bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Marketing strategies for highly volatile emerging markets: an empirical study from Pakistani cellular industry
Authors: Javed Ammar , Khan Zia 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThis study aims to highlight important marketing strategies within the context of a highly competitive emerging market with few points of difference because of service homogeneity. Drawing upon the social identity and self-expansion theories, this research explores the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and discounts and packages offers (DPO) as determinants of purchase intentions. The understudied mediating role of brand love is investigated in the CSR–purchase intentions and DPO–purchase intentions relationships, with relationship age as a moderating variable for the two relationships.Design/methodology/approachData from 359 valid responses from customers of cellular service firms in Pakistan were analyzed using partial least squares-based structural equation modeling.FindingsThe findings show that brand love partially (albeit a weaker relationship) mediates the CSR–purchase intentions relationship. Brand love also partially (albeit a stronger relationship) mediates the DPO–purchase intentions relationship. The moderating role of relationship age is not established.Practical implicationsCellular firms in emerging markets experience high volatility. Therefore, understanding of the volatile behavior alongside devising strategies is of the utmost importance. This research shows that customers continue their business with the firms they love. Interestingly, the non-significance of relationship age as a moderator for both CSR–purchase intentions and DPO–purchase intentions indicates that garnering customers' purchase intentions with respect to relationship age will be very difficult for cellular firms under fierce competition. CSR and DPO should be strategically used to increase brand love to boost purchase intentions.Originality/valueThis study makes two important contributions to the literature of emerging markets. The first contribution of this research is the proposal and validation of brand love as a mediating variable in CSR–purchase intentions and DPO–purchase intentions relationships. Evaluation of the moderating role of relationship age in CSR–purchase intentions and DPO–purchase intentions relationships is the second contribution.
Pathways to improving financial inclusion through mobile money: a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Senyo PK , Osabutey Ellis L.C. , Seny Kan Konan A. 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate and explain pathways through which mobile money can improve financial inclusion.Design/methodology/approachThe study used 294 survey responses from mobile money users in Ghana. The data were analysed using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).FindingsThe findings reveal four pathways for improving financial inclusion through mobile money. In addition, the study identified three distinct user topologies as well as their associated pathways through which mobile money can be used to improve financial inclusion.Practical implicationsManagers and financial service organisations need to design products and services to align with different pathways and user topologies to improve financial inclusion through mobile money. Moreover, they need to take into account people’s diverse social and economic backgrounds.Originality/valueThe study makes theoretical and empirical contributions by unpacking pathways through which mobile money can improve financial inclusion. In addition, this study reveals three distinct user topologies, being ease-of-use, behavioural intention and coverage-price-service driven and associated pathways through which mobile money can improve financial inclusion. These pathways and user topologies are important to tailor mobile money services and financial inclusion policies. Lastly, this study is arguably the first to utilise the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) in fsQCA to extend the mobile money literature.
A moderated-mediated examination of the relations among strategic planning, organizational learning, slack and firm performance
Authors: Rau Devaki , Flores Luis , Simha Aditya 
Published: November 2020

PurposePlanning is a perennially popular management tool with an ambiguous relationship to learning and performance. The purpose of this study attempts to resolve this ambiguity. The authors suggest that the critical question is not whether firms need learning for planning to influence performance, but when different firms experience different performance outcomes. The authors propose firms will benefit from strategic planning only when they learn from planning and have the resources to act on their learning.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected data from a survey of 293 individuals from 191 publicly listed US firms.FindingsOrganizational learning mediates the relations between strategic planning and organizational performance. This mediated relationship is positively moderated by high levels of human resource slack and moderate to high levels of financial slack.Research limitations/implicationsThe study provides evidence for previous theoretical arguments on the planning–learning relationship while extending this research by finding a complicated moderating effect of slack. The study also adds to the existing debate on optimal slack levels by suggesting that having bundles of slack resources may matter more than having uniformly high or low levels of slack. A cross-sectional study means the authors cannot infer causation.Practical implicationsWhile strategic planning is a common practice, companies may vary in their planning methodologies, influencing the outcomes of planning. Firms seeking to benefit from planning need to have both the mechanisms to learn from planning and slack to deploy these mechanisms.Originality/valueThese findings clarify the planning–learning–performance relationship while challenging the assumption of an average effect of planning on performance across firms.
Environmental, social and corporate governance framework for corporate disclosure: a multicriteria dimension analysis approach
Authors: Zopounidis Constantin , Garefalakis Alexandros , Lemonakis Christos , Passas Ioannis 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide to the Board of Directors and CEOs of a firm to be aware of and accountable for the information they provide to the public. As long as the quality of the companies’ public information is high, it will be able to retain its investors as well as to obtain new ones more easily.Design/methodology/approachThis paper introduces a Multi-Criteria Decision Aid (MCDA) tool with the use of the PROMETHEE II method to formulate an alternative aggregate ESG quality approach. We conduct comparisons in a sectorial and regional based perspective during different exam periods before and after the implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), in an attempt to provide a robust framework for corporate disclosure reporting.FindingsThe findings are of particular interest to both scholars and decision-makers, including providers of corporate governance indices and rating agencies. The innovation of this paper lies among others in using the MCDA method with the ESG framework, which proposes a combination of qualitative and quantitative criteria, enabling experienced and/or not experienced analysts to avoid manipulating techniques in business information.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample of companies based on the US and Europe companies incorporating only large-sized ones.Practical implicationsFindings are of particular interest to both scholars and decision-makers including providers of corporate governance indices and rating agencies.Social implicationsBetter understanding features pay key importance for increasing the “quality” information in firms financial statements, especially after the use of IFRS in reporting standards.Originality/valueThe authors proceed to analysis using a multiple perspective use that is decomposed into the following options: (a) Time-period oriented option, (b) Regional-oriented option and (c) Sectoral-oriented option respectively.
Longitudinal dynamics and behavioural correlates of telomeres in male wire‐tailed manakins
Authors: Vernasco Ben J. , Dakin Roslyn , Majer Ariana D. , Haussmann Mark F. , Brandt Ryder T. , Moore Ignacio T. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Building on the predictions of state‐dependent life‐history theory, telomeres are hypothesized to either correlate with or function as an adaptive, proximate mediator of an individual's behaviour and life‐history strategy. To further understand the relationship between telomeres, behaviour and life‐history strategies, we measured male behaviour, telomere lengths and telomere dynamics in a free‐living population of known‐age, male wire‐tailed manakins Pipra filicauda.

Male wire‐tailed manakins perform coordinated displays with other males at leks and these displays form the basis of long‐term coalition partnerships. Males exhibit consistent individual differences in the number of social partners within their social network and the frequency of social interactions. Male sociality is also positively correlated with both social rise and reproductive success.

We measured male behaviour using a telemetry‐based, proximity datalogging system and blood telomere lengths were quantified using qPCR. We examined the relationships between telomere length, telomere dynamics, social status, and male behaviour. We also quantified the repeatability of telomere lengths, examined age‐related changes in telomere length, and tested for instances of telomere elongation that exceed residual error in telomere length.

Telomere length was found to be highly repeatable. More social males exhibited shorter telomeres and higher rates of telomere attrition. Telomeres did not significantly vary with age within or between individuals in either of the male social classes. Two out of 25 individuals exhibited patterns telomere elongation that exceeded residual error in telomere measurements.

Here we show that telomeres consistently vary between male wire‐tailed manakins and these differences are related to variation in male social behaviour. In this relatively long‐lived species, telomeres appear to be flexible traits that can increase or decrease in length. Overall, this study provides observational support for the hypothesis that telomeres act as a molecular marker that relates to behaviour in a state‐dependent manner. We also provide insight into the molecular consequences of individual variation in male social behaviour.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Increased burning in a warming climate reduces carbon uptake in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem despite productivity gains
Authors: Henne Paul D. , Hawbaker Todd J. , Scheller Robert M. , Zhao Feng , He Hong S. , Xu Wenru , Zhu Zhiliang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe effects of changing climate and disturbance on mountain forest carbon (C) stocks vary with tree species distributions and over elevational gradients. Warming can not only increase C uptake by stimulating productivity at high elevations but also enhance C release by increasing respiration and the frequency, intensity and size of wildfires.To understand the consequences of climate change for temperate mountain forests, we simulated interactions among climate, wildfire, tree species and their combined effects on regional C stocks in forests of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, USA (GYE) with the LANDIS‐II landscape change model. Simulations used historical climate and future potential climate represented by downscaled projections from five general circulation models (GCMs) that bracket the range of variability under the representative concentration pathway (RCP) 8.5 emissions scenario.Total ecosystem C increased by 67% through 2100 in simulations with historical climate, and by 38%–69% with GCM climate. Differences in C uptake among GCMs resulted primarily from variation in area burned, not productivity. Warming increased productivity by extending the growing season, especially near upper tree line, but did not offset biomass losses to fire. By 2100, simulated area burned increased by 27%–215% under GCM climate, with the largest increases after 2050. With warming >3°C in mean annual temperature, the increased frequency of large fires reduced live C stocks by 4%–36% relative to the control, historical climate scenario. However, relative losses in total C were delayed under GCMs with large increases in summer precipitation and buffered by C retained in soils and the wood of fire‐killed trees. Increasing fire size limited seed dispersal, and reductions in soil moisture limited seedling establishment; both effects will likely constrain long‐term forest regeneration and C uptake.Synthesis. Forests in the GYE can maintain a C sink through the mid‐century in a warming climate but continued warming may cause the loss of forest area, live above‐ground biomass and, ultimately, ecosystem C. Future changes in C stocks in similar forests throughout western North America will depend on regional thresholds for extensive wildfire and forest regeneration and therefore, changes may occur earlier in drier regions.
Estimated direct costs of non‐small cell lung cancer by stage at diagnosis and disease management phase: A whole‐disease model
Authors: Buja Alessandra , Rivera Michele , De Polo Anna , Brino Eugenio di , Marchetti Marco , Scioni Manuela , Pasello Giulia , Bortolami Alberto , Rebba Vincenzo , Schiavon Marco , Calabrese Fiorella , Mandoliti Giovanni , Baldo Vincenzo , Conte PierFranco 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundNon‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the first cause of cancer‐related death among men and the second among women worldwide. It also poses an economic threat to the sustainability of healthcare services. This study estimated the direct costs of care for patients with NSCLC by stage at diagnosis, and management phase of pathway recommended in local and international guidelines.MethodsBased on the most up‐to‐date guidelines, we developed a very detailed “whole‐disease” model listing the probabilities of all potentially necessary diagnostic and therapeutic actions involved in the management of each stage of NSCLC. We assigned a cost to each procedure, and obtained an estimate of the total and average per‐patient costs of each stage of the disease and phase of its management.ResultsThe mean expected cost of a patient with NSCLC is 21,328 € (95% C.I. −20 897−22 322). This cost is 16 291 € in stage I, 19530 € in stage II, 21938 € in stage III, 22175 € in stage IV, and 28 711 € for a Pancoast tumor. In the early stages of the disease, the main cost is incurred by surgery, whereas in the more advanced stages radiotherapy, medical therapy, treatment for progressions, and supportive care become variously more important.ConclusionsAn estimation of the direct costs of care for NSCLC is fundamental in order to predict the burden of new oncological therapies and treatments on healthcare services, and thus orient the decisions of policy‐makers regarding the allocation of resources.Key pointsSignificant findings of the studyThe high costs of surgery make the early stages of the disease no less expensive than the advanced stages.What this study addsAn estimation of the direct costs of care is fundamental in order to orient the decisions of policy‐makers regarding the allocation of resources.
Impact of the generation of EGFR‐TKIs administered as prior therapy on the efficacy of osimertinib in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer harboring EGFR T790M mutation
Authors: Miyashita Yosuke , Ko Ryo , Shimada Naoko , Mitsuishi Yoichiro , Miura Keita , Matsumoto Naohisa , Asao Tetsuhiko , Shukuya Takehito , Shibayama Rina , Koyama Ryo , Takahashi Kazuhisa 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere are few studies that directly compare the effects of osimertinib on patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation between the generation of prior EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed clinical data from the medical records of consecutive patients with advanced NSCLC who had developed resistance to first‐ or second‐generation EGFR‐TKIs due to EGFR T790M mutation and were subsequently treated with osimertinib at Juntendo University Hospital. In patients with available tumor samples, target amplicon sequencing analyses were performed to explore the genetic biomarkers.ResultsA total of 38 patients with NSCLC harboring EGFR T790M mutation were treated with osimertinib. Eight patients were classified into group A (afatinib followed by osimertinib) and 30 patients were classified into group B (first‐generation EGFR‐TKI followed by osimertinib). Progression‐free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in group A than in group B (median PFS; not reached vs. 11.0 months, P = 0.018). Fourteen patients had available tissue samples collected before osimertinib treatment for target sequencing. In group A we found no additional mutations, other than EGFR T790M mutation. On the other hand, there were three samples in which other mutations emerged, in addition to EGFR T790M mutation, in group B.ConclusionsPFS of osimertinib was significantly longer in patients with NSCLC harboring EGFR T790M mutation after treatment with afatinib than in patients after treatment with first generation EGFR‐TKIs. Additional mutations other than EGFR T790M may affect the efficacy of osimertinib treatment.Key pointsSignificant findings of the study:PFS of osimertinib was significantly longer in patients with NSCLC harboring EGFR T790M mutation after treatment with afatinib than in patients after treatment with first generation EGFR‐TKIs.What this study adds:Additional mutations other than EGFR T790M may affect the efficacy of osimertinib treatment.
Industry momentum: an exchange‐traded funds approach
Authors: Vanstone Bruce , Hahn Tobias , Earea Dean 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPrice momentum is a well‐documented anomaly in many of the world’s equity markets, and refers to the excess returns due to buying (selling) past winner (loser) stocks. Industry momentum refers to the excess returns due to buying (selling) stocks from past winner (loser) industries, and has been demonstrated to be more profitable than individual stock momentum in the United States. We investigate whether industry momentum can be captured by investing with sector exchange‐traded funds (ETFs). The performance of sector ETF‐based industry momentum is very different to stock momentum, and the strong performance of an unexpected group of sector ETF momentum portfolios remains robust after controlling for risk.
Applying a complex systems perspective to alcohol consumption and the prevention of alcohol‐related harms in the 21st century: a scoping review
Authors: McGill Elizabeth , Petticrew Mark , Marks Dalya , McGrath Michael , Rinaldi Chiara , Egan Matt 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsA complex systems perspective has been advocated to explore multi‐faceted factors influencing public health issues, including alcohol consumption and associated harms. This scoping review aimed to identify studies that applied a complex systems perspective to alcohol consumption and the prevention of alcohol‐related harms in order to summarize their characteristics and identify evidence gaps.MethodsStudies published between January 2000 and September 2020 in English were located by searching for terms synonymous with ‘complex systems’ and ‘alcohol’ in the Scopus, MEDLINE, Web of Science and Embase databases, and through handsearching and reference screening of included studies. Data were extracted on each study's aim, country, population, alcohol topic, system levels, funding, theory, methods, data sources, time‐frames, system modifications and type of findings produced.ResultsEighty‐seven individual studies and three systematic reviews were identified, the majority of which were conducted in the United States or Australia in the general population, university students or adolescents. Studies explored types and patterns of consumption behaviour and the local environments in which alcohol is consumed. Most studies focused on individual and local interactions and influences, with fewer examples exploring the relationships between these and regional, national and international subsystems. The body of literature is methodologically diverse and includes theory‐led approaches, dynamic simulation models and social network analyses. The systematic reviews focused on primary network studies.ConclusionsThe use of a complex systems perspective has provided a variety of ways of conceptualizing and analyzing alcohol use and harm prevention efforts, but its focus ultimately has remained on predominantly individual‐ and/or local‐level systems. A complex systems perspective represents an opportunity to address this gap by also considering the vertical dimensions that constrain, shape and influence alcohol consumption and related harms, but the literature to date has not fully captured this potential.
Socio‐economic distribution of e‐cigarette use among recent former regular smokers and current smokers at ages 25–26 in England
Authors: Gagné Thierry , Brown Jamie 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackground and aimsE‐cigarettes may potentially help young adult smokers to quit smoking, yet little is known about differences among socio‐economic groups. We examined associations between key socio‐economic characteristics and e‐cigarette use among recent former smokers and current smokers in a sample of young adults in England.Design, setting, participants and measurementsWe used data on 346 recent former regular (daily for 12+ months) smokers and 1913 current smokers from the ages 25–26 wave of the Next Steps cohort study (2015–2016). In multinomial logistic regression, we estimated relative risk ratios (RRR) of e‐cigarette use (never, former, non‐daily, daily) by educational attainment, social class [using the National Statistics Socio‐economic classification (NS‐SEC)] and employment status [full‐time, part‐time, unemployed and other ‘inactivity’ (e.g. stay‐at‐home parents and permanantly disabled)], adjusting for sex.FindingsAmong recent former regular smokers, there were no patterns of association between socio‐economic characteristics and e‐cigarette use. Among current smokers: (1) compared with higher occupation (NS‐SEC I/II), intermediate occupation (NS‐SEC III/IV) was positively associated with non‐daily e‐cigarette use [RRR = 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03–3.03]; (2) compared with full‐time employment, unemployment was negatively associated with non‐daily and daily e‐cigarette use (RRR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.18–0.81; RRR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.02–0.56) and other economic inactivity was negatively associated with daily e‐cigarette use (RRR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.16–0.93).ConclusionsAmong young adult smokers in England, lower‐status occupational groups were more likely to use e‐cigarettes on a non‐daily basis than to have never used compared with higher status occupational groups. Compared with people in full‐time employment, those without employment were less likely to use e‐cigarettes daily than to have never used.
A Wolf in Sheep’s clothing: A case report series of oral manifestations of multiple myeloma
Authors: Beaumont Sophie , Koo Ray Mun , Harrison Simon J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMultiple myeloma is the most common haematological malignancy accounting for 10 % of all haematological cancers. Treatment of myeloma has evolved in recent years leading to improved survival. Lesions related to myeloma are frequently observed within the oral cavity and jawbone. In addition, many of the therapeutic agents have side effects with implications for provision of dental treatment. This case series aims to highlight some of these presentations to remind dental practitioners to be vigilant. Observation of suspicious lesions within the oral cavity or jawbone might warrant further investigation.