bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated Patient Body Mass Index Does Not Negatively Affect Self-Reported Outcomes of Thoracolumbar Surgery: Results of a Comparative Observational Study with Minimum 1-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Manson Neil A. , Green Alana J. , Abraham Edward P. 
Published: July 2015

Study Design Retrospective study. Objective Quantify the effect of obesity on elective thoracolumbar spine surgery patients. Methods Five hundred consecutive adult patients undergoing thoracolumbar spine surgery to treat degenerative pathologies with minimum follow-up of at least 1 year were included. Primary outcome measures included Numerical Rating Scales for back and leg pain, the Short Form 36 Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary, the modified Oswestry Disability Index, and patient satisfaction scores collected preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures included perioperative and postoperative adverse events, postoperative emergency department presentation, hospital readmission, and revision surgeries. Patients were grouped according to World Health Organization body mass index (BMI) guidelines to isolate the effect of obesity on primary and secondary outcome measures. Results Mean BMI was 30 kg/m2, reflecting a significantly overweight population. Each BMI group reported statistically significant improvement on all self-reported outcome measures. Contrary to our hypothesis, however, there was no association between BMI group and primary outcome measures. Patients with BMI of 35 to 39.99 visited the emergency department with complaints of pain significantly more often than the other groups. Otherwise, we did not detect any differences in the secondary outcome measures between BMI groups. Conclusions Patients of all levels of obesity experienced significant improvement following elective thoracolumbar spine surgery. These outcomes were achieved without increased risk of postoperative complications such as infection and reoperation. A risk–benefit algorithm to assist with surgical decision making for obese patients would be valuable to surgeons and patients alike.
The influence of green advertising during a corporate disaster
Authors: Bodkin Charles D. , Amato Louis H. , Amato Christie H. 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore influences of green advertising and social activism during one of the worst adverse public relations episodes in history: the British Petroleum (BP) Deep Water Horizon oil spill.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study uses self-congruency theory and perception of fit to explore the influence of green advertising and social activism on attitudes toward BP’s advertising, commitment to the environment, brand, and company. The survey data cover periods before, during, and after the spill.

Findings
– Mean ratings for the BP brand were lower during the oil spill for respondents who viewed an environmental ad as compared to those viewing an ad lacking environmental content. Comparison of attitudes toward BP’s environmental commitment, advertising, company, and brand reveal differences between activist and non-activist respondents across all four attitudinal scales during the oil spill.

Practical implications
– The study finds that lack of fit between corporate social responsibility communications and social responsibility performance raises the potential for a significant backlash against BP.

Originality/value
– The paper utilizes unique data that include survey responses before during and after the BP Deep Water Horizon oil spill. Empirical analyses of attitudes toward advertising, company, and brand over the life cycle of an adverse public relations event are among the first of their kind. Similarly, analyses of differences in activist and non-activist attitudes toward a company operating in a high-environmental risk industry are also among the first ever.
Company slogans, morphological issues, and corporate communications
Authors: Anwar Syed Tariq 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate and analyze company slogans which play an important role in corporate identity and corporate communications.

Design/methodology/approach
– By discussing relevant literature, morphological issues (word formation in sentences), and content analysis, the study investigates 329 companies and their slogans that operate in global and domestic markets.

Findings
– The study finds that within the areas of corporate identity and corporate communications, company slogans tend to be diverse with distinct forms and morphological features. The work reveals that slogans go through evolutionary changes because of diverse markets and firms’ corporate communications and corporate identities. The study also compares and contrasts slogans from 2007 to 2013 which were used by the firms on their web sites.

Practical implications
– Interestingly, over half of the companies did not keep their slogans in 2012/2013. Many firms have stopped using slogans on their corporate web sites and systematically capitalize on brands and corporate identities when dealing with the areas of corporate communications. This supports the notion that slogans help corporate identity and corporate communications.

Originality/value
– The paper’s original value added is in the areas of corporate communications, slogans, and corporate identity.
How can employees engage customers?
Authors: Hwang Jinsoo , Han Heesup , Kim Seongseop 
Published: July 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this study is to understand how to engage customers socially in the full-service restaurant industry. More specifically, based on the existing theoretical background, it was hypothesized that server disclosure induces customer disclosure. By a literature review, it was further hypothesized that server disclosure and customer disclosure influence trust, which in turn positively affects commitment and loyalty.Design/methodology/approach– The proposed hypotheses were empirically tested using data collected from 287 full-service restaurant patrons. Structural equation modeling was conducted to empirically test the proposed theoretical hypotheses and evaluate the proposed conceptual model.Findings– Based on the data analysis results, server disclosure was found to be a key predictor of customer disclosure. In addition, server disclosure and customer disclosure aid in the creation of trust, and can thus help to enhance commitment and loyalty. The theory building process revealed that gender is a significant moderator.Practical implications– First, restaurant managers need to develop a systematic training program which would help restaurant servers attain adequate knowledge of their job. Furthermore, the restaurant servers must know the importance of frankness when providing services; a frank confession is the key to understanding the minds of people. Finally, restaurant managers are required to hire employees with an outgoing and likeable personality because they are more likely to induce customer disclosure. To achieve this, restaurant managers should conduct in-depth interviews or personality tests in the recruiting process, which help clarify an applicant’s personal traits.Originality/value– Social penetration theory was applied to identify the relationship between server disclosure and customer disclosure, as it is first attempted in the hospitality industry. In addition, this study separated mutual disclosure into two subdimensions (e.g. server disclosure and customer disclosure) and investigated the impact of these two subdimensions.
The housing experiences of Fijian migrants in Auckland
Authors: Sharma Ratenesh Anand , Murphy Laurence 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– This paper aims to examine the housing experiences of Fijian migrants in Auckland, New Zealand, in response to recent calls for greater attention to be given to the housing experiences of a wider range of migrant groups. The paper seeks to extend the understanding of the housing experiences of a migrant group that have the economic and social resources that are likely to see them achieve housing outcomes beyond the usual “niche” and limited segments of the housing market usually available to migrants.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper used a questionnaire survey designed to uncover the housing experiences and levels of satisfaction of Fijian migrants living in Auckland. Developing on the works of literature that have addressed ethnic residential segregation and migrant housing outcomes, this paper addresses the housing experiences of a well-established migrant community that possesses significant human capital (skills, education, English language proficiency) but occupies a hybrid cultural identity.

Findings
– The majority of the 84 respondents had attained homeownership. Homeownership was prized for conveying a sense of “independence” and was aligned with notions of Fijian Indian culture. Both homeowners and renters expressed high levels of satisfaction with the locational attributes of their homes. While the majority of renters aspired to homeownership, a lack of affordable housing was noted. Homeowners recognised that they had benefitted from accessing homeownership when house prices were more affordable and believed that current and future migrants would struggle to buy a house in the Auckland housing market.

Research limitations/implications
– In the absence of a sampling frame, this research employed a purposive sampling technique that distributed questionnaires among Fijian migrant community groups and ethnic businesses. As the first study of its kind into the housing experiences of Fijian migrants in Auckland, the sample size (84 respondents) and geographical distribution of respondents was deemed sufficient to offer insights into the community’s housing experiences. The findings of this research could be used to develop a larger-scale analysis of the housing experiences of Fijian migrants in Auckland.

Originality/value
– While considerable attention has been given to documenting the locational distribution of migrants in Auckland, this is the first study to examine the housing experiences of Fijian migrants. The paper adds to the understandings of the variety of migrant housing outcomes by focussing on the experiences of a well-established migrant group that possesses significant human capital and occupies a distinct ethnic position within Pacific migration flows.
Stock exchange industry in UAE
Authors: Paltrinieri Andrea 
Published: July 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of UAE Stock Exchange industry. In particular this paper aims to assess a potential merger between Dubai Financial Markets-Nasdaq-Dubai and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, evaluating risks, rewards, policy and business implications.Design/methodology/approach– The paper presents a theoretical framework and a literature review of M & As in financial sector. It then carries out a case study on a potential merger between the UAE Stock Exchanges and a discussion on the implications for the actors involved.Findings– The contraction both in market capitalization and in trading value in the three UAE Stock Exchanges caused by subprime financial crisis and market fragmentation could be a key factors in implementing a merger between them. Because of high-fixed costs and trading platform, a single consolidated stock exchange may benefit from significant economies of scale, particularly network effects, and economies of scope.Practical implications– This paper could be useful to Security and Commodity Authority, in order to support a merger between Dubai and Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange. Given that UAE capital market regulator has tried to improve efficiency in UAE stock market over the last years, a merger between UAE Stock Exchanges could have positive effects on overall efficiency.Originality/value– It is the first paper that analyze UAE Stock Exchange industry. It is the first study that focusses on a potential merger between emerging markets’ stock exchanges. It is one of the first contributions that relates stock exchanges belonging to emerging and developed countries.
Interaction avoidance in networks
Authors: Hoholm Thomas 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to develop the case for studying non-interaction in networks, particularly instances of intentional avoidance of interaction.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper is based on the analysis of instances of interaction avoidance across four case studies in medical technology development, food product development, food distribution network change, and regional innovation in construction.

Findings
– Some answers are provided to the questions of why and how actors may seek to avoid interaction. Five modes of interaction avoidance are identified and outlined. Within these modes, interaction avoidance took place in order to protect knowledge, enforce progress, economise in business networks, avoid wasting resources, and maintain opportunities respectively. This list is not seen to be exhaustive of the theme, and further studies are encouraged.

Originality/value
– Few inter-organisational network studies have dealt explicitly with interaction avoidance or non-interaction.
Shimamura’s strategy to avoid competition: developing a low-cost operating system and evolutionary manuals
Authors: Isomura Kazuhito , Huang Pei-Yuh 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to clarify how a follower company sets its survival strategy and creates its own business model to implement the strategy.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper examines the case of Shimamura from the viewpoint of its strategy, business model, business processes, managerial resources and value proposition.

Findings
– Shimamura’s strategy is to avoid competition by creating a high entry barrier in its main market of local city areas. Shimamura dominates the market by opening its stores intensively in one area and eliminates its competitors to sell its products at a lower price. Shimamura continuously improves its low-cost operating system and develops comprehensive and evolutionary manuals to implement the strategy. Moreover, Shimamura adopts a flexible approach to changing its value proposition by combining its original value with new values.

Originality/value
– The case study of Shimamura suggests that the survival of a follower company depends on building a strong business model that implements a clear and simple strategy.
The evolution of characters business models in Japan: Duffy, Hello Kitty, and Kumamon
Authors: Isomura Kazuhito , Suzuki Kazunori , Tochimoto Katsuyuki 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– This paper aims to clarify how to develop characters business models by utilizing new business concepts.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper examines three cases in Japan to innovate characters business models: Duffy, Hello Kitty and Kumamon.

Findings
– The paper suggests that utilizing experience-based promotions, open innovation and a royalty-free strategy enhances customer loyalty to characters, expands customer targets and encourages autonomous collaboration of stakeholders.

Originality/value
– These case studies clarify how new business models aim to increase customer loyalty to characters and widen customer targets beyond generation, industry and country.
Lung stress and strain calculations in mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit
Authors: Blankman P. , Hasan D. , Bikker I. G. , Gommers D. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundStress and strain are parameters to describe respiratory mechanics during mechanical ventilation. Calculations of stress require invasive and difficult to perform esophageal pressure measurements. The hypothesis of the present study was: Can lung stress be reliably calculated based on non‐invasive lung volume measurements, during a decremental Positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) trial in mechanically ventilated patients with different diseases?MethodsData of 26 pressure‐controlled ventilated patients admitted to the ICU with different lung conditions were retrospectively analyzed: 11 coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), 9 neurology, and 6 lung disorders. During a decremental PEEP trial (from 15 to 0 cmH2O in three steps) end‐expiratory lung volume (EELV) measurements were performed at each PEEP step, without interruption of mechanical ventilation. Strain, specific elastance, and stress were calculated for each PEEP level. Elastance was calculated as delta PEEP divided by delta PEEP volume, whereas specific elastance is elastance times the FRC. Stress was calculated as specific elastance times the strain. Global strain was divided into dynamic (tidal volume) and static (PEEP) strain.ResultsStrain calculations based on FRC showed mainly changes in static component, whereas calculations based on EELV showed changes in both the static and dynamic component of strain. Stress calculated from EELV measurements was 24.0 ± 2.7 and 13.1 ± 3.8 cmH2O in the lung disorder group at 15 and 5 cmH2O PEEP. For the normal lungs, the stress values were 19.2 ± 3.2 and 10.9 ± 3.3 cmH2O, respectively. These values are comparable to earlier publications. Specific elastance calculations were comparable in patients with neurologic and lung disorders, and lower in the CABG group due to recruitment in this latter group.ConclusionStress and strain can reliably be calculated at the bedside based on non‐invasive EELV measurements during a decremental PEEP trial in patients with different diseases.
Half of the children who received oral immunotherapy for a cows' milk allergy consumed milk freely after 2.5 years
Authors: Kivistö Juho E. , Korppi Matti , Helminen Mika , Mäki Tiina , Paassilta Marita 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimStrict milk protein avoidance has been the standard therapy of cows' milk allergy (CMA) in children, but oral immunotherapy (OIT) seems to provide an alternative treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of OIT on milk consumption during the first 2.5 years after a start of OIT.MethodsThis open‐label, noncontrolled, real‐life OIT study was conducted in 74 children with CMA, who were aged 5–15. It included a 6‐month induction phase and a 2‐year maintenance phase. Data on the complete 2.5‐year trial were available for 57 children.ResultsMost of the children (82%) completed the 6‐month induction phase and were able to consume at least 200 mL of milk or 6400 mg of milk protein a day. After the 2‐year maintenance phase, half were consuming milk daily. Risk factors for OIT failure during the induction phase were asthma and high milk‐specific immunoglobulin E, but a history of anaphylaxis before OIT was not. Allergies to eggs or wheat decreased the risk of immediate OIT failure.ConclusionThis study confirmed the efficacy of milk OIT in real life, including the whole spectrum of persistent CMA at school age, and revealed certain risk factors associated with OIT failure.
Pancreatic cancer‐secreted miR‐155 implicates in the conversion from normal fibroblasts to cancer‐associated fibroblasts
Authors: Pang Wenjing , Su Jiaojiao , Wang Yalei , Feng Hui , Dai Xin , Yuan Yaozong , Chen Xi , Yao Weiyan 
Published: July 2015

AbstractCancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF) are a major constituent of the pancreatic cancer microenvironment and that the meaning is as intended. Pancreatic cancer cells can induce normal fibroblasts to convert into CAF and, reciprocally, CAF promote tumor invasions and proliferations. The mechanism of the conversion from normal fibroblasts (NF) to CAF remains unclear. MicroRNA are short non‐coding RNA involved in the post‐transcription gene regulation, which have been defined as an imperative controller in tumor invasions, proliferations and colony formations. Microvesicles (MV) have been proved to be an important mediator of intercellular communication and can selectively transport secreted microRNA from a donor cell into a recipient cell. In this study, we isolated primary pancreatic fibroblasts from wild type C57 mice and co‐cultured them with pancreatic cancer cell lines, BxPC‐3 and SW1990, and observed the conversion from NF to CAF, or at least CAF‐like cells. This phenomenon could also be replicated in primary fibroblasts treated with MV separated from a cancer cell media. We identified that miR‐155 was upregulated in PaC‐derived MV and we confirmed that normal fibroblasts could convert into CAF after MV containing miR‐155 had been taken up. TP53INP1 is a target of miR‐155 in fibroblasts and a downregulation of TP53INP1 protein levels could contribute to the fibroblasts' activation. These results indicated that pancreatic cancer cells might reprogram normal adjacent fibroblasts into CAF by means of secreted MV containing miR‐155. Targeting the circulating microRNA might be a potential therapy for malignant tumors.
MoleCollar and Tunnel Heat Map Visualizations for Conveying Spatio‐Temporo‐Chemical Properties Across and Along Protein Voids
Authors: Byška J. , Jurčík A. , Gröller M. E. , Viola I. , Kozlíková B. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractStudying the characteristics of proteins and their inner void space, including their geometry, physico‐chemical properties and dynamics are instrumental for evaluating the reactivity of the protein with other small molecules. The analysis of long simulations of molecular dynamics produces a large number of voids which have to be further explored and evaluated. In this paper we propose three new methods: two of them convey important properties along the long axis of a selected void during molecular dynamics and one provides a comprehensive picture across the void. The first two proposed methods use a specific heat map to present two types of information: an overview of all detected tunnels in the dynamics and their bottleneck width and stability over time, and an overview of a specific tunnel in the dynamics showing the bottleneck position and changes of the tunnel length over time. These methods help to select a small subset of tunnels, which are explored individually and in detail. For this stage we propose the third method, which shows in one static image the temporal evolvement of the shape of the most critical tunnel part, i.e., its bottleneck. This view is enriched with abstract depictions of different physicochemical properties of the amino acids surrounding the bottleneck. The usefulness of our newly proposed methods is demonstrated on a case study and the feedback from the domain experts is included. The biochemists confirmed that our novel methods help to convey the information about the appearance and properties of tunnels in a very intuitive and comprehensible manner.
Visual Analysis of Proximal Temporal Relationships of Social and Communicative Behaviors
Authors: Han Y. , Rozga A. , Dimitrova N. , Abowd G. D. , Stasko J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractDevelopmental psychology researchers examine the temporal relationships of social and communicative behaviors, such as how a child responds to a name call, to understand early typical and atypical development and to discover early signs of autism and developmental delay. These related behaviors occur together or within close temporal proximity, forming unique patterns and relationships of interest. However, the task of finding these early signs, which are in the form of atypical behavioral patterns, becomes more challenging when behaviors of multiple children at different ages need to be compared with each other in search of generalizable patterns. The ability to visually explore the temporal relationships of behaviors, including flexible redefinition of closeness, over multiple social interaction sessions with children of different ages, can make such knowledge extraction easier. We have designed a visualization tool called TipoVis that helps psychology researchers visually explore the temporal patterns of social and communicative behaviors. We present two case studies to show how TipoVis helped two researchers derive new understandings of their data.