emulsion stability – 7 days at 5 ± 1 °C storage) and had better solubility (33.5%) near the iso‐electric pH.
Eco‐Schemes and Private Sustainability Initiatives: Creating Synergies
Authors: Poppe Krijn , Koutstaal Hannah 
Published: April 2020

SummaryThe eco‐schemes proposed by the European Commission for the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) have the potential to make agriculture more sustainable and climate smart. Based on Dutch policy advice we suggest basing the implementation on food systems thinking and to align public eco‐schemes with private initiatives. Dutch policy seeks to create a circular agricultural system by 2030. As such, policy measures must contribute towards ‘closing leakages in material flows, cutting emissions and reducing wastage of biomass throughout the whole food system’. This corresponds with the objectives of the new CAP. Member States can transfer budget from the basic income support to the eco‐schemes relatively easily, but the one year contracts proposed by the Commission would not ensure continuity for farmers. Farmers are incentivised first and foremost by markets and other food chain actors and it would therefore be more attractive to couple eco‐schemes with private labelling systems, via a common integrated points system with performance indicators. Providers of sustainability schemes could apply for equivalence with eco‐schemes. Farmers participating in an approved sustainability scheme would then, under the principle of compliance by default, automatically be given the possibility to take part in the equivalent eco‐scheme. Management and oversight of compliance would be the responsibility of the organisation offering the sustainability scheme. This would have the benefit of reducing administrative costs.
Mesenteric lymphadenopathy is a key to diagnosis of radiologically challenging pulmonary lymphoma
Authors: Lu Pei‐Hsuan , Huang Chung‐Yao , Jhou Zong‐Yi , Huang Wei‐Ming , Chen Chia‐Hung , Huang Chun‐Chao 
Published: April 2020

AbstractExtranodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma (EMZBL), previously known as mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, is the most common type of marginal zone B‐cell lymphomas. Primary pulmonary lymphomas only constitute 0.5% of primary lung cancer, but 90% of these are EMZBLs. Primary pulmonary lymphomas share similar imaging features with secondary pulmonary lymphomas. Imaging diagnosis is challenging because many benign and other malignant lung lesions can display similar features. Here, we demonstrate a 70‐year‐old male case with lung tumors and only mesenteric lymphadenopathy, which was eventually diagnosed as advanced pulmonary EMZBL with involvement of the mesenteric lymph nodes and bone marrow. Pulmonary masses have a wide differential diagnosis, but concurrent isolated mesenteric lymphadenopathy might be a radiological clue to pulmonary lymphoma.Key points
Concurrent isolated mesenteric lymphadenopathy might be a radiological clue to pulmonary lymphoma.
For nonspecific lung tumors, additional abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan might be helpful for diagnosis of possible lymphoma.
Restoration of functional sperm production in irradiated pubertal rhesus monkeys by spermatogonial stem cell transplantation
Authors: Shetty Gunapala , Mitchell Jennifer M. , Meyer Jennifer M. , Wu Zhuang , Lam Truong N.A. , Phan Thien T. , Zhang Jie , Hill Lorraine , Tailor Ramesh C. , Peters Karen A. , Penedo Maria C. , Hanna Carol , Orwig Kyle E. , Meistrich Marvin L. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn male pre‐pubertal cancer patients, radiation and chemotherapy impact future fertility by eradication of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). In macaques, spermatogenesis could be regenerated by intratesticular transplantation of SSCs, but only a small percentage of spermatozoa produced were of donor origin. Transient hormone suppression with a GnRH antagonist (GnRH‐ant) enhanced spermatogenic recovery from transplanted SSCs.ObjectivesTo evaluate donor‐derived and endogenous spermatogenic recovery after SSC transplantation into irradiated monkeys and to test whether hormone suppression around the time of transplantation facilitates spermatogenic recovery.Materials and methodsTestes of 15 adult rhesus monkeys were irradiated with 7 Gy and 4 months later transplanted, to one of the testes, with cryopreserved testicular cells containing SSCs from unrelated monkeys. Monkeys were either treated with GnRH‐ant for 8 weeks before transplantation, GnRH‐ant from 4 weeks before to 4 weeks after transplantation, or with no GnRH‐ant. Tissues were harvested 10 months after transplantation.ResultsTwo of the 15 monkeys, a control and a pre‐transplantation GnRH‐ant–treated, showed substantially higher levels of testicular spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm output in the transplanted side as compared to the untransplanted. Over 84% of epididymal spermatozoa on the transplanted side had the donor genotype and were capable of fertilizing eggs after intracytoplasmic sperm injection forming morulae of the donor paternal origin. Low levels of donor spermatozoa (~1%) were also identified in the epididymis of three additional monkeys. Transplantation also appeared to enhance endogenous spermatogenesis.Discussion and conclusionWe confirmed that SSC transplantation can be used for restoration of fertility in male cancer survivors exposed to irradiation as a therapeutic agent. The success rate of this procedure, however, is low. The success of filling the tubules with the cell suspension, but not the GnRH‐ant treatment, was related to the level of colonization by transplanted cells.
Assessing heart rate variability in type 1 diabetes mellitus—Psychosocial stress a possible confounder
Authors: Kristiansen Eva , Wanby Pär , Åkesson Karin , Blomstrand Peter , Brudin Lars , Thegerström Johanna 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundAutonomic neuropathy (AN) commonly arises as a long‐term complication in diabetes mellitus and can be diagnosed from heart rate variability (HRV), calculated from electrocardiogram recordings. Psychosocial stress also affects HRV and could be one of several confounders for cardiac AN. The present work investigated the impact of psychosocial stress on HRV in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and assessed the use of salivary cortisol as a biomarker for psychosocial stress in this context.MethodsA total of 167 individuals 6–60 years old (113 with T1DM and 54 healthy controls) underwent 24‐hr ECG recordings with HRV analysis. Salivary cortisol was sampled thrice during the registration day. Perceived psychosocial stress along with other factors of possible importance for the interpretation of HRV was documented in a diary.ResultsHeart rate variability (high‐frequency power during sleep) was reduced (p < .05) with older age, longer diabetes duration, higher mean glucose levels, physical inactivity, and perceived psychosocial stress. Salivary cortisol levels in the evening were increased (p < .05) in women in ovulation phase, in individuals with preceding hypoglycemia or with hyperglycemia. The amplitude of salivary cortisol was reduced (p < .05) with the presence of perceived psychosocial stress, but only in adult healthy controls, not in individuals with diabetes.ConclusionPsychosocial stress might be a confounder for reduced HRV when diagnosing cardiac AN in T1DM. Salivary cortisol is, however, not a useful biomarker for psychosocial stress in diabetes since the physiological stress of both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia seems to overrule the effect of psychosocial stress on cortisol.
Impact of a digital medicine programme on hepatitis C treatment adherence and efficacy in adults at high risk for non‐adherence
Authors: Sulkowski Mark , Luetkemeyer Annie F. , Wyles David L. , Martorell Claudia , Muir Andrew , Weisberg Ilan , Gordon Stuart C. , McLain Richard , Huhn Gregory 
Published: April 2020

SummaryBackgroundDirect‐acting anti‐virals (DAA) are highly effective for hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, but perceived risks of medication non‐adherence may restrict access to care. Digital medicine programme (DMP) has improved adherence and outcomes for some conditions.AimsTo conduct a prospective, single‐arm, open‐label study across the United States to assess the impact of DMP on adherence and efficacy in adults with chronic HCV infection at high risk for non‐adherence.MethodsEligible participants were placed on the DMP to evaluate real‐time adherence; primary outcome was sustained virological response (SVR) at ≥10 weeks post‐treatment.ResultsBetween August 2017 and April 2019, 288 participants (Medicaid, 64.9%; psychiatric disorders, 61.1%; homeless, 9.4%) received DAAs for 8‐12 weeks (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir or ledipasvir, 45%; glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, 55%). SVR was achieved in 99.1% of 218 participants who had HCV RNA assessed at ≥10 weeks post‐treatment; of the 70 participants who did not have SVR assessed, 17 had SVR4 with HCV RNA assessed at a median (IQR; interquartile range) 5.6 weeks (4.1, 7.9) post‐treatment; one completed treatment but did not have HCV RNA assessed, and 52 discontinued treatment early without assessment. Overall, the primary analysed participants (n = 218) actively used the DMP for median (range) 92.9% (12.5%, 100%) of their prescribed treatment time, and overall pill‐taking adherence was 95.0% (57.1%, 100%). Participants reported the programme was useful and easy to use through satisfaction surveys.ConclusionsHCV treatment with DMP was accepted by patients and clinicians and may support HCV treatment outcomes among patients at high risk for treatment non‐adherence (Clinical trials.gov NCT03164902).
DNA methylation level in blood and relations to breast cancer, risk factors and environmental exposure in Greenlandic Inuit women
Authors: Wielsøe Maria , Tarantini Letizia , Bollati Valentina , Long Manhai , Bonefeld‐Jørgensen Eva Cecilie 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSeveral studies have found aberrant DNA methylation levels in breast cancer cases, but factors influencing DNA methylation patterns and the mechanisms are not well understood. This case–control study evaluated blood methylation level of two repetitive elements and selected breast cancer‐related genes in relation to breast cancer risk, and the associations with serum level of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and breast cancer risk factors in Greenlandic Inuit. DNA methylation was determined using bisulphite pyrosequencing in blood from 74 breast cancer cases and 80 controls. Using first tertile as reference, the following was observed. Positive associations for ATM in second tertile (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.04; 5.23) and ESR2 in third tertile (OR: 2.22, 95% CI: 0.97; 5.05) suggest an increased breast cancer risk with high DNA methylation. LINE‐1 methylation was lower in cases than controls. In third tertile (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.18; 0.98), associations suggest in accordance with the literature an increased risk of breast cancer with LINE‐1 hypomethylation. Among controls, significant associations between methylation levels and serum level of POPs and breast cancer risk factors (age, body mass index, cotinine level) were found. Thus, breast cancer risk factors and POPs may alter the risk through changes in methylation levels; further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms.
Prognostic value of indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase in patients with higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes treated with azacytidine
Authors: Müller‐Thomas Catharina , Heider Michael , Piontek Guido , Schlensog Martin , Bassermann Florian , Kirchner Thomas , Germing Ulrich , Götze Katharina S. , Rudelius Martina 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHypomethylating agents (HMAs) are widely used in patients with higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) not eligible for stem cell transplantation; however, the response rate is <50%. Reliable predictors of response are still missing, and it is a major challenge to develop new treatment strategies. One current approach is the combination of azacytidine (AZA) with checkpoint inhibitors; however, the potential benefit of targeting the immunomodulator indoleamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO‐1) has not yet been evaluated. We observed moderate to strong IDO‐1 expression in 37% of patients with high‐risk MDS. IDO‐1 positivity was predictive of treatment failure and shorter overall survival. Moreover, IDO‐1 positivity correlated inversely with the number of infiltrating CD8+ T cells, and IDO‐1+ patients failed to show an increase in CD8+ T cells under AZA treatment. In vitro experiments confirmed tryptophan catabolism and depletion of CD8+ T cells in IDO‐1+ MDS, suggesting that IDO‐1 expression induces an immunosuppressive microenvironment in MDS, thereby leading to treatment failure under AZA treatment. In conclusion, IDO‐1 is expressed in more than one‐third of patients with higher‐risk MDS, and is predictive of treatment failure and shorter overall survival. Therefore, IDO‐1 is emerging as a promising predictor and therapeutic target, especially for combination therapies with HMAs or checkpoint inhibitors.
Gene expression of HIF‐1α and VEGF in response to hypoxia in sickle cell anaemia: Influence of hydroxycarbamide
Authors: Pedrosa Alano M. , Lemes Romélia P. G. 
Published: April 2020

SummaryHypoxia and hemoglobin S polymerization are two triggers responsible for initiating erythrocyte sickling and the consequent clinical sickle cell anemia (SCA) events. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of hypoxia‐responsive genes in SCA, testing for correlation with the clinical–laboratorial characteristics of the patient and hydroxyurea therapy. Our results showed, for the first time, a significantly increased expression of HIF‐1α and VEGF genes in patients with SCA and an inverse dose–response relationship with hydroxyurea therapy. These results suggest that hypoxic stress may be involved in both the severity of SCA and its response to treatment.