bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgeons’ efficiency change is a major determinant of their productivity change
Authors: Nakata Yoshinori , Watanabe Yuichi , Narimatsu Hiroto , Yoshimura Tatsuya , Otake Hiroshi , Sawa Tomohiro 
Published: May 2016

Purpose– The sustainability of the Japanese healthcare system is in question because the government has had a huge fiscal debt. Despite an enormous effort to cut the deficit, our healthcare expenditure is increasing every year because of the rapidly aging population. One of the solutions for this problem is to improve the productivity of healthcare. The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors that change surgeons’ productivity in one year.Design/methodology/approach– The authors collected data of all surgical procedures performed at Teikyo University Hospital from April 1 through September 30 in 2014 and 2015, and computed the surgeons’ Malmquist index (MI), efficiency change (EC) and technical change (TC) using non-radial and non-oriented Malmquist model under the constant returns-to-scale assumptions. The authors then divided the surgeons into two groups; one whose productivity progressed and the other whose productivity regressed. These two groups were compared to identify factors that may influence their MI.Findings– The only significant difference between the two groups was ECs (p< 0.0001). The other factors, such as TC, experience, surgical volume, emergency cases, surgical specialty, academic ranks, medical schools and gender, were not significantly different between the two groups.Originality/value– EC is a major determinant of surgeons’ productivity change. The best way to improve surgeons’ productivity may be to enhance their efficiency regardless of their surgical volume and personal backgrounds.
Competitive profits and the annual report: measuring the sustainable business
Authors: Strebel Paul , Cording Margaret , Shan Jialu 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
Getting rid of the contradictions between financial and sustainability reports is not straightforward, owing to their disparate financial-, environmental- and people-related data. The purpose of this paper is to show how a big step toward integrating the reports can be made by focusing on extracted value and subtracting it from reported profits. Value extraction is defined as value captured from stakeholders by distorting the competitive market process.

Design/methodology/approach
Value extracted is identified by looking at three ways in which it is done: manipulating markets to enhance profits, exploiting market distortions to socialize costs and privatizing benefits. These categories are related to one consolidated bottom-line using the data from JPMorgan’s 2012 reports. Application to the Western oil majors shows how one bottom-line can be used to assess the risks posed by value extraction to the economic sustainability of a firm.

Findings
Conservatively estimated, JPMorgan’s value extracted in 2012 was 25 per cent of reported profits. From 2007-2009, the average annual value extracted by Exxon and Chevron was 17 and 16 per cent of reported profits, respectively, whereas for BP and Eni, it was 23 and 30 per cent, respectively. Higher value extraction by BP preceded the Deepwater Horizon explosion and, in Eni’s case, the political disruption of its activities.

Research limitations/implications
It is difficult to get precise numbers on the value extracted because sustainability costing and related data are often neither available nor standardized.

Social implications
Reported profits minus value extracted, defined as competitive profits, provide a proxy for one bottom line that integrates the financial and sustainability reports.
Successful multi-channel strategy: mixing marketing and logistical issues
Authors: Jeanpert Sophie , Paché Gilles 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
When a company simultaneously manages several distribution channels, there are important issues regarding the sharing of marketing and logistical resources. This paper aims to discuss the integration of sales staff, communication and logistical operations to improve service delivery to multi-channel consumers.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on a literature review regarding multi-channel strategy to build a conceptual framework. This framework is discussed using three illustrations from the French multi-channel distribution field (King Jouet, Fnac and Darty).

Findings
The exploratory research underlines the importance of information about how consumers order in different channels. This makes the global management of different channels difficult and threatens marketing and logistical sharing.

Practical implications
The integration process is becoming increasingly important in service recovery. Companies must therefore facilitate total access to logistical information. This requires an organisational interaction between marketing and the supply chain activities.

Originality/value
The paper underlines the importance of the integration process in service recovery management, particularly when a defective product must be replaced and a new product be made available to consumers.
Studying customers’ resource integration by service employees in interactional value co-creation
Authors: Plé Loïc 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
Noting that resource integration is a pivotal dimension of value co-creation in Service-Dominant logic, this paper aims to explore how service employees engaged in co-creation processes with customers integrate the latter’s resources.

Design/methodology/approach
To address the limitations of previous research on customer resources and their integration by service employees, this study turns to the concept of customer participation to identify the nature of customers’ resources. A conceptual framework of their integration by service employees underpins nine key propositions. This foundation leads to the development of theoretical contributions, managerial implications and avenues for research.

Findings
Customers can use 12 types of resources in value co-creation. Contrasting with earlier findings, the conceptual framework reveals that service employees may not only integrate these customers’ resources but also either misintegrate or not integrate them. Non-integration and misintegration may be intentional or accidental. Accordingly, value co-creation or co-destruction may result from interactions.

Research limitations/implications
This conceptual and exploratory text requires complementary theoretical and empirical investigations. It also does not adopt an ecosystems view of co-creation.

Practical implications
Knowing the different steps of resource integration and what influences them should increase the chances of value co-creation and limit the risks of value co-destruction.

Originality/value
Scant research has examined the nature of customer resources and how service employees integrate them. This paper also is the first to distinguish among resource integration, misintegration and non-integration.
Intrinsic value dimensions and the value-satisfaction-loyalty chain: a causal model for services
Authors: Gallarza Martina G. , Arteaga-Moreno Francisco , Del Chiappa Giacomo , Gil-Saura Irene 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
Within the abundant and not always unanimous body or research on conceptual and methodological approaches to consumer value in services, there are two areas of relative consensus: the multidimensional nature of value (intra-variable approach) and the existence of causal relations with other constructs (inter-variable approach). This work aims to contribute additional knowledge in both areas, with a joint approach in a structural model tested for hospitality services.

Design/methodology/approach
The study proposes four scales of intrinsic values (entertainment, aesthetics, ethics and spirituality as relaxation), based on Holbrook’s (1999) value typology, and a casual model to be used to measure the relationships between these four values and overall perceived value, satisfaction and loyalty. The model is tested with PLS on a sample of 585 hotel guests on the island of Sardinia (Italy).

Findings
The psychometric properties of all four value scales, created ad hoc, are tested and approved. Results on the causal model show contrasted links on the intra-variable approach, entertainment, aesthetics and spirituality (measured as relaxation), are positive antecedents of perceived value, while the path ethics-overall value is not confirmed. The value–satisfaction–loyalty chain is fully confirmed, with strong linkages.

Research limitations/implications
The authors acknowledge the use of a convenience sample, of mainly leisure tourists.

Practical implications
The implications for managers are derived on the need of considering extra drivers (intrinsic and therefore fully experiential) of satisfaction and loyalty.

Originality/value
Research on value has been qualified as not univocal and controversial. This study adds knowledge on the use of four less common value types (intrinsic ones) and sheds light on their nature as antecedents of the well-known value–satisfaction–loyalty chain.
Litter microbial and soil faunal communities stimulated in the wake of a volcanic eruption in a semi‐arid woodland in Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Berenstecher Paula , Gangi Daniela , González‐Arzac Adelia , Martínez María Laura , Chaves Eliseo J. , Mondino Eduardo A. , Austin Amy T. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryLarge‐scale disturbances can be important components of the temporal landscape of natural ecosystems, but generalities regarding ecosystem impacts are difficult due to their infrequent and unpredictable nature. Volcanic eruptions figure as one of the most prominent of these natural disturbances, but the effects on microbes and ground‐dwelling arthropods, which modulate carbon and nutrient turnover, are relatively unknown.We evaluated the effects of the 2011 Puyehue‐Cordón Caulle eruption in Patagonia, Argentina, on the litter and soil microbial and faunal communities in natural and afforested semi‐arid ecosystems located 70 km west of the epicentre of the eruption. We hypothesized that volcanic ash deposition would strongly reduce soil faunal and microbial communities due to insecticidal effects of ash on arthropods, with a concomitant reduction in ecosystem processes.Our objective was to quantify the impact of the volcanic eruption by comparing pre‐ and post‐eruption time points in the same study site, with nearly identical field methodology. We measured environmental variables of soil and litter moisture, pH, microbial biomass, and soil and litter microbial enzymatic activity. We evaluated ground‐dwelling arthropods and nematodes using pitfall traps and soil extraction, respectively. Additionally, a parallel, controlled‐condition experiment of simulated ash deposition was conducted to evaluate ash effects on litter decomposition and enzymatic activity.In the field, post‐eruption soils had lower soil water content, pH and soil organic matter. Additionally, nematode abundance and soil microbial enzyme activity were significantly reduced. In contrast, ground‐dwelling arthropods and litter enzymatic activity increased significantly. Finally, with simulated ash deposition, litter decomposition increased fourfold for native litter decomposition.Large‐scale disturbances may play a key role in biogeochemical cycling in affected natural ecosystems, but not necessarily due to their catastrophic effects. In contrast to our original predictions, we observed a marked stimulation of biotic activity and carbon turnover in the aftermath of the Puyehue volcanic eruption, which demonstrates that the biotic component of these ecosystems has a substantial capacity to respond to these disturbances in short time frames. These results can contribute to placing the role of these large‐scale infrequent disturbances in a more robust ecological context.ALay Summaryis available for this article.
Platelet hyperaggregability in obesity: is there a role for nitric oxide impairment and oxidative stress?
Authors: Leite Natália Rodrigues Pereira , Siqueira de Medeiros Mariana , Mury Wanda Vianna , Matsuura Cristiane , Perszel Monique Bandeira Moss , Noronha Filho Gerson , Brunini Tatiana MC , Mendes‐Ribeiro Antônio Claúdio 
Published: May 2016

SummaryEpidemiological evidence has shown that platelet activation markers are consistently elevated in obesity, contributing to its prothrombotic state. In order to improve the understanding of the regulation of platelet function in obesity, the aim of this study was to investigate the l‐arginine‐nitric oxide (NO) pathway in obese adults without other cardiovascular risk factor. Seventeen obese (body mass index [BMI] 35.9±1.0 kg/m2) and eighteen age‐matched normal weight subjects (BMI 22.0±0.6 kg/m2) were included in this study. l‐arginine influx was measured with incubation of l‐[3H]‐arginine. NO synthase (NOS) and arginase activities were determined by the citrulline assay and the conversion of l‐[14C]‐arginine to [14C]‐urea, respectively. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) content was evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, the study analyzed: platelet aggregation; intraplatelet antioxidant enzymes, via superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities; and systemic levels of l‐arginine, fibrinogen, and C‐reactive protein (CRP). Obese patients presented a significant decrease of platelet l‐arginine influx, NOS activity, and cGMP levels, along with platelet hyperaggregability. On the presence of NO donor, platelet aggregation was similar between the groups. The fibrinogen and CRP systemic levels were significantly higher and SOD activity was reduced in obesity. No significant differences were observed in plasma levels of l‐arginine and intraplatelet arginase and catalase activities between groups. The diminished NO bioavailability associated with inflammatory status and impaired enzymatic antioxidant defence may contribute to future cardiovascular complications in obesity.
Towards a ‘Post‐Neoliberal’ Mode of Housing Regulation? The Israeli Social Protest of Summer 2011
Authors: Schipper Sebastian 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn the summer of 2011, after decades of virtually uncontested neoliberalization, Israel was swept by unprecedented protests against the rising cost of living, social inequality and, most particularly, escalating housing prices. Within two weeks, a small protest camp established on Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv had grown into a mass movement involving hundreds of thousands of people across the country. Given an ambivalent sense of the significance of urban movements in bringing about social change, the aim of this article is to analyze whether the Israeli social protest was able to push forward a post‐neoliberal mode of housing regulation. Building on a framework developed by Brenner, Peck and Theodore to grasp transformations in the landscape of regulatory restructuring, this article argues that the movement has indeed achieved a far‐reaching hegemonic shift in public discourse and also become an important driver in promoting regulatory experiments. Despite its achievements, however, the movement was unable to challenge the Israeli ‘rule regime' of neoliberalization, on account of two structural constraints that were shielded by the most powerful state apparatuses: the commodity character of housing; and a neoliberalized land regime, where state‐owned land is treated as a profit machine for public finance.
Effects of gravity on positive phototaxis in fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kwon Soon‐Hwan , Bae Ji‐Eun , Lee Sang‐Hyup , Lee Sang‐Dae , Chae Kwon‐Seok 
Published: May 2016

AbstractGeotaxis and phototaxis are movements in response to gravity and light, respectively, and are commonly observed in nature. The interactions between these two types of movement have been shown to confer ecological advantages to many taxa. Although several studies have been conducted on phototaxis and geotaxis in various organisms, reports on the interactions between positive phototaxis and negative geotaxis are lacking. In the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, any direct interactions that exist between positive phototaxis and negative geotaxis are yet to be determined and the ecological significance of such interactions remains unclear. In the present study, the effects of gravity on positive phototaxis in a Y‐maze were investigated using the Canton‐S wild type and gravity‐sensing‐deficient pyx3 mutant fruit flies. Gravity sensing was not necessary for horizontal positive phototaxis, but was required for vertical positive phototaxis. These results suggest that gravitoreception may selectively modulate positive phototaxis depending on the vertical and horizontal movements of the fruit flies.
Viability, Acid and Bile Tolerance of Spray Dried Probiotic Bacteria and Some Commercial Probiotic Supplement Products Kept at Room Temperature
Authors: Dianawati Dianawati , Mishra Vijay , Shah Nagendra P 
Published: May 2016

AbstractProduction of probiotic food supplements that are shelf‐stable at room temperature has been developed for consumer's convenience, but information on the stability in acid and bile environment is still scarce. Viability and acid and bile tolerance of microencapsulated Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus acidophilus and 4 commercial probiotic supplements were evaluated. Bifidobacterium and L. acidophilus were encapsulated with casein‐based emulsion using spray drying. Water activity (aw) of the microspheres containing Bifidobacterium or L. acidophilus (SD GM product) was adjusted to 0.07 followed by storage at 25 °C for 10 wk. Encapsulated Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus acidophilus and 4 commercial probiotic supplement products (AL, GH, RE, and BM) were tested. Since commercial probiotic products contained mixed bacteria, selective media MRS‐LP (containing L‐cysteine and Na‐propionate) and MRS‐clindamycin agar were used to grow Bifidobacterium spp. or L. acidophilus, respectively, and to inhibit the growth of other strains. The results showed that aw had a strong negative correlation with the viability of dehydrated probiotics of the 6 products. Viable counts of Bifidobacterium spp. and L. acidophilus of SD GM, AL, and GH were between 8.3 and 9.2 log CFU/g, whereas that of BM and RE were between 6.7 and 7.3 log CFU/g. Bifidobacterium in SD GM, in AL, and in GH products and L. acidophilus in SD GM, in AL, and in BM products demonstrated high tolerance to acid. Most of dehydrated probiotic bacteria were able to survive in bile environment except L. acidophilus in RE product. Exposure to gastric juice influenced bacterial survivability in subsequent bile environment.
Whole cell biocatalysts: essential workers from Nature to the industry
Authors: de Carvalho Carla C. C. R. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryMicroorganisms have been exposed to a myriad of substrates and environmental conditions throughout evolution resulting in countless metabolites and enzymatic activities. Although mankind have been using these properties for centuries, we have only recently learned to control their production, to develop new biocatalysts with high stability and productivity and to improve their yields under new operational conditions. However, microbial cells still provide the best known environment for enzymes, preventing conformational changes in the protein structure in non‐conventional medium and under harsh reaction conditions, while being able to efficiently regenerate necessary cofactors and to carry out cascades of reactions. Besides, a still unknown microbe is probably already producing a compound that will cure cancer, Alzeihmer's disease or kill the most resistant pathogen. In this review, the latest developments in screening desirable activities and improving production yields are discussed.
Fasting target for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy
Authors: Moses Robert G. , Wong Veronica C.K. , Lambert Kelly , Morris Gary J. 
Published: May 2016

Knowledge of the fasting plasma glucose of healthy women may assist in the setting of treatment targets for women with hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (HIP). This study examines the pregnancy glucose tolerance test results of 3344 women without HIP collected over a three‐year period. The median fasting plasma glucose was 4.4 mmol/L with an interquartile range of 4.2–4.6 mmol/L and a 5th to 95th centile of 3.8–4.9 mmol/L. As the diagnostic fasting glucose level for HIP is ≥5.1 mmol/L, these data support a treatment target of ≤5.0 mmol/L.
Somatic health of 2500 women examined at a sexual assault center over 10 years
Authors: Larsen Mie‐Louise , Hilden Malene , Skovlund Charlotte W. , Lidegaard Øjvind 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIntroductionSexual assault is a public health issue with many potential short‐ and long‐term consequences for the victims. We aimed to investigate somatic health of women before and after sexual assault.Material and methodsWe included 2501 women who attended the Centre for Victims of Sexual Assault in Copenhagen, and 10004 women without a known assault experience (controls). Somatic diagnoses were retrieved from the National Health Registry and number of visits to general practitioners from the Danish Health Insurance Registry. Somatic data were assessed during the five‐year period before and after the assault.ResultsThe incidence of several somatic disorders was found to be significantly higher for the exposed women than for controls, both before and after the assault. Rate ratios of main disorders before and after the assault were respectively: disease of circulatory and respiratory system: 3.2 (2.6–4.1) and 2.6 (2.1–3.2); epilepsy: 2.9 (2.2–3.8) and 4.1 (3.0–5.6) and disease of the liver: 3.5 (1.9–6.3) and 7.0 (4.4–11.1), respectively. The rate ratios of laparoscopic surgery: 1.5 (0.9–2.5) and 3.4 (2.3–5.0) and of cervical cancer: 0.8 (0.4–1.7) and 2.0 (1.4–3.0) increased significantly after sexual assault. Likewise, the number of visits to a general practitioner was significantly higher in exposed women both before and after the assault (16 vs. 10/year). Complications associated with childbirth were not statistically different between the groups.ConclusionsOur results suggest a higher somatic morbidity in women seen at a sexual assault center before as well as after the assault compared with controls.