bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Market orientation, CSR and financial and marketing performance in manufacturing firms in Ghana and Ethiopia
Authors: Oduro Stephen , Haylemariam Leul Girma 
Published: July 2019

PurposeCorporate social responsibility (CSR) often gives a humanistic touch to the marketing activities of firms and even creates the atmosphere that businesses are reliable. Yet, little is known about its interaction effect on the relationship between market orientation (MO) and financial and marketing performance in emerging economies. The present study aims to comparatively examine the interaction effect of CSR on the direct link between MO and financial and marketing performance in manufacturing firms in Ghana and Ethiopia.Design/methodology/approachThe interaction effect of CSR is examined using a quantitative methodological study design. A total of 439 usable questionnaires across manufacturing firms in Ghana and Ethiopia were collected and analyzed using SEM-PLS 3.0. Analytically, the study used product indicator approach to test the interaction effect of CSR on the nexus between MO and financial and marketing performance, while PLS-multigroup analysis (PLS-MGA) was used to test the significance of the observed differences in the results among the manufacturing firms in the two countries.FindingsResults show that MO significantly improves financial and marketing performance. However, CSR reveals both “suppression” and “spurious” effects on the direct link between MO and financial and marketing performance under varying market conditions. The relationship between MO and financial performance is weakened in Ghanaian manufacturing firms but is strengthened in Ethiopian manufacturing firms when the level of CSR is high. Results, moreover, show that the nexus between MO and marketing performance is strengthened when CSR actions are high in both Ghanaian and Ethiopian manufacturing firms. The PLS-MGA revealed that these differences in findings in the two countries are statistically significant.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that company managers and marketing practitioners can use CSR in their marketing orientation campaigns to keep high performance and to remain competitive in today’s globalized market.Social implicationsFindings illustrate that incorporation of social interests and sustainability initiatives into firms’ marketing orientation strategies can meet stakeholders’ interest and expectation.Originality/valueThis is one of the few studies that examine comparatively the interaction effect of CSR on the MO–financial and marketing performance linkage in two emerging economies. The study extends our understanding of the RBV and stakeholder theories regarding the role of CSR in firms’ marketing strategies.
Positioning at the Olympic Winter Games
Authors: Weber Andreas Christoph , De Bosscher Veerle , Kempf Hippolyt 
Published: July 2019

PurposeSince the 1990s, the International Olympic Committee has offered nations more medal-winning opportunities at every Winter Games. Meanwhile, many countries are constrained by their limited financial resources to target sports strategically. The purpose of this paper is to examine the targeting approaches to Olympic Winter Sports of National Sports Agencies (NSAs), and to identify the factors they assess in the decision-making process.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 11 decision makers of medal-winning NSAs at the 2014 Sochi Games. The data were then analysed with reference to strategic management in an approach which combines a resource-based view (RBV) with a market-based view (MBV) to build a competitive advantage.FindingsThe results show that NSAs, like firms, combine an internal analysis that reflects the RBV on resources and capabilities (e.g. athletes’ performance per sport and sport-specific elite sport system), with an external analysis of the competitive environment that reflects an MBV (e.g. sport’s medal market size and intensity of competition at Games) to target sports. Using this information, two phases were distinguished: first, the target sports are identified and finance is prioritised accordingly; second, the allocation of the nation’s resources is constantly reviewed in order to optimise it.Research limitations/implicationsEven though social desirability bias in the responses could not be fully excluded, the findings can help policy-makers to distinguish between the internal and external factors identified in this study, and to make more strategic decisions by combining RBV and MBV approaches to build-up their nation’s competitive advantage.Originality/valueThis paper models the targeting strategies of NSAs during an Olympic cycle by introducing the competitive positioning of firms to sports management.
Optical sensor of components concentration in solution
Authors: Nadezhdin Igor S. , Goryunov Aleksey G. , Nadezhdina Yuliya Yu 
Published: July 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to focus on the development of an optical concentration sensor designed for measuring the concentration of components in solutions.

Design/methodology/approach
The operating principle of the developed sensor is based on the Bouguer–Lambert–Beer law. An optical measuring system using fiber optical cables was used for the practical implementation of the concentration sensor.

Findings
As a result of fiber optical cable use in the concentration sensor, the remote measurement principle was implemented, ensuring the instrument’s reliability and the reduction of operating costs.

Originality/value
The advantage of the proposed measuring system is that the sensitive element is maintenance-free, does not require power supply and can operate under severe industrial conditions. Using a fiber optic cable to transmit a light signal allows placing the sensitive element at a distance of several tens of meters from the electronics unit (the smart part).
Interaction modifications lead to greater robustness than pairwise non‐trophic effects in food webs
Authors: Terry J. Christopher D. , Morris Rebecca J. , Bonsall Michael B. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractConsiderable emphasis has been placed recently on the importance of incorporating non‐trophic effects into our understanding of ecological networks. Interaction modifications are well‐established as generating strong non‐trophic impacts by modulating the strength of interspecific interactions.For simplicity and comparison with direct interactions within a network context, the consequences of interaction modifications have often been described as direct pairwise interactions. The consequences of this assumption have not been examined in non‐equilibrium settings where unexpected consequences of interaction modifications are most likely.To test the distinct dynamic nature of these “higher‐order” effects, we directly compare, using dynamic simulations, the robustness to extinctions under perturbation of systems where interaction modifications are either explicitly modelled or represented by corresponding equivalent pairwise non‐trophic interactions.Full, multi‐species representations of interaction modifications resulted in a greater robustness to extinctions compared to equivalent pairwise effects. Explanations for this increased stability despite apparent greater dynamic complexity can be found in additional routes for dynamic feedbacks. Furthermore, interaction modifications changed the relative vulnerability of species to extinction from those trophically connected close to the perturbed species towards those receiving a large number of modifications.Future empirical and theoretical research into non‐trophic effects should distinguish interaction modifications from direct pairwise effects in order to maximize information about the system dynamics. Interaction modifications have the potential to shift expectations of species vulnerability based exclusively on trophic networks.
Assessing the accuracy of survey reports of health insurance coverage using enrollment data
Authors: Pascale Joanne , Fertig Angela R. , Call Kathleen Thiede 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo measure the accuracy of survey‐reported data on features and type of health insurance coverage.Data SourceEnrollment records from a private insurer were used as sample for primary survey data collection in spring of 2015 using the Current Population Survey health insurance module.Study DesignA reverse record check study where households with individuals enrolled in a range of public and private health insurance plans (including the marketplace) were administered a telephone survey that included questions about general source of coverage (eg, employer), program name (eg, Medicaid), portal, premium, and subsidies.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsSurvey data were matched back to enrollment records, which indicated coverage status at the time of the survey. Concordance between the records and survey data was assessed.Principal FindingsCorrect reporting of general source of coverage ranged from 77.8 percent to 98.3 percent across coverage type, premium ranged from 91.6 percent to 96.4 percent, and subsidy ranged from 83.0 percent to 91.0 percent. Using a conceptual algorithm to categorize coverage type resulted in sensitivity of 98.3 percent for employer‐sponsored enrollees, and 70.6 percent‐77.6 percent for the other coverage types, while specificity ranged from 93.9 percent to 99.4 percent across coverage types.ConclusionsSurvey reports of features of coverage suggest they are viable items to include in an algorithm to categorize coverage type. Findings have implications beyond the CPS, particularly for marketplace enrollees.
Bovine digital dermatitis in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Hesseling J. , Legione A. R. , Stevenson M.A. , McCowan C.I. , Pyman M.F. , Finochio C. , Nguyen D. , Roic C.L. , Thiris O.L. , Zhang A.J. , van Schaik G. , Coombe J.E. 
Published: July 2019

AimsThe objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of digital dermatitis (DD) in Victoria, Australia, and to investigate which organisms are consistent with typical DD lesions. The prevalence and causative pathogens of DD are not clear yet in Australia and this paper is one of the first to explore these questions in this country.MethodsExamination and sampling of limbs was undertaken at three knackeries in Victoria, Australia. Limbs were classified as normal (N), active DD‐lesion (A), dried or chronic DD‐lesion (D) or suspected case of DD (S). A total of 823 cows were examined. Six skin biopsies were taken at each knackery, from which DNA was extracted for diversity profiling. Histochemical staining of samples was performed on eight of the skin biopsies.ResultsDD was detected in 29.8% of all cows. The prevalence of DD was significantly higher in dairy cows (32.2%) than in beef cows (10.8%). The differential abundance of Treponema‐species was significantly increased in dried lesions, compared with the normal skin biopsies. Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Tenericutes were found to be significantly different in abundance in the DD lesions compared with normal skin biopsies. Silver staining of samples showed only mild inflammation and in two samples organisms with morphology consistent with Spirochaetes were detected.ConclusionsThe calculated prevalence indicates that DD is present in Victoria, Australia. The results of diversity profiling showed that the presence of Treponema‐species was significantly different between the samples of DD lesions and normal skin.
Diagnostic accuracy of 68Ga‐prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron‐emission tomography (PET) and multiparametric (mp)MRI to detect intermediate‐grade intra‐prostatic prostate cancer using whole‐mount pathology: impact of the addition of 68Ga‐PSMA PET to mpMRI
Authors: Scheltema Matthijs J. , Chang John I. , Stricker Phillip D. , van Leeuwen Pim J. , Nguyen Quoc A. , Ho Bao , Delprado Warick , Lee Jonathan , Thompson James E. , Cusick Thomas , Spriensma Alette S. , Siriwardana Amila R. , Yuen Carlo , Kooner Raji , Hruby George , O'Neill Gordon , Emmett Louise 
Published: July 2019

ObjectiveTo evaluate the ability of prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA)‐positron‐emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) to detect intermediate‐grade intra‐prostatic prostate cancer (PCa), and to determine if PSMA‐PET improves the diagnostic accuracy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI).Patients and MethodsA total of 56 consecutive patients with International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade 2–3 PCa after radical prostatectomy, who underwent both mpMRI and PSMA‐PET CT (hereafter PSMA‐PET) preoperatively, were enrolled in this study. The accuracy of PSMA‐PET, mpMRI alone, and the two procedures in combination was analysed for identifying ISUP grades 1–3 within a 12‐segment model. The accuracy of a combined predictive model (PSMA‐PET and mpMRI) was determined. Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis to determine the optimal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) for PSMA‐PET in discriminating between ISUP grades 1 and ≥2 was performed.ResultsOn a per‐patient basis, the sensitivities for PSMA‐PET and mpMRI in identifying ISUP grades 2–3 PCa were 100% and 97%, respectively. Assessing ISUP grade ≥2 PCa using a 12‐segment analysis, PSMA‐PET demonstrated greater diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve), sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV), with values of 0.91, 88%, 93%, 95% and 85%, respectively, than did mpMRI (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System [PI‐RADS] 3–5), at 0.79, 68%, 91%, 87%, and 75%, respectively. When used in combination (PSMA‐PET and mpMRI PIRADS 4–5), sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV were 92%, 90%, 96% and 81%, respectively. The sensitivity for both techniques reduced markedly when assessing ISUP grade 1 PCa (18% for PSMA‐PET, 10% for mpMRI). An SUVmax value of 3.95 resulted in 94% sensitivity and 100% specificity.ConclusionPSMA‐PET is accurate in detecting segments containing intermediate‐grade intra‐prostatic PCa (ISUP grade ≥ 2), compared with and complementary to mpMRI. By contrast the detection rate for ISUP grade 1 disease for both PSMA‐PET and mpMRI was low.
Applying cryopreservation to anuran conservation biology
Authors: Poo Sinlan , Hinkson Kristin M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNovel conservation methods have become increasingly important in protecting our remaining biodiversity in the face of unprecedented rates of species declines. One method of maintaining genetic and species diversity is through germplasm cryopreservation. However, our knowledge of cryopreservation relies heavily on studies in domestic or aquaculture species. Moreover, most studies are narrowly focused on a single species. Consequently, the broader application of these methods to wildlife conservation is often unknown or assumed. Here, we examine the response of four anuran species from two families (Anaxyrus fowleri, Anaxyrus baxteri, Lithobates pipiens, and Lithobates sevosus) to three sperm cryopreservation treatments (5, 10, and 15% N,N‐dimethylformamide with 10% trehalose). Within each family, we selected a congeneric species pair with one common, nonthreatened species and one endangered species. We found that endangered species had significantly lower initial sperm quality, though recovery rate of sperm after cryopreservation was not significantly different between nonthreatened and endangered species. Overall, responses to the three treatments were consistent across species, with 5% DMFA with 10% trehalose producing the highest recovery rates in all four species. In addition, cryopreserved sperm were used to successfully produce hatchlings in both of the nonthreatened species. Our results demonstrate that standardized methods developed for anurans can be applied more widely across families and can be transferred from model species to species of conservation concern. These findings form a basis for further exploration into cryopreservation as an effective tool for wildlife conservation in amphibians.
Outcome of lung transplantation in non‐idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis interstitial lung disease
Authors: Bode Hannelore , Verleden Stijn E. , Wuyts Wim A. , Yserbyt Jonas , Verleden Geert M. , Vos Robin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractLung transplantation remains the only curative treatment option for selected patients with end‐stage interstitial lung disease (ILD). Candidate selection is impeded by patient heterogeneity, particularly in the subgroup of non‐idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (non‐IPF) interstitial lung diseases. We performed a descriptive analysis of all non‐IPF ILD patients who underwent lung transplantation in our center between July 1991 and November 2016 (n = 129) and searched for pre‐transplant variables correlating with graft loss and chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Our study cohort was characterized by a significantly affected medical condition, an extensive pre‐transplant corticosteroid use (73.8%), and a high prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (55.7%). Earlier year of transplantation (P = .004), higher bilirubin level (P < .0001), older recipient age (P = .04), and smaller recipient height (P = .02) were found to be associated with earlier graft loss in multivariate analysis. Moreover, pre‐transplant corticosteroid treatment tended to be related to earlier graft loss (P = .06), while pulmonary hypertension did not significantly correlate. None of the pre‐transplant variables were shown to be associated with CLAD development. Ongoing research is required to further explore this diverse patient population and the pre‐transplant variables determining their post‐transplant outcome.
Effects of levosimendan in heart failure: The role of echocardiography
Authors: Cameli Matteo , Incampo Eufemia , Navarri Romina , Mandoli Giulia Elena , Sciaccaluga Carlotta , Righini Francesca Maria , Palmerini Elisabetta , Sisti Nicolò , Mondillo Sergio , Lunghetti Stefano 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHeart failure (HF) represents a deadly epidemic that nowadays affects more than 2% of the general population, representing a major public health concern that implies a high economic burden for the health system. Levosimendan in HF patients is usually used for its inotropic and vasodilator effects that act without myocardial oxygen consumption, differently from other inotropic drugs. The symptoms and hemodynamic profile improve together with the myocardial function, and this can be demonstrated by an echocardiographic examination. Currently, the available data about the effects of levosimendan assessed by echocardiography are still lacking. This review discusses the role of echocardiography in the evaluation of therapeutic effects of levosimendan in HF.
Left atrial dissection: A rare entity
Authors: Suraci Nicholas , Mihos Christos G. , Volsky Alexander , Santana Orlando 
Published: July 2019

AbstractLeft atrial wall dissection is uncommon. We present this rarity with transesophageal echocardiography in a 71‐year‐old female diagnosed with infective endocarditis three months following mitral valve repair, which along with the surgical intervention, may have contributed to the dissection.
Perch selection in Sympetrum species (Odonata: Libellulidae): importance of vegetation structure and composition
Authors: Hykel Michal , Růžičková Jana , Dolný Aleš 
Published: July 2019

1. Perching dragonflies are closely associated with the physical structure of vegetation because adults utilise plants when foraging, thermoregulating, and mate‐seeking. However, little attention has been given to which structural attribute of vegetation is playing a key role within foraging habitat use.2. This study focused on the influence of different features of perches on their selection by adult dragonflies. As a model group, a typical percher behavioural guild of Sympetrum was used and experimental plots with artificial perches and different structural properties were established.3. It was found that adults preferred perch sticks with a wider diameter and larger spacing. It is assumed that these perching sites are advantageous because their base is more stable, they provide the best view for successful foraging, and there is no interference among individuals.4. This study also revealed significant differences between male and female preferences. Females used less structured vegetation formed by thin perches in high densities. It is suggested that female discrimination is influenced by the higher competitiveness of males, which is related to their agonistic behaviour.5. These results suggest that the availability of perches in the foraging habitat might be an essential requirement for adults. However, within the terrestrial surroundings of breeding sites, the structure of vegetation providing conditions for perching may be associated only with certain habitats. In intensive landscapes, physically structured vegetation can be limited or completely absent.
Flowers respond to pollinator sound within minutes by increasing nectar sugar concentration
Authors: Veits Marine , Khait Itzhak , Obolski Uri , Zinger Eyal , Boonman Arjan , Goldshtein Aya , Saban Kfir , Seltzer Rya , Ben‐Dor Udi , Estlein Paz , Kabat Areej , Peretz Dor , Ratzersdorfer Ittai , Krylov Slava , Chamovitz Daniel , Sapir Yuval , Yovel Yossi , Hadany Lilach 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCan plants sense natural airborne sounds and respond to them rapidly? We show that Oenothera drummondii flowers, exposed to playback sound of a flying bee or to synthetic sound signals at similar frequencies, produce sweeter nectar within 3 min, potentially increasing the chances of cross pollination. We found that the flowers vibrated mechanically in response to these sounds, suggesting a plausible mechanism where the flower serves as an auditory sensory organ. Both the vibration and the nectar response were frequency‐specific: the flowers responded and vibrated to pollinator sounds, but not to higher frequency sound. Our results document for the first time that plants can rapidly respond to pollinator sounds in an ecologically relevant way. Potential implications include plant resource allocation, the evolution of flower shape and the evolution of pollinators sound. Finally, our results suggest that plants may be affected by other sounds as well, including anthropogenic ones.
Largemouth bass use prior experience, but not information from experienced conspecifics, to avoid capture by anglers
Authors: Louison Michael J. , Suski Cory D. , Stein Jeffrey A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAngler satisfaction is based on the presence of catchable fish, and therefore, understanding the mechanisms driving catchability is important for fisheries biologists and managers. Lure avoidance learning (including via social learning) may be a driver of catchability, but these mechanisms have not been explored in depth. To address this, largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides (Lacépède), were stocked into four ponds, and two were angled using a green plastic worm. Naïve bass were then introduced into all ponds, and angling commenced using a sequence of three lures (green plastic worm, white plastic worm and in‐line spinnerbait). Naive bass stocked alongside experienced conspecifics were not less catchable, indicating socially learned lure avoidance did not take place. Catch rates declined across sessions until the switch to the spinnerbait, when rates temporarily spiked. This suggests that the similarity of a novel lure to previously experienced lures may determine if a fish avoids angling capture.