bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of lung clearance index with survival in individuals with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Kurz Johanna Manuela , Ramsey Kathryn Angela , Rodriguez Romy , Spycher Ben , Biner Reta Fischer , Latzin Philipp , Singer Florian 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundLung clearance index (LCI) quantifies global ventilation inhomogeneity, a sensitive biomarker of airway function in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease.ObjectivesWe examined the association of LCI with the risk of death or lung transplantation (LTX) in individuals with CF.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis in a cohort of individuals with CF aged ≥ five years with available LCI and FEV1 measurements between 1980 and 2006. Outcome was time until death or LTX. We applied Cox proportional hazard regressions using the earliest available LCI and FEV1 values and adjusted for demographic and clinical variables. For sensitivity analyses, we used the mean of the first three LCI and FEV1 measurements, stratified the cohort based on age, and investigated individuals with normal FEV1.ResultsIn total, 237 individuals with CF aged mean (range) 13.9 (5.6–41.0) years were included. This time-to-event analysis accrued 3813 person-years, 94 (40%) individuals died or received LTX. Crude hazard ratios [95% CI] were 1.04 [1.01–1.06] per one z-score increase in LCI and 1.25 [1.11–1.41] per one z-score decrease in FEV1. After adjusting LCI and FEV1 mutually in addition to sex, age, BMI and the number of hospitalisations, hazard ratios were 1.04 [1.01-1.07] for LCI, and 1.12 [0.95-1.33] for FEV1. Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results and using the mean LCI strengthened the associations.ConclusionsIncreased ventilation inhomogeneity is associated with greater risk of death or LTX. Our data support LCI as novel surrogate of survival in individuals with CF.TAKE HOME MESSAGELung clearance index (LCI) is a measure of global ventilation inhomogeneity which increases early during the course of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) lung disease. This study shows that LCI is predictive of death or lung transplantation in individuals with CF.Study registration numberNCT04016194
Ketamine and sleep modulate neural complexity dynamics in cats
Authors: Pascovich Claudia , Castro-Zaballa Santiago , Mediano Pedro A.M. , Bor Daniel , Canales-Johnson Andrés , Torterolo Pablo , Bekinschtein Tristan A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThere is increasing evidence that level of consciousness can be captured by neural informational complexity: for instance, complexity, as measured by the Lempel Ziv (LZ) compression algorithm, decreases during anesthesia and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in humans and rats, when compared to LZ in awake and REM sleep. In contrast, LZ is higher in humans under the effect of psychedelics, including subanesthetic doses of ketamine. However, it is both unclear how this result would be modulated by varying ketamine doses, and whether it would extend to other species. Here we studied LZ with and without auditory stimulation during wakefulness and different sleep stages in 5 cats implanted with intracranial electrodes, as well as under subanesthetic doses of ketamine (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg i.m.). In line with previous results, LZ was lowest in NREM sleep, but similar in REM and wakefulness. Furthermore, we found an inverted U-shaped curve following different levels of ketamine doses in a subset of electrodes, primarily in prefrontal cortex. However, it is worth noting that the variability in the ketamine dose-response curve across cats and cortices was larger than that in the sleep-stage data, highlighting the differential local dynamics created by two different ways of modulating conscious state. These results replicate previous findings, both in humans and other species, demonstrating that neural complexity is highly sensitive to capture state changes between wake and sleep stages while adding a local cortical description. Finally, this study describes the differential effects of ketamine doses, replicating a rise in complexity for low doses, and further fall as doses approach anesthetic levels in a differential manner depending on the cortex.In briefPrevious studies have shown that Lempel Ziv complexity (LZ) decreases during anesthesia and non-rapid eyes movement (NREM) sleep in humans and rats whereas it increases in REM sleep and under the effect of psychedelics. In this work we show that in the cat, LZ is lowest in NREM sleep, but similar in REM and wakefulness. We also found a ketamine inverted U-shape dose-response curve only in the auditory and prefrontal cortex, with a much larger variability in the ketamine across cats and cortices when compared to the sleep cycle.
Engineered chimeric T cell receptor fusion construct (TRuC)-expressing T cells prevent translational shutdown in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells
Authors: Godbole Ira , Ciminski Kevin , Yousefi O. Sascha , Pathan-Chhatbar Salma , Saltukoglu Deniz , Vesper Niklas , Salavei Pavel , Strietz Juliane , Gensch Nicole , Reth Michael , Schwemmle Martin , Schamel Wolfgang W. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of Covid-19, is known to evade the immune system by several mechanisms. This includes the shutdown of the host cellular protein synthesis, which abrogates the induction of antiviral interferon responses. The virus initiates the infection of susceptible cells by binding with its spike protein (S) to the host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Here we applied the T cell receptor fusion construct (TRuC) technology to engineer T cells against such infected cells. In our TRuCs an S-binding domain is fused to the CD3ε component of the T cell receptor (TCR) complex, enabling recognition of S-containing cells in an HLA independent manner. This domain either consists of the S-binding part of ACE2 or a single-chain variable fragment of an anti-S antibody. We show that the TRuC T cells are activated by and kill cells that express S of SARS-CoV-2 and its alpha (B.1.1.7) and beta (B.1.351) variants at the cell surface. Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infected cells with our engineered T cells did not lead to massive cytotoxicity towards the infected cells, but resulted in a complete rescue of the translational shutdown despite ongoing viral replication. Our data show that engineered TRuC T cell products might be used against SARS-CoV-2 by exposing infected cells to the host innate immune system.
Synthesis, crystal structure determination, and spectroscopic analyses of 1-chloro-2-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-azaspiro[5.5]undecane-3,5-dione: an unyielding precursor to a cyclic (alkyl)(amido)carbene
Authors: Hudnall Todd W. , Reinheimer Eric W. , Dorsey Christopher L. 
Published: June 2021

The synthesis, single-crystal X-ray structure, and 1H and 13C NMR spectrocopic analyses of an unyielding precursor molecule to a cyclic (alkyl)(amido)carbene, 1-chloro-2-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-azaspiro[5.5]undecane-3,5-dione, C24H34ClNO2 (1), is reported. Despite the use of several bases, 1 could not be deprotonated to afford the corresponding carbene. The crystal structure of 1 was compared to the crystal structures of two structurally similar HCl adducts of stable carbenes (compounds 4 and 5), which revealed no significant differences in the geometries about the `carbene' C atoms. To better understand the reactivity differences observed for 1 when compared to 4 and 5, modified percent buried volume (%V
bur) calculations were performed. These calculations revealed that the H atom bound to the carbene C atom is the most sterically hindered in compound 1 when compared to 4 and 5 (%V
bur = 84.9, 81.3, and 79.3% for 1, 4, and 5, respectively). Finally, close inspection of the quadrant-specific %V
bur values indicated that the approach of a deprotonating base to the H atom bound to the carbene C atom is significantly blocked in 1 (69.9%) when compared to 4 and 5 (50.4 and 56.5%, respectively).
The apple producers' choice between hail insurance and anti-hail nets
Authors: Rogna Marco , Schamel Guenter , Weissensteiner Alex 
Published: June 2021

PurposeHailstorms are a major risk in agriculture. In order to mitigate the negative consequences on farm revenues, in the present paper the authors analyse the choice between insurance contracts and anti-hail nets. Furthermore, the authors discuss the consequences of anti-hail nets adoption on the actuarial soundness of the insurance market.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper the authors firstly develop a theoretical model based on expected utility theory to compare the profitability of no-hedging against insurance and anti-hail nets. Subsequently, they test their theoretical model predictions with data of South Tyrolean apple producers.FindingsThe authors find that the benefit of anti-hail nets compared to insurance is an increasing function of the overall risk of hail damages, of the farmers' level of risk aversion and of the worth of the agricultural output.Practical implicationsGiven the authors’ findings that anti-hail nets are more profitable for riskier, risk-averse and high-profitable farmers, the diffusion of anti-hail nets could be beneficial for the actuarial soundness of insurance markets.Originality/valueThe model developed in the paper is specifically designed to compare the profitability of different agricultural hedging options and can be easily extended to cover other hazards.
Animosity based on traditional enmity versus other causes
Authors: Campo Sara , Alvarez Maria D. 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThe study aims to investigate the concept of animosity that is based on traditional enmity and that which originates from other grounds. The study examines whether animosity that is based on these different causes has differing effects on perceptions and purchase decisions of the tourist destination product.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on data collected via an online questionnaire concerning the perceptions, feelings and visitation intentions of Chinese individuals toward Japan, as the traditional enemy, or toward other countries without a history of enmity with China. A model of relationships is tested.FindingsThe findings determine that animosity is formed differently depending on the target country. In addition, the influence of animosity on intention to visit and perceived risk of visiting the destination vary when animosity is based on traditional enmity reasons and when it is grounded on other causes. The influence of animosity on risk perceptions is also verified.Practical implicationsThe study provides information that can be used to manage a country's brand in the Chinese market and to segment Chinese consumers based on their feelings of animosity toward certain countries.Originality/valueThe study is original as it compares animosity and its influence when it is based on causes related to traditional enmity and when it is grounded on other reasons. It is also one of the few studies to address the relationship between animosity and perceived risk.
Determinant factors of Indonesian people’s fish purchase intention
Authors: Novita Novita , Rowena Janny 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the determinant factors that influence the purchase intention of fish by Indonesians, especially in 14 provinces with low fish consumption rates.Design/methodology/approachThe survey was conducted with a total of 307 respondents in West Sumatra, Jambi, Bengkulu, Lampung, DKI Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, Special Region of Yogyakarta, East Java, Banten, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara and West Borneo. The factors measured and analyzed are product, individual and environmental characteristics while partial least square is used to analyze the data.FindingsThe factors influencing the purchase intention of fish by Indonesians include product, individual and environmental characteristics. Not surprisingly, environmental characteristics were cited by most respondents.Originality/valueThis is the first study on the factors which influence the purchase of fish by Indonesians, in a country with a high rate of fish production, but a low rate of consumption. Findings are relevant to support the “Gemarikan Program” (Program to Promote Fish Eating) by The Indonesia Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.
E-service quality perceptions of millennials and non-millennials on O2O delivery applications
Authors: Zhuang Xiaoping , Lin Li , Zhang Rongteng , Li Jun (Justin) , He Biao 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThis study attempts to explore major attributes of food delivery applications in consideration of their impacts upon perceived service quality, satisfaction and usage intention. A multi-group analysis is performed to examine the hypothesized relationships in the structural models for the millennials and non-millennials.Design/methodology/approachThe data was collected from 311 food delivery application users. The structural equation model (SEM) was designed to examine the interrelationships among variables.FindingsThe findings indicate that five salient dimensions that include ease of use, facility aesthetics, trustworthiness, value for money and product portfolio have a significant impact on overall service quality. Results further demonstrate that differences in generational difference partially moderate the relationship between each attribute of the food delivery application service quality as well as overall service quality.Originality/valueThe rapid evolution of the Internet and mobile communication has resulted in the proliferation of food delivery applications in China. However, to the best of our knowledge, only a few studies have focused on measuring the key dimension of service quality of food delivery applications.
A study of customer perception of visual information in food stands through eye-tracking
Authors: Jeon Yoowha , Cho Mi Sook , Oh Jieun 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThe study selected five small-scale food operations as visual stimuli and eye-tracking experiment was conducted with 36 female participants in a laboratory setting. Heat maps were used to visualize viewers' visual attention on the storefronts. The eye-movement data were analyzed using one-way repeated ANOVA to identify a significant difference between stimuli in terms of average fixation duration, fixation counts and revisits. An independent t-test was also used to examine statistical difference among text and image in menu board. The significance cut-off of p-value was set to <0.05.Design/methodology/approachThe exteriors of food-service establishments are major business representation. However, few studies have been conducted to examine customers' visual processing toward small-scale restaurants. The present study accordingly aims to discover customers' different levels of attention to the frontage in food stands through eye tracking, which would be practical for future owners to plan their exterior shop design.FindingsThe findings can be summarized as follows: First, upper board shows the highest level of attention, suggesting an optimal location of menu board for grasping customers' attention. Second, customers also gaze the inside of a store along with the food on display, which are related with food hygiene and the perception. Third, textual information on menu boards tends to attract more visual attention than those of images. Overall, the current study indicates various customers' attention toward the location of menu boards as well as the type of visual information on menu board.Originality/valueThe results of this study make a new insight into customers' viewing behavior toward exteriors of food-service establishments. This study is one of the first attempts to explore how customers distribute visual attention to the exterior images of food stand by using eye-tracking technology. The findings of this research thus enrich the food-service literature and offer meaningful discoveries on customers' visual behaviors. For example, this study suggests that customers tend to be attracted to textual information on menu boards rather than graphical ones.
How marketer-generated content characteristics affect consumer engagement? Empirical evidence from China's WeChat food marketing
Authors: Tan Si , Chen Weiping 
Published: June 2021

Purpose Leveraging marketer-generated content (MGC) can increase firms' success. However, few studies uncover the effects of MGC-related attributes on consumer engagement in the context of food marketing. This paper aims to explore the influence of MGC characteristics (valence, content types, vividness and interactivity) on consumer engagement.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses WeChat official account data of seven food companies from China and conducts negative binomial regression models.FindingsThe findings indicate that different MGC-related characteristics have separate impacts on consumer WeChat engagement. Title valence, transactional title content and title with punctuation vividness negatively affect consumers' consuming engagement. Knowledgeable or entertaining title content and title with interactivity both positively affect consumers' consuming engagement. Moreover, transactional body text content negatively influences consumers' contributing engagement, whereas entertaining body text content shows positive effects. Vivid and interactive MGC body text attributes enhance consumers' contributing engagement behavior.Originality/value This study contributes to social media research in food marketplaces and sheds light on the effect of different WeChat MGC characteristics on separate consumer engagement.
Productivity and innovation in the Japanese construction industry
Authors: Arai Koki , Morimoto Emi 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify the essential elements required for innovation in the construction industry. To this end, the authors assessed the innovation at three levels: the firm growth account level, the firm behaviour level and the level of the firm’s experts. The factors influencing innovation at each level were identified and synthesised into guiding strategies for innovation.

Design/methodology/approach
Three methods were combined to develop a mode of thinking for innovation. First, at the semi-macro level, the authors identified the factors that influence the total factor productivity (TFP) by regressing the TFP across firms of the construction industry on a variety of extrinsic factors. Second, at the firm level, the authors extracted actual innovative firms from a large amount of public procurement individual data. The authors analysed the behaviours of these innovative firms. Third, the authors conducted a survey of expert-level personnel. In addition, a text analysis was performed to determine what was perceived by experts as a factor that leads to innovation.

Findings
The authors analysed the TFP, the behaviour of innovative firms and the perception issues between industry experts and stakeholders regarding innovation. As a result, two factors were identified. The first factor was the expectation of a positive solution to the problem through monopoly profits, future benefits and increased efficiency. The second factor was peer pressure from other organisations of a similar nature, peer pressure from users and technical information, as well as competitive conditions, e.g. recent environmental growth, including relevant innovations.

Practical implications
In the context of innovation, static and dynamic thinking were important requirements. Static concepts were based on the accumulation of knowledge, such as patents and technological progress. Dynamic thinking involved a future outlook, including a competitive environment as a necessary condition. Actual technological innovation was driven by incentives and expectations.

Social implications
According to the results of this study, the authors make the following recommendations for enhancing the construction-industry innovation in Japan: do not rely on a patent policy to drive innovation, create an environment that encourages competition and develop an ongoing initiative that encourages and rewards innovation.

Originality/value
This study was novel, in that the nature of innovation was investigated at three levels: the TFP, firm behaviour and expert perceptions. The identification and extraction of the two resulting points – statically necessary and dynamically necessary elements – was a significant contribution of the study.
Al Junaid industrial group: exploring business development strategies during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Al Suwaidi Muna Saeed , Ahmad Syed Zamberi 
Published: June 2021

Learning outcomes
Expected learning outcomes are as follows: to understand the nature of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) manufacturing industries based on Al Junaid Industrial group when considering entering such businesses. To understand how unexpected short-term shocks such as a global pandemic may require long-term changes in a company’s outlook and planning. Discuss the marketing mix strategy that the Al Junaid Industrial group business products and services elements follow. To understand the competitiveness of Al Junaid group’s business environment and to identify the potential for business growth. To gain skills at developing a marketing strategy using the products, price, place and promotion model.

Case overview/synopsis
Al Junaid Industrial group is a small to medium-sized HVAC manufacturing company created over 12 years ago, in the United Arab Emirates. It has a production line company in the Sharjah industrial area with a capacity of 5,000 ft. The company not only manufactures air conditioning and its accessories but also provides installation and maintenance services. As for its international connections, it imports raw materials such as aluminum and exports air conditioning grills and accessories, offering installation services to many destinations, including Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The company has recently suffered a setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020 its net revenue and profits decreased by an average of 40%. As a result, Al Junaid Industrial group currently faces several internal and external challenges affecting its business performance such as high operating expenses, low market demand and stiff competition. Due to these challenges, this case study argues that Mr. Obaid Al Junaid, the Chief Executive Officer, should develop a new marketing strategy aimed at raising revenues to levels closer to those observed before the onset of the epidemic.

Complexity academic level
This case could be used in undergraduate and graduate classes of the business management field, as well as in development programs for managers in small to medium-sized enterprises (SME). Students (final year students of an undergraduate program for a bachelor’s degree) are expected to have a basic knowledge of Strategic management and business in general. It is preferred that the students have basic knowledge about small-to-medium businesses. Additionally, the managers in SME should be familiar with operational management, business management and marketing strategy and some of the challenges faced by managers in industrial businesses.

Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 11: Strategy.