bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
R&D expenditure and managerial ownership: evidence from firms of high-vs-low R&D intensity
Authors: Hassanein Ahmed , Al-Khasawneh Jamal Ali , Elzahar Hany 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
Corporate managers spend on research and development (R&D) for reasons of growth and survival. However, they may be less willing to invest in R&D because of its long-term horizon, high failure rate and uncertain outcomes. This study aims to explore the extent to which managerial ownership influences R&D expenditure decisions.

Design/methodology/approach
Apart from the linear regression models, this study uses a semi-parametric quantile regression analysis for a sample of German non-financial firms throughout 2009–2018.

Findings
This study finds a nonmonotonic sensitivity of R&D spending to the level of managerial ownership over various quantiles of R&D distribution. That is, managerial ownership increases the expenditure on R&D at low R&D intensity firms. However, it decreases the expenditure on R&D at high R&D intensity firms. These results suggest the presence of a maximum level of R&D expenditure, after which owner-managers would be unwilling to spend on R&D.

Practical implications
The results confirm the importance of corporate ownership structure for firm R&D and innovation activities. It provides an implication for corporate policymakers to reform the corporate ownership structures to encourage corporate managers and owners to invest in R&D projects.

Originality/value
This study offers two distinct contributions study. First, it provides the first German shred of evidence on the nonlinear relationship between managerial ownership and R&D expenditure decisions by distinguishing between high and low R&D intensity firms. Second, unlike prior research, it uses a semi-parametric quantile regression analysis. This method is more efficient than least-squares estimators and produces robust estimators to heteroscedasticity of the residuals.
An integrated SWOT-AHP-fuzzy TOPSIS approach for maturity management following the COVID-19 outbreak: lessons learned from fast fashion
Authors: Fares Naila , Lloret Jaime 
Published: January 2022

PurposeFocussing on issues that have impacted textiles, clothing and fast fashion following the COVID-19 outbreak, this study aims to identify agility factors pertinent to retail maturity management, mainly on resilience. These factors were then assessed based on priority.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis to identify the main factors. This analysis was integrated with the analytic hierarchy process to rank the internal and external factors. Then, the authors used fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution to evaluate the significant strategies from the SWOT analysis based on adaptability and flexibility. Thus, the authors produced a prioritised list of relevant factors and guidelines useful in practical settings.FindingsThe authors identified and ranked 14 agility and resilience SWOT factors for maturity management and proposed and prioritised six relevant strategies. These highlighted changes and adaptations must be undertaken by various actors, ranging from the supply/manufacturing side to global retail locations.Research limitations/implicationsThe sampling study of experts is limited, and the application is focussed on one area. Future research might investigate other fields, for retail and industry.Practical implicationsThe output of this study enables a better understanding of the internal and external factors of maturity management for fast-fashion retailers. Hence, it will further help them go through resilience and agility challenges following the pandemic.Originality/valueThis study significantly contributes to the literature because the results can guide retailers in developing effective decision-making systems for mature business operations following the pandemic outbreak. Here, the authors incorporate internal, external, agility and resilience aspects into one decision-making support system while enhancing existing knowledge on fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making applications. Further, this study discusses critical issues that have affected several aspects of the fashion and textile industry and will likely persist for some time.
A new behavioral finance mean variance framework
Authors: Feldman Todd , Liu Shuming 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe author proposes an update to the mean variance (MV) framework that replaces a constant risk aversion parameter using a dynamic risk aversion indicator. The contribution to the literature is made through making the static risk aversion parameter operational using an indicator of market sentiment. Results suggest that Sharpe ratios improve when the author replaces the traditional risk aversion parameter with a dynamic sentiment indicator from the behavioral finance literature when allocating between a risky portfolio and a risk-free asset. However, results are mixed when using the behavioral framework to allocate between two risky assets.Design/methodology/approachThe author includes a dynamic risk aversion parameter in the mean variance framework and back test using the traditional and updated behavioral mean variance (BMV) framework to see which framework leads to better performance.FindingsThe author finds that the behavioral framework provides superior performance when allocating between a risky and risk-free asset; however, it under performs when allocating between risky assets.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on back testing; therefore, it cannot be concluded that this strategy will perform well in real-time circumstances.Practical implicationsPortfolio managers may use this strategy to optimize the allocation between a risky portfolio and a risk-free asset.Social implicationsAn improved allocation between risk-free and risky assets that could lead to less leverage in the market.Originality/valueThe study is the first to use such a sentiment indicator in the traditional MV framework and show the math.
Efficacy and predictors of rechallenge with immune checkpoint inhibitors in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Takahara Yutaka , Tanaka Takuya , Ishige Yoko , Shionoya Ikuyo , Yamamura Kouichi , Sakuma Takashi , Nishiki Kazuaki , Nakase Keisuke , Nojiri Masafumi , Kato Ryo , Shinomiya Shohei , Fujimoto Yuki , Oikawa Taku , Mizuno Shiro 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe efficacy of rechallenge with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients has not yet been fully clarified. This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of patients with NSCLC who benefited from rechallenge with ICIs.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 24 patients who were diagnosed with NSCLC and rechallenged with ICIs between August 2016 and July 2021.ResultsOf the 24 patients included in the study, 11 were in the responder group (45.8%) and 13 in the nonresponder group (54.2%). The number of patients who used a different ICI from that used in the initial therapy was significantly higher in the responder group than in the nonresponder group (p = 0.006). Multivariate analysis identified lung metastasis and female sex as significant independent risk factors for nonresponse to rechallenge with ICIs. Compared to the nonresponder group, the duration of treatment after rechallenge with ICIs was significantly longer in the responder group (p = 0.016), and there was a trend toward longer overall survival (p = 0.059).ConclusionsPatients with lung cancer who were rechallenged with ICIs and without progressive disease after initial ICI therapy were able to continue ICI therapy for a longer period of time. This may be associated with longer survival. Patients with lung metastases and female patients are more likely to be nonresponsive to rechallenge with ICIs. Administration of a different type of ICI from that used in the initial ICI therapy may result in disease control.
Proprietary costs and the choice of hard and soft greenhouse gas emissions’ disclosure
Authors: Hollindale Janice , Kent Pamela , Qu Xin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe test whether proprietary costs (relating to competition) are associated with disclosure of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of companies in annual and stand‐alone sustainability reports. We use the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 disclosure requirement to create a natural experiment to control for endogeneity issues. Disclosure is significantly higher when there are lower proprietary costs from existing rivals and higher proprietary costs from potential new entrants for hard, and soft disclosures.
Basis risk in the pasture, rangeland, and forage insurance program: Evidence from California
Authors: Keller James B. , Saitone Tina L. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAgricultural producers who are reliant upon rangelands and pasturelands are some of the most vulnerable to weather‐related risk given their dependence on climate‐sensitive resources. Index‐based insurance products, like the Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Insurance Program, are considered to be an adaptation strategy for mitigating climatic risks. Given that indices are imperfect predictors of losses, residual (basis) risk persists. This study quantifies basis risk and assesses insurance contract quality for nearly 63 million acres of rangelands in California. Basis risk can be summarized by considering false negative probabilities—the probability that an insured producer suffers a loss without receiving an indemnity payment. On California rangelands the false negative probabilities associated with one (both) of insured time intervals failing to indemnify a loss are 31% to 46% (14%–25%). When indemnities were paid, in 36% of the cases the payments are not sufficient to compensate for forage‐related losses; the average shortfall in indemnity‐related compensation ranged from $1.74/acre to $2.73/acre depending upon the location and underlying value of forage.
Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) in gestational diabetes mellitus and coagulation in healthy term pregnancy: A prospective observational study in Australia
Authors: Lee Julie , Eley Victoria A. , Wyssusek Kerstin H. , Kimble Rebecca M.N. , Way Mandy , van Zundert Andre A. 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundRotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) is a point‐of‐care test of coagulation. ROTEM®‐defined hypercoagulability has been identified in pregnant women and in non‐pregnant patients with diabetes mellitus. Pregnancy is known to be a hypercoagulable state, but the influence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on coagulation is unknown.AimThe aim of this study was to assess the combined effect of pregnancy and GDM on coagulation using ROTEM® and to compare this to healthy pregnant women presenting for elective caesarean delivery.Materials and MethodsEthics approval was granted for recruitment of women presenting for elective caesarean delivery. Women with pre‐existing conditions affecting coagulation were excluded. Group N included health pregnant women at term and Group G included pregnant women at term with GDM. Data regarding GDM management and glycaemic control were collected. Poor glycaemic control was defined by markers of accelerated fetal growth and elevated fasting or postprandial blood glucose levels. The ROTEM® parameters (extrinsically activated thromboelastometric test (EXTEM) / fibrin polymerisation test (FIBTEM) amplitude at five minutes, coagulation time, maximum clot firmness and clot formation time) were compared between the two groups using Student’s t‐test.ResultsThere were 75 women in Group N and 21 women in Group G. Mean age and median body mass index values were comparable for both groups. There were no statistical differences found between the EXTEM and FIBTEM parameters analysed for the two groups.ConclusionsThere was no association between GDM and increased hypercoagulability as demonstrated by ROTEM® parameters in healthy pregnant women presenting for elective caesarean delivery at term.
Determining the minimal important differences in the RQLQ score with grass and tree allergy immunotherapy versus placebo in adults with moderate‐to‐severe allergy
Authors: Blaiss Michael S. , Gronskyte Juhl Ruta , Siew Leonard Q.C. , Hammerby Eva , Devillier Philippe 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundPollen from grasses and trees can trigger allergic rhinitis (AR), where the symptoms and associated consequences can negatively affect quality of life (QoL). The Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) is frequently used in clinical trials of AR to assess QoL. To help interpret RQLQ data, the minimal important difference (MID) can be used to assess whether a mean difference in QoL between treatment groups is clinically meaningful. In seasonal allergy, an MID differs according to the allergen, pollen exposure, symptom severity, patient age and treatment; the same MID cannot be applied to all scenarios.MethodsUsing data from four Phase III clinical trials of SQ sublingual immunotherapy‐tablets in adults with moderate‐to‐severe allergy, between‐group MIDs were derived for the RQLQ in grass pollen allergy (during the peak [n = 501] and entire [n = 514] pollen seasons), and in tree pollen allergy (during the birch [n = 516] and tree [n = 518] pollen seasons), using anchor‐based methodology, supported by distribution‐based methods.ResultsFor grass pollen allergy, anchor‐based derived between‐group MIDs were 0.22 for the entire pollen season (n = 343) and 0.10 for the peak pollen season (n = 335). For tree pollen allergy, anchor‐based derived between‐group MIDs were 0.26 for the tree pollen season (n = 306) and 0.16 for the birch pollen season (n = 305) (representative of peak season). Distribution‐based derived MIDs were supportive of the anchor‐based values.ConclusionsThis analysis has derived between‐group MIDs specific to the trial populations evaluated and to the conditions under which the data were obtained, and highlights the need for a range of MIDs to reflect the unique nature of seasonal allergic disease.
Thrombin cleaves IL‐33 and modulates IL‐33‐activated allergic lung inflammation
Authors: Huang Yuying , Li Xuezhen , Zhu Lin , Huang Chunrong , Chen Wen , Ling Zhiyang , Zhu SongLing , Feng Xintong , Yi Chunyan , Gu Wangpeng , Yan Chenghua , Wang Jing , Ma Liyan , Su Xiao , Dai Ranran , Shi Guochao , Sun Bing , Zhang Yaguang 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundOrganisms have orchestrated coagulation and immune systems. Although a link between inflammation and haemostasis has been reported in asthma, the interaction mechanism has not been completely elucidated. Here, we investigated the direct link between the mammalian immune and coagulation systems.MethodsMice were administered protease or antigens intranasally to induce airway inflammation with or without thrombin inhibitors treatment. The effects of thrombin and its inhibitors on interleukin (IL)‐33 were investigated both in vivo and in vitro. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma from asthma patients are collected to verify the correlation between thrombin and group 2 innate lymphocytes (ILC2s).ResultsLow‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH, an indirect inhibitor of thrombin) restrained both papain‐ and fungus‐induced type 2 immune responses in mice by inhibiting IL‐33 cleavage. Upon examining the potential thrombin protease consensus sites, we found that IL‐33 was directly cleaved by thrombin at specific amino acids (R48 and R106) to generate a mature form of IL‐33 with potent biological activity. In addition, we found that bivalirudin TFA (a direct inhibitor of thrombin) inhibited a variety of type 2 inflammatory responses, such as those in house dust mite (HDM)‐ and ovalbumin (OVA)‐mediated pulmonary inflammation models. We found that plasma thrombin‐antithrombin complex (TATc) levels in asthma patients were positively associated with the number and function of IL‐33‐responder group 2 innate lymphocytes (ILC2s) among peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from asthma patients.ConclusionThe data suggested that thrombin inhibitors administration could be effective in treating lung inflammation by regulating ILC2s via IL‐33 maturation, indicating that targeting thrombin is a potential way to treat allergic diseases.
Accessibility of transportation to child‐welfare involved parents and the related impact on court‐ordered service participation
Authors: Findley Erin , Crutchfield Jandel 
Published: January 2022

AbstractFamilies involved with Child Protective Services (CPS) face daunting steps to meet their service plan goals in the effort to achieve reunification with their children. Families who lack transportation access face additional barriers. This study explored Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, volunteers' perspectives of the impact of transportation access on child welfare‐involved families' service participation. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with nine CASA volunteers in a large city in a Southeastern state. Questions were asked regarding volunteers' experiences of transportation access for parents and children. Primary emphasis was placed on families' access to services. Three primary themes emerged in the data analysis: (1) challenges are wide‐ranging, exacerbated by transportation issues; (2) transportation linked to court‐ordered services success; and (3) practical recommendations stem from transportation justice. Interviews illuminated transportation challenges faced by families involved with CPS. The observed link between transportation inequity and CPS permanency outcomes warrants serious consideration in future research. Recommendations provide initial guidance to begin addressing disparities faced by these families.
Neuroinflammation in perioperative neurocognitive disorders: From bench to the bedside
Authors: Liu Yang , Fu Huiqun , Wang Tianlong 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs) are one of the most common complications in elderly patients characterized by various forms of cognitive decline after anesthesia and surgery. Although the etiology for PNDs remained unclear, neuroinflammation has been characterized as one of the major causes, especially in the elderly patients. The activation of glial cells including microglia and astrocytes plays a significant role in the inflammatory responses in central nerve system (CNS). Although carefully designed, clinical studies on PNDs showed controversial results. Meanwhile, preclinical studies provided evidence from various levels, including behavior performance, protein levels, and gene expression. In this review, we summarize high‐quality studies and recent advances from both clinical and preclinical studies and provide a broad view from the onset of PNDs to its potential therapeutic targets. Future studies are needed to investigate the signaling pathways in PNDs for prevention and treatment, as well as the relationship of PNDs and future neurocognitive dysfunction.
The geography of international conservation interest in South American deforestation frontiers
Authors: Qin Siyu , Kuemmerle Tobias , Meyfroidt Patrick , Napolitano Ferreira Mariana , Gavier Pizarro Gregorio I. , Periago Maria Eugenia , Reis Tiago N.P. dos , Romero‐Muñoz Alfredo , Yanosky Alberto 
Published: January 2022

AbstractInternational funding is increasingly important in supporting conservation in mega‐biodiverse countries. However, it remains unclear which donors invest in which conservation objectives and where, making it difficult to identify gaps and key actors to influence. Here we identified 1947 foreign‐aided conservation projects in South America's major deforestation frontiers and summarized their objectives and interventions over time and space. We found that conserving nature for its own sake and for ecosystem services remained key objectives, but the types of interventions varied considerably over time. Geographically, international conservation prioritized moist forests over drier biomes, despite equally high deforestation risk. Different donor groups emphasized specific objectives and interventions that reflected socioecological links (e.g., bird migration, colonial history) between donating and receiving regions, as well as the donors’ values (e.g., iconic/endangered species, human rights). These telecoupled patterns provide both opportunities and barriers for conservation and have implications for conservation prioritization strategies.
Teaching nonviolent communication to increase empathy between people and toward wildlife to promote human–wildlife coexistence
Authors: Kansky Ruth , Maassarani Tarek 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPromoting human–wildlife coexistence in complex systems where both relationships between people and toward wildlife need to be managed is challenging. We applied nonviolent communication (NVC) training as part of a participatory dialogue program to increase empathic concern toward wildlife and between people to promote human–wildlife coexistence. NVC was developed in the 1960s by Marshal Rosenberg, a clinical psychologist who sought to incorporate empathy and compassion into everyday language. Using weekly reflexive feedback from participants, we collected 36 examples of attitude change and 71 examples of behavior change that demonstrated increased empathic concern for both people and wildlife. Therefore, NVC training has potential to be an effective tool to increase empathy and promote tolerance and human–wildlife coexistence. This is the first attempt to use NVC in the biodiversity sector, and we believe these results show promise for its wider application as a tool for participatory dialogues to improve collaboration, understanding and resolve conflicts.
Genetic diagnosis of basal ganglia disease in childhood
Authors: Baide‐Mairena Heidy , Marti‐Sánchez Laura , Marcé‐Grau Anna , Cazurro‐Gutiérrez Ana , Sanchez‐Montanez Angel , Delgado Ignacio , Moreno‐Galdó Antonio , Macaya‐Ruiz Alfons , García‐Arumí Elena , Pérez‐Dueñas Belén ,   The Childhood Basal Ganglia Disease Group
Published: January 2022

AIMTo correlate clinical, radiological, and biochemical features with genetic findings in children with bilateral basal ganglia lesions of unknown aetiology, and propose a diagnostic algorithm for early recognition.METHODChildren with basal ganglia disease were recruited in a 2‐year prospective multicentre study for clinical, biomarker, and genetic studies. Radiological pattern recognition was examined by hierarchical clustering analysis.RESULTSWe identified 22 genetic conditions in 30 out of 62 paediatric patients (37 males, 25 females; mean age at onset 2y, SD 3; range 0–10y; mean age at assessment 11y, range 1–25y) through gene panels (n=11), whole‐exome sequencing (n=13), and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing (n=6). Genetic aetiologies included mitochondrial diseases (57%), Aicardi–Goutières syndrome (20%), and monogenic causes of dystonia and/or epilepsy (17%) mimicking Leigh syndrome. Radiological abnormalities included T2‐hyperintense lesions (n=26) and lesions caused by calcium or manganese mineralization (n=9). Three clusters were identified: the pallidal, neostriatal, and striatal, plus the last including mtDNA defects in the oxidative phosphorylation system with prominent brain atrophy. Mitochondrial biomarkers showed poor sensitivity and specificity in children with mitochondrial disease, whereas interferon signature was observed in all patients with patients with Aicardi–Goutières syndrome.INTERPRETATIONCombined whole‐exome and mtDNA sequencing allowed the identification of several genetic conditions affecting basal ganglia metabolism. We propose a diagnostic algorithm which prioritizes early use of next‐generation sequencing on the basis of three clusters of basal ganglia lesions.