bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A pilot investigation of chemonucleolysis-induced intervertebral disc degeneration in the ovine lumbar spine
Authors: Borem Ryan , Walters Joshua , Madeline Allison , Madeline Lee , Easley Jeremiah , Gill Sanjitpal , Mercuri Jeremy 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD) initiates in the nucleus pulposus (NP) and is marked by elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and matrix-degrading proteases, leading to structural and functional disruption. IVDD therapeutics are currently being investigated; however, such approaches require validation using large animal models that recapitulate clinical, biochemical, and biomechanical hallmarks of the human pathology. Others have previously utilized intradiscal administration of chondroitinase-ABC (C-ABC) to initiate IVDD in the NP of sheep lumbar IVDs. While these studies examined changes in IVD height, hydration, and tissue micro-architecture, changes in biochemical content and mechanical properties were not assessed. Thus, the objective herein was to comprehensively characterize this ovine model IVDD for salient features reported in human degenerate IVDs by evaluating biochemical, biomechanical, and histological changes. Briefly, C-ABC (1U) was administered via intradiscal injection into the L1/2, L2/3, and L3/4 IVDs, and degeneration was assessed at 6- and 10-weeks via longitudinal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. After 6 weeks, degenerative samples showed significant reductions in IVD heights (p=0.048) and MR imaging index (p=0.048), which worsened at 10 weeks. Post-mortem degenerate and controls IVDs were evaluated for differences in interleukin-1β concentration, axial and torsional functional spinal unit kinematics, and histological microarchitecture. Degenerate IVDs demonstrated significantly elevated concentrations of interleukin-1β (p=0.002). Additionally, degenerative samples showed increased creep displacement (p=0.022) and compressive stiffness’s (p=0.007) concurrent with decreased long-term elastic (p=0.007) and viscous dampening coefficients (p=0.002). Histological analysis of degenerative IVDs showed changes in microarchitecture, including derangement of the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus tissue as well as cartilaginous end-plate irregularities. This pilot study demonstrated that intradiscal injection of 1U C-ABC induces significant and progressive degeneration of sheep lumbar IVDs over the time course investigated. The changes observed in this pilot’s study small sample size resemble the hallmarks of moderate to severe IVD degeneration observed in humans. Further study is warranted on a larger sample size to further validate these findings.
Genome-wide CRISPR Screens in Primary Human T Cells Reveal Key Regulators of Immune Function
Authors: Shifrut Eric , Carnevale Julia , Tobin Victoria , Roth Theodore L. , Woo Jonathan M. , Bui Christina , Li P. Jonathan , Diolaiti Morgan , Ashworth Alan , Marson Alexander 
Published: August 2018

SUMMARYHuman T cells are central effectors of immunity and cancer immunotherapy. CRISPR-based functional studies in T cells could prioritize novel targets for drug development and improve the design of genetically reprogrammed cell-based therapies. However, large-scale CRISPR screens have been challenging in primary human cells. We developed a new method, sgRNA lentiviral infection with Cas9 protein electroporation (SLICE), to identify regulators of stimulation responses in primary human T cells. Genome-wide loss-of-function screens identified essential T cell receptor signaling components and genes that negatively tune proliferation following stimulation. Targeted ablation of individual candidate genes validated hits and identified perturbations that enhanced cancer cell killing. SLICE coupled with single-cell RNA-Seq revealed signature stimulation-response gene programs altered by key genetic perturbations. SLICE genome-wide screening was also adaptable to identify mediators of immunosuppression, revealing genes controlling response to adenosine signaling. The SLICE platform enables unbiased discovery and characterization of functional gene targets in primary cells.
Communication of information in the digital age among social sciences students
Authors: Pinto Maria , Fernandez-Pascual Rosaura , Sales Dora 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the informational behavior of a group of future professionals in the field of social sciences (SS), in terms of their competence in the communication–dissemination of information.Design/methodology/approachThe IL-HUMASS, EVALCI/KN and EVALCI/SK tests regarding the affective (attitudes, motivations) and cognitive (knowledge, skills) dimensions are distributed to a stratified sample of five universities and eight degree courses in Spain. Infographics and non-parametric methods allow to compare the disciplinary profiles with regard to gender, academic course and academic degrees. An Information Literacy Communication synthetic indicator based on structural equation modeling includes the subjective and effective dimensions to measure the holistic learning outcomes in communication–dissemination of information.FindingsSignificant differences regarding the informational behavior of future professionals in SS are discovered. The synthetic indicator allows academic degrees to be ranked in order to identify those in need of initiatives aimed at improving communication–dissemination competence.Practical implicationsFindings must be taken into account to design effective learning programs. This methodological approach can be expanded to scientific and academic environments.Originality/valueThe paper puts forward the first evidence-based study on communication–dissemination competence among future SS professionals, as no similar research has been found in the scientific literature. It is also the first time that the definition of a predictive performance indicator, based on a powerful statistical methodology, has been proposed.
Academic research in emerging knowledge-based economies
Authors: Hadiwattege Chandanie , Senaratne Sepani , Sandanayake Yasangika , Fernando Nirodha Gayani 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
Knowledge-based economies are popular in the present world. Simultaneously, universities are becoming more responsible for leading economic development through research. As a key contributor to the national economy, it is vital for the construction industry to move beyond outdated practices, and hence, reviewing the role of academic research in empowering the construction industry with knowledge is essential. The purpose of this paper is to focus on how relevant theories conceptualise the expected role of academic research in the innovative development of an industry and the specific location in the Sri Lankan construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach
Following a comprehensive literature review, empirical data were collected from the Sri Lankan context with a mixed approach informed by a pragmatist philosophical stance. The perspective of academia and industry practitioners were deductively obtained through surveys and inductively explored through qualitative interviews.

Findings
This study provides evidence that academic research in Sri Lanka does not contribute effectively to innovative construction management. Due to the absence of industry-focussed knowledge dissemination strategies, the academic–industry relationships are mostly non-research based. The industry lacks in research-informed-decision making, leading to lesser innovations.

Research limitations/implications
The research conclusions are more applicable to the developing country construction industry contexts.

Practical implications
The research urges the need for improved academic–industry research collaborations and strategic knowledge dissemination movements.

Originality/value
The research confirms that academic research is a major integral part of the developing construction industry in a knowledge-based economy. In establishing the expected role of academic research, the research revealed the current practice to be under-located. Hence, the research prescribes the necessary actions; research collaborations in major and subsequent requirements.
“English is an unwritten rule here”
Authors: Sanden Guro R. , Kankaanranta Anne 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the implications of corporate language policies that are implemented without formal decision-making processes.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative case study based on three Scandinavian multinational corporations which use English as a common corporate language without formal language policy decisions.FindingsNon-formalised language policies are found to be clearly distinct from formalised language policies in terms of language policy format, language policy focus, language policy formation, language planning agency and management style. Non-formalised language policies can represent a type of informal control, but the absence of a policy document leaves employees without a common reference point which may cause confusion and inter-collegial conflict.Originality/valueThe study offers a nuanced perspective on the role of language policies in corporate communication by demonstrating that language policies may come in a variety of different forms, also as implicit assumptions about language use. Findings reveal benefits and drawbacks of the different language policy approaches.
Diagnosing member-customer ostracism in co-operatives and counterpoising its relationship-poisoning effects
Authors: Benos Theo , Kalogeras Nikos , de Ruyter Ko , Wetzels Martin 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to examine a core member-customer threat in co-operatives (co-ops) by drawing from ostracism research, assessing co-op ostracism’s impact on critical membership and relational exchange outcomes and discussing why relationship marketing research needs to pay more attention to the overlooked role of implicit mistreatment forms in customer harm-doing.Design/methodology/approachThree studies were conducted. In Study 1, ostracism in co-ops was explored, and a measurement scale for co-op ostracism was developed. In Study 2, the core conceptual model was empirically tested with data from members of three different co-ops. In Study 3, a coping strategy was integrated into an extended model and empirically tested with a new sample of co-op members.FindingsOstracism is present in co-ops and “poisons” crucial relational (and membership) outcomes, despite the presence of other relationship-building or relationship-destroying accounts. Coupling entitativity with cognitive capital attenuates ostracism’s impact.Research limitations/implicationsInspired by co-ops’ membership model and inherent relational advantage, this research is the first to adopt a co-op member-customer perspective and shed light on an implicit relationship-destroying factor.Practical implicationsCo-op decision makers might use the diagnostic tool developed in the paper to detect ostracism and fight it. Moreover, a novel coping strategy for how co-ops (or other firms) might fend off ostracism threats is offered in the article.Originality/valueThe present study illuminates a dark side of a relationally profuse customer context, painting a more complete picture of relationship marketing determinants. Little attention has been given to ostracism as a distinct and important social behaviour in marketing research and to co-ops as a research context.
Managing group flow experiences in escape rooms
Authors: Kolar Tomaž , Čater Barbara 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
This paper theoretically and empirically aims to explore customer group flow experiences with an urban adventure game called “escape rooms”.

Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive model of group flow antecedents and consequences is proposed and empirically verified by means of survey research and SEM methodology.

Findings
The results indicate that key determinants of group flow experiences are the collective challenge/skills balance, and theming and storytelling. Group flow, in turn, significantly affects participants’ revisit intentions and word-of-mouth communications, as well as group cohesion and subjective quality of life.

Practical implications
The supported research model provides an insight into how group flow experiences can be facilitated by means of gamification and yields important managerial implications. These are systematically discussed in regard to antecedent and consequence constructs.

Originality/value
This paper is one of the first papers to systematically examine the antecedents and consequences of group flow experiences at adventure game-based attractions. It contributes to the understanding and management of peak experiences in contemporary hospitality and tourism.
Doing good across organizational boundaries
Authors: Lam Hugo K.S. 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to theoretically hypothesise and empirically test the impact of sustainable supply chain practices (SSCPs) on firms’ financial risk.Design/methodology/approachThis research adopts signalling theory to explain the signalling role of SSCPs and the moderating role of the signalling environment in terms of supply chain characteristics. It collects and combines longitudinal secondary data from multiple sources to test the direct impact of SSCPs on firms’ financial risk and the moderating role of supply chain complexity and efficiency. It conducts various additional tests to check the robustness of the findings and to account for alternative explanations.FindingsThis research shows that SSCPs help firms reduce financial risk but do not affect their returns. Moreover, the risk reduction of SSCPs is greater for firms with more complex and efficient supply chains. The findings are robust to alternative variable measurements and analysing strategies.Research limitations/implicationsThis research reveals the role of SSCPs in reducing financial risk, urging researchers to pay more attention to the financial risk implications of supply chain practices in general and SSCPs in particular.Practical implicationsThis research encourages firms to engage in SSCPs to reduce financial risk and enables them to assess the urgency of their SSCPs investments in view of the complexity and efficiency of their supply chains.Originality/valueThis is the first research examining the impact of SSCPs on financial risk, based on longitudinal secondary data and signalling theory. The empirical evidence documented and the theoretical perspective adopted offer important implications for future practice and research on SSCPs.
Illness-related worries as a mediator among depression, anxiety and self-care in heart failure patients
Authors: Mansouriyeh Nastaran , Poursharifi Hamid , Taban Sadeghi Mohammad Reza , Seirafi Mohammad Raze 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of illness-related worries as a mediator among depression, anxiety and self-care in heart failure (HF) patients was the aim of this study.Design/methodology/approachThis study was descriptive and correlational study. In total, 149 patients with HF were selected for sampling in 2016. Patients completed self-care behavior scale, illness-related worries questionnaire and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) questionnaires. The Pearson correlation coefficient and Sobel test were also done.FindingsAccording to the analysis of the Sobel test, the role of illness-related worries as a mediator in the relationship between depression and self-care result was −5.37. Sobel test analysis was done to assess the role of illness-related worries as mediator between anxiety and self-care (6.66). The correlation between depression and self-care was 0.488 (p<0.01); correlation between anxiety and self-care was 0.4 (p<0.01); correlation between anxiety and depression was 0.79 (p<0.01); and the correlation between illness-related worries and self-care was 0.71 (p<0.01).Originality/valueIllness-related worries can serve as a mediator in the relationship among depression, anxiety and self-care. There was a significant correlation among the research variables. Therefore, educational programs to reduce depression, anxiety and increase self-care should be given priority to for HF patients.
Spit guards, ethical policing and the need for an evidence-based approach
Authors: Joyce Peter , Laverick Wendy 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the advantages and disadvantages of the use of spit guards by police forces in the UK and to make recommendations regarding an evidence-based approach to decisions related to the use of such equipment.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based upon an examination of a range of primary source material, secondary sources and grey literature.

Findings
Although the use of spit guards can be justified by factors that include the need to protect police officers from contracting serious infectious diseases, there are a number of problems that concern ethical policing and human rights. Concerns arise when spit guards are deployed against vulnerable individuals, are used offensively rather than defensively and when such equipment is deployed disproportionately against persons from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. Additionally, the image of the police may suffer if spit guards are accompanied by the use of excessive force which may be perceived as an abuse of police power.

Practical implications
The paper makes recommendations that a comprehensive evidence base is required to assist practitioners to make informed decisions regarding the deployment of spit guards. This evidence base should include the extent to which officers are spat at, medical evidence relating to spitting and the transmission of serious diseases, the views of the public concerning the deployment of spit guards and estimations as to whether such equipment will deter spitting by suspects of crime.

Originality/value
This paper provides an original academic contribution to the ongoing debate on the use of spit guards within policing. In particular, it brings together a wide range of material that relates to this topic and presents it as a coherent set of arguments located in a single source.
Factors relevant to the prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer who received intensity‐modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Yin Hongmei , Li Duojie , Zhu Chaomang , Wang Mingxi , Wei Nannan 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical factors relevant to the prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer who received intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).MethodsThe data of 60 patients admitted to our hospital from January 2014 to December 2015 with pathologically confirmed esophageal cancer were retrospectively reviewed. All patients received IMRT. Patients were divided into groups according to two‐year survival: those who survived > 2 years after treatment, and those who died within 2 years of treatment. The potential clinical factors relevant to prognosis were evaluated by logistic regression analysis.ResultsSingle factor analysis showed that lesion length (P < 0.05), tumor diameter (P < 0.05), T stage (P < 0.05), N stage (P < 0.05), and combined chemotherapy (P < 0.05) were associated with the prognosis of esophageal cancer patients who received IMRT. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that T stage (odds ratio = 3.62; P < 0.05) and N stage (odds ratio = 2.98; P < 0.05) were independent factors relevant to prognosis.ConclusionT stage and N stage influence the long‐term curative effects of IMRT for esophageal cancer. The higher the stage, the lower the two‐year survival rate.
Comparison study of computed tomography‐guided radiofrequency and microwave ablation for pulmonary tumors: A retrospective, case‐controlled observational study
Authors: Chi Jiachang , Ding Min , Shi Yaoping , Wang Tao , Cui Dan , Tang Xiaoyin , Li Ping , Zhai Bo 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare the safety, efficacy, and prognostic value of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) for lung tumors.MethodsBetween March 2012 and January 2018, 238 patients with lung cancer were treated with MWA (139, 58.4%) or RFA (99, 41.6%) in our center. Patient and tumor characteristics, complications, complete ablation (CA) rate, and prognosis were compared between the groups. Meta‐analysis was used to systematically compare the outcomes of RFA and MWA for the treatment of lung tumors.ResultsAblation was successfully completed in all patients and no procedure‐related death occurred. The total complication rates in the RFA and MWA groups were 24.2% (24/99) and 16.5% (23/139), respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.142). The initial and total CA rates were similar at P > 0.05 (RFA vs. MWA: initial CA, 97.0% vs. 96.4%; total CA, 99.0% vs. 98.6%, respectively). During follow‐up, there was no significant difference in median progression‐free (RFA vs. MWA: 12.5 months, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.002–19.998 vs. 9.5 months, 95% CI 6.623–12.377; P = 0.673) or overall survival (RFA vs. MWA: 33 months, 95% CI 27.070–38.930 vs. 30 months, 95% CI, 18.482–41.518; P = 0.410) between the groups. Combined with the results of published comparison studies, meta‐analysis further confirmed that the outcomes of these two treatments were similar.ConclusionBoth RFA and MWA are safe and effective treatments with a survival benefit for selected patients with primary and metastatic lung tumors.
Deviations from the Mandatory Adoption of IFRS in the European Union: Implementation, Enforcement, Incentives, and Compliance
Authors: Pownall Grace , Wieczynska Maria 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we evaluate the common assumption that European Union (EU) firms began using international financial reporting standards (IFRS) in 2005 when the EU formally adopted IFRS. Although the incidence of firms using local (or some other) GAAP declined between 2005 and 2012, it is still non‐trivial. By 2012 the incidence of non‐IFRS financial statements was still in excess of 17 percent (87 percent of which were fully consolidated). We estimate a model of the non‐adoption of IFRS as a function of implementation features of the IFRS regulation, country‐specific enforcement, and firm‐specific reporting incentives. As expected, being specifically required by EU‐wide and country‐specific rules to adopt IFRS is positively associated with IFRS adoption but does not constitute a complete explanation. Proxies for enforcement are significantly associated with non‐adoption, but the marginal effects of the enforcement variables are weak. We find that larger firms, firms with foreign operations and more analyst following, and firms that issue new debt and equity were more likely to adopt IFRS, both when the regulation was initially imposed and in subsequent years. We conclude that many EU firms do not use IFRS; that some firms exploited definitions, exemptions, and deferrals to avoid adopting IFRS while some firms simply failed to comply with the regulation; and that firms responded to their incentives in deciding whether to adopt IFRS.