bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CEO compensation and strategic expenses: penalizing, shielding or rewarding?
Authors: Fernando Guy D. , Xu Qiao 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the way in which CEOs are shielded or rewarded for incurring R&D expenses. Strategic expenses such as R&D yield returns over a long period of time even though GAAP requires them to be written off in the period they are incurred. Going beyond the existing shielding paradigm, the paper investigates whether compensation committees actively reward CEOs for incurring strategic expenses.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses empirical analysis by using regression analysis with CEO compensation (both cash and equity) as the dependent variable and firm size, firm performance, earnings risk, market‐to‐book ratio, R&D expenses, advertising expenses and governance variables as control, independent and test variables.FindingsThe paper shows that CEOs are not only shielded but are actively rewarded for incurring R&D expenses. The paper also shows that the shield/reward effects are stronger in manufacturing firms. Finally, the paper shows that independent compensation committees increase rewards for R&D expenses.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the small sample of firms with advertising expense data, a larger sample, possibly using hand‐collected data will be required to arrive at definitive conclusions regarding shielding/rewarding for advertising. Furthermore, the shielding of both R&D and advertising expenses should be looked at in conjunction with the duration of the persistence of benefits of such strategic expenses.Originality/valueThis paper shows how compensation committees can use compensation to induce executives to undertake strategic expenses on behalf of the firm.
Corporate social responsibility, leadership, and brand equity in healthcare service
Authors: Trong Tuan Luu 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the linkages among corporate social responsibility (CSR), leadership, and brand equity in hospitals in Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachAnalyses of variance and structural equation model are resorted to in this study.FindingsThe findings reveal that transactional leadership is correlated with legal CSR and economic CSR. Transformational leadership, on the other hand, cultivates ethical CSR, which in turn positively influences brand equity. A direct bridge between transformational leadership and brand equity is also detected.Originality/valueThe study offers insight into the linkage pattern of CSR, leadership, and brand equity in hospitals in Vietnam.
Local government website sustainability reporting: a mimicry perspective
Authors: Joseph Corina , Taplin Ross 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the role of mimetic isomorphism in relation to reporting sustainability information on local authority websites.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a case study approach using semi‐structured interviews of 16 Malaysian local councils.FindingsThe paper finds that 15 out of 16 of the interviewed councils mimicked the sustainability information on websites of other councils. Interviews revealed that they do so to copy ideas about sustainability activities implementation rather than reporting format. Councils imitate both Malaysian and international websites.Practical implicationsWebsites play an important role in the improvement of sustainability development for learning, benchmarking and cost reduction. The pattern of copying websites suggests a hierarchical model where councils lower in the hierarchy copy councils at the next level in the hierarchy.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the limited literature on mimetic isomorphism of public sector website sustainability reporting in developing countries.
Perceptions of corporate social responsibility in Kazakhstan
Authors: Smirnova Yelena 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to understand the attitudes of individuals towards corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Kazakhstan and identify the benefits that CSR activities may bring to business and its stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachTheoretical underpinnings for the research are drawn from existent literature on CSR. A total of 120 questionnaires were collected, 68 percent of which were filled in online, the rest were answered manually by the respondents.FindingsThe results suggest that environmental friendliness, legal responsibility and stewardship principle are considered to be very important in Kazakhstan. The attitudes towards economic responsibility are significantly affected by age and working experience. The application of Carroll's Pyramid of CSR identified that the hierarchy of responsibilities in Kazakhstan exists in the following order: legal, ethical, economic, and philanthropic. The primary payback of CSR is improved company image and reputation.Research limitations/implicationsAs the concept of CSR is relatively new in Kazakhstan misunderstanding of CSR principles might have led to wrong perceptions and attitudes and distortion of the research results. The sample is not representative of the population as a whole and cannot be generalized.Practical implicationsThe paper is a valuable contribution to the development and promotion of CSR principles in Kazakhstan which provides an insight into the current situation in the country. Managers and policy makers may revise their strategies and policies with the expectations of the general public.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the limited scope of literature on the attitudes towards CSR in Kazakhstan.
Travel motivation as a determinant of shopping venue
Authors: Kinley Tammy R. , Forney Judith A. , Kim Youn‐Kyung 
Published: July 2012

PurposeShopping is a popular tourist activity. While a person might not travel for the purpose of shopping, many tourists shop while traveling. This study aims to examine travel motivation as a predictor of the importance assigned to desired shopping center attributes for three different shopping centers, and their effect on satisfaction, and re‐patronage intention.Design/methodology/approachData were collected via mall‐intercept surveys from 624 tourist shoppers at seven shopping centers. A tourist was defined as a person who traveled a distance of at least 50 miles from their home.FindingsDesired shopping center attributes are influenced by travel motivation. For the superregional center, a linear relationship was computed for the exploration travel motive, mall environment, overall satisfaction and re‐patronage intention. Interestingly, overall satisfaction with the shopping center was not a significant predictor of re‐patronage intention in the theme/festival or super off‐price centers.Originality/valueGiven the importance of shopping in the travel agenda, identification and consideration of different travel motivations can facilitate development of the shopping center environment for maximum customer satisfaction. All of the motivations may co‐exist in the same family or tourist unit (e.g. convention attendees). These findings can be particularly useful in designing amenities and targeting promotional campaigns to different audiences.
Promising outcomes of definitive chemoradiation and cetuximab for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Yongshun , Wu Xiaoyuan , Bu Shanshan , He Chunyu , Wang Wen , Liu Jinsong , Guo Wei , Tan Bo , Wang Yanxia , Wang Jianhua 
Published: July 2012

This study investigated cetuximab added to definitive concurrent chemoradiation for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Previously untreated patients with stage II–IVa ESCC received cetuximab (400 mg/m2 per week in week 1, then 250 mg/m2 per week during weeks 2–8), paclitaxel (45 mg/m2 per week) and cisplatin (20 mg/m2 per week) in weeks 2–8 with 59.4 Gy radiotherapy. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status in tumor specimens was assessed. Thirty‐one patients were enrolled and evaluated for toxicity. Of the 29 patients assessable for a response, 20 (69.0%) had a clinical complete response (CR). Over a median follow up of 23.6 months, disease progression was observed in seven patients. The 1‐ and 2‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) rates were 85.5% and 75.1%, respectively. The PFS was shorter for patients with lymphatic metastatic disease than for those with locally confined tumor; the 1‐year PFS rates were 78.7% and 92.3%, respectively (P = 0.038). Sixteen (55.2%) patients were immunohistochemically positive for EGFR. The patients with EGFR‐expressing tumor had a CR rate of 75.0% compared with 61.5% in those with negative EGFR expression (P = 0.024). The PFS for patients with EGFR‐expressing tumor was longer compared with the PFS of patients with negative EGFR (P = 0.133). The patients with prominent cetuximab‐induced rash (≥grade 2) had a better CR rate and PFS than those with no or grade 1 rash (P < 0.05). The rates of grades 3/4 esophagitis, hematological and dermatological toxicities were 9.7%, 29.0% and 16.1%, respectively. The regimen of definitive chemoradiation plus cetuximab achieved good clinical response and has an acceptable safety profile in Chinese ESCC patients.
Enhanced immunological response by dendritic cells in male hypogonadism
Authors: Corrales Juan J. , Almeida María , Cordero Mar , Martín‐Martín Lourdes , Méndez Cristina , Miralles José M. , Orfao Alberto 
Published: July 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (11): 1205–1212AbstractBackground  The effect of male hypogonadism on the immune response is poorly understood, even though testosterone has both immunosuppressive and anti‐inflammatory effects in men.Design  In this study, we compared the distribution and functional status of peripheral blood (PB) monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs) [CD16+ (monocytoid), CD33+ (myeloid) and CD33− (plasmacytoid)] and CD4+ CD25+ CD127−/lo regulatory T cells from hypogonadic men and control subjects. Immunophenotypic studies were performed both on resting and in vitro‐stimulated cells.Results  Overall, no significant differences were detected on the number of monocytes, DCs and CD4+ CD25+ CD127−/lo regulatory T cells between both groups of subjects. However, hypogonadic men showed slightly higher numbers of circulating CD16+ cells expressing the CD107b activation/degranulation‐associated marker than controls, such differences reaching statistical significance after in vitro stimulation with CpG oligodeoxynucleotides. Interestingly, antigen‐stimulated expression of CD107b on CD16+ cells inversely correlated with the serum concentrations of total testosterone (r2 = −0·45; P = 0·01), free testosterone (r2 = −0·48; P = 0·005), calculated free testosterone (r2 = −0·44; P = 0·01) and bioavailable testosterone (r2 = −0·46; P = 0·008) among all cases studied, as well as with both the LH (r2 = −0·53, P = 0·04) and FSH (r2 = −0·54, P = 0·04) serum levels among hypogonadic men.Conclusions  These findings show an enhanced immunological response of circulating (activated) CD16+ DCs to antigen stimulation, which was inversely related to testosterone and gonadotropin serum levels. Such findings suggest a modulation by the hypothalamic–hypophyseal–gonadal axis of the immune response and may have clinical implications for hypogonadic men, as regards susceptibility to autoimmune diseases and increased responses to antigenic stimuli.
Increasing soil methane sink along a 120‐year afforestation chronosequence is driven by soil moisture
Authors: Hiltbrunner David , Zimmermann Stephan , Karbin Saeed , Hagedorn Frank , Niklaus Pascal A. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractUpland soils are important sinks for atmospheric methane (CH4), a process essentially driven by methanotrophic bacteria. Soil CH4 uptake often depends on land use, with afforestation generally increasing the soil CH4 sink. However, the mechanisms driving these changes are not well understood to date. We measured soil CH4 and N2O fluxes along an afforestation chronosequence with Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) established on an extensively grazed subalpine pasture. Our experimental design included forest stands with ages ranging from 25 to >120 years and included a factorial cattle urine addition treatment to test for the sensitivity of soil CH4 uptake to N application. Mean CH4 uptake significantly increased with stand age on all sampling dates. In contrast, CH4 oxidation by sieved soils incubated in the laboratory did not show a similar age dependency. Soil CH4 uptake was unrelated to soil N status (but cattle urine additions stimulated N2O emission). Our data indicated that soil CH4 uptake in older forest stands was driven by reduced soil water content, which resulted in a facilitated diffusion of atmospheric CH4 into soils. The lower soil moisture likely resulted from increased interception and/or evapotranspiration in the older forest stands. This mechanism contrasts alternative explanations focusing on nitrogen dynamics or the composition of methanotrophic communities, although these factors also might be at play. Our findings further imply that the current dramatic increase in forested area increases CH4 uptake in alpine regions.
Distorted perception of the spatial distribution of plant diversity through uneven collecting efforts: the example of Asteraceae in Australia
Authors: Schmidt‐Lebuhn Alexander N. , Knerr Nunzio J. , González‐Orozco Carlos E. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAim  Our aims were (1) to compare observed, estimated and predicted patterns of species richness using the Australian native Asteraceae as an example, (2) to identify candidates for hotspots of diversity for the study group, and (3) to examine the distortion of our perception of the spatial distribution of species richness through uneven or misdirected sampling efforts.Location  Australia.Methods  Based on data from Australia’s Virtual Herbarium, we calculated and visualized observed species richness, the Chao1 estimate of richness, the C index of collecting completeness, and an estimate of richness derived from environmental niche modelling for grid cells at a resolution of 1°. The 20 cells with the highest diversity values were used to define hotspots of diversity.Results  Uneven collecting activity results in misleading diversity patterns for the family Asteraceae. While observed species richness is much higher in central Australia than in other parts of the arid interior, this is an artefact resulting from the area being a hotspot of collecting activity. The mountain ranges of south‐eastern Australia and Tasmania are candidates for unbiased hotspots of species richness.Main conclusions  Vast areas of the Australian interior are insufficiently sampled on a local scale, although most of them can be expected to be relatively species poor. Some areas in the south‐east and south‐west of the continent remain undersampled relative to their high species richness. Observed species numbers, estimators and environmental niche‐modelling all have their unique advantages and disadvantages for the inference of patterns of diversity.
What interval between colorectal cancer resection and first surveillance colonoscopy? An audit of practice and yield
Authors: Couch D. G. , Bullen N. , Ward‐Booth S. E. , Adams C. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAim  Colonoscopic follow‐up after colorectal cancer resection (CRC) is recommended to screen for anastomotic recurrence and metachronous neoplasia, although guidelines vary in the timings of the first investigation. We aimed to quantify current practice and yield of neoplasia at first colonoscopy in relation to time from original resection.Method  We conducted a retrospective case note study of all CRCs treated with curative intent within our hospital between two time periods: 2001–2003 and 2006–2007. Variables collected were the extent of preoperative luminal imaging, tumour site, procedure, timing and findings of initial colonoscopy, postoperative CT findings and mortality. The first follow‐up colonoscopy findings including neoplasia formation and recurrence rates were matched with rates of complete preoperative luminal imaging. Two‐year and 5‐year outcomes were sought.Results  A total of 863 patients underwent CRC with curative intent within these two time periods (518 vs 345). Colonoscopic follow‐up rates by 2 years were 32.8%vs 54.1%. Within the first cohort 63.5% of patients underwent colonoscopy by 5 years. Significant volumes of neoplasia and resectable recurrences were found before 2 years within these groups. Earlier detection of recurrent malignancy was associated with an improved patient outcome. Complete preoperative screening of the bowel was not associated with a lower incidence of neoplasia at first postoperative colonoscopy.Conclusion  Our study demonstrates significant colonoscopic detection rates of neoplasia within 2 years of CRC. Patient outcomes were improved with earlier detection. We would therefore suggest an interval of no more than 2 years between resection and first surveillance colonoscopy.
Citicoline in pre‐clinical animal models of stroke: a meta‐analysis shows the optimal neuroprotective profile and the missing steps for jumping into a stroke clinical trial
Authors: Bustamante Alejandro , Giralt Dolors , Garcia‐Bonilla Lidia , Campos Mireia , Rosell Anna , Montaner Joan 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe neuroprotective actions of citicoline have been documented for experimental stroke therapy. We used a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess this evidence. From 64 identified studies using citicoline in stroke animal models, only those describing ischemic occlusive stroke and reporting data on infarct volume and/or neurological outcome were included (14 studies, 522 animals). Overall, the quality of the studies was modest (5, 4–6), while the absence of studies involving animals with co‐morbidities, females, old animals or strain differences indicated that studies did not fulfill the STAIR recommendations. Weighted mean difference meta‐analysis showed citicoline to reduce infarct volume by 27.8% [(19.9%, 35.6%); p < 0.001]. In the stratified analysis, citicoline effect on reducing infarct volume was higher in proximal occlusive models of middle cerebral artery (MCA) compared with distal occlusion. Moreover, the efficacy was superior using multiple doses than single dose and when a co‐treatment was administered compared with citicoline monotherapy, the only independent factor identified in the meta‐regression. Citicoline improved neurological deficit by 20.2% [(6.8%, 33.7%); p = 0.015], but only four studies including 176 animals reported these data. In conclusion, this meta‐analysis provides evidence of citicoline efficacy in stroke animal models and shows the optimal neuroprotective profile and the missing experimental requirements before jumping into clinical trials.
Regional Disparity in Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Authors: Tian Xin , Chang Miao , Tanikawa Hiroki , Shi Feng , Imura Hidefumi 
Published: July 2012

SummaryDue to its position as the world's largest energy consumer and carbon emitter, China is facing the great challenge of controlling its rising carbon emissions. As a large country with great disparities in economic development and industrial structure among its regions, it is essential to understand the carbon emission characteristics of regions and industrial sectors in order to formulate effective and targeted policies to achieve domestic carbon emission reduction targets. For this reason, we have conducted a comprehensive analysis in this article of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions structure and major responsible sectors for 19 provincial regions of mainland China. Great disparities in direct CO2 emissions and intensities are identified across regions. We show that the direct CO2 intensities in regions are affected by not only the economic development level, but also by the structure of the carbon‐intensive sectors and sectoral CO2 emissions intensities. A region‐by‐region fine‐scale breakdown analysis demonstrates that both the direct CO2 emissions and total CO2 emissions are highly concentrated in a minority of sectors: the construction sector is the major contributor to the total CO2 emissions in all regions, followed by the services sectors as a whole. Moreover, the petroleum and chemicals sector, nonmetallic mineral products sector, metal products sector and electricity and steam production sector should also receive more attention, as they are identified as “highly carbon intensive” in most of the regions studied, especially through the close linkage with the construction sector. Based on these results, we discuss and propose policy implications for controlling the rising CO2 emissions in regions of mainland China.
Attraction of the tea aphid, Toxoptera aurantii, to combinations of volatiles and colors related to tea plants
Authors: Han Baoyu , Zhang Qing‐He , Byers John A. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe tea aphid, Toxoptera aurantii Boyer (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a major pest of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze (Theaceae). The attraction of the aphids to different colors and volatile compounds from tea shoots was investigated. Fourteen compounds were identified using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry from headspace samples of intact tea shoot volatiles (ITSV). Electrophysiological and behavioral responses of winged tea aphids to ITSV as well as to the full blend of 14 synthetic compounds, to a partial mixture of green leaf volatiles (GLV) included in the 14 compounds, and to individual synthetic compounds were studied by using electroantennography (EAG) and a Y‐tube olfactometer. The various tea volatiles and blends were strongly active, with ITSV being the strongest. In the greenhouse and in tea plantations, sticky boards of six different colors strongly attracted tea aphids in flight, with ‘rape‐flower yellow’ and ‘Chinese olive‐yellow‐green’ being the most attractive. Furthermore, these two boards in combination with ITSV attracted winged tea aphids more strongly than their corresponding colored sticky boards alone. In the greenhouse, plastic models of tea seedlings baited with (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol or the GLV mixture significantly attracted winged tea aphids in flight. This study demonstrates that green leaf volatiles from tea shoots are attractive to the tea aphid. The combination of these volatiles with the color light yellow or green, and the shape of tender tea shoots result in orientation flight and landing of winged tea aphids on host tea shoots.
Characterization of the Twin-Arginine Transport Secretome in Sinorhizobium meliloti and Evidence for Host-Dependent Phenotypes
Authors: Pickering Brad S. , Yudistira Harry , Oresnik Ivan J. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

The twin-arginine transport (Tat) system is essential for cell viability in
Sinorhizobium meliloti
and may play a role during the development of root nodules. Utilizing an
in vivo
recombination strategy, we have constructed 28 strains that contain deletions in predicted Tat substrates. Testing of these mutations for symbiotic proficiency on the plant hosts alfalfa and sweet clover shows that some of these mutations affect associations with these hosts differentially.