bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relative performance of religious and ethical investment funds
Authors: Castro Esther , Hassan M. Kabir , Rubio Jose Francisco , Halim Zairihan Abdul
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper updates the literature regarding the performance of constrained US mutual funds by looking at the relative performance of Christian mutual funds, socially responsible funds and Islamic funds. This paper aims to rank the performance of religious and ethical investment funds.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses monthly returns from 2005 to 2015 to perform traditional asset pricing models as well as data envelopment analysis to determine rank.

Findings

Islamic mutual funds outperform socially responsible funds, which then outperform Christian-based mutual funds; these results are also consistent during the latest 2007-2008 crisis period. The results are robust to different performance metrics and benchmarks. Moreover, this paper reports a significant amount of money “left on the table” by investing in constraint funds and disregarding the sin industry which shows an ethical dilemma for investors.

Practical implications

Investors who seek to invest morally/ethically can be informed of the cost of doing so. They can also compare portfolio with others that have similar holdings and constraints.

Originality/value

This paper not only includes Christian mutual funds in the research but also provides the performance of all constrained assets. It also compares religious funds with “SIN” industry, and thus quantifies the cost of “doing right.”
The Brazilian Presidential Election of 2018 and the relationship between technology and democracy in Latin America
Authors: Tomaz Raíssa Mendes , Tomaz Jerzui Mendes Torres
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper selected by ICIL 2019 committee in Rome is to demonstrate the current importance of the internet in the protection of democracy in developting countries.

Design/methodology/approach

It is intended to make a comparison with the growing and current phenomenon of Brazilian disinformation with other contemporary phenomena related to new technologies through literature review methodology.

Findings

The Brazilian elections in 2018 represent an authentic model in a post-Cambridge Analytical phase where the myth of the sanctity of data has been broken. The big influence of the algorithmic revolution on democracies in Latin America has never been more evident. The misuse of algorithms created an artificial environment that does not put us in contact with different realities; the consequences of this conjuncture have the deepest impacts, especially in countries that rely on a deficient educational system.

Social implications

Besides that, the broad use of zero-rating on the internet delivery in developing countries is also considered a factor of fake news dissemination. The information bubbles promote political polarization to the detriment of diversity – and the diversity is par excellence one of the pillars of democracy.

Originality/value

The research about the impact that the phenomenon of disinformation has on underdeveloped countries, it is essential to analyze the new role of the legislator in the elaboration of hypercomplex laws with multi-stakeholder interests that respect the essential core of digital human rights as the freedom of expression online.
How useful are anti-money-laundering efforts in combating bribery?
Authors: Teichmann Fabian Maximilian Johannes
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of anti-money-laundering mechanisms in combating bribery. In particular, it shows how parties receiving bribes can circumvent the mechanisms currently in place to launder the money they receive for their services.

Design/methodology/approach

Through analysis of 25 formal expert interviews with prevention experts and 25 informal expert interviews with money launderers from Europe, concrete ways of laundering bribes were found. Consequently, it is suggested that alternative mechanisms are necessary to successfully fight corruption.

Findings

A combination of more severe punishments and anti-bribery incentives could help to eliminate corruption.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s findings are limited to the perspectives of 50 interviewees. Hence, a study with a larger sample conducted in different countries or at a different time could yield different results.

Practical implications

By identifying gaps in existing anti-money-laundering mechanisms, this paper aims to provide compliance officers and legislators with valuable insights into why the current prevention schemes are ineffective and how corruption could be more effectively tackled.

Originality/value

The findings demonstrate that current anti-money-laundering mechanisms are unhelpful in fighting bribery. Hence, alternative anti-bribery mechanisms are needed.
Understanding illegality: tests and trust in sociolegal fieldwork
Authors: Young Kathryne M.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the tests the author faced in her sociolegal fieldwork on Hawaiian cockfighting, and to draw broader lessons from these tests for other ethnographers of illegal organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The author draws on six weeks of in-depth ethnographic fieldwork and interviewing.

Findings

Relational work in ethnographic fieldwork requires skills academia does not always impart – including humility, a sense of humor and patience with yourself and other people. Each test we face is a part of the ongoing process of building these relationships.

Originality/value

As ethnographers, it is sometimes considered “taboo” to tell our stories – to explain our internal and external struggles in the field. This taboo makes a certain amount of sense. After all, we are trying to understand society, not reflect on our own development as people. Yet the taboo is also a pity. For one, it is unrealistic to think that we are “mere observers” whose presence in the field does not affect it. “Scrubbing” ourselves from the field necessarily scrubs out some of our data. It also omits parts of the story that other researchers might find interesting or instructive.
Governance role of media information’s uncertainty in IPO market-oriented pricing
Authors: Zhang Fei , Zhou Xiao-Hua , Su Jiafu , Tsai Sang-Bing , Zhai Yu-Ming
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how signals of uncertainty in the media affect retail investor decisions and initial public offering (IPO) underpricing through theoretical and empirical methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors construct a theoretical model of the influence of media signals on IPO pricing, which describes the micro process in which uncertain signals in media influence retail investors’ decisions and IPO underpricing. Besides, the authors take 516 small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) listed in A-share from July 2009 to December 2012 as samples for empirical tests and establish an in-depth learning model for text analysis with Java programming to measure Chinese media tone. Finally, the results of the model analysis are verified by empirical results.

Findings

The results show that authoritative media with high credibility can reduce the uncertainty of information sources attract more investors’ attention and improve the valuation and demand of retail investors. The higher the media credibility is the higher the IPO underpricing rate is. The uncertain tone of the media will increase the decision-making cost of investors reduce the valuation expectation and demand of the secondary market and lead to a lower IPO underpricing rate.

Originality/value

The authors study the influence of the uncertainty of media source and media content on the degree of IPO underpricing of SMEs. This is a useful supplement to the Chinese media tone research system that is still in the exploration stage. The research has reference value for government regulation and investor decision-making.
Towards techniques, challenges and efforts of software as a service layer based on business applications in cloud environments
Authors: Fardinpour Mojgan , Sadeghi Milani Alireza , Norouzi Monire
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Cloud computing is qualified to present proper limitless storage and computation resources to users as services throughout the internet. Software as a service (SaaS) layer is the key paradigm perspective in the software layer of the cloud computing. SaaS is connected by business applications to access consumers on existing public, private and hybrid cloud models. This purpose of this paper is to present a discussion and analysis on the SaaS layer based on business applications in the cloud environment in form of a classical taxonomy to recognize the existing techniques, challenges and efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

Existing techniques, challenges and efforts are classified into four categories: platform-dependent, application-dependent, data-dependent and security-dependent mechanisms. The SaaS layer mechanisms are compared with each other according to the important factors such as the structural properties, quality of service metrics, applied algorithms and measurement tools.

Findings

The benefits and weaknesses of each research study are analyzed. In the comparison results, the authors observed that the application-based method, the non-heuristic algorithms, the business process method have the highest percentage of the usage in this literature.

Originality/value

The SaaS layer mechanisms based on business applications have some main features such as high accessibility, compatibility, reusability and collaboration to provide activated application and operation services for user with help of Web browsers. A comprehensive analysis was presented as originality on the SaaS layer mechanisms based on business applications for high level of the cloud environment that 46 peer-reviewed studies were considered.
A case study of XBRL implementation and development at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
Authors: Mousa Rania , Pinsker Robert
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the implementation and development of eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The investigation seeks to gauge the roles and experiences of the FDIC and its main stakeholders to determine their engagement in XBRL diffusion within their organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an qualitative research approach that is driven by the use of an in-depth case study and supported by the use of semi-structured interviews.

Findings

The findings showcase the role played by the FDIC as the first US regulatory authority that implemented and developed Inline XBRL. In addition, the use of diffusion of innovation theory provides better understanding of each stakeholder’s issues, benefits and challenges based on their experience.

Research limitations/implications

The research does not examine the institutionalization of XBRL at the FDIC or its stakeholders. Therefore, future research could incorporate a different research design to capture the impact of the pressure resulting from the regulatory mandate.

Practical implications

The research offers practical insights into public information technology managers and policymakers at global government agencies which are either non-adopters of XBRL technology or current adopters and consider transitioning into Inline XBRL. Global stakeholders could learn from the US experience and develop better understanding of Inline XBRL applications and functionalities.

Originality/value

The originality of this research is driven by the FDIC’s experience as the first regulatory developer of Inline XBRL. As such, the case study is a best practice to future and current adopters who often navigate the nuisance of implementing new technologies and/or developing existing ones.
YOU EARN as YOU LIVE as YOU VALUE
Authors: O'Sullivan Patrick , Kraisornsuthasinee Suthisak
Published: January 2020

Purpose

In economic theory, the relationship between working/earning decisions and consumption/lifestyle decisions has been conceptualised in an almost entirely unidirectional manner: income from work taken as a given governs consumption and so lifestyle. This involves a narrowly inaccurate view of the consumption–work interaction. The purpose of this paper is to argue that this economist’s way of thinking about consumption and work needs to be replaced by a conception in which not only does realised income determine one’s consumption possibilities but also the desired level of consumption is itself a choice and a key determinant of how and how much one decides to work.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is designed as a conceptual contribution in which the above insight is linked to the extensive literature on sustainability.

Findings

When consumption is no longer thought of as determined by a given income constraint, it becomes possible to consider how people by modifying their consumption aspirations may be led not only to work less or differently but also to live and consume in a more sustainable manner. As a result of lesser pressure to work ever more, they may also be led to an ethical reappraisal of the way they work.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptualisation suggested is rich in implications for future research, for example, on links between consumerism and corruption; and on the impact of more ethical work choices on well-being. There is an implicit critique of much of HRM theory and practice which tends to instrumentalise work. The implications of artificial intelligence for future work are noted and, in this context, are surprisingly positive. The macro level implication of the need to move away from gross domestic product to more appropriate measures of socio-economic performance and well-being such as Social Progress Index (SPI) are noted.

Practical implications

The link between this widened conceptualisation of the consumption–work decision and the notion of voluntary simplicity is explored in detail and the latter is shown to apply also to the types of work/job chosen. This in turn is shown to have implications for management (especially HR) practice and for government policies both at micro and macro levels.

Social implications

This carries clear implications for work-life balance in people’s daily lives; and by choosing more ethical ways of working or types of job, there may be a significant pro-social impact.

Originality/value

This paper points to a widening of the notion of voluntary simplicity beyond merely consumption choices to apply also to work choices. In the discussion of moral philosophical underpinning of voluntary simplicity, the link is made with Buddhist wisdom of the Middle Way and sufficiency economy and with the Golden Mean of Stoicism.
An empirical analysis of the relationship between supply chain strategies, product characteristics, environmental uncertainty and performance
Authors: Zimmermann Ricardo , Ferreira Luís Miguel D.F. , Moreira Antonio Carrizo
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate supply chain (SC) strategies, analyzing the adoption of lean, agile, leagile and traditional SC strategies with respect to product characteristics, environmental uncertainty, business performance and innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an empirical analysis carried out on a sample of 329 companies. Cluster analysis was applied, based on lean and agile SC characteristics, to identify patterns among different SC strategies. One-way analysis of variance of different constructs by types of SC clusters was conducted to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Cluster analysis indicates that the companies studied adopt four types of SC strategies – lean, agile, leagile and traditional. The differences between the clusters are identified and discussed, highlighting that companies adopting a leagile SC strategy present the highest performance, while those that adopt a traditional SC present the lowest; companies adopting an agile SC compete in the most complex and dynamic environments, while companies with a lean SC present a clear predominance of functional rather than innovative products.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides empirical evidence of the antecedents and consequences of the adoption of different SC strategies. As a limitation, the results are based on a survey research with a limited sample size.

Originality/value

Based on the analysis of the relationship between constructs that have not been addressed previously, the paper adds to the knowledge regarding the role of SC strategies, as well as the antecedents and consequences of their adoption. The results may support managers in the difficult task of choosing the “right” SC strategy.
Strategies for chief executives to build the organizations of the future
Authors: Rao M.S.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to help CEOs understand the capabilities and mechanisms that they need to adopt today to build successful organizations in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

It illustrates with examples of global companies including Blockbuster, Nokia, Kodak and Sears that failed to embrace change while Google, Amazon, Apple and Facebook succeeded in reinventing. It draws a blueprint for CEOs to build organizations in the future.

Findings

It implores to plan for multiple and emerging visions of the future using a scenario approach. It concludes that CEOs must predict the future, embrace change and adopt innovative tools and techniques to lead the organizations in the future.

Practical implications

These tools and techniques can be applied by chief executives in any industry and any size of the organization.

Social implications

The social implications of this research suggest that the chief executives must adopt these tools and techniques to build the organizations of the future.

Originality/value

It explores organizational network analysis, encourages a focused differentiation strategy and emphasizes differentiated skill-focused structures. It advises integrated efforts from all stakeholders including the organization, employees, human resources and chief executives to reinvent and build organizations of the future.
Fast track surgery for knee replacement surgery: a lean six sigma approach
Authors: Ricciardi Carlo , Balato Giovanni , Romano Maria , Santalucia Ida , Cesarelli Mario , Improta Giovanni
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The reduction of costs has a more and more relevant role in the healthcare context, therefore, a large effort is done by health providers to this aim, for example, by reducing the length of hospital stay (LOS) of patients undergoing surgery. Fast track surgery fits perfectly this issue and was applied to patients undergoing knee replacement surgery due to Osteoarthritis, one of the most common diseases of aged population. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Lean six sigma was applied to analyze the implementation of fast track surgery through the define, measure, analyze, improve, control roadmap, used as a typical problem-solving approach. It is characterized by five operational phases, which make possible the achievement of fixed goals through a rigorous process of defining, measuring, analyzing, improving and controlling business problems.

Findings

The corrective action, consisting in the application of fast track surgery, improved both effectiveness and efficiency of the process of care. The average length of hospital stay (LOS) was reduced from 8.34 to 6.68 days (–19.9 percent) and its standard deviation from 2.41 to 1.99 days (–17.1 percent). The statistical significance of this decrease was verified by means of proper tests. Moreover, some variables influencing the LOS were identified.

Research limitations/implications

The follow up and the satisfaction of patients were not analyzed and could be a future development of this study.

Practical implications

Patients will experience a faster recovery while the hospital will benefit from a rise of available beds. The effect is a general improvement of hospital management.

Originality/value

The introduction of fast track surgery for patients undergoing knee replacement surgery made significantly reduce LOS and, consequently, costs’ with a money saving of more than 50,000 euro per year.
Predicting knowledge creation through the use of knowledge acquisition tools and reading knowledge sources
Authors: Kaba Abdoulaye , Ramaiah Chennupati K.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research paper is to report about an investigation on the relationship between knowledge acquisition and knowledge creation to find out whether knowledge acquisition can predict knowledge creation. The study measures the concept of knowledge acquisition through the faculty use of knowledge acquisition tools and reading knowledge sources while measuring the concept of knowledge creation through the faculty use of knowledge creation tools and publishing knowledge sources.

Design/methodology/approach

The population of the study is faculty members in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The sample of the population consisted of 300 faculty members affiliated with 26 universities and colleges. Data was collected from the sample through questionnaire instrument. Stated hypotheses and Mathew’s theory of knowledge consumption–production correlation are tested and verified through correlation matrix and regression analysis.

Findings

Findings of the study revealed that the use of knowledge acquisition tools by faculty members has a positive effect on the use of knowledge creation tools and on publishing knowledge sources. Likewise, reading knowledge sources appeared to have a positive impact on the use of knowledge creation tools and publishing knowledge sources. Accordingly, the study confirmed the stated four hypotheses. Moreover, the results of the study supported the theory of knowledge consumption–production correlation and strongly confirmed the prediction of knowledge creation through the use of information and communication technology (ICT) tools for knowledge acquisition and reading knowledge sources.

Practical implications

Findings of the study appeal to the decision-makers and stakeholders of academic institutions to make effective investment in ICT facilities and knowledge sources to improve knowledge creation among faculty members.

Originality/value

Not many studies have investigated how knowledge acquisition can predict knowledge creation in the academic environment. This paper contributes to the understanding of the relationship between knowledge acquisition and knowledge creation in academic settings. Findings of the study can be an important reference for providing and improving knowledge sources, knowledge acquisition tools and knowledge creation tools in the academic environment.
Characterization and optimization of the mechanical properties of electrospun gelatin nanofibrous scaffolds
Authors: Nuge Tamrin , Tshai Kim Yeow , Lim Siew Shee , Nordin Norshariza , Hoque Md Enamul
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Electrospinning is a versatile technique for producing polymeric nanofibers by the application of electrostatic forces. The electrospinnability of polymeric solutions and the properties of electrospun nanofibers can be influenced and tuned by the process parameters. This paper aims to investigatethe influence of three key process parameters on the tensile strength of electrospun gelatin nanofibrous scaffold.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiments were conducted with a custom-built electrospinning system. Design of experiments of the three operating variables, namely, gelatin concentration, applied potential and feed rate, with five levels were investigated. Optimization of the tensile strength of electrospun gelatin scaffold was achieved with the aid of response surface methodology.

Findings

The resulting second-order mathematical models capable of demonstrating good correlation on the effects of the three identified process parameters with the experimental measured tensile strength, where the highest tensile strength was obtained on gelatin nanofibrous scaffold electrospun at 16per cent (w/v) gelatin concentration in acetic acid, 19 kV applied potential and 0.31 ml/h feed rate.

Originality/value

The resulting second-order mathematical models capable of demonstrating good correlation on the effects of the three identified process parameters with the experimental measured tensile strength, where the highest tensile strength was obtained on gelatin nanofibrous scaffold electrospun at 16per cent (w/v) gelatin concentration in acetic acid, 19 kV applied potential and 0.31 ml/h feed rate.
Urban Entrepreneurialism Vs Market Society: The Geography of China's Neoliberal Urbanism
Authors: Liu Yongshen , Yau Yung
Published: January 2020

Existing literature on China's neoliberal urbanism is preoccupied with its institutional incentives and political‐economy dynamics, which are characterized by state dominance through sponsorship and supervision of capital‐market operations that drive pro‐growth aspirations and gentrification strategies. Meanwhile, society, confronted with brutal neoliberal production of urban space, is vulnerable to dispossession and displacement. In this article, we draw upon an ethnographic study conducted at the Higher Education Mega Centre (HEMC) of Guangzhou in an attempt to revisit China's neoliberal urbanism beyond the Marxian political‐economy repertoire, and shift the theoretical focus from production to consumption. In an institutionalized neoliberal context, the state–market–society nexus is closely intertwined—a process that manifests itself as the entangling of state and market, the establishment of a market society, the reflexive effects between neoliberalization and Chinese urban entrepreneurialism, and the capital‐centric rule in urban (re)development. In particular, the socioeconomic and sociospatial contradictions in the HEMC case indicate aggressive and insatiable production of urban space, which has been led by the entrepreneurial local state, but is bounded by the market‐oriented and capital‐centric rules of institutionalized neoliberalization. The article concludes by calling for pragmatic reflection on the ‘hard’ neoliberal urbanism of the global South.
Effect of culturally tailored education on attendance at mammography and the Papanicolaou test
Authors: Brevik Thea Beate , Laake Petter , Bjørkly Stål
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To determine the effectiveness of culturally tailored education on attendance at breast and cervical cancer screening among ethnic minority women.

Data Sources

Systematic database searches in Ovid MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane CENTRAL.

Study Design

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of culturally tailored educational interventions to ethnic minority women in Western countries were investigated for a meta‐analysis. RCTs that assessed attendance at mammography or the Papanicolaou test (Pap test) were eligible for inclusion.

Data Collection Methods

Study characteristics and results were extracted separately. Independent raters assessed risk of bias by using Cochrane Collaboration's tool.

Principal Findings

Seven RCTs (n = 4246) were included in the meta‐analysis of mammography attendance, and four RCTs (n = 1750) were included in the meta‐analysis of Pap test attendance. The effect of culturally tailored educational interventions on attendance at mammography was an increase of 18 percent (RR = 1.18, 95% CI, 1.09‐1.28, P < .001), with low heterogeneity (I2 = 30.0, P = .237), and a 54 percent increase at the Pap test (RR = 1.54, 95% CI, 1.14‐2.09, P = .005), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 75.9%, P = .001).

Conclusions

Interpreted within the limitations set by the low number of studies and substantial heterogeneity for the Pap test, findings from the current meta‐analyses indicate that culturally tailored educational interventions may increase attendance of ethnic minority women at breast and cervical cancer screenings. There is a need for more studies, in particular RCTs conducted outside the United States, to determine if such findings are similar in other countries.
Legal measures to reduce marine environmental risks of seawater desalination in China
Authors: Wang Hao , Jiang Xiaoyi
Published: January 2020

Seawater desalination has become the focus of many countries to solve the problem of lacking freshwater resources. Seawater desalination in China launched in the 1960s and has developed rapidly since entering into the 21st Century. However, the technology of seawater desalination causes marine environmental pollution. After exploring the regulatory framework and legal system of reducing environmental risks of seawater desalination in China, it can be found that the existing regulatory framework and legal system have played a positive role in the treatment of seawater desalination, but it is undeniable that there are still many problems. How to effectively prevent or reduce the marine environment risks caused by seawater desalination and improve the existing regulatory framework and legal system in China are discussed. Specifically, in addition to further improve the Marine Environmental Protection Law, China shall integrate seawater desalination into unified regulation of marine resources, clarify statutory functions of various regulatory departments, improve the coordination mechanism, and promote marine environment and ecology protection by institutional construction.
Anxiety during abstinence from alcohol: A systematic review of rodent and human evidence for the anterior insula's role in the abstinence network
Authors: Flook Elizabeth A. , Luchsinger Joseph R. , Silveri Marisa M. , Winder Danny G. , Benningfield Margaret M. , Blackford Jennifer Urbano
Published: January 2020

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic, relapsing disease that impacts almost a third of Americans. Despite effective treatments for attaining sobriety, the majority of patients relapse within a year, making relapse a substantial barrier to long‐term treatment success. A major factor contributing to relapse is heightened negative affect that results from the combination of abstinence‐related increases in stress‐reactivity and decreases in reward sensitivity. Substantial research has contributed to the understanding of reward‐related changes in AUD. However, less is known about anxiety during abstinence, a critical component of understanding addiction as anxiety during abstinence can trigger relapse. Most of what we know about abstinence‐related negative affect comes from rodent studies which have identified key brain regions responsible for abstinence‐related behaviors. This abstinence network is composed of brain regions that make up the extended amygdala: the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). More recently, emerging evidence from rodent and human studies suggests a fourth brain region, the anterior insula, might be part of the abstinence network. Here, we review current rodent and human literature on the extended amygdala's role in alcohol abstinence and anxiety, present evidence for the anterior insula's role in the abstinence network, and provide future directions for research to further elucidate the neural underpinnings of abstinence in humans. A better understanding of the abstinence network is critical toward understanding and possibly preventing relapse in AUD.
The cumulative success of ovulation induction therapy with gonadotrophins in therapy‐naïve anovulatory women: An observational study
Authors: Pontré Jennifer , Langdon Fiona , Murray Kevin , Livingston Janet , Hart Roger
Published: January 2020

Background

The use of gonadotrophins as a first‐line treatment for anovulatory infertility has been limited by a perception of a risk of multi‐fetal gestation and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). However, it has recently been recognised as an acceptable first‐line treatment if appropriate monitoring is performed.

Aims

To determine the cumulative live birth rate, incidence of multiple gestation, cycle cancellation rate and incidence of OHSS for therapy‐naïve anovulatory women undergoing ovulation induction with gonadotrophins.

Materials and Methods

A prospective observational study of 258 patients undergoing ovulation induction with a ‘low‐dose step‐up’ protocol was performed over a three‐year period across two fertility centres (40% of patients were currently or recently prescribed metformin).

Results

Twenty‐six percent of patients required concurrent use of luteinising hormone. The cumulative pregnancy and live birth rates were 22.5% and 18.2%, 40.3% and 34.5%, 47.7% and 41.1% after completion of the first, second and third cycles of stimulation, respectively, with a median duration of stimulation of 15 days. No patients developed OHSS and 10.5% of cycles were cancelled due to an excessive or no follicular response. The multiple pregnancy rate was 2%. The cumulative pregnancy rate was reduced for women over 35 years of age (23.8 vs 55.3%, P = 0.006) and for women with a body mass index greater than 25 kg/m2 (40.6 vs 56.7%, P = 0.027).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that ovulation induction with gonadotrophin therapy, in the context of appropriate monitoring, is a safe and effective treatment for young therapy‐naïve patients with anovulatory infertility.
AVNRT captured by Apple Watch Series 4: Can the Apple watch be used as an event monitor?
Authors: Siddeek Hani , Fisher Kaylee , McMakin Sandra , Bass John L. , Cortez Daniel
Published: January 2020

Wrist‐worn devices are popular for heart rate monitoring, including use of photoplethysmography. The Apple Watch series 4 can identify atrial fibrillation. We describe a case of identification re‐entrant supraventricular tachycardia not identified by outpatient rhythm monitoring, however, was identified by the Apple Watch series 4, which lead to electrophysiology study and successful ablation of atrioventricular nodal re‐entrant tachycardia.
Tumour angiogenesis and c‐Met pathway activation – implications in breast cancer
Authors: Mitra Suvradeep , Bal Amanjit , Kashyap Dharambir , Kumar Sandeep , Shrivastav Shreya , Das Ashim , Singh Gurpreet
Published: January 2020

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with wide range of clinical behaviour. Tumour angiogenesis and metastasis have been considered as prognostic markers of the breast carcinoma, and c‐Met, a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase has been implicated in both these processes of tumour progression. This study was conducted to elucidate c‐Met and downstream signalling pathways in breast cancer and correlate with angiogenesis as assessed by microvessel density (MVD) and other prognostic parameters including lymph node metastases. Microvessel density (MVD) was assessed by endothelial cell (CD34) marker in breast cancers. c‐Met was evaluated by immunohistochemistry for protein expression and by copy number assay for amplification at gene level. PCR array for gene expression related to c‐Met, RAS‐MAPK, PI3K‐AKT and angiogenesis pathway was performed by real‐time PCR. c‐Met protein, copy number and mRNA expression did not differ significantly with the lymph node status or MVD. However, Her‐2 overexpressing group showed c‐Met protein overexpression and amplification. c‐Met protein overexpression was also noted in the Luminal B subtype though no amplification was noted. Thus, the c‐Met immunohistochemistry score and the c‐MET copy numbers did not correlate with each other. c‐Met downstream pathway genes (RAS‐MAPK, PI3K‐AKT and angiogenesis pathway) showed significant upregulation in Luminal B molecular subtype, lymph node‐positive cases and cases with high MVD. The downstream signalling pathways (angiogenesis, RAS‐MAPK and PI3K‐AKT) were associated high MVD, lymph node metastases, and Her‐2 and Luminal B subtype. Since inhibitors of these pathways are commercially available, these can be of therapeutic significance.
Barriers to adaptation: Insights from Laamu Atoll, Maldives
Authors: Clissold Rachel , McNamara Karen E. , Westoby Ross
Published: January 2020

Although adaptation to climate change is becoming increasingly recognised as an unavoidable priority, barriers are consistently encountered and reported. Identifying, analysing and overcoming these barriers is essential for ensuring that, as climate change worsens, adaptation capacities are not exceeded. Despite current studies providing a useful structuring heuristic to guide inquiry, there is a significant gap related to explanations around barrier occurrence and how to overcome them. In response, this article, based on semi‐structured stakeholder interviews, aims to provide preliminary insights into the type of barriers that exist in Laamu Atoll, the Maldives and explore any interdependencies between them. This study found that a range of resource barriers (i.e. funding, physical and human resources in outer islands and data on vulnerable groups) and social barriers (i.e. political/institutional and organisational constraints and inefficiencies, marginalisation and power differences as well as cognitive elements) were hampering adaptation. In exploring the interdependencies that exist between these barriers, the nature of their occurrence, persistence and entry points for resolution were also identified.
Encapsulated Sadness: Iranian Migrants and Exiles in London
Authors: Sekechi Mahnaz
Published: January 2020

This paper is about the experiences of migration of middle class Iranians living in London, with focus on the psychosocial experiences of one woman. Her story is representative of the stories of Iranians who ‘make it’ in exile. There is scant study of the lives of middle class Iranian migrants; I carried out research to contribute to the wider literature on migration and to address this gap. The paper is based on the empirical findings of a PhD study which drew on two strands of psychosocial methodology, BNIM (biographical narrative interview method) and FANI (free association narrative interview) to collect data. Ten Iranian men and women living in London were selected through ‘purposive sampling’ and a ‘snowballing process’ and each individual was interviewed twice. Examination of the data draws on psychoanalytic, sociological and psychosocial theories to gain insight into experiences of loss and the relationship between loss and sadness expressed in their stories. Common to all of the interviewees was a core sense of loss. This was mostly linked to losses of work, professional status, family attachments and complexities of cultural belonging and dislocation. The findings suggest that this sadness is of an encapsulated nature that cannot be worked through.
D.W. Winnicott and Religion: The Intermediate Area of Experiencing as a Dissociative Phenomenon
Authors: Gabel Stewart
Published: January 2020

Winnicott's concept of an ‘area of intermediate experiencing’ is a very important component of his understanding of religious and cultural practices. It is nonetheless a term that seems to have created considerable confusion and uncertainty among analysts and others. In this paper, I suggest, through a discussion of Winnicott's own work, a review of dissociative phenomena and a selection of illustrations, that the intermediate area of experiencing can be understood best when considered within the framework of a normal, voluntary dissociative or near‐dissociative process that is characteristic of many religious experiences generally. This approach suggests that religious practices and expressions need not be understood primarily on the basis of factual truth as Freud would have done. They also need to be considered on the basis of their meaning or value for the individual or society, as Winnicott suggests. Religious practices and expressions often can be understood as dissociative or near‐dissociative processes that have their own unique properties and characteristics that are separate from but related to the more usual expressions of logical, goal‐directed mental activity that are so valued in modern societies.
Physical activity level and temporomandibular disorders in South Koreans
Authors: Cho Hyun‐Jae , Kim Seon‐Jip , Park Seo Eun , Park Ji Woon
Published: January 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association between general physical activity level and TMD pain in Koreans in a large‐scale national database established through a nationwide survey.

Methods

Data from the Fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV), which was conducted from 2007 to 2009, were analysed. In total, 16 941 participants were included in this cross‐sectional study. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, TMD‐related variables, and general physical activity level were collected. Participants were divided into moderate‐ and low‐intensity exercise groups according to their physical activity levels. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, adjusting for sociodemographic and other covariates.

Results

The adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval; CI) for TMD pain was 1.373 (1.017‐1.854) for people doing moderate‐intensity exercises and 0.797 (0.629‐1.008) among people doing low‐intensity exercises. Those who did moderate‐intensity exercises had significantly more TMD pain. This was higher in the 30‐ to 39‐year age group (OR: 1.991, 95% CI: 1.137‐3.488), with significantly higher risk for TMD pain in those who did moderate‐intensity exercise, whereas low‐intensity exercise significantly decreased the risk for TMD pain in the same age group (OR: 0.625, 95% CI: 0.409‐0.958).

Conclusions

Moderate‐intensity physical activity is associated with more TMD pain. Patients with TMD should avoid high‐intensity level exercises and continue low‐intensity exercises to prevent pain aggravation.
Patients with morbid obesity should not be routinely screened for Cushing's syndrome: Results of retrospective study of patients attending a specialist weight management service
Authors: Glyn Tessa Carlin , Ho May Wai‐Jing , Lambert Anthony Paul , Thomas Julia Dominique Janine , Douek Isabelle Francoise , Andrews Robert Charles , King Rhodri James
Published: January 2020

Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a rare condition which results in multi‐system involvement and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Screening for CS in patients with obesity has been suggested to identify undiagnosed or occult cases. This study was performed to determine whether CS screening is indicated in a tier 3 weight management centre in the UK. A retrospective review of all patients referred to the weight management service between 2013 and 2016 inclusive was undertaken. A final cohort of 569 patients was obtained. Clinic letters and laboratory databases were used to obtain demographic information, patient characteristics and biochemical results. A total of 387 patients were screened using the 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (ODST) and 182 patients were screened with two 24‐hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) collections. A total of 27 patients had an initial abnormal result, of which 16 underwent further testing and had normal results. Six were reviewed and did not demonstrate any clinical features of CS. Five did not attend their clinic appointments but there were neither concerning features within their referrals, nor subsequent diagnoses of CS made. No patients from this cohort were diagnosed with CS. This study does not support routine CS screening of patients affected by severe obesity referred to a specialist tier 3 weight management service. Clinical assessment should be undertaken first and further investigations performed only if deemed necessary.
Expanding the differential of cutaneous epithelioid tumors: A case of dedifferentiated liposarcoma with epithelioid features involving the skin, with review of the literature
Authors: Chambers Meagan , Badin Dylan J. , Sriharan Aravindhan A. , Linos Konstantinos D.
Published: January 2020

Liposarcomas are categorized into four distinct histopathological subtypes: atypical lipomatous tumors (ALT)/well‐differentiated liposarcoma (WDL), dedifferentiated, myxoid, and pleomorphic. Dedifferentiated liposarcomas account for approximately 18% of all liposarcomas, characteristically arising in the deep soft tissue. They are reported to have lower rates of metastasis compared to other pleomorphic sarcomas.1–3 The classic histopathologic appearance is ALT/WDL admixed or juxtaposed with a predominantly nonlipogenic sarcoma. Epithelioid features are rare, appearing in as few as 3% of tumors, and have not previously been reported in a superficial location. Herein, we present a 57‐year‐old male with intradermal and subcutaneous metastasis of his known deep dedifferentiated liposarcoma with epithelioid features. By H&E the tumor featured cords and sheets of crowded, plump, epithelioid cells with thick nuclear membranes and prominent nucleoli, which raised a broad differential including carcinoma and melanoma. By immunohistochemistry the tumor was diffusely positive for MDM2 and CDK4, on the other hand stains for Sox10, Melan A, MITF, CKAE1/3, desmin, and S100 protein were negative. This case serves as an opportunity to raise awareness of this rare morphological subtype, which can involve the skin and mimic epithelial and melanocytic malignancies. It can be a potential diagnostic pitfall, especially if metastases are the first presentation.
Does a bank's business model affect its capital and profitability?
Authors: Farnè Matteo , Vouldis Angelos T.
Published: January 2020

We use a data‐driven classification of systemically important European banks into business models based on confidential granular supervisory data and investigate whether banks following different models differ with respect to their capitalisation and profitability. Our aim is to locate the banks' business model in a risk‐return space. Using an instrumental variables approach, our econometric methodology addresses potential endogeneity issues. Overall, we find that wholesale funded and securities holding banks are positioned on a relatively high risk‐return trade‐off plane compared with commercial banks. On the other hand, traditional commercial banks earn lower returns with moderate risk.
Optimal germination timing in unpredictable environments: the importance of dormancy for both among‐ and within‐season variation
Authors: ten Brink Hanna , Gremer Jennifer R. , Kokko Hanna
Published: January 2020

For organisms living in unpredictable environments, timing important life‐history events is challenging. One way to deal with uncertainty is to spread the emergence of offspring across multiple years via dormancy. However, timing of emergence is not only important among years, but also within each growing season. Here, we study the evolutionary interactions between germination strategies that deal with among‐ and within‐season uncertainty. We use a modelling approach that considers among‐season dormancy and within‐season germination phenology of annual plants as potentially independent traits and study their separate and joint evolution in a variable environment. We find that higher among‐season dormancy selects for earlier germination within the growing season. Furthermore, our results indicate that more unpredictable natural environments can counter‐intuitively select for less risk‐spreading within the season. Furthermore, strong priority effects select for earlier within‐season germination phenology which in turn increases the need for bet hedging through among‐season dormancy.